Welcome to Choices for Indpendent Living. We are a demonstration accessible house and we are open to the public daily, in Wausau, Wisconsin.

Location: 415 W. Campus Drive, Wausau, WI 54401
Phone: 715-675-7600

Hours
Interested visitors can walk in any day of the week during open hours. Sometimes groups are meeting at the house or the staff might be giving a tour to other people. So, if you can call ahead you will be assured that staff at the house will be available to give you a tour and answer your questions when you arrive.
Call: 715-675-7600

Open hours are:

• Weekdays - 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday.
  
• Call: 715-675-7600
  

Purpose
Its' purpose is to demonstrate accessibile house modifications and related furniture, fixtures, appliances, equipment and technology in a true residential living environment where visitors can obtain take home information about everything in the house. See the Features page for specific information about the accessible features for each room. For a closer look at the furniture, fixtures, appliances, equipment and technology in the home see the Equipment page and use the thumbnail photo links.

The house utilizes as many elements of UNIVERSAL DESIGN as can be practically included.
Note: the Universal Design file is a very large pdf.

The house is not lived in. It will never be lived in. It will not be sold. It will always be used for the purpose outlined in this section.

Functions

• A hands-on demonstration home setting for persons with physical disabilities or limitations (mobility, hearing, sight, paralysis, muscle deterioration, old age) to see and get information about practical independent living options. See our Features and Equipment pages for more information.
• A resource for architects and builders to consult regarding construction specifications for wheelchair accessibility as mandated by the Federal Fair Housing Amendment Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• An education and training laboratory for nursing and architecture students.
• A resource for medical providers to consult regarding construction modifications and equipment available for patients with mobility limitations and other impairments that can limit or prohibit independent living.
• A continuous search for new products, new designs and technology, which will benefit the elderly population and persons with disability who are living independently. See our Links page for over 150 links to websites for useful items that can help people live more productive and independent lives.
• A forum for educating media, politicians, and taxpayers on the dollar savings resulting from independent living versus nursing home confinement.

Mission: Educate about accessibility through example

Help operate this showcase demonstration accessible house
Your cash contributions will help us keep our house up-to-date with current equipment and technology.
Midstate Independent Living Consultants is a Wisconsin licensed, IRS approved 501c3 corporation

Thanks
Thanks to our many contributors for helping us reach the amount we needed to break ground in August, 2006, and start construction. Construction was completed and we opened our doors to the public with a grand opening event on October 27, 2007.

Special thanks

• Judd S. Alexander Foundation for a $250,000 matching fund challenge grant
• Northcentral Technical College for a location, support, and resource access
• Abby Bank's Abby Storey Foundation for financial advice and funding assistance

Collaborating and Participating Organizations

• Midstate Independent Living Consultants: Staffs and operates the house, provides expertise about accessible construction, furniture, fixtures, appliances, and equipment. Also provides information about funding sources
• Blind & Visually Impaired Services LLC Provide training, equipment and information to people with vision impairment
• Northcentral Technical College: Owner, providing location, architectural expertise, general assistance, board of directors and advisory board participation
• UW Stout Vocational Rehab Department: Will use the house to serve clients in this area
• Aging & Disability Resource Center: Collaborating with MILC, expertise and resources related to old age and disabilities.
• AARP Wisconsin: Use the house for their annual CarFit program

For more information contact Jenny Fasula, Executive Director, Midstate Independent Living Consultants by email or telephone: 715-344-4210 or 800-382-8484.