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 www.vsamn.org/calendar.html, www.mrid.org, www.testing.accesspress.org, or http://c2net.org (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(www.facebook.com/pages/Audio-Description-Across-Minnesota/202035772468). Connect with ASL Interpreted and Captioned Performances across Minnesota on Facebook http://tinyurl.com/FBcaption
Share a smile
Brighten the day of a senior citizen in north or southwest Minneapolis and have fun. Visit an elder and do things together: movies, games, crafts or just friendly conversation. Hang out with an elder on a regular basis and do things that you both enjoy, like watching a movie, building stuff, playing games or friendly conversation. 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. 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, www.mnliteracy.org/volunteers/opportunities/adults
Independent living classes offered
The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living offers free and accessible classes on living independently for people with disabilities. Most classes are held at 1600 University Ave., #16, the green tile building at University and Snelling, St. Paul, unless specified.
A full calendar of all events is offered online. Enjoy field trips, knitting and crafts, wii fun, cooking, and classes to help with everyday living. Field trips to destinations including the farmers’ market and area parks are also offered.
Weekenders outings are for those who are tired of sitting home all weekend. Meet other people who share similar interests and want to meet new people. Guests are welcomed. Please bring spending money for weekenders events. All other events are free of charge, accessible and mostly scent-free. MCIL has an online newsletter which includes event information. It is available in alternate forms. Please RSVP and give two weeks’ notice of needed accommodations for any events. FFI: Corbett Laubignat, 651-603-2028, corbettl@mcil-mn.org, Cindy, 651-603-2037, cindyl@mcil-mn.org,or www.mcil-mn.org
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. Thu, Oct. 17 at the home of host Eve Lee, 1089 Englewood Ave., St. Paul. The visits are free and open to the public but space is limited, so preregister. FFI: 952-915-3665, denafelper@thearcgtc.org
Grants
Grant opportunity for artists Grants to assist Minnesota emerging artists with disabilities in creating new work are available from VSA. With funding from the Jerome Foundation, seven grants of $1500 each will be awarded to writers, performers, visual or multi-media artists through a competitive grant application process. November 8, 2013, is the deadline. Applications and guidelines are available at www.vsamn.org or can be requested in several formats. FFI: 612-332-3888, 800-801-3883, emerginggrant@vsamn.org.
Youth and families
Spinal cord injury research University of Wisconsin-Madison doctoral student Britta M. Jabbar needs participants in a study of spinal cord injury. No travel is needed and the online survey takes about 35 minutes to complete. There will be a drawing for three participants to receive gift cars. Participants are eligible if they have had a spinal cord injury and have a child between 1-10 years old. Participants themselves must be at least 18 years old. Cut-off date is mid-October. FFI: jabbar@gmail.com
Mobility is topic
Join key organizations and professionals in exploring ways to improve mobility for the disability community at Getting There: A Public Transportation Disability Town Hall Forum, 6:30-8 p.m. Wed, Nov. 6 at Maplewood Library, 3025 Southlawn Dr., Maplewood. Presented by the Self-Advocacy Advisory Committee of The Arc Greater Twin Cities, the free forum spotlight ideas for making transportation more efficient and reliable. There will also be a presentation on efforts to pass an equitable transit bill by Transit for Livable Communities. Co-sponsors of the forum are the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living, Minnesota State Council on Disability, Transit for Livable Communities, Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota, Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota, and the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Committee of the Ramsey County Citizens Advisory Council. Light refreshments served. Preregister by Thu, Oct. 24. FFI: 952-915-3665 email denafelper@thearcgtc.org
People Incorporated’s Artability Art Show & Sale
More than 90 artists who live with mental illness will have their annual show and sale at Landmark Center, 75 West 5th St., St. Paul. People Incorporated’s Artability program is an annual celebration of the creativity and contributions of people with mental illness to the community.
The free show will feature 300 pieces of art, from landscapes and nature photography to anime and abstracts. Artists can sell their work and keep 90% of the sales price, with 10% going to the Artability program. A special installation features artwork by people who experience auditory hallucinations (they hear voices due to their mental illness) combined with recordings of the artists talking about their work. The art for this installation will be created at a special workshop, co-led by artist Ethan Heidlebaugh, winner of this year’s poster contest and a past Jerome/VSA Emerging Artist Grant recipient.
Opening reception is 6 p.m. Fri, Oct. 25.Viewing hours are 6-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, in the Cortile; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat., Oct. 26, in Courtroom #317; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sun., Oct. 27 in Courtroom #317. No AD or ASL announced yet. FFI: 651-288-3532, www.PeopleIncorporated.org .
BareBones Halloween Outdoor Puppet Extravaganza
BareBones Productions presents its 20th annual show of puppetry, music, pageantry and fire at Hidden Falls Regional Park, North Gate (Magoffin Ave) entrance, 1305 Mississippi River Blvd S, St. Paul. The park performance site is fully accessible. ASL show is 7 p.m. Sat., Oct. 25. AD show is 7 p.m. Sat., Nov. 2. Tickets are pay what you can ($5-20 suggested donation). Advanced reservations are not accepted. All 7 p.m. performances are followed by audience receptions featuring free hot food and drink by Sisters’ Camelot and live music. FFI: www.barebonespuppets.org (also for information about weather and park rules)
