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.
VISION LOSS GROUP 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. FFI: RSVP hotline 612-843-3439; activity phone 612-253-5155, www.visionlossresources.org
MCIL CLASSES AND ACTIVITIES
The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) 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. 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
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
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 literacy council provides training and support and accommodations for volunteers with disabilities. FFI: Allison, 651-251-9110, volunteer@mnliteracy.org, http://tinyurl.com/adult-opportunities
BE A FREQUENT FILER
Ramsey County – Volunteer Services is looking for people who want to help in an office. Volunteer office assistants are needed in several areas. Multiple shifts are available, Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Midway area and downtown St. Paul locations have limited reimbursement for parking expense or bus fare is provided. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. Ask about accommodations. FFI: 651-266-4090, Volunteer@co.ramsey.mn.us
JOIN PUBLIC POLICY NETWORK
The Arc Minnesota’s Public Policy Network provides legislative updates and helps Minnesotans get involved with issues at the state and federal levels. It provides information about upcoming hearings, action alerts, what proposed laws and policies mean, and when gatherings are help. The 2017 Minnesota Legislature convened in January and preparations are well underway. Sign up by visiting the organization’s website, at www.arcmn.org/stayinformed. FFI: Mike Gude, 651-604-8066, mikeg@arcmn.org
Research dinner on mental illnesses
NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and the University of Minnesota will host the 15th Annual Research Dinner 6 p.m.Thu, Feb. 23, at the Radisson Hotel Roseville, 2540 N. Cleveland Ave., Roseville. The event provides hope and brings new research findings on mental illnesses to the community. New head of psychiatry at the U of M, Sophia Vinogradov, will be a featured speaker. Seating begins at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 members or $55 non-members. Registration is required. The event is approved by the Minnesota Board of Social Work for 1.5 CEUs. FFI: 651-645-2948, www.namihelps.org
Join public policy network
The Arc Minnesota’s Public Policy Network provides legislative updates and helps Minnesotans get involved with issues at the state and federal levels. It provides information about upcoming hearings, action alerts, what proposed laws and policies mean, and when gatherings are help. The 2017 Minnesota Legislature convenes in January and preparations are well underway. Sign up by visiting the organization’s website, at www.arcmn.org/stayinformed. FFI: Mike Gude, 651-604-8066, mikeg@ arcmn.org
FREE TAX PREPARATION
Income tax season is in full swing, and there are now more than 220 sites across the state offering free tax assistance for those filing income tax and property tax refund returns, the Minnesota Department of Revenue announced. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and AARP Tax-Aide programs are two free tax preparation options where volunteers help taxpayers prepare their federal and state income and property tax returns. People with disabilities are among those who qualify for services. All volunteers from both programs are certified by the Internal Revenue Service to prepare basic tax returns in communities throughout Minnesota. Most sites are open now through April 18. FFI: 651-297-3724, 1-800-657-3989
ATTEND SNOWFLAKE BALL
People with disabilities of high school age and older can don their formalwear and dancing shoes, and attend the annual Formal Snowflake Ball, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sat, Feb 18 at Ridgewood Church, 4420 County Rd. 101, Minnetonka. Admission is $10, for one person and one caregiver. Enjoy live music, entertainment, dancing, formal photos, snacks, manicures and a gift bag to take home. Preregister. The event is sponsored by Joni and Friends, an international disability ministry and Ridgewood Church. FFI: www.snowflakeball.wordpress.com
ART FOR ALL
Rise Inc. invites community members to see a beautiful new mosaic created by agency clients, staff and volunteers, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tue, Feb. 14 at 8406 Sunset Road N.E. Spring Lake Park. A program will be held at 11:15 a.m., with a tour at noon. The Art for All mosaic will lift spirit and inspire. RSVPs appreciated but not required. FFI: zleonard-monrad@rise.org
STEPS OF HOPE 2017
AuSM presents Steps of Hope for Autism in Minnesota, its 17th annual family fun walk and the state’s largest autism resource fair at 8:30-11 a.m. Sat, March 5 at Southdale Center, Edina. Each participant is an autism hero, rallying for the one in 68 individuals living with autism in Minnesota. Registration to participate (including the autism resource fair) is free. Preregister, collect pledges and help fund AuSM’s innovative programs and services. Those who pre-register and raise $100 or more will receive a free Steps of Hope 2017 T-shirt. FFI: www.SOHwalk.org
Farmers invited to conference
The Minnesota AgrAbility Project hosts its 24th Annual Fenceline Conference March 12-13 at the Holiday Inn & Suites, St. Cloud. The conference is free but reservations are requested. Conference theme is “What’s Your Plan,” with a focus on farm safety. Hear a program and legislative updates, learn what’s new in agriculture, prepare a safety plan, discuss care for caregivers and more.
The project helps farmers with disabilities and their families find the right solutions to barriers they face while farming. It is dedicated to helping farmers work more safely, productively and independently. Services offered include on-site farm consultation, low-interest loans, education and training, safety planning, financial planning, support and advocacy and peer support network. Vendors will be on hand to demonstrate new products and services.
The MN AgrAbility project is administered by EquipALife, a non-profit community organization committed to serving famers with disabilities throughout the state of Minnesota. FFI: 866-535-8239, www.equipalife.org
