Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) seeks input on increasing access to wildlife areas for people with disabilities. Ideas will help shape proposals for improved opportunities across the state. Anyone interested in improving access to wildlife management areas (WMAs) for people with disabilities can share their ideas online with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Access
REMINDER: Snow Removal Is a Lifeline
As the snow begins to fall, the Minnesota Council on Disability reminds you to remove the snow from your sidewalks and curb ramps. Sidewalks and curb ramps are lifelines for many people with disabilities and our senior community. When not cleared, they can limit their ability to get groceries, get prescriptions, go to work, and attend local gatherings.
UPDATED: Information for Voters with Disabilities
In Minnesota, we have many options to vote, and our state makes it very easy to vote if you so desire and are eligible. Polling locations are required to be accessible and absentee ballots are available to any eligible registered voter. During a pandemic, it is important to understand your voting rights, as well.
Wildlife Management Areas Access
Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) are accessible to all Minnesotans. The DNR provides several programs for individuals with disabilities including special hunts, accessible hunting stands, and wildlife viewing platforms. WMAs are generally closed to motorized travel but the DNR, through their area wildlife managers, are committed to working closely with individuals with mobility disabilities to gain motorized accommodations to over 1,400 WMAs.
Thanks to the ADA… Accessible Design – ADA 30
Thanks to the ADA, people with disabilities are able to enjoy access to buildings and places that were previously inaccessible to them, improving their quality of life and levels of independence.
Transportation Is Instrumental to Activities of Daily Living
Minnesotans who use the PCA program are not able to use their caregivers to drive them around their community. Senate bill SF2715 would permit people with disabilities to have their PCA’s drive them under the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. MCD Council Member and advocate Ted Stamp testified to the impact this bill would have on his life.