EDUCATION
Learn disability history
The Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities has announced that its popular Partners in Time online course has been completely revised. The course explores how people with developmental disabilities lived, learned and worked from ancient times through the present and goes in-depth on important topics, such as the Olmstead decision. Find historical and legislative timelines and profiles of people whose work dramatically affected the lives of people with developmental disabilities. A series of “Ripped from the Headlines” exercises highlight how the pervasive themes that characterized the early history of people with developmental disabilities continue through today. Free.
FFI: https:// partnersonlinecourses.com/partners-in-time/
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
PACER offers workshops
Many useful free or low-cost workshops and resources for families of children with any disabilities are online. Advance registration is required for all workshops. At least 48 hours’ notice is needed for interpretation. Workshops are live-streamed. Check out PACER’s website and link to the newsletter of statewide workshops that allows participants to pick and choose sessions designed for their needs. It’s About Time! Tools to Support Time Management for All Ages is 1-2 pm Wed, Jan. 13. The virtual workshop from Simon Technology Center will provide an introduction to tools that support time management, such as clocks, timers, and alarms. Apps and devices will be demonstrated that are appropriate for young children, teens and adults.
FFI: PACER, 952-838-9000, 800- 537-2237, www.pacer.org
INFO & ASSISTANCE
Online mental health support
NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) offers free online peer support groups for adults and young adults living with a mental illness, their families, friends, spouses/ partners, and parents of children and teens. Led by trained peer facilitators, the groups help individuals and families learn coping skills and find strength through sharing their experiences. The groups are specifically for those individuals suggested by the group’s title. For example, Family Support Group is only for family members and NAMI Connection is only for those who live with a mental illness and are over 18 years old, etc. Find a complete listing of meetings and how to join by going to namimn.org and clicking on “Support Groups”.
FFI: https:// namimn.org/support/nami-minnesota-support-groups/.
Family to family class
Learn about mental illnesses, the brain, treatment, and resources to help a loved one living with a mental illness. The class through NAMI Minnesota is 6:30-9 p.m. Wed Jan 13-March 3. Participants will also build communication skills, reduce stress, find support and discover the common Stages of Emotional Responses when supporting someone with a mental illness. The workshop meets regularly for eight weeks and is for family and friends of an adult living with a mental illness. Class is virtual using the Zoom format, so a computer or tablet with a camera and high speed internet are needed to attend. Zoom can be downloaded for free. Anyone interested in attending the class must schedule a short interview. After acceptance into the program, a registration link will be sent.
FFI: Donna, 651-788-6363, dmbalitz@yahoo.com
Minnesota STAR program
Program staff is working to provide services and keep clients safe. The equipment lending library has specific procedures and only no-contact loans are offered. All equipment is tested and sanitized prior to shipping. STAR staff wears proper PPE (personal protective equipment) during the process. Device loans continue to be for 30 days. After equipment is returned to STAR it is quarantined for five days. After the quarantine period equipment is once again sanitized, inspected and tested. Virtual demonstrations are done on as needed. Information and assistance services continue as usual.
FFI: 651-201-2640, star.program@state.mn.us
MCIL is online
The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living provides classes and activities, currently in a virtual format. MCIL is at 530 N. Robert Street, St. Paul and most activities are there or start there. Check the website to see what and events are listed on the website, www.mcil-mn.org. Click on “Classes Groups and Sessions” for classes, updated information or to print their calendar. Please give two weeks’ notice if the alternative format or other accommodations are needed. Events free, accessible and mostly scent-free. FFI: 651- 603-2030 MCIL centers statewide have gone to a mix of operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Check with a local center before going in.
FFI: www.mcil.org/
