For 50 years, the Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) has been at the forefront of advocating for members of the disability community across our state. As we look ahead to the next 50 years, we are encouraged by the media’s increased efforts to bring attention to crucial issues impacting so many of our constituents. From personal journeys to legislative actions, critical concerns to joyous celebrations, your stories are becoming part of community conversations. We want to highlight this ongoing media coverage and share some of these important news stories.
Please note: The links on this page point to external content. While we continue to encourage media outlets to make their digital content accessible, we cannot guarantee the accessibility of this material. Additionally, some of this material may be hosted behind a paywall.
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August 31, 2023
Wheelchair ramps will finally make Sunken Garden at St. Paul’s Como Park fully accessible
After years of hit-or-miss access to Como Park’s Sunken Gardens, officials have confirmed plans to install wheelchair ramps at the popular attraction. Four concepts are being considered, and more than $314,000 has been allocated from St. Paul’s Capital Improvement Budget. MCD’s ADA Director, David Fenley, was quoted in an April 10 Star Tribune article regarding unreliable and unworkable lifts currently in place.
Wheelchair ramps will finally make Sunken Garden at St. Paul’s Como Park fully accessible
July 27, 2023
Americans with Disabilities Act turns 33
July 26, 2023 marked the 33rd anniversary of the ADA. KARE 11 reporter John Croman met with MCD Chair Nikki Villavicencio and disability rights advocate to discuss her reflections on the landmark legislation. Villavicencio offered perspective on the law’s impact and the continued need to press for regulation adherence. Croman also interviewed attorney Chad Wilson of Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid about the agency’s ongoing legal work and noted recent successful cases against Metro Transit and the Minnesota DHS on behalf of the members of the disability community.
Americans with Disabilities Act turns 33
July 17, 2023
‘Track chairs’ will be offered at 13 state parks starting Aug. 1
“This is just one example of the hard work we’ve done in Minnesota,” shared MCD Council Chair Nikki Villavicencio with KARE 11 reporter Heidi Wigdahl in celebrating the expansion of the popular track chair program at Minnesota state parks. “The all-terrain vehicles allow you to go places that we’ve never been before, so it’s pretty awesome.” MCD played a role in advocating for the expansion of the track chair program, soon to be available in 13 state parks.
‘Track chairs’ will be offered at 13 state parks starting Aug. 1
July 13, 2023
Some pregnant Minnesotans can qualify for disability parking permits under new law
MCD public policy director Trevor Turner spoke with WCCO News about a new bill expanding accommodations for Minnesotans who are pregnant. Now, some can qualify for disability parking permits. Turner explains that the bill clarifies “for doctors or anyone who was unsure about that, that yes pregnancy can be a qualifying condition if it meets the conditions already outlined in the statute.”
Some pregnant Minnesotans can qualify for disability parking permits under new law
June 10, 2023
Disability Viewpoints: Legislative Wrap-up, Marijuana Legalization
Joined by host Mark Hughes and co-host Darrell Paulsen, MCD Policy Director Trevor Turner appeared on Disability Viewpoints to discuss outcomes from the highly productive 2023 Minnesota Legislative session. Turner offers his impressions of what’s been dubbed “the Minnesota Miracle 2.0,” and how MCD’s legislative priorities were largely accomplished. Turner shares, “I think the significant win overall was getting the attention of the government in focusing on disability issues, that there was a high priority to improve and invest in the disability community in our state.”
Watch Disability Viewpoints: Legislative Wrap-up, Marijuana Legalization on YouTube (Video)
May 18, 2023
CLE examines history of disability perceptions, protections
MCD ADA Directory David Fenley participated as a panelist for the “Disability Awareness, Rights, and Justice” session, which included a historical and regulatory look at how people with disabilities are regarded and accommodated. The panel reviewed the history of the disability community, the ADA, and state policy. The panel concluded with tips and resources for engaging with the disability community in government work and the judicial system.
CLE examines history of disability perceptions, protections
May 9, 2023
Q&A: Accessibility and EV Charging Stations
Increased incentives to purchase electric vehicles (EVs) create the need to build more EV charging stations. As these stations are built, a number of issues come to light, including the need for accessibility. Drive Electric Minnesota spoke with MCD ADA Director David Fenley to discuss the importance of incorporating standardized accessibility guidelines into EV charging stations.
Q&A: Accessibility and EV Charging Stations
May 1, 2023
Minnesota Council on Disability marks 50 years of advocacy, service in 2023
Did you know? MCD was founded in 1973 as one of several initiatives that resulted from the groundbreaking Governor’s Conference on the Handicapped, championed by Governor Wendall Anderson. Over the years, the work of what was once named the Minnesota Commission for the Handicapped often reflected federal-level actions, including civil rights and the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Fifty years later, the commission has become the council, but MCD remains at the center of disability civil rights advocacy. They continue to provide vital services, resources, and a commitment to advancing critical legislative action.
Minnesota Council on Disability marks 50 years of advocacy, service in 2023
April 10, 2023
Como’s Sunken Garden out of reach to people with limited mobility
A Star Tribune article outlines how years of disrepair and sporadic availability of Como’s Sunken Garden’s two wheelchair elevators have meant mobility-challenged visitors are usually limited to viewing the space from an overlook far from the garden’s sights and scents.
