Guest Post

International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3 invites communities to reflect on this year’s theme of fostering a disability inclusive society. Political participation remains a critical part of that goal, yet many candidates with disabilities still face stigma that limits their opportunities to lead. As part of this observance, MCD shares a guest article from Dr. Thomas Timothy Mtonga, an academic who is blind and a former parliamentary candidate in Zambia. His experience highlights these barriers. Read Dr. Mtonga’s article on disability inclusion in public life.

Although Black History Month has ended, the Minnesota Council on Disability continues to recognize and celebrate Black History and its profound impact. In this special feature, Minnesota’s Chief Equity Officer, Ashley Oolman, shares a personal reflection on identity, inclusion, and the transformative impact of disability justice. She discusses the importance of representation and how intersectionality shapes a more caring society. Join the conversation and discover how disability justice creates space for all voices.

February is Low Vision Awareness Month, and State Services for the Blind (SSB) is partnering with the Minnesota Council on Disability to highlight resources, strategies, and success stories for those experiencing vision loss. From adapting everyday tasks to embracing the power of assistive technology, this article shares insights from people with low vision. Discover practical solutions, inspiring stories, and how SSB can help you navigate vision loss with confidence. Explore strategies for living with low vision.

For Rare Disease Day, guest writer Elizabeth Lando-King shares her powerful journey navigating life with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). Through misdiagnoses and medical dismissals, she found her voice as both a patient and an advocate, emphasizing the critical role of compassionate healthcare. Her story highlights the importance of listening to patients, validating their experiences, and bridging the gap between physical and mental health.

Small- and medium-sized employers can champion accessibility with cost-effective tools and resources. This blog post from our partners at the Department of Employment and Economic Development highlights Minnesota’s Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund and other financial support options to help businesses implement accommodations. From assistive technologies to tax incentives, discover how you can build an inclusive workplace without exceeding your budget.

MCD continues to celebrate Disability Pride Month. Diego Ozuna-Clark shares their powerful journey of embracing Deaf identity and discovering Disability Pride. From struggling with societal expectations to challenging internal ableism, Diego’s story highlights the richness of Deaf communities and the importance of Disability Pride in challenging societal norms. Diego’s experience reminds us that disability is a natural part of human diversity.