In Brief..... Access Press Online: Volume 14, Issue 4, April 10, 2003



		Changes Coming to Metro Mobility As a part of the budget cuts made by Governor Pawlenty and the Metropolitan Council, Metro Mobility (the public transportation provider for people with disabilities in the Twin Cities) will likely see two major changes this summer: a fare increase and limited weekend service hours in some communities. Under the current proposal from the Metropolitan Council (the agency that sets the policies for Metro Mobility) fares will increase July 1 from $2.00 to $2.50 for off-peak rides and from $2.50 to $3.50 during peak hours. Another part of the proposal limits service to suburban communities primarily located outside of the Interstate 494-694 loop. The original proposal called for no Metro Mobility weekend service to these communities. However, the Metropolitan Council heard comments about this cut from over 200 riders in recent weeks and is proposing to restore limited weekend service to these communities. This cutback would be effective September 1 if approved by the Metropolitan Council. The Metropolitan Council will meet on May 14 to adopt these proposals DHS Web Survey The Minnesota Department of Human Services has posted a survey on its public Web site to gather feedback about information on services for people with disabilities. Results will be used to make improvements to this portion of the site. DHS recently expanded Web content on the following topics: programs and services; how to get involved with disability services; laws and rules; grants and requests for proposals, publications and reports; related links; bulletins and technical assistance and training for counties and providers. This includes information from the DHS divisions of Adult Mental Health, Chemical Health, Disability Services and HIV/AIDS Programs. To view the information and take the survey, go to www.dhs.state.mn.us/Contcare/main/default.htm, click on any of the divisions listed above and find the survey icon on that page. Survey results will be posted on the Continuing Care home page by August 1. May is Mental Health Awareness Month: Volunteer for Hennepin County Hennepin County's Mental Health Volunteer Program is looking for compassionate people. As a volunteer you can be there to listen to and reassure a person who is learning to cope with mental illness. For more info, contact Jackie Connolly at 612-348-2875 or Jackie.Connolly@co.hennepin.mn.us. Works by Artists Living with MI Outsiders and Others provides a rare opportunity for people to appreciate the beauty, complexity and range of works by artists living with mental illness. This show presents a spectrum of artists and styles including collage, ceramics, crop art and watercolor. The exhibition runs through June 7, 2003 at 1010 Park Ave. S. Gallery hours are Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 12-5 p.m., and Thursday from 12-7 p.m. For more info, call 612-338-3435.
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