Post your event online 

Access Press is moving more event listings online. That is possible with our redesigned website. There is a word limit and we 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? COVID-19 protocols? 

Accommodations are much more than a ramp for many of us. That kind of information can help someone decide whether 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 [email protected] 

Access Press reserves the right to reject events if they do not meet our guidelines. Call the editor at 651-644-2133 ext. one or email [email protected] with events questions. 

Cowchella returns 

Cowchella, a disability literary and music festival, is 4-8 p.m. Thu, Aug. 3 at Springboard for the Arts, 262 University Ave W, St. Paul. The event features five new neurodiverse Cow Tipping books, live readings by more than 30 authors with intellectual/developmental disabilities including last year’s Cow Tipping Prize-winning author Anthony Hels, music by thelovinglight and headlining band 26 BATS!, local food pop-ups Blazing James BBQ and The SHUI Project, a disability arts org fair, and more.

The event is indoors, outdoors, and free. Wheelchair accessible, ASL interpretation, quiet areas and water provided. 

NAMIWalks steps up 

Register for NAMIWalks, 11 a.m. Sat, Sept,. 23 at Minnehaha Park, Mpls. Enjoy food trucks, music and more. The walk itself starts at 1 p.m. In 2022, NAMIWalks Minnesota was one of the top three walks in the United States, bringing in 539,186.55! The 2023 goal is starting at $500,000. Walk as a team or individual. Register now. FFI: https://www.namiwalks.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=1393 

Do the Woofaroo 

The Can Do Woofaroo is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat, Sept. 23. Walk begins at 11 a.m. The outdoor, family fun event includes a fundraising walk and many activities. people and well-behaved dogs are welcome. registration for the fundraising walk is underway. Register as a team or individual. Each the event website for updates. FFI: https://candowoofaroo2023.causevox.com/ 

Open Flow Forum 

The Artists with Disabilities Alliance meets via Zoom 7-9 p.m. the first Thu of the month. Upcoming dates are Aug. 3 and Sept. 7. Virtually join artists with disabilities and supporters to share visual art, writing, music, theater and artistic efforts or disability issues. Facilitators are Tara Innmon and Andy Sturdevant from Springboard for the Arts.

Anyone needing accommodations including ASL interpreting or captioning should contact Sturdevant at Springboard. Funding is available for access needs. FFI: 651-294-0907, [email protected], [email protected]. 

Resources to Enjoy!  

The Enjoy! listings are for arts events as well as banquets, fundraisers, walks and other fun events by and for disability services organizations. Schedules may be subject to change, so check with a venue or organization before making plans. Arrange for disability accommodations well in advance at any event. 

Disability service organizations typically send e-news blasts and have social media. Both are other ways to find out about events. 

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 any COVID-19 protocols and if an advance reservation is needed for an accessibility service.

Accessible events can be submitted to the MNAA Calendar (and MinnesotaPlaylist.com) 

To receive a free monthly events calendar, email [email protected] and/or [email protected]. 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