Grant assistance available
People who receive home and community-based waiver services (HCBS) can take advantage of a new grant program and free services from LiveLife Therapy Solutions, a Minnesota assistive technology company. The grant program, called AT for Wellness, is available through March 2024. It is designed to help people who currently receive HCBS waiver services to obtain equipment and connectivity to help them access telehealth and/or for social engagement. Some examples include access to online classes, educational programs, work related activities, community engagement and remote healthcare appointments.
LiveLife Therapy Solutions can help with purchasing Internet services and equipment that are typically denied by waiver or cannot be covered, like tablets and computers, to allow people to access telehealth services. The company has also been able to purchase computer desks, office chairs, mounts, adaptive mice, and keyboards. This grant is also able to assist if the person has remote technologies but does not know how to set them up or use them, to cover that time for set up and training needs. FFI: https://livelifetherapysolutions.com/services/
Gala is April 21
Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota hosts its Self-Advocates Spring Gala 7-9 p.m. Fri, April 21 at Mpls Northwest Marriott. The gala is for individuals with Down syndrome in high school to adult only. Enjoy desserts and dancing, and dress up in cocktail attire. Reserve a spot today. FFI: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/self-advocate-spring-gala-tickets-502297223517
Post your event online
Access Press would like to move more of its event listings online, and that is possible with our redesigned website. There is a word limit and we’d ask that those posting information include event costs as well as accommodations. Are ASL and AD offered? Is there companion seating? A quiet room? Fidgets?
Accommodations are much more than a ramp for many of us. That kind of information can help someone decide where or not to attend an event.
To post an event, go to www.accesspress.org, click the resources tab at top right, and go to the post an event line.
Consider that a small web or print ad can also generate interest in an upcoming event. For questions about ads, email ads@accesspress.org
Access Press reserved the right to reject events if they do not meet our guidelines. Call the editor at 651-644-2133 ext. one or email jane@accesspress.org with events questions.
Open Flow Forum
The Artists with Disabilities Alliance meets via Zoom 7-9 p.m. the first Thu of the month. Upcoming dates are April 6 and May 4. Virtually join artists with disabilities and supporters to share visual art, writing, music, theater and artistic efforts or disability concerns. Facilitators are Tara Innmon, Kip Shane and Springboard for the Arts. The gatherings are fully accessible. Anyone needing special accommodations should contact Andy Sturdevant at host organization Springboard for the Arts. Funding is available for access needs. FFI: 651-294-0907, resources@springboardforthearts.org
Resources to Enjoy!
The Enjoy listings are for arts events as well as banquets, fundraisers and fun events by and for disability services organizations. Schedules may be subject to change. Some venues still may have mask and vaccine requirements. Please check with a venue or organization before making plans.
The Minnesota Access Alliance (MNAA) provides an Accessible Arts & Culture Calendar for arts patrons who use accessibility accommodations such as audio description, captioning, ASL interpreting and sensory-friendly accommodations. Link to more details at https://calendar.mnaccess.org. Be sure to check the listing or venue to find out its COVID-19 protocol and if an advance reservation is needed for the accessibility service.
Accessible events can be submitted to the MNAA Calendar (and MinnesotaPlaylist.com). A list of other venues follows the event listings.
To receive a free monthly events calendar: email mactfactor@icloud.com and/or info@mnaccess.org. Ask for the entire events list or specific lists for ASL interpreting, captioning, audio description, sensory-friendly accommodations or disability-related topics.
For other accessibility resources or upcoming webinars presented by MNAA, sign up for emails at https://mnaccess.org
