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 [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 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.

 

Sign up for Partners in Policymaking

The Partners in Policymaking program is now welcoming applications for its nine-month leadership training program. Individuals with disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities will be trained at no cost in monthly sessions starting this fall. Over the course of eight sessions, participants will become knowledgeable, confident and effective advocates for themselves, their children, and others with disabilities. This groundbreaking program was developed by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities more than 25 years ago. “Graduates report that they gained a greater understanding of disability law and policies and increased their self confidence in advocating for their needs,” said Colleen Wieck, Executive Director of the Governor’s Council. “Many have become leaders in their own communities as they speak up for people with disabilities.” The program is now offered in almost every state and in many foreign countries. Sessions are held in Bloomington. Deadline to enroll is July 11. FFI: Dolly Parker, [email protected]

 

 

Honor All-Star Advocates

The MNCCD Grassroots Committee is accepting nominations for the 2016 All-Star Advocates Awards. MNCCD All-Star Advocates regularly lend their experience and expertise by participating in various advocacy events and activities. Nominations are being accepted until close of business on Thu, May 19th. Consortium leaders ask that nominators use the nomination form MNCCD provides. Winners will be notified Thu, May 26 and will be honored at the MNCCD Session Wrap-Up, 10-11 a.m. Wed, June 2, Minnesota Department of Transportation Cafeteria, 395 John Ireland Blvd, St. Paul. FFI: Jo Erbes, 952-818-8719, [email protected]

 

 

Children’s mental health crisis services

NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) hosts a free class on children’s mental health crisis Services 6-7:45 p.m. Thu, May 19 at Hamline-Midway Library, 1558 W. Minnehaha Ave., St. Paul. The session will give parents of children up to age 18 living with behavioral challenges an overview of crisis services and how to access them. Preregister. There will be ample opportunity for questions. FFI: 651-645-2948

 

 

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

 

 

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, [email protected], or here

 

 

Volunteer with Ramsey County

Ramsey County offers many volunteer opportunities, and can find accommodations for volunteers with disabilities. One new opportunity allows volunteers to assist Ramsey County Detoxification Center clients through peer support and informational services to help recovery efforts. FFI: Ramsey County Community Human Services—Volunteer Services, 651-266-4090, [email protected]

 

 

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, [email protected]

 

 

Find work ‘success’

Successes in Supported Employment is hosted 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tue, May 10 by Reach for Resources. Panel members will discuss what’s worked for them and how it has affected their life, given them more independence and given them more self-esteem to do things on their own. Companies including Walgreens and Maynard’s will be there to talk about employees who’ve worked for them and how supported employment has benefited their organization. The event is at Park Tavern, 3401 Louisiana Ave S, St. Louis Park. Scholarships available up to 45 attendees Sponsored through Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. FFI: www.reachforresources.org

 

 

Flint Hills ’16 International Children’s Festival

The annual festival for children and families runs June 1-5 at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts and Rice Park, 345 Washington Street; Landmark Center and Plaza, 75 W. 5th St., St. Paul. It features school day events as well as family weekend activities June 4-5. Outdoor events (www.fhfestival.org/familyperformances- activities/) are free, and indoor shows are $5. Check the website for events and accommodations including ASL and AD. FFI: 651-224-4222, http://learn.ordway.org/festival/

 

Disabled and Proud

Disabled and Proud is aired on KFAI Radio, 6:30-7 p.m. Thursday. Host Sam Jasmine and her guests explore a wide range of topics that are important to people with disabilities. KFAI is at 90.3 FM in Minneapolis and 106.7FM in St. Paul. Listeners outside of the Twin Cities, or those looking for a past show, will find the show’s archives online at www.kfai.org/disabledandproud  To be added to the show’s email list, contact [email protected].

 

 

Disability Viewpoints

Disability Viewpoints is a public access television show by and for people with disabilities. Mark Hughes and his team of co-hosts feature current news, interesting people and groups, and events in Minnesota’s disability community. The show is produced by volunteers at CTV North Suburbs in the Twin Cities. The show has a Facebook page, and a web page at www.ctv15.org/programs/local/dv