This page provides resources for all disabled peeps, whether it's been life-long or recent. While it primarily lists Minnesota resources, many of these sources will be helpful no matter where you may reside. Please feel welcome to reach out if there is a resource I'm missing that would be helpful or if any of the links are broken.
Minnesota-Specific Resource
"The PAN Foundation is an independent, national 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to helping federally and commercially insured people living with life-threatening, chronic and rare diseases with the out-of-pocket costs for their prescribed medications."
AbbVie Medication Patient Assistance Foundation:
"AbbVie is committed to helping patients get the medicines they need. That’s why we offer patient assistance programs that provide free AbbVie medicines to qualifying patients. Our Patient Assistance Programs are intended for people that live in the United States, have limited or no health insurance coverage and demonstrate qualifying financial need."
Patient Advocate Foundation - Co-pay Relief:
"Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) is a national 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization which provides case management services and financial aid to Americans with chronic, life threatening and debilitating illnesses."
Paying for Assisted Living: Financial Assistance for Senior Living:
"PayingforSeniorCare.com strives to be the most complete, up-to-date, and reliable source of simple and easy-to-access information about financial resources for seniors and their loved ones on the internet. To accomplish that, the Eldercare Financial Assistance Locator tool was created, and comprehensive resources are continually being added and updated for those in every state in the nation."
"AboutAssistedLiving.org is meant to serve as a resource for anyone looking for information on placing themselves or a loved-one into an assisted living or elder care facility."
"Assisting individuals with disabilities to live independently, pursue meaningful goals, and have the same opportunities and choices as all people."
"The mission of Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI) is to provide housing with care for persons with physical disabilities and brain injuries, as well as seniors and veterans. This mission is accomplished through the development, management and ownership of accessible, affordable housing, assisted living and rehabilitation services."
Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota:
"ARRM is a nonprofit association of more than 200 provider organizations, businesses and advocates dedicated to leading the advancement of home and community-based services supporting people living with disabilities in their pursuit of meaningful lives."
SEMCIL: Independent Living Services:
"SEMCIL is a community-based, cross disability, non-residential, non-profit organization offering a variety of independent living services and supports for people with disabilities, including the Disability Hub MN and Personal Care Assistance. Our services assist people with disabilities to live as independently as possible while also empowering the full participation of individuals with disabilities in their communities. These services are self-directed and promote person-centered integrated community living."
"Camphill Village Minnesota is a life-sharing, residential community of fifty people, including adults who have disabilities. Our lives, work and celebrations are woven into the rhythms of nature found in the rolling hills, sparkling waterways, and prairie grasslands of Central Minnesota."
"HousingLink's mission is "connecting people to affordable rental homes, increasing choice and access for all." The goal is improved housing conditions and greater awareness of housing options in different neighborhoods for families participating in the Section 8 voucher and public housing programs."
Metropolitan Center for Independent Living:
"At the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL), we are committed to empowering members of the disability community on a pathway to overcome barriers and to discover access, choices, and the possibilities to realize their goals and aspirations. Through our programs and active advocacy for policies that better serve people with disabilities, we assist thousands of individuals in achieving independent living and accessible integration with and in the community. We are deeply driven to do this work and moved daily by the success stories of those we serve."
Partners in Community Supports:
"Partners in Community Supports (PICS) is a non-profit organization formed to expand choices and improve services for individuals with disabilities, older adults, and their families and caregivers. We have been providing Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS), Consumer Support Grant (CSG) and other unique consumer-directed programs since 1999."
Minnesota Association of Centers for Independent Living:
"The Minnesota Association of Centers for Independent Living (MACIL) is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to advocate for a statewide network of independent living services and supports for Minnesotans with disabilities throughout the State."
"Minnesotans with disabilities want to work. However, many people with disabilities fear that if they go to work, they'll lose needed health care and other disability benefits. With Disability Benefits 101 (DB101), people can explore different ways to balance benefits and work. DB101 helps people with disabilities learn how income may impact benefits so they can make informed choices, reduce fears, and ensure work is part of the plan."
"Disability Hub MN is a free statewide resource network that helps you solve problems, navigate the system and plan for your future. You'll discover options and tools for managing your health, your benefits, your work, your housing and more."
