Community Resources
Explore our community partners and connections!
If you'd like to be included, contact us at admin@abilityadventures.org!
Table of Contents
Click on an organization to learn more!
The Ability Center
Our goal is to provide a higher quality of life for people of all abilities by transforming greater Milwaukee into the most universally inclusive recreation destination in the world. Our mission is to provide people impacted by disabilities with a daily opportunity to be fit, active, healthy, and to play
Phone: 414-373-9500
The Adaptable Community Approach Program (ACAP)
ACAP builds pathways for people who have disabilities to express their passions and demonstrate their abilities in the community around them. ACAP is not merely an assemblage of members and staff, but is composed of people coming together to work, learn, adapt, and serve the community. We endeavor to build up the larger community, and in so doing, discover our valued place within it.
Adult Day Services of Southeast Wisconsin LLC
Welcome to Adult Day Services of Southeast Wisconsin, where we provide individuals who have disabilities the experiences necessary to develop independence and increase self-esteem. Our programs provide a positive and structured environment focusing on socialization, community access, volunteering, educational opportunities, music, art, and a variety of recreational activities. Our experienced staff provide guidance, support, and create an enjoyable atmosphere for all of our program participants. ADSSW has a reputation for being out in the community on a regular basis.
With a focus on community involvement through outings and volunteering, we have something for everyone. We work with individuals to enhance community access, improve social skills and meet their individual goals, whether it is to work in the community or have increased opportunities for social recreation.
Autism United of Wisconsin
Autism United of Wisconsin is the new, exciting evolution of the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin. As our organization looks back on 50 positive years of dedicated services and support, we look ahead to expanding our network of care across our entire state to enhance all on the Autism spectrum — children, teens and adults — as well as their families, educators, caregivers and others.
Our dedicated work includes advocacy, community programming, and creating a more inclusive world by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues facing Autism Spectrum individuals; advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the life span; and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy.
Best Buddies in Wisconsin
Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Broadscope Disability Services
Broadscope Disability Services serves thousands of people with disabilities and their families. Broadscope fosters inclusion, empowers freedom of choice, and advances potential across the lifespan.
Phone: (414) 329-4500
Fax: (414) 329-4510
Centers for Independence
Fostering Hope. Integrating Services. For 85 years, the Centers for Independence has strengthened communities by fostering hope and helping people advance their total health. CFI’s unmatched breadth of disability support services and resources through its affiliates – the Milwaukee Center for Independence, Home Care, First Person Care Consultants and iLIFE -- allows others to find value in themselves and see a path forward.Centers for Independence has strengthened communities by helping people advance their total health. CFI is dedicated to assisting people of all ages and abilities achieve their fullest level of independence through a supportive environment that fosters hope. CFI’s unmatched breadth of services and resources allows others to find value in themselves and see a path forward.
Phone: 414-937-2020
Fax: 414-937-2021
Communities of Crocus
The Communities of Crocus is a symbol of Hope, of Life, of Choice. The end of loneliness and the beginning of togetherness, a transition from living in a community to being a part of one. A place to engage and connect, participate and support, grow and flourish, to live uninhibited and free. The Purple Crocus stands for PRIDE / SUCCESS / DIGNITY .
Our Mission is to create supportive homes of choice for adults with autism and similar intellectual & developmental disabilities (IDDs) that give them a sense of pride, accomplishment and dignity through providing services and housing within a natural environment.
Disability Rights Wisconsin
Disability Rights Wisconsin is a private non-profit organization that protects the rights of people with disabilities statewide. Our mission is to advance the dignity, equality, and self-determination of people with disabilities.
Phone: 800-928-8778
DRW Voter Hotline: 844-347-8683
Medicare Part D Helpline: 800-926-4862
The Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin (DSAW)
The Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin's mission is to provide support to Wisconsin families and individuals with Down syndrome and related disabilities through awareness, education, information, programs, services, and the exchange of ideas and experiences. We promote the value of those with Down syndrome in our lives and our communities. We continually strive toward full acceptance, full access, full potential and a full life to make Wisconsin the best supported state for people with Down syndrome and their loved ones.
Phone: 414-327-3729
Fax: 414-327-1329
Easterseals
Easterseals make a lasting difference each year by providing essential services to children and adults with disabilities, older adults, veterans, and their families.
Enjoy accessible camping and recreation with Easterseals. Our welcoming programs offer sports, crafts, and more for children and adults with disabilities.
Phone: 800-221-6827 (toll-free)
Friendship Circle of Wisconsin
The Friendship Circle of Wisconsin, a division of Lubavitch of Wisconsin provides support, friendship, and opportunities to include people with all varying abilities in our community. Friendship Circle encourages an inclusive community where all individuals are valued regardless of their background or challenges they face.
Through highlighting achievements, not limitations, we create a world of acceptance and inclusion, helping these spec... Here, we make friends!
