News

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.

MCD is hiring a Government Relations Director. Apply TODAY. The position closes 8/28/24.

As Government Relations Director, you’ll shape policies affecting people with disabilities. You will work with the Public Policy Director to secure funding and drive policy initiatives. This influential role involves developing strategies for planning, funding, and delivering statewide disability policies. Your primary focus will be building relationships and policy proposals with other state agencies. Be at the forefront of ensuring MCD’s legislative goals are met. Make a real difference in the lives of Minnesotans with disabilities.

MCD is hiring a Civic Engagement Director. Apply TODAY. The position closes 8/12/24.

This person will lead our efforts to connect with groups and communities across the state as we continue to advocate for disability rights the equitable treatment of people with disabilities. The Civic Engagement Director will: lead our community outreach efforts; incorporate the public’s perspectives into all of our work, including our legislative work; and serve as a resource for other state agencies as they plan their own accessible outreach events.

It is with heavy hearts that MCD announces the passing of Margot Imdieke Cross. Margot leaves a legacy of uncompromising dedication to access for all, for which we are all profoundly grateful.

Undeterred, Margot was fierce, firm, wise, humorous, and kind-hearted. Her talents as a change-maker grew from her lifelong experiences as a woman with a disability. She disarmed even the most formidable foe with her sharp wit, tenacity, and keen intellect. She didn’t back down when institutions, cultural norms, governments, businesses, or anyone else created barrier after barrier to access. Her steadfast resolve led her to become a highly respected disability rights advocate and renowned ADA building code expert. She routinely outsmarted discrimination and beat back ableism. She educated and argued, spoke out and influenced, changed minds, and challenged common practices in her endless pursuit of equity and empowerment for people with disabilities. She was a force to be reckoned with. She touched countless lives, and her leadership, guidance, and friendship forever changed those who were lucky enough to know her.