News

  • IndependenceFirst has announced that it will be moving its offices sometime in the Fall 2008. Stay tuned for more info!






    click here for more


  • StoryBridgeTV.com chose our adaptive waterskiing program to film on one of their story segments. (Warning: video is NOT captioned)


    View the video here


  • In May, in advance of the POWER LUNCH, Jim Abbott our keynote speaker was interviewed by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.


    click here for more>>


  • National Reporter and Blogger Daryn Kagan is at it again and did a touching video story on one of our Caregiving Stories from the book in time for Valentine's Day (warning--no captioning on video).


    Check out the video>>


  • The 2008 Charitable Events Guide by Milwaukee Magazine, features IndependenceFirst's Ricky Griffith for his dedication and powerful story. See pages 18 (Ricky's Story), 21 & 43 (POWER LUNCH listings) and 25 for a nod to our Caregiving Book!




    Click here to see the online version of the Guide


  • On April 23, Mom and author Linda Mulholland invited us to be part of a "Disability Etiquette" topic on The Morning Blend TV Show. (Warning: Video is NOT captioned)


    Check out Linda and Disability Rights Specialist


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grocery shopper using hand held magnifier      lady using a stair lift

Assistive Technology Resource Fair & Medical Equipment Recycling Drive
State Fair Expo Center 
May 16-17, 2008
 
Join us for a two-day resource fair highlighting the wide variety of assistive devices (AT) that can make your life easier!  Highlights:
• local and regional Assistive Technology Vendors
• informative Workshops on a range of AT devices, held on May 16
• A “suggest an invention” opportunity
• Used Medical Equipment Drive:  Wheelchair Recycling Program
• Used Hearing Aid & Glasses Drive:  Lion’s Club
• Cell Phone Recycling Drive:  MMDI:ACCESS to benefit domestic violence agencies 

May 16 Workshops (Sessions Run Concurrently):
• 10:00 AM:  Seating & Mobility Session; Digital Technology – Cognitive & Literacy   Devices Session
• 11:00 AM:  Adaptive Transportation Session;  Wisconsin’s Assistive Technology  Resources Session
• 1:00 PM:  WisLoan and Telework Session;  Wisconsin Relay Service Session
• 2:00 PM Work Smart – Solutions for the Workplace Session; Resources for   Hearing Loss Session
• 3:00 PM:  Live Smart – Solutions for Daily Living Session;  Resources for Vision   Loss Session

For more information on this event or to request an accommodation for the May 16 Workshops, contact Cindi Pichler at IndependenceFirst, 414-291-7520 V/TTY or cpichler@independencefirst.org .  THIS IS A FRAGRANCE FREE EVENT

Event Sponsors

independencefirst logo      post polio resource group logo    assistive techology resource center logo


Recycling Opportunities

wheelchair recycling program logo   lions club logo   MMDI Access logo








 

Spotlight

a celebration of caring coffee table book

Our Book on Caregiving

A Celebration of Caregiving: Portraits & Stories is the our IndependenceFirst book that features 41 inspiring vignettes about the relationships between caregivers and the people they assist, accompanied by striking B/W and color photographs which illustrate those relationships. It showcases the contributions of caregivers so that the value of the work they perform will be better understood and appreciated by all. For more about the book, please visit www.caregivingbook.org

Every day, millions of caregivers or personal care assistants provide essential services for people with disabilities and those who are elderly or chronically ill. Millions of individuals are able to maintain their independence outside of institutional settings due to the assistance of these unsung heroes.

The intimate portraits in this book reflect the diverse experiences involved in the challenging role of caregiving and highlight the critical role caregivers play in our families, our communities and our health care system. The book is available locally in Harry W. Schwartz bookstores or by request at any bookstore in the nation ( Give them the ISBN Number 978-0-9794997-0-8). To order book please call Barbara White 1-414-226-8304.




Welcome to IndependenceFirst
Since 1979, IndependenceFirst is your primary resource on access and independent living for people with disabilities primarily serving four-county Metro Milwaukee.

Over 51% of IndependenceFirst's onsite staff, managers and Board have disabilities! With our vision for full inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of the community, IndependenceFirst is truly consumer-controlled and "walking the talk."

IndependenceFirst provides many services for the community, businesses, people with disabilities and their families. So, bookmark this, link it and check back to stay up to date on IndependenceFirst activities!



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  • Looking to make a tax-deductible contribution to a worthy nonprofit cause? Want to get involved in advocacy efforts? Have extra time you’d like to donate to a nonprofit?
    IndependenceFirst can use your time, talent and treasure!
    Find out how you can help. >