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 [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.

 

TEAM ALLY GALA

ALLY People Solutions hosts the team ALLY Gala 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Sat, Nov. 16 at MidPointe Event Center, 415 Pascal Ave., St. Paul. $100 per ticket for an evening of food, fun and school spirit. Tickets for sale now, as are sponsorships. FFI: www.allypeoplesolutions.org

 

WHAT’S LEFT: LIVES TOUCHED BY SUICIDE

A multi-media traveling exhibit designed to spur conversation about mental illness and suicide opens Thu, Nov. 16 at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 715 Minnetonka Mills Road, Hopkins. Continues until Jan. 7. A Blue Sun
event offered 9:40-10:40 a.m. Sun, Dec. 17 is an adult education class that offers reflection and support for those anxious at the holiday season; it includes afternoon services. Free. FFI: Paul MacKenzie, 952-935-1753 x113, www.whatsleftmn.com.

 

PAPERS SOUGHT FOR CONFERENCE

Autism Society of Minnesota is seeking papers for the 23rd Annual Minnesota Autism Conference April 25-28, 2018. Submission of presentation proposals is open to those with expertise on autism-related topics. The Minnesota Autism Conference is the largest annual educational event for the Minnesota autism community, making it a prime opportunity for researchers, therapists, educators, and individuals on the spectrum, parents, caregivers, and other autism experts to present their work. A conference education committee will review submitted papers. Selected speakers will present among an esteemed group of experts while connecting with and educating the autism community. Submission deadline is Nov. 17. FFI: www.ausm.org

 

AUTISM CAREGIVERS’ SUPPORT

Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) announces a new free resource for caregivers and parents. The Caregivers of Kids with Autism Support Group provides a space for parents and caregivers of children with autism ages 4-21 to come together, discuss challenges, share solutions and form relationships with families in similar situations. Many families report feeling alone or isolated, and support groups allow caregivers to make meaningful connections. Meeting at 10:30 a.m.-noon on the second Sat of each month at AuSM, 2380 Wycliff Street #102, St. Paul, and led by a therapist. FFI: www.ausm.org

 

GUARDIANSHIP IS TOPIC

Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) offers a guardianship workshop 7-9 p.m. Tue, Nov. 14 at Lionsgate Academy,
Minnetonka, 5605 Green Cir. Dr., Minnetonka. At age 18, an individual is legally considered an adult. Some youth, however, continue to need assistance with IEPs, transition services, making medical decisions, and applying for government benefits. To have legal authority to assist their adult children in these important areas, many parents and caregivers choose to establish legal guardianship. “Guardianship: Do We Need It?” will explore the legal process for obtaining guardianship and qualifying for free legal assistance. Presented by Jason Schellack, attorney and executive director of Autism Advocacy & Law Center, LLC. Preregister. FFI: www.ausm.org

 

THE ART OF VOICE & CHOICE

Midwest Special Services and Upstream Arts team up to offer an interactive discussion of person-centered planning and informed choice. Sessions are 1-3 p.m. or 4-6 p.m. Tue, Dec. 5 at Dakota Lodge, 1200 Stassen Lane, St. Paul. The trainings are for families, caregivers, friends, community members, stakeholders and employers. Learn about person-center planning, information choice and how to incorporate these concepts into daily living. RSVP required, to Thom Hoen, [email protected]. FFI: Lauren, [email protected], [email protected]

 

GRANTS TO HELP REACH GOALS

People with disabilities have many goals for themselves, including competitive, integrated employment, inclusive housing or community integration. Small grants offered through the new Minnesota Microgrant Partnership could help. The grants are available to people with disabilities, age 18 and older, who have financial barriers to their goals. The program aims to help about 350 people over the next 15 months. It is administered by The Arc Minnesota and is made possible through an Innovative Solutions Grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services. The Arc Minnesota website has more information including frequently asked questions. FFI: Wendy Gerlach, 651-604-8070, [email protected]; Susan Sochacki, 651-604-8056, [email protected], www.thearcofminnesota.org

 

PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP

The St. Cloud Area Parkinson’s Disease Support Group meets 1-2:30 p.m. the third Mon of each month at ILICIL Independent Lifestyles, 215 N. Benton Drive, St. Cloud. Free. Meetings are open to those diagnosed with Parkinson’s, their families, caregivers and the general public. The group provides support, education, and awareness about the disease. FFI: 320-529-9000

 

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT OFFERED

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Minnesota offers more than 300 free educational classes statewide each year, along with help in navigating the mental health system. NAMI also has more than 70 free support groups for people living with a mental illness and their families. NAMI Minnesota offers more than 300 free educational classes statewide each year, along with help in navigating the mental health system. In the Twin Cities 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, groups provide help and support. Parent resource groups are facilitated by a parent who has a child with a mental illness and who has been trained to lead support groups.  A full calendar of all events is offered online. FFI: 651-645-2948, www.namihelps.org

 

VISION LOSS GROUP OFFERS ACTIVITIES

Vision Loss Resources provides 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, at least three working days prior to an event. The calendar is also available on the Vision Loss Resources website and as a printable large-print PDF document for those who wish to print their own or additional copies. FFI: RSVP hotline, 612-843-3439; activity line and audio calendar, 612-253-5155, www.visionlossresources.org

 

MCIL HOSTS CLASSES AND ACTIVITIES

The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living provides many life skills classes as well as fun outings and events 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 the alternative format or other accommodations are needed. Events are free, accessible and mostly scent-free. FFI: 651-603-2030

 

ICICIL OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES

ICICIL Independent Lifestyles, 215 N. Benton Drive, St. Cloud, offers a number of classes, events and other opportunities for Minnesotans with disabilities in central Minnesota. The center offers its own programming and hosts, other groups. One group it hosts is the St. Cloud Area Parkinson’s Disease Support Group meets 1-2:30 p.m. the third Mon of each month. The center has a full schedule of its own activities including support groups, classes and more. FFI: 320-267-7717

 

MCIL HOSTS CLASSES AND ACTIVITIES

The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living provides many life skills classes as well as fun outings and events 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 the 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 website for upcoming groups. Groups meet at the AuSM offices at 2380 Wycliff St. FFI: 651-647-1083 ext. 10, www.ausm.org

 

AUTISM SOCIETY OF MINNESOTA PRESENTS AUTISM STRATEGIES WORKSHOP

Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) invites parents, caregivers, educators, professionals and individuals with autism to “Practical Solutions for Autistic Living,” a full-day workshop presented by Judy Endow, MSW, LCSW. The workshop is 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Thu, Dec. 7 at enVision Hotel, South St. Paul. Costs are $70 for AuSM members; $80 for non-members; and $25 for individuals with autism. Preregister. Endow will explore her personal experiences highlighting three challenge areas related to her own autism: sensory differences; not always understanding the hidden curriculum in social situations; and when others think of her as “less than” because they do not understand autism. She also will share practical strategies for supporting youth and adults with autism, encouraging them to be the best versions of themselves. FFI: www.ausm.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 Council provides training and support and accommodations for volunteers with disabilities. FFI: Allison, 651-251-9110, [email protected], or at their website.