GiGi's Playhouse - Milwaukee
Our Mission: is to increase positive awareness of Down syndrome through national campaigns, educational programs, and by empowering individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community.
Our Vision: is to see a world where individuals with Down syndrome are accepted and embraced in their families, schools, and communities
Phone: 414-797-0522
Going Beyond Travel
Going Beyond Travel, Inc is an adventurous tour group specifically designed for adults with cognitive disabilities. was established in 1995 by Pam and Monty Hunt. While attending a Special Olympics meet in 1994, we realized the lack of vacation opportunities available for people with cognitive challenges.
In 1995, we planned four vacations and escorted a total of twenty-eight clients on weekend or five day vacations. In 2006, we planned twenty-four trips and had over four hundred clients go on vacations with us!
Going Beyond Travel believes that all individuals should be given the opportunity to travel.
Phone: 262-512-1252
Cell: 414-536-0209
Independence First
Independence First is Metro Milwaukee's first resource for people with disabilities. We offer more than 40 programs and workshops and services of all kinds, and for various age groups. Independence First provides programs on disability awareness, independent living skills, and recreation.
We work with individuals and families for whatever someone needs to successfully live in the community, helping with resources from assistive technology to home modification to personal care or supportive home care services. Independence First also provides programming, whether it’s art classes or cooking classes, peer support, and even adaptive video gaming.
More than 50% of our staff, managers, and Board have disabilities themselves and this peer-approach leads to excellent outcomes. Our services include benefits counseling and Personal Care Support.
Phone: 414-291-7520 (V/Relay)
Islands of Brilliance
IOB utilizes project-based learning that allows our students to grow their intrinsic capabilities and practice communication, increasing their likelihood of independence as adults.
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Our student-focused programming is rooted in art, design, and STEaM-based curriculum. It helps children and young adults learn valuable technical skills, practice critical social and emotional learning competencies, all within a supported environment. Best of all, our students have a place to share their unique voice, ideas, and creativity alongside peers that relate to, understand, and motivate them.
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IOB wants students to have fun, be engaged, learn, grow, and most of all feel welcomed. Many parents tell us that our programming is a highlight of the week–it’s something their child looks forward to. We get it—seeing the smiles and excitement on our students’ faces is why we love what we do.
Phone: (651) 236-0474
Journey21
Journey21, Inc. was founded in 2021 with a mission to provide safe, supportive, and enriching living and learning options for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) in Waukesha County and surrounding communities.
Our vision is a day when every adult with IDD has accessible, meaningful opportunities for education, employment skill development, social activities, and can live independently in the home of their choice.
Phone: 262-399-0021
Life Navigators
Life Navigators was founded in 1949 by parents who sought to provide opportunities, disability resources, and services for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their early efforts resulted in mandated special education services, day programming, community-based recreation, and residential and employment programming.
Life Navigators is focused on providing kids and adults with disabilities with comprehensive disability support services and individualized support to ensure safe, happy, and healthy lives.
Milwaukee Area Technical College
Uniquely Abled Academy
The Uniquely Abled Academy (UAA) at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) is designed to provide students on the Autism spectrum the hands-on training needed to prepare for a career as a computer numerical control (CNC) operator. The UAA CNC program is a two semester, cohort-based training with more than 500 hours of instruction. Upon completion, graduates will earn a CNC Setup and Operations credential, qualifying them for a number of entry-level positions.
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Individuals on the spectrum, who can participate in activities without the assistance of a caregiver (DSM-5 terminology: Level 1 Autism) are welcome to apply. Participants will learn how to apply basic safety practices in the machine shop, interpret industrial/engineering drawings, apply precision measuring methods to part inspection, and perform basic machine tool equipment setup and operation.
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Graduates are ready for positions such as machine trainee, machinist apprentice and CNC operator, with salaries starting at $22-$35 per hour. If graduates want to continue expanding their skills, the CNC Setup and Operations courses are part of MATC’s Machine Tool Operations technical diploma, allowing graduates to get a jump start on earning additional credentials.
Phone: 414-297-8138
St. Francis Children's Center
For over 50 years, our caring team has helped children with special needs achieve success in their homes, in their schools, and in their communities. We serve children with autism, special needs and developmental delays, along with typically developing kids, from four weeks until age 21.
Phone: 414-351-0450
Think Ability Wisconsin
Improved employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Improved hiring and retention for employers. We can have both through Think Ability Wisconsin.Need help preparing for and navigating the transition to adult life and beyond? To fulfilling employment? Are you an employer looking to build your talent pipeline and meet your workforce needs? Or an educator looking for ways to help your students transition into the workforce and community life? We can connect you to the information and help you need!
Phone: 1-888-695-2030
We Rock the Spectrum
WRTS is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and fun environment to foster learning, exploration and safe sensory experiences. Through our nonprofit My Brother Rocks The Spectrum Foundation, we provide social skills groups and activities for children across the spectrum.
