MOHR impact
May 2020
Uncertain, separated, he doesn't understand
When a woman tells Adam Sillery her birth date in 1985, he answers with the day of the week. And, he’s correct.

But, when he’s told why he must stay home from his job and community activities at Opportunity Partners’ (OP) Asplin Center, that’s harder to understand. He’s had to remain at a group home for almost two months. Staffed 24-7, he and three other men are following the governor's stay at home order.

“It’s very alienating. I don’t think he understands why he can’t do things and why he can’t see us,” said his mother. “It’s very unsettling. The next phase of this is going to be- when do they go back and what’s that going to look like?”

No clear path to normal

As of May 11, there were no set dates for Adam to return to the day program. And, since Margie’s son works for a special minimum wage, she’s fearful that this option may somehow fall victim to the changes that are coming due to virus concerns.

Adam, 28, was diagnosed with a form of autism at age four. He often repeats back what’s being said to him. -more-
WACOSA patriot sings
Rise continues to support Tom in his job search
When Rise was forced to close down most of its direct support services due to the COVID-19 crisis and individuals were told to stay home, Tom Erickson was having a hard time. He lives alone, his sister recently had surgery and is unable to visit him, and his county social worker is no longer allowed to make home visits.
Because Tom is DeafBlind and uses tactile American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate, he is very nervous about other people washing their hands. He was also having difficulty finding basic essentials like toilet paper, gloves, sanitizer and Kleenex. So Rise stepped in to make sure Tom had all the supplies he needed. -more-
Birthday surprise in Apple Valley, 'Italiano magnifica' with OP- videos
MOHR COVID resources to weather the storm
What are the specifics to the latest executive orders from Governor Walz? How are some service providers planning? Find this information, along with important materials, guidelines, sample policies and more on MOHR's COVID-19 resource page.
Member NEWS
Column- Don't let COVID-19 disrupt Minnesota's support system for people with disabilities

Range Center temporarily closes vocational center- Chisholm Tribune Press
Caryn M Sullivan: Special needs, extraordinary concerns -

It took many years and many hands to assemble the scaffolding that provides the structure for Lucas Houk’s life.
When coronavirus infiltrated our communities, the structure toppled.
Disability Viewpoints television
WACOSA, Rise seek help as COVID-19 shuts down adult day centers

Aitkin County DAC programs struggling Aitkin Age

'Our goal is to keep everyone working' Albert Lea Tribune

This St. Paul man is among the grocery workers - Pioneer Press
Caregiving during a pandemic: "It's apples and eggplants." - The Uptake

Day service providers for disabled struggling to cover costs


Disability programs in Minnesota request emergency funding - WCCO Radio

DAC faces challenges during COVID-19 Park Rapids Enterprise

Why shut down orders are serious MOHR interview

Coronavirus concerns keep disabled at home - Brainerd Dispatch

Chippewa Enterprises faces uncertain future - Montevideo American-News
Interviews with Sen. Abeler and Sen. Hoffman on COVID impacts
While the approach has changed slightly since these interviews were produced early in May, many of the issues remain the same. Disability services are threatened in Minnesota because emergency one-time funding has not been provided.
Thank you for sending your DSP Award nominations
MOHR will soon announce the recipients of its 2020 Direct Support Professional Awards. Thank you to all members who submitted nominations. We must not forget the importance of DSPs in the lives of the individuals with disabilities they serve.
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The Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation - To Advocate and support members in providing meaningful services to persons with disabilities and communities served.