Welcome to our newsletter with announcements and information that may be of interest to our communities. We head this newsletter with the sad news of the sudden death of Tony Lopez, our volunteer coordinator for RTB.

We also mark the passage, 33 years ago,  of the ADA,, and celebrate Disability Pride. The Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities seeks input from all Minnesotans with disabilities in a survey they are conducting; and, we conclude with information about a few books which Tony narrated for RTB.

Thank you for reading!

 

Remembering the Life of RTB Volunteer Coordinator Tony Lopez

All of us here at State Services for the Blind are deeply saddened by the news of the death of Tony Lopez, our volunteer coordinator for Radio Talking Book (RTB). Tony passed away suddenly on July 15, 2023 . He was 55.

Tony began his association with SSB and RTB as a volunteer. With a great voice, a love of books, and a lot of radio work, Tony was a natural fit and a great asset for RTB. He joined our staff 25 years ago.

In an article about tony in City Pages, Tony said of his work at SSB “It’s about a sense of connectedness.” Indeed, for our volunteers and many RTB listeners, Tony embodied that connection.

“Tony was a superb volunteer coordinator for RTB,” reflected volunteer Tom Clark, “He always answered my questions and concerns quickly and professionally. He will be greatly missed.”

“We extend our deepest sympathies to Tony’s wife and daughter,” said Natasha Jerde, SSB Director, “And to his family and friends. Tony made a lasting contribution to radio in Minnesota, through RTB and on several stations and other notable projects. He drew on his love of books and his love of music to enrich the lives of radio listeners across our state and far beyond. We mourn his passing and celebrate his legacy.”

Here is the obituary for Tony in the Star Tribune.

Commemorating the Passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act

July 26, 2023 marks the 33^rd anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The National Network of the ADA describes this historic piece of legislation this way:

“The ADA is the first comprehensive civil rights act for people with disabilities. It was passed by Congress and signed into law by President George H. W. Bush on July 26, 1990. The ADA protects people with disabilities from discrimination in all aspects of employment, in access to public programs and services such as transportation, and in access to public places like businesses, restaurants, stores, hotels, places of entertainment, and other service establishments.”

“Every day we talk to blind, DeafBlind, and low vision customers who are just seeking  out opportunities where their skills, talents, and gifts will be valued,” said SSB Director Natasha Jerde, “The ADA helps ensure that no one’s gifts are squandered because of tired preconceptions about disability. Today, July 26, we pause to remember the passage of this landmark civil rights legislation, and those who worked tirelessly for its passage.”

The ADA National Network has a Celebration Toolkit, timeline, and more details about the ADA on its ADA Anniversary page.

Disability Pride

As the Minnesota Council on Disability notes, “July is Disability Pride Month, a month dedicated to promoting awareness, acceptance, and empowerment of people with disabilities.”

The council invites everyone to join them in  “Embracing diversity, removing barriers, and building a society where disability pride is celebrated and inclusivity is the norm. Together, we can create a more equitable, inclusive, and accessible world.”

Read “Disability Pride Stories” and find much more on MCD’s Disability Pride Month showcase.

Survey Asks: “Are We Living Up to the One Minnesota Promise?”

The Governor's Council on Developmental Disability is conducting a study Called the One Minnesota Benchmark Survey, which seeks to obtain quantitative measures on how people living with disabilities (and their families) feel they are treated by their fellow Minnesotans, and whether we, as a state, have made progress in moving toward One Minnesota. Participation in this study is voluntary, and the Council hopes to use survey findings to help guide best practices, improve services, and better utilize state resources across state agencies to address systemic issues and discrimination.

If you are a Minnesotan with a disability, take a few moments to complete the survey and let the council know how you feel you are treated by your fellow Minnesotans.

Books Narrated by Tony Lopez

In his years at RTB Tony did a lot of recording, and we will deeply miss hearing his voice on the phone, around the office, and on the airwaves. A few of the titles that Tony recorded for RTB are available through the National Library Service, the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library and our Communication Center. To order any of these titles, give us a call at 1-800-722-0550.

Latino America: how America's most dynamic population is poised to transform the politics of the nation. by Matt A. Barreto, and Gary M. Segura. DBC02685

Minnesota's geologist: the life of Newton Horace Winchell. by Sue Leaf.  DBC27412

Thirty Rooms to Hide In: Insanity, Addiction, and Rock 'n' Roll in the Shadow of the Mayo Clinic. By Luke Longstreet Sullivan.  DBC26501

 

Stay in Touch with SSB

Give us a call at 651-539-2300

Or email ssb.info@state.mn.us

We are always glad to hear from you!