MCD is pleased to invite Jillian Nelson as our World Autism Awareness Day guest contributor. Jillian is a Queer autistic advocate from Saint Paul. She is the Community Resource and Policy Advocate for the Autism Society of MN and a member of the Governors Council on Developmental Disabilities, the State Rehabilitation Council, and Co-Chair of the Anti- Discrimination and Intersectionality committee for the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities. Jillian is determined to change the narrative about what autistic people are capable of and what life with autism is like.
Blog
REMINDER: Snow Removal Is a Lifeline
As the snow begins to fall, the Minnesota Council on Disability reminds you to remove the snow from your sidewalks and curb ramps. Sidewalks and curb ramps are lifelines for many people with disabilities and our senior community. When not cleared, they can limit their ability to get groceries, get prescriptions, go to work, and attend local gatherings.
2020 MCD Legislative Forum Wrap Up
Last week, the Minnesota Council on Disability and the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities co-hosted the 2021 Legislative Forum. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we moved the forum to a virtual webinar setting. However, this did not stop nearly 200 Minnesotans, legislators, and the governor’s office from tuning in a participating event.
Human Rights Day is December 10
Human Rights Day is observed on December 10 every year to mark the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. In declaring the dignity and worth of every person, this document helped sparked powerful action throughout the world.
Hidden Disabilities Can Uncover Hidden Ableism
When most people think of disability, they think of wheelchairs, white canes, or prosthetic limbs – very visible tools that clearly signal that a person has a disability. However, many people have disabilities that are not obvious or apparent until they are disclosed. Disabilities like these are called hidden or invisible disabilities. Public Policy Director Trevor Turner describes how they can lead to very different experiences and challenges from visible disabilities.
UPDATED: Information for Voters with Disabilities
In Minnesota, we have many options to vote, and our state makes it very easy to vote if you so desire and are eligible. Polling locations are required to be accessible and absentee ballots are available to any eligible registered voter. During a pandemic, it is important to understand your voting rights, as well.