Independence First
Independence First is a 501(c)(3) Center for Independent Living founded in 1979 in Milwaukee, providing personal care, assistive technology, independent living skills, and accessibility consulting to people with disabilities across four southeastern Wisconsin counties.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1979
- HeadquartersMilwaukee, United States
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Independence First does
Independence First is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a federally designated Center for Independent Living founded in 1979 and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The organization delivers a comprehensive portfolio of disability services across four southeastern Wisconsin counties (Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha), including personal care assistance, independent living skills training, assistive technology demonstration and loans, peer support, youth programming, transition services, benefits counseling, and adaptive recreational programs such as the BAT Cave demonstration room and adaptive e-gaming. It also administers the statewide WisLoan low-interest loan program ($500–$80,000) for assistive technology and home modifications, and the TEPP telecommunications equipment program funded by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission.
Revenue is generated through a diversified mix of government grants (Wisconsin Department of Health Services, WisTech, Public Service Commission), individual and corporate donations, fundraising events (Empower Gala, BluTender), and fee-for-service business accessibility consulting for government agencies, schools, and businesses. Distribution is community-led, delivered through walk-in offices in Milwaukee and Grafton, a mobile transit van, hybrid in-person/virtual programming, and formal referral partnerships with healthcare providers, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and the statewide Independent Living Center network. Key operational signals include 148 annual events, 40+ programs and workshops, a multi-person program coordination staff, and active outreach expansion via vehicle acquisition and assistive technology refurbishment programs.
Independence First firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Independence First
- Legal name
- Independence First Inc.
- Website
- https://independencefirst.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1979
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- Independence First is a 501(c)(3) Center for Independent Living founded in 1979 in Milwaukee, providing personal care, assistive technology, independent living skills, and accessibility consulting to people with disabilities across four southeastern Wisconsin counties.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Independence First industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Disability and Independent Living Services
- NAICS
- Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310), Individual and Family Services (6241)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech) (BPAGALAM)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Housing Transition & Supported Living Navigation (EDAKANAK), Self-Advocacy & Self-Determination Training (EDAKANAI), College Readiness & Disability Services Transition Support (EDAKANAB), Disability Benefits Administration (BPAIAKAC), Special Needs & Supplemental Needs Trust Services (FSAAANAJ)
Keywords
Where Independence First is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Milwaukee
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Independence First business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Donations and Fundraising: Tax-deductible donations from individuals, corporations, and community partners. Fundraising events including Empower Gala and BluTender fundraiser at Pfister Hotel.
- Government Grants and Funding: Funding from Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) for TEPP program, WisTech for assistive technology, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and other government sources.
- Business Accessibility Services: Fee-for-service accessibility assessments, training, and consulting for businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits seeking ADA compliance and accessibility improvements.
- WisLoan Program Administration: Statewide loan program administration helping people with disabilities access low-interest loans ($500-$80,000) for assistive technology and home modifications.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | WisLoan - Low-interest assistive technology loans |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Business Accessibility Services - Customized consulting |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels5 records
Independence First product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Independence First is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Center for Independent Living that delivers direct disability services, including in-home personal care assistance, independent living skills training, assistive technology demonstrations and loans, accessible business consulting, peer support, youth programming, and benefits counseling. It administers the statewide WisLoan low-interest assistive technology loan program and the TEPP telecommunications equipment program in partnership with Wisconsin state agencies, while also offering fee-based accessibility consulting to businesses, government agencies, and educational institutions.
Product overview
Independence First is a non-profit Center for Independent Living offering a comprehensive suite of disability services across southeastern Wisconsin. The organization provides a unified portfolio of interconnected programs centered on independent living, personal care, accessibility consulting, and assistive technology. Core services include Personal Care Assistance (in-home support), Independent Living Services (40+ programs/workshops), and Business Services (accessibility consulting). Supporting programs include assistive technology equipment loans, WisLoan/Telework financial programs, TEPP telecommunications equipment, Adaptive E-Gaming, Youth Programming (including SPARK Leadership Camp), Peer Support, Benefits Counseling, Transition Services, Equipment Reuse & Exchange, Recreational Mobility (bikes/trikes), Aging in Place technology, Substance Abuse/Mental Health Training, and Alternatives in Mobility (wheelchair repair). These services work together to support people with disabilities in living independently and participating fully in their communities.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Personal Care Assistance Personal Assistance Services helping individuals with disabilities live in their own homes with support for meals, personal grooming, errands, and supportive care. Consumers can choose their own caregiver (family member or friend) who may be paid through Independence First.
