A Publication From

FirstLookA Look Inside:

Winter 2017-2018

A Story of Care Page 2 Community Partners Page 3 Gallery Night Page 4 President’s Corner Page 5 Mobility Store Page 6 Youth Program Page 7 Advocacy Teams Page 8 ADA Team Page 9 Right to Vote Page 10 Communication Page 11 Context Matters Page 12 Driving Controls Page 13 Housing Award Page 14 I Hate Pity Page 15 PAS Program Page 16 Employee Bios Page 17 Adaptive Curling Page 18 Stride & Glide Page 19

Gallery Night included a

panel discussion with the

artists. Page 4

loria, who has Down syndrome and communicates nonverbally, has

been receiving services through the IndependenceFirst Personal Assistance

Services program for 25 years. Gloria has been receiving assistance with activities of daily living from the same Personal Care Worker, Rosa, the entire 25 years.

Rosa arrived three weeks after Gloria’s mom passed away; Gloria was in her early twenties and stayed in her room, not wanting to venture outside that space. Over time, Rosa gently brought Gloria out of her room and into the world, and Gloria now flourishes in all environments.

“I’ve seen her progress, and I think I’ve had a lot to do with it,” Rosa says. One look at the two interacting with one another confirms her observation.

“IndependenceFirst was the only agency that would provide the hours needed for the family to function,” Rosa explains. Gloria’s sister, Colleen, could work full-time without worry.

“Gloria was very sheltered until Rosa came into her life,” Colleen says. “She has broadened her whole outlook.”

We provided services like those Gloria receives to 1,400 other people last year. Imagine 1,400 stories like the story of Gloria and Rosa. And the Personal Assistance Services program is just one of more than 20 programs that we provide—IndependenceFirst served more than 9,352 people with disabilities last year.

For more information about Personal Care Services or any of the other services IndependenceFirst provides, call 414-291-7520 V/Relay.

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Gloria and Rosa's story From grief to flourishing through 25 years of trusted services

Gloria has been receiving care from Rosa for 25 years years through our Personal Assistance Services program.

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Your support allows us to serve the communityWorking together for empowerment, inclusion and independenceIndependenceFirst is known as the trusted organization for people with disabilities and their families to receive the resources they seek and to get the help that they need. We exist to serve people with disabilities within our community—to provide assistance, skills and resources to enable independent living.

Because of the support of community members like you, IndependenceFirst offers the people we serve immediate access to resources such as Independent Living Skills training and personal care in their homes. We are also able to operate our two Mobility Stores that provide significantly discounted new and like-new mobility equipment to the community with personal equipment assessments to meet individual needs.

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This past year, IndependenceFirst has assisted over 9,352 people with all types of disabilities. Your donation enhances the lives of people living nearby in your community. Please join us in continuing to make positive changes in the lives of the people we serve! Thank you for your help!

To donate, please visit independencefirst.org and click "donate" then "donate now." You may also fill out and return the enclosed envelope with your payment, or call 414-226-8356 V/Relay to make your donation over the phone.

Our Youth Leadership Program enables youth with disabilities to succeed in school, plan for the future and form healthy relationships.

Our deepest gratitude to our 2017 donorsIndependenceFirst would like to thank everyone

who has given in support of our work so far in 2017. It is because of community support and partnerships that we are able

to provide high-quality, trusted services that impact the lives of thousands of people each year. We thank everyone who has contributed time, energy

and financial support to further the IndependenceFirst mission in 2017, as well as those who plan to include us in your year-end giving.

We look forward to continuing to work with you to provide trusted, innovative services in the new year.

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and the work of the seven selected artists was displayed in the lobby of the IndependenceFirst Milwaukee office during the month of October.

IndependenceFirst was pleased to feature the work of Catherine Cleary, Claire Desfor, Thomas

Ferrella, Natalie Fiske, Gerald Hay, Robbyn Tafoya and Herman Taylor, Jr. to highlight the contributions that individuals with disabilities make in the local art community and explore disability-related themes. The artists work in a wide range of media, from vibrant photographs overlaid with brailled poems to pastel and colored pencil to watercolor and collage. Many of the

works aimed to reveal the artists’ internal experiences of having a disability.

