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.
The Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin
The state’s single largest Autism Affiliate organization serving our communities for almost 50 years. The life journey for persons neurodiverse can be complicated, challenging, confusing, uplifting and even triumphant. Our mission and passion is to improve the quality of life for each child, teen and adult on the Autism Spectrum — as well as their families — while teaming with caregivers and educators to enhance every individual’s unique needs, skills and goals. A better life starts here.
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
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
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)
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.
New York Life Insurance
Valerie Jean
Hello, I'm Valerie. I'm a Financial Professional with New York Life based here at the Milwaukee General office. With a personal connection as a proud aunt to my nephew with Asperger’s syndrome, I bring a unique blend of empathy and knowledge to my role. I understand firsthand the challenges and joys that come with caring for loved ones with disabilities. I recognize the great importance of safeguarding the future of families like yours.
Whether you're planning for the long-term care of a family member with special needs or navigating the complexities of safeguarding your financial future, I will guide you every step of the way. At the heart of my practice is a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of my clients. I believe in building lasting relationships based on trust, integrity, and understanding.
Thank you, I greatly look forward to meeting with you.
Phone: (414) 745-8238
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.