The mission of Wisconsin’s nonprofit IndependenceFirst is assisting people of all disabilities in achieving their independent living goals. The organization offers more than 20 skill-building and recreational programs, assists in acquiring and refurbishing mobility equipment and provides help with finding work and housing. More than half of the organization’s staff, management and board and more than 90% of its volunteers have disabilities, making it a uniquely accessible resource. This year the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a comprehensive bipartisan law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities, turns 25 and IndependenceFirst will commemorate ADA successes with a community-wide anniversary celebration.
“The ADA is the most important piece of legislation to guarantee the civil rights of people with disabilities,” says IndependenceFirst board member Jerry McCloskey.
IndependenceFirst and well over 60 Milwaukee-based community organizations serving people with disabilities are planning 25th anniversary celebration events and activities throughout 2015. Events scheduled so far include a National ADA Legacy Bus Tour on June 26; an ADA-themed StorySlam with Ex Fabula on July 20; a Brewers game at Miller Park on July 22; a Gallery Night reception at IndependenceFirst for the exhibition titled “The Journey” on July 24; and the Ability Fest: 25th Anniversary Party for the ADA at Wil-O-Way Recreation Center in Grant Park on July 26, which will feature an ADA proclamation and a performance by the Milwaukee Public Theatre. For the full event schedule, visit independencefirst.org/events, find ADA25MKE on Facebook or use #ADA25MKE on social media.
Those interested in volunteering with or donating to IndependenceFirst and/or the 25th ADA anniversary celebration should contact McCloskey at jmccloskey@independencefirst.org. Those interested in utilizing IndependenceFirst programming and services should contact Phillip Corona at 414-226-8377 or pcorona@independencefirst.org. For additional information, call 414-291-7520 or visit independencefirst.org.
