Recent federal actions have raised concerns about the future of disability civil rights, with key agencies like the Department of Justice and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission facing disruptions. However, Minnesota’s state laws continue to provide strong protections through the Minnesota Human Rights Act and the Minnesota Accessibility Code. The Minnesota Council on Disability is actively monitoring these changes to ensure the rights of people with disabilities remain protected.
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Stay Informed With MCD’s 2025 Legislative Bill Tracker
The Minnesota Council on Disability’s Bill Tracker keeps you up to date on key disability-related legislation throughout the legislative session. With hundreds of bills introduced daily, our tool helps you easily track priorities, monitor policy changes, and access real-time updates on issues that matter to the disability community. Whether you’re following a specific bill or staying engaged in advocacy efforts, the Bill Tracker is your go-to resource for legislative insights.
Living with Low Vision: Tools, Tips, and Inspiration
February is Low Vision Awareness Month, and State Services for the Blind (SSB) is partnering with the Minnesota Council on Disability to highlight resources, strategies, and success stories for those experiencing vision loss. From adapting everyday tasks to embracing the power of assistive technology, this article shares insights from people with low vision. Discover practical solutions, inspiring stories, and how SSB can help you navigate vision loss with confidence. Explore strategies for living with low vision.
The Search for Compassionate Healthcare: A Rare Disease Advocate’s Story
For Rare Disease Day, guest writer Elizabeth Lando-King shares her powerful journey navigating life with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). Through misdiagnoses and medical dismissals, she found her voice as both a patient and an advocate, emphasizing the critical role of compassionate healthcare. Her story highlights the importance of listening to patients, validating their experiences, and bridging the gap between physical and mental health.
Cost-Effective Accessibility: Affordable Solutions and Resources for Small Businesses
Small- and medium-sized employers can champion accessibility with cost-effective tools and resources. This blog post from our partners at the Department of Employment and Economic Development highlights Minnesota’s Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund and other financial support options to help businesses implement accommodations. From assistive technologies to tax incentives, discover how you can build an inclusive workplace without exceeding your budget.
Why Remembering Ed Roberts’ Advocacy Is Crucial Today
Ed Roberts was a visionary disability advocate and the “Father of Independent Living.” He began his decades-long work as a pioneering activist in 1954. His relentless commitment to advocacy left a profound legacy that continues to inspire and guide efforts for equality today. On January 23, the disability community celebrates Ed’s life. We honor him because his story reminds us that change often takes years, even decades. Advocacy is not easy; it demands personal commitment, perseverance, and a steadfast belief in justice.