More events information
VSA Minnesota is at http://vsamn.org 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 [email protected] 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.
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Let Access Press take you out to the ballgame this baseball season. The newspaper has St. Paul Saints baseball tickets available for home games at the new baseball park in Lowertown St. Paul, and we’d like to share them with our readers. With lively mascots, legendary tailgating and all kinds of giveaways, Saints games are nonstop fun
Want tickets for an upcoming game? Like Access Press on Facebook and follow our news feed. When we post a notice of an upcoming game, tell us why you’d like to attend a game. Tickets will be awarded first-come, first-served. One set of tickets per person, please.
We have four seats available per game, all fully accessible and right behind home plate. Take a swing at this contest and you may hit a home run!
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Interactive puppet workshops
Children’s Theatre Company and the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) host a series of four interactive family workshops modeling art-based strategies. Early Childhood and Autism: Expression Through Storytelling, Puppetry, Movement and Music are designed for parents and/or caregivers with a child or children ages 3-5 with autism spectrum disorder and their siblings. Each workshop will explore theater activities that facilitate self-expression, creativity and imagination-play. Workshops will include a unique lesson to support the social and imaginative development of each child and his or her family. As sessions will focus on different methods of expression, families have the option to register for single sessions or to sign up for all four. Each registered family will receive one complimentary child’s ticket to an upcoming sensory-friendly performance at Children’s Theatre Company. Workshops are at CTC, 2400 3rd Ave. S., Mpls. Per-workshop cost $25 AuSM member/CTC season ticket-holders or $50 for nonmembers. Puppetry is 2-4 p.m. Sun, July 19, creative movement is Sun, Sept. 20 and music and sound is 2-4 p.m. Sun, Nov. 8. Workshops are made possible by a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council. Preregistration required. FFI: www.ausm.org
Make plans to attend celebration
The Americans with Disabilities Act, a landmark in civil rights legislation, turns 25 years old on July 26. The Minnesota State Council on Disability (MSCOD), in cooperation with a coalition of disability organizations, is planning several projects and events to celebrate this historic day.
A 25th ADA Anniversary Celebration and Family Day is noon-4 p.m. Sun, July 26 at the Minnesota History Center, 345 Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. The event includes live entertainment, an open mic, arts activities, and an airing of a portion of Twin Cities Public Television’s (tptMN) upcoming documentary about the ADA. It is free and everyone is welcome. MSCOD’s yearlong festivities will culminate in a conference Wed, Oct. 28. The conference will focus on employment, technology, advocacy, and community living.
It will feature speakers, breakout sessions, a live telecast by tptMN, a career fair presented in partnership with the Minnesota Business Leadership Network, and much more. The ADA anniversary brings great cause for celebration and reflection. As part of an overall effort to describe the ADA’s role in Minnesota, the conference provides an examination of how employment—both for the employer, and the disabled individual who may currently be employed, or is seeking employment—has been impacted by the ADA.
MSCOD is also continuing a study on employment. Everyone’s personal experiences and insight will be invaluable to the success of this study. Be a part of the future of the ADA in Minnesota and go here.
For a list of partners in all 25th ADA events and activities, please visit here.
Comment on CADI waiver changes
The Minnesota Department of Human Services’ Disability Services Division is in the process of renewing the Community Alternatives for Disabled Individuals (CADI) waiver with the federal government. CADI provides community-based services and supports to people with disabilities as an alternative to nursing facility care.
Proposed changes are now available for review and comment. Some of the changes include changing the title of the waiver from Community Alternatives for Disabled Individuals to Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI); updating the person-centered planning requirements to be mandatory; updating the Quality Assurance measures based on new federal requirements and adding two new services: crisis respite and night supervision. A comment period ends Tue, June 9. Persons unable to access the document electronically may get a paper copy by calling the DSD Response Center at 651-431-4300 or sending a written request to CADI Waiver Renewal, Minnesota Department of Human Services, Disability Services Division, P.O. Box 64967, St. Paul, MN 55164-0967. Access the full document online at www.dhs.state.mn.us/dhs16_194235 Comments may be sent to [email protected] or by postal mail to ATTN: CADI Waiver Comments, Minnesota Department of Human Services, Disability Services Division, P.O. Box 64967, St. Paul, MN 55164-0967
Healthy Relationship Project offered
The Healthy Relationship Project invites west metro families of children who have or are suspected of having Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) to have fun, connect and learn about safe social connections at a three-part event for the entire family. This free event will be at the Northwest YMCA, 7601 42nd Ave. N., New Hope. It will be offered Saturday afternoons, May 30 and June 27. Children ages 2 – 7 will participate in structured play through the Special Olympics Young Athletes program. Youth ages 8 – 15 will engage in activities while learning about friendships, safety and bullying. While kids are at play, parents will connect with an experienced parent to share resources, tools and tips for keeping their child safe in the community. Each session will cover different topics. Families are encouraged to attend all sessions, but it is not required. Pre-registration required. The Healthy Relationship Project is a collaboration of The Arc Greater Twin Cities, the Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (MOFAS), the North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC), Special Olympics Minnesota and the YMCA. FFI: www.arcgreatertwincities.org, [email protected]
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’s new location 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
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
