The Minnesota Council on Disability recognizes the passing of Lois Curtis, lead plaintiff in Olmstead v. LC. Lois was an integral part of one of the most important civil rights cases for people with disabilities. With the decision, the Supreme Court held that people with disabilities have a qualified right to choose the community they live in. The Court also held states must end the unnecessary segregation of people with disabilities.
News
Need for Inclusion: Responses from the MCD Legislative Survey
Over the past two months the Minnesota Council on Disability surveyed members of the disability community to learn more about the issues that are important to them. Many responses had a common theme: a lack of community inclusion. Participants told us they continued to feel excluded from their communities. And they told us about how it remains difficult for people with disabilities to share many areas of this communal life.
Results of the MCD Legislative Survey
Over the past two months the Minnesota Council on Disability surveyed members of the disability community to learn more about the issues that are important to them. Their responses will shape MCD’s 2023 public policy agenda, and they will inform our discussions with legislators about what matters to Minnesotans with disabilities.
goMARTI: Self-Driving Shuttle in Grand Rapids, Minnesota
Join goMARTI (Minnesota’s Autonomous Rural Transit Initiative) for the first accessibility-focused, rural self-driving vehicle project. goMARTI brings new transportation options to the city of Grand Rapids, rural communities, and Itasca County. Ride the goMARTI shuttle and meet with local project partners.
Governor Proclaims October Disability Employment Awareness Month in MN
Governor Tim Walz proclaimed October as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Minnesota, recognizing that individuals with disabilities bring skills, experience and talent to the workforce and are a critical part of our economic success. October marks the 77th annual observation of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This year’s theme is Disability: Part of the Equity Equation.
MCD’s Exceptional Advocate Award
The Minnesota Council on Disability Exceptional Advocate award goes to citizen advocates and legislators who do notable work for people with disabilities. Members of the community nominated each recipient with the following remarks. We thank these Exceptional Advocates for their dedication to disability rights, accessibility, and inclusion.