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.
Eye-Dentity exhibit opens
Leili Tajadod Pritschet, a native of Iran and a resident of Minneapolis for many years, will exhibit her new and selected works at Homewood Studios, 2400 Plymouth Ave., Minneapolis, Jan. 16 to Feb. 9. An opening reception will be held 3-5 p.m. Sat, January 16. The artist will present a gallery talk at 7 p.m. Tue, Jan. 19. Pritschet has created a series of new paintings focused on the metaphors and symbolism of the garden.
As a victim of torture, and as a woman growing older and confronted with diminished eyesight, she shares her experience and healing via painting. She said, “What I cannot say in the language of words, I capture in the language of images with humor and whimsy as well as pathos and poignancy. Creating art is a tremendous tool in my healing process. With each stroke of the paint brush, my body and spirit begin to heal. I engage in a visual discourse about the enigmatic, disquieting experience of growing old.”
She added, “Eye-dentity is inspired by the sudden loss of my eyesight and explores the complex relationship between nature and human beings and especially the vanishing wonderland of aging.” Pritschet is a repeat grant and award recipient from VSA Minnesota and the State Arts Board. When still living in Iran, she was an internationally known dancer, director and choreographer. FFI: 612-587-0230, www.homewoodstudios.com
Tour for people with memory loss
Minnesota Historical Society presents a sensory-friendly tour of the James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Ave., St. Paul. Next tour is 10 a.m. Tue, Feb. 2, with other tours at the same time March 1 and April 5. Free but reservations required. Tour designed for people with memory loss issues and their caregivers. FFI: 651-259-3015 or online, or here.
Crisis Link line open
A new Crisis Link has been launched as part of MinnesotaHelp.info, the state’s comprehensive website for services, resources and information. Crisis Link connects people with resources for dealing with a variety of intense situations, including mental health and/or substance abuse problems for both children and adults, need for emergency housing or longer term housing, fear of being harmed, or need for health care, food, a job or transportation. Crisis Link has an extensive listing of contact information for helping organizations, primarily government and nonprofit agencies, including suicide and domestic violence hotlines. It features an online chat service available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays to ensure people get to the information they need and use. Crisis Link is integrated into Minnesota’s information and assistance system that includes, in addition to the Minnesotahelp.info website, the Senior LinkAge Line at 1-800-333-2433, or Disability Linkage Line at 1-866-333-2466. FFI: go here.
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
MCIL offers classes and 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
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. Check the web site for upcoming groups. Groups meet at the AuSM offices at 2380 Wycliff St. FFI: 651-647-1083 ext. 10, www.ausm.org
Prepare for 2016 Legislature
Two groups are asking people to share stories for the upcoming legislative session. Minnesota Consortium for citizens with Disabilities is seeking stories about the challenges of living on $736. Month, the allowable limit for Medical Assistance. These are for the Faces of Disability exhibit. FFI: Sheryl Grassie, consortium director, at 952-818-8718, srgrassie@mnccd.org Best Life Alliance is seeking stories and photos to support its campaign for an increase in care giver wagers. Pieces don’t have to be lengthy and there is a template as well as a consent form. FFI: bestlifealliance@gmail.com
Plan for conference
Save the date of Sat, March 19 for the Meeting of the Minds Dementia Conference, a collaboration between the Alzheimer’s Association and Mayo Clinic. It’s a day filled with dementia information, presentations, support and resources for people with mild cognitive impairment or early dementia, families, friends and professionals. It will be held at St. Paul RiverCentre. General conference registration will open at 9 a.m. Mon, Jan 4. FFI: Deborah Richman, 952-857-0551, drichman@alz.org
Housing group to meet
It has been several years since the MN-CCD Housing Group met, but that is changing with interest in working on housing issues. A meeting is set for 10:30 a.m.-noon Tue, Jan. 12 at 2446 University Ave. West, Suite 110, St. Paul. MN-CCD Working Group meetings are open to anyone having an interest in the topic. RSVP. FFI: jo@mnccd.org
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. Onetime 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, or go here.