"The purpose of this website is to provide a single entry point to over 100 Minnesota state agency programs, products, and services that are devoted to the range of disability issues. We also provide access to laws, statutes, and regulations in pertinent disability-related areas."
"The resource database contains information on the community services individuals and communities need to sustain and improve their daily lives--health care and childcare, job training, education and recreation, retirement, disability and social service information. This directory contains information on nonprofit and public health and human service programs and some for-profit programs such as housing."
National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability:
"NCHPAD is the premier resource for information on physical activity, health promotion, and disability, serving persons with physical, sensory and cognitive disability across the lifespan. NCHPAD features a variety of resources and services which can benefit all ages and populations and can be found online at www.nchpad.org."
National Health Information Center:
"ODPHP sponsors the National Health Information Center (NHIC), which supports public health education and promotion by raising awareness about National Health Observances year-round. NHIC also helps connect health professionals and consumers to the organizations that can best answer their questions by providing up-to-date contact information for the most reliable resources."
World Institute on Disability:
"The World Institute on Disability (WID) is dedicated to designing, building, and supporting whole community solutions by removing barriers to include people with disabilities. To build a more inclusive global society, WID helps assure that products and services are more accessible, promotes equity policies, provides consulting services, offers training and tools, and supports emergency, disaster, and climate efforts."
How to Have a Great Disabled Life:
"A self-advocacy guide for anyone who is homebound or bedbound in the US. Special focus on folks with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (sometimes called “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome”). If you are not lucky enough to have ME or CFS, you are still welcome to use this guide. Enjoy! 💛 💚 💝 🍭"
American Hospital Association Patient Advocacy:
"Through our representation and advocacy activities, AHA ensures that members' perspectives and needs are heard and addressed in national health policy development, legislative and regulatory debates, and judicial matters. Our advocacy efforts include the legislative and executive branches and include the legislative and regulatory arenas."
US Patient's Health Care Rights And Responsibilities:
"As a patient, you have certain rights. Some are guaranteed by federal law, such as the right to get a copy of your medical records, and the right to keep them private. Many states have additional laws protecting patients, and healthcare facilities often have a patient bill of rights. An important patient right is informed consent. This means that if you need a treatment, your health care provider must give you the information you need to make a decision. The mission of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans, by providing for effective health and human services and by fostering sound, sustained advances in the sciences underlying medicine, public health, and social services"
Americans With Disabilities Act:
"The ADA is one of America's most comprehensive pieces of civil rights legislation that prohibits discrimination and guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in the mainstream of American life -- to enjoy employment opportunities, to purchase goods and services, and to participate in State and local government programs and services. The ADA is an "equal opportunity" law for people with disabilities. To be protected by the ADA, one must have a disability, which is defined by the ADA as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment. The ADA does not specifically name all of the impairments that are covered."
Office of Disability Employment Policy:
"The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is the only non-regulatory federal agency that promotes policies and coordinates with employers and all levels of government to increase workplace success for people with disabilities. ODEP's mission is to develop and influence policies and practices that increase the number and quality of employment opportunities for people with disabilities."
"The ADA National Network provides information, guidance, and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act. ADA specialists address complex questions on a wide range of ADA topics such as reasonable accommodations at work, building codes for new construction projects, accessible housing, and transitioning from school to work. ADA specialists also address questions about other disability laws, such as the: Fair Housing Act, Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act, and Rehabilitation Act."
"The Access Board is an independent federal agency that promotes equality for people with disabilities through leadership in accessible design and the development of accessibility guidelines and standards. Created in 1973 to ensure access to federally funded facilities, the Board is now a leading source of information on accessible design. The Board develops and maintains design criteria for the built environment, transit vehicles, information and communication technology, and medical diagnostic equipment under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and other laws. "
Information and Technical Assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act:
"The Department has developed technical assistance and guidance to help covered entities understand their ADA obligations with regard to accessible technology. The Department's ADA enforcement efforts have helped to ensure that people with disabilities can access Web sites, electronic book readers, online courses, and point-of-sale devices. "
American Association for People With Disabilities:
"The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is a convener, connector, and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power of people with disabilities. As a national cross-disability rights organization, AAPD advocates for full civil rights for the over 60 million Americans with disabilities by promoting equal opportunity, economic power, independent living, and political participation."
