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Access Press

@accesspress.org

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Minnesota's Disability Community News Source

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Access Press @accesspress.org · 2h

Hamline University has received a $1.2 million federal grant to enhance support services for first-generation, low-income students and students with disabilities. Source: #HamlineUniversity

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#AccessPress #Minnesota #HigherEd #DisabilitySupport #TRIOPrograms #EducationEquity

Access Press @accesspress.org · 13h

“Reading Rainbow,” the beloved children’s literacy series, is returning after nearly 20 years with librarian and literacy advocate Mychal Threets as the new host. Source: #KARE11

#AccessPress #ReadingRainbow #Literacy #Children #Education

Reading Rainbow returns: Here's where to watch the reboot of the beloved show

LeVar Burton won't be hosting the new iteration of the show when it debuts on YouTube. Instead, viewers will be guided by viral TikTok star Mychal the Librarian.

Access Press @accesspress.org · 19h

Grand Forks city and business leaders anticipate a minimal immediate local impact from the federal shutdown, with core city services expected to continue and transit operations to remain operational pending reimbursement.

#AccessPress #NorthDakota #GovernmentShutdown #FederalServices

Grand Forks city, business leaders: Minimal local impacts expected in government shutdown

On Wednesday morning, the federal government shut down after the U.S. Senate was unable to come to agreement about funding legislation.

Access Press @accesspress.org · 23h

MN officials are assessing the fallout from a federal government shutdown, pointing to risks for federal employees and nutrition‑assistance programs. State leaders say there's enough reserves to cover #SNAP and #WIC to October. Source: #DuluthNewsTribune

#AccessPress #Minnesota #FederalShutdown

Minnesota politicians zero in on impacts of federal government shutdown

Federal employees, nutrition-assistance programs among top concerns for the state

Access Press @accesspress.org · 1d

Some WI residents with disabilities say that recent policy changes are eroding decades of progress in access, care, and inclusion. Source: #MilwaukeeJournalSentinel

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#AccessPress #Wisconsin #DisabilityRights #SocialProgress #PolicyImpact

Access Press @accesspress.org · 1d

The federal government shutdown could affect up to 35,000 workers in Minnesota, including federal, military, and postal employees. While TSA and air-traffic control staff would continue working without pay, many others could face furloughs. Source: #KSTP

#AccessPress #Minnesota #FederalWorkers

The potential impact of the shutdown on federal workers in Minnesota

At Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, TSA employees and air traffic controllers are considered ‘essential’ federal government workers.

Access Press @accesspress.org · 1d

In October 2025, Social Security payments will be distributed on October 3, 8, 15, and 22, depending on birth date. SSI recipients will receive two payments—October 1 and October 31—because November 1 falls on a weekend. Source: #FOX9

#AccessPress #SocialSecurity #PublicBenefits #IncomeSupport

Social Security October payment schedule: Here’s when recipients get their checks

The Social Security Administration sends regular monthly payments, and the date varies depending on birth date or when you began receiving benefits. Here's what to expect in October.

Access Press @accesspress.org · 2d

#AARP #Minnesota has awarded six communities a total of $66,000 in 2025 through its Community Challenge grants to support projects such as accessible infrastructure, home repairs, transportation, and community resilience.

#AccessPress #CommunityGrants #PublicSpaces

Small Grants, Big Impact: AARP Helps Minnesota Communities Thrive

From walkable parks to home repairs, AARP Community Challenge Grants are fueling local innovation across the state.

Access Press @accesspress.org · 2d

Clients in Minnesota say they’re only days away from losing critical care access after the DHS suspended payments to certain disability service providers amid a fraud crackdown.

#AccessPress #Minnesota #DisabilityServices #HealthcareAccess #Medicaid

Clients 'days away' from losing critical care access amid DHS fraud crackdown in Minnesota

Bergeron said, at the end of the day, ICS was created to get people out of the hospital, and now they may be headed back.

Access Press @accesspress.org · 2d

Minnesota’s Department of Human Services has suspended payments to 11 providers serving adults with disabilities over credible allegations that services billed under the ICS program were not delivered.

#AccessPress #Minnesota #DisabilityServices #FraudAllegations #Medicaid

Minnesota DHS Suspends Payments to 11 Disability Providers Amid Fraud Allegations | MinneapoliMedia

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has suspended payments to 11 providers serving adults with disabilities over “credible allegations” of fraud.

Access Press @accesspress.org · 2d

A new bipartisan Minnesota law, Senate File 446, will restore out-of-home respite services for families with children with disabilities, effective January 1, 2026, removing a regulatory barrier that previously limited access to care. Source: #EchoPress

#AccessPress #Minnesota #DisabilityCare

Legislation expands care options for children with disabilities

Senate File 446 gives families the opportunity to take a temporary step back while ensuring their child continues to receive quality care.

Access Press @accesspress.org · 4d

A pop-up dental clinic in #Mendota Heights provided free dental services to dozens of people, making special accommodations for those with disabilities. The effort is backed by Jet Dental and a grant from the Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation. Source: #KSTP

#AccessPress #Minnesota

Free trip to the dentist for dozens of people in the Twin Cities

Dozens of people in the metro got access to free dental care Tuesday.

Access Press @accesspress.org · 4d

Assisted living in #Minnesota is increasingly caring for frail seniors with serious medical needs, prompting worries that these facilities aren’t equipped for that level of care.
Source: #StarTribune

#AccessPress #MN #SeniorCare #AssistedLiving #HealthcareConcerns #AgingInPlace

More seniors are moving into assisted living, not nursing homes. That could be problematic.

