Independence First - The Resource for People with Disabilities

Substance misuse doesn't always look the way people expect. Often, it begins gradually as someone copes with stress, pain, trauma, anxiety, or other challenges in life.

In this video, Independence First Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Coordinator Denise Johnson discusses some of the early warning signs that may indicate a person is struggling, including changes in mood, withdrawal from family and friends, missed responsibilities, sleep changes, difficulty concentrating, or increased use of alcohol, medications, or other substances.

A single sign may not mean there is a problem, but noticing several changes over time can be a signal that someone needs support. Early intervention can make a meaningful difference, and recovery is possible.

If you notice changes in yourself or someone you care about, don't ignore them. Reach out, start a conversation, and connect with available supports. No one has to face these challenges alone.

🎥 Video Description: Denise Johnson stands in front of a plain off-white background and shares information in American Sign Language about recognizing the early signs of substance misuse. Voice-over narration and open captions are provided throughout the video.

🌿 Things are growing at Independence First!

This week, our Plant Pals gardening group rolled up their sleeves and got planting. Participants worked together to fill accessible raised garden beds, plant flowers, herbs, and vegetables, and begin creating a sensory garden behind our building.

Assistive Technology Training Specialist Mary Wegner shared how Plant Pals helps consumers learn gardening skills they can use at home while exploring adaptive gardening tools and techniques.

From colorful petunias and begonias to herbs and peppers, the garden is already taking shape and we're excited to watch it grow throughout the summer. 🌱🌼

Video Description:
Members of Independence First's Plant Pals gardening group work together to fill accessible raised garden beds, plant flowers, herbs, and vegetables, and prepare a new sensory garden space behind the agency. Assistive Technology Training Specialist Mary Wegner explains how accessible gardening tools and elevated garden beds help participants learn gardening skills and garden independently.

When seeking mental health or substance use services, communication access is not optional. Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals have the right to receive services in a way that allows them to communicate effectively and fully participate in their own care.

In this video, Independence First Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Coordinator Denise Johnson discusses some of the barriers people may encounter when seeking services, including the lack of qualified interpreters, reliance on written notes, or being asked to bring a family member or friend to interpret.

Mental health and substance use service providers are responsible for providing appropriate communication access, whether that means a qualified mental health interpreter, real-time captioning, tactile interpreting, or another accommodation that meets a person's needs. The responsibility for providing these services belongs to the provider—not the consumer.

Everyone deserves the opportunity to communicate freely, privately, and in the language and format that works best for them.

🎥 Video Description: Denise Johnson stands in front of a plain off-white background and delivers information in American Sign Language about communication access rights in mental health and substance use treatment settings. Voice-over narration and open captions are provided throughout the video.

For more than a decade, Independence First's Andi Minster has been attending the Abilities Expo.

Held each year in Schaumburg, Illinois, the Abilities Expo brings together thousands of people with disabilities, family members, caregivers, advocates, and exhibitors to explore the latest in assistive technology, adaptive recreation, and independent living solutions.

Video Description: Andi Minster speaks from the exhibit floor of the Abilities Expo. As she describes the event and its importance to the disability community, the video shows crowds exploring exhibit booths, assistive technology demonstrations, adaptive recreation activities, and accessibility products throughout the convention hall.

"Everybody climbs. Everybody."

At the Abilities Expo in Schaumburg, Illinois, we spoke with Michael DeCavalcante, who has spent more than 30 years making climbing accessible to people of all abilities. Through adaptive equipment, specialized techniques, and a commitment to inclusion, his team helps people experience the challenge and excitement of climbing, many for the very first time.

Video Description:
At the Abilities Expo in Schaumburg, Illinois, people of all abilities take turns climbing a portable rock wall. The video shows climbers ascending with the help of adaptive harnesses, pulley systems, and support staff, including wheelchair users who pull themselves upward using their arms. Michael DeCavalcante, an adaptive climbing advocate and gym owner, explains how adaptive climbing makes the sport accessible to everyone.

🧠 Mental Health Matters: A Message for the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Community

Mental health is part of everyone's life. We all experience stress, loneliness, anxiety, and other challenges from time to time. But for people who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing, communication barriers can make it even harder to access support and services.

Independence First Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Coordinator Denise Johnson shares an important reminder: there is no shame in asking for help. Whether it's talking with someone you trust, connecting with the Deaf community, or seeking professional counseling, support is available.

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.

If you're struggling, know that you're not alone. ❤️

🎥 Video Description: Denise Johnson stands in front of a plain off-white background and delivers a message in American Sign Language about mental health awareness and the importance of seeking support. Voice-over narration and open captions are provided throughout the video.

What if a person with paralysis could stand, walk, reach, and move through their home independently?

At the Abilities Expo in Schaumburg, Illinois, we met Caroline, a test pilot for Wandercraft's Eve personal exoskeleton. Eve is a wearable robotic device designed to help people with severe mobility disabilities stand and walk using fully autonomous technology controlled by the user.

Assistive technology continues to evolve in remarkable ways, and innovations like this are expanding what's possible for people with disabilities.

Video Description:
Caroline demonstrates the Eve personal exoskeleton at the Abilities Expo in Schaumburg, Illinois. Wearing the robotic mobility device, she stands and walks independently around the exhibition floor while explaining how the exoskeleton helps her navigate daily activities, reach objects, and regain mobility after paralysis.