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You are welcome to request a print copy of our publications. We encourage you, however, to REDUCE, REUSE, and RECYCLE by accessing any of our publications as a downloadable and printable PDF version, or as an accessible Text version, by clicking the link following the brief description for each publication.

Acrobat Reader is a free program. The program needs to be installed on your computer to read and download the downloadable publications. Click this link to download Acrobat Reader 8. Acrobat Reader 6, 7 or 8 Full Version is recommended — it allows you to activate accessibility features in PDF files.

The content of the CD-ROM "Parallels in Time" and "The Learning Center" can be accessed directly from our Web site.

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If you need to inquire about an order, contact admin.dd@state.mn.us OR see our contact page. Questions or comments about publications may be submitted via our contact page.

Digital Imaging Brochures
Digital imaging is a win-win solution for businesses that are facing records management and document storage issues. Digital imaging is cost effective, allows for easy retrieval of records, and solves space problems. People with developmental disabilities are also excellent candidates for digital imaging positions. Discover the benefits of digital imaging technology and learnabout businesses that have hired people with developmental disabilities to do this work. Marketing brochures are available in packets of 25 brochures. For example, if you order one (1) packet, you will receive 25 brochures.

Stories of Leadership
Twenty stories of personal transformation as a result of the impact of the Partners in Policymaking® program; brief stories and portrait photographs are featured in this book.
PDF Version - 3MB  Text Version

It's My Choice (NEW)
is an 84 page workbook that will help you change the way you think about your life and the options that are available to you.
PDF Version - 3MB    Text Version   Spanish Text Version PDF   Spanish Text Version (Word Doc)

Two Volume CD-ROM:
"Parallels in Time" and "The Learning Center" — This two-volume CD-ROM includes six hours of training on the history of disabilities and an archival history of documents produced by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities between 1971 and 1996. "Parallels in Time" traces present attitudes and the treatment of people with disabilities, and supplements the first weekend session of the Partners in Policymaking® program. "The Learning Center" contains more than 10,000 pages of policy papers, reports, State Plans, curriculum modules, publications, and briefing booklets; a search component is included. Note: The Two-Volume CD-ROM is no longer available in disc format. Please use the links to access the online version.

A New Way of Thinking
This document reviews the history of service changes for people with developmental disabilities and provides the context for a new policy perspective. Quality services are responsive to basic and individual needs, and recognize that, first and foremost, people with developmental disabilities are people with abilities. They are more alike than different from people without disabilities. New ways of thinking about how, when, and with whom people with developmental disabilities learn, live, and work are discussed. New service and funding strategies, and examples of alternatives to traditional approaches are included.
No Longer Available in Print. PDF Version - 6.3MB Text Version

Friends, A Manual for Connecting Persons with Disabilities and Community Members
A guide for supporting people with developmental disabilities to establish relationships with people without disabilities. Based on the premise that relationships are probably the most important aspect of our lives, Friends provides concrete suggestions about relationship building — ways to help people get better connected, maximizing opportunities for connections to happen, and helping to broaden and deepen personal networks.
No Longer Available in Print. PDF Version - 4.6MB Text Version

It's Never Too Early, It's Never Too Late, A Booklet About Personal Futures Planning
A guidebook that introduces personal futures planning for individuals with disabilities, their families, and advocates. Futures planning is discussed as an ongoing problem solving process that focuses on the person with disabilities — his/her desires and interests, opportunities to develop personal relationships and take on positive roles in community life, increase control over his/her own life, and learn skills to achieve these goals. PDF Version - 7.3MB   Text version

Minnesotans Speak Out!
In 1992, the Minnesota Department of Human Services appointed a study group to review the structure under which developmental disabilities are provided and the related costs. Town meetings were held to hear what Minnesotans thought. Six themes were identified about the strengths and issues of Minnesota’s service delivery system, and the results summarized in the first edition of Minnesotans Speak Out! The 1997 edition asked people about the relevance of those same themes five years later, what has changed, and comments about specific issues related to each of those themes.
No Longer Available in Print.   PDF Version - 191 KB  Text Version

Making Futures Happen
A workbook designed for facilitators of the personal futures planning process and written to compliment It’s Never Too Early, It’s Never Too Late. The basic values and approaches to personal futures planning and strategies for developing and implementing plans are provided. Facilitator skills and capacities necessary for an effective planning process are discussed — creating and evaluating information and finding new directions for action, tools for conducting productive meetings, and ideas for maintaining a long term commitment to the change process.
No Longer Available in Print.   PDF Version - 6.4 MB  Text Version

Shifting Patterns
A briefing booklet that presents the key concepts of self determination and empowerment processes — freedom of choice, control over various aspects of one’s life, full community participation, dignity, responsibility, and opportunity. A shift in the beliefs and attitudes about individuals, services, professionals, and community are highlighted through Partners in Policymaking®, parents as Case Managers, Personal Futures Planning, Vouchers, Youth Leadership, People First, and Career Vision.
No longer available in print. PDF Version – 190 kb  Text Version

Making Your Case – (Updated Edition)
A booklet that offers techniques and insights for effective communication skills in the legislative process and how to positively influence public policy at all levels of government — writing letters; talking with legislators/public officials via phone, email, and visits; and presenting testimony. The roles and responsibilities of legislative staff, and various approaches for "making your case" are provided. A glossary of terms is included. Items specific to the Minnesota legislative process are noted.  
PDF Version – 285 kb  Text Version