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.
ADA ANNIVERSARY MARCH AND RALLY
Planning is underway to mark the 27th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). ADA 27 –Protecting our Rights! The event is 1-4 p.m., Wed, July 26. A march from the Minnesota History Center lines up at 1 p.m., starts at 1:30 p.m. and ends with a 2:30 p.m. rally in the capitol rotunda. Enjoy speeches and entertainment. Accommodations for the orientation and rally include ASL interpreters, CART and audio description. Deadline to confirm audio description services or to request a reasonable accommodation not listed is July 7. FFI: Cindy at ADA
Minnesota, 651-603-2015, cindyt@mcil-mn.org
PARKING PERMITS OFFERED
Persons with disabilities who work in downtown St. Paul should check into special parking permits. The St. Paul Mayor’s Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities is working with the city’s Department of Public Works to bring awareness about the Disability Special Needs Permit for people with disabilities working in downtown St. Paul. To obtain a permit applicants will need to complete a formal application and interview process. FFI: Elizabeth Stiffler, 651-266-6200.
HEALTHY, INDEPENDENT LIVING
Healthy, independent living is the focus of a conference sponsored by the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNCCD). Save the date of Tue, Oct. 3 and make plans to attend the conference at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church, Mpls. The church is accessible. Keynote speaker is Henry Emmons. Emmons is a doctor and author of the book, The Chemistry of Joy. The conference is for direct support staff, professionals working with people with disabilities, and people experiencing significant health challenges. CEU’s and certificates of attendance are available. MN-CCD is seeking conference presenters, vendors and sponsors. Make plans now to participate in or support the event. Check on the website home page’s conference tab. FFI: www.mnccd.org
MENTAL HEALTH SYMPOSIUM
The PACER Symposium about Children & Young Adults with Mental Health & Learning Disabilities is 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tue, Aug. 15 at Minneapolis Convention Center. Registration fee of $35 includes lunch. Space is limited. Administrator and teacher CEU’s will be available. An outstanding learning opportunity for general and special education teachers, administrators, and parents interested in understanding more about mental health and learning disabilities in children and young adults. Clock hours available for teachers. Gil Noam, the founder and director of The PEAR Institute at Harvard University, will discuss the socio-emotional needs of young people, and positive mental health. Other speakers are featured, along with workshops on dyslexia, culture and mental health, eating disorders, assistive technology, social media and mental health, and many more. FFI: 952-838-9000, www.PACER.org
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT OFFERED
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Minnesota offers more than 300 free educational classes statewide each year, along with help in navigating the mental health system. NAMI also has more than 70 free support groups for people living with a mental illness and their families. NAMI Minnesota offers more than 300 free educational classes statewide each year, along with help in navigating the mental health system. In the Twin Cities NAMI has about two dozen family support groups, more than 20 support groups for people living with a mental illness, anxiety support groups, groups for veterans and other groups. Led by trained facilitators, groups provide help and support. Parent resource groups are facilitated by a parent who has a child with a mental illness and who has been trained to lead support groups. A full calendar of all events is offered online. FFI: 651-645-2948, www.namihelps.org
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
ICICIL OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES
ICICIL 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
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.
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
2017 MINNESOTA FRINGE FESTIVAL
The 24th annual Minnesota Fringe Festival features 11 days (August 3-13) with almost 900 performances of theater, dance, improv, storytelling and other theatrical entertainment at many accessible Mpls. venues. Shows last 60 minutes or less, and a new show starts every 90 minutes. Performing groups come from Minnesota as well as from across the country. AD or ASL or ASL: The 2017 Fringe schedule went online July 1. The list of shows with audio description, ASL interpreting or performers with disabilities will be available later at www.fringefestival.org/access and available for printing at home. For a daily recording of shows presented with AD or ASL, call VSA Minnesota at 612-332-3888. FFI: 612-872-1212, www.fringefestival.org
CLUB THROWS A PARTY
Highland Friendship Club is marking 15 years’ service with a 15- Year Birthday Bash, 3-6 p.m. Sun, July 16 at Highland Park picnic pavilion, 1500 Montreal Av., St. Paul bring a side dish to share. The club will provide hot dogs, chips, water, plates, utensils, ice cream bars and cake. No RSVP required.
