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 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.
Love to Play?
Get ready for fun and athletic competition as We Love to Play has announced its winter session starts Sat, Jan. 3, with 10 weeks of adapted floor hockey. Athletes will play through March 8.
We Love to Play is starting its 20th season. The program was established in 1995 as an outlet for adults with disabilities to be involved in recreational adapted sports. It began by offering a sport that many participants had played in school, adapted floor hockey.
As the number of participants grew, the program grew to add other sports including softball, football and soccer. We Love to Play offers participants the chance to enjoy these sports, which many played in school. As they graduate many of these individuals need an outlet for that competitive spirit and that’s why We Love to Play exists. It gives everyone an opportunity to continue playing the sports that they learned and still enjoy.
We Love to Play is a low-cost program, with fees being no more than $65 for all of the seasonal sessions. Throughout the year the program offers 26 weeks of weekly activity. Because everyone should have the opportunity to play, fees may be waived for those unable to pay.
A cornerstone of the program is that everyone plays, regardless of skill level or disability. That means that anyone that comes to the gym is more that welcome to participate. Anyone interested may attend a game day between 3:30-5:30 p.m. Saturdays at Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute in Golden Valley. FFI: 612-730- 4968, www.welovetoplay.org, info@welovetoplay.org
Town Hall forums set
The Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities is hosting a series of town hall forums. The forums are open to everyone to attend, learn about issues important to the disability community and share their stories with policymakers.
Events are:
Tue, Dec. 2, 6-8 p.m. Opportunity Partners Koch Campus, 5500 Opportunity Court, Minnetonka
Thu, Dec. 4, 6-8 p.m. Independent Lifestyles, 215 N Benton Drive, Sauk Rapids
Tue, Dec. 9, 6-8 p.m. TBI Residential and Community Services, 2016 W. Superior St., Duluth
Thu, Dec. 11, 6-8 p.m. Cardinal of Minnesota, 3008 Wellner Drive NE, Rochester
Sat, Jan. 15, 10:15 a.m. -12:15 p.m. Blue Earth County Library, 100 E. Main St., Mankato
Learn about the Medical Assistance Reform Campaign’s effort to increase MA income and asset limits, and The 5% Campaign’s renewed request for a five percent rate increase. The second half of each forum provides a chance to share personal stories with invited legislators.
Support for the Duluth, Rochester and St. Cloud forums has been provided by a grant from the Otto Bremer Foundation. The forums are free but participants should pre-register. Requests for ASL interpretation on a specific date need to be made in advance. FFI: Jo, 952-818-8719, jo@mnccd.org
Adult support groups offered
Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) offers free supportgroups for adults with autism spectrum disorder. Groups include those for adult family members, women with autism spectrum disorders and independent adults with autism. Groups meet monthly throughout 2014. Groups meet monthly at the AuSM offices at 2380 Wycliff St. FFI: 651-647-1083 ext. 10, www.ausm.org
Attend session preview
Join the Minnesota State Council on Disability at its annual legislative forum, and get a preview of issues coming up in the 2015 session. A number of disability organizations will be on hand. The event is 10 a.m. – noon Fri, Dec. 5 at the Minnesota Dept. of Human Services, 444 Lafayette Rd., St. Paul. Please make accommodation requests when registering. Watch the MNSCOD website for details about the event. FFI: 651-361-7800, 1-800-945-8913, www.disability.state.mn.us
Learn about transportation
East metro residents are invited to explore ways toimprove mobility for the disability community at GettingThere: A Forum on the Future of Public Transportation for Persons with Disabilities, 6-8 p.m. Mon, Nov. 17 at Globe University, 8147 Globe Drive, Woodbury. Learn about new and upcoming Metro Mobility changes, how the Olmstead Plan will affect transit options, and efforts by Move MN to pass a transit reform bill. Hear a panel discussion and ask questions. The forum is presented by the Self-Advocacy Advisory Committee of The Arc Greater Twin Cities and is co-sponsored by the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living and Move MN. The forum is free but participants need to preregister by Fri, Nov. 14. FFI: 952-920-0855, peterfricke@thearcgtc.org
Share a smile
Brighten the day of a senior citizen in north or southwest Minneapolis. One-time or ongoing opportunities through the NIP Senior Program. FFI: Jeanne, 612-746-8549, srvolunteer@neighborhoodinvolve.org or www.neighborhoodinvolve.org
Open the Door to Education
Help adults reach their educational goals and earn their GED. The literacy council provides training, support and accommodations for volunteers with disabilities. FFI: Allison, 651-251-9110, volunteer@mnliteracy.org, www.mnliteracy.org/volunteers/opportunities/adults
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 people 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, more
The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living offers many life skills classes as well as fun outings and activities for people with disabilities. MCIL is located 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 this 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
AuSM hosts skillshops
Parents, family members, caregivers, support staff, educators, therapists, individuals with autism, and anyone touched by autism can participate in the monthly 2014-2015 AuSM Skillshop. Learn about housing options, obtain nutrition strategies, learn how to reduce anxiety, get lavatory training tips and much more. Cost for workshops ranges from $10 to $40. Join AuSM and save on fees. Participants must preregister. FFI: 651-647-1083, www.ausm.org
