Accessible Adventures Await!

Minnesota Celebrates the ADA!

Join the 32^nd ADA Anniversary Virtual Celebration on July 26  

Recognizing the challenges the past two years and the COVID-19 pandemic have brought, the ADA anniversary planning committee has organized a celebration to help us reconnect with one another and nature in new and exciting ways. The ADA 32^nd Anniversary virtual event on July 26 will celebrate that Minnesota has more to explore. Titled “Accessible Adventures Await,” the free 90-minute program from 12noon to 1:30 p.m. will highlight a host of accessible programs across the state and opportunities to explore the great outdoors, even from indoors.

The event will feature acclaimed radio host “Moon” from the Moon & Staci Show on KS95, serving as the event emcee. Governor Walz will offer a Proclamation and noted national ADA expert Peter Berg will deliver a keynote presentation examining the application of the ADA to outdoor areas such as trails, beaches, campsites, and picnic areas that are operated/managed/owned by state/local governments and private entities. There will be video demonstrations of the Minnesota DNR’s new accessible All-Terrain Track Chair, the DNR’s accessible Bison Buggy at Blue Mounds State Park, and the Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Adaptive Sports and Recreation program. Entertainment will be provided by singer-songwriter Joseph Baird, and much more. Plan to join this informative, fun event to learn more about the variety of organizations, state agencies, and others offering a range of accessible adventures across our state.

The following accommodations will be provided; CART, ASL, and Audio Description.  Spanish, Somali, and Hmong language description will also be provided.

Learn more and find the registration link at celebrateadamn.com.

Deaf, DeafBlind & Hard of Hearing LGBTQ+ Panel Discussion

Attend a panel on Minnesota's LGBTQ+ community members who also happen to be deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing. Panelists will cover their personal identity journey and their quest for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). Audience members will have an opportunity to ask questions. Moderated by Lilly Steinbruckner and Jer Loudenback, MNCDHH outreach & civic engagement specialists.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division (DHHSD) will briefly discuss the services they provide, including mental health services with LGBTQI+ allied therapists, providing information and resources, advocating for and navigating communication access needs, and finding appropriate assistive technology.

Resources from community organizations will also be shared.

Thursday, July 14, 2022 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Find the Zoom Registration here.

Now Available: At-Home COVID Tests Which are More Accessible

A new initiative from the Biden-Harris administration expands the availability of at-home tests that are more accessible. Blind and low-vision people can order six sets of two free, more accessible at-home tests from USPS.com (while supplies last). Order online through https://special.usps.com/testkits or by calling 1-800-232-0233.

Because of limited supply, only order the more accessible tests if you do not have other testing options. To use the tests, you must have a compatible Bluetooth-enabled smartphone and download and install a free app from the Apple App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android). The test works with the app to provide audio step-by-step instructions for administering the test, as well as audio test results.

 

Stay in Touch With SSB

Have questions about finding a job, advancing your career, learning skills for independence, or reading in an accessible format that works for you? Give us a call or drop us a line.

Call SSB at 651-539-2300

Or email ssb.info@state.mn.us