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You are here: Home / Blog and News

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MCD Reflects on the Legacy of Senator David Durenberger

February 3, 2023

Senator David Durenberger

With the passing of Senator David Durenberger on January 31, our state and our nation have lost a true civil rights champion. Senator Durenberger represented Minnesota from 1978 to 1995. His role as a principal co-sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, is perhaps his greatest legacy. His deeply held commitment to ensuring equal rights for all Americans, coupled with perseverance, persuasion, bi-partisan collaboration, and encouraging an engaged citizenry, brought the landmark legislation that changed the lives of millions of Americans with disabilities.

Page last updated: February 3, 2023

What is a Service Animal?

January 17, 2023

Service dog bringing a water bottle to its owner

Service animal awareness has increased over the last few years, but it is nowhere near where it needs to be. Folks still parade their pets around as service animals. At the same time, business owners, law enforcement, and property managers do not understand their responsibility to protect the rights of people with disabilities. Every time someone lies about their dog being a service animal it erodes the public’s perception of the vital role a service animal plays for its owner. Service animals allow folks with disabilities to be independent, they allow us to participate in life. Please don’t pretend your pet is a service animal.

Page last updated: January 17, 2023

Committed to Change: The Legacy of Dennis Prothero

January 12, 2023

Ryan Holmquist, Dennis Prothero's son-in-law, testifying at a Senate Human Services hearing

MCD is moved by the passing of Dennis (Denny) Prothero last December. Denny’s story reminds our community that the PCA and homecare shortage is more than a workforce issue. We share his family’s belief that Denny’s legacy is bringing people together – advocates and leaders alike – to move legislation forward.

Page last updated: January 17, 2023

Business & Property Owners: Keep Disability Parking Spaces Clear

January 6, 2023

A business's disability parking place obstructed by snow.

Businesses and other property owners must keep disability parking spaces and access aisles free from obstructions. In the winter, these obstructions include plowed snow. If they don’t, they could be fined up to $500 and be guilty of a misdemeanor. If you come across anything – including plowed snow – in any part of a disability parking space, call your local law enforcement.

Page last updated: January 11, 2023

Let’s Connect: Data Matters – Closing the Disability Data Gap

December 2, 2022

Let's Connect!

MCD encourages you to attend the Fall/Winter Let’s Connect Event hosted by the Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, and The Arc Minnesota. Did you know there’s a new COVID-19 booster for children and adults? It can help protect against serious illness from the omicron variant. Learn from MDH experts about the bivalent booster and how it works. Get answers to your questions, and gain resources to share in your community.

Page last updated: December 2, 2022

Remembering Lois Curtis, Disability Rights Advocate

November 16, 2022

Lois Curtis

On November 3rd, Lois Curtis died peacefully in her home surrounded by close friends and family. The disability community will remember her as the main advocate in L.C. v. Olmstead (the “Olmstead Decision”). The decision recognized that people with disabilities have the right to live in the least-restrictive environments. It also recognized that people with mental health challenges should, when possible, receive services in community integrated settings.

Page last updated: November 16, 2022

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