More events information
VSA Minnesota is at http://vsamn.org 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.
Attend session preview
Join the Minnesota State Council on Disability at its annual legislative forum, and get a preview of issues coming up in the 2015 session. A number of disability organizations will be on hand. There was a change from the previously announced date. The new date is 1:30-3:30 p.m. Thu, Dec. 11 at the Minnesota Dept. of Human Services, 444 Lafayette Rd., St. Paul. Please make accommodation requests when registering. Watch the MNSCOD website for details about the event. FFI: 651- 361-7800, 1-800-945-8913, www.disability.state.mn.us
New web address
Those following the formation of Minnesota’s Olmstead Plan will be checking on a new web address. The address was changed and simplified in November. It is now www.mn.gov/olmstead As the Olmstead Implementation Office continues to evolve; staff members will update and change the site. The first step of that process was simplifying the address to offer quicker and more direct access. The Olmstead Office urges everyone to visit the site as it grows and changes, and to share suggestions on what information would be most useful.
Poster and video contest deadline extended
Get out the art supplies and the cameras. The Minnesota State Council on Disability has extended the deadline for its poster contest tied to the 2015 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The deadline for the poster and video contest has been extended to Jan. 17, 2015. Winning entries will be featured at the Statewide 25th ADA Anniversary Celebration on July 26, 2015. The theme is “What does the ADA mean to you?” FFI: 651-361-7803, www.disability.state.mn.us/ada
New anti-bullying program
The Minnesota Vikings have teamed with Verizon and PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center to offer Viktor’s Quest to S.T.O.P. Bullying, a bullying prevention program for Twin Cities area elementary schools during the 2014-2015 school year. The program will be available to 20 elementary schools this school year. The program features interactive call-in guests, including Vikings kicker Blair Walsh, the voice of the Vikings Paul Allen and the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders. In addition, PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center and Verizon are offering participating schools a free educational training seminar for parents, school personnel, and community members. These seminars will cover topics such as identifying bullying, tips for preventing bullying behavior, and appropriate ways that bystanders can take action. Participants will also learn how to reduce cyber-bullying with mobile and Internet safety tips. FFI: www.vikings.com/stopbullying for information
AuSM hosts skillshops
Parents, family members, caregivers, support staff, educators, therapists, individuals with autism, and anyone touched by autism can participate in the monthly 2014-2015 AuSM Skillshop. Learn about housing options, obtain nutrition strategies, learn how to reduce anxiety, get lavatory training tips and much more. Cost for workshops ranges from $10 to $40. Join AuSM and save on fees. Participants must preregister. FFI: 651-647-1083, www.ausm.org
Raise a pint for autism awareness
The Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) invites the public to “What’s On Tap for Autism,” a unique fundraising event, 4-10 p.m. Fri, Dec. 19 at ENKI Brewing in Victoria. The event will feature hand-rolled cigars, delicious chili, exciting prizes and more. ENKI Brewing will donate $1 for each craft beer pour to AuSM. Share a pint and raise dollars to support programs and services for local families touched by autism. FFI: Kelly Knack, 651-647-1083.
Calling Artists with a Disability
The Courage Kenny International Art Show is one of only a handful of juried art shows in the world featuring artists with physical or cognitive disabilities. The show is April 30 – May 22, 2015 at Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute – Golden Valley. FFI: www.callforentry.org and search keyword: courage.
Courage Kenny Cards bring cheer, help artists
Courage Kenny Cards are beautiful holiday cards featuring original artwork, many by artists with disabilities. New cards are released every year. Proceeds from the sale of these cards support Courage Kenny clients. Courage Kenny Cards are available at all Lunds, Byerly’s, Bachman’s locations, County Market —Hudson, Rose Floral, Stillwater and also at Courage Kenny — Golden Valley. Order online at www.couragekennycards.org
Share a smile
Brighten the day of a senior citizen in north or southwest Minneapolis. One-time or ongoing opportunities through the NIP Senior Program. FFI: Jeanne, 612-746-8549, srvolunteer@neighbor hoodinvolve.org or www.neighborhoodinvolve.org
Open the Door to Education
Help adults reach their educational goals and earn their GED. The literacy council provides training, support and accommodations for volunteers with disabilities. FFI: Allison, 651-251-9110, volunteer@mnliteracy.org, www.mnliteracy.org/volunteers/opportunities/adults
Have your say on the Americans with Disabilities Act
In 1990 the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became a law. In 2015 the act reaches its 25-year anniversary. As part of an overall effort to describe the ADA’s role in Minnesota, the Minnesota State Council on Disability (MSCOD) wants to know what has been the impact on you. MSCOD wants to know personal experiences as a person with a disability who is currently employed or seeking employment or as an employer
Survey responses are needed by Jan. 17, 2015. Be a part of the future of the ADA in Minnesota and take the survey at http://tinyurl.com/ADA25employmentMN The Minnesota State Council on Disability contracted with the Improve Group, a St. Paul-based research group, to study what the employment landscape looks like now that ADA has been law for 25 years. The state council is asking employers and people with a disability who are employed or seeking employment to complete this survey to inform the public’s understanding of ADA’s impact.