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services:
"The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, CMS, is part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Information for people with Medicare and Medicaid Healthcare, and for people who need health insurance and want to apply for or enroll."
"A federal government website managed and paid for by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This site helps individuals enroll in healthcare plans and provides healthcare information and services available."
Labor Standards - Department of Labor and Industry:
"We ensure workers are paid correctly and workplace rights and responsibilities are enforced for all workers and help employers prevent employment law violations before they occur. Labor Standards also answers wage and hour questions about breaks, minimum wage, overtime, pregnant workers' and new parents' rights, prevailing wage and wage theft. Our goal is to protect the rights of workers and educate employers and employees about their rights and responsibilities under Minnesota employment laws. "
National Council on Disability:
"NCD is an independent federal agency charged with advising the President, Congress, and other federal agencies regarding policies, programs, practices, and procedures that affect people with disabilities. NCD fulfills its advisory roles regarding disability policies, programs, procedures, and practices that enhance equal opportunity."
Office of the Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities:
"Ombudsman definition: The Ombudsman (om-budz-muhn) is an independent governmental official who receives complaints against government (and government regulated) agencies and/or its officials, who investigates, and who if the complaints are justified, takes action to remedy the complaints. The Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (OMHDD) provides resources in the following three areas: client services, medical review, and civil commitment training."
Social Security – Benefits for People With Disabilities:
"The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. Use the Benefits Eligibility Screening Tool to find out which programs may be able to pay you benefits. "
Healthcare Law Protections Under the ACA:
"The health care law offers rights and protections that make coverage more fair and easy to understand. Some rights and protections apply to plans in the Health Insurance Marketplace® or other individual insurance, some apply to job-based plans, and some apply to all health coverage. This site will help you determine which is best for you and your family."
Disability Law Center for Minnesota:
"The Minnesota Disability Law Center (MDLC) provides free civil legal assistance to individuals with disabilities statewide, regardless of age or income, on legal issues related to their disabilities. MDLC is the designated Protection and Advocacy System (P&A) for Minnesota and addresses the unique legal needs of Minnesotans with disabilities."
Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund:
"Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), founded in 1979, is a leading national civil rights law and policy center directed by individuals with disabilities and parents who have children with disabilities. To advance the civil and human rights of people with disabilities through legal advocacy, training, education, and public policy and legislative development."
"Legal Services State Support (State Support) is a project of the Minnesota Legal Services Coalition (MLSC), a group of seven legal aid programs that help low-income residents with a variety of legal matters. State Support manages this website, ProJusticeMN.org for advocates, and MNLegalAdvice.org, a statewide legal advice website. State Support's mission is to improve access to justice for all Minnesotans. In working towards that mission, State Support collaborates widely, including with legal services programs, the Minnesota State Law Library, the Minnesota State Bar Association, the Minnesota Judicial Branch, and other partners in the justice community."
Lawyer Referral Directory of Minnesota:
"The Minnesota State Bar Association promotes the highest standards of excellence and inclusion within the legal profession, provides valued resources to its members, and strives to improve the law and the equal administration of justice for all. This site will help you find a lawyer or attorney for your specific legal needs."
Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota:
"Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota (LASNEM) is a non-profit regional law firm and has been the legal aid provider to the northeastern region of Minnesota since 1952. In that time, it has become an integral part of the justice system and a cornerstone of the community’s commitment to the proposition that equal access to justice is a basic human right."
"Thank you for wanting to learn more about the Legal Information Institute. The LII is an independently-funded project of the Cornell Law School. We are a small team of technologists who believe that everyone should be able to read and understand the laws that govern them. We employ technology to gather, process, and publish public legal information that is accurate and objective. Learn more about our operation here."
Minnesota Department of Human Rights:
"We are the state’s civil rights enforcement agency and envision a world where everyone can lead lives full of dignity and joy. Our Department protects the civil rights of Minnesotans through the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the strongest civil rights laws in the country, to ensure Minnesotans can live free from discrimination."
Minnesota Department of Human Services – People With Disabilities:
"Minnesotans with disabilities bring a tremendous amount to their communities. The Minnesota Department of Human Services strives to help people live as independently as possible so they can continue to be a part of the communities in which they live."
"Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that offers job training and customized
career support to eliminate barriers to work and independence. Proceeds from thrift retail, e-commerce, grants and financial contributions fund our services that help Minnesotans get equitable access to employment opportunities and realize the power of work. Shopping and donating divert over 65 million pounds from local landfills annually and have helped us connect people to jobs since 1919. "
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission:
"The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. "
"The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on job accommodations and disability employment issues. Serving customers across the United States and around the world for more than 35 years, JAN provides free one-on-one practical guidance and technical assistance on job accommodation solutions, Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related legislation, and self-employment and entrepreneurship options for people with disabilities. "
Lifetrack Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota:
"Our work is grounded in two principles – God loves all people without condition and God yearns for us to love the neighbor. These principles call us to help assure that: Children and families will have safe, stable homes and the opportunity to thrive in community, people with disabilities will have access to social services and the opportunity to contribute to community life, and older adults will have choice in the services they need and opportunities to participate in community life."
Midwest Special Services, Inc:
"We are a nonprofit organization supporting individuals with disabilities, founded in 1949. We empower people to live the life they choose by providing opportunities and developing partnerships built on collaboration and community engagement. We invite you to be a part of our large, open, and inclusive community. Our mission is to support people with disabilities as vital and contributing members of our community."
Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion:
"The Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) offers information and resources to help employers recruit, hire, retain and advance people with disabilities; build inclusive workplace cultures; and meet diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) goals. "
"Whether you’re looking for a promising new opportunity, ready to make a long-held career dream come true or dealing with an unfortunate job loss, we’re here for you. With extraordinary services, partners and career specialists, we’ll provide the support you need for the success you want."
"Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) is a national 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization which provides case management services and financial aid to Americans with chronic, life threatening and debilitating illnesses to help access care and treatment recommended by their doctor."
"HHS administers more than 100 programs across its operating divisions. HHS programs protect the health of all Americans and provide essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves. The mission of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans, by providing for effective health and human services and by fostering sound, sustained advances in the sciences underlying medicine, public health, and social services."
HIPAA, Your Rights, and Environmental Justice:
"The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule and federal civil rights laws protect Americans’ fundamental health rights. Learn about these laws and how you can file a complaint if you believe your rights were violated or you were discriminated against."
"MentalHealth.gov provides one-stop access to U.S. government mental health and mental health problems information. MentalHealth.gov aims to educate and guide: the general public, health and emergency preparedness professionals, policy makers, government and business leaders, school systems, and local communities."
Social Security Disability Benefits Application Process:
"The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs provide assistance to people with disabilities. This page provides detailed information to help you understand what to expect from Social Security during the application process."
Disability Resource Community:
"The Disability Resource Community is a platform designed for people with disabilities, their family members and caregivers to ask questions, share resources and build community around the things that matter most. The Disability Resource Community is a public service to facilitate the communication and self-advocacy of people with disabilities and their families."
The Minnesota Council on Disability:
"The Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) was established in 1973 to advise the Governor, state agencies, the state legislature, and the public on disability issues. Our vision is a barrier-free Minnesota where every person with a disability has full access to all areas of life. This vision is guided by the principles of: accessibility, equity, and independence."
"Ensure that anyone can effectively participate in your meetings. Sometimes they overlap. In-room meetings include additional participants via either an audio conference or webinar technology. In such cases, accessibility requirements depend on how the interested part desires to participate in the meeting. Whenever archiving a meeting for access by state employees, the content must be accessible. For example, if saving as a video, then it must be captioned."
"ACT empowers groups of people with disabilities to take control over their lives while also working to break down barriers that prevent the larger disability community from living, working, and playing side-by-side with everyone else. Advocating Change Together (ACT) is a grassroots disability rights organization run by and for people with developmental and other disabilities. "
Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute:
"Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, part of Allina Health, provides a wide range of inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation and community services. Our goal is to partner with you to help you achieve your highest level of independence, health and wellness. We do this by providing excellent services, innovative programs, ground-breaking research and barrier-shattering advocacy. Our expert rehabilitation team works with children and adults who have injuries and disabilities of all kinds."
"Freedom Resource Center is a disability rights organization. Our mission is to provide services that increase independence for people with disabilities. Freedom provides services free of charge to individuals of any age and any disability."
