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Services for People with Disabilities

Minnesota has many organizations that have programs, products, and services for people with disabilities.

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 employment and personal independence.

People with Disabilities
Helps people with disabilities reach their employment and independent living goals. These services are available through CareerForce.

General Services

Disability Link of MinnesotaHelp.info
Information about assistive technology, caregivers, chemical and mental health, communications, education, fun, health care, housing, independent living, jobs, legal, money, personal care, transportation, and wellness. Offers online (chat room) and toll free phone assistance.

Disability Minnesota
Provides a single entry point to more than 100 Minnesota state agency programs, products, and services dedicated to disability issues. Access is also provided to laws and regulations in disability-related areas. Also lists services that are available for families and children.

PACER Center - Assistance for Children with Disabilities
Expands opportunities and enhances the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families.

SOAR (Searchable Online Accommodation Resource)
SOAR system is designed to let users explore various accommodation options for people with disabilities in work and educational settings. Select an impairment, consult a "quick list" or review a general product list for impairments.

STAR (System of Technology to Achieve Results)
Promotes the use of assistive technology to all Minnesotans with disabilities, including public awareness, training, and support.

Services for Specific Disabilities

Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA)
The mission of the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) is to advance brain injury prevention, research, treatment and education and to improve the quality of life for all people affected by brain injury.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services of MDS
Minnesota Department of Human Services (MDS) offers assistance to deaf, deaf-blind, and hard of hearing individuals and their families. Provides information and materials about hearing loss and services. Provides awareness training, resources, and demonstration labs. Runs the Telephone Equipment Distribution (TED) Program.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI is a nationwide mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI advocates for access to services, treatment, support and research.

Sign Language Interpreter Referral Services of MDS
Minnesota Department of Human Services (MDS) helps Minnesotans locate sign language interpreter services and alternative communication accessibility options. 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.

The Arc Greater Twin Cities
Addresses critical issues related to rights, treatment, services and programs for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Opportunity Partners Brain Injury Services
This brain injury program helps individuals with brain injuries rediscover their world and grow their potential and ability to lead a fulfilling life. The goal of the program is to integrate individuals back into their home, community and employment.

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP)
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities.

Advocacy Resources

These resources help you assert your rights as a person with a disability.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Know your employment rights as a person with disabilities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
U.S. EEOC is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a person in the workplace. Contact the EEOC or view their frequently asked questions for quick answers to your concerns. Learn about what is and isn't employment disability discrimination

Minnesota Department of Human Rights
If you think you have been treated unfairly because of your disability, you can file a discrimination charge. You can also request a human rights speaker or submit a question using their online form.

Minnesota Disability Law Center
Provides free legal assistance to people with disabilities on legal issues that are related to their disabilities.