Welcome to the Access Press Accessible Fun listings, a sampling of theater, music, arts, walks, runs, dances and gala events for our community. Readers looking for additional opportunities to enjoy the arts have these options:

VSA Minnesota has a large calendar at in the upper right hand corner of the home page. VSA Minnesota would like feedback on the design, so users should weigh in on the site or at[email protected] or 612-332-3888 ext. 2. The new website is intended to be easier for volunteers to maintain and expand. Users of the site should change their bookmarks if they haven’t already done so.

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 (c2: caption coalition, inc.), which does most of the captioned shows in Minnesota and 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.

 

St. David’s Center for Child & Family Development offers After-School Adventure in four community settings including one in Twin Cities communities. Adventure is a therapeutic recreation program for teens and young adults with special needs, ages 11 and older. A fun, structured group environment provides socialization opportunities, helping teens build friendships, be active and healthy, and become involved members of their community. Health and wellness are key components to Adventure. Thanks to a grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Adventure participants learn about healthy food choices while taking cooking classes. They participate in yoga and Zumba and have weekly bowling outings. Library visits, creative arts and more fill that time between the end of the school day and dinner, supporting working families. Volunteer projects such as recycling and visiting nursing homes provide meaningful community engagement.

The program is located in Brooklyn Park at Edgewood Education Center; Minneapolis at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center; Richfield at South Education Center, and St. Louis Park at the Middle School. Days and hours vary by location and participants need to pre-register. Registration is now open for the 2014-2015 school year. To learn more about After-School Adventure, call 952.548.8700 or go to www.stdavidscenter.org/adventure. The cost of Adventure is covered by DD Waivers, CSG/FSG, PCA respite hours and/or private pay. Scholarships are available.

 

Walk to Defeat ALS

Walks to Defeat ALS for the ALS Association will be held throughout the region this fall. The 14th Twin Cities walk is Sat, Sept. 20 at Lake Phalen in St. Paul. Walkers’ registration begins at 8 a.m. and the Walk begins at 10 a.m. For each walk, raise $50 and receive an official Walk to Defeat ALS t-shirt. ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system. Each case is different, but it is characterized by the death of the motor neurons, which results in a gradual wasting away of voluntary muscles, often leading to total paralysis and inability to breathe independently. FFI: 612-672-0484, www.alsmn.org, [email protected] (St. Paul)

 

Talk about transition

The Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) is partnering with several organizations in greater Minnesota to offer “Let’s Talk About Transition” community meetings in multiple cities this fall. Meetings will focus on discussion about improving transition services, employment, and post-secondary education opportunities for students with all disabilities. These community conversations will be offered in St. Cloud, Minneapolis, Bemidji, Cloquet, Northfield, Marshall, Rochester and Brainerd in September, October and November. FFI: Kim Kang, 612-387-6509, [email protected], www.ausm.org

 

Olmstead forum set

Work on Minnesota’s Olmstead Plan continues. Why Olmstead Matters: Implications for Higher Education is a forum 9-11 a.m. Wed, Oct. 1 at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota. Check the state’s Olmstead website for details. FFI: [email protected]

 

Essay contest offered

Lions Club International sponsors is sponsoring an essay contest for students with visual impairments. Students must be 11, 12 or 13 years of age on Nov. 15. Local prizes will be awarded as well as one grand prize winner of US $5,000. Deadline is Nov. 15. The contest theme is “Peace, Love and Understanding.” The contest may be sponsored in a local school(s) or organized, sponsored youth group(s), or individuals may be sponsored as well. Essays must be no longer than 500 words in length, submitted in English, type-written in black ink and double-spaced. Each essay must be submitted with a completed entry form. FFI: Debra Wasserman, 507-332-2792, [email protected]

 

Adult support groups offered

Autism Society of Minnesota 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. Groups meet monthly throughout 2014. Groups meet monthly at the AuSM offices at 2380 Wycliff St, St Paul. FFI: 651-647-1083 ext. 10, www.ausm.org

 

Journey of Hope

Journey of Hope for People Affected by Chronic Condition” is an alternative Christian/Interfaith church that focuses on spiritual growth rather than specific beliefs or doctrine. The congregation is currently meeting one or two Thursday afternoons a month at J. Arthur’s Coffee, 2441 Rice St., Roseville for a time of worship followed by a time for support. The congregation is looking for people to join in this ministry by, and for, people affected by chronic conditions of any kind, and the people who love and support them. People with a heart for seeking out people who have become isolated because of their health issues, and welcoming them into the community, are needed to join. Journey of Hope is open to all. The congregation is looking for a technical volunteer who is familiar with Google Hangouts, who can set up the equipment before the meeting and run the Hangout on Air. Also sought are one or two musicians who can serve as substitutes for the primary musician. FFI: Susan, 651-689-3374; www.journeymn.org