Gallery Night also included a floral installation donated by the new Milwaukee Seen initiative (#MKESeen on social media). Milwaukee Seen brings together local floral designers who surprise the staff and people served by selected nonprofits with an elaborate, creative floral display. All of the visitors to our

building on October 20, from morning to night, were treated to the sight of gorgeous flowers in our entryway.

We also thank Heritage Credit Union, which donated in support of our purchase of push button devices that people who are blind or have low vision were able to use to hear a description of the artwork on display.

Gallery Night was made possible through the support of the IndependenceFirst Board of Directors, staff and volunteers, including a group from the Junior League of Milwaukee. Thank you to everyone who made the event a success.

For more information, call 414-291-7520 V/Relay.

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n October 20, more than 140 people visited IndependenceFirst for our annual art

exhibition and Gallery Night reception, Vantage Point 2017, Presented By Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Visitors viewed

the art on display, heard from the artists in the exhibition during a panel discussion, learned more about the mission of IndependenceFirst and viewed a temporary floral installation.

Vantage Point 2017 was a juried art exhibition featuring the work of artists with disabilities and artwork containing disability-related themes. The artwork was selected by a panel of local art professionals,

Gallery night featured art, flowers and artist insightsBy Melanie Hupfer, PR & Marketing Coordinator

Attendees viewed the work of seven artists on display.

Board Member Jesse Waukau enjoyed the event with his family prior to moderating the panel discussion.

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President’s CornerBy Lee Schulz, President & CEO

As we leave fall and enter winter, we can reflect on some of the highlights and challenges of 2017.

After several months of delays, the Wisconsin legislature and governor approved the biennial budget. We were pleased with changes made to the Medicaid Purchase Plan (MAPP) program. MAPP is designed to assist people with disabilities to work without losing critical Medicaid services. The changes approved in the budget strengthened MAPP. We are also pleased with the ongoing support for Badger State Industries and their efforts to refurbish Durable Medical Equipment.

On a national level, we continue to follow all the ups and downs of the Affordable Care Act, as it is a critical resource to so many folks with disabilities. Another House bill of concern has been H.R. 620, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Education and Reform Act. H.R. 620 supporters report that the bill merely restricts lawyers who are abusing the intent of the ADA.

Advocates against H.R. 620 report how that bill delays equal access and overall weakens the protections afforded by the ADA to people with disabilities.

Please contact us by phone at 414-291-7520 V/Relay if you would like more information on these or other national or state legislative issues.

I wish you all a healthy and safe holiday season and New Year’s.

IndependenceFirst would like to thank the following foundations, businesses and agencies for recent grants that

will help sustain our programs.

The Bureau of Aging and Disability ResourcesHeritage Credit Union

Madison Community FoundationCraig H. Neilsen Foundation

Waukesha County Community Foundation

First Look is a quarterly publication of IndependenceFirst, located at 540 S. 1st St., Milwaukee, WI 53204. For more information about IndependenceFirst, please call 414-291-7520 V/Relay. Want First Look in your inbox rather than your mailbox? Email your name, mailing address currently receiving First Look and the email address at which you'd like to receive First Look to mhupfer@independencefirst.org with the subject line: "Receive First Look electronically only." You will be added to our list to receive a once-a-week email, and removed from the First Look Mailing List (All other information you receive from us will still be mailed).

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Pocan visit highlighted assistive technology innovationUnited States Representative Mark Pocan’s Chief of Staff in Wisconsin visited the Madison Mobility Store office along with Wes Ray, Director of the Bureau of Correctional Enterprises (BCE) and Phil Kussmann, BCE Superintendent, and staff from the Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources. The national office of the Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) organized the onsite visit as a national model for Assistive Technology Equipment Reuse projects. All participants were impressed with the range of donated equipment and the quality of the refurbished equipment.

