Independent Living Resources

05/06/2026

Pulling double duty today! We have staff at both the ADRC of Lafayette County Senior Social in Darlington and the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Vernon County Senior Fair in Viroqua!

We're show casing our 5 core Independent Living services as well as the WisTech Assistive Technology Advisory Council loan and demonstration program!

04/30/2026

We've had some donors reach out recently about wanting to donate hospital beds. Interested parties would need to be able to load/haul themselves. Call us if you're interested and we can connect you to the donor. Located in La Crosse County.

608-787-1111

(Photo not actual item just for example)

04/30/2026

👋 Hey - that’s us!

We want to give a huge shout‑out and heartfelt thank you to the Great Lakes ADA Center and Kelley Frake for bringing such impactful, high‑quality trainings on Service Animals and the ADA to the La Crosse community.

Over the course of these sessions, nearly 50 individuals and representatives from 13 different agencies and businesses received technical assistance and practical guidance on what federal and Wisconsin law actually requires when it comes to service animals, access, and disability rights.

From businesses and first responders to community members and self‑advocates, these conversations strengthened understanding, reduced confusion, and helped move our community toward greater access and inclusion.

We’re proud to partner with the Great Lakes ADA Center and grateful to La Crosse Lions Charities for supporting this work. Thank you for helping make education like this possible and for celebrating International Guide Dog Day with us by uplifting the importance of service animals and the rights of the people who rely on them.

Happy International Guide Dog Day (April 29)!

The Great Lakes ADA Center is dedicated to informing the public about the rights of individuals with service animals under the ADA. We regularly provide training, education, and informational sessions, both virtually and in person, on key considerations for businesses, organizations, and people with disabilities regarding service animals.

On April 28, 2026, Kelley Frake, second from the left, Program Coordinator for Technical Assistance at the Great Lakes ADA Center, delivered a training at the Independent Living Resources (supported by La Crosse Lions Charities) on:

- Service Animals in Businesses
- Service Animal Considerations for First Responders and Animal Control Officers
- Service Animals and the ADA: Understanding Your Rights

Thank you for inviting us!

If your organization needs training on similar or other ADA-related topics, contact us at 800-949-4232 (V/TTY) or visit ADAGreatLakes.org.

04/30/2026

Our furry friends (on the job) stopped by City Hall today! I extend a happy International Guide Dog Day to our La Crosse community. Let’s join together to celebrate the work of our local guide dogs. They are extremely important in promoting the independence and vitality of those who are blind or have vision challenges.

Thank you to Liz and team for all the work they have been doing to spread awareness and advocate for accessibility in our community.

04/29/2026

🐕‍🦺💙 Happy International Guide Dog Day! 💙🐕‍🦺

Today, we celebrate the incredible partnership between guide dogs and the people they support - partnerships built on trust, independence, and access.

We are honored to share this video of the City of La Crosse officially proclaiming April 29th International Guide Dog Day, recognizing the vital role guide dogs play in promoting mobility, independence, and full participation in our community.

Guide dogs are highly trained working animals who help their handlers navigate the world safely and confidently. While they are loving companions, they are also essential mobility tools-just like wheelchairs, white canes, or other assistive devices.

Thank you to our city leaders for uplifting disability rights and accessibility, and thank you to guide dog handlers, trainers, and advocates who continue to educate and advocate every day.
Let’s take today to learn, respect, and celebrate guide dogs and the independence they help make possible. 🐾👏

04/29/2026

We’re proud to share this in recognition of International Guide Dog Day. Guide dogs are more than working animals, they’re trusted partners that support independence, safety, and confidence in everyday life.

We’re especially grateful for advocates like Liz who help educate our communities about guide dog access and the importance of respecting guide dog teams. A friendly reminder today (and every day): when you see a guide dog working, give the team space, avoid distractions, and help keep pathways clear so they can move safely.

Guide dog teams help make our communities stronger, more accessible, and more inclusive. Today we celebrate the impact they make and the independence they help create.

April 29 is International Guide Dog Day, an opportunity to celebrate guide dogs and their important role in supporting people around the world who are blind or low vision.

Council board member Liz Fryseth of La Crosse has been a tireless advocate for guide dogs, and last month she was recognized for her work by Independent Living Resources with their Relentless Badger Award. Liz’s advocacy in La Crosse has focused on raising awareness about guide dog access and helping educate the community about how guide dogs support individuals who are blind or low vision in moving through their community safely.

“Guide dogs have been incredibly important to me,” Liz says. “Not only do they provide safe and reliable mobility, but they also give me independence and confidence in my daily life. Having a guide dog is a very personal choice. The relationship I have with my dog is built on mutual trust and respect for the team we have become together. I am honored to receive the Relentless Badger Award.”

Image: A woman and her guide dog standing in front of the Wisconsin State Capitol

04/25/2026

We'll be at the Crawford County Health and Human Services Health and Wellness Resource Fair in G**s Mills until noon!