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.

 

ADA Celebration is July 26
A diversity theme highlights Minnesota’s celebration of the 26th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The 2016 celebration starts at 3 p.m. Tue, July 26 at the Minnesota History Center, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. All are welcome to see the rich variety of communities, ethnicities and identities that make up the disability community. A coalition of disability service organizations is sponsoring th event.

A keynote address by Ken Rodgers, chair of the Minneapolis Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities, is at 3 p.m. in the center’s 3M Auditorium. Following is a panel discussion on the joys and challenges of living with a disability in a culturally diverse community. Panelists include Carlos Vazquez, SMG; Mai Thor, Metropolitan Council; Char Coal, artist and disability advocate; and Fardowsa Ali, Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community. Kenneth Brown, a disability and civil rights advocate will moderate the panel discussion, which ends at 5 p.m.

At 6:30 p.m. enjoy a free outdoor performance and lessons as part of the history center series Nine Nights of Music. Angelique Lele, 2015 Miss Wheelchair Minnesota, and Young Dance will perform and provide dance instruction for dancers of all abilities. Lele is a yoga teacher, actor and dancer, specializing in integrative dance. Young Dance brings together youth of all abilities with professional artists to forge an inclusive, creative community.

At 7 p.m., Tamarak, a driving, no-holds-barred, classic rock-n-roll band, will performance. The band’s drummer, Curt Jones, is blind.

The event is free and open to the public. ASL interpreters, audio description and CART captioning will be provided. Food will be available for purchase. Request accommodations by Tue, July 12. FFI: Minnesota State Council on Disability, 651-361-7800, toll-free 1-800-945-8913, www.disability.state.mn.us

 

Award nominations due
The Arc Minnesota every year celebrates the work of those who help Minnesota’s disability community. Nominatean outstanding Minnesotan or Minnesota organization who is working to ensure that all our citizens with disabilities are respected, included, and participating members of their communities. Awards nominations materials and a list of categories are online as are nomination forms. Deadline for submitting nominees is Mon, July 11. FFI Mike Gude, 651-604-8066, mikeg@arcmn.org or www.arcmn.org

 

Tony Attwood to present
Autism Society of Minnesota hosts Tony Attwood and his presentation An Aspie’s Guide to Life’s Challenges Fri, Oct 19 at the University of St. Thomas School of Law, 1000 LaSalle Ave., Mpls. This is Attwood’s first presentation in Minnesota in several years. He will speak on topics including teens with Asperger’s Syndrome, affective cognitive training and managing feelings. Tickets are $85 for Autism Society of Minnesota members, $115 for non-members, $75 for students and $65 for individuals with ASD. Ask about group rates. The talk will sell out quickly so call soon. Sponsorships available FFI: 651-647-1084, www.ausm.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, 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

 

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

 

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

 

Navigate food issues
The Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) will offer an AuSM Skillshop 7-9 p.m. Tue, Aug. 30 to help families address food issues in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The two-hour workshop, Food Fight! Nutritional Strategies for Children with ASD and Their Families, will be held at West Metro Learning Connections in Edina. Research has proven that children with ASD have numerous nutrient deficiencies and gastrointestinal disorders that contribute to poor health and behavioral symptoms. Sensory issues, food refusal, and peculiar cravings affect many children with ASD, making it difficult to introduce healthier foods. Presenter Anne Kelly will share information on the use of whole food powders to make nutrient-rich shakes that are affordable, dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free. She also will offer strategies for simplifying nutrition routines for the
whole family. Preregister as space may fill quickly. FFI: www.ausm.org

 

Tuesday Talks: Animation
Phil Anderson, professor emeritus of Minneapolis College of Art and Design presents an overview of the history of animation including the major studios and animators that brought the art form into the modern age. This talk is in conjunction with the exhibit “What’s Up Doc?” At Minnesota History Center, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. Open captioning offered 10:30 a.m. Tue, July 12. Tickets $2: FFI: 651-259-3015, www.mnhs.org/calendar

 

 

Art Show: Quilts by Halle O’Falvey
Vision Loss Resources, 1936 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls. hosts a display of original quilts by St. Paul artist Halle O’Falvey in this exhibit, part of a rotating series o0f exhibits coordinated by VSA Minnesota. On display through September 2016. Lobby hours are 8 a.m.- 4 p.m., Mon-Fri. Free. FFI: 612-871-2222, 612-332-3888, www.vsamn.org