Sandra Bond details how Minnesota’s most vulnerable citizens are paying the price for government failures in #Revalidate2026. "Protecting access to care is about more than preserving organizations—it is about preserving the safety, dignity, independence, and well-being of thousands of Minnesotans."

"Lord there ain't no backup plan when your accessible van breaks down." www.facebook.com/share/v/1Hdn...

Planned "not-a-merger" combination of Allina Health with California's Sutter Health system. Unions involved "just learned" the news. How about Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute? [gift article]

The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that it will transition medical Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) from states to its federal site. "Bringing in-house CDRs will improve service to our most vulnerable Americans." https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/press/releases/2026-03-12.html

In Hollywood, nearly ALL disabilities are invisible disabilities. UCLA annual report on diversity representation in film: While 26% of Americans have disabilities, only 6-14% of film actors have a disability. Writers and directors? Numbers too low to track. #disabilityarts #disabilitymedia

JOIN US .. open.substack.com/pub/disabili...

Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library provides library service to Minnesotans who are blind, have low vision, or have difficulty reading print materials due to a temporary or permanent visual, reading, or physical disability. Learn more at education.mn.gov/btbl.

Mike Ervin, in his Smart Ass Cripple column at @theprogressivemag.bsky.social, writes a blistering, incisive commentary on cuts to the US Dept of Education and IDEA funding. A defunded ED can't "ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education.”

BERNIE SANDERS: Do vaccines cause autism? BHATTACHARYA: I do not believe that the measles vaccine causes autism SANDERS: Nah. Uh uh. I didn't ask measles. Do vaccines cause autism? BHATTACHARYA: I have not seen a study that suggests any single vaccine causes autism

9 states (FL, TX, 7 more) just filed an update to a lawsuit "that seeks to undercut federal mandates that people with #disabilities receive care in their communities...[with] implications for millions of Americans, especially after Congress voted in 2025 to slash state Medicaid funding."

What happened when families convinced the Colorado Medical Services Board of the need for #Medicaid funds for home care of people with #disabilities?The state went ahead with #budgetcuts that "move family caregivers into the same category as host homes caring for up to three people at a time."

Northwestern researchers think higher rates of #LongCOVID symptoms in America are probably due to less stigma, more access to neurological and mental health care in the US than in Nigeria, India and other nations studied.

Between fraud and ICE: Minnesotans with disabilities are caught in the crossfire. We will not be collateral damage.

@disableddoctor.bsky.social just keeps sharing these pearls.

Mid-Minnesota Law Center @legalaidmn.bsky.social, home of Minnesota's Disability Law Center, urges all to #StandWithMinnesota www.standwithminnesota.com

Send us details on your #poor, your #disabled, your #voters. "Allowing the federal government to efficiently investigate fraud will save Minnesota taxpayers’ money and ensure that Minnesota’s welfare funds are being used to help those in need."

Helpful reminders for #DisabledCreatives: your process, your time, your needs.

January 23 is Ed Roberts Day. We remember with gratitude his committed leadership for disability rights. Take a few moments today to explore the legacy of "the father of independent living." edrobertsandassociates.org

The Disability Belongs™ Entertainment Lab offers a 5-month professional development opportunity for disabled creatives. www.disabilitybelongs.org/lab/

Support your local library and making books available to all. The Friends of the St Paul Public Library point out that purchasing one title means buying copies in multiple formats: ​print, large print, eBook for two platforms, CD, Playaway, eAudiobook. #Accessibility #Disabilities

A lot of what we experience every day, both online and IRL, was initially designed for disabilities. “When we design for disability, we all benefit.” (Elise Roy) (And another reason to approach STEM in a humanities/social science/arts-informed manner — better overall UX)

Another recent study found that Long COVID is more likely in people who have experienced traumatic stress. https://newsroom.uw.edu/news-releases/history-of-trauma-linked-to-risk-of-long-covid?

WED FEB 4: Virtual meeting for all on #disability services in Minnesota. ASL interpretation and CART live captioning provided. 

Long COVID in kids: Just-published study finds increased school absences, memory problems, difficulty making friends.  https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/research-ties-long-covid-kids-chronic-school-absenteeism-learning-problems?

Noah Cox, a lawyer in the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office, formed the #Neurocognitive Disorder Team built on the premise that prison is not always the right place for someone with this kind of #disability.

#Disabilityrights are #civilrights. Thanks to Martin Luther King Jr for leading the way. “If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.

Ellie Sherwood Kidder shares her story of linguistic deprivation trauma. #deaf #disabilities accesspress.org/buried-deaf-...

