More events information: VSA Minnesota is here. The website has a large calendar at in the upper right hand corner of its home page. For information on galleries and theater performances around the state join the Access to Performing Arts email list at access@vsamn.org 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. Another web events listing is http://c2net.org (c2: caption coalition, inc.), which does most of the captioned shows across the country. Facebook is another way to connect with performances. Sign up to connect with Audio Description Across Minnesota. Connect with ASL Interpreted and Captioned Performances across Minnesota on Facebook.
RADIO TALKING BOOK NEEDS STORIES
Radio Talking Book celebrates 50 years on the air, in January 2019. Plans are underway to celebrate the important milestone, so the service staff wants to hear stories from listeners old and new. Radio
Talking Book, part of State Services for the blind, was a pioneer in providing service to bring news and reading materials to people who are blind or have disabilities that make reading difficult. Any memories of listing to Radio Talking Book would be welcomed additions for the celebration. Email them to Radio Talking Book Supervisor Scott McKinney, at scott.mckinney@state.mn.us
OPEN THE DOOR TO EDUCATION
Help adults reach their educational goals and earn their GED. Tutor, teach or assist in a classroom with the Minnesota Literacy Council. Give just 2-3 hours a week and help people expand their opportunities and change their lives through education. The Council provides training and support and accommodations for volunteers with disabilities. FFI: Allison, 651-251-9110, volunteer@mnliteracy.org, or at their website.
READERS SOUGHT
Volunteers are a valuable resource at Radio Talking Book, broadcasting local news and information programs to blind and print-impaired listeners from sites in Duluth, Fergus Falls, Grand Rapids, Mankato, Rochester, St. Cloud and the Communication Center in St. Paul. The goal is to provide accurate and timely information to thousands of listeners throughout Minnesota and
across the nation. FFI: Roberta Kitlinski, 651-539-1423
TEAM ALLY FUNDRAISER
The Team ALLY 2018 Fundraiser for ALLY is 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wed, Nov. 14 at Inwood Oaks Event Center, Oakdale. Enjoy a cash bar, dinner, silentvand live auctions and more. Tom Whaley of the St. Paul Saints is emcee. Tickets are $115. FFI: www.allypeoplesolutions.org
MOVING WORDS: Writers Across Minnesota
St. Peter Public Library, 601 S. Washington Ave., St. Peter, hosts Minnesota Book Award winners Cary Griffith, Peter Geye, Kao Kalia Yang and Karen Babine. ASL offered 6 p.m. Thu, Nov. 15. Free. FFI: Alayne Hopkins, 651-366-6488, alayne@thefriends.org
MOVING WORDS: Writers Across Minnesota
University of St. Thomas Library, 2115 Summit Ave., St. Paul hosts Minnesota Book Award winners Linda LeGarde Grover, Will Weaver, Gary Kaunonen and Margi Preus. ASL offered noon, Tue, Nov. 13. Free. Moving Words is an opportunity for writers and readers to explore various themes together: the impact of literature in their lives, their connection as fellow Minnesotans, and the lens through which everyone reads. More listings around the state appear below. Free. FFI: Alayne Hopkins, 651-366-6488, alayne@thefriends.org
PLANETARIUM SHOW: Minnesota in the Cosmos
Minnesota in the Cosmos – the first Bell Museum original production – explores the formation of the universe from a uniquely Minnesota perspective, investigating the deep cosmic and geological history of the land as seen through the eyes of a boy on a field trip to Interstate State Park in Taylors Falls. The museum is at 2088 Larpenteur Ave.W., St. Paul. ASL offered 3:15 p.m. Sun, Nov. 18. OC offered 4 p.m. Fri, Nov. 30. Purchase combination museum and planetarium tickets or planetarium-only tickets. Tickets start at $8 for planetarium only and $17 for planetarium and museum. Discounts available. Planetarium tickets go on sale three weeks before the date of the show. Pre-purchasing is recommended because shows sell out. To arrange ASL, open captioning or accommodations, call 612-626-9660 or email bellaccess@umn.edu
MNCCD TRAINING, MEETING
The Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNCCD) has two upcoming events. The organization’s annual meeting is 1-3 p.m. Tue, Dec. 11 at Goodwill Easter Seals- 553 Fairview Ave. N, St Paul. The organization strategic plan will be shared, along with information about the upcoming legislative session. RSVP: Jack Malone, 612-387-6836, jmalone@mnccd.org
The annual advocacy training is 9 a.m.-2;30 p.m. Fri, Jan. 18 at the State office building, St. Paul. Come learn and prepare for the 2019 legislative session. Cost is $20 and includes lunch.
