CONFERENCES

Attend state conference

The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI )Minnesota hosts its state conference Sat., Nov. 5 at St. Paul RiverCentre. The theme is Charting a New Future. Learn how to reduce mental health disparities and advance health equity from the opening keynote speaker Dr. Kisha B. Holden. Then choose from 18 breakout sessions on a wide variety of current mental health topics, including children and screen time, the important role of peer specialists, the impact of war on mental health, and many more. Check online for rates and registration information. FFI: www.namimn.org

Councils host conference 

There is still time to register for the Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Council (MNSILC) Fall 2022 Conference, Equality and Inclusion. The free virtual conference is Nov. 1-3. 

Keynote speaker is Allan Bergman, who has worked nationally as a systems change facilitator, strategic planner, culture change designer, board governance consultant, group facilitator and trainer, including working 35 years with Partners in Policymaking. He possesses an extraordinary ability to understand and analyze complex issues, and to present solutions in an understandable manner to diverse audiences. He’ll present on Independence, Productivity, Integration & Inclusion of Individuals with Disabilities into Mainstream American Society. 

The conference features 11 sessions over three days. Preregistration is required and participants can choose their sessions, including the ADA and substance abuse, transition from school to adult life, parenting while disabled, leadership development for systems advocacy and systems change, voting rights and responsibilities, diversity and disability, and mental health for center staff and self-care during isolation. Opportunities will also be provided to comment on the three-year State Plan for Independent Living. FFI: https://mn.gov/deed/events/mnsilc/ 

PUBLICATIONS

Anniversary is marked

The Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities announces release of a new publication celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the first Olmstead Planning Committee efforts. A legal settlement agreement was approved in December 2011 with the state, and required appointment of an Olmstead Planning Committee in 2012. The Planning Committee met and recommended to then-DHS Commissioner Lucinda Jesson that the Governor consider appointing an Olmstead Subcabinet. Gov. Mark Dayton signed Executive Order 13-01 appointing the first Olmstead Subcabinet. The report provides a 10-year summary of achievements and is based upon review of Olmstead reports and interviews with key informants. FFI: https://mn.gov/mnddc/

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 being offered again. 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. 

Effective Communication with the IEP Team will be held 11 ,m,-noon Sat, Nov. 12 in Battle Lake. Parents who are familiar with the special education process will learn communication strategies to help them advocate for their child at IEP team meetings to help shape their child’s special education services and supports. The workshop is made possible using funding from the Minnesota Department of Education and is a collaboration with Lionseed Bookstore & Learning Commons. 

Young Adults and Social Security Benefits: What you need to know is offered virtually 1-2:45 p.m. Thu, Nov. 3. Learn about Social Security Administration’s decision-making process. get tips to submit an effective application. How benefits change when a child turns 18 is another topic, as is an overview of. programs that can continue benefit payments. Co-sponsored by the MN Disability Determination Services and Social Security Administration 

Crisis Planning: Proactive Crisis Planning for Children with Mental Health Challenges is offered virtually 6:30-8 p.m. Wed, Nov. 9. When children or teenagers experience escalating behaviors at school, a proactive crisis plan can help support recovery and wellness. This session will provide information on strengths-based planning in the school setting. 

Young Adults and Customized Employment: What you need to know is offered virtually 1-2:30 p.m. Thu, Nov. 10. The training will provide an overview of customized employment and the discovery process. Customized employment is an option for individuals who are significantly impacted by their disability and desire competitive, integrated employment. The presentation will cover the discovery process and how it has led to successful employment outcomes for many Minnesotans. 

Assistive Technology for Students with Dyslexia: A Two-Part Series, Part 1, is offered virtually 2-3 p.m. Wed, Nov. 16. The workshop will discuss the fundamentals of dyslexia for families with students from elementary through college age. Demonstrations will include low-tech to high-tech tools to support literacy and reading. FFI: PACER, 952-838-9000, 800-537-2237, www.pacer.org  

INFO & ASSISTANCE

Move is complete 

After more than 75 years on Lyndale and Franklin, Vision Loss Resources, DeafBlind Services Minnesota, and Contract Production Services have moved and reopened at a new location as of Oct. 10. Their new home is at 3230 Spruce Street, Little Canada MN 55117. FFI: 612-843-3439, 612-871-2222, info@visionlossresources.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. 

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/.