Building and maintaining a brand reputation is an ongoing process with multiple strategies. For disability service providers, there are a number of smaller audiences they serve, or hope to serve directly, and the broader community with which they wish to have a relationship.

Udac, a mid-sized provider in Duluth, interviewed its community in 2017 and found that people knew the nonprofit as a great organization that does great things in the community, said Executive Director Karen Herman. “They just don’t know what we do.” -more-

To recognize the valuable role that organizations play in employing people with disabilities, the Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation (MOHR) is seeking nominations for the Fifth Annual Outstanding Disability Employer Awards. 

Exceptional employers deserve public appreciation, and MOHR has an important statewide role to play in trumpeting the important impact they have on the individuals with disabilities members serve. Nominate today! Forms are in MS Word and PDF formats.

This year's theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October is "America's Recovery, Powered by Inclusion."

Have an interest in serving your industry at a state level? MOHR has several committee openings and members are encouraged to participate. Learn more about each committee by viewing its charter. Please reach out to the committee chair to learn how you can play a part.

Governance Committee | email

Membership Committee | email

Public Relations Committee | email

Training and Education Committee | email

After a long, and at times bumpy legislative session, legislators finally concluded their work setting the state’s upcoming two-year budget late in the day on June 30. Overall, the significant investments in disability services we saw at the close of session were a welcome result instead of the dire predictions at the session’s start for dramatic rate cuts.

For many of these increased investments, it will be critical for MOHR to be at the table for conversations about how to efficiently use these dollars to support people with disabilities to live their best lives. From the current crisis-level workforce shortage to the rapidly growing area of remote services, there is no lack of needs and ideas for how to continue to strengthen our system of supports and services. -more-

MOHR is accepting nominations for its 2021 Direct Support Professional Awards. Winners will be recognized during the conference in Duluth September 16-17. Please send nominations by July 30. There are four award categories:

DOC | PDF

Registration has opened for the in-person MOHR Fall Conference in Duluth, which runs September 16 to 17. The cost is $160 and space is limited.

Promo code: 21MOHR

The event follows MOHR's Legislative Conference on September 15 at the same location.

Lakeland PBS news story

Minnesota to phase out unequal pay jobs for people with disabilities - Star Tribune

Mayo Clinic named one of the best places to work for disability inclusion - KAAL TV

Ecolab Recognized as a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion - Nasdaq.com

Video: Alternative baseball now in Minnesota - KAAL TV

Employing All Abilities - Good for business, good for the soul - Twin Cities Business

Sen. Miller honored for work on disability services - Winona Daily News

History Note: Fifty years of innovation reflected in Accord's history - Access Press

Anniversary of landmark Olmstead case shines light on disability rights -

The Twin Cities' most prolific journalist is really ready for the pandemic to be over -

Capitol recap: Area legislators reflect on special session - White Bear Press

Camp Knutson in Crosslake welcomes campers back to in-person services

A direct support provider's story is one of love and sacrifice -

'I am not ashamed': Disability advocates, experts implore you to stop saying 'special needs' - USA Today

Wheelchairs and walleyes: Annual Northland contest offers fishing fun -

Duluth News Tribune | Brainerd Dispatch

Ribbon cutting for group home destroyed by fire - Access Press

Real Talk: Ada-mant about Inclusion: Let's talk about disabilities- Yahoo

'It's a lot of fun, and it's amazing': New inclusive playground opens in Eagan -

Jennifer Kreps - Lutheran Social Services' own 'Health Heroes'

Autism series returns to Netflix - Disability Scoop

Partners in Policymaking graduates ready to use their new skills - Access Press

Freddie Mac to support housing for those with I/DD - Disability Scoop

$16 an hour: local disability service provider raising wages -WDIO News | Duluth News Tribune

Minnesota Council on Disability Commissioners' Roundtable