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Milestones in Disability History Since the Enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act: On this 20th Anniversary of the ADA, this timeline includes significant court rulings, federal and state legislation, and events that have advanced the civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities. (8/3/10)

In an interview, US Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun (1908 – 1999) speaks about his impressions of state institutions dating back to the Pennhurst case. (7/16/10)

FFY 2010 Training Conferences Cosponsorship Funds Awarded: Twelve Minnesota organizations were recently awarded cosponsorship funds for training conferences. The conferences provide opportunities for participants to learn about best practices, and develop or strengthen their personal leadership skills. (4/12/10)

Samuel Bagenstos, US Department of Justice, discusses disability and integration from a civil rights perspective and the broad application of the US Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision. (PDF) (3/11/10)

The Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) has issued its 2009 Annual Report. (1/12/10)

The Council's key business results for FFY 2009 (October 1, 2008 - September 30, 2009) are available for review. FlashPaper Format   PDF   Text  (12/23/09)

The Personal Care Assistance Program is undergoing many changes including more stringent eligibility criteria and how assessments will be done. The informational materials at the links will help you to better understand these changes and how they will affect people currently using PCA services as well as new applicants. This information is also available and can be accessed at the Minnesota Disability Law Center website at http://www.mylegalaid.org/mdlc/current-projects/pca-changes (12/21/09)

The US Department of Health and Human Services has identified H1N1 resources that might be helpful for people with developmental disabilities.

Cable Channel 12 Business Beat featured a news segment on Innovative Business Award Honoree Golden Valley Byerly's. (8/31/09)

A History of Human Services, Universal Lessons, and Future Implications – The video of the two-day 1998 lecture presented by Wolf Wolfensberger, Ph.D. (with Susan Thomas) is available to view on the GCDD site. (8/07/09)

Cable Channel 12 Business Beat featured a news segment on Innovative Business Award Honoree Noble Parkway Mobil. (7/17/09)

Information Technology Customer Research Study: MarketResponse International has conducted a survey of 382 Minnesota households that have members with and without disabilities. The purpose of this survey was to obtain measures about access to; and adoption, use and the perceived benefits of information technologies; satisfaction with state government websites; and attitudes about information technologies among people with disabilities compared with the general population in the state of Minnesota. This survey is available in several formats:
     Flash (PowerPoint)   PDF   Text Only   Executive Summary (HTML)

At the December 3, 2008 meeting of the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, United States Representative Jim Ramstad shared some of the highlights and challenges of his 18 years of service in Congress to the citizens of Minnesota. His leadership, commitment, and dedication to people with disabilities was unfailing and reflected in public policies that would truly make a positive difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Congressman Ramstad’s presentation is available for review as well as opening remarks by Council Chair, Shamus O’Meara. (12/10/08)

Ryan Dolan, formerly State of Minnesota Demographer’s Office, discussed the upcoming 2010 Census, how it will be conducted, specific challenges, and how to become involved with members of the Council’s Public Policy Committee on December 3, 2008. His presentation offers some valuable information about this census and why it is so critically important that everyone is indeed counted in 2010.  Flashpaper Format   PDF (12/8/08)

E-Government Usability/Accessibility Compliments/Concerns: Having accessibility or usability problems with any Minnesota state government web site or software? Or have you used a state web site or software that works especially well for people with disabilities? We want to hear about your experiences. (10/27/08)

"Innovative" businesses honored for going the extra mile to hire people with developmental disabilities: The Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities has honored 11 Minnesota businesses for using innovative approaches to employing Minnesotans who are developmentally disabled. The 11 businesses were among 45 Minnesota employers nominated for the recognition. (10/10/08)

MarketResponse International conducted a nominations process to identify Minnesota businesses that are using innovative employment practices in hiring people with developmental disabilities and promoting an inclusive work environment. Forty-five nominations were received and 11 businesses were selected. On October 1, 2008, these employers and their employees were recognized. Profiles of the businesses are available in several formats:
       Flash (PowerPoint)   PDF    Text Only    Press Release (PDF)
        Employment Honorees Photo Presentation: Flash (PowerPoint)   PDF

Information Technology Insights Focus Groups: In May 2008, six focus groups were conducted by Bill Harreld, Quality Culture Institute, to learn how youth with and without disabilities are accessing and using technology, and their perspectives on the future of technology based on predictions that Bill Gates made in 2007.  A total of 88 young adults participated in the focus groups. (9/23/08)

Accessibility and Usability of E-Government Services: Taking advantage of ever changing advances in new technology, state government is increasing its use of the Web to offer citizens a host of services. These services may include corresponding online with elected officials, providing information about government services, renewing licenses, providing tax information and filing tax returns, and applying for jobs or benefits. Resources are available to help assure the accessibility and usability of E-Government services. (9/01/08)

The State of Minnesota, recognizing the ability of many people with developmental disabilities to perform effectively in document imaging positions, has awarded contracts to several firms that regularly employ people with such disabilities for that work. Read full release... (8/11/08)

A new page has been added that will feature Council-Sponsored Grant Activities. Using words and photos, this page will include such topics as Self Advocacy, Partners in Policymaking®, Cultural Outreach Programs, Family Support 360, and Training Conferences. Self Advocacy Minnesota (SAM) is the current feature. (7/2/08)

The Changing Face of Technology has received a 2008 Silver Award in the international Summit Creative Awards competition, which attracted entries from more than 50 countries. The video, designed to encourage employers to consider hiring people with developmental disabilities for jobs in document imaging, was produced for the Council by The Wallace Group. (5/5/08)

News Archive:
Past news items can be found on the News Archive Page

Inclusion Daily Express: Articles from the Inclusion Daily Express Disability Rights News Service

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