Preregister. Details will be posted soon. FFI: www.mnccd.org
PRESENT AT 2019 CONFERENCE
Got a story to share or expertise that could help others in the autism community? Apply to speak at the 24th Annual Minnesota Autism Conference, held April 24-27, 2019 at the Marriott Minneapolis Southwest. Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) has issued a call for speakers. Suggested topics include, but are not limited to, positive behavior supports; siblings; strategies for parents; strategies for educators; managing behaviors; transition; sex; gender identity; early intervention; mental health; employment; current research; Individual Education Plans (IEPs); emotion regulation; sensory integration and social skills. AuSM is specifically interested in sessions that address high needs and non-verbal populations, including topics like AAC, employment, housing, and self-determination. Proposals are due Fri, Nov. 16. FFI: Olivia James, ojames@ausm.org
AUTISM SOCIAL GROUP FOR AGE 15+
Reach for Resources offers Social Seekers for individuals (age 15+) on the autism spectrum. Social Seekers activities include games, crafts, discussions, outdoor recreation, and other opportunities for socializing. The program is designed to build group cohesion, sustain friendships, and provide gentle verbal redirection when needed to assist individuals with issues surrounding conflict, assertiveness, boundaries, and more. The next session will run on Wednesdays, 5:00-6:30 p.m., from Sept 12-Nov. 28, but participants can join at any time with advance registration and a required intake. The group meets at the Depot in Hopkins, and cost is $200 for the 10 weeks. FFI: 952-393-5866.
VISION LOSS GROUP OFFERS ACTIVITIES
Vision Loss Resources provides free and low-cost activities in the Twin Cities for people who are blind or visually impaired. Life skills classes for those with low vision; card games, craft classes, book clubs, walking groups, dinners out, special outings and technology classes are among the offerings. Participants need to RVSP to participate, at least three working days prior to an event. The calendar is also available on the Vision Loss Resources website and as a printable large-print PDF document for those who wish to print their own or additional copies. FFI: RSVP hotline, 612-843-3439; activity line and audio calendar, 612-253-5155, www.visionlossresources.org
MCIL HOSTS CLASSES AND ACTIVITIES
The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living provides many life skills classes as well as fun outings and events for people with disabilities. MCIL is at 530 N. Robert Street, St Paul and most activities are there or start there. Classes and events are listed on the website, www.mcil-mn.org. Click on “Classes Groups and Sessions” for updated information or to print their calendar. Please give two weeks’ notice if the alternative format or other accommodations are needed. Events are free, accessible and mostly scent-free. FFI: 651-603-2030
DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS SUPPORT
Jewish Family Service of St. Paul, in partnership with Sholom Home East and the Alzheimer’s Association, facilitates a caregiver support group for people who are providing care to a loved one suffering from dementia. Designed to provide proven resources and methods for caregivers who are caring for someone at home or considering in-home services or a transition to assisted living or long-term care. Meets 3-4 p.m. on the second and fourth Mon of each month in the Community Room at Sholom Home East, 740 Kay Ave., St. Paul. Free and open to the public. RSVP. FFI: Grace, 651-690-8903, glundquist@jfssp.org, or Cassandra, 651-328-2014, cnickell@sholom.com
ILICIL OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES
ILICIL Independent Lifestyles, 215 N. Benton Drive, St. Cloud, offers a number of classes, events and other opportunities for Minnesotans with disabilities in central Minnesota. The center offers its own programming and hosts, other groups. One group it hosts is the St. Cloud Area Parkinson’s Disease Support Group meets 1-2:30 p.m. the third Mon of each month. The center has a full schedule of its own activities including support groups, classes and more. FFI: 320-267-7717
ADULT SUPPORT GROUPS OFFERED
AuSM offers free support groups for adults with autism spectrum disorder. Groups include those for adult family members, women with autism spectrum disorders and independent adults with autism. Check the website for upcoming groups. Groups meet at the AuSM offices at 2380 Wycliff St. FFI: 651-647-1083 ext. 10, www.ausm.org
AUTISM CAREGIVERS’ SUPPORT
Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) announces a new free resource for caregivers and parents. The Caregivers of Kids with Autism Support Group provides a space for parents and caregivers of children with autism ages 4-21 to come together, discuss challenges, share solutions and form relationships with families in similar situations. Many families report feeling alone or isolated, and support groups allow caregivers to make meaningful connections. Meeting at 10:30 a.m.-noon on the second Sat of each month at AuSM, 2380 Wycliff Street #102, St. Paul, and led by a therapist. FFI: www.ausm.org
PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP
The St. Cloud Area Parkinson’s Disease Support Group meets 1-2:30 p.m. the third Mon of each month at ILICIL Independent Lifestyles, 215 N. Benton Drive, St. Cloud. Free. Meetings are open to those diagnosed with Parkinson’s, their families, caregivers and the general public. The group provides support, education, and awareness about the disease. FFI: 320-529-9000
SUICIDE PREVENTION CLASSES OFFERED
QPR is a free, one-hour presentation sponsored by NAMI Minnesota that covers the three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide – Question, Persuade and Refer. Two classes are coming up, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tue, Nov. 13 at First Presbyterian of White Bear Lake, 4821 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake and noon-1 p.m. Wed, Nov. 14 at NAMI Minnesota, Suite 400, 1919 University Ave., W., St. Paul. Just like CPR, QPR is an emergency response to someone in crisis and can save lives. It is the most widely taught gatekeeper training program in the United States, and more than one million adults have been trained in classroom settings in 48 states. Preregister. Avenue. FFI: 651-645-2948, www.nami.org
AUTISM SOCIAL GROUP FOR TEENS
Reach for Resources offers Social Seekers for individuals (age 15+)
on the autism spectrum. Social Seekers activities include games,
crafts, discussions, outdoor recreation, and other opportunities
for socializing. The program is designed to build group cohesion,
sustain friendships, and provide gentle verbal redirection when
needed to assist individuals with issues surrounding conflict,
assertiveness, boundaries, and more. The next session will run on
Wednesdays, 5:00-6:30 p.m., until Nov. 28, but participants can
join at any time with advance registration and a required intake.
The group meets at the Depot in Hopkins, and cost is $200 for the
10 weeks. FFI: 952-393-5866
LEARN ABOUT SUBSTANCE ABUSE
NAMI Minnesota sponsors a free Parent Training on Substance Use and Your Child 6-8 p.m. Thu, Nov. 15 at Northern Service Center, Room 110 B, 1 Mendota Road W. West St. Paul. Alcohol and other drug use can be a difficult topic to discuss with teens, especially when there are so many mixed messages in the media. Navigate those mixed messages by gaining a better understanding of current drug trends and how substances interact with adolescent brain development. Learn tips and tools for parents, including what to do if a teen is using drugs or alcohol, and when to seek treatment. The class will be led by Andria Botzet (M.A., LAMFT) with the assistance of NAMI Staff. FFI: 651-645-2948, www.namimn.org
PACER WORKSHOP SAMPLING
PACER Center offers many useful free or low-cost workshops and other resources for families of children with any disabilities. Workshops are at PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, unless specified. Workshops are offered throughout the state. Advance registration is required for all workshops. Most are free. At least 48 hours’ notice is needed for interpretation.
Ask if workshops are live-streamed. Check out PACER’s website and link to the newsletter of statewide workshops that allows participants to pick and choose sessions catered to their needs.
Special Education and the Important Role You Play for Your Child is 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thu, Nov. 15 at PACER Center. Parents play an important role in the special education process. Participants will learn how parents can use their rights and abilities to advocate for their child and work effectively with the school. The workshop will also provide valuable information for surrogate parents, foster parents and the professions who work with them on behalf of children. Funded in part by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education.
Being an Active Participant in Your Child’s Transition from Early Childhood Special Education to Kindergarten is 9-11 a.m. Sat, November 17 at PACER Center. Kindergarten is a big step in any child’s life. The workshop will help parents of young children with disabilities plan for transition and learn strategies to help their child be successful.
Becoming an Active Partner in Your Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is 6:30-8:30 p.m. Mon, Nov. 26 at PACER Center. The workshop will help parents of children birth to age three understand early intervention services, the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), and how families can be involved in writing child and family outcomes and become active participants in the IFSP process.
APPy Hour: Apps to Support Youth with Vision Loss in the Transition to Adulthood is 2-3 p.m. Tue, Nov. 27, at PACER Center. The workshop will provide an overview and demonstration of apps that support increased independence for youth who are blind or vision impaired. Apps will address accessing print and digital text, identifying objects, and transportation. Co-sponsored by State Services for the Blind. FFI: PACER, 952-838-9000, 800-537-2237, www.pacer.org
