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.
SPINAL CORD INJURY, TBI SYMPOSIUM
The 2018 Minnesota Spinal Cord and Traumatic Brain InjuryResearch Symposium is 1-5 p.m. Wed, Jan. 31 at HealthPartners Neuroscience Center, 295 Phalen Blvd, St. Paul. The event is free, but participants must preregister. Highlights include 18 presentations on spinal cord and traumatic brain injury research in Minnesota, a post-session and the chance to meet researchers and patients who have participated in studies. The Minnesota Spinal Cord & Traumatic Brain Injury Research Grant Program funds research into new and innovative treatments and rehabilitation for the functional improvement of people with spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries. FFI, go here.
SPEAK FOR YOURSELF
Be an effective self-advocate with these upcoming training sessions, sponsored by National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) Minnesota and Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNCCD) MNCCD offers advocacy training 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Tue. Jan. 23 at the Minnesota Department of Transportation Cafeteria, 395 John Ireland Blvd., St. Paul. Cost is $20 and includes a lunch voucher. Prepare for the 2018 legislative session and learn new advocacy skills. Preregister. FFI: www.mnccd.org
NAMI Minnesota hosts free legislative trainings for mental health advocates 6-8 p.m. Thu, Jan. 25 and Tue, Jan. 30 and 10 a.m.-noon Sat, Feb. 10 at NAMI Minnesota, 800 Transfer Road, Suite 31, St. Paul. NAMI Minnesota is a non-profit organization that works to improve the lives of children and adults with mental illnesses and their families through its programs of education, support and advocacy.
Learn about the legislative process, how to contact elected officials, and the most effective ways to share stories. The two-hour workshop program is for anyone interested in advocating for changes to improve the lives of children and adults with mental illnesses and their families. Preregister. FFI: 651-645-2948 or see “classes” at namihelps.org
CREATING CARING COMMUNITIES
Speakers from National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Minnesota present Creating Caring Communities 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mon, Jan. 22 at Woodland Hills Church, 1740 Van Dyke St., St. Paul Learn about mental illnesses, the impact of negative attitudes and five things everyonecan do to make Minnesota a better place for people who experience a mental illness. Free and open to the public. FFI: Brianna Libby, 651-645-2948 x128.
FREE SKILLS HELP
Anyone needing to to learn English, get a GED, gain citizenship, brush up on math and reading, or improve computer skills should call the Adult Literacy Hotline. It is a resource for potential students and social service providers to get connected with free Adult Basic Education programs in their area. The hotline staff maintain a detailed database containing information about 325 programs throughout Minnesota. FFI: 1-800-222-1990, text to 612-424-1211, www.mnliteracy.org/hotline
OPEN HOUSE FOR ADULT DAY LOCATIONS
Rise Inc. hosts open houses to unveil new adult day program locations. One is 3-4:30 p.m. Tue, Jan. 23 at Maplewood Community Center YMCA, 2100 White Bear Ave., Maplewood. The second is 3-4:30 p.m. . Thu, Jan. 25 at Fridley Community Center, 6085 N.E. 7th Street, Fridley. Rise Adult Day Programs offer people ages 18 and older who have brain injuries or physical disabilities who no longer want to work a wide array of recreational, social, health and fitness, and creative activities. Open to the public. Light refreshments served. FFI: 763-567-0626, jandersen@rise.org
TECH FOR GIRLS OFFERED
PACER Center hosts new sessions of its free, popular Tech for Girls Club for middle school girls with disabilities 10-11:30 a.m. Sat, Jan. 20 and Feb. 10, at PACER, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington. These sessions are free. Programming Lights and Sounds is offered Sat, Jan. 20.Work with a LightBlue Bean circuit board to program a light and sound show. Koding with Kodu is offered Sat, Feb. 10. Girls will learn how to code their own video games using Kodu, a visual programming language created by Microsoft. Kodu is designed to be accessible for children and enjoyable for anyone. Tech for Girls Club is an opportunity to have fun with science, technology, engineering, and math. All skill levels are welcome. Preregister FFI: PACER, 952-838-9000, 800-537-2237, www.pacer.org
AUTISM CAREGIVERS’ SUPPORT
Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) announces a new free resource for caregivers and parents. The Caregivers of Kids with Autism Support Group provides a space for parents and caregivers of children with autism ages 4-21 to come together, discuss challenges, share solutions and form relationships with families in similar situations. Many families report feeling alone or isolated, and support groups allow caregivers to make meaningful connections. Meeting at 10:30 a.m.-noon on the second Sat of each month at AuSM, 2380 Wycliff Street #102, St. Paul, and led by a therapist. FFI: www.ausm.org
PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP
The St. Cloud Area Parkinson’s Disease Support Group meets 1-2:30 p.m. the third Mon of each month at ILICIL Independent Lifestyles, 215 N. Benton Drive, St. Cloud. Free. Meetings are open to those diagnosed with Parkinson’s, their families, caregivers and the general public. The group provides support, education, and awareness about the disease. FFI: 320-529-9000
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT OFFERED
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Minnesota offers more than 300 free educational classes statewide each year, along with help in navigating the mental health system. NAMI also has more than 70 free support groups for people living with a mental illness and their families. NAMI Minnesota offers more than 300 free educational classes statewide each year, along with help in navigating the mental health system. In the Twin Cities NAMI has about two dozen family support groups, more than 20 support groups for people living with a mental illness, anxiety support groups, groups for veterans and other groups. Led by trained facilitators, groups provide help and support. Parent resource groups are facilitated by a parent who has a child with a mental illness and who has been trained to lead support groups. A full calendar of all events is offered online. FFI: 651-645-2948, www.namihelps.org
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, at least three working days prior to an event. The calendar is also available on the Vision Loss Resources website and as a printable large-print PDF document for those who wish to print their own or additional copies. FFI: RSVP hotline, 612-843-3439; activity line and audio calendar, 612-253-5155, www.visionlossresources.org
MCIL HOSTS 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, www.mcil-mn.org. Click on “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
ICICIL OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES
ICICIL Independent Lifestyles, 215 N. Benton Drive, St. Cloud, offers a number of classes, events and other opportunities for Minnesotans with disabilities in central Minnesota. The center offers its own programming and hosts, other groups. One group it hosts is the St. Cloud Area Parkinson’s Disease Support Group meets 1-2:30 p.m. the third Mon of each month. The center has a full schedule of its own activities including support groups, classes and more. FFI: 320-267-7717
MCIL HOSTS 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, www.mcil-mn.org. Click on “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
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
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 Council provides training and support and accommodations for volunteers with disabilities. FFI: Allison, 651-251-9110, volunteer@mnliteracy.org, or at their website.
MINNEAPOLIS INSTITUTE OF ART EXHIBIT
Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) in partnership with the Minneapolis Institute of Art has the work of AuSM Artists on display through Sun, Jan. 28. During the summer of 2017, young adults on the autism spectrum came together to explore art and learn social skills at Mia through the AuSM Artists class. Each artist ended the class not only with new friends and skills but with artwork of their own in a variety of media. The institute is at 2400 3rd Ave. S. Mpls. FFI: www.ausm.org, new.artsmia.org/
CECILE BELLAMY & HOLLY TAPPEN
Vision Loss Resources, 1936 Lyndale Ave. S. (at Franklin), Mpls, hosts an exhibit featuring the artwork of Cecile Bellamy of Minneapolis and Holly Tappen of Roseville. Part of a rotating series of exhibits coordinated by VSA Minnesota. Through Jan. 2018. Free during lobby hours, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Mon-Fri. FFI: VSA Minnesota, 612-332-3888
AS WE ARE
The Minnesota State Arts Board presents a visual showcase featuring more than three dozen Minnesota artists with disabilities. Artists have produced work with the support of an Arts Board grant, either as individual artist grantees or through organizations serving individuals with disabilities. The art forms include photography, drawing, mixed media, and painting. Among the artists are five who participated in VSA Minnesota’s statewide Mural Project in 2015: Mark Davison (Living an Inspired Life), Dunji Diego (Untitled), Cecile Bellamy (Dahlia Girl), Samantha Esguerra (Touch & See), Stacey O’Connell (Untitled). At the Minnesota State Arts Board offices, 400 Sibley St, Suite 200, St. Paul. The exhibit is free and held during office hours, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays. Continues through Feb.2018. FFI: Natalie Kennedy, 651-215-1617, Natalie.Kennedy@arts.state.mn.us
