Pillar #2 Priorities are in partnership with other state agencies and include:
- supporting agency initiatives,
- collaborating,
- advising,
- meeting with legislators,
- and testifying.
1. Communication and Broadband Access for Minnesotans with Disabilities
Many Minnesotans with disabilities face barriers accessing broadband internet and adaptive communication. These barriers are especially prevalent for people living in rural Minnesota and people who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing (DDBHH). Expanding broadband and adaptive communication ensures that all Minnesotans can access telehealth, health and security monitoring services, interpreters, and telecommunication assistive devices.
This proposal includes:
- expanding the Telephone Equipment Distribution (TED) Program,
- expanding the Rural Broadband Access, and
- correcting language to ensure Telehealth access for DDBHH Minnesotans.
Partner Agencies:
- Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind, & Hard of Hearing
- Department of Human Services Deaf & Hard of Hearing Service Division
- Department of Employment & Economic Development
2. Hearing Aid Affordability
Hearing aids are critical communication and assistive hearing devices for many Minnesotans. The cost for hearing aids averages about $5,000 a pair. Recent regulation changes allow for the sale of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, increasing competition and lowering prices. However, OTC hearing aids are not viable for those with severe to profound hearing loss.
We believe a tax credit or voucher program to apply towards the cost of hearing aids will make them more affordable or even free. It is important to note that we do not advocate for a tax deduction scheme. Low-income Minnesotans generally do not benefit from a tax deduction.
Partner Agencies
- Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind, & Hard of Hearing
- Department of Human Services Deaf & Hard of Hearing Service Division
3. Accessible and Affordable Housing
Affordable housing is challenging to find. Minnesota, as reported in the Star Tribune, has the worst housing shortage in the nation. For Minnesotans with disabilities, finding housing is even more of a challenge: truly accessible units are limited, even in an affordable housing complex. We want to create a mix of incentives and mandates to expand the number of accessible units. For example, we want to require that all units with ground-level access are accessible.
Partner Agencies
- Olmstead Implementation Office
- Minnesota Housing
- Department of Commerce
4. Access to Mental Health Services
Treatment and services for mental health are often cumbersome and difficult to navigate, especially while experiencing mental health struggles. We seek to reduce barriers and increase access to mental health services for Minnesotans with disabilities through telehealth expansion, Medicaid policy changes, and professional support.
Partner Agencies
- Minnesota Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities
- Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities
5. Inclusive Higher Education
Higher education options for Minnesotans with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (IDDs) are limited in Minnesota. Currently, only four higher education institutions offer programs for Minnesotans with IDDs. We seek to expand – through grants and mandates – programs at public institutions for people with IDDs.
We also believe it is important that primary and secondary school students have IEP (Individualized Education Program) transition planning. This planning will better prepare students for higher education programs.
Partner Agencies
- Department of Education
- Office of Higher Education
- Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities
6. Inclusive K-12 Education
The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacts all students; however, students with disabilities are disproportionately affected. We will advocate for COVID-19 recovery programs for special/adaptive education and IEP transition planning. We will also push for including more disability history and perspectives in kindergarten through grade 12 curriculums.
Partner Agencies
- Department of Education
7. Parental & Guardianship Rights for People with Disabilities
This priority includes eliminating discrimination against prospective adoptive or foster parents with disabilities. The proposal also allows guardians to open ABLE accounts.
Partner Agencies
- Department of Human Services
8. Unemployment Insurance/Social Security Parameters and Income Thresholds
Social safety nets prevent low-income people from falling into abject poverty. However, regulations and rules in the programs also create poverty traps through income thresholds and forcing Minnesotans with disabilities to choose between critical disability services and economic opportunities. We believe the American Dream should not be out of reach because of a disability. Social safety net programs for people with disabilities are a right, not a privilege.
Partner Agencies
- Department of Employment & Economic Development
- Department of Human Services
9. Expand Access and affordability of Dental Care for Minnesotans with Disabilities
Medicaid and other disability-focused health plans do not include dental care. Minnesotans with disabilities who can find coverage plans are often restricted to a few dental offices and service providers. This situation can force Minnesotans with disabilities to travel several hours from their communities to access dental care.
Partner Agencies
- Department of Health
10. Transportation Access
Minnesotans with disabilities face many transportation barriers, such as:
- limited public transportation,
- incompatible or non-adaptable vehicles, and
- restricted disability parking access.
This priority will include supporting and funding micro-transit programs in all of Minnesota. It will also help the Department of Public Safety, Motor Vehicles Division (DPS MVD) process disability parking certificates faster and improve the application user experience.
Partner Agencies
- Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety