Independent living services

Independent living skills are learned.
We train for success.

We offer more than 40 workshops and programs for education, skills training, socialization, and fun!

Independent Living Skills training classes and workshops include topics such as money management, home and time management, communication skills, how to build self-esteem, how to set goals and make good decisions, dealing with conflict and anger, stress management, assertiveness, computer training, just to name a few. Individuals set their goals and training assists them to be successful in achieving them.

All of our other Independent Living Skills Workshops can also be conducted for youth.

Learn more about our exciting programs below:

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Adaptive E-Gaming

This program brings people with and without disabilities together to play video games!

Additional Low-cost and Free Resources

More free resources for people with disabilities from our partners

Aging in Place

There are alternatives to living in a nursing home. Our experts can provide options and show you equipment that will help you stay in your home.

A man in grey shirt pulls a wheelchair off a wooden shelf

Alternatives in Mobility

Wheelchair repair and refurbishment program

Assistive Technology

There are many adaptive types of equipment that help people with disabilities live, work, communicate, and enjoy life.

woman in wheelchair discussing a paper document with a man

Benefits Counseling

We help people with disabilities understand benefits and reach their employment goals.

An adult uses ASL to communicate with a child who is playing with blocks on a living room floor

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Resources

Information and resources for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Photo of wheelchairs and assistive devices

Equipment Reuse & Exchange

Independence First accepts donations of gently used adaptive equipment for re-utilization (as our storage space allows).

woman with pink hair talking on cellphone in wheelchair

Information & Referral

If we don’t have a program or resource we know who does. Call our knowledgeable experts.

Two women smiling and sitting at a table

Peer Support

Shared lived experience is central to all of our services. Join us to find peer mentors or others who share common meaningful connections

Outline of the state of Wisconsin with sign language inside of the border. The signs are A O D A.

Substance Abuse/Mental Health

Are you a SUD service provider? We can help! We’re increasing access to SUD treatment/recovery for people who are Deaf, Deaf-Blind or Hard of Hearing.

TEPP Program

Independence First receives funding from the Public Service Commission to bring TEPP to Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington Counties. We can assist with applications, equipment selection, and installation.

Man using a power wheelchair to move up a wooden ramp

Transition Services

Many people prefer to live in the community in their own homes, instead of nursing homes and other institutions. We can help.

WisLoan/Telework

WisLoan + Telework are statewide alternative loan programs that allow Wisconsin residents with disabilities to finance assistive technology, home modifications, or equipment needed to become self-employed or work from home.

Workshops & Classes

We offer more than forty workshops and classes throughout the year. Sign up and join us.

Youth Programming

Youth with disabilities learn self-advocacy, and connect with the community and other youth with disabilities in meaningful ways.

Advocate

People with disabilities want the same things as those without disabilities – employment, inclusion, access to businesses, healthy independent living, transportation, education, a vote, housing. Staff provide individual and systemic advocacy to facilitate policy changes in the community. With individuals, our goal is to teach them how to advocate for themselves.

Want to learn more about issues or team up with others working on advocacy issues?

Contact: Brian Peters
Independent Living Services Assistant Program Director
Email Brian Peters
414-937-5912 VP/Relay

A man is standing a podium speaking to an audience.

Advocacy Teams

At Independence First, advocacy is a core part of our mission to advance the rights and independence of people with disabilities. Our Consumer Advocacy Teams bring together people with disabilities, advocates, staff, board members, and community members who want to work toward equal access and opportunity in our community.

These teams meet regularly to discuss issues affecting people with disabilities, identify barriers, and advocate for solutions that improve accessibility and inclusion. Each team focuses on a different area of advocacy so participants can work on issues that matter most to them.

In 2026, Independence First reorganized its advocacy efforts into three focused teams:

Community Access Advocacy Team – Works to identify and remove barriers that limit participation in community spaces, programs, and services.
Transportation Advocacy Team – Advocates for safe, reliable, and accessible transit and paratransit systems in the Milwaukee metro area.
Community Living Advocacy Team – Focuses on policies, programs, and resources that support people with disabilities living independently in their own homes.

Advocacy Teams typically meet once a month to collaborate, share information, and plan advocacy efforts that improve accessibility in our community.

Hybrid Meetings

All advocacy team meetings are offered in a hybrid format. Participants can join:

In person at Independence First, or
Online through Zoom,with a call-in option available.

Get Involved

Anyone interested in disability advocacy is welcome to participate. To join one or more teams or request accommodations, contact:

Brian Peters
bpeters@independencefirst.org
(414) 937-5912

You can also view upcoming meetings and details for each team on our Events Calendar.

Disability Rights

Do you know your rights and responsibilities related to your disability or access? Think you have been discriminated against or have an access complaint? We can help!

People with disabilities have rights but they also have responsibilities to self-advocate, provide and participate in their own decision-making. Issues related to access, legal, employment, landlord/tenant, fair housing, voting, medical access and more can be confusing.Our staff are experts on the ADA, transportation, long-term care and fair housing among other access and disability rights issues.

Call us with your questions – if we can’t help we know who can!

Contact: Brian Peters
414-937-5912 VP/Relay