- Independent Living Services More than 40 programs and workshops including classes, home modification options, and assistive technology designed to help people with disabilities live independently in the community.
- Business Services Consulting services helping government agencies, nonprofits, and businesses build accessible, inclusive environments through accessibility assessments, ADA training, policy development, and compliance support.
- Assistive Technology Program Equipment demonstration, short-term equipment loans, and assessments of home, work/school, and vehicle access. Includes the BAT Cave demonstration room with adaptive bathroom technology, with partnerships supporting DVR and long-term care program coordination.
- WisLoan/Teleworks Statewide low-interest loan programs from $500 to $80,000 helping Wisconsin residents with disabilities purchase assistive technology, equipment, home modifications, and vehicles. Telework loans support equipment for starting a business or working from home.
- TEPP Program Telecommunication Equipment Program providing application assistance, equipment selection, and installation support for people with disabilities needing special equipment to access telephone services, funded by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission.
- Adaptive E-Gaming Inclusive gaming program bringing people with and without disabilities together to play video games using adaptive controllers designed for dexterity and mobility disabilities, including group tournaments.
- Youth Programming Programs for youth with disabilities including SPARK Leadership Camp (week-long summer camp for high school students with disabilities), Making Proud Choices, Safe Relationships Safe Places, Girls First Support Group, My Brother's Keeper Support Group, and summer workshops.
- Peer Support One-on-one and group peer mentoring where people with disabilities provide information, assistance, and support as role models for others, alongside various support groups.
- Benefits Counseling Free counseling about work incentives, benefits planning, job placement, and career development for people receiving Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income benefits.
- Transition Services Services in three areas: transitioning from nursing homes or other institutions into the community, institutional diversion for those at risk, and youth transition from school to adulthood.
- Equipment Reuse & Exchange Program accepting donations of gently used adaptive equipment for redistribution to individuals with disabilities, requested through AT4all and picked up at the Milwaukee office.
- Recreational Mobility Free loan program for recreational equipment including Duet Bikes (two-person vehicles) and Hand Trikes (handcycles) for people with disabilities.
- Aging in Place Assistive technology services helping people explore options and demonstrate equipment that supports safe, independent living at home, including specialized chairs and adjustable beds.
- Substance Abuse/Mental Health Training Statewide project increasing access to substance use disorder treatment for people who are Deaf, Deaf-Blind, or Hard of Hearing through culturally-sensitive, language-appropriate services.
- Alternatives in Mobility (AIM) Wheelchair repair and refurbishment program helping people with complex mobility equipment remain mobile through repair, refurbishment, recycling, and redistribution of power and manual wheelchairs in Southeastern Wisconsin.
Companies that use Independence First
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Independence First technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Independence First partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Hunger Task ForcecoreMonthly food distribution partnership for seniors. Hunger Task Force provides food that Independence First distributes to individuals over 60 meeting income requirements at their Milwaukee office drive-through distribution.
- WisTech (Wisconsin Assistive Technology Program)coreStatewide program funded by Wisconsin Department of Health Services supporting assistive technology services. WisTech funding makes possible equipment demonstrations, loans, and reuse programs.
- Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC)coreFunding from the PSC supports the TEPP (Telecommunications Equipment Program) serving Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Washington Counties. Helps people with disabilities acquire equipment to use telephone services.
- Wisconsin Department of Health ServicescorePartner for WisLoan program and other disability services. Coordinates with long-term care programs and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) for equipment purchases.
- Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)corePartnership for assistive technology coordination. Works with DVR to coordinate equipment purchase and training for individuals with disabilities seeking employment.
- Autism United of WisconsinminorCo-sponsor of the Support Group for Professionals on the Autism Spectrum. Joint programming to support autistic individuals in workplace settings.
- Blue Lotus CenterminorHost venue for Nature Retreat for youth with disabilities. West Bend location offering accessible outdoor activities including kayaking and fishing from wheelchair-accessible dock.
