Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities

06/04/2026

The Minnesota Department of Health is hosting a series of in-person regional gatherings across Minnesota during summer and fall 2026 focused on supporting children and youth with special health needs and disabilities (CYSHND) and their families.

These conversation-based gatherings will bring together partners from across health and related systems to reflect on what helps systems work well within each region, where families experience challenges or disconnection, and how systems can become more coordinated and supportive for CYSHND and families.

Space will be limited to support meaningful conversation and connection.

Learn more and register on the Supporting Well-Functioning Systems for CYSHN and Families webpage.

The Minnesota Department of Health is hosting a series of in-person regional gatherings across Minnesota during summer and fall 2026.

06/03/2026

Now Recruiting: Partners in Policymaking®!

Want to become a stronger advocate for people with developmental disabilities? Partners in Policymaking® is a free leadership and advocacy training program for self‑advocates and family members.

✔ Build advocacy and leadership skills
✔ Learn how government works
✔ Connect with a powerful statewide network

Apply now!

Learn more and apply here:

https://mn.gov/mnddc/partnersinpolicymaking/class44/index.html

Help us spread the word!

06/03/2026

The Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities is pleased to announce that our Disability Justice website has been fully revamped!

This redesign is more than a visual update — it reflects our continued commitment to inclusion, improved navigation, updated and expanded resources, and a design that centers the core value of equal justice under law. Whether you are a self‑advocate, family advocate, law school student, educator, policymaker, attorney, or community partner, we hope you'll find it easier than ever to connect with the tools and information that support the civil rights of people with developmental disabilities.

Visit DisabilityJustice.org » https://disabilityjustice.org/

The Disability Justice Resource CenterThe Disability Justice Resource Center is an online resource for legal professionals, continuing legal education courses, law schools, students and others dedicated to protecting the rights of people with developmental and other disabilities. One in five people....

05/26/2026

Summer is almost here, and that means outdoor hangouts are finally ramping up!

Being a better ally in these spaces is all about the small moves that make everyone feel welcome. Simple things like keeping paths clear or just starting a friendly conversation go a long way in making sure we all can join the fun.

When we make our social spaces accessible, we ensure that everyone has the chance to connect and belong. Do your part this summer by making sure your own events and hangouts are inclusive and welcoming for everyone.

05/22/2026

Thank you to the faculty members for your presentations during the final weekend of Class 43 Partners in Policymaking.

Joseph Shapiro, from National Public Radio, shared his investigative stories and responded to pitches from class members, offering ideas on how to seek media attention.

Julie Guidry and Dupree Edwards, from Upstream Arts, described universal design and learning styles.

The graduate panel described their achievements since graduation and included Jenny Arndt, Jillian Nelson, Dupree Edwards, Sana Soucci, and Sarah St Louis.

05/18/2026

The Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities congratulates Class 43 upon their graduation on May 16, 2026. Jillian Nelson, Class 24 Partners graduate and Autism Society of Minnesota Policy Director, delivered the graduation address. The graduates include:

Lumi Akintunde (Plymouth), Douglas Anderson (C**n Rapids), Amber Bisbee (Little Falls), Luke Bordeaux (Ramsey), Drake Burke (St. Louis Park), Ethan Bussiere (Hopkins), Addyson Carpenter (Red Wing), Prince Cole (Blaine), Jenny Cook (Willernie), Sean Craven (Minneapolis), Addie Davis (Spring Lake Park), Jon Fettig (Mankato), Courtney Ford (Burnsville), Lauren Gilkerson (North Branch), KiloMarie Granda (Morris), Anisa Hagi-Mohamed (Bloomington), Kari Hanson (South Haven), Najwa Howard (St. Louis Park), Mona Hussein (Blaine), Krista Jacobson (Brooklyn Park), Adam Lyon (Richfield), Zeinab Mohamed (Rosemount), Christina Nicholas (St. Paul), Hanna Niguse (Blaine), Shannon Perry (Shoreview), Tina Ponce (Onamia), Ashley Reiff (Woodbury), Joel Runnels (St. Paul), Jenny Svihel (Sauk Rapids), Greta Wentzlaff (Bloomington), Annika Wulf (Mound).

We thank all the families who supported the graduates during the past program year.

05/08/2026

People with disabilities are three times more likely to not go online compared to people without disabilities. That gap has real consequences—for connection, employment, independence, and more.

To help close that gap, AT&T, The Arc, and The Arc San Francisco have partnered to offer free digital skills training designed specifically for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

https://thearc.org/our-initiatives/digital-literacy/

The training uses plain language and practical instruction to support different learning styles and access needs.

Explore the resources yourself or share them with someone you know to build confidence using technology. Learn skills such as:

– Getting started with computers, mobile devices, and video conferencing

– Navigating websites and search engines

– Protecting against online fraud and scams

– Creating healthy relationships online

– How to find credible news and be a responsible creator

Resources are available online anytime, with in-person workshops offered in 14 cities for people who learn better with some face-to-face support.

The Arc and AT&T have joined forces on a nationwide program that is bringing digital skills training to people with disabilities and their families. Digital literacy is critical in today’s world to learn, apply for jobs, be socially connected, and more. Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, peo...

05/05/2026

Social Security’s Ticket to Work Program supports adults ages 18–64 who receive SSDI or SSI and want to explore employment. Through free Work Incentive Seminar Event (WISE) webinars, individuals can learn how work may fit into their future, what supports are available, and how Ticket to Work service providers can help them prepare for and find employment.

Ready to kickstart your employment journey but not sure where to begin? Start by attending our FREE WISE webinar. Whether you’re searching for a job or aiming to grow in your career, we’re here to provide the support you need to succeed!

Join us on May 27 at 3 p.m. ET for our FREE WISE webinar, “Ticket to Work: Support on Your Employment Journey.” Hear from experts and discover how Ticket to Work service providers can help you achieve financial independence and meaningful employment.

📅 Register now: https://choosework.ssa.gov/wise/

05/03/2026

Decision makers need to see the people behind the policy to understand that these programs aren't just line items on a budget—they are life-changing services that keep the community safe and connected. Moving past the emails and sitting down for face-to-face conversations is the best way to make sure the funding goes where it’s actually needed.

Watch the video to hear Cory and David share why showing up in person makes all the difference. When the community is heard directly, the impact is difference.

https://treatpeoplelikepeople.org/videos/

04/30/2026

Congratulations to Class 43 on completing the seventh weekend of Partners in Policymaking. Allan Bergman and Senior US District Court Judge Donovan W. Frank were the faculty members for the weekend. Mr. Bergman provided a comprehensive overview of Congress, the values underpinning disability policy, and a review of Medicaid policies. Judge Frank described 19 years of working on continuing legal education courses on disabilities. On Saturday, Congressional staff listened to group presentations. Thank you to Ladan Abshir, Office of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar; Dave Ladd, Office of Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach; Gammachis Bokku, Office of US Senator Amy Klobuchar; and Abdulahi Abdalla, Office of Congresswoman Betty McCollum.