Call for Feedback Regarding Services for People With Disabilities

There are significant changes happening in services for people with disabilities at the state and federal level. These changes affect the funding for services, the type of services available, and the expectation that all services are not segregated from the greater community.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services is asking for feedback from people with disabilities receiving services and their families. They are offering a variety of listening sessions across the state, and we encourage you to make time in your busy schedules to attend these sessions.

Educating yourselves on these significant issues is the best way to understand the changes, advocate for yourself or your family member, and ensure that you have access to the services that you need.

If you would like more information prior to these meetings, visit the Department of Human Services website. You may also reach out to the Lifeworks vice president of services, Mary Lenertz, at mlenertz@lifeworks.org or 651-454-2732.

Meetings have been scheduled at the following locations:

Southdale Library
7001 York Ave. S., Edina
Ethel Berry Room
Monday, Aug. 1
10 a.m.-noon

Bemidji Library
509 America Ave. N.W., Bemidji
Monday, Aug. 8
Meeting 1: 2-4 p.m.
Meeting 2: 5-7 p.m.

Duluth Library
520 W. Superior St., Duluth
Gold Room
Friday, Aug. 12
3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Moorhead Library
118 5th St. S., Moorhead
Monday, Aug. 15
Meeting 1: 2-4 p.m.
Meeting 2: 5-7 p.m.

Rochester Public Utilities
4000 E River Road N.E., Rochester
Conference room
Wednesday, Aug. 17
2-4 p.m.

The federal government is allowing states until March 17, 2019 to come into full compliance with the rule. All states, including Minnesota, submitted a transition plan to the federal government and are working to refine and agree to steps in the plan. The current version of Minnesota’s transition plan, as well as other information, can be found on the DHS website.

To help the department in planning, please email HCBS.Settings@state.mn.us or call the DHS Disability Services Division Response Center at 651-431-4300 if you will be attending any of the meetings. Please give your name, the meeting date, and session time. Also let us know if you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the meeting.