Jacobson Award nominees sought
Nominate an entrepreneur Courage Kenny Foundation is seeking worthy applicants for the 2015 Judd Jacobson Memorial Award. Established in 1992, the Judd Jacobson Memorial Award recognizes pursuit or achievement of a business entrepreneurial endeavor by a person with a physical disability or sensory impairment.
The award recipient receives a $5,000 cash award to advance his or her entrepreneurial business endeavor and is honored at a special event. Applications are due Sept. 4.
Nominees must have a physical disability or sensory impairment, and demonstrate pursuit of achievement of an entrepreneurial business endeavor.
Nominees must be 18 years of age or older and reside in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota or South Dakota. To be consideration, a nominee or a nominator must fill out a form and clearly specify how the money will be used to further the business endeavor. Nominees may attach supplementary information to support the nomination, including a biography/resume, letters of recommendation and a business plan. Finalists may be asked to come to Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute for an interview.
Recipient and runners up will be notified of the selection committee’s decision shortly after the interview. FFI: www.allinahealth.org/jacobson
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.
Art Show: Tanya L. Dickinson
Vision Loss Resources hosts a free show by Princeton artist Tanya L. Dickinson, at 1936 Lyndale Ave. (at Franklin), Mpls. Lobby open 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Mon-Fri. It is part of a rotating series of exhibits coordinated by VSA Minnesota and runs through Aug. FFI: VLR: 612-871-2222; VSA MN: 612-332-3888, website
Art Show: Simon Carvalho
Park State Bank, 1108 Nicollet Mall, Suite 210, Mpls. hosts a free exhibit of photography of beautiful flowers by St. Paul photographer Simon Carvalho. Lobby open 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Mon-Fri. It is part of a rotating series of exhibits coordinated by VSA Minnesota and runs through Sept. Photos are for sale. FFI: Park State Bank: 612-238-0430; VSA Minnesota: 612-332-3888. Website
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 a senior on a regular basis and do things that you both enjoy, like watching a movie, playing games or friendly conversation. One-time or ongoing opportunities through the NIP Senior Program. FFI: Jeanne, 612-746-8549, www.neighborhoodinvolve.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 and accommodations for volunteers with disabilities. FFI: Allison, 651-251-9110, volunteer@mnliteracy.org, www.mnliteracy.org/volunteers/
Vision loss group 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. One upcoming activity is making Braille angels, 2-4 p.m. Thu, Aug. 20 in St. Paul. Cost is $5. Learn to cut and assemble beautiful angels made from recycled Braille paper. Take home two angels and make extra for the Friends of VLR Craft Booth in November. FFI: RSVP hotline 612-843-3439; activity phone 612-253-5155, www.visionlossresources.org
MCIL offers classes/activities
The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) offers many life skills classes as well as fun outings and activities 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 alternative format or other accommodations are needed. Events are free, accessible and mostly scent-free. FFI: 651-603-2030
Plan for training conference
As part of the ongoing commemoration of the 25th anniversary of passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Minnesota State Council on Disability hosts an ADA Celebration/ Training Conference Wed, Oct. 28 at Mpls Convention Center. The conference focuses on employment, technology, advocacy, and community living and includes a career fair for people with disabilities, in partnership with the Minnesota Business Leadership Network.
It will also feature speakers and informative breakout sessions. The noon hour keynote program will be broadcast live statewide on tpt with participation from communities across Minnesota.
The council is examining how employment has been impacted by the ADA as part of an overall effort to describe its role in Minnesota. Take a short survey on employment here. FFI: 651-361-7803, www.disability.state.mn.us/ada/
