Minnesota Council on Disability

Minnesota Council on Disability MCD advocates for policies and programs that advance the rights of Minnesotans with disabilities.

Established in 1973 by the state legislature, the Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) was created to advise the governor, state agencies, state legislature, and the public on disability policy. MCD has a small staff and is governed by a council appointed by the governor. Each council member either has a disability, has a family member with a disability, or works with people with disabilities.

The 2026 Twin Cities Pride Festival is a space to connect, celebrate, and belong. MCD is proud to join this year’s festi...
05/29/2026

The 2026 Twin Cities Pride Festival is a space to connect, celebrate, and belong. MCD is proud to join this year’s festival at Loring Park on Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28.

Stop by booths 226 and 227 to meet MCD staff and partners, explore disability-related resources, and talk with us about accessibility, disability rights, and community.

ASL interpreters will be available at the MCD booth throughout the festival.

Read more about MCD at Twin Cities Pride and plan your visit. https://www.disability.state.mn.us/events-and-outreach/mcd-events/visit-mcd-at-the-2026-twin-cities-pride-festival/

May is National Mobility Awareness Month, a time to recognize how transportation, adaptive equipment, and accessible spa...
05/28/2026

May is National Mobility Awareness Month, a time to recognize how transportation, adaptive equipment, and accessible spaces support independence for people with disabilities. https://impactful.ninja/mobility-awareness-month/

At MCD, mobility access is part of public policy, transportation planning, and community participation. During the legislative session, MCD tracks transportation-related bills that may affect Minnesotans with disabilities. These include bills related to disability parking, public transit, transportation network companies, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, and autonomous vehicles. https://metrocouncil.org/Council-Meetings/Committees/Transportation-Accessibility-Advisory-Committee.aspx

MCD also works with the Metropolitan Council’s Transportation Accessibility Advisory Committee (TAAC) to bring riders’ experiences into regional transportation planning. TAAC advises the Met Council on public transportation services in the region from the perspective of riders with disabilities. At TAAC meetings, members share feedback and lived experience with staff working on transit projects, helping make public transportation more accessible for more people.

Outdoor recreation shows how planning and design choices can expand access in everyday places. At William O’Brien State Park, accessibility improvements described in DNR’s 2025 Get Out MORE report (PDF) include accessible campsites, an accessible canoe and kayak launch, trail upgrades that better accommodate mobility devices, and new accessible restrooms and shower facilities. The late Margot Imdieke-Cross, a former MCD staff member and disability advocate, greatly contributed to the design process for these updates.

At McCarthy Beach State Park, visitors can use an adaptive beach chair to get into the water. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) also offers all-terrain track chairs at more than 20 state parks. These powered chairs use tracks instead of wheels, making it possible to explore some trails and natural surfaces that may not be accessible with many standard mobility devices. https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/track-chairs.html

Together, these examples show that access is shaped by the choices advocates, planners, and policymakers make. During National Mobility Awareness Month, MCD recognizes progress across Minnesota and the continued work needed to make transportation, recreation, and community life more accessible for people with disabilities.

Follow MCD’s legislative session work and explore DNR’s accessible recreation options to learn more about mobility access in Minnesota. https://www.disability.state.mn.us/about-our-public-policy/legislative-sessions-archives/2026-legislative-session/

Mental Health Awareness Month is a reminder that support is stronger in community. In this guest article, NAMI Minnesota...
05/27/2026

Mental Health Awareness Month is a reminder that support is stronger in community. In this guest article, NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) shares this year’s theme, Stronger Together: Healing Begins in Community.

The article points readers to free classes, support groups, peer-led programs, provider support, and advocacy to protect access to mental health care. It also highlights support for people, families, and communities affected by mental illness, and trauma.

https://www.disability.state.mn.us/2026/05/18/mental-health-awareness-month-healing-begins-in-community/

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year’s Disability Advocacy Day at the Capitol on April 29, 2026. Centered a...
05/26/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year’s Disability Advocacy Day at the Capitol on April 29, 2026. Centered around the theme “Disability Justice: Safety in Community,” the day was a powerful celebration of community, advocacy, connection, and collective action.

Community members, advocates, legislators, and allies came together to celebrate the strength, resilience, and leadership of the disability community while continuing important conversations about equity, access, and justice. Throughout the day, participants connected with one another, created posters, met with legislators, and heard inspiring remarks from advocates and elected officials on key disability-related issues. Powerful poetry readings added a meaningful moment and highlighted the importance of storytelling and shared experiences within the disability community.

The energy throughout the Capitol was uplifting and inspiring, reminding us of the power that comes from being together in community. Disability Advocacy Day was not only a day of advocacy, but also a celebration of belonging, solidarity, and the ongoing work toward a more inclusive future for all Minnesotans.

We are deeply grateful to the sponsors, legislators, advocates, volunteers, and community members who helped make this event possible. Thank you for being part of this incredible day. We look forward to celebrating with you again next year.

Global Accessibility Awareness Day is Thursday, May 21, 2026. GAAD is a reminder to notice digital barriers, but awarene...
05/22/2026

Global Accessibility Awareness Day is Thursday, May 21, 2026. GAAD is a reminder to notice digital barriers, but awareness is only the starting point. When digital content is not accessible, people with disabilities may miss information, services, or opportunities.

MCD’s new blog post explains why accessibility should be part of how digital public information is planned, created, and shared.

https://www.disability.state.mn.us/2026/05/20/digital-access-is-public-service/

Protect disability rights. Demand a hearing for SF 3210.Join community members at the Minnesota State Capitol on Monday,...
05/11/2026

Protect disability rights. Demand a hearing for SF 3210.

Join community members at the Minnesota State Capitol on Monday, May 11, from noon to the end of floor session to call on the House to hear SF 3210, the Minnesotans with Disabilities Act.

We need to be seen. We need to be heard. We need accountability.

Community members will gather outside the Republican Caucus Room, chant outside the House floor, and send notes to legislators demanding action.

Original flyer: ACT - Advocating Change Together

Calling all Title I ADA Coordinators, Human Resources accommodations personnel, college and university ADA coordinators,...
05/07/2026

Calling all Title I ADA Coordinators, Human Resources accommodations personnel, college and university ADA coordinators, managers, supervisors, union stewards, and employees with disabilities concerned about employment rights!

Join MCD for the “ADA Title I Employment Training” Brown Bag Lunch on May 11th from 11:00 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. This free, virtual event will provide informative, practical insights into ADA Title I compliance.

Sessions titled “Just ask JAN! We can help,” “Making Flexible Work-Work, ADA and Flexible Work Arrangements,” and “Increasing Effectiveness as a Title I Coordinator,” led by presenters from the Job Accommodation Network and the Great Lakes ADA Center.

We hope this event will give attendees solutions and valuable resources to create more inclusive, equitable workplaces. Don’t miss out. Sign up today!

For more information and to Register: https://www.disability.state.mn.us/events-and-outreach/mcd-events/mcd-ada-title-i-employment-training/

Address

1600 University Avenue W Ste 8
Saint Paul, MN
55104

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+16513617800

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Minnesota Council on Disability posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category