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.
Winterlights: Celebrating the Season
Mpls Institute of Arts, 2400 3rd Ave. S., Mpls. hosts a display of holiday objects that tell the story of events around the world. The nearby Purcell-Cutts House will be decorated for the holidays to reflect the upper-middleclass, “progressive” lifestyle of the Purcells around 1915. Forty-five-minute tours led by costumed docents will emphasize the gifts, toys, food and social traditions of the period that the Purcells might have enjoyed. Shuttle service provided. ASL offered 7 p.m. Thu, Dec. 15 at the Institute. Other interpreted tours and memory loss tours can be scheduled through the tour office. Tickets $5; $4 student/senior; free to members and children ages 12 and younger. Winterlights Tours of the Purcell-Cutts House, given on weekends, can be reserved at Visitor and Member Services desks or at 612-870-3000 or online. For access services, email dhegstro@artsmia.org, visit@artsmia.org
Arts & Disability Community Gathering
VSA Minnesota hosts six gatherings in Greater Minnesota to discuss how people with disabilities engage in arts around the state. VSA wants to hear from people who are blind or deaf, live with mental illness or a developmental disability, or have physical or other disabilities brought on by medical conditions. Participants can discuss what they are you doing in the arts, and what barriers they are experiencing. Also, people who work in arts settings are invited to bring questions about serving people with disabilities more effectively. Learn about VSA Minnesota’s 2017 Emerging Artist Grant Program, which will award six $2,000 grants to artists with disabilities to create new work in the coming year (deadline is January 17). Other plans to increase participation of people with disabilities both as self-employed artists and as employees in organizations will also be discussed. Refreshments served. Events are free and fragrance-free. RSVP requested. The deadline to request ASL interpreting has passed so check to see where it is being offered.
Attend Tue, Dec. 13, 2-3:30 p.m. at Southwest Minnesota Regional Arts Council office, 114 N. 3rd St., Marshall and 6-7 p.m. at Cottonwood County Historical Museum, 812 4th Avenue, Windom.
Four gatherings are offered Thu, Dec. 15, 2-3:30 p.m. at East Central Regional Arts Council office, 112 Main St. S., Braham; and at a location to be determined in Mankato; and 6:30-8 p.m. at Southeast Minnesota Arts Council office, 2778 Commerce Dr. NW, Rochester, and the Paramount Center for the Arts, 913 W. St. Germain, St. Cloud.
FFI: 800-801-3883, http://vsamn.org
Join public policy network
The Arc Minnesota’s Public Policy Network provides legislative updates and helps Minnesotans get involved with issues at the state and federal levels. It provides information about upcoming hearings, action alerts, what proposed laws and policies mean, and when gatherings are help. The 2017 Minnesota Legislature convenes in January and preparations are well underway. Sign up by visiting the organization’s website, at www.arcmn.org/stayinformed FFI: Mike Gude, 651-604-8066, mikeg@arcmn.org
Help Me grow now multi-lingual
Help Me Grow Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Education have launched a multilingual website, helpmegrowmn.org, to give parents, professionals and caregivers a one-stop resource for early childhood development. With information in English, Somali, Hmong and Spanish, the website helps parents understand their child’s typical developmental milestones. It also provides useful information for parents of children with developmental delays or disabilities. Adults who are concerned about a child’s development can use the website to refer a child for a free developmental screening through their public school.
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
Vision rehabilitation offered
Vision Loss Resources is offering a full menu of vision rehabilitation services, available in clients’ home or onsite at VLR. An affordable individualized service plan will be offered to each participant. The rehabilitation services are geared to provide participants the practical skills they need to remain independent and at safe at home. Services are offered as part of an affordable service plan. Sliding fee scale options are available and a grant from United Way will help continue to serve those who cannot afford to pay for services. The support groups, peer counseling, and volunteer services will continue to be offered without charge. FFI: 612-843-3411
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. FFI: RSVP hotline 612-843-3439; activity phone 612-253-5155, www.visionlossresources.org
MCIL offers 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, listed at “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
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, or their website.
Share a smile
Brighten the day of a senior citizen and have some fun. Spend time with an elder individual on an ongoing basis and do fun things in Minneapolis and suburban Hennepin County. Small groups and families welcome. Youth volunteers must be age 12 or older and supervised by an adult. This volunteer program through Senior Community Services now includes the seniors program formerly served by the Neighborhood Involvement Program. Many volunteer options available. FFI: Jeanne, 952-767-7894, scsvolunteer@seniorcommunity.org
Saori Fiber Art by Bloom
This exhibit, part of a rotating series of exhibits coordinated by VSA Minnesota, features Saori weavings by a group of artists called Bloom. Work by VSA Emerging Artist Grantee Devra Goldstein is also in the show. This compassionate team of Saori weavers works together to create beautiful art three days a week at White Bear Center for the Arts, creating their work and enjoying interacting with other artists from the community. Their work is as unique as each artist. At Vision Loss Resources, 1936 Lyndale Ave. S. (at Franklin), Mpls. Lobby open Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. On display through March 7. Free. FFI. VLR: 612-871-2222, vsamn.org/
