Many of us who grew up celebrating Christmas made wish lists of gifts we wanted to see in a stocking or under a tree.

With the legislative session poised to start January 3, it’s time to make those wish lists of what we’d like to see passed during the 2023 session.

So what is your disability? Or the disability of a loved one? What systems changes and supports would make life better and easier? What changes have had an adverse impact? Write those down and have a few talking points about how you have been or could be affected.

For example, if your school district had to cut back on services for your child, be able to concisely say how that has hurt your family.

Here’s a list of ways to use your list:

Get to know your state senator and representative. But be mindful that many of the players at the state capitol have changed. Even if you have not moved, redistricting may have placed you in another district. (Surprise!) The Minnesota Secretary of State’s office has great contact info, from federal offices to local groups. Go to https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/get-involved/contact-your-elected-representatives/

If you can physically get to local meet and greet events with lawmakers, do so. Be the face that goes with the name.

If your area has local groups focused on general or specific disability issues, join up. there is strength in numbers. Check into statewide groups, too, and get to know people who can help you be a better advocate.

There’s a wealth of information on the legislature’s website. You can find and track bills, follow committees and read updates at https://www.leg.mn.gov/

What’s great is the hybrid hearings are here to stay. There’s no more trekking in from Moorhead or Winona to testify for five minutes.

Make yourself heard – via your voice or written communication – and have a productive session.

Check in with Disability and Progress

Please read this update from our friends at Disability and Progress, and consider getting it touch. I’ve been on Disability and Progress and had a fun time.

Would you like to be a part of a great club? Please email us your name and where you’re from, and we will acknowledge you on the air. We want to hear from you and see how far our listeners are listening from. We will start this each week starting January, so let us hear from you.

Thank you for joining Disability and Progress. Where we bring you, insights into, ideas about, and discussions on disability topics. The goal of this show is to keep you informed about what’s new and how it relates to you. “This week, Author Betty J. Hassler will be talking about her new book “A Beam of Hope.” Join us to hear about this piece of fiction.

Here’s one up and coming show:

December 15, 2022. Dr. Jill Foster will be with us to talk about the new outbreaks of Polio and what it means for you and me.

You can hear Disability and Progress every Thursday night from 6 to 7 pm on KFAI 90.3 Minneapolis. And finally … Podcasts are here! We have been waiting a long time for this, so here we go. Our podcast from past shows are growing quickly. Please check them out. Just ask your smart speaker to play Disability and Progress podcast for the latest episode. You can also hear us online at http://www.kfai.org/programs/disabilityandprogress and then scroll down to the Disability and Progress episodes, or by copying the above address in your browser.

You have the option of listening live or hearing the archive episodes

For easier access, carry us with you, download the app to your smartphone and hear us on demand. Even better, if you want to hear Disability and Progress stream live, just tell your smart speaker to “play KFAI radio.

In order to express your ideas or comments for future shows, call us at 612:341-3144, or email: disabilityandprogress@samjasmine.com.

Or drop us a line at KFAI, 1808 Riverside Avenue South, Disability and Progress, Box 116, Minneapolis MN 55454. For best results, just email us at disabilityandprogress@samjasmine.com.

Thank you and we hope you enjoy the show. Sam Jasmine “Producer of Disability and Progress” and Charlene Doll, “my research team”