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Online Exclusives

DOJ seeks to eliminate the integration mandate in the Texas v. Kennedy case, highlighting significant legal changes.

DOJ joins lawsuit to eliminate integration mandate

Texas v. Kennedy In its latest move to undermine the legal foundations of the community integration mandate for disabled people, […]

Map highlighting disability statistics in the U.S., with Minnesota showing 12.1% and 696,000 individuals affected.

Disabilities Count

Publications and speakers use a lot of figures to describe the population of people with disabilities, in the world and […]

Smiling man in a pink shirt sits in a wheelchair, enjoying a sunny day in a park with people and bicycles in the background.

Serve disability needs, not social norms

“I dislike the language of ‘accommodations’ for the same reason I dislike the language of ‘tolerance’ — because it implies […]

A diverse group of individuals in wheelchairs gathers for a community event, showcasing inclusivity and connection.

Getting together was great!

The latest Access Press get-together, on August 6 at Surly Brewing in Minneapolis, brought out a crowd of readers, activists, […]

A young girl assists a family member while a boy prepares food, highlighting the role of child caregivers in family care.

The U.S. Relies on Family Caregivers. Millions of Them Are Kids.

An estimated four million children in the United States are caring for an adult family member who is sick or […]

Using assistive technology to increase independence

A 2024 grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services helped Dakota County expand the use of assistive technology for […]

The image depicts a large white tent set up on a lawn in front of the domed state capitol building. Large letters in the foreground spell "DISABILITY PRIDE" in white and rainbow colors.

Disability Pride in September!

“I rock the X-tra Chromosome!” “Can’t hide my disability pride.” “We are ALL equal.” “Perfectly perfect” “Proud to BE” Because […]

A helmeted individual reclines on a handcycle while riding through sun-dappled woodland on an unpaved path.

Adventure for All

Last month, Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources published this bulletin about the incredible variety of outdoor resources accessible to all. […]

Screenshot from AirNow.org showing a dial on which St Paul air quality measures over 300, the hazardous level.

Wildfire smoke: Hazardous breathing conditions

Since yesterday, the widespread forest fires in the Boundary Waters and Canada have created unsafe air quality throughout the upper […]

Text reads "July is DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH" on the black background of the disability pride flag featuring a muted-color rainbow.

Minnesota Disability Pride events

Communities across the Twin Cities metro and Greater Minnesota have organized an expansive calendar of accessible spaces for connection, culture, […]

Photo of a man at a campground or park, with a large rustic building in the background. The man is in a manual wheelchair wearing shorts and holding his arm over his eyes as he gazes into sunlight.

Heat means added risk for people with disabilities

Just a heads-up: the forecast for a week of hot, humid weather means we need to be extra mindful of […]

Settlement with leading airport transportation shuttle company to improve access for wheelchair users

As ride-booking services like Uber and Lyft took over airport transportation in recent years, older shuttle van services like SuperShuttle […]

Maria Town, president of the American Association of People with Disabilities, speaks with PBS about recent federal decisions on benefits for people with disabilities.

AAPD President Maria Town speaks with PBS about DOJ’s integration mandate opinion

The US Department of Justice issued an opinion on June 18, 2026 calling into question decades of protections for Americans […]

Formal headshots of Robert F Kennedy Jr and Dr. Rebecca Hines

U.S. announces plan to move special education to Health and Human Services

Many education and disability rights organizations are publishing reactions today to the announcement yesterday, Tuesday, June 16, 2026, of the […]

Close-up shot of Eric Phangrath from video short on moving special education programs from US Department of Education to Department of Health & Human Services

Attention must be paid. What the plan to move special ed means for parents and disabled students

Attention must be paid. Special ed parent and teacher Eric Phangrath: “Don’t panic, but pay close attention. Your child’s rights […]

Screenshot of Dr Kara Wada speaking with a wall of framed diplomas behind her.

Immune dysfunction in Long COVID, POTS, and ME/CFS

In this video, Dr. Kara Wada discusses new research on certain conditions that have often been mis-classified as “psychiatric disorders,” […]

Screenshot from KSTP TV news report shows that in DHS's "Revalidate 2026" process, so far 1,009 providers have been approved and 1,049 have been disenrolled.

DHS review of HCBS providers: 1,000+ disenrolled

The Department of Human Services (DHS) made an agreement with the federal government to revalidate more than 5,500 high-risk Medicaid […]

Daniel Bot reads his book, Levi Lifts Off, to a group of school children. He is seated in a low chair, and they are gathered on the floor. There is a video screen behind him with an illustration of the book cover.