The Mobility Store reuse program is unique because of the partnership with the state’s correctional system to refurbish the donated durable medical equipment. The partnership was recently highlighted in the National Correctional Industries Association magazine, and organizations from around the country, including the Georgia DOC and State Assistive Technology Program and Easter Seals Iowa, are interested in learning more about the program to see if it could be replicated in their communities. Last year, the Mobility Store kept 97 tons of equipment out of

landfills. The refurbished equipment was made available for an average of 70% below retail prices, and 1,828 people purchased equipment last year after working with Mobility Store staff to develop a mobility map to meet each individual’s needs.

Contact Mobility Store to see if you qualify for free or low cost Medical Equipment

Wauwatosa Store • 1-844-686-4668 or our

Madison Store • 1-844-313-5514

Visit our website for the latest products and sale items: ifmobility.org

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IndependenceFirst's Youth Leadership Program has had a rocking year! We continue to support youth with disabilities in the greater Milwaukee area through Independent Living skills training, peer support, healthy relationship classes, transition services and assistance with employment goals. We recognize that youth with disabilities are the future of the disability rights and Independent Living movements. Youth need the tools and support to continue to advocate for reasonable accommodations and equal access.

Some of this year’s highlights:

• Our youth program partnered with other local organizations, such as Ex Fabula. We worked with Ex Fabula to provide storytelling workshops at our Youth Leadership Summits, which culminated in youth telling their stories in front of the group.

• We taught youth self-advocacy skills through our pre-employment and transition skills workshops.

• We offered youth the opportunity to put their advocacy skills to practice by meeting with their state legislators in Madison during the annual Wisconsin Coalition of Independent Living Centers (WCILC) Legislative Visit Days.

• The Peer Power youth group continues to meet monthly to bring youth with disabilities together to support one another through the journey into adulthood.

IndependenceFirst also partnered with dozens of local professionals in Milwaukee, Waukesha and Ozaukee counties to provide career-specific job shadow opportunities as a part of Disability Mentoring Week. We matched more than 110 youth applicants with local professionals working in fields the youth were interested in, with jobs ranging from carpentry to computers to animals to the environment.

The Youth Leadership team at IndependenceFirst continues to look for ways to improve programming to best address the needs of youth with disabilities in the future. In 2018 we will bring even more opportunities to youth with disabilities. Advocacy will be a huge focus and need for youth with disabilities in today’s social climate. Youth will need to protect their rights and the services that provide them with the resources to live as independently as possible. The Peer Power group will be a strong platform for this. The group will continue to educate themselves on the history of the Independent Living movement and how they can carry this work into the future of disability rights. We look

The Youth Leadership Program has made a big impact this yearBy Grant Heffelfinger, Youth Leadership Coordinator

The Youth Leadership Summit brings youth together to work on Independent Living Skills, self advocacy and much more.

Disability Mentoring Week matches working professionals and youth with disabilities for a day of job shadowing.

See "Youth," continued on page 11

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Advocacy teams bring people together to work for changeBy Brian Peters, Community Access & Policy Specialist

Legislation to roll back rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Attempts to cut Medicaid. Federal defunding of public transportation projects. Attempts to dismantle protections of the Affordable Care Act. Lack of accessibility of ride-sharing vehicles. Problems related to access to qualified interpreters in hospitals and clinics for the deaf community.

These are just a few of the issues that have come up in the past few weeks that the advocacy teams at IndependenceFirst have discussed.

Those issues and more have the potential to have a huge impact on the lives of many people with disabilities. Justin Dart, Jr., the “Father of the ADA,” famously said, “Vote as if your life depends on it.” While voting is very important, too many issues are fast moving, and by the time people with disabilities have a chance to vote at polling locations, it could be too late to stop bad policies.

That’s why advocacy is so important. Justin Dart was very involved with ADAPT, a grassroots disability advocacy organization. You may have heard of them—they were prominently featured in the news during this year’s health care fight, along with other disability advocates.

Advocacy is one of the five core services of all federally-funded Centers for Independent Living like IndependenceFirst. IndependenceFirst

has long supported consumer-driven advocacy teams that work on specific issues. The advocacy teams are comprised of staff, people with disabilities in the community and others interested in disability issues. The current IndependenceFirst advocacy teams are listed below along with staff contacts for each team.

