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.
Metropolitan Center for Independent Living Welcomes Mai Thor and Joan Willshire to its Board of Directors
The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) is pleased to announce two new
members have been appointed to its Board of Directors. They will join current board members,
providing strategic guidance, valued perspective, and expertise in oversight of the non-profit
organization. Guided by its mission of Removing Barriers, Promoting Choices, MCIL has assisted
people with disabilities in living their most independent lives for more than 40 years. Serving the
seven-county metro area through a wide range of services, programs, resources, partnerships, and
advocacy, MCIL is among the largest Centers for Independent Living in Minnesota.
Disability Viewpoints – COVID Update from MDH
Host Joan Willshire talks with MDH Covid Community Coordinator Rachel Garaghty for an update on the virus and vaccines,
Medicare and the Donut Hole – My Medicare Experience
Three months ago I started on Medicare, and what a nightmare it has been! The first month I was having difficulty getting Medicare set up. Now the second and third months my challenges have been about pharmacy and medication issues; they don’t want to pay for specialty drugs at all! And somehow I’m already in the donut hole even though I just started July 1st. I thought I would miss that donut hole because I wasn’t starting at the beginning of the year but now here I am stuck in the donut hole!
Partners in Policymaking Graduates Interview
37 years ago, the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities in the Department of Administration created a groundbreaking advocacy and leadership training program to give people with disabilities and their families the resources and skills to communicate effectively with their elected officials.
ADA Compliance in Transitional Care Facilities – Missing in Action
For a person with a disability and many years of extensive experience with most sectors of health care delivery, one of the most scary and fearful thoughts is anticipating going to a transitional care unit (TCU) or rehabilitation center after a stay in the hospital.
Elevator Out of Order
The situation Senator Duckworth experienced, with a nonfunctioning elevator at the movie theater is unfortunate but common. And of course, this situation was especially disappointing because the Senator’s daughters wanted to see the movie with her. It was supposed to be a family outing that couldn’t happen because of the elevator.
Barbie in the Box
Barbie has had many iterations during her 65 years as America’s favorite fashion doll. And yes, one was a Barbie using a wheelchair and Barbie’s dream house even had an elevator. That’s why I was thrilled to see a photo prop Barbie box at the movie theater where we could pose inside the Barbie box. I was determined to get inside that box if it killed me! It was barely accessible, but I made it work with my scooter. I looked like the next new Barbie doll on the shelf! Scooter Barbie here I come!
Disability Pride Month – July 2023
The entire month of July is now celebrated as Disability Pride Month. This is a good idea as the LGBTQ community has certainly been successful organizing a grass roots effort to celebrate Pride in June. Disability pride month is about celebrating our differences without using the label special needs.