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 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. On the web accessible performance listings are found at www.vsamn.org/calendar.html, orwww.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.
Sign up to connect with ASL Interpreted and Captioned Performances Across Minnesota on Facebook (or http://tinyurl.com/ctwnfzc. Sign up to connect with Audio Description Across Minnesota Performances on Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/d34dzo2. Want to attend a show but not finding the accessible services needed? Contact t the performing company as far in advance as possible to request the service. Arts organizations can borrow a captioning display unit from VSA Minnesota for free. Call the Minnesota Relay Service at 711 or 1-800-627-3529 with the number of the arts organization box office. With video relay a caller’s video phone number automatically connects to a sign language interpreter when making a call to another caller who does not also have a VP.
Share a smile
Brighten the day of a senior citizen in north or southwest Minneapolis and have fun. Visit an elder and do things together: movies, games, crafts or just friendly conversation. Hang out with an elder on a regular basis and do things that you both enjoy, like watching a movie, building stuff, playing games or friendly conversation. One-time or ongoing opportunities through the NIP Senior Program. FFI: Jeanne, 612-746-8549, srvolunteer@neighborhoodinvolve.org, or www.neighborhoodinvolve.org
Help with arts calendar
VSA Minnesota is seeking a volunteer or volunteers to assist with the compilation of the monthly VSA Minnesota arts calendar. The calendar lists accessible performances, films, galleries and events throughout the region. FFI: Jon, 612-332-3888 or 800-801-3883, Voice/TTY, access@vsamn.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 literacy council provides training and support. Accommodations for volunteers with disabilities. FFI: Allison, 651-251-9110, volunteer@mnliteracy.org, www.mnliteracy.org/volunteers/opportunities/adults
Mark recovery month
The Minnesota Department of Human Services will mark the beginning of Recovery Month this September with an event celebrating Minnesotans in recovery from addiction and mental health disorders, particularly veterans and service members. The kick-off event, which will focus on the needs of veterans, service members and their families, is set for Wed, Sept., 4, in Rooms 2370/80 at the Elmer L. Andersen Human Services Building, 540
Cedar St, St. Paul. Resource tables will be open and a social hour will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by a program from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Free parking is available in the Andersen building ramp, which can be entered from Minnesota Street between 10th and 11th streets. Kevin McCauley, a former naval flight surgeon who treated pilots with alcohol and drug problems, will be the keynote speaker for the event. As a physician and co-founder of the Institute for Addiction Study in Salt Lake City, McCauley advocates for the rights of addicts as patients.
State and federal officials also have been invited to speak. The event is free and all are welcome, but those attending should RSVP. FFI: 651-431-3250, dhs.adad@state.mn.us
Olmstead Plan meetings
Public meetings and listening sessions throughout Minnesota are set to hear input on the state’s Olmstead Plan. The Olmstead Sub-Cabinet is committed to providing accommodations to people with disabilities so that everyone can participate in the listening sessions. Hear about the plan’s status and make comments. It is important that people come to these meetings to make their voices heard regarding this plan. The events are; 1-4 p.m. Tue, Aug. 13 at Duluth City Hall Council Chambers, 411 W. 1st St.; and 1-3 p.m. Mon, Aug. 19 at Heintz Center Commons, Rochester Community and Technical College, 1926 College View Road. Anyone needing accommodations or modifications because of a disability should contact organizers at least two weeks in advance and provide specific information on what is needed, as well as contact information. FFI: opc.public@state.mn.us
Gallery Tour
Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Mpls, hosts its monthly ASL interpreted tour 2 p.m. Sat, Sept. 7. The event is free. A tour guide and interpreter work in tandem to bring works of art to life in hour-long conversational strolls through the galleries and, during the summer, in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. The free tour begins in the Bazinet Garden Lobby next to the admission desk, and registration is not required. Assisted listening devices and portable stools are available for tours. Large-print and Braille visitor guides are available at the lobby desk. Audio description is programmed for selected events and also available by request with at least two weeks advance notice. FFI: 612-375-7609, education.resources@walkerart.org, http://learn.walkerart.org/accessibility.wac or http://www.walkerart.org/visit/accessibility.
A Splendid Legacy: Minnesota Collectors and their Stories
Minneapolis Institute of Arts, 2400 Third Ave. S. hosts an ASL interpreted tour 1 p.m. Sun, Sept. 8. This is a change in date; no tour Sept. 1. A free ASL-interpreted public tour is typically on the first Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. begins by the Information Desk in the museum lobby. Interpreted tours are also scheduled on other days. On the second weekend of each month, free tours are offered for visitors with memory loss, Alzheimer’s and their friends or care partners. FFI: 612-870-3131,TTY 612-870-3132; dhegstro@artsmia.org, www.artsmia.org