• ADA/Access Team Brian Peters 414-937-5912 VP/Relay or bpeters@independencefirst.org

• Deaf Access Advocacy Team Denise Johnson 414-937-5910 VP/Relay or djohnson@independencefirst.org

• Long Term Care Advocacy Team Julie Alexander 414-226-8378 V/Relay or jalexander@independencefirst.org

• Transportation Advocacy Team Brian Peters 414-937-5912 VP/Relay or bpeters@independencefirst.org

If there is enough interest in an issue that is not covered by an existing advocacy team, a new one can be created.

Care about the rights of people with disabilities under the ADA? Concerned about accessibility in the community for people with hearing loss? Want to make sure people with disabilities have access to the long

term care services they need? Passionate about transit options? Come join the advocacy team of your choice!

Each team typically meets once a month and members occasionally communicate via email. Sometimes there might be special events such as the Long Term Care Team’s Brown Bag Lunch workshops, advocacy actions or even a visit to a venue to check it out for accessibility!

We need input, energy and assistance from community members with a wide range of skills and experiences to make our teams as effective as possible. Email the staff member who leads the advocacy team you are interested in or call 414-291-7520 V/Relay for more information.

One of our teams working for equal access is the Transportation Consumer Advocacy Team.

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Spotlight On: ADA/Access Consumer Advocacy TeamBy Julie Withers, ADA/Access Consumer Advocacy Team Chairperson

As a person living with a mobility disability, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is very important. In fact, it may be the most important document written in my life. The passage of this act ensures that people with disabilities will have the same access opportunities as people without disabilities. This includes equal access to buildings, as well as to classrooms and programs. Before this act there was no guarantee that people with disabilities could enjoy easy access like citizens without disabilities.

Even though the ADA has been the law of the land since 1990, there are still many occasions in which the rules are being ignored or not properly applied. What does a person with a disability do if they encounter such a circumstance? Do you call the police? What channels do you go through to make this information known and hopefully ensure that the discriminatory practice will be corrected? What if you tell someone but nothing happens? Who do you contact? What if you are ignored?

At IndependenceFirst there is a consumer advocacy group focused on the ADA and access, and these are the precise issues we discuss and correct. The group is comprised of citizens interested in and reliant on adherence to the ADA. We meet once a month for

The ADA/Access Advocacy Team ensures that the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act are upheld.

two hours to discuss different access issues that affect our lives. We confer about situations in which we feel discrimination has occurred or is occurring. Some people may not be sure how to deal with a discriminatory situation or even know if a law has been violated.

If you too are reliant on adherence to the ADA for access, don’t be a bystander in your own life. Get involved and be a part of the solution. We’ve been an active group for over 20 years and we’ve had a lot of success in ending discriminatory practices and helping to make our own lives, as well as the lives of other

people with disabilities, more fulfilling. Please feel free to join our group and see if you too want to be involved in positive change.

If you have questions about the group or need more information, please contact Brian Peters at 414-937-5912 VP/Relay or bpeters@independencefirst.org. We’d love to have you as a guest at one of our monthly meetings.

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Getting my right to voteBy Kay, IndependenceFirst and People First program participant

Kay, a woman from West Bend, joined the Washington County Peer Support Group in late 2016. In this peer support group we discuss issues that are relevant to our lives, both good and bad. One common issue that we talk about is how trapped one may feel when a guardian makes all of their choices for them. During the group when the members share their feelings, struggles and victories and support each other, Kay introduced herself and stated that she wanted to be able to vote. She updated the group at each month’s meeting as she went through the process to have her right to vote re-instated. Continue reading her story as she tells it below.

In the beginning of 2017, I met a woman from People First, a local advocacy group. She was telling us a story about her struggle through the process of getting her right to vote, and how even though it had been quite wearisome, it was also exciting when she accomplished that goal.

Many people have the belief that everyone in America has the same rights. What isn’t commonly known is that those rights can be taken away, and oftentimes people aren’t even aware it is happening. It wasn’t until People First came to the day program I attend that I even thought to look into my own rights.

I found that my rights had been stripped away. Not only was I unable to get things like my fishing

license, or practice everyday activities, but my ability to vote was also taken. Learning this made me feel trapped and isolated and like I couldn’t make my own decisions.