“The fact that the Sunken Garden has for years been unreachable for people in wheelchairs is inexcusable,” said David Fenley, ADA director at the Minnesota Council on Disability. While the ADA requires businesses to remove barriers for people with disabilities “if readily achievable,” he said, the burden is greater for government entities that receive taxpayer funding.
Como’s Sunken Garden out of reach to people with limited mobility
April 5, 2023
Minnesota elections could see ranked-choice voting by 2026
A new bill in the Minnesota Legislature, introduced on March 1, would implement ranked-choice voting (RCV) for federal and state elections as early as 2026.
To implement standards for RCV, the bill would create the Statewide Ranked Choice Voting Implementation Task Force. The task force’s goal would be to determine the tabulation methods and reporting process for the 2026 general election and beyond. MCD would be one of several organizations participating in the task force to ensure a diversity of backgrounds and thoughts.
Minnesota elections could see ranked-choice voting by 2026
March 29, 2023
Woman in legal limbo at Mayo cleared to go home
The case, closely watched by disability advocates, appeared to come to a close after a judge vacated a court-ordered guardianship and conservatorship for Cindy Hagen, who had been living in Mayo Clinic’s Austin, Minn. hospital since last summer. Hagen’s situation highlights challenges in some of the systems that surround people living with disabilities, said David Dively, executive director of the Minnesota Council on Disability, sharing, “We want to move as far away from guardianship as realistically and practically possible because it is so restrictive. And in Minnesota, we do it pretty heavy handedly.”
Woman in legal limbo at Mayo cleared to go home
February 22, 2023
Black Garnet Books Builds Inclusion into Its St. Paul Bookstore
When Dionne Sims made it her mission to create Minnesota’s only Black-owned bookstore, she spent the following years imagining and slowly piecing together how a space can be defined by its inclusivity and accessibility. Sims made it her mission to ensure her Black Garnet Bookstore in St. Paul is inclusive, accessible, and welcoming—to all.
MCD ADA Director David Fenely, interviewed for this story, shares ways Sims has gone “above and beyond” to accommodate all customers and what a difference it makes.
Black Garnet Books Builds Inclusion into Its St. Paul Bookstore
February 18, 2023
Disability Landscape with David Dively
Disability Landscape host Charlie Rose host and co-host Terry Hanson invited MCD Executive Director David Dively to join them for a 30-minute program to discuss the 2023 Minnesota legislative sessions, policy priorities, ADA policies in action, MCD’s work around the state, and more. The trio also shared personal anecdotes in this informative program.
Watch Disability Landscape with David Dively on YouTube (Video)
February 15, 2023
Disability Advocacy Week comes to Minnesota State Capitol
KARE 11 reporter John Croman provided an overview of Disability Advocacy Day at the Capitol, disability-related funding requests for this legislative session, and the impact the funding could have on members of the disability community and supportive service providers. In addition, MCD Council Chair Nikki Villavicencio and her partner Darrell Paulsen are featured, sharing their unwavering advocacy for disability rights.
Disability Advocacy Week comes to Minnesota State Capitol
January 30, 2023
Bill to Assist Cities With Website Accessibility Heard by House Committee
The League of Minnesota Cities testified at the House Committee on behalf of HF480 (Rep. Steve Elkins, DFL – Bloomington), providing MCD funding to help cities and counties with outreach, training, assistance, and auditing related to website accessibility. League testimony focused on supporting the provision as a good first step in assisting cities, especially less-resourced cities, with ensuring city websites and their content are accessible to all residents.
Bill to Assist Cities With Website Accessibility Heard by House Committee
January 24, 2023
Minnesota Council on Disability requests budget increase
For 50 years, MCD has advised the governor, state agencies, the legislature, and the public on disability issues and has served as a vital resource for the disability community. But when adjusted for inflation, MCD had a larger budget in 1976 than today. MCD appreciates Representative Kim Hicks’ (DFL-Rochester) sponsorship of HF377 in the 2023 legislative session to increase funding to rectify the current budget disparity and provide the financial support to allow MCD to ramp up its staffing and meet its statutory requirements.
MCD Public Policy Director Trevor Turner offered insights on MCD’s operations and anticipated staffing needs. MCD Council Chair Nikki Villavicencio also received an enthusiastic “shout-out” from Representative Kristin Bahner (DFL -Maple Grove/Osseo)
Minnesota Council on Disability requests budget increase
January 6, 2023
New contract is major win for Minnesota PCAs and people with disabilities
WCCO-4 reporter David Schuman spoke with MCD Public Policy Director Trevor Tuner regarding the State of Minnesota reaching a tentative agreement with SEIU Healthcare Minnesota and Iowa. Turner shared, “We want people to be in the profession, to be able to have a career … in order to stay in the profession and to not cause this workforce shortage crisis that we’re experiencing,”
SEIU officials acknowledged that the agreement makes steps towards professionalizing home care, establishing a wage scale based on experience, and ensuring high-quality orientation for new workers entering the field.
New contract is major win for Minnesota PCAs and people with disabilities