Minnesota Transportation Bill 2025- Background Information
This is the transportation bill I’m running at the Minnesota Legislature. I will keep you updated as the bill progresses. Check out the background links for more information.
Issues and Opportunities for Actors with Disabilities
Host Joan Willshire explores the issues and opportunities for actors with disabilities following the success of the motion picture Wicked. With artist and actor Alison Bergblom Johnson and two members of Keystone Interpreting Solutions’ Deaf Community Support Center: Timothy Riker and Amanda Smith.
Rural Transportation
Joan Willshire interviews Kyle Shelton, the director of the University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies about rural transportation in Minnesota.
Election Voting Machines
I voted yesterday using the new voting machines that Hennepin County has purchased for all locations. These electronic phone machines are very easy to use, and anyone can use them.
Disability Perspective on Upcoming Elections
Here’s the episode with Steve Simon Secretary of State, talking about Voting rights, and the right to vote for those who have been previously incarcerated and have now served their time can now Vote.
Celebrating the Minnesota Disability Icon – Margot Imdieke Cross
As we celebrate the Americans with Disabilities Act turning 34 years old on July 26th, we must also celebrate the disability icon in the state of Minnesota: Margot Imdieke Cross.
Disability Inclusion Was NOT at the Promenade du Norde
The Kick Off of Gymnastics City USA on Promenade du Nord –“Parisian Street Fair” – the ultimate unique shopping experience with a collection of vendors and artists curated by Michael Berthiaume left out a huge population of people with physical disabilities! There is no excuse! The ADA has been around for 34 years! Very disappointed that in the year of 2024 organizers of events like this still cannot get it right!
Rideshare Debate – Disability Inclusion
We need to move forward and create a transportation mode that is fully accessible to everybody. It can be done, but we need everyone, including legislators, to direct the funding toward creating a fully inclusive equitable model of transportation for all.
Bus Rapid Transit in Twin Cities
Bus Rapid Transit in Twin Cities Metro transit has got a new bus rapid bus line going out to the east Metro area. It will
Disability Viewpoints – Inclusion Mobility Museum
An exciting mobile disability project is traveling around the state, addressing the issues of inclusion for people with developmental disabilities. It’s a powerful exhibit showcasing hundreds photograph from early 1900s to the present Of the long, winding road many people with developmental disabilities, had to travel from institutional settings to know being able to live working in a play in the community of their choice.
Disability Viewpoints – Minneapolis Community Specialist
More cities need to be investing in positions like this one in Minneapolis. There is great value in focusing on a position like this since you’re much more able to meet the needs of that population.
Host Joan Willshire talks with new City of Minneapolis Community Specialist Guthrie Bayard, who will be the city’s first specialist for issues of disability.
Disability Viewpoints: One MN Survey
In January 2019 Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order, creating the One Minnesota Council on Inclusion and Equity. A multi-phased Intersectionality study was conducted and focused on the Intersectionality of race and equity, in communities. It included developmental disabilities that lead to social discrimination and disparities across delivery systems and program areas.