About
Access to Independence
Access to Independence, Inc. is a disability-led and run organization that provides resources, services, and advocacy for people of all ages, all disabilities, and all identities in Columbia, Dane, Dodge and Green counties, in south-central Wisconsin. We are one of eight Independent Living Centers (ILCs) in Wisconsin, and part of a nationwide network of over 400 Centers. All centers share an Independent Living Philosophy and focus on providing services that empower people with disabilities live as independently as they choose. What makes ILC's unique and effective is the majority of board and staff members are people with disabilities.
Our Mission
Access to Independence: A disability-led organization that champions justice and empowers people with disabilities of all ages and identities.
Our Vision
A fully equitable, inclusive, and accessible society where all disabled people belong, and stigma is eliminated.
Our Commitment to
Welcoming and Belonging
Since it began, Access to Independence has been committed to disability justice and ensuring all people with disabilities are empowered to live independently in the community. Five years ago, this agency embarked on efforts to ensure that we were truly inclusive of all people with disabilities, and partnered with a local organization called EQT by Design to identify where we needed to be better, and how to actively become better.
Access to Independence believes that all disabled people should feel welcome to use our services, and that there are communities we can better serve. As a disability-led and run organization, we also continue to strive to be a workplace of belonging. That means that we embrace the various disability identities, as well as other identities that employees and board members bring.
An organization that centers welcoming and belonging is a better organization for the people it serves, and those who give their times and talents for it. Access to Independence is committed to continuing this work as it aligns with our mission, which is:
“A disability-led organization that champions justice and empowers people with disabilities of all ages and identities.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Independent Living Center?
Independent living centers (ILCs) are community-based, cross-disability, non-profit agencies that are designed and operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities, and provide independent living services that include: Information and referral; IL skills training; Peer support; Individual and systems advocacy; Institutional transition and diversion, and post-secondary youth transition services. All ILCs are required to provide at least two additional services, in addition to those listed here.
What is the Independent Living Philosophy?
Independent living can be considered a movement, a philosophy, or specific programs. The goal is to “promote a philosophy of independent living through consumer control, peer support, self-help, self-determination, equal access, and individual and system advocacy, in order to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence, and productivity of individuals with disabilities, and the integration and full inclusion of individuals with disabilities into the mainstream of American society.”
How do I Request Services, or Make a Referral?
You may request services over the phone by calling 608-242-8484, through email at info@accesstoind.org, click on the contact tab to fill out our Request Services form online. One of our Independent Living Specialist will respond within two business days.
I Live Outside of Your Service Region, What Now?
Access to Independence serves Columbia, Dane, Dodge, and Green, and counties in Wisconsin. We are part of a state-wide network of Independent Living Centers that cover the entire state. Visit www.il-wis.net to find the center that serves your county.