Working now for future success, better lives through valued services
Disability Services Day at the Capitol presented a great opportunity to share with legislators how our services support people with disabilities to maximize their abilities and live their best lives possible. We were not sure how this important day would turn out since it was held virtually, but thankfully it was well attended and went smoothly.
We are fortunate to have built ongoing relationships with legislators who consistently champion causes important to our field. Thank you to everyone who participated in this day and to those who did the behind the scenes planning to make it happen. I am looking forward to having this event in person next year.
Challenges ahead, shaping policy
As we begin to emerge from the pandemic, we know there is a challenging year ahead as we continue to provide quality supports to people with disabilities across the state. What we have learned in the last year has shaped our current legislative efforts.
Our focus areas include making Employment Exploration Services rates adequate and sustainable, making remote services a permanent option for people, and using one-time federal funds coming to Minnesota to provide tools to address workforce recruitment and retention. Our hope is to continue partnering with the legislature, DHS, and all other interested stakeholders on any steps we can take to get closer to these goals.
Vaccines rolling in, members assisting
Many people are becoming vaccinated and are feeling a much-needed sense of relief and an eagerness to come back to in-person services. However, service providers must still comply with current restrictions and, in many cases, need to hire additional staff to prepare. We continue to meet frequently with DHS to discuss the ramp up of traditional services and the impacts of current guidelines. We are hoping DHS will soon loosen the restrictions placed on our services. They are working on this and we hope to hear more details from them soon.
In order to help more people get access to a vaccine, DHS is organizing a series of “pop-up” clinics at a variety of locations. Several providers are serving as hosts, and they give opportunities for the people we serve and their families to get vaccinated, along with the general population over 16 years of age. DHS shared that if any MOHR member providers are interested in hosting a clinic, we can reach out to them to see if one can be arranged.
MOHR has scheduled an in-person conference event this September in Duluth. We are looking forward to having the opportunity to connect face-to-face, network, and share resources after so much time apart.
Lives enriched, members adapt, bring valued services
Finally, I want to congratulate the 2021 MOHR Life Enrichment Award winners Achieve Services, MRCI, MSS, Opportunity Partners, Pinewood Cloquet, Inc. and WACOSA.
These recipients were selected from a pool of excellent nominations. The descriptions highlighted how programs across the state nimbly pivoted and jumped into action to ensure Minnesotans with disabilities retained access to meaningful services that are highly valued. We have creative, innovative, and incredible programs and team members who go above and beyond to make sure that people are supported and connected.
Julie Johnson
President, MOHR