You do have your own superpowers

Good summer read for special needs kiddos and families. Levi Lifts Off, by Minnesota author Daniel Bot. See the article […]

Poster with words NIH Releasesd Strategic Plan for Disability Health Research

National Institutes of Health (NIH) released strategic plan for disability health research

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has released its Strategic Plan for Disability Health Research. This agency-wide plan outlines a […]

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 […]

Graphic from Great Lakes ADA Center for illustrative purposes only

Best practices for accommodating hearing loss at public meetings and events

The Great Lakes ADA Center recently shared an article by Jennifer Skulski, “Yes, You Need to Use the Microphone,” on […]

Group of disabled adults posing with "I AM OLMSTEAD" signs.

This Friday, May 8! Deadline for public comment!

Your chance to comment on the draft 2026 Olmstead Plan from the Minnesota Olmstead Implementation Office is open online until […]

Joybubbles

Another great film at #MSPIFF, the 45th annual Minneapolis St Paul International Film Festival. On April 12 and 14, #Joybubbles, […]

Come Talk to ME

April 11 is #WorldParkinsonDay, and at 4:10 p.m. at the Main Theater in Minneapolis (115 SE Main St), you can […]

Plain Language in education

“Plain language should be used more in education because everyone can benefit, and it is easy to use.” So says […]

Understanding disabilities in American Indian and Alaska Native communities

At Access Press, our logo represents the statistic that often surprises people: 1 in 4 Americans live with a disability. […]

Disability Services Day at the Capitol 2025 3

Tuesday March 24 10 AM: Disability Services Day!

See the full guide, “Everything to Know Before You Go,” at MOHR.org. See you there!

Photo of the U.S. Veterans Administration Medical Center in Washington DC under a blue sky.

DOJ gives VA authority to move vets into guardianship

Our article this month on the 1946 push for mental health reform was a History Note, looking at World War […]

Allina Health + Sutter Health = ?

Planned not-a-merger combination of Allina Health with California’s Sutter Health system. Allina’s unions “just learned” the news. How about Courage […]

Photo of Tina Rucci speaking to a group with text overlay

This is Medicaid

Lyft drivers may not cancel or refuse a rider with a service animal

The Minnesota Department of Human Rights reached a settlement with Lyft requiring the company to strengthen its policies and driver […]

Access Press Weekly: Medicaid Changes, Political Punishment, Developmental Disabilities Awareness

Weekly Newsletter for March 5, 2026 Our new once-a-week newsletter brings you the latest disability news across Minnesota, delivering content […]

Side-by-side photos of Minnesota's 2026 Paralympians

Access Press Weekly: Minnesota’s 2026 Paralympians, ICE Impact, Gaps in Care for Disabled Patients

Weekly Newsletter for February 26, 2026 Our new once-a-week newsletter brings you the latest disability news across Minnesota, delivering content […]

A child stares out a window at a wintry street: image for illustrative purposes only.

Access Press Weekly: Metro Surge and autism community, Survey on Long COVID, Accessible gaming

Weekly Newsletter for February 19, 2026 Our email newsletter brings you the latest disability news across Minnesota, delivering content that […]

Dark red graphic of US map with 9 states flagged with large dark blue pushpins

Access Press Weekly: Disability Services Panel, Attack on Community Living Rights, Black Disability History

In our new weekly newsletter, we bring you the latest disability news across Minnesota, delivering content that truly matters to […]

Photo of Josh Berg giving testimony on Jan 29 2026

Access Press Weekly: MAAN, Senate Human Services, Long COVID brain fog, MNCCD Statement

In our new weekly newsletter, we bring you the latest disability news across Minnesota, delivering content that truly matters to […]

Access Press Weekly: Caught in crossfire, Long COVID in kids, Gaelynn Lea

In our new weekly newsletter, we bring you the latest disability news across Minnesota, delivering content that truly matters to […]

Access Press Weekly: MLK Jr Day, North of North, ICE

Follow us as we bring you the latest disability news across Minnesota, delivering content that truly matters to you. North […]

snow-covered sidewalk not easily navigable

Access Press Express: Shovel Your Sidewalks, Accessible Voting Machines, & More

As the year comes to a close and the 2025 tax season ends, now is the moment to support Access […]