Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), celebrated on the third Thursday in May, promotes awareness of digital accessibility and inclusion. Digital accessibility is an enormous and ever-growing collection of insights and solutions; really, it is as large as the field of technology itself. So, we present a few basic pieces anyone can use to improve accessibility. On this day, let us commit, or recommit, to making digital information more accessible and inclusive for everyone.
Blog
Widening Postsecondary Education Pathway for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
Today’s blog post is by guest bloggers Gage Robinson and Mary Hauff. Gage is a persistent, life-long learner with an intellectual disability (ID). He is continuing his education through his school district’s transition program and wants to go to college to pursue his interests and career of his choice. Mary is a parent, co-leader of the Minnesota Inclusive Higher Education Consortium and The Arc Minnesota Public Policy Committee member. She has become a leading expert on inclusive higher education in the state of Minnesota. Together, they want to provide insight into why inclusive postsecondary education is so important and the status of introduced legislation that will increase access to Minnesota postsecondary education for students with ID across the state.
Just April Showers? This Spring, Be Prepared for Any Emergency
Spring in Minnesota is a time for us to dig ourselves out of the snow and enjoy warmer, sun-filled days. However, with the change in seasons comes a greater chance of severe weather. As temperatures rise, so does the potential for thunderstorms, tornadoes, and other extreme weather. From damaging winds to hailstorms and flash floods, spring weather in Minnesota can be unpredictable and dangerous. Preparing for emergencies before they happen is the best way to reduce both the danger and the chances of being caught by surprise.
Legislative Update from the Rare Disease Advisory Council
The newly formed state agency, the Rare Disease Advisory Council (RDAC) is charged with providing advice on policies, access, equity, research, diagnosis, treatment, and education related to rare diseases. At our Legislative forum, citizen advocate Anne St. Martin, RDAC Executive Director Erica Barnes, and Representative Liz Reyer called for changes to insurance plans to improve care for people with rare diseases. Executive Director Barnes shares an update on this policy initiative.
Playing the Game of Life on Hard Mode
March 25th is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day. Alisha Srock shares some thoughts on how having cerebral palsy can be like “playing the Game of Life on Hard Mode—more difficult, but not impossible. …[P]laying on Hard Mode means you gain the skills to overcome. I’m glad because I learned things along the way. I learned patience; I learned problem-solving; I learned confidence; I learned perseverance; I learned flexibility.”
Rare Disease Insurance Access Transcript
Transcript accompanying the video 2023 MCD Legislative Forum: Rare Disease Insurance Access on YouTube. Featured in the post People with Rare Diseases Deserve Recognition and Support.