News

Three of the state’s leading disability advocacy organizations are joining forces to conduct a hands-on workshop to equip people with disabilities, advocates, and family members with tools, guidance, and a greater understanding of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The workshop will help participants develop effective ways to address building access and compliance issues.

Since the 1990s, improvements to state-owned buildings and facilities solely for accessibility purposes have lagged due to lack of funding. One result has been a piecemeal approach to accessibility and ADA compliance in our state parks. To address this MCD is advocating for a $20 million bonding bill to renovate up to four state parks.

It’s a whirlwind at the Capitol with the first committee deadline approaching March 22. For bills to move forward they must have had hearings in relevant policy committees in the house of origin by March 22. The second deadline, March 29, is for committees to act favorably on bills, or companions of bills, that met the first deadline in the other house.

MCD seeks a Public Policy Director to provide leadership over the Minnesota Council on Disability policy and budgetary legislative priorities. Works with disability organizations and partner agencies, the legislative body, the governor’s office, state agencies, and constituent groups through advice and counsel.

Thank you to everyone who attended the 2018 Disability Day at the Capitol. Over 500 people participated in the rally raising awareness and sharing their stories with lawmakers. In order to ensure that Disability Day at the Capitol continues to be a useful advocacy tool, we ask that participants take the following event evaluation survey. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

Sen. Ruud introduced a bonding bill for comprehensive accessibility improvements at 4 state parks. MCD has been in discussions surrounding legislation to curb the misrepresentation of service animals. Our executive director testified at a hearing on regulating transportation network companies and a hearing on autonomous vehicles.