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.

 

Help with hearing loss

New devices that help people who are deaf and hard of hearing in their daily lives are now available to be tested at offices of the Minnesota Department of Human Services Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division. DHS doesn’t sell the technology but can demonstrate it and allow individuals to test it on-site by appointment. Ask if demonstrations of some technology can also be offered to groups off-site. The largest technology lab is at the metro Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services office, 85 E. 7th Place, Suite 105, St. Paul. Equipment is also available at offices in Duluth, Mankato, Moorhead and St. Cloud. Ask about assistive listening devices for the television; flashing alarms for doorbells, smoke alarms and alarm clocks; amplified and captioned telephones and vibrating devices to alert people who are deafblind. DHS loans at no cost a variety of telecommunications devices to people who meet eligibility guidelines through its Telephone Equipment Distribution program. FFI: 651-431-5957, mary.bauer@state.mn.us (metro area), dhhs.duluth@state.mn.us, dhhs.mankato@state.mn.us, dhhs.moorhead@state.mn.us, dhhs.stcloud@state.mn.us in  Greater Minnesota. For technology for individuals who are deafblind or experience dual vision/hearing loss, FFI: 612-284-3170, sara.kreiling@state.mn.us

 

Senior Linkage Line help

Non-English speaking Minnesotans now have a new resource to find the critical assistance they may need. A video “What is Senior LinkAge Line?” has been created in Hmong, Somali, Spanish and Russian in addition to English to inform Minnesota’s older non-English speaking residents and their families about the service. Videos were created in partnership with the Minnesota Board on Aging and ECHO, a non-profit organization that helps bridge the communications gap for Minnesota immigrants and refugees. Senior LinkAge Line offers free, objective guidance for older adults and their families to find community services and plan for their future. By calling 1-800-333-2433, Minnesotans can get information on Medicare, insurance, housing choices and find out how to volunteer in their community, among other age-related topics. All versions of the video are available on ECHO Minnesota’s YouTube page. FFI: English,Hmong, Somali, Spanish, Russian.

 

Help from LSS

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota offers Neighbor to Neighbor Companions. Trained advocates and friendly visitors provide support specifically tailored to the needs of older adults. It is patterned after the Senior Companion Program that has been around for more than 40 years in Minnesota. Its goal is to promote health and independence – particularly for adults over the age of 55. With rapidly aging communities, particularly in rural Minnesota, Neighbor to Neighbor Companions allows these services to become more widely available. Companions serve as friendly visitors each week and offer specific support needed by older adults that may include transportation to appointments, grocery shopping, errands or simple household tasks. They can also serve as an important social connection by being a companion for lunch or providing a safety check on more isolated older adults. Companions are carefully selected and matched with older adults. Each companion receives a background check, training and a motor vehicle records check. Matches also aim to bring together shared interests between companions and older adults. The volunteers are managed by LSS staff. FFI: 877-540-9443. neighbortoneighbor@lssmn.org

 

Art Show: Quilts by Halle O’Falvey

Vision Loss Resources, 1936 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls. hosts a display of original quilts by St. Paul artist Halle O’Falvey in this exhibit, part of a rotating series of exhibits coordinated by VSA Minnesota. On display through September 2016. Lobby hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon-Fri. Free. FFI: 612-871-2222, 612-332-3888, www.vsamn.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

 

Challenge Walk nears

Challenge Walk MS Twin Cities 2016 is Sept. 23-25, starting and ending in St. Louis Park. Gather pledges, walk with friends and raise money for the Upper Midwest Chapter of the MS Society. Registration fee is $55, and fundraising minimums are $750 to $1,500. FFI: 855-372-1331, FundraisingSupport@nmss.org

 

Geoffrey Mikol exhibit

The Institute on Community Integration’s Changing Landscapes Arts initiative offers the art of Illinois artist Geoffrey Mikol. The display is up through December. Mikol was born with Downs syndrome and has found a special connection with fine art photography as a means of expressing himself. He recently graduated from Harper College and is self-employed through his fine art photography. The exhibit is at 102 Pattee Hall, 150 Pillsbury Dr. SE, Mpls. FFI: ici@umn.edu

 

People Incorporated’s Artability Art Show & Sale

People Incorporated hosts the annual show 5-9 p.m. Fri, Oct. 28 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat, Oct. 29 at the Great Hall, 180 E. 5th St., St. Paul. Free. Pre-register at http://tinyurl.com/hbroj45  and receive a free calendar magnet featuring this year’s poster winning art by Molly Corrick. Artability is a program of People Incorporated, whose mission is to help individuals living with mental illnesses to work toward achieving their goals related to living independent and enriched lives. Annually celebrating the creativity and contributions of people with mental illnesses to the community, the show will feature 300 artworks, from landscapes and nature photography to anime and abstracts. More than 100 artists not only explore their interests, share their love of art and gain confidence in their skills, but if they sell their work they keep 80 percent of the sales price, with the remaining 20 percent going back into the Artability program. Writers also contribute their creative work to an anthology available for sale at the show. FFI: 651-774-0011, http://tinyurl.com/zf2gdzp