However, this dark picture now lightens, because I was able to learn about my options. The first thing I did was contact the coordinator of People First. Before I could do anything, I needed information. She was very helpful and let me know what steps I needed to take. The first step was to petition the court. During this process, there was a woman assigned to my case. At first, I was a little overwhelmed, but also excited about what this could mean. This woman helped me communicate and speak with the

Kay didn't know her right to vote had been taken until she looked into it.

Support Group member shares her story of getting her voting rights reinstatedBy Tonya Villwock, Independent Living Services Coordinator—Branch Offices

judge. She was a comforting presence when walking through the court doors. It was then that all of my wishes came true.

While the process was frightening at first, I learned that this was a good experience. And now, with having gained my rights, I feel relieved. I feel happy, and I feel excited for new possibilities.

This emotional, twisting, stomach-in-a-knot rollercoaster has come to an end in a really great way, and a new adventure awaits.

For more information on IndependenceFirst’s support groups or on the rights of people with disabilities, please call 414-291-7520 V/Relay.

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During the October meeting of the Washington County Peer Support Group, one of our members demonstrated his new communication device. Justin, of West Bend, communicates non-verbally but has a lot to say. Communication has been hard for him since he cannot vocalize words. Justin was proud to show the other members in the peer support group how easily he can communicate using his new assistive technology device, the Grid Pad Smart Box—My Gaze 2, which he was able to purchase with the help of funding sources.

This communication device is slightly bigger than the size of an iPad and is completely controlled by Justin’s eyes. The software allows it to respond faster, and gives more options than his previous device. It even offers sarcasm, swearing and other more personal word prompts! Justin is not only able to communicate using this device, but he can also email, navigate the internet,

call someone, control the TV, turn the lights on and off, and so much more!

In our group, we discussed how technology like Justin’s communication device can help someone be more independent. We talked about how it might feel to not have a voice and how you might feel if no one can understand your thoughts, wants or needs. Our peer support members in turn can educate their friends, caregivers and the community about how assistive technology helps people maintain their independence and that funding sources are needed to help ensure that people can access devices, like Justin’s, that meet their needs.

Thank you Justin for sharing with us how you communicate on a daily basis and for helping us learn that advocacy on local and systemic levels is important so

Technology increases independenceBy Tonya Villwock, Independent Living Services Coordinator—Branch Offices

Justin's communication device, which he controls with his eyes, allows him to more easily express himself.

forward to continuing to offer the Youth Leadership Summit to youth leaders and grow our community partners in this event through collaboration and information

others can afford similar technology to increase their independence!

For more information call 414-291-7520 V/Relay.

sharing. At IndependenceFirst, we recognize the need to provide a platform for our youth with disabilities to speak up and request equitable treatment in their community, relationships and employment.

For more information, please contact me at 414-226-8367 V/Relay or gheffelfinger@independencefirst.org or contact Kristin Stern at 414-226-8332 V/Relay or kstern@independencefirst.org.

"Youth," continued from page 7

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Context is everything when it comes to finding the right assistive technologyBy Gerald Hay, Independent Living Services Assistive Technology Training Specialist

Is this the right chair? A pretty simple question with what appears to be an easy answer. Both the seat and top of the chair are clearly lower than the desk, so the answer must be “No,” right? Or, “Obviously the chair is small, so it must be right for a child but not an adult.” Sometimes when we look at technology we forget to ask ourselves the most fundamental question. The real question isn’t, “Right or wrong?” but rather, “What are you going to be using it for?” Is the chair in the picture the right chair? Well, it depends. There is no one-size-fits-all answer.

What tools we use, and how we use them, depends entirely on context.

"Disability happens at the points of interaction between a person and society," say the authors of Microsoft's "Inclusive — Microsoft Design Manual." "Physical, cognitive and social exclusion are the result of mismatched interactions."

Think about that for a moment.

“Disability” isn’t an all-or-nothing, all-of-the-time type of thing; it depends on interactions. Our environment, our situation and our

levels of ability are all almost always changing. We may not be able to alter certain mental or physical traits about ourselves, but we can absolutely try to change the way we interact with each other and the world around us. Sometimes the most important part of the training that we do here at IndependenceFirst involves merely

changing how we look at and think about technology and what it can do.

