How a St. Paul family overcame zoning rules to keep their daughter safe
A St. Paul family can erect a taller fence than allowed, to accommodate a young daughter with disabilities. The family’s […]
Public Affairs
Opinions on Medicaid work requirements vary
Political arguments about tying work requirements to public assistance benefits have a long history. Consider the arguments offered by these […]
On Medical Assistance? Be aware this summer of changing work requirements
You may have heard some of the recent buzz in the news and social media about changes in Medicaid work […]
Disability organizations across Minnesota and U.S. rally against DOJ memo on community living
A recent U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) legal memo has sparked widespread backlash across the disability rights community by challenging […]
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 […]
New DOJ memo sparks deep concerns over threat to disability rights
On the 27th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision Olmstead v. L.C., the disability community should have been celebrating […]
Minnesota Legislature passes bill to strengthen disability accommodations
In a significant victory for the disability community, the Minnesota Legislature has officially passed Senate File 3210 (SF 3210). The […]
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 […]
Tighter budgets and tougher rules reshape Minnesota disability services
As the legislative session wraps up, Minnesota’s disability support system finds itself in a complex spot. While the most feared […]
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 […]
Punishment or fraud prevention? $259M withheld, lawsuit filed as Minnesota Medicaid dispute escalates
A recent congressional hearing on Medicaid oversight has sharpened a growing conflict between federal enforcement and state compliance, as Minnesota […]
Disability programs see mixed fates in Walz’s $907M bonding proposal
State lawmakers have less than two months to complete their work this session, with a May 18 adjournment deadline. One […]
Oz escalates Medicaid fraud claims against states after focus on Minnesota
The Trump administration has signaled a willingness to halt billions of dollars in federal health payments to multiple states, mirroring […]
Minnesota student with service dog forces nationwide rideshare changes
Thanks to Minnesota college student Tori Andres, rideshare passengers nationwide will see changes in how drivers treat service animals. Andres […]
Federal SAVE Act threatens voting access for Minnesotans with disabilities
How did you vote in 2024? Not who did you vote for: how did you vote? Did you vote by […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
Attorney General Bondi wants records of voters, Medicaid and SNAP recipients “to end chaos in Minnesota”
US Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote Gov. Walz’s office on Saturday, January 24, after Alex Pretti was shot and killed […]
Class action filed against UCare over call readiness work
Just after UCare announced it was winding down operations, a civil lawsuit was filed against the company. The class and […]
Social Security increase set
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that Social Security benefits, including Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI), and Supplemental […]
Sen. John Hoffman on the mend
Sen. John Hoffman (DFL-Champlin) is out of the hospital after undergoing a nine-hour surgery for injuries he sustained in an […]
Olmstead office adds new staff, readies for state plan update
Minnesota’s Olmstead Implementation Office has announced staff changes as efforts are underway to update Minnesota’s Olmstead Plan. The plan is […]
Several appointees are named
Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan announced the following appointments to state boards, commissions and committees. Tricia Brisbine, […]
New federal rules are bringing ‘devastating cuts’ to housing programs
New federal rules issued in mid-November constitute the “most devastating housing cuts in modern U.S. history,” according to Minnesota organizations […]
Name change for elder resource
For nearly 30 years, the Senior LinkAge Line has been Minnesota’s primary aging resource connecting older Minnesotans, caregivers and others […]
Walz, Flanagan announce appointments
Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan announced the following appointments to state boards, commissions and committees. The Advisory […]
Partners in Policymaking Class 43 delves into coursework this fall
The 2025-2026 Partners in Policymaking class sessions are underway. The current class brings together 34 dedicated disability advocates from around […]
Ruling shines light on need for more bed spaces
A unanimous Minnesota Supreme Court ruling earlier this fall highlighted the state’s ongoing dilemma over the lack of available bed […]
Providers to be disenrolled
Medicaid providers who have not billed for services in more than a year will be disenrolled from Minnesota’s Medicaid program, […]
Community, union urge Allina to reconsider closing
The closure of the inpatient chemical dependency unit at Mercy Hospital-Unity Campus could lead to layoffs and fewer treatment options […]
Are you aware? October is NDEAM
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) […]
Walz calls for intensified efforts to combat fraud in state programs
Gov. Tim Walz issued an executive order September 17 directing state agencies to intensify efforts to prevent, detect, and combat […]
Long COVID Workshop Oct 9
Employment, economic impacts merit scrutiny Are you a person with disabilities who also lives with Long COVID? Or has Long […]
Get ‘revved’ up and be ready to vote on November 4
Minnesotans go to polls November 4 to vote on local and in two areas, state office holders. Many communities also […]
MCIL receives $2M Bush grant for DSP program
The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) has received a $2.1 million grant from the Bush Foundation to develop a leading-edge pilot program offering […]
Concerned about Medicaid changes? Here’s how to get involved
I’ve travelled across the state in recent months talking with hundreds of Minnesotans about changes to Medicaid that Congress made […]
Autism program makes change
As of September 1, Autism Friendly Austin will transition from the Hormel Historic Home to LIFE Mower County. Organizers said […]
Longstanding rally rules could face changes with more safety scrutiny
Disability community rally days provide a key way to draw attention to issues and connect with policymakers. Seeing the capitol […]
Capitol security changes will impact visitors with disabilities
Disability advocacy groups are gearing up for the 2026 legislative session, drafting bills and setting agendas. They are also preparing […]
Appointees are announced
Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan have announced the following appointments to the Minnesota Assistive Technology Advisory Council. […]
Medicaid’s 60-year mark brings calls for action
The 60-year anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid’s launch brought a mix of reflection as well as a call to action. […]
Special Olympics countdown underway
With less than one year to go until the opening ceremonies, excitement is building for the 2026 Special Olympics USA […]
New ASL feature offered at the Minnesota State Fair
Summer draws to an end in August, but not before 12 days of fun. This year’s Minnesota State Fair is […]
Senator Hoffman gives update in first interview since shooting
Sen. John Hoffman (DFL-Champlin) is on the mend from a June assassination attempt. He granted his first post-shooting interview July […]
Treacherous tunnel to be rebuilt
As disability community members continue to sort through 2025 legislative actions, one measure to celebrate is called out. A bonding […]
Take a survey for DHS
Direct support professionals! The State of Minnesota wants to hear your voice. Minnesota is conducting a short, voluntary survey to […]
Appointments are announced for several state groups
Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan have made several recent appointments to boards, commission and committee involved with […]
