Events

Three people smile and wave to the camera seated in a paddle boat in a body of water. They are each

Nature Retreat at Blue Lotus Center

Sunday, September 20, 2026

10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Blue Lotus Nature Center5501 Co Hwy M, West Bend, WI 53095ALL, WI

Join Independence First for a refreshing outdoor adventure at the Blue Lotus Center in West Bend, with accessible opportunities to kayak, fish, explore gardens and trails, play games, relax and connect with others. This nature retreat is designed to give individuals with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, experience the benefits of nature and make new friends.

A caregiver kneels beside a person seated in a wheelchair, gently holding their hands in a supportiv

Family Caregiver Peer Support

Monday, September 21, 2026

12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Monthly on the third Monday

Independence First540 S 1st St, Milwaukee, WI 53204Milwaukee, WI

A monthly peer support group for caregivers, including parents, family members, and chosen caregivers to connect, share experiences, and support one another. Each session features a rotating topic focused on navigating life changes related to disability, chronic illness, aging, or new caregiving roles.

Collage of adaptive telephone equipment, including large-button landline and cordless phones and a w

Open House: TEPP Adaptive Phone Equipment - Waukesha

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Independence First - Waukesha2607 N Grandview Blvd #100, Waukesha, WI 53188Waukesha, WI

Join Independence First for a TEPP Adaptive Phone Equipment Open House at our Waukesha County office. Stop in to learn about the Telecommunications Equipment Purchase Program (TEPP), which helps eligible Wisconsinites with disabilities pay for specialized equipment they need to communicate independently.

People aboard a city transit bus. A man is seated in a wheelchair and a woman is seen using crutches

Transportation Advocacy Team Meeting

Wednesday, September 23, 2026

12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Monthly on the fourth Wednesday

ZoomALL, WI

The Transportation Advocacy Team brings together people with disabilities and community members who are passionate about improving transportation access in the Milwaukee area. Participants work together to identify barriers, support advocacy efforts, and promote safe, reliable, and accessible transit and paratransit services for everyone.

Support Group for Professionals on the Autism Spectrum 2026

Wednesday, September 23, 2026

6:00 PM

Monthly on the fourth Wednesday

ZOOMALL, Milwaukee, WI

Join this monthly virtual support group for professionals on the autism spectrum to connect, share workplace experiences, and discuss practical strategies for success with others who understand similar challenges.

Milwaukee Equal Rights Commission Meeting

Thursday, September 24, 2026

4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Independence First540 S 1st St Milwaukee WI, 53204Milwaukee, WI

The City of Milwaukee Equal Rights Commission will meet at Independence First to discuss proposed changes to the City’s Equal Rights Specialist and ADA Coordinator positions. The meeting will include an overview of the proposal, public comment, Commission discussion, and consideration of a resolution regarding maintaining dedicated, full-time capacity for both functions.

A colorful assortment of board game pieces and tabletop game components scattered across several gam

Board Game Night - Grafton

Monday, September 28, 2026

5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Independence First - Grafton2360 Dakota Dr Grafton, WI 53024Grafton, WI

Game Night at Independence First’s Ozaukee Office is a welcoming monthly gathering where participants can enjoy a variety of board and video games, connect with others, and share in a relaxed evening of fun and conversation. Whether you’re a longtime gamer or just looking to meet new people in an inclusive environment, attendees are encouraged to bring their favorite games and join the group for an accessible community experience.

MCTS Forward Community Open House

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Independence First540 S 1st St. Milwaukee, WI 53204Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) invites the community to an open house at Independence First to learn about potential changes to the bus network as the system addresses a budget shortfall.

Open House: TEPP Adaptive Phone Equipment - Grafton

Monday, October 5, 2026

9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Independence First - Ozaukee County Office2360 Dakota Dr, Grafton, WI 53024Grafton, WI

Join Independence First for a TEPP Adaptive Phone Equipment Open House at our Ozaukee County office. Stop in to learn about the Telecommunications Equipment Purchase Program (TEPP), which helps eligible Wisconsinites with disabilities pay for specialized equipment they need to communicate independently.

A stack of books sits among colorful red and orange fallen leaves, with softly blurred yellow and gr

Fall Book Club

Monday, October 5, 2026

4:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Weekly on Monday

Independence First540 S 1st St Milwaukee, WI 53204Milwaukee, WI

Join Independence First’s Fall Book Club for cozy reading time and conversation on Monday afternoons. Bring your own book or borrow one of ours. All formats and genres are welcome, and snacks and hot chocolate will be provided.

Animated scene from Ratatouille showing a smiling young chef holding a small gray rat in his open ha

Anyone Can Cook Workshop Fall 2026

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Every 2 weeks on Wednesday

Independence First540 S 1st St, Milwaukee Wisconsin 53204Milwaukee

This cooking workshop series invites participants to explore fun recipes while building confidence, creativity, and independence in the kitchen.

ABLE Account Workshop

Thursday, October 8, 2026

5:30 PM to 6:30 PM

Monthly on the second Thursday

Independence First540 S. 1st St Milwaukee, WI 53204Milwaukee, WI

Learn how an ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) account can help people with disabilities save and invest money without losing eligibility for federally funded benefits such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Join guest speaker Elizabeth Campos Hamilton, Enrollment Specialist with Illinois ABLE to learn more about ABLE accounts and how they work.

Fall Book Club

Monday, October 12, 2026

4:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Weekly on Monday

Independence First540 S 1st St Milwaukee, WI 53204Milwaukee, WI

Join Independence First’s Fall Book Club for cozy reading time and conversation on Monday afternoons. Bring your own book or borrow one of ours. All formats and genres are welcome, and snacks and hot chocolate will be provided.

A woman stands in her living room using a cane for support. Behind her is a couch and shelving with

Community Living Advocacy Team Meeting

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

2:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Monthly on the second Tuesday

Independence First540 S. 1st St. Milwaukee, WI 53204Milwaukee, WI

This team focuses on advocating for the supports and services people with disabilities need to live independently in their own homes. Members work together to address issues related to long-term care programs, housing, and community resources that help people avoid institutionalization and live fully in the community.

Volunteers carry food to a parked car in the Independence First driveway

Food Distribution for Seniors

Friday, October 16, 2026

10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Independence First540 S 1st St, Milwaukee, WI 53204Milwaukee, WI

A food distribution in partnership with Hunger Task Force for individuals over the age of 60 who meet income requirements.