Featured Items
![Margot Imdieke Cross](https://www.disability.state.mn.us/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/margot_2_300x300_original.jpg)
MCD Remembers Disability Rights Trailblazer, Margot Imdieke Cross
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. MCD Remembers Disability Rights Trailblazer, Margot Imdieke Cross
![Woman holding a sign that reads, "Disability Rights are HUMAN RIGHTS!"](https://www.disability.state.mn.us/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/disabilityrightshumanrightsFeature.png)
Help Shape the Future of Guardianship in Minnesota!
MCD is seeking passionate individuals to join the Legislative Task Force on Guardianship. This is your chance to address concerns and improve the rights of people with disabilities and older adults under guardianship. Over the past few years, we’ve listened to your feedback and partnered with advocacy groups to create this task force. Now, we need your expertise to develop recommendations that will transform our guardianship system.
We’re looking for a diverse group of 25 members, including people with disabilities, advocates, family members, and guardians. Your unique perspective is crucial in influencing guardianship legislation. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a real difference – the application deadline is August 2, 2024. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply on the Secretary of State’s website.
Featured Resources
![Minnesota Capitol Building on a Cloudless Clear Blue Sky](https://www.disability.state.mn.us/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Minnesota-State-Capital-960x330.jpeg)
We support and promote public policy goals that positively impact the lives of people with disabilities. MCD helps policymakers understand how their decisions affect the disability community and brings together members of the government and the public to comment on legislation.
![Illustration of bills and a gavel with a government building in the background](https://www.disability.state.mn.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/BillTrackerCROP2-960x330.jpg)
Each session, lawmakers introduce dozens of bills that will impact the disability community. The amount of legislation introduced each session makes it a daunting task to follow the ones you might be interested in. We compile a list of disability-related legislation to make it easier for you to stay informed.
![Disability parking space and access aisle](https://www.disability.state.mn.us/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Accesible-Parking-Spot-960x330.jpeg)
There are over half a million valid disability parking certificates and plates in Minnesota. We provide the “Do’s and Don’ts” of disability parking, as well as information on disability parking laws and regulations.
![Service dog bringing a water bottle to its owner](https://www.disability.state.mn.us/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2022.07-Liz-Banfield-crop-960x330.jpg)
A service animal is a dog, or in some cases a miniature horse, individually trained to do work or perform tasks for someone with a disability. Service animals are different from Emotional Support Animals (ESA) and can go almost anywhere with their owners. MCD works to inform the public about service animals and protect the rights of people with disabilities.