News

Recently, Kody Olson, MCD policy advisor, appeared on Minnesota Public Radio to discuss the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine. We recognize COVID-19 has disproportionally affected people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It will take time for these people to be vaccinated, according to the rollout plan. Patience is essential.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) seeks input on increasing access to wildlife areas for people with disabilities. Ideas will help shape proposals for improved opportunities across the state. Anyone interested in improving access to wildlife management areas (WMAs) for people with disabilities can share their ideas online with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Limitations and disruptions caused by COVID-19 have made everyday tasks more complicated for everyone, especially for people with disabilities. Dealing with these new challenges can be difficult. We invite you to join us to discuss how to cope with the stress and uncertainty during the pandemic.

The Minnesota Council on Disability’s 2021 Legislative Agenda, including preserving the agency budget, maintaining the budgets of other disability agencies and programs, strengthening protections for employees with disabilities, expanding billable PCA duties to include driving, support of out-of-network rare disease treatment, and supporting the Rare Disease Advisory Council.

MCD hosted a discussion around COVID-19’s impact on Minnesota’s disability community. Panelists included the MDH Jan Malcolm and the DHS Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. The conversation was moderated by MCD’s Kody Olson, who serves as the disability advisor to the State Emergency Operations Center.

Do you plan on attending the Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) Annual Legislative Forum on Thursday, December 17 at 9:00 am? Do you have something on your mind you want to say, a question you need to ask? Call or write your legislator, let them know you would like to see them at MCD’s Annual Legislative Forum.