Institute on Community Integration:
"The Institute on Community Integration (ICI) at the University of Minnesota pushes the edge of inclusion through an intensive focus on policies and practices that affect children, youth, and adults with disabilities, and those receiving educational supports. ICI’s collaborative research, training, and information-sharing ensure that people with disabilities are valued by, included in, and contribute to their communities of choice throughout their lifetime. "
National Alliance on Mental Illness:
"NAMI Minnesota champions justice, dignity, and respect for all people affected by mental illnesses. Through education, support, and advocacy we strive to effect positive changes in the mental health system and increase the public and professional understanding of mental illnesses."
"For nearly 40 years we have been advocating for and serving the LGBTQ+ community, those living with HIV, and all folks facing barriers to equitable healthcare. We are as dedicated as ever to working for equitable health care access and outcomes for people who experience injustice at the intersection of health status and identity. We center individuals and communities at risk of and living with HIV or facing barriers to equitable health care access and outcomes because of their identity as gender, sexual, and/or racial minorities. "
Assistive Technology Industry Association:
"The ATIA is the premier organization for manufacturers, sellers and providers of assistive technology (AT)—products, equipment and systems that enhance learning, working and daily living for persons with disabilities. Our mission: to serve as the collective voice of the assistive technology industry to help ensure that the best products and services are delivered to persons with disabilities."
Legal Requirements of Accessible Medical Diagnostic Equipment:
"A number of research publications and federal reports document physical access barriers involving medical diagnostic equipment. This factsheet aims to inform health care providers about the laws and technical criteria that apply to accessible medical diagnostic equipment (MDE), in order to improve accessibility of MDE."
Legal Requirements of Accessible Medical Diagnostic Equipment:
"Today, Closing The Gap continues to lead the way for special educators, rehabilitation professionals and consumers. They’re internationally renowned and respected as the leader in assistive technology news, resources and professional development opportunities. Our mission is to help you grow your assistive technology (AT) knowledge, enhance your instruction and build capacity using today’s best practices and implementation strategies."
Lighthouse Center for Vital Living:
"We help children, teens and adults challenged by disabilities, vision loss and aging live confident, independent and vibrant lives. In addition to our coaching, training, and occupational therapy we are leading this area in offering technology support to help people challenged by vision loss, aging or disability harness the power of technology to live safer, more connected lives."
"Metro Mobility is a shared ride public transportation service for certified riders who are unable to use regular fixed-route buses due to a disability or health condition. Trips are provided for any purpose. Read about our regional commitment to Metro Mobility."
Minnesota Assistive Technology for All:
"The STAR Program's mission is to help all Minnesotans with disabilities gain access to and acquire the assistive technology they need to live, learn, work and play. This site describes the features and images of devices and links to manufacturer websites. Create your own account, track your own history of items borrowed, request loans, request demonstrations, and complete our surveys to provide us with your valuable feedback."
Minnesota Guide to Assistive Technology:
"Assistive technology (AT) helps people of all ages with disabilities, and older adults to, increase, maintain, or improve independence at home, school, work, and in their communities. The purpose of this site is to increase awareness of assistive technology and provide information to help with the consideration, selection, acquisition, and use of assistive technology. This website is for anyone and everyone who would like more information on assistive technology, whether you are a user of AT, hiring manager, teacher, a family member, advocate, or just interested in learning about AT. "
Minnesota Department of Administration – Assistive Technology:
"STAR's mission is to help all Minnesotans with disabilities gain access to and acquire the assistive technology they need to live, learn, work and play. The Minnesota STAR Program is federally funded by the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration For Community Living in accordance with the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended (P.L. 108-364)."
"The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) operates special-care dental clinics in key regions of the state for patients whose conditions make it difficult for them to obtain dental care from other providers. Patients with developmental and intellectual disabilities, severe and persistent mental illnesses and traumatic brain injuries are eligible to receive treatment at the clinics."
US Service Animals – Official Service and Support Animal Registration:
"Register your service animal, emotional support animal, or apply for a letter from a licensed Mental Health Professional for housing. This site walks you through the process of registering your service animal."
ADA Service Animals Requirements:
"This publication provides guidance on the term “service animal” and the service animal provisions in the Department’s regulations. Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties. Service animals are working animals, not pets."
