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.
Discuss Metro Mobility
Metro Mobility users and their advocates will have an opportunity to provide feedback on Metro Mobility service. A discussion is set for 10 a.m.-noon Mon, March 14 at Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, Conference room A & B, 451 Lexington Pky N., St. Paul. Weigh in on service and service-related issues. The site is served by Metro Transit Bus Routes #16 and #83, and Green Line light rail at the Lexington Parkway station. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP to public.info@metc.state.mn.us FFI: Claudia, 651-602-1251
Rally Day is March 29
The Minnesota Alzheimer’s Association urges all interested person to join them for Minnesota Rally Alzheimer’s Day, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tue, March 29 at state House and Senate offices in St. Paul. Help make a difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s. Advocates will learn how to communicate with elected officials. Register by emailing Beth McMullen at bmcmullen@alz.org
Attend Metro Mobility session
Weigh in on Metro Mobility service in the Twin Cities. A discussion is set for 10 a.m.-noon Mon, March 14 at Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, Conference room A & B, 451 Lexington Pky N., St. Paul. Weigh in on service and service-related issues, and make concerns heard. The site is served by Metro Transit Bus Routes #16 and #83, and Green Line light rail at the Lexington Parkway station. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP to public.info@metc.state.mn.us FFI: Claudia, 651-602-125
Prepare for 2016 Legislature
Best Life Alliances is seeking stories and photos to support its campaign for an increase in care giver wagers. Stories don’t have to be lengthy and there is a template as well as a consent form. FFI: bestlifealliance@gmail.com
Plan for conference
Sat, March 19 is 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. FFI: Deborah Richman, 952-857-0551, drichman@alz.org
Dating and relationships
Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) presents “Dating and Relationships: How Does This Work?” a workshop for teens with autism and their parents and caregivers, 9 a.m.-noon, Sat, March 12, Christ Presbyterian Church, Edina. In small and large group sessions, teens, parents and caregivers can openly and comfortably discuss dating and relationships among themselves and with experts. FFI: www.ausm.org
Free tax assistance
Income tax season is in full swing and free tax preparation sites are open across Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced that there are more than 240 sites across the state offering free tax assistance to those filing their income tax and property tax refund returns. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and AARP Tax-Aide are two free tax preparation programs where volunteers help taxpayers prepare their federal and state income and property tax returns in communities throughout Minnesota. To receive free help from a VITA site, persons must be age 60 or older, have a disability, speak limited or no English and have annual income of $54,000 or less. The AARP Tax-Aide program offers free tax preparation for all taxpayers, particularly those who are age 60 or older. AARP Tax-Aide sites do not have income or age restrictions.
All volunteers are certified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and will only prepare basic tax returns. To find a local site, hours, and dates, and a complete list of items to bring when visiting a site, visit the department’s website. Search for a site by zip code or county, as well as sites with language interpreters and volunteers certified to complete military returns. FFI: 651-297-3724 or 1-800-657-3989, www.revenue.state.mn.us
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
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
Disabled and Proud
Disabled and Proud is aired on KFAI Radio, 6:30-7 p.m. Thursday. Host Sam Jasmine and her guests explore a wide range of topics that are important to people with disabilities. KFAI is at 90.3 FM in Minneapolis and 106.7FM in St. Paul. Listeners outside of the Twin Cities, or those looking for a past show, go to the show’s archives online. To be added to the show’s email list, contact disabledandproud@tcq.net.
Disability Viewpoints
Disability Viewpoints is a public access television show by and for people with disabilities. Mark Hughes and his team of co-hosts feature current news, interesting people and groups, and events in Minnesota’s disability community. The show is produced by volunteers at CTV North Suburbs in the Twin Cities. The show has a Facebook page, and a web page.
Share a smile
Brighten the day of a senior citizen and have some fun. Spend time with an elder on an ongoing basis and do fun things in Minneapolis and suburban Hennepin County. Small groups and families welcome; youth must be age 12 or older and supervised by an adult. This volunteer program through Senior Community Services now includes the seniors program formerly served by the Neighborhood Involvement Program. Many volunteer options available. FFI: Jeanne, 952-767-7894, scsvolunteer@seniorcommunity.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 here
