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.

 

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

 

THE GREAT (POINT) 8K

Lupus Link hosts the Great (Point) 8K Sat, Oct. 14 at Central Park in Maple Grove. The 8.k distance is less than one half mile. Go the short distance for lupus awareness and help raise funds for Lupus Link. Form a team for the event or enter on your own. Details are on the organization website. FFI: www.lupuslinkmn.org

 

ACCESS PRESS BANQUET

The annual Access Press Charlie Smith Award banquet is Fri, Nov. 3 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Bloomington. The banquet honors the winner of the Charlie Smith Award, named in honor of the newspaper’s founding editor. Individual tickets and tables are now on sale. Donations of gift baskets, collectibles, art, gift certificates and more are needed. FFI: Dawn, 651-644-2133, www.testing.accesspress.org

 

2017 TWIN CITIES BOOK FESTIVAL

The book review publication Rain Taxi hosts the annual festival, Minnesota State Fairgrounds, Historic Progress Center & Fine Arts buildings, 1265 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul. Many well-known authors will be on hand to meet their readers. ASL offered 10am-5pm Sat, Oct. 14, on the Main Stage in the Fine Arts Building. Free admission and parking. Food vendors on-site. Accommodations available on request. FFI: bookfest@raintaxi.com

 

FAMILY CAREGIVER CONFERENCE

More than 90,000 children in Minnesota are being raised by people other than their parents and include extended family members and friends, creating kinship families. Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota offers specialized education and support through a division called Kinship Caregivers Family Support. A free Kinship Family Caregiver Conference and Resource Fair for caregivers and their children is 9 a.m.-noon Sat, Nov. 4 at The Center for Changing Lives, 2400 Park Ave., Mpls. Caregivers can get information on financial, legal, medical and education resources. Representatives from government, nonprofit and private organizations that help with legal issues, mental health concerns, food support and health services will also be available. Child care may be available with advance registration. FFI: 651-917-4640, www.lssmn.org/event

 

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

 

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

 

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, volunteer@mnliteracy.org, or at their website.

 

BE A FREQUENT FILER

Ramsey County – Volunteer Services is looking for people who want to help in an office. Volunteer office assistants are needed in several areas. Multiple shifts are available, Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Midway area and downtown St. Paul locations have limited reimbursement for parking expense or bus fare is provided. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. Ask about accommodations. FFI: 651-266-4090, Volunteer@co.ramsey.mn.us

 

MNCCD SEEKS BOARD MEMBERS

The Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD) seeks applicants for open board positions. MN-CCD is a consortium of member organizations and disability advocates promoting public policies that improve the lives of persons with disabilities. The organization has three positions open for representatives of member organizations, and two community member openings. Members serve two and possibly three-year terms. The board meets every other month for two hours, and board members are expected to serve on at least one committee.

Individuals who have a strong interest in disability issues, and can commit to being an active board member, are urged to apply. FFI: Jo Erbes, 612-455-1232, or jo@mnccd.org