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. 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.
Beyond Keyboards: Alternative Tools for Controlling Your Computer is 2-3 p.m. Wed, July 7. See many different ways to control a computer and mobile devices, from voice control to switches, adaptive mice, and even keyboards, too. Staff will demonstrate several simple things to make accessing the computer easier, as well as some more complex setups.
Reading and Vision Accessibility in Your Pocket is 2-3 p.m. Tue, July 20. The presentation will introduce a sampling of built-in features on Apple and Android mobile devices that assist with reading and vision accessibility. FFI: PACER, 952-838-9000, 800-537-2237, www.pacer.org
INFO & ASSISTANCE
Online course is updated
The Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities has updated and revised its popular Partners in Making Your Case online course. Partners in Making Your Case introduces learners to the important role advocacy plays in changing public policies that affect people with developmental disabilities.
The course reinforces that everyone, including people with developmental disabilities, has the right to make their case to policymakers. The course explores key social movements that helped to further the rights of people with developmental disabilities, how public policy is made at the local, state and federal levels and key elements of the advocacy process. It reinforces the connection between personal stories and systems change, and introduces ways to make your case in writing and in person.
The course also introduces ways you can build and maintain momentum by partnering with others who share a similar vision. The course is free and takes approximately four hours to complete. FFI: https://partnersonlinecourses.com/partners-in-making-your-case/
Call the help desk
The Arc Minnesota Help Desk offers a direct link to information an assistance. call and an Arc Minnesota staff member will answer. Callers can discuss a personal situation goals, options, and a way forward. If staff is unable to help with a situation directly, callers will be connected with a partner agency.
If no one can take a call, leave a message for a call back.
The help desk is presented as a way to be helpful and equitable. The public can still use the website’s Ask an Advocate form or use the Frequently Asked Questions to quickly find resources. FFI: 952-920-1480, www.arcminnesota.org
Centers for independent living statewide
Minnesota centers for independent living statewide have gone to a mix of operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Typically centers offer an array of classes, training programs and other services tied to independent living. Centers that proving PCA, homemaker and other staffing for clients continue to do that in person. But most services aren’t provide at facilities. Facilities aren’t open to the public at all or on a limited basis, varying by center. Check with a local center before going in. FFI: www.macil.org/
Vision loss group offers activities
Vision Loss Resources has a new audio activities line. To listen to the audio version of the calendar, call 612-235-3654. The calendar is also available on the website. Ask about virtual support groups, events, distance learning and no-contact grocery shopping and reading support. FFI: 612-843-3439, 612-871-2222, info@visionlossresources.org
Online mental health support
NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) offers a variety of free online peer support groups for adults and young adults living with a mental illness, their families, friends, spouses/partners, as well as parents of children and teens. Led by trained peer facilitators, the support 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 group meetings and how to join in by going to namimn.org and clicking on “Support Groups”. FFI: https://namimn.org/support/nami-minnesota-support-groups/.
Classes offered online
NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) has set up a wide variety of free 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, a suicide prevention class called QPR – Question, Persuade and Refer, a special QPR class for Agricultural Communities and many more.
The classes 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/
Volunteer
The St. Cloud Area Parkinson’s Disease Support Group is looking for a volunteer facilitator. More than 150 participants need a leader to organize and conduct our meetings (virtual and soon in-person meetings). Independent Lifestyles, the supporting organization, will continue to work with the facilitator to recruit guest speakers, coordinate sponsorships, house the members’ library, and solicit free materials. FFI: Pam, 320-529-9000, pamt@independentlifestyles.org
