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.
Opportunities for artists
VSA Minnesota offers two opportunities for artists, in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Chautauqua at the Cowles Center for Dance and Performing Arts in Mpls will be a two-day gathering for Minnesota Arts, disability, and public administrators and artists/arts attendees. VSA Minnesota will host an exhibition as well as live performances Sept. 25-26. Performing artists of all types are urged to apply. The event also offers exhibition opportunities for artists who create two-dimensional, artwork that is of high artistic quality, demonstrating originality, imagination, skillful use of materials, and quality of craft. Artists of all abilities thrive thanks in large part due to opportunities through the ADA. Chautauqua is an Iroquois word, meaning, ‘two moccasins tied together.’ The term originated in 1874 in Chautauqua, New York, which lends its name to the format. It refers to an adult education movement featuring lectures, play, and musical performances; the word is also used for any single organization pursuing this activity. For artists, please make submissions in jpegs and email to exhibitions@vsamn.org Alternative formats and accommodations, Braille and large print formats are available upon request. For direct assistance, please contact Halle O’Falvey, Exhibition Coordinator, 612-332-3888 or email exhibitions@vsamn.org O’Falvey is also the contact for performing artists. Deadline is 11:59 p.m. Fri, July 31.
Minnesota Fringe Festival
The 22nd annual Minnesota Fringe Festival features 175 companies presenting 900 performances of theater, dance, performance art, storytelling and other entertainment at 25 Mpls. venues, all accessible to people with mobility impairments. Shows last 60 minutes or less, and a new show starts every 90 minutes. Performing groups come from Minnesota as well as from across the country. The schedule with show descriptions is searchable at www.fringefestival.org, with a listing of shows utilizing AD or ASL here and available for printing at home. For a daily recording of shows presented with AD or ASL, call VSA Minnesota at 612-332-3888. Tickets can be purchased online or at each venue. A $4 Fringe button is required of all attendees. FFI: 612-872-1212, www.fringefestival.org
ZagZum Art Exhibition & Sale
This art exhibition and sale features visual artists who live with mental and physical disabilities. At Mpls Convention Center, The Seasons on 2nd Level, 1301 Second Ave. S. ASL/AD offered 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Sat,
July 11, Free. Reserve Admission at Eventbrite. FFI: 612-930-4230, www.zagzum.org
Save the date: The Arc MN
The Arc Minnesota reminds everyone to save the date for the annual conference, set for Sat, Oct. 24 at Shoreview Community Center, Shoreview. Theme is A Working Life and keynote speaker is Nancy Brooks-Lane, senior consultant, Center for Social Capital. Watch for details. FFI: www.thearcmn.org
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
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. 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.mcilmn.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
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 a few 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/opportunities/adult
Art Show: Tanya L. Dickinson
Vision Loss Resources hosts a free show by Princeton artist Tanya L. Dickinson, at 1936 Lyndale Ave. S. (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,
vsamn.org/artists-disabilities/exhibit-program/
Art Show: Simon Carvalho
Park State Bank, 1108 Nicollet Mall, Suite 210, Mpls.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, http://tinyurl.com/vsa-dis-art
