Access Press

04/06/2026

“Plain language should be used more in education because everyone can benefit, and it is easy to use.” As in so many areas, a “disability accommodation” that can help all students learn. Like recorded lectures, closed captioning, study groups, practice exams, and more.

Bridget Brown used plain-language summaries in a disability studies course at the University of Illinois Chicago. She wishes they were available for all classes. Read her story in Impact. https://z.umn.edu/b7er

04/06/2026

Amazing professional development opportunity for an emerging leader (you??) in .

Big news: we're now accepting applications for the Fall 2026 cohort of the Disability Belongs™ Leadership Program! The priority deadline to apply is Thursday, April 23rd at 5:00 p.m. ET, so get your application in at www.DisabilityBelongs.org/Leadership-Program – keep reading this post for more information!

The program prepares emerging leaders with the skills, experiences, and networks needed to advance disability inclusion across every sector of society. Through paid, active learning, participants build the capacity to drive meaningful change in workplaces, communities, and public life.

Following a structured rotational model, Fellows engage across teams within each of our strategic pillars — systems-level advocacy, individual leadership development, organizational partnership, and sustainability — and by the end of the program, are equipped to lead with a disability‑inclusive lens in various sectors and industries.

The Fall 2026 cohort will run from August to December, with a commitment of 15 hours per week. The program is fully virtual and open to individuals across the United States (U.S.) who are 18 or older and authorized to work in the U.S.

All participants are compensated at $20 per hour and receive comprehensive professional development, including training, coaching, and mentorship to support their long-term career growth.

Designed for early-career professionals, the program is open to current students, recent graduates, and those entering or reentering the workforce (college experience not required). Creative, results-driven individuals with and without disabilities who are committed to advancing accessibility, equity, and inclusion are encouraged to apply.

04/05/2026

The Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities is counting down 29 reasons, one day at a time, for YOU to join others at Disability Day at the Capitol on April 29, 9:00-11:30 AM. We're betting you've got plenty of reasons to be there.

04/04/2026

Congratulations to everyone at southeast Minnesota's Ability Building Community - ABC as they celebrate 70 years of for people in Rochester and surrounding communities!

04/04/2026

These tours look like Minnesota fun, though DNR might want to standardize how it presents info. We'll save you time and summarize what can be found by digging through the pages:

- Prairie and Bison Tour: vehicle has lift, accommodates 1 wheelchair.

- Mystery Cave Scenic Tour: picture shows wheelchair visitor; page says: "This ADA-accessible tour involves ¾ mile of walking on modern paved trails and bridges."

- Mystery Cave Wild Caving Tour: "This is a difficult tour with special requirements." Pictures show visitors crawling.

- Soudan Mine Tour: "Underground mine tours are fully accessible. A powered wheelchair is available on a first-come/first-served basis. "

04/04/2026

Doctor's office not providing ? Say something. Every time. And choose a different provider if you can.
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1GWbtZbpAb/

04/03/2026

As COMPAS says, "Your brain needs art like your body needs sleep." Have a creative Friday and an weekend!
https://www.compas.org/2026/01/your-brain-needs-art-like-your-body-needs-sleep/

04/03/2026

Last year's awards, this year's story. Every year's story, unfortunately.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18KCnv49Nx/

04/03/2026

There is no one way to be . .

04/02/2026

Happy World Autism Day!

"Autism is not a calamity that crashed into my life. It didn’t change anything. Revelation of myself did."

In a beautiful piece, Mindy Pine shares her journey of being diagnosed with autism at 32 as a high-masking woman. She opens up about the physical toll of masking, the importance of nervous system regulation, and the profound peace found in finally honoring her needs.

Read her story here: https://accesspress.org/my-autism-diagnosis-didnt-change-my-life/

My experience with autism is a story shaped by the myth of endless resilience. I was diagnosed at thirty-two, after […]

04/01/2026

April is here, and so is the latest issue of Access Press! This month, we’ve got a lot going on including critical fights over Medicaid funding and celebrating historic Paralympic gold.

Read the full issue now, share it with your network, and drop a comment below. What stories and issues do you want us to cover next month?

https://accesspress.org/issue/april_2026/

Minnesota Council on Disability Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation - MOHR Institute on Community IntegrationThe Autism Society of Minnesota Senator Jim Abeler

03/31/2026

Language and preferences are always changing--including language about . This free session looks like a great opportunity to learn. Or to check your assumptions.

Language is powerful, shaping how we think, feel, and act, so we're excited to announce a free webinar on April 2nd to share best practices for disability-inclusive language! In this free virtual training from Disability Belongs™, learn how to build language habits that center accuracy, dignity, and respect. We will discuss why disability is not a bad word, tropes to avoid, the differences between person-first and identity-first language, and more. There will be time for Q&A at the end of the training. Learn more and reserve your spot: https://www.disabilitybelongs.org/2026/02/words-matter-disability-inclusive-language/