Assisted living was meant for mostly independent seniors. But as more frail seniors go there, experts worry facilities aren’t as prepared as nursing homes for complex medical issues.

Access Press @accesspress.org · 5d

#AccessPress #Minnesota #Autism #DisabilityRights #Stigma #Advocacy

Access Press @accesspress.org · 5d

Local #autism advocates warn that recent claims linking autism programs to fraud are fueling stigma and undermining trust in the autism community. They emphasize that autistic people are often victims when fraud occurs. Source: #MPRNews

#AccessPress #Minnesota #DisabilityRights #Stigma #Advocacy

Local autism advocates worry about stigma amid unfounded federal claims, fraud locally

President Donald Trump on Monday used the platform of the presidency to promote unproven and in some cases discredited ties between Tylenol, vaccines and autism as his administration announced a…

www.mprnews.org

Access Press @accesspress.org · 5d

A union and community leaders are pushing back on #Allina’s decision to shut down the 24-bed inpatient addiction unit at #MercyHospital. They argue the move could reduce care access for vulnerable patients and lead to layoffs. Source: #KSTP

#AccessPress #Minnesota #Healthcare #AddictionTreatment

Community, union urge Allina to reconsider closing inpatient treatment program

Allina plans to close the unit in February, citing a decline in demand and a significant change in the ability to get authorization for payment for the inpatient treatment.

Access Press @accesspress.org · 5d

A recent MPR piece tackles five common questions Minnesotans have about the 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine, clarifying eligibility, access, safety, and timing. It aims to reduce confusion amid shifting policy. Source: #MPRNews

#AccessPress #Minnesota #COVID19Vaccine #PublicHealth #VaccineEducation

Vaccine confusion? 5 Minnesota questions, answered

Minnesotans may be struggling to navigate a blizzard of state and federal news last week around vaccines, who should get them and when. Here are some answers to key questions about what’s happening.

Access Press @accesspress.org · 6d

Emerging research on genomic testing in prostate cancer is shaping precision treatments and clinical trials, according to a University of Minnesota scientist. A survivor shared his experience, underscoring the role of screening and advocacy.
Source: #UniversityofMinnesota

#AccessPress #Minnesota

Let's Chat about Prostate Cancer Research

In honor of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, this Fireside Chat features Justin Hwang, PhD, UMN researcher, who shares emerging research on genomic testing in prostate cancer and how that knowledge…

Access Press @accesspress.org · 6d

A new study suggests that regular cycling may lower the risk of developing cognitive disabilities later in life. Researchers say the physical activity supports brain health and helps protect against decline. Source: #News8000

#AccessPress #Health #BrainHealth #Cycling #DisabilityPrevention

Cycling Reduces Risk Of Cognitive Disability

Click here to view this video from News8000.com.

Access Press @accesspress.org · 6d

The #MinnesotaCouncilOnDisability is seeking public input to inform the development of public policies related to disability. Community members are invited to share their perspectives through an online form.

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#AccessPress #Minnesota #DisabilityPolicy #PublicInput #DisabilityRights

Access Press @accesspress.org · 6d

Stay informed with Access Press, Minnesota's go-to source for disability-related news, events, and resources. Subscribe today to stay connected.

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#AccessPress #DisabilityNews #Minnesota #MN #MinnesotaNews #Disabilities #DisabilityResources

Subscribe to Print and Email | Access Press

Both online and print subscriptions are now free — because money should never stand in the way of access to […]

Access Press @accesspress.org · 7d

Jane Goodall, who passed away at the age of 91, dedicated her life to fighting for conservation and animal rights, shaping protections that are widely adopted today. Source: #Newsweek

#JaneGoodall #AccessPress #California #Conservation #AnimalRights

Conservationist Jane Goodall dead at 91 while on U.S. speaking tour: latest updates

Jane Goodall, famed primatologist and conservationist, has died while on a speaking tour in California. Follow Newsweek's blog.

Access Press @accesspress.org · 7d

#MayoClinic recommends COVID-19 vaccination for all ages (6 months up) and pregnant individuals this season. These guidelines mirror Minnesota’s new stance on widespread vaccine access. Source: #PostBulletin

#AccessPress #PublicHealth #COVID19 #VaccinationGuidance #HealthEquity #MayoClinic

Mayo Clinic issues its 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine guidance

Mayo Clinic's recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines this fall mirror those issued by the Minnesota Department of Health earlier this week.

Access Press @accesspress.org · 7d

The CDC’s move to deny telework as a disability accommodation drew strong backlash from unions and disability advocates. In response, the agency announced a “pause” on enforcement while legal questions are examined. Source: #AFGE

#AccessPress #DisabilityRights #WorkplaceAccommodations

CDC Removes Remote Work as Reasonable Accommodation for Employees with Disabilities, Backtracks After Union Pressure

Leadership at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had said employees with disabilities would no longer be approved for telework or remote work as a reasonable accommodation – a stunning…

Access Press @accesspress.org · 7d

An NPR analysis shows Indiana charter schools suspending students with disabilities at three times the state average. Families argue these practices fail to address disability-related behavior and lead to missed learning. Source: #NPR

#AccessPress #Indiana #DisabilityRights #SchoolDiscipline

Strict rules can foster calm classrooms. But some students pay the price

An Indiana charter school network has won praise for its strong academics. But some students with disabilities struggle to follow the school system's discipline policies.