The survey asks about the following:
• Familiarity with ADA and laws regarding employment of people with a disability
• Best practices regarding employing people with disabilities
• Changes and experience with employers’ Human Resources
• Basic demographics
• Opinions about ADA and experiences with employment, job-seeking, and hiring
Share the survey with others, as all opinions count. The public can request a copy of the final report derived from the survey. Contact Andy Mosca at 651-361-7803 with any questions.
MSCOD has received funding through the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund from the Legacy Amendment to help carry out activities marking the 25th anniversary of the ADA. For more information about the Legacy Fund visit http://www.legacy.leg.mn/ MSCOD’s Legacy Funds are administered by the Minnesota Humanities Center. Learn more about the Minnesota Humanities Center at www.minnesotahumanities.org/
For a list of the partners in planning all 25th ADA events and activities, visit www.disability.state.mn.us/ada/our-partners/
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. The bi-monthly In Focus speakers’ series starts 1-2:30 p.m. Mon, Jan. 5 with Lisa Larges, State Services for the Blind Outreach Coordinator. She will share information on services offered: to seniors; to job seekers; how to have print materials transcribed to accessible formats; and additional new initiatives underway at State Services for the Blind. There will be time for questions and answers. State Services for the Blind.
This event will be held at the Minneapolis facility. Preregister. FFI: RSVP hotline 612-843-3439; activity phone 612-253-5155, www.visionlossresources.org
MCIL offers classes, activities
The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living offers many life skills classes as well as fun outings and activities for people with disabilities. MCIL is located 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 this 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
Adult support groups offered
Autism Society of Minnesota (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. Groups meet monthly throughout 2014. Groups meet monthly at the AuSM offices at 2380 Wycliff St. FFI: 651-647-1083 ext. 10, www.ausm.org
A Rare and Revealing Look at Mental Illness
Scenes, Monologues, Poetry, Song and Dance. Vail Place members present sketches, monologues, poetry, song and dance about mental illness, at History Theatre, 30 East 10th St., St. Paul. The show is 7 p.m. Wed, Dec. 17. ASL interpretation is provided if requested at least one week in advance. Admission is free; donations are welcome. The show was produced through collaboration with History Theater and is funded by the Minnesota State Arts Board. The show will be followed by a dessert reception. FFI: Kate Gillen, 952-945-4232, kgillen@vailplace.org, http://bit.ly/1BNdlks
Art Show: Gayle Wyant
Artwork by Gayle Wyant of Circle Pines is featured through the end of 2014 in the Vision Loss Resources lobby gallery, 1936 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls. The lobby is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon through Fri. The exhibit is free. The exhibit is part of a rotating series of exhibits coordinated by VSA Minnesota. FFI: Vision Loss Resources 612-871-2222; VSA MN 612-332-3888, http://vsamn.org/gayle-wyant-art-exhibit-vision-loss-resources
Art Show: Expression
Ten Twin Cities artists with disabilities are featured in an exhibit celebrating the interpretation of thoughts, feelings, concepts and ideas into two-dimensional artwork. Artists include Felix Cheng, Maplewood; Michelle Chapa, Chaska; Lisa Dietz, Golden Valley; Halle O’Falvey, St. Paul; Jill Lynne Ness, Coon Rapids and Minneapolis artists Janelle Kay Doyle, Peter A. Elvidge, Tara Innmon, Samuel Lynn and Mari Newman. The show is at the Management Association, 9805 45th Ave. N., Plymouth. It is free and held 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon through Fri through the end of 2014. FFI: MRA: 763-253-9129; VSA Minnesota: 612-332-3888, www.vsamn.org
Art Show: Emerging Artists
Fourteen artists with disabilities are featured in this exhibit celebrating new work created by 2012-13 winners of Emerging Artist Grants from VSA Minnesota, funded by the Jerome Foundation. Artwork and samples of writing will be exhibited, and a reception will be held Jan. 8 to meet the artists and hear from the writers. The free exhibit is Jan. 5-15, at Soo Visual Arts Center, 2638 Lyndale Ave. S. Mpls. Hours are Wed 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thurs. – Fri, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Sat – Sun, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Visual artists are Caleb Belleveau, Mpls, sculpture; Paul J. Flick, Mpls, mixed media; Christi Furnas, Mpls, painting; Devra Goldstein, Plymouth, Saori weaving, fiber art; Peter F. Hinze, Mpls, watercolor and pastels; Mari Alice Newman, Mpls, collage, acrylics; Leili Tajadod Pritschet, Mpls, painting; Bridget Riversmith, Duluth, kinetic art; Lydia Sponslier, Minnetonka, painting. Multimedia artists are Jill Lynne Ness, Coon Rapids, creative non-fiction, poetry, images; and Wendy Lee Savage, Duluth, millinery. Writers are Charmaine P. Donovan, Brainerd, poetry and Lindagail Roy, Mpls, creative nonfiction. Performance artist is Anne Sawyer-Aitch, Mpls, puppetry. FFI: Soo Center 612-871-2263; VSA Minnesota 612-332-3888, www.vsamn.org
