2021 Public Policy Areas of Focus -more-

Virtual Disability Services Day at the Capitol event - join us on March 9

MOHR's 2021 legislative areas of focus include shaping service redesign efforts, collaborating on transportation rates, preserving critical funding, educating stakeholders and monitoring other issues that impact people with I/DD.

This past summer, St. Paul-based MSS began offering Pre-ETS employment services. One was a class focused on Art Employment Exploration. This course focuses on exposing students to the different types of employment in the arts. It also includes hands on sessions for drawing, painting, and clay.

In addition to the classes, MSS is working with students who want to explore the arts in different ways, like informational interviews. One student it supported was interested in musical theater and working at Disney World. The nonprofit was able to connect her with someone who was a performer on Disney Cruise lines and learn more about his experience. -more-

In related news, MSS client artist Lynda Mullen was selected to display her tapestry painting at a NYC online exhibit.

The large, abstract and multicolored painting is on unstretched canvas.

In January 2019, Opportunity Partners (OP) in Minnetonka launched a new service  “Engage with My Community.”

A staff member took on a newly blended role of service coordinator and community enrichment instructor, supporting a group of three individuals with disabilities on activities in their own communities each week.

They are planned by the group, and staff provides the transportation to and from the individuals’ homes. Each pays any fees associated with the activities they choose, while OP covers the staff fees. Activities at the start included volunteering, Minnesota Twins games, bowling, and visits to local coffee shops, libraries and museums, just to name a few. -more-

Resilience, engagement and support for Minnesotans with disabilities- it's what MOHR members do. The organization wants to recognize exceptional life enrichment activities. The 2021 theme is "Actions During a Pandemic."

Please send nominations by March 12

Download form PDF | Word

Classmates view and discuss comedic material, all of it clean, ranging from the “Three Stooges” era to Mccaulay Culkin in “Home Alone.” Carol Burnett and Tim Conway are also in the mix.  -more-

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.

State law loophole jeopardizes money intended to help people with disabilities

Minnesota Families fight for COVID-19 vaccine priority - KSTP 5 News

Productive Alternatives expands services into Hoffman - Fergus Falls Daily Journal | Echo Press (Alexandria)

CDC Study Pinpoints Prevalence of Intellectual Disability - Disability Scoop

State lawmakers hurry to earmark $550k - Access Press | Full issue

St. Paul radio host using platform to help others with developmental disabilities

Opinion: Human rights depend on democracy: Protect it - MinnPost

Unique collaboration created Fergus Falls' new Center for Dental Health - MinnPost

Assistant U.S. Attorney brings awareness to Minn. human trafficking - KIMT 3 TV

Nationwide glove shortfall impacts Minnesota health care providers - WCCO 4 TV

Wheels Up still rolling along 6 years later - White Bear Press