Representatives of Minnesota’s numerous disability advocacy groups are already making treks to the state capitol. The Jan. 24 start of the legislative session has kicked a number of lobbying efforts into high gear. Several groups have already announced their advocacy days. Despite what has been touted as a short legislative session, disability community members will be ...

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Brown is winner of award Nick Brown, owner of Brown’s Lawn Service in Shakopee, is the winner of the 2011 Judd Jacobson Memorial Award. The award will be presented Oct. 5 at a ceremony at Courage Center in Golden Valley. Brown is an enterprising 18-year-old who has been mowing lawns since age 12. That wouldn’t be unusual ...

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 If tomorrow morning my employer told me that I had to take a 20% pay cut, I would naturally think about where I could cut my expenses. I would also begin thinking about ways to replace that income . . . a second job, perhaps. Apparently, it does not work that way with our government. ...

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Prudent budget-cutting measures or irresponsible attack on the lives of people with disabilities? A report on proposed health care spending cuts is sparking intense debate throughout Minnesota, as sweeping changes are proposed to state programs. The report, “Minnesota’s Healthcare Imperative,” contains specific proposals for potential cost savings from within Minnesota’s current public health care system ...

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Speak for yourself, others at advocacy events Wanting to speak out about proposed state budget cuts? Many opportunities are available for self-advocates, their families and friends during the 2011 legislative session. Here is a sampling of upcoming days at the capitol, meetings and rallies. More information can be found at www.mnccd.org     Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities ...

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Working together on a wide range of issues will serve Minnesota’s disability and aging communities well during what is expected to be a challenging 2011 legislative session. Representatives of more than 50 groups met Nov. 29 in St. Paul to share ideas and strategies. The 2011 Minnesota Legislature convenes Jan. 4.     Participants agreed that the two ...

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The true power of self-advocacy and self-determination for individuals with disabilities and their families was a message that inspired everyone who attended the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living annual dinner Oct. 27 in St. Paul. Sue Swenson, whom MCIL claims as one of their own, was the keynote speaker. She is currently deputy assistant director ...

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The issue of overbilling by personal care attendant (PCA) services in Minnesota continues to roil Minnesotans who rely on those services. The overbilling issues have been raised by a state investigation and this spring by the Star Tribune. Steve Larson, The Arc of Minnesota’s Public Policy Director, responded to the investigation in a letter to the ...

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Minnesota, as told through the pages of Access Press, is one of victories and defeats, activism and accolades. Come with us on a trip back through the past two decades. This installment covers the second five years of newspaper coverage.  May 1995 Debate continued at the capitol over programs for people with disabilities, with most attention focused ...

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Over the past few weeks, the personal care attendant (PCA) program has had a lot of attention. There has been a lot of scrutiny as a result of the Minnesota Legislative Auditor’s report and our state and national current budget crisis. As a conservative, I do believe in limiting the size of government. My positions are ...

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"Nothing about us without us" is a saying that sprang from the disability rights movement in South Africa in the 1980s. It is a saying that encompasses much of the hard work that has been accomplished during the last 20 years, both within the disability rights movement, and by the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living ...

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Articles/Contributors: Legislative Alert: Legislators Considering New Laws, by Access Press Staff Twin Cities Host National Tournament, by Luke Pedersen Editor’s Column, by Charlie Smith Statement of Conscience, by Justin Dart Aging Brings Touch Decisions, by LeAnne Dahl The Invisible Disability, by David Markusen Profile: Brian Rogers, by Cindy Bordeaux Hello Nicole, by Nicole Chronic Illness Ministry: What One Faith Community is Doing, by Cynthia ...

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Articles/Contributors: Trouble at Seward: Tenants Take Action Against Drug Dealers, by Dwight Hobbs Metro Mobility: Public Forums Held, by Luke Pedersen Editor’s Column, by Charlie Smith Taken for a Ride, by Mary Ellen Egan Words Can and Do Hurt, by LeAnne Dahl Dealing With Depression, by Katie O'Brien Hello Nicole, by Nicole AccessAbility: A Manual for Churches: 1997 by Cindy Bordeaux Stats Up - ...

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Articles/Contributors: Mayoral Candidates: Address Disability Issues, by Dwight Hobbs Mom Presumed Guilty, by Diane Hovey Editor’s Column, by Charlie Smith TTYs at MN Rest Stops, by Rich Diedrichsen Staring Back: The Disability Experience from the Inside, by Kenny Fries Hello Nicole, by Nicole Church Accessibility, by Jo D'Archangelis Aging Conference Enlightens, by LeAnne Dahl Return to Work - Action Proposals for Congress, by Bonnie O'Day Our Personal Stories, by Krista ...

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Articles/Contributors: Transit Problems Can Be Solved: John Walsh of MCIL Gives the Council Some Suggestions, by Access Press Staff DRAGnet Expands, by Access Press Staff Editor’s Column, by Charlie Smith Minnesota Again Gives Disability Rights Short Shift, by State Sen. John Marty Let's Understand Medicaid Before We Make Changes, by US Sen. Paul Wellstone Hello Nicole, by Nicole Summer Musings, by Sister ...

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Contributors: No Bidders to Replace ATE - Situation is Complicated as Deadline Approaches - by Charlie Smith Mental Health Should be Included in Reform - by Sen. Paul Wellstone Library Services for the Blind and Physcially Handicapped in Minnesota - by Access Press Staff Hennepy County Library Offers Computer Access to Electronic Network, by Access Press Staff Editor's Column - ...

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Contributors: Gillette Children's Hospital - Unique Small Hospital Offers Lifelong Therapy, by Kim Wickline Becoming Self-Supporting PASS Program - Part 2, by Toni Zacharie Watt Editor's Column by Charlie Smith Fix-Up Fund for Accessibility Improvements by Access Press Staff Arthritis - Common But Complex by Jenny Fransen, RN The Legislators Are Coming! by William A. Smith, Jr. Fostering Cooperation Among Governments by Peter McLaughlin Hello Nicole by Nicole MCIL: How Our Agency Stands on Metro ...

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Metro Mobility is vital for persons with disabilities who need a paratransit service that will allow them to be active in the community. The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living supports the continued operation of the Metro Mobility system. Metro Mobility is a public transit service, not a social service program. The fares charged for the paratransit ...

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MCIL has been in existence only since 1981.  In the course of ten years, however, the agency has matured into its present role as a solid resource for people with disabilities.  It continues to find new ways to serve the community and is constantly trying to improve on present services.  Located at 1619 Dayton Ave. ...

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Articles/Contributors: Self Support Can be Achieved by Toni Zachariae Watt Metro Mobility Fare Change Disappoints Riders (Again), by Adam Quinn Editor’s Column, by Charlie Smith St. Paul Councilman Fixes Tickets - for a Lot of Handicapped Drivers, by Dave Thune U Medical School Plans to Drop Occupational Therapy, by Willam A. Smith Two More Views on Minnesota Health Care: Minnesota COACCT Wants ...

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