ARRM selected two winners for its Day at the Capitol button contest. The theme for 2021 is Community Inclusion.

It's the largest event of the year for disability services in Minnesota, and your participation is needed on March 9. People with intellectual or developmental disabilities are counting on legislators to continue to support life enrichment and employment programs across the state. Sign up for Virtual Disability Services Day at the Capitol on March 9. ARRM is sharing the rally on Facebook Live via ARRM's site. And, view our Public Policy Areas of Focus to learn more. MOHR video | Senators

MOHR member leaders Heidi Smith and Steven Howard joined Sen. John Hoffman to talk about current issues and Day at the Capitol on KFAI's Disability and Progress radio program. -Listen-

A seasoned government affairs professional and disability services leader, Bob Brick with Accord retired late in February. Brick has served on the MOHR board of directors and in leadership with the trade association’s predecessors.

“He made huge contributions in advancing public policy and in impacting the lives of people who have disabilities,” said Lynn Noren, who also serves on the MOHR board and is president of Spring Lake Park-based Rise, a large disability nonprofit.

"From my service experience, I am most proud that we were able to significantly expand individualized employment services, while maintaining essential day support services for persons served for whom work is not their choice," said Brick. He also brought a parent's perspective to his career, as Brick has two daughters with disabilities. -more-

Lives enriched are made better and MOHR members specialize in this crucial work. Will you help us recognize some excellent examples? The 2021 Life Enrichment Awards theme is "Actions During a Pandemic." Let's show the world how we make it happen for individuals with disabilities, and how we make life so good.

Please send your nominations by March 12

Download form PDF | Word

She leads a bedrock service in Eveleth and has now been named Laurentian Area Woman of the Year by her local chamber of commerce on the Iron Range.

"We were told that there were quite a few nominees, but Robin truly stood out," said Program Director Diane Mikolich with East Range DAC (ERDAC), where Harkonen serves as executive director.

The nomination for Harkonen references her attention to detail, passion for her purpose, generosity of spirit and earned respect. "Robin faces challenges, develops new skills in real time, then builds networks to join with others who are sharing these same challenges." The Laurentian Chamber of Commerce represents businesses in Eveleth, Gilbert, Mountain Iron and Virginia. -View nomination-

His recent work focuses on world travels with his father. Soon-Wai chooses his favorite travel photographs to work from and then draws each detail meticulously, measuring every fine detail with his unique method for observing perspective. During the COVID-19 pandemic, MSS delivered art supplies and continued to engage Soon-Wai virtually in 1:1 art sessions. He created several new pieces for his "series 8 Pictures- yes, featuring imagery from his travels in Europe and Asia.

In January, he hung the exhibition in Terminal 1 at MSP International Airport through the Arts at MSP program. His artwork will be on display through September 2021. Watch MSS video

The countdown begins for the resumption of MOHR's fantastic get-togethers, where staff and leaders build up and encourage one another in the mission to serve. The Legislative Conference is set for a full day on September 15 at the Radisson in Duluth. The Fall Conference follows at the same location on September 16 and 17. Keynote speaker is "Mr. High Energy" Ted Schick and Annie Meehan is also joining MOHR's lineup of speakers.

Little Falls company plans to improve glass recycling profit, add jobs for people with disabilities

There's still time for self-advocates to speak out - Access Press

Marine on St. Croix woman with Down Syndrome aims for Sports Illustrated - Pioneer Press

Productive Alternatives to add services in Grant County

KXRA's Voice of Alexandria | Grant County Herald

Minnesota company's product is the trick to scraping ice from your driveway

MDI, a pioneer in workforce inclusion, seeks expansion - Star Tribune

Letter: ProAct plans for a solid marathon finish RiverTowns.net

Spinal cord and brain injury research jeopardized by state funding cut - Access Press

Health advocates say Minnesota's COVID-19 vaccine plan ignores some high risk individuals - Star Tribune

AOC- Productive Alternatives - Voice of Alexandria

Opinion: Making a direct, daily difference for adults with disabilities

For 2 Artists With Disabilities, Online Dates Are Working To Keep Their Relationship Alive - WCCO 4 News

Disability advocates call for clearer COVID-19 vaccine guidance for caregivers

New UMD minor aims to equip more teachers on meeting needs of students with disabilities - Duluth News Tribune

Opinion: Elizabeth Schiltz: By this measure, Minnesota is not doing so well in deciding who gets vaccine - Pioneer Press

Disability groups plead for COVID-19 vaccine: 'I put my life on hold' - FOX News

Getting open: Jalyn Holmes describes battle with anxiety - MN Vikings

National organizations join forces to publish new COVID-19 & Down Syndrome resource- 69 TV News (Penn.)

The first phase of the Waiver Reimagine process began in January, with the rollout of a common service menu across all four disability waivers. The Department of Human Services (DHS) will soon be releasing its second Report to the Legislature on the Waiver Reimagine project, and we are hopeful that this report will provide more detail on the plans and timelines for the next phase of the process.

You can find more information about Waiver Reimagine on the MOHR member website. Here you will find links to the DHS Waiver Reimagine page, the Community-Based Services Manual, and answers to frequently asked questions. The MOHR subcommittee devoted to Waiver Reimagine will continue to provide more information as it becomes available.