Discover the role disability services and supports play in Minnesota’s employment landscape with Sumukha Terakanambi, a Policy Consultant at MCD. In the second post of this six-part series, Sumukha discusses some of the programs and resources designed to empower people with disabilities in the workforce. He also sheds light on the barriers many still face. From navigating eligibility criteria to advocating for informed choices, this post offers actionable insights and policy recommendations to dismantle systemic obstacles and create inclusive employment opportunities for all.
Blog
Barriers to Employment: An Overview
My name is Sumukha Terakanambi, and I am a Policy Consultant with the Minnesota Council on Disability. For the last few years, my goal has been to gain full-time employment as a disability and healthcare policy advocate. As a person with a disability, I have the desire and ability to work like anyone else. Unfortunately, I – and so many others with disabilities – still face negative stereotypes and systemic barriers when searching for employment. This is the first in a series of six blog posts exploring the major barriers to employment for people with disabilities across the state.
Disability Advocacy Day Wrap-up
On Wednesday, March 27, people with disabilities and disability advocates joined in the Minnesota Capitol Rotunda for Disability Advocacy Day. The theme of this year’s rally was Disability Justice, a social movement focused on examining ableism and the challenges and injustices that people with disabilities still face. During the rally, speakers called on the crowd to support disability-related legislation. Following the rally, several participants met with their legislators.
Uber and Lyft Must Provide Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles
The fight over wages for Uber and Lyft drivers in Minneapolis has brought renewed attention to on-demand transportation. Despite the independence these services can provide, people in wheelchairs are often left out. Sumukha Terakanambi, MCD Public Policy Consultant, talks about the need for accessible on-demand transportation and the risks to health and safety if it is not available.
Getting Personal Care Attendants Behind the Wheel: A Story of Grassroots Advocacy
In their most recent newsletter (PDF), the Minnesota Council on Transportation Access (MCOTA) interviewed MCD council member Ted Stamp. Ted’s story is an example of how grassroots advocacy can turn a disability issue—the lack of accessible transportation options—into meaningful policy when we work together for change. Thanks to those efforts, Minnesotans with disabilities have better Continue Reading Getting Personal Care Attendants Behind the Wheel: A Story of Grassroots Advocacy
Continuing the Education Advocacy of Ed Roberts
Ed Roberts is a towering figure in the history of disability rights. His advocacy challenged perceptions and created opportunities for people with disabilities, particularly in higher education. Roberts, who contracted polio and was paralyzed from the neck down at 14, defied expectations to become the first wheelchair user to attend the University of California, Berkley. His efforts started a movement that continues to champion accessibility, inclusivity, and empowerment in higher education. Inspired by this kind of education activism, guest Baya Clare tells us about their debt to Ed’s work and their own disability advocacy.