United Way of Dane County, Inc.

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Last updated on April 2, 2008

The mission of Access to Independence is to join people with disabilities in creating access to their communities through education, action, and choice.

Description:
We are part of a national network of centers for independent living (CILs). CILS are primarily managed and run by people with disabilities of all types -- a majority of Board and staff are people with disabilities. We promote independence and self-determination through the "independent living" ("IL") philosophy, which is based on the idea that we all have the right, regardless of a disability to:

* make our own choices;

* manage our own affairs; and

* live as independently as we choose in our communities.

All CILs provide four core services:

* Information and Referral;

* Peer Support;

* Independent Living Skills Training; and

* Advocacy.

We provide other services to help people to develop the tools and skills to make informed choices for themselves, while also working to increase the choices available to people with disabilities in the communities where we live, work and play.

History:
A group of Madison residents with disabilities banded together in 1971 to promote accessible housing under the banner: Madison Organization Behind Independent Living (MOBIL). The MOBIL activists formed Access in 1976. A full range of Independent Living (IL) services began when Access was funded in 1978.

Contact people:

Claire Draeger, Volunteer Coordinator, 608/242-8484, ext. 230, (email)
Rebecca Patterson, Independent Living Coordinator, 608/242-8484, ext. 229, (email)

Office fax number: (608) 242-0383

Address:

2345 Atwood Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
(See a map)

Web Site: http://www.accesstoind.org

Directions:

From downtown, take E. Washington (Hwy 151) about a mile, turn right at the lights onto First Street, at the second stop lights (road ends), turn left onto Eastwood. Go past two sets of lights, you will see Access to Independence's green awning on the right side on the corner of Atwood Avenue and Ohio Street, 2345 Atwood Avenue, parking in back.
Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: n/a
Nearest Bus Stop: 1/2 block away, 2 minute walk

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