The Arc Minnesota

04/24/2026

This month, we’re highlighting Heidi, a self‑advocate with The Arc Minnesota, who shares how speaking up, supporting and opposing bills, and working with legislators has helped create positive change in her community. From advocating for herself as a child to testifying at hearings, Heidi’s story shows the power of using your voice.

👉 Read Heidi’s full story and learn how advocacy can shape policy:
https://bit.ly/4tNQKjU

04/24/2026

Friday Night Bowling!

Wrap up your week and join self-advocates for an evening of fun, friends, and league bowling!

Friday, May 1st
5pm
Bowl-Mor Lanes 617 S State St, Fairmont

Questions? Contact Pat Kietzer at
507-848-5017

See you there!

04/24/2026

A big thanks to Access Press for hosting happy hour last night! It was a great group and a wonderful networking opportunity. Follow their page or sign up for their online newsletter to stay informed on issues affecting the disability community, and join us for the next happy hour event!

04/23/2026

Advocate for Yourself at Work. Join us for a virtual conversation about self-advocacy at work. Learn what self-advocacy means, why it’s important, and how to speak up for your needs and goals on the job.

Date: Tuesday, April 28th
Time: 5:30-6:30
Location: Virtual on Microsoft Teams

Audience: Self-advocates and trusted supporters

Register Here: https://bit.ly/4lyxgN8

04/22/2026

A reminder to protect what we love and care for the world we share. Every small action reducing waste, conserving energy, supporting sustainable choices adds up to meaningful change.

Today and every day, let’s do our part to care for our planet and future generations.

04/21/2026

Please join us for the 2026 Disability Advocacy Day at the Capitol on Wednesday, April 29! This is a time for people with disabilities, their allies and supporters, to come together and advocate for policy change.

Pre-Rally: 9:00 - 10:15 am, Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda
Rally: 10:30 - 11:30 am, Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda
Meetings with legislators: All day!

Register here: https://bit.ly/4lLgbjd

ASL and CART will be provided during the rally. There will be chairs, a bariatric bench, and designated space for people who use wheelchairs. There will be a sensory friendly space provided.

04/21/2026

Stop in to the Mankato Event Center for Project Community Connect between 1-4 pm today and say hi to Nate and Reanna!

Keep informed on what our Southwest Region is up to by joining their Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1GdC5LUvRe/

04/21/2026

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.

Watch videos here:

In Their Own Words Listen to members within the disability community share their stories, experiences, and thoughts about how we can all work to treat people with respect and dignity. The Short Stories Here’s what disability advocacy looks like at a glance. To hear the whole story, watch the exten...

04/20/2026

“The clock is ticking… we need time for people to understand these changes before they might accidentally lose their coverage.” — Tina Rucci, The Arc Minnesota Director of Public Policy.

New work requirements and more frequent eligibility checks could could put Medicaid coverage at risk for thousands of Minnesotans, especially people with disabilities.

Tina, our Director of Public Policy was interviewed for this article by Minnesota Public Radio that breaks down what’s changing—and why it matters.

Read more: https://bit.ly/489jQSr

Democrats and Republicans in the Minnesota Legislature say they need to either pass legislation or update existing rules soon to ensure that state programs comply with new requirements from the federal government.

04/20/2026

Meet Lexi—this month’s Self‑Advocacy Spotlight! ✨

Lexi learned early in life that speaking up is essential for your emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing. Today, she’s turning that strength into a career as a professional disability advocate.

From pursuing her degree in social work to meeting with legislators in Washington, D.C., Lexi works to amplify the voices of people with disabilities and build stronger, more inclusive communities. She also leans on organizations, friends, and her dogs—her “chosen family”—for support along the way.

Read Lexi’s full spotlight here: https://bit.ly/46D5t83

04/20/2026

🎨 Self‑Care Through Self‑Expression — Virtual Workshop 🎨
Take time for you! Join us for Self‑Care Through Self‑Expression, a creative virtual workshop led by Ray Simpson. Explore fun ways to express yourself, build confidence, and practice self‑advocacy through creativity.

📅 Thursday, April 23
⏰ 4:30 – 5:30 PM
💻 Virtual — Register here: https://bit.ly/4bNpHxH

Be sure to have paper and a pencil ready for the interactive activities!

Questions? Contact rebeccaebsen@arcminnesota.org

04/19/2026

🌟 Disability Advocacy Day 2026 🌟

📅 Wednesday, April 29
⏰ 9am–12pm | Rally at 10:30am
📍 Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda, Saint Paul

Join us for Disability Advocacy Day at the Capitol! This is a powerful moment for people with disabilities, allies, and supporters to come together and advocate for meaningful policy change.
This year’s theme: Disability Justice — Safety in Community.

Let’s raise our voices, build community, and push for a more just and inclusive Minnesota.

Contact info and registration can be found here. https://bit.ly/4lLgbjd