How Ryan Haack is helping the next generation embrace their ‘awesome’
When he was young, Ryan Haack never thought of himself as limited or a person with a disability. Born missing […]
Author Archives: Joey Carlson
Meet The Disableds, Minnesota’s groundbreaking comedy ensemble
For decades, standard media portrayals of disability have tended to swing between two tired extremes: tragic inspiration or object of […]
Community Forum on Sept. 10: Help shape the future of Access Press
Thanks to everyone who came out to the Access Press August happy hour at Surly Brewing. It was great to […]
What does disability pride mean to me?
This July (Disability Pride Month), I personally spent a lot of time thinking about what disability pride means to me. […]
Twin Cities couple is helping people with disabilities in Minnesota and Liberia
Navigating the maze of healthcare benefits when you have a disability is always daunting and can often feel overwhelming. If […]
Lawsuit fights to save vulnerable Minnesotans from institutionalization
For the average Minnesotan, waking up, going to work, doing a load of laundry, and brushing their teeth are simply […]
2026 Special Olympics USA Games kicked off with spectacular opening ceremonies and left lasting memories for thousands
On June 20, 2026, Huntington Bank Stadium on the campus of the University of Minnesota was rocked by a celebration […]
Minnesota advocates push for national disability policy changes at Roll on Capitol Hill
On June 24, 2026 disability advocates from across the country got together for United Spinal Association’s 14th annual Roll on […]
Wilderness Inquiry welcomes all abilities into the outdoors this summer
For nearly 50 years, the Bloomington-based non-profit Wilderness Inquiry has proven that people with disabilities can have fun outdoors. The […]
The Tabakas and Three Rivers Park District are helping people explore the outdoors this summer
For some Minnesotans with disabilities, venturing into the wilderness can feel intimidating. But for Sam and Tracy Tabaka, nature isn’t […]
2026 Special Olympics USA Games leave a legacy of inclusion
The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games have concluded in the Twin Cities. But they left Minnesota with the spirit of […]
Welcome to the June issue of Access Press
Dear Access Press Readers, As you read through the pages this month, you will find coverage of several significant political […]
Fresh Eye Arts Jamboree celebrates the work of 60+ artists
Fresh Eye Arts, a fine arts studio program supporting local artists with disabilities, is celebrating its fifth anniversary this month […]
Capable Partners celebrates 40 years of accessible outdoor adventures
As the summer warmth returns to Minnesota, the call of the great outdoors is hard to resist. For Capable Partners, […]
Minnesota Spinal Cord Injury Association announces adaptive summer events schedule
The Minnesota Spinal Cord Injury Association (MNSCIA) is gearing up for an active summer, announcing a series of inclusive events […]
Find your summer Minnesota accessible adventure
Summer in Minnesota is a fleeting, glorious season, and everyone deserves to experience it to the fullest. But for the […]
Accessible housing leader slams state leadership over $300M Human Services cuts
In a scathing rebuke of recent legislative decisions, Josh Berg is publicly condemning state leadership for what he describes as […]
Senator Hoffman questions $300 million in human services cuts
A new Health and Human Services budget agreement has officially passed the Minnesota Legislature, but not without drawing sharp, passionate […]
Long COVID and chronic illness
For many people today, catching COVID-19 is no longer a major fear. However, the global pandemic has left a lasting, […]
Roads to independence: A look at Minnesota’s wheelchair van providers
May is National Mobility Awareness Month, a time dedicated to advocating for accessible transportation and highlighting how adaptive equipment fosters […]
Driving toward an accessible autonomous future
If you ask most people about the future of transportation, there is one place where their minds usually go: autonomous […]
Focus Beyond helps high school students with disabilities transition to what’s next
For most high school students, graduation is a time to celebrate. However, for some students receiving special education services, graduation […]
Singalongs and slices: Access Press hosts happy hour
On Thursday, April 23, Access Press readers, sponsors, board members, and staff gathered for a casual happy hour at King […]
Voices of resistance and hope resonate at Minnesota Disability Advocacy Day 2026
Chants of “No more cuts,” “Our homes, not nursing homes,” and “Disability rights are human rights,” echoed through the halls […]
Quick look at what’s making waves at the Capitol and in our community
Dear Access Press Readers, To say a lot is happening right now for the Minnesota disability community would be the […]
Disability Hub contract changes
The transition of the Disability Hub MN contract from local grassroots organizations—the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) and the […]
Access Press is growing: We’re hiring an assistant editor!
The mission of Access Press is to inform, amplify the voices of, and unite Minnesotans with disabilities. To continue to […]
1 in 4: Why the disability community must build a united front
It seems like people with disabilities are under fire from a different angle every day. We hear about slashes to […]
Thousands urge Minnesota lawmakers to reject disability funding cuts
Thousands, including people with disabilities, direct service providers (DSPs), and advocates gathered Tuesday, March 24 in the Minnesota State Capitol […]
Ready to launch your career? Don’t miss the INclusive Career Fair
Disability:IN Minnesota is hosting its annual INclusive Career Fair on April 24. If you are looking for a job, it […]
Freedom in the deep: Free-Daptive Divers want you to join them
In 1991, Aaron Cross was a 15-year-old with Olympic dreams. A dedicated cyclist, he was competing in a road race […]
Accessible home built with love
For Deborah Gillis and Bob Rausch, their house in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, is more than just a place to live. It […]
Locking doors on scared children: The fight to end seclusion in Minnesota schools
When parents envision a special room for a child in distress, they likely picture beanbag chairs, soft lighting, and toys. […]
Hundreds gather for town hall on harm caused by Minnesota fraud mitigation
More than 700 Minnesotans gathered virtually on February 4 for a statewide discussion to address harm caused by recent Minnesota […]
Your voice matters: Help us tell the full Minnesota story
There is a lot going on in Minnesota right now. Winter. Protests. Political controversies. And Access Press is committed to […]
In Memoriam: Jenni Taylor: A radiant spirit and powerful advocate
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that a beloved member of our Minnesota spinal cord injury […]
Same goals, new reality: Kirk Ingram and GUSU achieve major victories
In the summer of 2015, Kirk Ingram was excited about the path his life was taking. He was 28 years […]
Caught in the crossfire: Minnesota’s fraud war and ICE influx are devastating for those with disabilities
Recently, Minnesota was shaken by a series of fraud scandals. At first, this fraud just looked like a massive waste […]
35 Years after the ADA, “accessible” hotels still need improvement
I am currently writing this from the road. My family and I are in the middle of a long drive […]
The Guthrie Theater: Moving from “accessible” to “belonging”
For those of us spending our days on four wheels, “accessible” is a loaded word. It can mean anything from […]
Share your story!
Access Press is dedicated to amplifying the voices of Minnesota’s disability community, but we can’t do it without you. We […]
The dignity of work: How to improve Minnesota MA-EPD
At seventeen, I knew the rules and rewards of capitalism: work hard, earn more, buy cool stuff. I held three […]
Your letters and commentary are welcomed: Guidelines
Access Press welcomes letters to the editor and commentary pieces from readers, on topics of interest to Minnesota’s disability community. […]
Meet Joey Carlson: From speedskates to the editor’s desk
New Managing Editor at Access Press Growing up, Access Press was always in my house. My dad, who managed a […]
No Spasms, No Limits
Five years ago I knew exactly what my goals were. I knew where I was headed. I had worked ten […]