Established in 1973 by the State Legislature, the Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) was created to advise the Governor, state agencies, State Legislature, and the public on disability issues. Our mission is to advocate for policies and programs in the public and private sectors that advance the rights of Minnesotans with disabilities. To accomplish that mission, we concentrate on policy, training, and being the State of Minnesota’s premiere disability-related technical resource. MCD advises the Governor, State Legislature, state agencies, and local units of government on issues affecting Minnesotans with disabilities by: -Analyzing proposed legislation and working with policymakers to ensure they understand the impacts of decisions on Minnesotans with disabilities. -Bringing citizens and policymakers together so that people with disabilities have an opportunity to interact with the elected officials through MCD’s Annual Legislative Forum, Town Hall Meetings, and policy dialogues. Events are all broadcast statewide via video conference and web streaming. -Delivering presentations to other agencies and community organizations on policy issues affecting Minnesotans with disabilities, such as transportation, employment, and Olmstead Reform. -Annual Legislative Reports MCD works to ensure that Minnesota’s public and private entities receive the technical information they need to come into compliance with building code and access requirements. Through in-person and webcast trainings all over the state and over-the-phone consultations, MCD works with the public and private sector to monitor and advise on disability civil rights, the ADA, building code, and access compliance. Our areas of technical expertise include: -Disability Laws -ADA Information -Building and Residential Access -Disability Parking -Disability Etiquette and Awareness -Emergency Preparedness -Voting Accessibility -Training and Outreach Call us at 651-361-7800 to speak with an access specialist.
