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
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
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:
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
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
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- 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
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- 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
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.
Session Information and Resources:
Assistive Technology April 19th Presentation
Learning objectives of this presentation:
- Learn about Education related Assistive Technology
- Learn how Assistive Technology can be used in all areas of life
- Learn about creative Assistive Technology ideas from Webinar Attendees
Assistive Technology Resources
Below you will find resources mentioned in our sessions, and other resources we think may be helpful.
ARRM Technology Resources Center
Courage Kenny
Minnesota Guide to Assistive Technology
Minnesota Department of Education: Assistive Technology
Minnesota Department of Administration: Assistive Technology for All
Minnesota STAR Program (System of Technology to Achieve Results)
MN-NEAT (Network & Education for Assistive Technology)
MDHS Assistive technology (Waiver Information)
Housing Benefits 101: Assistive Technology
Disability Benefits 101
PACER Center: Project KITE
Regional Resources
Southwest
- SWCIL Assistive Technology Program
- SMILES Assistive Technology and Ramps
- Minnesota State Services for the Blind Mankato Office Assistive Technology
- MSU Mankato Adaptive Technology is for students, but they have additional resources/training on the website
- There are lots of options under the Assistive Technology Page of this site too.
West Central
- North Dakota Assistive – Homepage (ndassistive.org) (includes MN residents)
- Home | North Dakota Association for the Disabled (ndad.org) (located in ND but will help MN residents living in boarder city)
Midstate
ConnectAbility of MN
MN State Services for the Blind (St. Cloud)
SCSU Assistive Technology Lab
Metro
PACER Center
Courage Kenny Rehab
Southeast
SEMCIL
Possabilities
MN State Services for the Blind (Rochester)
Northeast
Access North CIL
Tell us what you thought of this series, and what you want our next series to be about!