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.
On this page:
September 11, 2024
NFL Stadiums: How Different Stadiums Approach Accessibility
The Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) continues its longstanding efforts to improve accessibility in NFL stadiums, as highlighted in a recent article by The Times-Delphic. Executive Director David Dively notes that the agency has been working on stadium accessibility since the 1980s. The piece explores how accessibility features, such as assisted listening devices, have evolved from legal requirements to best practices. Dively notes, “What happens for a lot of these recommendations is they start in the disability community, as a best practice, and then people advocate [for] it. Over time, they become norms.”
NFL Stadiums: How Different Stadiums Approach Accessibility
August 29, 2024
Minnesota Needs to Help Older Adults Live Well. Is a Department on Aging the Answer?
The Minnesota Star Tribune reports on the debate surrounding how to better support Minnesota’s aging population. While some people advocate for a new Department on Aging, others suggest strengthening the existing Minnesota Board on Aging. The article highlights MCD as an inspiration for potential changes. Christina Cauble, a Minnesota Board on Aging member, noted that MCD has successfully built relationships across government departments and established itself as a sought-after advisor on disability issues. This model could inform efforts to improve statewide planning and coordination for older adults in areas like transportation, housing, employment, and healthcare.
Minnesota Needs to Help Older Adults Live Well. Is a Department on Aging the Answer?
August 24, 2024
Minnesota Re-examines Guardianships: ‘They Took Away Her Rights’
Minnesota is re-examining its guardianship system, which affects nearly 35,000 lives. A new task force, supported by the Minnesota Council on Disability, will recommend changes to increase qualified guardians, establish licensure, and expand less-restrictive alternatives. David Dively, executive director of the Minnesota Council on Disability, stated that the group aims to wrap up recommendations by summer 2026. The task force will explore ways to preserve people’s civil rights and expand alternatives to guardianship. This initiative comes as the state faces a growing number of guardianship appointments for older Minnesotans, with a 30% increase in appointments for those 65 and older since 2019.
Minnesota Re-examines Guardianships: ‘They Took Away Her Rights’
August 1, 2024
Activists Feel Hoodwinked as Police Groups Dictate Model Policy for School Cops
An article in the Minnesota Reformer highlights the ongoing debate over a new model policy for school police officers’ use of prone restraints on students. The policy, mandated by a 2024 law, aims to minimize the use of such restraints while balancing law enforcement concerns. However, some activist groups feel the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST board) is ignoring their input is being ignored as the policy is developed. MCD is among the organizations participating in the process.
Activists feel hoodwinked as police groups dictate model policy for school cops
July 30, 2024
Margot Imdieke Cross, Minnesota Disability Rights Advocate, Worked ‘to Make the World a Better Place’
Margot Imdieke Cross, a pioneering disability rights advocate who dedicated over 35 years to improving accessibility across the state, passed away on July 21, 2024. She was pivotal in ensuring major sports facilities, government buildings, and public transportation projects were accessible to all. MCD Executive Director David Dively highlighted the key to her impact: “Margot had two different kinds of roles: one was on the policy side, dealing with building code… [She] then also would work on the implementation side.” Her comprehensive approach to advocacy included legislative work, consultations with architects and builders, and giving voice to community concerns. Cross’s enduring legacy is a more accessible Minnesota for everyone.
July 26, 2024
Margot Imdieke Cross, Disability Rights Advocate Who Made Minnesota More Accessible, Dies at 68
Margot Imdieke Cross, a fierce disability rights advocate who spent 35 years at the Minnesota Council on Disability, passed away at 68. Her impact on accessibility in Minnesota was profound, from curb cuts to state park trails. David Fenley, MCD’s ADA Director, praised her approach: “If we’re not making people mad, we’re not doing our jobs. Because we’re supposed to push for change, push for increased rights.” Margot repeated that message in a goodbye letter: “Sometimes passion pushes politeness aside.”
Margot Imdieke Cross, disability rights advocate who made Minnesota more accessible, dies at 68
Minnesota Activist Dies, Leaves Behind Legacy of Championing Disability Rights
Margot Imdieke Cross, a tireless champion for disability rights and longtime Accessibility Specialist at the Minnesota Council on Disability, passed away on July 21. For over 35 years, Imdieke Cross was instrumental in shaping accessibility across Minnesota, from state parks to major venues like U.S. Bank Stadium. Her impact extended to national policy, as she contributed to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Colleague Linda Wolford remembered her friend’s unwavering commitment: “She was always working, even when we were having fun… Margot would carry her tape measure around and measure and go like, ‘Nope, this isn’t accessible,’ and then she would talk to a manager.” Imdieke Cross’s legacy continues to inspire accessibility efforts statewide.
