News

The Department of Labor has proposed phasing out Section 14(c) certificates, which currently allow some employers to pay people with disabilities less than minimum wage. Minnesota has already taken steps to end the practice here. Now, the federal government is seeking your input for this nationwide proposal. Time is limited – public comments are due by January 17, 2025. Learn how you can submit your comment.

MCD is proud to collaborate with the state’s One Dream, One Minnesota celebration. Join us at the Community Conference to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and the Civil Rights Movement. Stop by our booth for posters, buttons, and resources, and connect with others who share our message: Disability rights are civil rights. Join us in honoring Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy as we work together toward a more inclusive Minnesota.

The Minnesota Council on Disability welcomes Linda Wolford as its new Government Relations Director. Linda’s appointment brings her full circle: she began her career in 1988 with MCD. With extensive experience at the University of Minnesota’s Disability Resource Center and the Department of Human Services, Linda combines professional expertise with lived experience in disability rights. Her experience in policy, education, and direct services—plus her dedication to advocacy—will help her advance MCD’s mission through collaboration with state agencies across Minnesota.

MCD welcomes Jill Westberry, our new Civic Engagement Director. Jill brings a rich mixture of experiences and perspectives to the role. Throughout her career, Jill has developed deep expertise in disability rights and services while maintaining a strong commitment to community engagement. Her experience spans direct service in education, ADA compliance and disability services in workforce development, and policy implementation as an ADA Coordinator. At each step, she has worked to strengthen connections between institutions and the communities they serve. In her role as Civic Engagement Director, Jill will build on this experience to advance disability rights across Minnesota, working with communities and government agencies to ensure people with disabilities have full access to public policy discussions and other civic activities.

Join us for MCD’s 2025 Legislative Forum on Monday, January 27. This hybrid event brings together disability advocates, legislators, and community members to shape disability policy in our state. Attend in person at the Minnesota Department of Revenue Building (600 N. Robert St., St. Paul) or virtually via Zoom. The Legislative Forum is an opportunity for the disability community to share lived experiences directly with legislators and help develop collaborative solutions. More details, including the full agenda and additional details, will be available soon. Be part of creating positive change for Minnesotans with disabilities.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce announces expanded accessibility services at this year’s Eco Experience during the 2024 Minnesota State Fair. For the first time, American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters and Braille documents will be available, making the Energy Information Center exhibit more inclusive and accessible to all visitors. At the Eco Experience visitors can explore programs and projects that save energy and money. Braille services are made possible through a partnership with the State Services for the Blind at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.