"Can Do Canines is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities by creating mutually beneficial partnerships with specially trained dogs. We envision a world where people with disabilities live free and independent lives. Can Do Canines is the largest provider of assistance dogs in Minnesota and relies on individual contributions to support its important work. Currently, we place dogs for clients in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. Can Do Canines is one of only two Minnesota-based assistance dog organizations that is an accredited member of Assistance Dogs International. "
"Helping Paws is a leading nonprofit organization that breeds, trains, and places assistance dogs with people who have physical disabilities and veterans and first responders with PTSD. Founded in 1988, we are accredited by Assistance Dogs International and meet the standards of the Charities Review Council."
"Throughout the world, horseback riding is considered a uniquely beneficial form of therapy for individuals living with a disability or special need. A horse’s gait, similar to the human walk, helps strengthen spine and pelvic muscles, improves posture and coordination, and increases joint mobility. We Can Ride offers equine assisted activities including: therapeutic horseback riding, Hippotherapy, equine assisted learning and more to individuals with disabilities or special needs. "
Access Press (Minnesota’s Disability Community News Source):
"Access Press exists to promote the social inclusion and legal rights of people with disabilities by providing a forum for news, features, opinion and conversation to benefit people who are often invisible and marginalized in mainstream society. Our vision is To be the predominant source of independent, comprehensive information that enlightens, empowers and improves the quality of life of people living with or associated with all forms of disability throughout the upper Midwest."
"The Minnesota DNR is opening the outdoors to people with disabilities by working hard to update its public spaces and programs to meet state and federal accessibility standards. These pages will help you learn about accessible wildlife managed spaces."
American Association on Health And Disability:
"The American Association on Health and Disability (AAHD) is a cross-disability national non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to ensuring health equity for children and adults with disabilities through policy, research, education and dissemination. AAHD is the only national organization specifically dedicated to integrating public health and disability into the overall public health agenda. AAHD strives to advance theory, knowledge and practice in reducing health disparities and achieving health equity in children and adults with disabilities and advancing community inclusion and and full accessibility."
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
"CDC increases the health security of our nation. As the nation’s health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats. To accomplish our mission, CDC conducts critical science and provides health information that protects our nation against expensive and dangerous health threats, and responds when these arise."
Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities:
"The Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) is the largest coalition of national organizations working together to advocate for federal public policy that ensures the self-determination, independence, empowerment, integration and inclusion of children and adults with disabilities in all aspects of society."
Minnesota Accessible Activities Calendar:
"This Minnesota Accessible Activities Calendar lists events happening around the state with accessible services or accommodations such as: Audio Description (AD) for people who are blind or have low vision, American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting for people who are deaf, Captioning for people who are hard of hearing, Sensory-friendly accommodations such as lower light or sound levels, and Artists with disabilities or disability-related topics. Search by day or month, service, venue, kind of event (theatre, dance, workshop)."
National Organization on Disability:
"The National Organization on Disability (NOD) increases employment opportunities for Americans with disabilities. Our programs and services enable companies to realize the competitive advantages of hiring people with disabilities. Our mission has always been to break down the barriers that fence people off from the wider community. Today, we focus the whole of our energy on eliminating the most wasteful and isolating of all those barriers: the artificial gulf that keeps tens of millions of people out of the productive workforce. We envision a world where all people with disabilities enjoy full opportunity for employment, enterprise and earnings, and employers know how to make the most of our talents."
Trace Research and Development Center:
"Our mission at the Trace Research and Development Center is to capitalize on the potential that technologies hold for people experiencing barriers due to disability, aging, or digital literacy, and to prevent emerging technologies from creating new barriers for these individuals. In doing this, we bring together disciplines such as information science, computer science, engineering, disability studies, law, and public policy. We engage in research, development, tech transfer, education, policy, and advocacy."
"True Friends is a nonprofit organization providing life-changing experiences that enhance independence and self-esteem for children and adults with disabilities. Our programs include camp, respite, retreats, team building, therapy and adaptive riding, and travel; serving over 25,000 individuals annually. With locations near Maple Lake, Annandale, Eden Prairie and Bemidji, we serve individuals in Minnesota and throughout the United States."