If a 5-foot-6 person were to try and sit at the desk in the picture and use the computer, then the chair is almost certainly too low. If the same person needed to clean out a storage cabinet located underneath the desk then the chair might be perfect because they wouldn’t have to bend over or kneel on the ground. On the other hand, if a different person had a genetic condition affecting their bone and cartilage growth then the chair might be fine but the desk would be too tall! Is it the right chair? It depends!

The next time you observe a situation or are problem-solving, remember to think about context and how the same tools can be used by different people to achieve their desired results.

If you have questions about Assistive Technology or feature-matching please feel free to contact me at any time at 414-226-8135 V/Relay or ghay@independencefirst.org.

Is this the right chair? It depends!

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here are many functions needed to safely drive a

vehicle. The most important primary operations are

steering, brakes and throttle. The top level of secondary driving functions are the operations that need to be accessed when the vehicle is in motion. These include directional, horn, lights, dimmer, wiper and washer. The next level of secondary functions are the things that the driver needs to control but that can be done when the vehicle is not in motion such as ignition/start, transmission, parking brake, door locks, windows and climate control. Other things the driver may want to utilize are cruise control, radio, phone and more.

The first two articles in this series (see the 2017 Summer and Fall editions of First Look) dealt with operating the throttle, brake and steering of a motor vehicle. This article will cover many of the options available for secondary function control of a motor vehicle. This article is only intended as a general overview of many of the most common options available. It is not intended to recommend any particular type of driving control for use by an individual. The only safe way to determine appropriate driving equipment is with an evaluation by a certified driver evaluator.

Careful consideration when choosing a vehicle can minimize

the modifications that are necessary to operate the secondary controls for some drivers. A well-placed directional switch may be able to be reached by the driver without modifications, but a poorly located or poorly designed switch will frequently require additional modifications for driver access. The gear shift selector design greatly varies on modern cars, which could have a huge effect on accessibility by the driver. Many people find inserting a key and turning it very difficult. A vehicle with a pushbutton start can eliminate the need to insert a key and turn it.

A directional lever (turn signal) extension or crossover is frequently needed for safe access when driving. These frequently clamp on to the original lever, extending it to where the driver can reach it. The directional lever can be extended to the left or crossed over to the right side of the steering wheel.

Key turners are available to fit many (but not all) styles of keys. They provide additional area to grip the key and additional leverage to make it easier to insert and turn the key.

Many vehicles have a button or lever that must be pressed when operating the gear selector. This can be extremely difficult if not impossible for many people with limited hand or arm function. There are extension levers available to fit

Adaptive Automotive Driving Controls Part III: Secondary ControlsBy Mark Smeiska, Assistive Technology Specialist

many of the most common vehicles that provide additional leverage and a method of operating the button on the gear selector. Electric gear selectors are available to eliminate the original gear selector and make shifting into the appropriate gear as simple as pushing a button.

Some mobility equipment dealers can make custom adaptations to operate many other functions including the wipers, washer, power windows, headlights and more. Sometimes moving a switch to a new location is necessary for the driver to safely operate it.

Remote switching is available to operate many of the secondary functions of a vehicle. Switches are available that operate a single function or multiple functions. There are many different types of

One type of remote switch is a hand-control-mounted four-function switch.

See "Adaptive," continued on page 14

T

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"Adaptive," continued from page 13

switches available depending on the needs of the driver. Switches can be located on the base of the steering device, the hand control or the door panel. Switches can be placed so that they are operated by the driver’s head or elbow.

Multiple functions can be controlled with one or two switches through a method called scanning. With scanning-type controls a button is pushed and the unit scrolls through its program functions. Either a series of tones or verbal announcements are started. The desired function is selected by pushing the button again at the appropriate time. The specific functions and the order of functions can be customized for the user with this type of unit.

Touchpads are available to control most secondary functions from a small screen or button pad. This

type of touchpad can vary in size and number of functions it can control depending on need. Touchpads are located where they can be easily reached by the driver.

