St. Cloud’s “polio mother” believed to be last U.S. patient who used an iron lung alive with post-polio syndrome
When an Oklahoma woman and iron lung respiratory device user died earlier this summer, it brought to mind past Minnesota […]
Features
Vending machine operations still provide jobs for the blind
Put coins or bills in a vending machine, push buttons and wait for a candy bar, can of soda or […]
Waiver services, unique to states, got their start 45 years ago
The Minnesota Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Waiver Reimagine work has been the subject of controversy in the state’s disability […]
The ‘happiest dishwasher in Minnesota’ was an example of meaningful work
We often talk about meaningful work for people with disabilities. Recent debates have centered on the legality of subminimum wages […]
Then as now, seeking state bonding was a complicated process
2026 is a bonding year for the Minnesota Legislature, with a focus on what are called “brick-and-mortar” projects. Hundreds of […]
Eighty years later: Remembering the 1946 push for mental health reform
The end of fighting in World War II didn’t mean an end to the disabling health conditions veterans faced. While […]
The blueprint for the ADA: “Toward Independence” turns 40
Disability community members often consider 1990 to be a landmark year, marking the moment the federal Americans with Disabilities Act […]
‘Person of the year’ honors: Awareness or tokenism?
In decades past, several disability-focused organizations and causes presented honors to a person or persons of the year. In many […]
Young married couple drew attention to need for specialized housing
Community living options for young people with disabilities were limited in the 1960s and 1970s, especially in Greater Minnesota. That […]
Veterans and their allies championed the barrier-free movement
People with disabilities celebrated 35 years of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) this past summer. The ADA is […]
ProWorks celebrates 50 years of service to Meeker County area clients
Greater Minnesota day activity centers and employment programs provide important services to their clients and communities. One of those, ProWorks, […]
‘Civilian disabled’ were the focus of state conference a century ago
Minnesota social workers had a dilemma a century ago. What could be done to help people with disabilities find resources […]
Disability-focused camps are celebrating anniversaries
Two of Minnesota’s longest-tenured summer camps are celebrating anniversaries in 2025. What was founded as Camp Courage opened in 1955. […]
Honoring the decades of effort toward the passage of the ADA
Editor’s note: As we celebrate the 35-year history of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we also remember that decades […]
What was called ‘battle fatigue’ affected World War II veterans
World War II came to an end 80 years ago, over the course of several months. Germany surrendered in May […]
Access Press is part of a long and proud community newspaper tradition
As Access Press nears its 35th anniversary, it’s time for a look back at how various communities have been served […]
Camp Kiwanis had a special place in summertime memories for many
Many children are already looking forward to a stint at summer camp. One place that provided lasting summer camp memories […]
Legislative fights over disability issues aren’t anything new
As we have seen unfold nationally and in Minnesota, the work of government can be complicated and messy. That was […]
The Arc Minnesota’s founding fathers include a pioneering doctor
The Arc Minnesota celebrates 75 years’ service in 2025. Dr. Reynold Archibald Jensen is one of its many founding fathers. […]
The ‘Placement Service for Handicapped People’ helped with jobs
A potential end to subminimum wages for disabled workers would certainly be a historic moment in the United States. It […]
Little Christmas Seals have made a big difference in fighting lung diseases
Many people exchange greeting cards at this time of year, to mark Christmas and other December holidays. Sticking a stamp […]
Forty years ago, Minnesota’s own Prince played at Gallaudet
In November 1984, students at Gallaudet University enjoyed a one-of-a-kind concert by Minnesota’s own Prince. The concert’s story is told […]
Medical device, disability accommodations regulations have long history
The October issue of Access Press includes an article about the difficulties device users and manufacturers face when seeking needed […]
The struggle for special education resources is nothing new
Open enrollment for public schools and a wide area of other choices mean that students don’t have to attend school […]
[HISTORY NOTE] Getting around was sometimes a challenge for MSS clients
One challenge people with disabilities and their service providers have long faced is that of getting around. To salute the […]
