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MCD encourages Minnesotans in need to contact Starkey Hearing Technologies for assistance in acquiring no-cost hearing aids. For those struggling to afford hearing aids, Starkey Cares can help acquire state-of-the-art hearing aids at no cost. If you or someone you know is interested in participating, please email Liz Sweet, Starkey Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, at starkeycares@starkey.com or call (800) 328-8602 to learn additional details about the program.

Do you or someone you know utilize the Personal Care Assistance (PCA) program? Have you faced transportation challenges because your PCA cannot transport you to medical appointments, errands, or a COVID-19 vaccination site? Call your state senator and ask them to support SF 984: Restoring Community Access to the PCA Program!

The Vaccine Connector is a tool that helps people in Minnesota find out when, where, and how to get their COVID-19 vaccine. When those who have signed up in the Connector become eligible for the vaccine, the tool will alert them of their eligibility, connect them to resources to schedule a vaccine appointment, and notify them if there are vaccine opportunities in their area.

Many disabilities are conditions of rare diseases, and raising awareness of rare diseases is important to medical research, fundraising, policymaking, and creating a community. Please join the virtual Rare Disease Day, February 26, 2021, through the University of Minnesota to learn more about the rare disease community.

Partners in Policymaking is now accepting applications for the Partners in Policymaking Class 39 advocacy and leadership training program developed by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Any health care business and any health care professional included in priority group 1a who has not yet been vaccinated and has not heard from their employer or local public health about future vaccination plans, should complete the Health Care Vaccination Connection Form.