ATTEND RISE EVENT
RISE’s third annual “friendraiser” event, Tapping into Possibilities, is 5-7:30 p.m. Mon, July 17 at Bauhaus Brew Labs, 1517 Tyler St., Mpls. Advance tickets are one for $12 or two for $20. At the door pay $15 and $25. Enjoy appetizers, live music and $5 craft beers. Raffles add to the fun. FFI: www.tappingintopossibilities2017.eventbrite.com
REACH FOR RALPH
Attend Reach for Ralph, Hammer Residences’ summer fundraiser, is 5:30-10 p.m. Thu, July 20 at Earle Brown Center, 6155 Earle Brown Drive, Brooklyn Center. The event benefits adults and children with developmental disabilities. Enjoy a casual atmosphere, dinner, auctions, games and beautiful outdoor space. Tickets are $75 if purchased before June 30. Ralph was a student who was part of Alvina Hammer’s first school for children with disabilities. Rather than live in an institution, Ralph enjoyed a full life and grew to adulthood at Hammer. He died in 1995 but his spirit lives on as inspiration for the Hammer logo, figure, statues, and event. FFI: www.hammer.org
AUSM GOLF CLASSIC 2017
The Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) hosts its 22nd annual AuSM Golf Classic at Troy Burne Golf Club in Hudson, Wis. Mon, Aug. 7. In addition to 18 holes of a golf in a scramble format, the event features lunch, a silent auction, a cigar roller, contests to win exciting prizes and an awards banquet. All proceeds will benefit local autism community programs and services. Proceeds benefit AuSM programs. FFI: Vanessa Coates, 651-647-1083 ext. 19, www.ausm.org
PROACT GOLF CLASSIC
The ProAct Golf Classic is Mon, Aug, 28 at Southview Country Club in West St. Paul. Proceeds benefit ProAct’s programs for people with disabilities. Enjoy good food, games, promotions and more. Several sponsorship options also cover tournament fees for players FFI: www.proactinc.org
MENTAL ILLNESS IS EXHIBIT’S FOCUS
Hennepin County Medical Center Inspire Arts Program and ZagZum host Celebrating Creativity 2017: A Visual Art Exhibition Featuring Artists with a Lived Experience of Mental Illness. The exhibit is on display through Aug. 17, at Hennepin County Medical Center, Inspiration Cafe, 701 Park Ave., Orange Building, Level 3, Mpls. Free. Café hours are 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. FFI: 612-836-9303, www.zagzum.org
SUMMER ARTS DISCOVERY
Summer Arts Discovery is a summer-long exhibition, showcasing works byf10 artists throughout Landmark Center on Rice Park in St. Paul. Artists submitted work themed around a collective or inclusive community. Feature artists are Betsy Alwin, Debbie Boyles, Cathy Durso, Kyle Fokken, Sophia Heymans, Isaac S. Lewin, Judd Nelson, Aziz Osman, Andrea Ellen Reed and Craig Snyder. Learn creative techniques directly from selected artists during a free “Make It and Take It” workshop, 1-4 p.m. Sun, Aug. 13. FFI: www.landmarkcenter.org
ART SHOW: MARI NEWMAN
Mpls artist Mari Newman has created art in almost every media, has won many awards and has had work in many galleries and publications. She has vision and hearing loss. See her latest show at Vision Loss Resources, 1936 Lyndale Ave. S. (at Franklin Ave.), Mpls. The show is in the lobby, which is open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon-Fri. It will be up through Aug. FFI: 612-332-3888, http://vsamn.org
