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. The web accessible performance listings at VSA Arts Minnesota, www.mrid.org, Access Press or c2: caption coalition, inc., which does most of the captioned shows in Minnesota and across the country. Performances on Facebook; sign up to connect with Audio Description Across Minnesota. Connect with ASL Interpreted and Captioned Performances across Minnesota on Facebook
De’VIA work on display
Artist Ellie Kidder will display her work through Dec. 6 at Nina’s Café, 165 Western Ave., St. Paul. Kidder is a well-known deaf artist. The drawings are realism in pencil that shows tiniest details of human and animal, even hair. A few drawings contain De’VIA theme. De’VIA stands for “Deaf” (De), also a translation for French, “of”. “VIA” stands for “view image/ art”. This theme is about the interpretation of deaf culture and experiences in life among deaf people. American Sign Language interpretation was available at the event’s opening Nov. 6. Throughout the show Braille is provided for title of each artwork, artist’s biography, and artist’s statement.
Winterlights: Celebrating the Season
Minneapolis Institute of Arts, 2400 3rd Ave. S.,Mpls. A free ASL-interpreted public tour on the first Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. begins by the information desk in the museum lobby. Interpreted tours are also scheduled on other days. On the second Friday & Saturday of each month at 10:30 AM, free tours are offered for visitors with memory loss, Alzheimer’s and their friends or care partners. Assisted listening devices and wheelchairs are available. ASL show is 1 p.m. Sun, Dec. 1 at MIA. ASL show is 3 p.m. Sun, Dec. 1, at the Purcell-Cutts House. ASL show is 7 p.m. Thu, Dec. 5 at MIA. Tickets are free. FFI: 612-870-3131, 612-870-3140, TTY 612-870-3132; dhegstro@artsmia.org, www.artsmia.org.
Proposals sought for collaborative
EquipALife is extending an open opportunity to apply for membership to join the Minnesota Regions Assistive Technology Collaborative, a consortium of providers serving the assistive technology needs of individuals residing throughout the state. A one-of-a-kind membership based partnership, the collaborative was created initially through the federal Technology Related Assistance Act of 1988. This act required each state to continue providing local support to individuals in need of adaptive equipment, training by qualified professionals, access to resources, financial assistance and develop structural modifications.
In 2011, EquipALife and the six Regional Assistive Technology Networks created the collaborative to carry on and deliver the core services of the federal provisions set forth in the act. In the past, the collaborative has implemented the request for proposals process to select a new regional partner in the event a network was unable to continue membership when an organization moved or dissolved. During the past two years collaborative members have found it more difficult to meet the increased demand for assistive technology services. Additional support is critical to meet the growing demand in a timely manner. Identifying potential members with the qualifications and the capacity to provide quality services is the goal of the request, especially at a time when membership and demand for services have grown.
Deadline is Dec. 15. FFI: http://www.equipalife.org/statewidenetwork.html
Annual membership meeting
Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities hosts its annual membership meeting, the Stronger Together Conference, 10-11:30 a.m. Thu, Dec. 5, Goodwill-Easter Seals, Fairview and Charles avenues, St. Paul. Find out what is happening with various policy committees, network with other organizations and get ready for the 2104 session of the Minnesota Legislature. FFI: www.mnccd.org
NAMI hosts state conference
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Minnesota holds its annual state conference, Stronger Together, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat, Nov. 16 at St. Paul River-Centre, 175 W. Kellogg Blvd. The conference features Cinda and Linea Johnson, a mother-daughter team who will share the struggles and hope of living with bipolar disorder. Fifteen workshops on current mental health issues and a closing keynote on the latest research on mental illnesses are planned. NAMI provides education, support and advocacy for children and adults with mental illnesses and their families. FFI: 651-645-2948 or go to www.namihelps.org
Mental Illness Awareness Week is Oct. 6-12
NAMI-MN free support groups for families who have a relative with a mental illness. NAMI has about two dozen family support groups, more than 20 support groups for people living with a mental illness, anxiety support groups, groups for veterans and other groups. Led by trained facilitators, the various groups provide help and support. FFI: 651-645-2948. A full calendar of all events is offered online.
Advocates sought for panel
The Subcommittee on Children’s Mental Health of the State Advisory Council on Mental Health has an opening for a person knowledgeable about the needs of children of minority races and cultures who have emotional disturbances. The Subcommittee provides advice to the State Advisory Council on matters related to children’s mental health. The Subcommittee and Council file a formal report on their legislative and policy recommendations to the Governor and Legislature each even-numbered year. Current priorities of the Subcommittee are mental health in schools, mental health and juvenile justice and outreach to diverse communities. Deadline is Dec. 31. FFI: Bruce Weinstock, 651-431-2249
Attend home visits
Home visits are coming up for The Arc Greater Twin Cities. Home visits allow citizens to meet with elected officials and discus concerns. Metropolitan Council, county, city and school district officials are invited guests. The events are free but space is limited, and preregistration is requested. Call to see if other home visits are offered in your area. People with disabilities and their families are invited to a home visit with elected officials, 6:30-8 p.m. Nov. 14 at the home of hosts Jean and Paul Bender, 1150 Fairmount Ave., St. Paul. The visits are free and open to the public but space is limited, so preregister by Nov. 13. FFI: 952-915-3665, denafelper@thearcgtc.org
Help with food program
Help is available for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients who will see two changes in their benefits amounts this fall. On Oct. 1, benefits increased slightly for some SNAP recipients to reflect the costs of living. On Nov. 1, most recipients saw benefits decrease due to the end of the extra benefits provided by the federal government during the recession. The amount of SNAP benefits each eligible household receives depends on a variety of factors, such as income, household size and household expenses. On Nov. 1, a family of four with no income and no other changes to their case may have seen a decrease in monthly benefits by approximately $36. Resources, including emergency food resources, are available. FFI: Minnesota Food Helpline, 1-888-711-1151. www.MinnesotaHelp.info
Learn about service dog program
Want to learn more about Can Do Canines and its services for those needing various types of assistance dogs? Attend the Tails to Tell Tour 10 a.m. Sat, Dec. 7 at 9440 Science Center Dr., New Hope. This is a fun and informative tour, and fills up quickly, so reservations are required. FFI: 763-331-3000 ext.152, tour@can-docanines.org
Housing options is topic
The Arc Greater Twin Cities and Hennepin County invite adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families from across the Twin Cities region to two free Individualized housing options forums, 7 p.m., Tue, Nov. 12, Southdale Library, 7001 York Ave., Edina, or 7 p.m. Mon, Nov. 18, at Brookdale Library, 6125 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center. Housing is one of the greatest challenges facing people with disabilities and their families. The forum will focus on options that enable people with disabilities to live where and with whom they want to live. A panel of adults with disabilities and parents will share their housing stories and the solutions they’ve devised, with emphasis on creative ideas tailored to individual needs. The forum is free and open to the public. FFI: 952-920-0855, www.arcgreatertwincities.org
