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June 2023

ISSUE SPONSOR | OLMSTEAD

Thank you message highlighting sponsors ARRM, Sanford Health, and Winthrop & Weinstine for supporting accessibility and journalism.

Woman holding a phone with text about Medicaid work requirements and potential exemptions from the Department of Human Services.

Access Press highlights the impact of policy on disabled lives and encourages membership for advocacy and support.

Alexei Dickinson, signs at the ready, waited for the rally to start in front of building.

Objections to settlement are heard in federal court

by Jane McClure A decision is expected soon on a federal lawsuit centered on living choices and the promises of […]

A collage of images showing the progress for the new technologies

New technology could expand transit access for blind, low-vision customers

Sheila Enerson stepped out of her home, boarded a Route 17 bus, transferred to the METRO Green Line at Nicollet […]

Person holding colorful sign "Show PCA some love! Raise the rates"

2023 session provided transformational changes 

Minnesotans with disabilities had plenty to celebrate when the 2023 Minnesota Legislature gaveled to a close May 22. A wide […]

Emergency’s end means changes

The federal COVID-19 public health emergency declaration ended on May 11. But COVID-19 is still with us and is still […]

Our catastrophic staffing shortage is the cloud hanging over everything

“Fix the system, not me.” Of all of the signs displayed at a recent rally, that is the one that […]

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 […]

"Olmstead Day Celebration: June 22, 2023"

Honoring the Olmstead Decision: A step toward independence

Celebrate Olmstead Day with the Olmstead Implementation Office (OIO) on June 22! This year is the 24th anniversary of the […]

Success at capitol with closed captioning mandate gets a poetic response

Editor’s note: Activist Sonny Wasilowski has worked for a long time on legislation requiring that closed captioning be mandated on televisions […]

Get text messages about health insurance

Minnesotans who have Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare can now get text messages about renewing their health insurance. The Minnesota Department […]

Medicare Health Insurance Card. Social Security Card with Stethoscope

In a public health care program? Eligibility is being checked

Minnesota has started verifying eligibility for people in public health care programs. Notices went to about 100,000 people who have Medical […]

A tradition returns: Access Press announces 2023 Charlie Smith Award celebration

A valued recognition for Minnesotans with disabilities is back. The Access Press Board of Directors is pleased to announce that the […]

MOHR Choice Awards salute outstanding service providers

Eight Minnesota day and employment service organizations were honored this spring with the 2023 Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation (MOHR) […]

Multicultural Autism Action Network group posing at event

The Arc Minnesota gives kudos to its many 2023 leaders

The Arc Minnesota presented its 2023 Leader Awards as part of its annual conference in May. Individuals and organizations were feted […]

Pawsome Adventures offers training and support to southeastern Minnesota

Pawsome Adventures is a new non-profit organization. It is focused on canine training and service dog assistance. Pawsome Adventures has a […]

Rise program marks 30 years

Rise, Inc.’s Minnesota Employment Center celebrates 30 years’ service in 2023. The program began because people referred to Rise’s Vocational Rehabilitation […]

Asian person with Down syndrome cooking with mom.

Five PCA agencies are fined by Department of Labor

As part of a compliance initiative, the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) found five personal care assistance (PCA) agencies […]

Law concept - Open law book with a wooden judges gavel on table in a courtroom or law enforcement office on blue background. Copy space for text

Minnesota firm wins Idaho case

After a lengthy lawsuit, six families have settled their federal court claims against the state of Idaho for abuse, neglect […]

Group of two women working at the office. Mature woman and down syndrome girl working at inclusive teamwork.

Andersen works on inclusion

Window maker Andersen Corp. tried hard to counter tight labor market trends by making its workplace more inclusive, as an […]

Art center is for sale

A theater and arts venue in St. Paul’s Midway area is for sale, and could leave a big hole in […]

Hagen finally is home

Cindy Hagen is finally home, after 294 days’ hospitalization. She was finally released from an Austin hospital, and allowed to […]

Outside of True Friends camping facility

Nursing homes, state academies, True Friends are winners in bonding

As time ran out on the 2023 session, Minnesota legislators hammered together a $2.6 billion infrastructure and nursing home aid package. […]

Find out what we're reading this month on the Radio Talking Bok

Radio Talking Book – June 2023

Still seeking volunteer readers Minnesota Radio Talking Book continues to seek volunteers to record books and periodicals for broadcast. Prospective volunteers […]