- Local Independent Living CenterscoreReferral network across Wisconsin. Independence First serves Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties; refers residents outside service area to appropriate local centers.
- Perlick Corp.minorCEO TJ Perlick Molinari serves as special guest BluTender at Independence First fundraiser at Pfister Hotel, supporting vehicle purchase campaign.
- WisPactminorFoundation Director Eric DeGroot serves as special guest BluTender at Independence First fundraiser, supporting outreach vehicle campaign.
- Blu Milwaukee at the Pfister HotelminorVenue partner for BluTender fundraiser event. Event raises funds for Independence First's hybrid outreach vehicle to transport mobility equipment throughout southeastern Wisconsin.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Independence First competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Goodwill Industries International: Large national nonprofit operating employment, vocational rehabilitation, and disability inclusion programs. Comparable on the vocational rehabilitation and workforce development dimensions of Independence First's mission.
Regional players
- Passport Unlimited Services: Regional provider of home and community-based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Comparable as a HCBS-focused nonprofit serving a defined geographic disability population.
- Disability Rights Wisconsin: Wisconsin-based disability advocacy and protection organization serving the same state population. Comparable on the advocacy and benefits counseling dimensions and shares the same service geography.
Direct peers
- The Arc: National nonprofit network serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through advocacy, employment, and community living programs. Comparable in mission, consumer population, and advocacy-driven service model.
- Access Living: Chicago-based Center for Independent Living providing independent living services, advocacy, personal care, and youth transition programs. Direct peer operating an analogous CIL service portfolio in a different Midwestern metro.
- Easterseals: National 501(c)(3) nonprofit delivering disability services including personal care, assistive technology, vocational rehabilitation, and accessibility consulting. Highly comparable as a multi-program disability services nonprofit with both grant and fee-for-service revenue.
- United Cerebral Palsy: National nonprofit providing disability services including assistive technology, housing, employment, and personal care through an affiliate network. Closely aligned with Independence First's mix of direct services and community-based disability programming.
- Ability360: Arizona-based Center for Independent Living offering personal care, independent living skills, advocacy, and assistive technology services. Direct peer as a CIL providing a comparable portfolio of disability programs in a single regional catchment.
Others
- National Council on Independent Living: National membership organization representing the CIL network that Independence First belongs to. Comparable as the umbrella body governing the federally designated CIL model Independence First operates within.
Emerging players
- The Viscardi Center: National nonprofit providing disability services, employment programs, and assistive technology. Comparable as a multi-service disability nonprofit with employment and assistive technology specializations.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Independence First social profiles
Digital presenceIndependence First compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Independence First financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Independence First leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles12 records
Independence First funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Independence First M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Independence First
What does Independence First do?
Independence First is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Center for Independent Living that delivers direct disability services, including in-home personal care assistance, independent living skills training, assistive technology demonstrations and loans, accessible business consulting, peer support, youth programming, and benefits counseling. It administers the statewide WisLoan low-interest assistive technology loan program and the TEPP telecommunications equipment program in partnership with Wisconsin state agencies, while also offering fee-based accessibility consulting to businesses, government agencies, and educational institutions.
Is Independence First a public or private company?
Independence First is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Independence First founded?
Independence First was founded in 1979. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is Independence First based?
Independence First is headquartered in Milwaukee, United States, in the North America region.
How does Independence First make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Donations and Fundraising is the primary driver. The others are government Grants and Funding, business Accessibility Services and wisLoan Program Administration.
Who are Independence First's main competitors?
Goodwill Industries International is listed as a broad incumbent. Regional players are Passport Unlimited Services and Disability Rights Wisconsin. Direct peers are The Arc, Access Living, Easterseals, United Cerebral Palsy and Ability360. National Council on Independent Living is listed as an others. The Viscardi Center is listed as an emerging player.
Does Independence First have an API?
No public API is recorded for Independence First.
What industry is Independence First in?
Independence First's product category is Disability and Independent Living Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGALAM, Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech), with a secondary code of EDAKANAK, Housing Transition & Supported Living Navigation. Its NAICS code is 62412 and its SIC code is 8300.