Independence First

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.

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

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

• Independent living services
• Disability support services
• Personal care assistance
• Assistive technology programs
• Accessibility consulting

Headquarters

HQ city

Milwaukee

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: Tax-deductible donations from individuals, corporations, and community partners. Fundraising events including Empower Gala and BluTender fundraiser at Pfister Hotel.
2. 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.
3. Business Accessibility Services: Fee-for-service accessibility assessments, training, and consulting for businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits seeking ADA compliance and accessibility improvements.
4. 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

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core 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.

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Hunger Task ForcecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMonthly 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)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide 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)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFunding 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 ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner 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)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for assistive technology coordination. Works with DVR to coordinate equipment purchase and training for individuals with disabilities seeking employment.
• Autism United of WisconsinminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-sponsor of the Support Group for Professionals on the Autism Spectrum. Joint programming to support autistic individuals in workplace settings.
• Blue Lotus CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost 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 CenterscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorReferral network across Wisconsin. Independence First serves Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties; refers residents outside service area to appropriate local centers.
• Perlick Corp.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCEO TJ Perlick Molinari serves as special guest BluTender at Independence First fundraiser at Pfister Hotel, supporting vehicle purchase campaign.
• WisPactminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFoundation Director Eric DeGroot serves as special guest BluTender at Independence First fundraiser, supporting outreach vehicle campaign.
• Blu Milwaukee at the Pfister HotelminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVenue 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

Broad 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

• Xx.com/Independence1st
• Facebookfacebook.com/IndependenceFirst

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Independence First