The Arc Minnesota

July 26 is National Disability Independence Day, which commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law in 1990. The ADA has profoundly impacted the lives of many by breaking down barriers and ensuring access that was once out of reach. While we’ve made significant progress, our journey toward full disability inclusion continues. Recently, the Boulay team enjoyed a powerful presentation from Brittanie Hernandez-Wilson, Director of Equity and Justice at The Arc Minnesota who discussed ways to reframe our language to be more inclusive of the disability community. We’re grateful for the insights and resources she provided to support our continued growth!

Your voice matters! You have the right to file a complaint if you're being treated unfairly in your waiver program. Curious about how this applies to you? Learn more about your rights and see real-world examples at: bit.ly/4ckH0VN #DisabilityPrideMonth #DisabilityIsDiversity #InclusiveWorkplace

Navigating disability rights can be complex. Minnesota Disability Law Center (MDLC) is a resource for free legal assistance, regardless of income. They serve Minnesotans of all ages and disability types, offering information, advice, and representation to ensure your rights are protected. Learn more about MDLC and how they can help you here: https://bit.ly/3W0f8kd #MNDisabilityLawCenter #DisabilityRightsMN #MNDisabilityCommunity

On July 11, The Disability Freedom & Justice Caravan was in St. Paul at Metropolitan Center for Independent Living to spread awareness and empower the disability community to vote. The center provided Minnesotans with disabilities with resources on accessible voting. Gene Martinez, legislative advocacy coordinator for The Arc Minnesota and coordinator for REV UP MN, gave a presentation on accessible voting and disability voting rights. Click to read more: https://bit.ly/3WrfC2S

Brittanie Hernandez-Wilson, who works as the equity and justice director for The Arc Minnesota, spoke to NPR in celebration of Disability Pride Month. Throughout July, MPR News is featuring stories about Minnesotans with disabilities who are making an impact. Read the article here: https://bit.ly/46gOo2n

We would like to extend our gratitude to Foresight Bank for their CORPORATE-level sponsorship of our Annual Golfers' Choice tournament, which will be held on July 29th, 2024 at Somerby Golf Club in Byron, Minnesota. Your support helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Southeast Minnesota region and across the state to make their own life choices. Golfers/teams can register to play here: https://lnkd.in/d3ywukqv For sponsorship inquiries email: rachelolson@arcminnesota.org

We would like to extend our gratitude to American Waterworks, Sheryl Willms, and F&M Community Bank for their continued CORPORATE-level sponsorship of our Annual Golfers' Choice tournament, which will be held on July 29th, 2024 at Somerby Golf Club in Byron, Minnesota. Your support helps people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in the Southeast Minnesota region and across the state to make their own life choices. Golfers/teams can register to play here: https://lnkd.in/d3ywukqv For sponsorship inquiries email: rachelolson@arcminnesota.org

In honor of Disability Pride Month, let's challenge the way we think about disability in the workplace. Living with a disability isn't a limitation; it's a form of diversity that enriches our workplaces and communities.

We would like to extend our gratitude to Kath Flooring and Luther Park Place for their continued CORPORATE-level sponsorship of our Annual Golfers' Choice tournament, which will be held on July 29th, 2024 at Somerby Golf Club in Byron, Minnesota. Your support helps people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in the Southeast Minnesota region and across the state to make their own life choices. Golfers/teams can register to play here: https://lnkd.in/d3ywukqv For sponsorship inquiries email: rachelolson@arcminnesota.org

Brittanie Hernandez-Wilson, Director of Equity and Justice at The Arc Minnesota, spoke to MinnPost about the shortage of direct care workers - those who provide home care services, including certified nursing assistants, home health aides, personal care aides, and caregivers. "It’s almost like this invisible hand (is) ready to pull me in(to) the darkness if you will,” said Hernandez-Wilson. “I know that that’s dramatic, but it’s a very real thing that I think people with disabilities live with every single day. Today may be good, but what happens if your caregiver gets sick? What happens if they move on – which they inevitably do, due to low wages, and no chance of moving up? They’ve gotta support themselves as well.”