The Minnesota Council on Disability unanimously agreed to write an open letter to the Minnesota State Fair explaining our concerns over:

• COVID-19 health and safety protocols, 
• the reasons we cannot attend the Fair, 
• and the call to action we have issued to local government and State Fair leadership on this issue. 

The letter is now available in written and video formats to make it accessible to as many people as possible. In the video, the Council Chair reads the letter, and the Executive Director addresses the community's response. 

We ask that you take the time to watch or read the letter. 

Text of letter

Video Message: MCD’s Minnesota State Fair Open Letter

Hello,

It is an honor and pleasure to introduce myself as your Communications Officer for MCD. My name is Brittanie Wilson, and I am a proud Disabled, Queer woman of color. I grew up in St. Cloud, and after earning a degree in communications from St. Cloud State University, I moved to St. Paul where I have lived for nearly a decade.

Although my work experience stems from the corporate world at US Bank, I am a graduate of Partners in Policymaking and knowledgeable of the legislative process. I have a talent for communicating truth to power and am guided by my own experiences of navigating state systems to receive waivered services and PCA support.

I firmly believe that people with disabilities who are the most marginalized must be leading the disability justice movement. I am committed to elevating the narratives of our community while upholding the Council's values of respect, integrity, collaboration, and communication.

I intend to make connections in spaces where people with disabilities have not traditionally been. It is time for inclusion and equity initiatives to embrace our community because disabled people belong in all spaces and at every table!

In many ways, it feels like I am coming home, as I know many of you through my community work. I couldn't be more excited for this opportunity to learn and grow both as a professional and as an advocate.

Thank you for welcoming me into this role!

You can contact Brittanie Wilson at brittanie.wilson@state.mn.us or 651-356-1386.

MCD shares the following information from our partners at the University of Minnesota Tourism Center:

Have you wondered about Minnesota employers' experience of telecommuting before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic? The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is wondering the same, which is why MnDOT is partnering with the University of Minnesota Tourism Center on a research project to find out!

And now, the project needs your help. Make your organization's experience count by completing the employer survey. Forward the survey links to your partners and collaborators, so their voices can be heard, too! The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete.

All these contributions are vital to the project and much appreciated. Thank you!

MnDOT Telecommuting Project Employer Survey

Over the next few months, MCD will be highlighting Council members in our monthly newsletter. The Governor appoints members from 11 economic development regions throughout the state. Everyone on the Council brings personal or professional disability experience and dedication to the mission of a barrier-free Minnesota.

Trent C. Dilks, from Marty, MN, has served on the Council since July 2018. He is the Council Vice Chair serves in Region 7W, covering Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright counties.

Family: Wife: Maggie; Children: Charlotte 14 months, Oliver 3 weeks

Why did you decide to apply to the Council? My experience with the Disabled American Veterans was specific in policy and legislative areas prior to my appointment. I have a strong desire to use my experience as a Legislative Director, Executive Director, etc. to assist groups beyond Veterans with disabilities, and participating in the Council seemed like an opportunity to have a larger impact.

Favorite Summer Activities: Fishing, camping, and hanging out in the air conditioning.

Fun Fact: I have ridden my Harley-Davidson motorcycle through 38 of the lower 48 states.

To contact Trent, email us at council.disability@state.mn.us with the subject line: Question or Comment for Trent Dilks.

Learn about serving on the Minnesota Council on Disability