Center for Applied Special Technology:
"CAST is a multifaceted organization with a singular ambition: Bust the barriers to learning that millions of people experience every day. We do this by helping educators and organizations apply insights from the learning sciences and leading-edge practices to educational design and implementation."
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access:
"The IDEA Center engages in research and design focused on advancing equity and inclusion. We create person-centered tools, programs, and environments, and share these practices with change makers in universities, organizations and communities."
Center for Transportation Studies:
"CTS is the hub for transportation research and education at the University of Minnesota. It supports research in many disciplines, cultivates the transportation workforce, and shares new thinking with various stakeholders and audiences."
"The Center for Universal Design (CUD) is a national information, technical assistance, and research center that evaluates, develops, and promotes accessible and universal design in housing, commercial and public facilities, outdoor environments, and products. Our mission is to improve environments and products through design innovation, research, education and design assistance. "
Center on Knowledge Translation for Disability and Rehabilitation Research:
"The Center on KTDRR promotes "the use of high-quality disability and rehabilitation research that is relevant to the needs of intended audiences by serving as the main KT resource" for National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) funded researchers, developers, and KT centers. Other Center stakeholders include people with disabilities and their families, disability advocates, service providers, and policy makers, as well as administrators, educators, and employers."
"Disability:IN is the leading nonprofit resource for business disability inclusion worldwide. Our network of over 400 corporations expands opportunities for people with disabilities across enterprises. Our central office and 25 Affiliates serve as the collective voice to effect change for people with disabilities in business."
Electronic Documents – Office of Accessibility:
"Document accessibility applies to all documents, whether they are posted to a website, a file sharing application, or distributed through email. In general, accessible documents have structural formatting in the form of headings, tables, and lists that allow users to navigate the document. They use descriptive text that describe photos, charts, and graphs to users. When your documents are accessible, everyone can access them, regardless of physical abilities."
Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities:
"Providing information, education, and training to build knowledge, develop skills, and change attitudes that will lead to increased independence, productivity, self determination, integration and inclusion (IPSII) for people with developmental disabilities and their families."
National Association of ADA Coordinators:
"Since 1992, the National Association of ADA Coordinators (NAADAC) has brought ADA coordinators and ADA professionals together, providing a forum for the most up-to-date information on ADA issues, strategies and solutions, and enforcement."
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services:
"The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) understands the many challenges still facing individuals with disabilities and their families. Therefore, OSERS is committed to improving results and outcomes for people with disabilities of all ages. OSERS supports programs that serve millions of children, youth and adults with disabilities."
"Wilderness Inquiry’s mission is to connect people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to each other and the natural world through shared outdoor adventures. Through the medium of outdoor adventure travel, we inspire personal growth, enhanced awareness of the environment, and community integration. Our adventures encourage people to open themselves to new possibilities and opportunities."
Complete Guide For Veteran Seniors:
"Whatever period you served, however, chances are that you’ve taken advantage of education programs, job search and training resources, and home loans that are available to veterans of all ages. But if, like so many others, you’re a veteran approaching retirement age, you should be aware of a host of other resources waiting to assist you as you leave the working world."
"The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Veterans and their families by assisting them in securing state and federal benefits, and by providing programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans preference."
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs:
"MDVA is responsible for administering and highlighting a number of health and disability-related programs for Minnesota Veterans and their families. These include benefits and services in the areas of disability claims, outreach, dental, optical, special needs, homelessness prevention, and health information on issues like depleted uranium and hepatitis c."
Paralyzed Veterans of America:
"Paralyzed Veterans of America, a congressionally chartered veterans service organization founded in 1946, has developed a unique expertise on a wide variety of issues involving the special needs of our members – veterans of the armed forces who have experienced spinal cord injury or dysfunction."
Veterans Assisted Living Assessment and Benefits:
"This guide contains information to help you navigate the benefit programs available from the VA. Read on the learn whether you or your loved one are eligible, how to apply, and what programs are available in your state."
FloridaRehab.com: Resources for Veterans
"Our website is meant to be a comprehensive, informational resource for individuals affected by addiction and mental illness. It is a universal online resource, as it has information applicable to anyone who is in need of drugs, alcohol, addiction, homeless, or mental health information also through the phone with clinical professionals. We hope to be a resource in any way that we can."