Access Press
@accesspress.org
Minnesota's Disability Community News Source
Reposted by Access Press
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Kicking Off Q1 2026 With Two Special Events
'Being Black and Disabled is My Superpower' and 'In the Defense of Dignity' are organized by Disability Community for Democracy, Inc.
open.substack.com
February 4, 2026 at 9:26 PM
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Reposted by Access Press
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.
February 4, 2026 at 10:02 PM
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.”
The Department of Education Shell Game
Disability accommodations are a casualty of the Trump Administration's campaign against the department.
progressive.org
February 4, 2026 at 11:12 PM
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.”
Reposted by Access Press
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
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
February 3, 2026 at 3:59 PM
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
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."
Nine states challenge federal mandate that disabled people receive care in community
A lawsuit from nine states seeks to undercut a federal mandate that people with disabilities receive care in their communities.
www.statnews.com
February 2, 2026 at 10:09 PM
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."
Reposted by Access Press
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."
Plan to cut Medicaid rates for Coloradans with disabilities gets no support from governing board, moves ahead anyway
State Medicaid officials said they have authority to continue with the plan through an executive order from Gov. Jared Polis and that they will ask again for board approval
coloradosun.com
January 28, 2026 at 9:27 PM
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.
Long COVID brain fog far more common in US than India, other nations
Large study of patients in U.S., Colombia, Nigeria and India finds symptom burden highest in high-income countries
news.northwestern.edu
January 28, 2026 at 8:52 PM
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.
Caught in the crossfire: Minnesota’s fraud war and ICE influx are devastating for those with disabilities | Access Press
Recently, Minnesota was shaken by a series of fraud scandals. At first, this fraud just looked like a massive waste […]
accesspress.org
January 26, 2026 at 10:09 PM
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.
“You are more than your disability!”
No. I’m exactly the same amount. I am disabled and it doesn’t make me less than
No. I’m exactly the same amount. I am disabled and it doesn’t make me less than
January 26, 2026 at 10:07 PM
@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
Stand With Minnesota Donation Directory
Stand With Minnesota is a hub for supporting, learning, and taking action to support Minnesotans impacted by ICE and federal enforcement.
www.standwithminnesota.com
January 25, 2026 at 8:40 PM
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."
Attorney General Bondi wants records of voters, Medicaid and SNAP recipients for ICE to leave Minnesota | Access Press
US Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote Gov. Walz’s office on Saturday, January 24, after Alex Pretti was shot and killed […]
accesspress.org
January 25, 2026 at 8:32 PM
Helpful reminders for #DisabledCreatives: your process, your time, your needs.
Your creative process doesn’t have to match anyone else’s. I build mine around my body, my energy, and real life, not hustle-culture standards.
What helps your process actually work for you?
#AdaptiveWorkflow #DisabilityLife
What helps your process actually work for you?
#AdaptiveWorkflow #DisabilityLife
Redesigning Your Writing Process for Unique Needs
The content emphasizes the importance of creating a personal workflow that accommodates individual health needs, especially for those facing disabilities or chronic conditions. It advocates for flexibility and self-compassion in writing and business practices, encouraging adaptation based on one’s circumstances rather than conforming to external expectations or comparisons.
dreamspacestudio.net
January 24, 2026 at 5:21 PM
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
edrobertsandassociates.org
January 23, 2026 at 6:20 PM
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
edrobertsandassociates.org
The Disability Belongs™ Entertainment Lab offers a 5-month professional development opportunity for disabled creatives.
www.disabilitybelongs.org/lab/
www.disabilitybelongs.org/lab/
Disability Belongs™ Labs for Entertainment Professionals with Disabilities
A program elevating disabled creatives, focusing on building community, networking, and career advancement.
www.disabilitybelongs.org
January 23, 2026 at 6:05 PM
The Disability Belongs™ Entertainment Lab offers a 5-month professional development opportunity for disabled creatives.
www.disabilitybelongs.org/lab/
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
Books for All Saint Paul - The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library
The City of Saint Paul includes money in the Library's budget each year to purchase the materials we check out. Due to financial constraints, the 2026 budget
thefriends.org
January 23, 2026 at 6:03 PM
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
Reposted by Access Press
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)
(And another reason to approach STEM in a humanities/social science/arts-informed manner — better overall UX)
December 14, 2025 at 6:59 PM
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)
(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?
https://newsroom.uw.edu/news-releases/history-of-trauma-linked-to-risk-of-long-covid?
History of trauma linked to risk of long COVID - UW Medicine - Newsroom
newsroom.uw.edu
January 22, 2026 at 12:32 AM
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?
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.
Let’s Talk About Disability Services in Minnesota | Minnesota Council On Disability
The Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) will host “Let’s Talk About Disability Services in Minnesota,” a virtual statewide discussion focused on stability, accountability…
www.disability.state.mn.us
January 22, 2026 at 12:02 AM
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?
https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/research-ties-long-covid-kids-chronic-school-absenteeism-learning-problems?
Research ties long COVID in kids to chronic school absenteeism, learning problems
Long COVID was also linked to a higher prevalence of anxiety and depression.
www.cidrap.umn.edu
January 21, 2026 at 11:03 PM
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?
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.
Defending the Disabled : Up First from NPR
L.A. County Public Defender Noah Cox noticed the disturbing trend. Many of his clients seemed to struggle answering even the most basic questions about the crimes they’d been charged with, questions l...
www.npr.org
January 19, 2026 at 9:01 PM
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.
“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.
When the 'Capitol Crawl' Dramatized the Need for Americans with Disabilities Act | HISTORY
The 1990 protest demonstrated the barriers that inaccessible buildings create for people with disabilities.
www.history.com
January 19, 2026 at 7:00 PM
#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.
“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-...
accesspress.org/buried-deaf-...
Buried deaf child coming home | Access Press
A personal story When I was seven years old, I experienced something I did not have the language to explain. […]
accesspress.org
January 17, 2026 at 5:56 PM
Ellie Sherwood Kidder shares her story of linguistic deprivation trauma. #deaf #disabilities
accesspress.org/buried-deaf-...
accesspress.org/buried-deaf-...
Reposted by Access Press
"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
by sarahlynn358
#NEisVoid #awareness #DisabledPeople
What Doctors Don’t Tell You About Disability
When you are diagnosed with a disability, sometimes people think that their doctor will tell them everything they need to know to live well with a disability, and I only wish that were true. Doctor…
buff.ly
January 17, 2026 at 5:30 PM
"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
by sarahlynn358
#NEisVoid #awareness #DisabledPeople
Reposted by Access Press
"The #welfare and security of our nation demand that the opportunity for #good #health be made available to all, regardless of residence, race or economic status. ...
A great and free nation should bring good health care within the reach of all its people." — Harry S. Truman
A great and free nation should bring good health care within the reach of all its people." — Harry S. Truman
January 17, 2026 at 5:31 PM