Minnesota Activist Dies, Leaves Behind Legacy of Championing Disability Rights
July 18, 2024
‘The Survival of Our Lives’: Accessible Voting Event Encourages Disability Community to Make Their Voices Heard
The Disability Freedom & Justice Caravan recently stopped in St. Paul, highlighting accessible voting for Minnesotans with disabilities. The event showcased various voting methods and featured demonstrations of accessible voting machines, including the new ExpressVote system in Hennepin County. At the event, Nikki Villavicencio, MCD Council Chair, emphasized the critical importance of voting: “We are marginalized by the government, probably more than any other minority group. And so having our voice at the table is really important to the survival of our lives.”
Accessible voting event encourages disability community to make their voices heard
June 21, 2024
Minneapolis Seeking Community Input to Improve Accessibility
A recent survey in Minneapolis revealed that while the city’s accessibility efforts are generally viewed positively, challenges remain for people with disabilities. The Minnesota Council on Disability’s ADA director, David Fenley, offered expert insight on the potential unintended consequences of car-free initiatives. Fenley cautioned, “Eliminating drive-thrus essentially tells these people, ‘All right, you don’t really matter to us anymore.'” The city is developing a new action plan to address concerns, focusing on improving building accessibility, language access, and digital content, while emphasizing the importance of community engagement throughout the process.
Minneapolis Seeking Community Input to Improve Accessibility
June 7, 2024
Minnesota State Fair Employee’s Case Led to New Law Expanding Definition of Disability
A recent Star Tribune article reveals how a Minnesota State Fair employee’s lawsuit led to a significant update to the state’s Human Rights Act, broadening the definition of disability. This new law, championed by MCD, now includes conditions like cancer in remission, diabetes, and epilepsy, which can be episodic but still limit major life activities when active. Minnesota Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero emphasized the need for these protections, stating, “When we get stuck on: ‘Are you technically disabled under the law,’ I think we are missing the fact that we are humans, we are families.” Read the article to discover how this new law paves the way for a more inclusive Minnesota.
Minnesota State Fair employee’s case led to new law expanding definition of disability
May 27, 2024
Metro Move Aims to Give Reliable Rides to Minnesotans with Disabilities
Metro Move, a recent initiative accessible transportation initiative, aims to increase the options for Minnesotans with disabilities. The program’s focus on providing reliable rides and improving accessibility aligns with the principles of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Discussing the program, David Fenley, MCD’s ADA Director, emphasized the importance of such initiatives: “Accessible transportation is not just a convenience; it’s a fundamental right for people with disabilities.” The article outlines how Metro Move addresses barriers faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing transportation, highlighting its role in promoting inclusivity and enhancing mobility options for all.
Metro Move aims to give reliable rides to Minnesotans with disabilities
May 23, 2024
State Capitol Grounds Will Take on New Look
Last autumn, the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board began exploring options to enhance the accessibility and appeal of the State Capitol Mall. Public design workshops, brainstorming sessions, and valuable input from MCD’s ADA Director David Fenley and Access Consultant Michele Severson played a role in identifying the necessary changes for improved accessibility. The familiar diagonal walkways, which pose challenges for people using wheelchairs, are slated for replacement. The new plan could feature more trees, green spaces, and picnic tables.
State Capitol grounds will take on new look
May 20, 2024
Disability Viewpoints: Olmstead Implementation Office, OLA, Legislation
MCD’s Trevor Turner recently appeared on the Disability Viewpoints. Trevor shared a comprehensive summary of the 2024 legislative session, touching upon key topics such as the Minnesota Rise Act, the ongoing rideshare debate, persistent gaps in accessible transportation options, and the need for guardianship reform. He also highlighted the positive policy changes and the work to be done in the upcoming sessions.
