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 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.
Working 2 Walk Symposium
The Working 2 Walk Symposium, combining science and advocacy, is Oct. 28-29 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Bloomington. Costs vary depending on days attended and whether participants need continuing education units. Come and hear speakers about paralysis and what is being done in medical and advocacy fields. Hosted by United 2 Fight Paralysis. Individuals with paralysis may obtain a 50 percent registration fee discount. A discount is also offered for college students. FFI: 888-564-2228, marilynsmith@u2fp.org
Understanding early episode psychosis
NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) offers a free class to help young people who have experienced psychosis and/or their family members and loved ones understand symptoms, causes and treatments of psychosis. Participants who have experienced psychosis will learn how to self-advocate and get back to work or school and achieve recovery. Loved ones and family members will learn how to help and support a young person through recovery. The class will be held 6:30-8:30 p.m., Wed, Oct. 12 at Shoreview Library, 4570 N. Victoria St. Preregistration required. FFI: 651-645-2948, namihelps.org
PACER offers workshops
PACER Center offers many useful free or low-cost workshops and other resources for families of children with any disabilities. Workshops are at PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, unless specified. Workshops are offered throughout the state. Advance registration is required for all workshops. Six Skills for Effective Parent Advocacy is offered 6:30-8:30 p.m. Mon, Oct. 24 in Blaine and Tue, Oct. 25 in Hibbing. Parents will explore six skills they can use to become more effective advocates for their child with a disability. These include understanding the child’s disability, using effective communication, becoming organized, and knowing how to resolve disagreements. Check out PACER’s website and link to the newsletter of statewide workshops that allows participants to pick and choose sessions catered to their needs. FFI: PACER, 952-838-9000, 800-537-2237, www.pacer.org
Families affected by autism
The Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) offers Special Needs & Special Sibs: A Family AuSM Skillshop, for families affected by autism. It will focus on the effects of autism on the family unit. Speaker Jennifer Reinke is an assistant professor of human development and family studies at the University of Wisconsin–Stout. She has spent much of her career working with individuals and families affected by autism. The workshop is Sun, Oct. 16 at 2380 Wycliff St. #102, St. Paul. Preregistration required; ask about fees. FFI: www.ausm.org
Mental health crisis planning
NAMI Minnesota hosts a free crisis planning workshop for parents of children with challenging behaviors or mental illness 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tue, Oct. 25 at Northwest Como Recreation Center, 1550 Hamline Ave. N., St. Paul. Learn the role of county crisis teams, de-escalation techniques and how to create effective crisis plans. The workshop also provides information about resources in the community. FFI: 651-645-2948, namihelps.org
Independent living technology
Senior Community Services, a statewide nonprofit that helps older adults and caregivers live independently for as long as possible, hosts an independent living technology conference on new advancements in assistive-technology to enhance life for the state’s growing population of older adults. The conference is 1-5 p.m. Fri, Oct. 14 at Minnetonka Community Center, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd. Caregivers, seniors, city officials, health professionals and others will gather to discover the latest advancements in assistive-technology to help older adults remain independent at home. The keynote address, about innovations in senior housing, will be presented by John Louiselle, CEO of NextDoor Housing NextDoor has developed a new, portable senior housing option. See innovative products and websites. FFI: 952-541-1019, www.seniorcommunity.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. 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 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
Vision rehabilitation offered
Vision Loss Resources is offering a full menu of vision rehabilitation services, available in clients’ home or onsite at VLR. An affordable individualized service plan will be offered to each participant. The rehabilitation services are geared to provide participants the practical skills they need to remain independent and at safe at home. Services are offered as part of an affordable service plan. Sliding fee scale options are available and a grant from United Way will help continue to serve those who cannot afford to pay for services. The support groups, peer counseling, and volunteer services will continue to be offered without charge. FFI: 612-843-3411
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
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, their website.
Volunteer with Ramsey County
Ramsey County offers many volunteer opportunities, and can find accommodations for volunteers with disabilities. One upcoming opportunity is to join the family Sponsorship Program. Families receiving county services are matched with a sponsor to make the holidays a bit happier. Families have experienced abuse, neglect, or have a member with a disability. The program is not open to the public for recipients but gift givers are needed. Families get at least one clothing item per child, one toy per child, a parent gifts and grocery gift certificate. Costs range from $30 to $50 per person. Last year 88 families were helped. Call no later than Fri, Nov. 4 to be a giver. FFI: Ramsey County Community Human Services – Volunteer Services, 651-266-4090, HumanServicesVolunteer@co.ramsey.mn.us
Share a smile
Brighten the day of a senior citizen and have some fun. Spend time with an elder individual on an ongoing basis and do fun things in Minneapolis and suburban Hennepin County. Small groups and families welcome. Youth volunteers must be age 12 or older and supervised by an adult. This volunteer program through Senior Community Services now includes the seniors program formerly served by the Neighborhood Involvement Program. Many volunteer options available. FFI: Jeanne, 952-767-7894, scsvolunteer@seniorcommunity.org
