Access 2 Independence

07/27/2026

07/23/2026

Everyone faces difficult moments. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, help is available 24/7 at the Linn County Mental Health Access Center.

The Mental Health Access Center provides immediate support for adults 18 and older through walk-in crisis care – no appointment or referral is needed. Whether you walk in on your own, come with a loved one, or are brought in by a community partner, trained professionals are there to assess your needs, help stabilize the crisis, and connect you with ongoing services and support. Many services are provided at no cost, and care is available regardless of your ability to pay.

📍 501 13th St. NW, Cedar Rapids
🕒 Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Learn more about the Mental Health Access Center and the services available: https://www.linncountyiowa.gov/1423/Mental-Health-Access-Center

07/23/2026

Jimothy is taking Seattle, and the world, by storm. He's the Disability Pride Month icon we didn't know we needed.

While we love the energy y'all have for this lil' disabled raccoon, we also feel the need to point out: this kind of love and acceptance is exactly what disabled people have been asking for, for far too long.

We love the love you're all showing Jimothy! Now, go do the same for disabled people.

ID: An image with a purple and pink gradient background that is vaguely space-themed, has meme-style text that highlights how iconic Jimothy the disabled raccoon is, and asks people to show disabled humans the same love they show disabled animals.

07/20/2026

This week A2I Independent Living Specialist, Megz Stroback, is in Washington D.C. for the National Council on Independent Living conference! Megz was selected for a sponsorship by the Iowa Statewide Independent Living Council to obtain additional training and guidance from leaders in the independent living world to help improve A2I's services and advocacy efforts! We are so proud of you Megz and can't wait to hear all about what you learn this week!

@🎉 Congratulations to Megz Stroback, Independent Living Specialist at Access 2 Independence, on being selected by Iowa SILC to receive sponsorship to attend the 2026 National Council on Independent Living Annual Conference 2026!

Megz was nominated by A2I leadership in recognition of their dedication to empowering individuals with disabilities, strengthening self-advocacy, and supporting consumer choice. Their commitment reflects the core values of Iowa’s independent living network and the independent living movement nationwide.

Attending NCIL 2026 in Washington, DC, will provide valuable opportunities for professional development, leadership growth, and collaboration with disability advocates from across the country. The knowledge and connections gained will help strengthen the work of A2I and benefit the broader Iowa independent living community.

Access 2 Independence is proud to support individuals with disabilities in achieving greater independence and full participation in community life. We look forward to seeing all that Megz brings back from this incredible experience!

For more information about Access 2 Independence , visit https://access2independence.org/

For information about the National Council on Independent Living and its annual conference, visit https://ncil.org/2026-conference/

07/13/2026

Are you a person with a disability struggling to thrive in the state of Iowa? The Iowa State Independent Living Council would like to hear from you! Click on the link in this post to take the Iowa SILC survey. Your opinion matters.

Every three years the Iowa SILC reaches out for input from people around the state who have disabilities. This feedback is used to develop our Statewide Plan for Independent Living (SPIL).

07/08/2026

Join GPAS at the upcoming Disability Community Social on July 16 from 4-6pm!

07/02/2026

Iowa City! Join Johnson County Violence Intervention's 3-on-3 Basketball Days at Mercer Park Gym every Tuesday from 2-4:30pm. Now through July 21st, with a 3-on-3 basketball tournament on July 28th. FREE for all to come play basketball. Participants must sign up a week before to ensure team members.

Families and friends welcome to watch kids play basketball. Want to participate and not play? Court monitors are needed too! Contact Marques at [email protected] for more info 🏀

Iowa City area 👇🏼

07/01/2026

Check this out!

UPDATE: THIS TRAINING HAS BEEN POSTPONED!!!

Learn your fair housing rights brought to you by The City of Iowa City Government! This training helps tenants with disabilities understand protections and how to file a complaint.

Iowa City City Hall • Iowa City, Iowa
Thursday, July 30 • 12 PM - 1 PM

Fair housing remains a critical issue nationwide, particularly for individuals with disabilities who often face barriers to finding suitable housing that meets their unique needs. Discriminatory practices can include inaccessible buildings, unreasonable rental policies, or a lack of reasonable accommodation, all of which can significantly impact the ability of people with disabilities to secure safe and affordable housing.
This fair housing training will empower tenants with a disability to become more knowledgeable on Iowa City's Fair Housing Ordinance and how to file a fair housing complaint with the Office.

Registration available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/disability-and-fair-housing-training-tickets-1984418594435?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=wsa&aff=ebdsshwebmobile

07/01/2026

The new D.O.J. Memo, what it means for the Olmstead Decision & Iowans with disabilities.

The U.S Department of Justice released an opinion-based memo on June 18th, 2026 arguing that states don't have to provide home-care services. While the 1999 Olmstead decision is still the law, there are concerns that the federal government may stop enforcing it. This could allow states to cut funding for community living and trap more people with disabilities in institutions.

How is Access 2 Independence responding?

We are monitoring for any potential state policy changes & collaborating with statewide disability coalitions to defend the integrity of HCBS waivers. A2I is dedicated to keeping consumers, families, & community partners informed of possible threats to disability rights. Knowledge is our community's greatest tool. If you or a loved one are facing barriers to community living, reach out. Our advocates are here to support you.

WE WON'T GO BACK.

Access 2 Independence (A2I) is a Center for Independent Living (CIL) serving people with disabilities across Eastern Iowa. A2I is a non-profit, non-residential community organization that is run by and for people with disabilities. We aim to empower disabled Iowans to achieve greater independence & community participation through education, advocacy, and peer support.