Voice-control systems are available to operate secondary functions.

The driver must push the button to activate the unit and then speak the command to start the desired function, such as right turn, left turn, reverse, horn, dimmer, headlights and many more.

Before purchasing a vehicle for modification check with your mobility equipment dealer to make sure the vehicle you are considering can be modified to meet the needs of the driver.

To prevent accident, injury or death, all of the equipment discussed above should never be operated by people who are not trained in its use. All driving controls should be inspected, lubricated and properly maintained for the safety of the driver and others.

The last article in this series will cover the potential future for operating a motor vehicle for people with disabilities.

Another type of remote switch is a spinner knob with six function buttons.

IndependenceFirst receives Fair Housing Council AwardThe Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council (MMFHC) honored IndependenceFirst along with three other organizations (Legal Action of Wisconsin, Disability Rights Wisconsin and the American Civil Liberties Union) with “Community Partnership Awards” during their 40th Anniversary Gala. The organizations were honored for their collaborative work with MMFHC.

Accepting the award on behalf of IndependenceFirst was Brian Peters, Community Access and Policy Specialist. MMFHC is an important partner for IndependenceFirst in the community. Approximately 31% of Fair Housing Complaints received by MMFHC in the Metropolitan Milwaukee area were on basis of disability discrimination.

Brian Peters, third from right, accepted the award on behalf of IndependenceFirst

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I hate pityBy Michael Hineberg, Independent Living Services Coordinator

Too often I see people with disabilities pitied—many times by complete strangers. I hate it when I am pitied or patronized. Maybe you have heard, or even said, some of the following things:

“You’re such a strong person,” says a middle-aged woman as she taps the man in the wheelchair on the shoulder.

“I give you all the credit in the world,” says the banker wearing a perfectly tailored three-piece suit. “I could never do what you do.”

“You are my hero,” the salesperson comments as he gets off the elevator.

“Let me do that for you, honey,” says the older woman wearing a pearl necklace. “You have such a hard life.”

Instead, give me kindness, patience, empathy, understanding.

No matter how kind or innocent the intention, the effects of statements like those above are demeaning and devaluing for the person with a disability, mainly, because they portray the recipient as needy, inferior and second class.

See me as an equal, treat me as an equal.

PI TY

IndependenceFirst was proud to be one of three recipients of the Equality Award from the City of Milwaukee’s Equal Rights Commission at the first International Human Rights Day celebration at Milwaukee’s City Hall. The event was hosted by the City of Milwaukee Equal Rights Commission and Milwaukee County Human Rights Commission. The opening ceremony featured speeches by leaders including Mayor Barrett, Consul Julian Adem Diaz and Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, and at

Equality Award recognized our work on Human Rights Daythe closing ceremony, each commission presented its awards to individuals and organizations in the city and in the county for their work to advance human rights.

Brian Peters, Community Access & Policy Specialist, accepted the award on behalf of IndependenceFirst. The award acknowledges IndependenceFirst’s work in the community ensuring people with disabilities are treated equally.

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Patrice Walker-Turner Receptionist

I started at IndependenceFirst in March of this year as a Service Authorization Specialist in the Personal Assistance Services department, which I enjoyed, and then I transferred to the HR department as a Front Desk Receptionist. IndependenceFirst is one of the most respected agencies I have ever worked for and I want to be able to grow with the organization along with seeing us grow bigger than we already are.

Bridget Lafferty Grants Coordinator

I have a background in public relations and communications. About seven years ago, I got the opportunity to add grant writing to my skillset and was excited to join IndependenceFirst as the Grants Coordinator in July. As part of the Fund Development and Communications team I will also be assisting with special events and getting the word out about all of the great things happening here.

Julia Mroczkowski Independent Living Services Coordinator

I graduated from Alverno College in May of 2015. I have enjoyed spending my time helping youth in an environmental education setting as well as a mental health setting. I am excited to be part of the IndependenceFirst team and to begin my journey as an Independent Living Services Coordinator.