"When u r #diagnosed with a #disability, #doctors don’t tell u that it’s going to be more difficult to make #friends & u figure these things out when you go to school & are eating by yourself.": buff.ly/6BJhyyW by sarahlynn358 #NEisVoid #awareness #DisabledPeople

NIU Visual Disabilities students visited the Wisconsin School for the Blind and Visually Impaired to observe Braille, mobility, and life skills classes. Source: #NIUToday https://f.mtr.cool/efuquxwxsy #AccessPress #Education #VisualDisabilities

The Minnesota Department of Human Services delayed all payments to providers of 14 Medicaid services in the first weeks of a new system designed to prevent fraud. Providers said the delay caught them by surprise and interrupted payrolls, leaving older and disabled Minnesotans without care.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is prohibited from discriminating against people with disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. But reports continue to surface.

ICE is expected to give detained parents time to arrange child care alternatives. See link to this directive + resources for those at risk for deportation in our statement. https://mylegalaid.org/news-stories/statement-suddenly-parentless-what-happens-to-children-of-ice-detainees/

This is the equipment we have available as of Monday, January 12th, 2026, through our Donated Equipment Program in our Waite Park office. Donated Equipment Program Hours: 8:00AM - 4:15PM, Monday-Friday Learn more: ConnectAbilityMN.org/donated-items/ #MN #Minnesota #disability #support #donate

In 2026 one small way I hope to build stronger community, support others, and champion people fighting for #Disability Rights is to share #resources. One of my favorite's is #Autism Society of Minnesota ausm.org, founded in 1971 and supporting all of #MN, the whole lifespan, and the whole spectrum.

Remote finger‑prick blood tests can accurately detect Alzheimer’s biomarkers from home, helping expand research and access to testing. Source: #MedicalXpress https://f.mtr.cool/slcsmcbueb #AccessPress #Alzheimers #BloodTest #Neurodegeneration

"Her only options were to move her car forward in the direction of ICE officers & risk being accused of trying to harm them—which led to Renee Good's death—or stay stationary, which in the end led to physical violence & abuse," herlawyer said. www.cbc.ca/news/world/a...

Type 2 diabetes raises the risk of Parkinson’s, dementia, and death, but after PD diagnosis, the risk flattens except in people under 70. Source: #Parkinsonism https://f.mtr.cool/ohjdclwucg #AccessPress #Parkinsons #Type2Diabetes #Aging

Wisconsin #Medicaid is projected to exceed its current budget by about $213M, driven by higher enrollment, long‑term care use, and rising drug/mental health costs. Source: #WPR https://f.mtr.cool/ndrsxpeecs #AccessPress #Wisconsin #PublicHealth

A community health fair in Bismarck saw participation double, connecting residents with health screenings, benefits support, and counseling resources. Source: #KFYRTV https://f.mtr.cool/chyaiddciy #AccessPress #NorthDakota #PublicHealth

Stay informed with Access Press, Minnesota's go-to source for disability-related news, events, and resources. Subscribe today to stay connected. https://f.mtr.cool/bscjhkflpr #AccessPress #DisabilityNews #Minnesota #MN #MinnesotaNews #Disabilities #DisabilityResources

Volunteers needed! Support Legal Aid and our Immigration Law Project. Seeking Spanish-speaking legal professionals to protect the rights of neighbors in detention. The work can be difficult but the company you’ll keep is stellar! mylegalaid.org/take-action/...

A small trial suggests immune therapy may reduce vessel inflammation and prevent repeat heart attacks; none of the treated patients had another attack over two years. Source: #MedicalXpress https://f.mtr.cool/blnvhujpsv #AccessPress #HeartHealth

More shock and dread. Surprise letters went out on Jan 13 cutting an estimated $2 billion in federal grants for #mentalhealth and substance use disorder services nationwide. Article here by the American Journal of Managed Care also has links in its footer to articles by NAMI and NPR.

"I'm #autistic and I'm #disabled...I need to go to the doctor up there!" ICE agents drag a woman out of her car on the streets of Minneapolis Tues 1/13 and handcuff her.

His Own Private Idaho: "As part of the governor’s recommendation for $22 million in extra #Medicaid cuts, he says the state could remove home and community-based services for people with #disabilities."

Live Streaming! @Committee on Veterans Affairs' Democrats “Reevaluating the Rating Schedule: Examining VA’s Efforts to Modernize Disability Benefits”. https://hozzl.com/p/youtubevideo/committee-on-veterans-affairs-democrats-january-7-2026-fghhudcsxx0?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=autopost&utm_cam...

#Minnesota health officials report 2,946 #flu hospitalizations this season, with spikes after Christmas. 176 school and 57 long-term care outbreaks have also been confirmed. Source: #VoiceOfAlexandria https://f.mtr.cool/yftieemwsp #AccessPress #PublicHealth