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
Save the date for Rise gala
Rise, Inc. hosts its annual gala Thu, Oct. 10 5:30-8:30 p.m. at International Market Square. Network with area business leaders, families, and participants in Rise’s employment and housing programs. Enjoy great food and music. Proceeds support Rise programs, including the vans and buses that are taking people to work at hundreds of area companies. Emcee is WCCOTV’s Jason DeRusha. Be a table or event sponsor. FFI: Betsy Jaros, sponsorships, 763-792-2415; 763-786-8334 general information; www.rise.org
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
New PACER workshop newsletter
PACER Center offers many useful free or low-cost workshops and other resources for families of children with disabilities. Workshops are at PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, unless specified.
Several are offered around the state. Check out PACER’s website and link to a new bimonthly newsletter of workshops that allows participants to pick and choose sessions catered to their needs. Advance registration required for all workshops. FFI: 952-838-9000, 800-537-2237 (toll free), www.PACER.org/workshops
Fall forums are set
The Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNCCD) is gearing up for its fall town hall forum series, “Breaking Through Poverty.” The focus is on policies that impoverish members of the disability community, and what advocates and elected officials can do to create change. Share stories with elected officials, develop advocacy skills and meet representatives of MNCCD member organizations.
Sessions are 2:30-4:30 Wed, Sept. 18, Arrowwood Lodge, 6967 Lake Forest Road, Baxter; 1-3 p.m,. Wed, Sept. 25, Opportunity Partners Koch Campus, 5500 Opportunity Court, Minnetonka; 5-7 p.m. Tue, Oct. 1, Great River Regional Library, 1300 W. St. Germain Street, St. Cloud; 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thu, Oct. 10, Goodwill/Easter Seals, 553 Fairview Ave N, St. Paul; 1:30-3:30 p.m. Wed, Oct. 16, Mary T Inc., 1555 118th Lane NW, Coon Rapids; 5-7 p.m. Mon, Oct. 21, RSI, 2900 Piedmont Ave, Duluth: 5-7 p.m. Mon Oct. 21, Blue Earth County Library, 100 E Main St, Mankato; 5-7 p.m. Tue, Oct. 22, Mains’l Services, 7000 78th Ave N, Brooklyn Park; 5-7 p.m. Tue, Oct. 22, Rustic Rock Chop House, 301 Hat Trick Ave, Eveleth; 5-7 p.m. Tue, Oct. 29, Wescott Library, 1340 Wescott Rd, Eagan, and 4-6 p.m. Wed, Nov. 6, Hjemkomst Center, 202 1st Avenue North, Moorhead. Questions? Contact MNCCD at www.mnccd.org.