Debbie Faustmann Fund Development Coordinator

I started with IndependenceFirst in July 2016 as the Administrative Assistant in the Fund Development and Communications department. I was fortunate enough to move into the Fund Development Coordinator position in October 2017. I’m very happy to have this opportunity at IndependenceFirst. I look forward to helping increase the donor base and spreading the word about this amazing organization.

Shawnette Stephens Compliance Officer

I am happy in my new position and for the opportunity to continue providing compliance services that meet the needs of our agency. I have a master’s degree in Human Resources and Labor Relations and over 10 years of experience in compliance. I am proud to be part of an agency nationally recognized as an innovative leader in advocacy for individuals with disabilities and dedicated to its continued growth and strength.

New Employees Employee Transitions

Interested in working for

IndependenceFirst?

Check

www.independencefirst.org

for our current

job opportunities.

18 First Look

Class sizes are limited to 16 participants. There is no cost, but registration is required to participate. Caregivers are invited to attend to observe and to learn about the sport of adaptive curling, or to help on the ice as needed by the participant. Non-participants do not need to register.

Adaptive curling consists of pushing granite stones down a sheet of ice from a standing or sitting (wheelchair) position using a “pusher” stick. “Stick” curling allows all people, regardless of physical ability and age, to experience the excitement and fun of the sport of curling.

Adaptive Curling Classes will be held from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on

• January 13, 2018

• February 24, 2018

The adaptive curling classes will be tailored to fit the ability of each participant so that no one needs to be hesitant to register.

Will adaptive curling be your new winter hobby?By Allen Miller, Wauwatosa Curling Club Adaptive Curling Coordinator

To register, go to: wauwatosacurlingclub.com. Under the “Curling” dropdown, select “Adaptive Curling.” Click on the arrow in the “Select Event” box, pick the date you are interested in and click on “Register.”

You can contact us at adaptivewauwatosacurlingclub.com with questions or comments regarding these and other adaptive curling opportunities.

The Wauwatosa Curling Club is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization located at ` Hart Park in the Muellner Building, 7300 W. Chestnut St., Wauwatosa.

First Look 19

Save the Date Stride & Glide 2018

Family-friendly 5K Run, Walk and Roll, Kids’ Activities and More!

NEW DATE

Saturday, May 19, 2018

NEW LOCATION

The festivities will take place at the IndependenceFirst Milwaukee office

540 S. 1st St. in Milwaukee, with a 5K through our area.

StrideAndGlide.org

The family-friendly 5K is many people's favorite Stride and Glide activity option.

Don’t forget to check us out on the web at independencefirst.org, "like" us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!

Mike Lipscomb – Chair Director - Enterprise Accounts - UPS International Services

Beth L. Schumacher – Vice ChairCFO - Wangard Partners

John Lauber – Treasurer President - LauberCFOs

Kevin Ronnie – SecretaryField Organizer - Hunger Relief Federation of WisconsinJerry McCloskey – At Large Retired Executive - Miller Brewing Co.

Dean Muller – At Large CIMA, Senior Consultant, Financial Advisor

Tom Rave – At LargeRetired Banking and Economic Development Executive

Catherine BulgrinDirector of Operations and Research -Wisconsin Philanthropy NetworkAnne M. CarrollAssociate Attorney -Michael Best & Friedrich LLPEduardo Garza, Jr.Director of Veteran Services - Concordia University WisconsinJudy HaugslandAssociate Director of Development - Milwaukee School of Engineering

Ron Jodat Retired Executive, Retired Professor - Maritime Savings Bank, Marquette University

Amy KirklandRegistered Nurse and Nurse Consultant

IndependenceFirst Board of DirectorsJudith C. Murphy Retired Senior Vice President - BMO Harris Global Asset Management

Leeza Ong Assistant Professor, Program Director for Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling - Mt. Mary University Jason Ostrowski Retired Analyst - WE Energies

Roxan PerezCommunity AdvocateMartha Valerio Persona Emeritus -Retired Vice President - Information Systems - Northwestern MutualJesse WaukauFinance Project Leader - GE Healthcare

Non-Profit OrgU.S. Postage

PAIDMilwaukee, WIPermit # 1008

IndependenceFirst Inc.540 S. 1st StreetMilwaukee, WI 53204-1605

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