[HISTORY NOTE] Volunteers stepped up to provide children with camp experience
For many children, summertime means packing a suitcase and sleeping bag and heading off to camp. Children with disabilities have […]
Dowling Elementary, its namesake honored at centennial fete
Minneapolis’ Dowling Elementary in May celebrated the school’s centennial with an open house event. Many alumni and current and former […]
HISTORY NOTE: It was a long and bumpy journey for paratransit services to get started
How we people with disabilities get around is not a new issue. Fifty years ago, the Minnesota Legislature ordered that […]
The Minnesotan magazine served readers with visual disabilities
The closing of Volunteer Braille Services and suspension of services by BLIND, Inc. represent changes for Minnesotans with visual disabilities. […]
History Note – March 2024
Brown versus Board of Education opened doors for disability education One frequent lesson in school history classes centers on Brown […]
Learn more about the historic Welsch versus Linkins court case
This issue of Access Press contains a story by Luther Granquist about a landmark court case for Minnesotans with disabilities. […]
Mass transit actions opened the door for better rider access
Mass transit systems have operated in major U.S. cities since the 1830s. Horse-drawn streetcars and omnibuses initially carried people to and […]
Remembering the “mender of men” and a pioneering industry
The holiday season invariably brings the news meant to stir emotions. Many people cannot get enough stories about human kindness, generosity […]
Curb cuts and ramps cleared way for better accessibility
This issue of Access Press includes a guide to winter safety, with one focus on snow removal and shoveling. People […]
Rehabilitation Act anniversary is time to reflect on major milestone
It has been 50 years since Congress passed the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This important federal law prohibits discrimination on […]
Minnesota’s services for the blind mark century of progress
Break out the birthday party hats! State Services for the Blind (SSB) is marking 100 years of service to Minnesotans […]
Civil rights changes took key steps 50 years ago, but others waited
On August 1, 1973, Minnesotans with disabilities were among those marking the expansion of the state’s anti-discrimination act. The act […]
1950s polio epidemic had costs beyond disabling injuries for Minnesotans
Minnesota came off of a record number of polio cases in 1952. Our state was second in the nation behind […]
Vera Gammon, ‘Minnesota’s Helen Keller” was a very remarkable woman
Every month has many disability-focused events – a day, a week, even the entire month. We mark Helen Keller Deaf […]
Minnesota Council on Disability marks 50 years of advocacy, service in 2023
Light 50 candles and sing “Happy Birthday” to the Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD). The council is celebrating its founding […]
‘Gold plated faucets in $15,000 bathroom’ – fundraiser focused on opulence (History Note)
Our search for topics for the History Note is often an entertaining trip back in time. It’s often cause to […]
Efforts to help counter educational cuts led to today’s AccessAbility
AccessAbility. Inc. is marking 75 years’ service to Minnesotans with disabilities. The Minneapolis-based nonprofit was to celebrate with a gala in […]
Minnesota North Stars were champions to these hockey players
Special Olympics of Minnesota celebrates 50 years of sports competition and camaraderie in 2023. The program opened its doors as an […]
Dubious causes and cures were part of speech disorder treatment
Many of us live with speech disorders, often in combination with another disability. Therapies and assistance have greatly changed over the […]
L.C. in court case is remembered as more than a set of initials
We often hear about the Olmstead decision and Minnesota’s ongoing work on its Olmstead Plan, to work toward integration of […]
The work of St. Paul’s Jewish women is recalled with Vision Loss Resources’ move
The move of Vision Loss Resources and its partners this month from Minneapolis to new quarters in Little Canada brings […]
Groundbreaking 1972 conference brought demands for change
The notion of strength in number has always been popular. Fifty years ago this month, a large coalition of groups […]
Islands of Peace park area is legacy of disabled veteran’s efforts
A Mississippi River park area between Fridley and Brooklyn Center is not only one of the Twin Cities region’s first […]
First Americans with Disabilities Act passage celebrations remembered
When the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became federal law in 1990, Minnesotans with disabilities and their allies joined into […]
Camps for disabled children pitched their tents a century ago
Roll up a sleeping bag, pack a knapsack and get ready for summer camp. Minnesota children with disabilities aren’t left […]
