Services for People with Disabilities
Minnesota has many organizations offering programs, products, and services dedicated to disability issues. Get connected with organizations offering health care, advocacy, legal, and other services for people with disabilities.
Services
Disability Minnesota
Minnesotans have a single entry point to over 100 Minnesota state agency programs, products and services dedicated to disability issues. Access is also provided to laws, statutes, and regulations in disability-related areas. Of particular interest is the list of available services for Families and Children
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Helps people with disabilities to achieve their employment and independent living goals. These services are available through Minnesota WorkForce Centers across the state.
State Services for the Blind
The State Services for the Blind (SSB) provides programs and services for
Minnesotans of any age who have a vision loss that creates a barrier to their
vocational or personal independence. SSB believes that blindness should never
stop people from obtaining jobs or participating in training or in any
activities which reflect their potential and interests.
STAR (System of Technology to Achieve Results)
The System of Technology to Achieve Results is located within the Minnesota department of Administration. Promotes and advocates assistive technology to all Minnesotans with disabilities. Includes outreach, public awareness, interagency coordination, training and technical assistance.
Sign language interpreter referral Services
A division of the Minnesota Department of Human Services that was created to help Minnesotans locate sign language interpreter services. It's also a source of information about sign language interpreters and the laws related to communication access for deaf and hard of hearing people.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
A division of the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Provides information and materials about hearing loss and available services. Also offers assistance to deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing individuals and their families, consultation with other agencies, sensitivity and awareness training programs, resource and demonstration labs and the Telephone Equipment Distribution (TED) Program.
Other types of disabilities
Use the hundreds of web sites, support groups and organizations focusing on specific disabilities such as Epilepsy Foundation,
Paralyzed Veterans of America, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and many others. Google or Dogpile to search by the disability's name and a specific location (e.g. Tourette Syndrome Minnesota).
Legal resources
These resources are specifically dedicated to help you assert your employment rights as an individual with a disability.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Know your employment rights as an individual with a disability.
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Contact the EEOC or view their frequently asked questions for quick answers to your concerns. Become informed about what is and isn't disability discrimination
Minnesota Department of Human Rights
If you think you have been treated unfairly in your educational or employment pursuits, you can contact the department to file a discrimination charge, request a human rights speaker, or submit a question using their online forms.
Minnesota Disability Law Center
MDLC provides free civil legal assistance to individuals with disabilities on legal issues that are related to their disabilities.