Disability Viewpoints: Olmstead Implementation Office, OLA, Legislation (Video)
May 16, 2024
Conferees Close Deal on Broad Transportation, Labor and Housing Package
As the 2024 legislative session ended, members of the conference committee on HF 5242 wrapped up their work, closing a deal on a broad transportation, labor, and housing package. The transportation report included several provisions, including one requiring the Minnesota Council on Disability to oversee the creation of a new, uniform disability parking sign to be deployed beginning August 1, 2025.
Conferees close deal on broad transportation, labor and housing package
March 27, 2024
For People with Invisible Disabilities, Getting Accommodations Involves a ‘Constant Calculus’
MCD Public Policy Director Trevor Turner recently spoke with Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) about what it’s like to live with an invisible disability. Trevor discussed his experiences with Usher Syndrome, a rare genetic disease that affects both hearing and vision. It causes deafness and hearing loss, as well as retinitis pigmentosa – a group of eye diseases affecting the retina. Trevor recalled what it’s like deciding how much to disclose about his disability.
For People with Invisible Disabilities, Getting Accommodations Involves a ‘Constant Calculus’
March 22, 2024
Minnesotans with Disabilities Say Lyft, Uber Departure Would Leave Them Stranded
With debate continuing to surround the Minneapolis City Council’s ordinance to boost driver pay for Uber and Lyft drivers, the Star Tribune further examines the potential impact and concerns from the disability community. MCD’s ADA Director David Fenley reminds people that both Uber and Lyft have faced lawsuits related to ADA complaints, and neither has a strong record of accessible services.
Minnesotans with Disabilities Say Lyft, Uber Departure Would Leave Them Stranded
March 17, 2024
Group Home Rental Licenses: Tool for Oversight or Discrimination?
The Star Tribune article explores a long-simmering debate over cities’ ability to regulate group homes. Lawmakers are considering an exemption from local rental licensing regulations for assisted-living facilities and residential programs for people with disabilities with six or fewer residents. Reporter Jessie Van Berkel asks MCD’s Trevor Turner to weigh in on the proposed legislation.
Group Home Rental Licenses: Tool for Oversight or Discrimination?
March 7, 2024
Veto-proof Minneapolis City Council Approves Rideshare Driver Pay Hike
The Minneapolis City Council recently approved a pay increase for rideshare drivers, a move that Mayor Jacob Frey pledged to veto. If the council overrides the promised veto, rideshare companies Uber and Lyft said they would leave. MCD’s David Dively talks about the potential impact on the disability community if Uber and Lyft cease operations in the city.
Veto-proof Minneapolis City Council Approves Rideshare Driver Pay Hike
February 13, 2024
Meet the Folks Working to Make Minnesota More Accessible
For fifty years, MCD has advocated for disability rights and and a greater awareness of Minnesotans with disabilities. The Star Tribune’s James Walsh highlights our important work, interviewing Executive Director David Dively, Operations and Program Director Linda Gremillion, and ADA Director David Fenley. They discuss the challenges of enforcing disability law and removing barriers to inclusion.
Meet the Folks Working to Make Minnesota More Accessible
December 7, 2023
Of Gardens and Greenways: Digging into the Soo Line Garden Fight
“Of Gardens and Greenways: Digging into the Soo Line Garden Fight” takes an in-depth look at Hennepin County’s proposed construction of a paved path through the Soo Line Community Garden in Minneapolis’ Whittier neighborhood to provide an ADA-accessible connection to the Midtown Greenway rail-trail. The garden’s board has vehemently opposed the plan. MCD ADA director David Fenley weighed in, “Folks sometimes think that access improvements will only benefit a small percentage of the population, but when we look at past accessibility improvements, we see that everyone benefits.”
Of Gardens and Greenways: Digging into the Soo Line Garden Fight
October 3, 2023
October Is Disability Employment Awareness Month in Minnesota
As part of their recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development released a statement from Commissioner Matt Varilek:
“As we look back on the past half century and all that has been done to remove barriers to people with disabilities reaching career goals, we also acknowledge that much work remains to be done. People with disabilities continue to experience significantly higher unemployment than those without disabilities. DEED is focused on raising awareness about disparities and working to welcome more people to fulfilling employment – this month and all year round.”
Read the full press release to learn what DEED is doing to increase employment opportunities and–alongside MCD–remove barriers to fulfilling employment.
October is Disability Employment Awareness Month in Minnesota
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.
Article not currently available
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