Welcome to the Access Press Accessible Fun listings. Readers looking for additional opportunities to enjoy the arts have these options:
For information on galleries and theater performances around the state, join the Access to Performing Arts email list at [email protected] or call VSA Minnesota, 612-332-3888 or statewide 800-801-3883 (voice/TTY).
To hear a weekly listing of accessible performances, call 612-332-3888 or 800-801-3883. On the web accessible performance listings are found at www.vsamn.org/calendar.html, www.mrid.org www.testing.accesspress.org, or http://c2net.org (c2: caption coalition, inc.), which does most of the captioned shows in Minnesota and across the country.
Connect with performances on Facebook. Sign up to connect with Audio Description Across Minnesota on Facebook (www.facebook.com/pages/Audio-Description-Across-Minnesota/202035772468). Sign up to connect with ASL Interpreted and Captioned Performances Across Minnesota on Facebook (www.facebook.com/pages/ASL-Interpreted-and-Captioned-Performances-Across-Minnesota/257263087700814.
Movies in the Park
Visit the North Shore and enjoy free captioned movies at Leif Erikson Park, 12th Ave. E. & London Road, Duluth. Bring blankets, folding chairs, umbrellas for comfort. Events may be cancelled due to high winds or lightning, not rain. Films are at dusk Fridays through August, no film Labor Day weekend. FFI: 715-392-3480, www.twinportsoutdoormovies.com/mitp.htm
Minnesota Fringe Festival
The 19th annual Minnesota Fringe Festival, August 2-12, features 165 companies presenting 840 performances of theater, dance, performance art, storytelling and other theatrical entertainment at 15 venues in Minneapolis and St. Paul, all accessible to people with mobility impairments.
Shows last 60 minutes or less, with a new show starting every 90 minutes. Performing groups come from Minnesota as well as from across the country.The 2012 Fringe Festival schedule with show descriptions will be searchable at www.fringefestival.org after July 1 or available for download in PDF format. For a daily recording of shows presented with AD or ASL, call VSA Minnesota at 612-332-3888. Want to see a show interpreted or described? Email [email protected] and Fringe will attempt to find an ASL interpreter or audio describer. For tickets, a $4 Fringe button is required of all attendees.
Attend one show for $12, get a five-show punch pass for $50, a ten-show punch pass for $100, or an Ultra Pass for unlimited shows for $225. Punch cards are transferable and may be used by multiple people to attend one performance (as long as everyone has a button). Fringe box offices accept cash, checks and credit cards and open 30 minutes before each show time. Advance reservations ($2 fee) guarantee your seat. This reservation fee is waived for people using access services, with the code “access” over the phone or online. Starting on July 1, tickets can be purchased online at www.fringefestival.org or by calling OvationTix at 866-811-4111. The website www.fringefestival.org after July 1 for schedule, ticket buying info and a venue map. Use sort functions to find shows you’ll like, write audience reviews, or create your own Fringe schedule.
Voter education offered
Minnesota’s primary election is Aug. 14. The Secretary of State Voter Education and Outreach staff and Disability Law Center are eager to connect with groups with disabilities that are interested in free voter education workshops and training—which can be catered specifically to the groups request. Information is also available at www.mnvotes.org. FFI: Pamela Hoopes, Minnesota Disability Law Center, 612-746-3711, [email protected]; Claire Wilson, Minnesota Office of the Secretary of State, 651-201-1339, [email protected]
Partners in Policymaking
Partners in Policymaking is accepting applications for its free eight month leadership training program. Individuals with disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities will be trained at no cost in monthly sessions, starting this fall. Applications are due by July 20th. Sponsored by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, Partners is celebrating its 25th anniversary. FFI: Carol Schoeneck, GTS Educational Events, 651-222-7409, ext. 205 (metro) or 1-800-569-6878, ext. 205 (non-metro), [email protected], www.mngts.org/partnersinpolicymaking
Teach English or be a classroom tutor
Help adult refugees and immigrants learn the reading, writing and speaking skills needed to thrive in the U.S. Morning, afternoon or evening classes are available throughout the Twin Cities through the Minnesota Literacy Council. The council has many opportunities that are accessible to volunteers with disabilities, and makes accommodations whenever possible. The literacy council provides training and support. FFI: Allison, 651-251-9110, [email protected], www.mnliteracy.org/volunteers/opportunities/adults
Give away that car
Autos for Arc can take old vehicles off your hands, give you a tax deduction and say “Thank you” for helping change the lives of people with disabilities. Autos for Arc accepts cars and trucks of any model and condition and other vehicles including boats with trailers, RVs, ATVs, golf carts, personal watercraft, motorcycles and snowmobiles. Within the seven-county metro area, Autos for Arc can arrange to have a vehicle towed free of charge. Call the toll-free Autos for Arc hotline, 1-877-778-7709, to arrange a pickup. Or drop off vehicles at a Value Village location. FFI: 1-877-778-7709, www.autosforarc.org
Volunteer with RSVP
Volunteers age 55 and older are eligible to receive free supplemental insurance, mileage reimbursement and other benefits through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) sponsored by Volunteers of America of Minnesota. RSVP/Volunteers of America of Minnesota and AARP Foundation need volunteers with good budgeting and organizational skills to help manage finances of older or disabled low-income individuals. Have a few hours a month to volunteer? Money Management Program staff will train and match you with someone in the community. FFI: 612-617-7821.
