The Hispanic Advocacy and Community Empowerment through Research (HACER MN) is inviting Latin Americans/Latinos who identify as disabled living in Southeast MN Counties (Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona) as well as their caregivers and family members to participate in a focus group to understand the barriers and challenges they face to achieve an independent life.
Blog
Just April Showers? This Spring, Be Prepared for Any Emergency
Spring in Minnesota is a time for us to dig ourselves out of the snow and enjoy warmer, sun-filled days. However, with the change in seasons comes a greater chance of severe weather. As temperatures rise, so does the potential for thunderstorms, tornadoes, and other extreme weather. From damaging winds to hailstorms and flash floods, spring weather in Minnesota can be unpredictable and dangerous. Preparing for emergencies before they happen is the best way to reduce both the danger and the chances of being caught by surprise.
Legislative Forum Listening Session Wrap Up
On March 30th, the Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) held our Legislative Forum Listening Session, an important follow-up to our December Legislative Forum. The Listening Session was an opportunity to hear public remarks from the community on pressing issues impacting Minnesotans with disabilities. Folks shared powerful stories of their experiences and the experiences of their loved ones that will be helpful in informing our work going forward.
MN State Capitol Accessibility Survey: It’s Our House. Is It Accessible to Us?
The Minnesota Council on Disability shares the Partners In Policymaking Class 40 Capitol Complex Building Access Survey. The survey assesses the physical access to Capitol complex buildings, including the Capitol, the State Office Building, and Minnesota Senate Building. The survey is anonymous and does not collect personally identifying information.
Action Alert: Support MCD Legacy Funding
This year, 2023, marks the 50th Anniversary of the Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD). Charged with advising the Governor, state agencies, the state legislature, and the public, we have successfully advocated for disability rights and more inclusive public policy. To commemorate fifty years of work, we want to make sure to keep the focus where it belongs: people with disabilities in Minnesota. Tell your legislators to support the MCD Legacy Funding bill, which would enable us to document the expansion of disability rights in Minnesota by digitizing and archiving our own records and other media. The funding would also allow us to document and archive the many stories of resiliency and Disability Pride from people with disabilities across the state, with a focus on rural Minnesota.
Legislative Update from the Rare Disease Advisory Council
The newly formed state agency, the Rare Disease Advisory Council (RDAC) is charged with providing advice on policies, access, equity, research, diagnosis, treatment, and education related to rare diseases. At our Legislative forum, citizen advocate Anne St. Martin, RDAC Executive Director Erica Barnes, and Representative Liz Reyer called for changes to insurance plans to improve care for people with rare diseases. Executive Director Barnes shares an update on this policy initiative.