Welcome to the Access Press Accessible Fun listings. Readers looking for additional opportunities to enjoy the arts have these options:
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. On the web accessible performance listings are found at www.vsamn.org/calendar.html, or www.mrid.org, www.testing.accesspress.org, or http://c2net.org (c2: caption coalition, inc.), which does most of the captioned shows in Minnesota and across the country.
Sign up to connect with ASL Interpreted and Captioned Performances Across Minnesota on Facebook (or http://tinyurl.com/ctwnfzc. Sign up to connect with Audio Description Across Minnesota Performances on Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/d34dzo2. Want to attend a show but not finding the accessible services needed? Contact t the performing company as far in advance as possible to request the service. Arts organizations can borrow a captioning display unit from VSA Minnesota for free. Call the Minnesota Relay Service at 711 or 1-800-627-3529 with the number of the arts organization box office. With video relay a caller’s video phone number automatically connects to a sign language interpreter when making a call to another caller who does not also have a VP.
Artists around town
Upstream Arts, a Mpls-based program for artists with disabilities, offers a number of programs and services for artists. The mission of Upstream Arts is to enhance the lives of adults and youth with disabilities by fostering creative communication and social independence through the power of arts education. The program website has a blog that is always worth checking, to see what activities Upstream Art staff and artists are doing in the community. The blog is updated regularly. Visit www.upstreamarts.org
Gallery Tour
Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Mpls, hosts its free accessible monthly tour at 2 p.m. on the first Saturday of the month. The tour begins in the Bazinet Garden Lobby next to the admission desk. A tour guide and interpreter bring works of art to life in hour-long conversational strolls through the galleries and, during the summer, in the Sculpture Garden. Registration is not required.bAssisted listening devices, portable stools, large-print and Braille visitor guides are available at the lobby desk. Audio description and ASL interpreting are available for events/shows by request with at least two weeks’ advance notice. FFI: 612-375-7609, education.resources@walkerart.org, www.walkerart.org/visit/accessibility
Watch for update, training
Although the 2013 Minnesota Legislature has wrapped up for the year, the advocacy work of the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNCCD) is not done. MN-CDD is a statewide coalition of disability advocacy and provider organizations that work together on disability policy issues at the state capitol; and work together to create positive change. Watch for information about advocacy events and opportunities going on this summer and fall and how to be involved in advocacy. MN-CCD will be hosting a 2013 legislativ wrap-up and celebration event this summer. MN-CCD will also be hosting advocacy trainings and town hall forums across the state. Dates will be posted soon. FFI: www.mnccd.org
Seniors can seek healthy food
To increase seniors’ access to nutritious foods, the Minnesota Department of Human Services announced the launch of a new one-page application for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for Minnesotans age 60 and older. At the end of 2012, only 50.5 percent of seniors eligible for SNAP were accessing it.
Currently, more than 500,000 Minnesotans are on SNAP. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Application for Seniors is for seniors-only households. The application is one page, two-sided, with additional attachments, including instructions and resource information. Previously, seniors needed to complete a combined application for food, cash and health care benefits, which all others interested in applying still need to complete. The department is working with counties, community groups and outreach organizations to get the word out about the new application. Seniors interested in applying for SNAP should contact their county social service agency.
Apply for opportunity
The Partners in Policymaking program is now inviting applications for its free nine-month leadership training program. Individuals with disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities will be trained at no cost in monthly sessions, starting this fall.
Deadline is July 15. Over the course of eight sessions, they learn how to become strong, knowledgeable, and effective advocates for themselves, their children, and others with disabilities. Sessions cover the history of the disability and self-advocacy movements, inclusive education, supported living, and avenues to influence county, state and federal legislative processes. The two-day meetings are all held on weekends, from September to May. Costs are covered by a federal grant.
Child care, respite allowances, and overnight accommodations are also provided for those who have to travel from outside the metro area to attend. Mileage and meals are also covered by the grant. Sessions will be held at the Minneapolis Airport Marriott in Bloomington. FFI: www.mngts.org/partnersinpolicymaking or cschoeneck@mngts.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 an elder on a regular basis and do things that you both enjoy, like watching a movie, building stuff, playing games or friendly conversation. One-time or ongoing opportunities through the NIP Senior Program. FFI: Jeanne, 612-746-8549, srvolunteer@neighborhoodinvolve.org, or www.neighborhoodinvolve.org
Help with arts calendar
VSA Minnesota is seeking a volunteer or volunteers to assist with the compilation of the monthly VSA Minnesota arts calendar. The calendar lists accessible performances, films, galleries and events throughout the region. FFI: Jon, 612-332-3888 or 800-801-3883, Voice/TTY, access@vsamn.org
Help for service dogs
Dentists from BluePearl Veterinary Partners are scheduled to participate in the second annual American Veterinary Dental College Service Dog Oral Healthcare Exam program. Free oral healthcare examinations will be provided by BluePearl’s board certified dentists for guide dogs, service dogs, working dogs, military dogs and search and rescue dogs. Dentists will examine the dogs to look for signs of periodontal disease, fractured teeth, discolored teeth, oral masses and other oral and dental diseases that can cause pain or discomfort. If oral or dental abnormalities are found, a plan will be provided to the owner to determine if they would like to proceed with treatment. Appointments are first-come, first-serve in Blaine June 13 and Eden Prairie June 20. Participants must pre-register. FFI: AVDC.org
