The Department of Labor has proposed phasing out Section 14(c) certificates, which currently allow some employers to pay people with disabilities less than minimum wage. Minnesota has already taken steps to end the practice here. Now, the federal government is seeking your input for this nationwide proposal. Time is limited – public comments are due by January 17, 2025. Learn how you can submit your comment.
News
Bridging Legacy with Action: Join Us for Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
MCD is proud to collaborate with the state’s One Dream, One Minnesota celebration. Join us at the Community Conference to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and the Civil Rights Movement. Stop by our booth for posters, buttons, and resources, and connect with others who share our message: Disability rights are civil rights. Join us in honoring Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy as we work together toward a more inclusive Minnesota.
MCD Welcomes Linda Wolford, Government Relations Director
The Minnesota Council on Disability welcomes Linda Wolford as its new Government Relations Director. Linda’s appointment brings her full circle: she began her career in 1988 with MCD. With extensive experience at the University of Minnesota’s Disability Resource Center and the Department of Human Services, Linda combines professional expertise with lived experience in disability rights. Her experience in policy, education, and direct services—plus her dedication to advocacy—will help her advance MCD’s mission through collaboration with state agencies across Minnesota.
Creating Inclusive and Accessible Holiday Celebrations
Making holiday gatherings inclusive brings everyone together to share in the joy of the season. From clearing snowy pathways to creating quiet spaces, small, thoughtful actions can make a big difference in helping all guests feel welcome at your celebrations. The Minnesota Council on Disability offers practical tips to help you plan accessible, welcoming holiday gatherings. Whether you’re hosting at home or organizing activities elsewhere, learn how to create celebrations where everyone can fully participate.
Celebrating Human Rights Day
In honor of Human Rights Day, Policy Consultant Sumukha Terakanambi explores how meaningful disability inclusion requires action at every level. From sports teams demonstrating the power of individual accommodations to nations strengthening civil rights protections, organizations and governments are embracing change. Here in Minnesota, strong legal protections combined with engaged disability advocacy continue to advance policy changes that benefit people with disabilities.
Barriers Beyond Borders: My Experience with Disability Inclusion in India
For International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we reflect on how different nations approach disability inclusion. What if visiting family meant facing imposing obstacles—barriers that made you give up on visiting loved ones? For Sumukha Terakanambi, traveling in India highlighted the differences in how cultures support and include people with disabilities. From inaccessible schools to societal attitudes that set lower expectations, Sumukha’s experience provides a personal look into the struggles faced by people with disabilities worldwide. He emphasizes that true inclusion goes beyond implementing laws—it requires breaking down the barriers that prevent people from thriving, no matter where they live.