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.
MCIL offers classes and activities
The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living provides many life skills classes as well as fun outings and activities for people with disabilities. MCIL is at 530 N. Robert St, 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
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 prevent suicide
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. Just like CPR, QPR is an emergency response to someone in crisis and can save lives. QPR 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 more than 48 states. A QPR class is offered 6-8 p.m. Tue, April 12 at Arlington Hills Library, 1200 Payne Ave., St. Paul. Preregistration required. FFI: 651-645-2948.
Vision loss group offers activities
Vision Loss Resources offers 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
Attend autism conference
The 21st Annual Minnesota Autism Conference is April 27-30 at Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, Minneapolis. The conference features 35 educational opportunities through keynote presentations and breakout sessions; 30 exhibitors offering autism-focused products and services; networking opportunities; catered lunches; and AuSM’s gala, Celebrate AuSM Inspirations April 29. Costs and the conference schedules are online. FFI: www.ausm.org
Help with children
Raising a child or adolescent with challenging behaviors can be difficult. Learn when and how to seek help, develop parenting strategies, learn the ins and outs of special education and other educational supports, and discover community and county resources available to families. NAMI Minnesota hosts two workshops for parents in April. A free one-day workshop on children’s challenging behaviors is for parents and caregivers of school-age children and is approved for two hours’ training for foster care families. It is 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Thu, April 14 at Augustana Lutheran Church, 1400 S. Robert St, West St. Paul. At 6-8 p.m. Wed, April 20, NAMI hosts a free workshop for parents of children with challenging behaviors or mental illness at Wentworth Library, 199 Wentworth Ave. E., West St. Paul. Learn the role of county crisis teams, de-escalation techniques and how to create effective crisis plans. This workshop also provides information about resources in the community. FFI: 651-645-2948.
