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

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

Open hours are:

• Weekdays - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday thru Friday.
  
• Evenings and Saturdays can be scheduled by appointment. 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.

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 not be lived in. It will not be sold. It will always be used for the purpose outlined in this section.

Functions

• A hands-on model home setting for persons with physical disability or limitations (mobility, hearing, sight, paralysis, muscle deterioration, old age) to see and get information about practical independent living options. See our Features page 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.
• 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

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

Help operate this showcase model accessible house
Your cash contributions will help us keep our house up-to-date with current equipment and technology.
Chairs & Cares Model Accessible House, Inc 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

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
• Northcentral Technical College: 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.

For more information contact Wayne Geurink, President.