At The Arc Minnesota, we believe that all people with disabilities have the right to:  

Make decisions 
Have control in their lives 
Advocate for themselves

Get support from trusted allies as they advocate and make decisions

Many Minnesotans with disabilities face barriers to living the life they choose, on their terms. But there are creative services and solutions that can help overcome those barriers.  

That’s why The Arc Minnesota teamed up with some of our community partners for a three-part information series called “A Life of One’s Own”.

In this webinar series, we explored:  

Life Sharing – a newer service that pairs people with disabilities with homeowners that can build a life together  
Assistive Technology – devices, services, and other resources that can help you access the world

We also learned from people with disabilities and their family members about options that have worked in their lives. 

With questions about information in the Resource Guide, or to get more support from The Arc, here’s how you can contact us:

Office Phone Number: 952-920-0855
Help Desk Phone Number: 1-866-797-1122

Toll Free Phone Number: 833-450-1494
Online Ask an Advocate

Download this guide here.

Tell us what you thought of this series, and what you want our next series to be about!

Session 1: Life Sharing

10:00 am – 11:30 am
March 22nd, 2023

Recording with CART and ASL

Description:

Life Sharing is a newer service option for Minnesotans with disabilities. Through this service, they can find another person or family to live with. Together, they share life experiences and support. Join The Arc Minnesota, Accord, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, and the Department of Human Services to learn more about Life Sharing. We will give information about the discovery and matching process, as well as ongoing support.   

Presenters:

All of our presenters have been working together to help make Life Sharing a possibility in Minnesota.  

Scott Schifsky, Department of Human Services 
Jennifer Walton, Accord 
Laura Vogel, LSS 
Denise Dyer, Clay County

Session Information and Resources:

Life Sharing Presentation

Learning objectives of this presentation:

General service overview

Matching
Life Sharing
Ongoing support

Process for interested individuals (people w/ disabilities & potential hosts)
Challenges/barriers

Session 2: Assistive Technology

10:00 am – 11:30 AM
April 5th, 2023

Recording with CART and ASL

Description:

Assistive Technology (AT) and Remote Supports (RS) can help you do things that might otherwise be difficult or impossible to do on your own. Learn about AT and RS, how you can use the services, and see examples that can help you speak, walk, talk, remember, see, hear, learn, live on your own, and more.  

Presenters:

Amy Perron

- Amy Perron is the Program Director for the MN STAR Program. STAR is Minnesota’s Federally funded Assistive Technology Act program. In addition to serving as STAR’s Director Amy actively serves on numerous state and national assistive technology groups.  Prior to becoming the Director Amy served as STAR’s Assistive Technology Specialist assisting Minnesotans with all types of disabilities learn more about and acquire assistive technology. Amy has worked with a broad spectrum of clients including private sector, non-profits, education, and government agencies.  Amy is passionate about helping people live life to the fullest and thrilled to be a part of the STAR Program. Her goal is to increase public awareness of the STAR Program and enable as many citizens as possible to benefit from its many services.

Alaina Gallagher

- Alaina Gallagher is a dedicated, high-energy executive, passionate about using Assistive Technology (AT) and Remote Supports (RS) to improve health outcomes and increase individual independence. Alaina has worked as an executive in the AT and RS world for six years and currently serves as a consultant and project manager for ARRM and NextGenAT. She is deeply devoted to finding creative routes to enhance the quality of life for everyone.

 Dan Stallsworth 
- Dan Stallsworth is a passionate artist. He recently had an art show premier honoring his late wife, Sally, on the same date as their wedding anniversary.  Dan pre-recorded an interview with me to share his story and show you how he uses assistive technology. This pre-recorded interview was shortened, but other than that was edited very little. We want to show a real-life example of using assistive technology, including the times where it doesn’t capture letters or words perfectly. Dan uses several pieces of assistive technology daily.  In this video, Dan will show the headpiece he uses to paint and sign forms. He will also show how he uses a button controlled by his head to select letters and words on his Accent iPad. Dan shares about his life, love, loss, and passions through this communication device and his art.

Session Information and Resources:

Assistive Technology April 5th Presentation

Learning objectives of this presentation:

Learn the definitions of Assistive Technology and Report Support
See examples of Assistive Technology and Remove Supports
Learn from an artist and self-advocate who uses several kinds of Assistive Technology

Session 3: Assistive Technology

10:00 am – 11:30 am
April 19th, 2023

Recording with CART and ASL

Description:

Continue learning about Assistive Technology, how you can use the services, and learn how they can help you speak, walk, talk, remember, see, hear, learn, live on your own, and more.   

Presenters:

Joan Breslin Larson Joan is an independent consultant in assistive technology, with a focus on systems change and leadership development. She formerly worked for the Minn. Department of Education as the assistive technology specialist and supervised programs for students with low incidence disabilities. Joan is a member of the QIAT Leadership Team, facilitating a grassroots community of practice focusing on quality assistive technology services. She is a co-author of 2 books focusing on AT services and is a frequent presenter at state and national conferences. Joan lives in Monticello and spends her free time going to her grandson’s basketball games.