Children and Families 

PACER workshops sampling

PACER Center offers many useful free or low-cost workshops and other resources for families of children with any disabilities. Some in-person workshops are offered. Other workshops are online and livestreamed at this time. Advance registration is required for all workshops. At least 48 hours’ notice is needed for interpretation. 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. 

Video Game Access: Part One: Xbox/PC is 1-2:15 p.m. Wed, Jan 25 online. In this part one of Video Game Access, learn about devices, software, and accessibility features specific to gaming with Xbox or PC. 

Video game Access Part Two: PS4/PS5 is 1-2:15 p.m. Wed, Feb. 8 online. In part two of Video Game Access, you’ll learn about devices, software, and accessibility features specific to gaming with PS4/PS5. 

Video Game Access Part Three: Switch/Virtual Reality is 1-2:15 p.m. Wed, Feb. 22 online. In this part three of Video Game Access, learn about devices, software, and accessibility features specific to gaming with Switch/Virtual Reality. FFI: PACER, 952-838-9000, 800-537-2237, www.pacer.org  

Info & Assistance 

Help with insulin

Minnesota’s Insulin Safety Net Program provides a pathway to access the life-saving drug. Don’t ration insulin, reduce doses or delay purchases to save money. MNsure and the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy remind Minnesotans that the program provides fast, reliable help for those who need insulin and may be struggling to afford this life-saving drug. The program can help eligible Minnesotans who have less than a seven-day insulin supply, with an immediate 30-day supply. Pay no more than a $35 co-pay, one time per year. Or, longer-term help to pay for insulin can be provided.  

In 2021, over 1,100 Minnesotans received discounts on their insulin through the program, totaling nearly $6.9 million, but many more are likely eligible for assistance. In 2020, the Minnesota Department of Health estimated that 8.8 percent of adults in Minnesota (about 390,000) had been diagnosed with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, with more than 20,000 new cases diagnosed each year. FFI: https://www.mninsulin.org/ 

Many classes available

NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) has set up a wide variety of free and in-person online mental health classes. Choices include Hope for Recovery, Transitions, Ending the Silence, Understanding Early Episode Psychosis for Families, In Our Own Voice, Family to Family, Positive Psychology, Creating Caring Communities, smoking cessation, a suicide prevention class called QPR – Question, Persuade and Refer, a special QPR class for Agricultural Communities and many more. 

Be aware that on Feb. 1, NAMI Minnesota’s Online Support Groups move to a new and improved platform, HeyPeers. HeyPeers provides a safe, easy to access environment exclusively designed for online support group meetings. 

The classes and online support groups are designed for family members and caregivers, persons living with a mental illness, service providers, and also the general public. Find a complete listing of these classes and how to join in by going to namimn.org and clicking on “Classes” or go straight to https://namimn.org/education-public-awareness/classes/scheduled/