Accessibility
The Council supports proposals that make our state government and its services more accessible and inclusive for Minnesotans with disabilities.
Parks for All
Minnesota Council on Disability supports the bonding request by the Department of Natural Resources to invest $10 million in the renovation of William O’Brien State Park. The project aims to make this state park accessible and inclusive for Minnesotans with disabilities and would serve as a model to modernize our state parks system to serve all Minnesotans. Included in the Governor’s bonding proposal.
Barrier Removal Fund
Create a $2 million fund dedicated to making state facilities and services accessible for Minnesotans with disabilities. Dedicated funding from general appropriations to the Department of Administration would permit state agencies to adopt best practices for including people with disabilities and remove barriers in facilities. Included in the Governor’s bonding proposal.
Capitol Complex Tunnel System
Fund a $.5 million bonding proposal towards making our capitol complex tunnel system accessible and code compliant. The tunnel connecting the State Office Building to the Capitol building is far too steep and hazardous to people using mobility devices and wheelchairs. The current proposal aims to fund predesign work and identify solutions to make The People’s House accessible and safe to all. HF2660/SF2618
Website Accessibility Grant and Advisory Council
Establish a $1M grant program that incentivizes counties and municipalities to make their websites accessible. A Website Accessibility Grant Advisory Council, in partnership with the Minnesota Council on Disability, would award grants to cities and counties to make websites and digital content accessible for all. Accessible websites allow for transparency in government and enable Minnesotans with disabilities to have equal access to vital services and employment opportunities from local government. HF3000
Equity and Independence
MCD supports policy that strengthens equity and independence principles for Minnesotans with disabilities to live their best lives in their community.
Transportation Network Companies (TNC) Legislation
Increase equitable, on-demand transportation options for Minnesotans with disabilities using app-based rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft. The Minnesota Council on Disability supports a policy proposal aimed to increase the number of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAV) serving Minnesota. Additionally, MCD supports implementing an effective and robust non-discrimination policy to protect consumers. HF3002
Accessible Policy Solutions for On-Demand Transportation in Minnesota
PCA Transportation Reform
Expand reimbursable activities of the Personal Care Assistance (PCA) program to include transportation. MCD supports legislation to modify the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) to include transportation. This proposal would provide equity, choice, and independence for Minnesotans with disabilities to live, learn, work, and enjoy life in the community of their choice. HF2536/SF2715
Increase Access to Dental Care Services
Simplify and streamline dental administrative services for recipients of medical assistance (MA) and MinnesotaCare and expand dental benefits. Add nonsurgical treatment of periodontal disease and other routine maintenance procedures as a benefit under MA (HF921). Additionally, reform administrative services to work towards increasing accessibility of dental services for low-income Minnesotans (SF1542).
Sexual Violence Prevention
Support policy proposals that mitigate and prevent sexual violence in the disability community. MCD supports policy proposals from a community stakeholder group led by The Arc Minnesota to address this crisis in our community.
Accessible Absentee Ballot Voting
Allow voters with disabilities to request their ballot, instructions and related materials electronically and in an accessible format. MCD supports a legislative proposal to ensure that Minnesotans with disabilities can independently cast their ballot and exercise their constitutional right. Legislation would allow for voters to mark their ballot electronically using their own assistive technology.HF1152/SF562
Employment Interactive Process
Protect employees with disabilities by amending the Minnesota Human Rights Act to guarantee an interactive process when seeking workplace accommodations. MCD supports a legislative proposal to guarantee an interactive process in the workplace for an employee with a disability when seeking accommodations. HF1999/SF2393