Disability Concerns Community Resources

 

BRAIN INJURY SERVICES

The Brain Injury Association of Minnesota provides help, hope, and a voice for Minnesotans who live with disability as a result of a brain injury. 612-378-2742; www.braininjurymn.org ;  info@braininjury.org

 

Children and Family Services

Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare meets the special health-care needs of people -- primarily children and teens -- who have disabilities. Gillette’s mission is to help those it serves realize greater well-being, independence, and enjoyment in life. 651-291-2848; www.gillettechildrens.org; See “Resource Center” and “Family Resource Center” on web pages.

 

Pacer Center seeks to expand opportunities and to enhance the quality of life for children and young people who have disabilities and to assist their families through classes, resources, and advocacy.  952-838-9000;  952-838-0190 TTY; www.pacer.org.

 

HEARING IMPAIRMENT SERVICES

Deaf Blind Services, Minnesota  612-362-8454 V/TTY; info@dbfm.org.

 

Minnesota Association of Deaf Citizens  763-757-5998 TTY

 

Minnesota Dept. of Human Services, Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services 651-296-3980; 651-297-1506 TTY

 

Minnesota Relay Service 1-800-627-3509 or 711 V/TTY; sprint.trscustserv@mail.sprint.com

 

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) is a grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by mental illness. It provides support to individuals and families by offering support groups, classes, and information resources in print and on their web site.

651-645-2948 or 1-888-473-0237;   www.nami.org/namimn.

 

Mental Health Association helps individuals find access to services or problem solving situations on a one to one basis.  612-331-6840;

1-800-862-1799;   www.mentalhealthmn.org.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

The Multiple Sclerosis Society provides programs, information, and resources for persons with MS. 612-335-7900; 1-800-582-5296 (v/tdd); www.mssociety.org (link on MN).

 

VISUAL IMPAIRMENT SERVICES

State Services for the Blind assists persons in regaining independence and self-confidence as they adjust to vision loss. The Communication Center, which is part of this agency, serves as a public library for persons with vision loss or physical difficulty in holding a book.  651-643-0500

or 1-800-642-0506;  www.mnssb.org.

          Audiotape transcript services:  651-542-0849

          Braille Transcript Services: 651-642-0852

          Radio Talking Book/Dial-in News: 651-642-0503

          Senior Services: 651-642-0838

 

Vision Loss Resources provides comprehensive services and information to people within the greater metro area. Services include in-home assessment, classes or individual instruction, volunteers, support groups, and activities just for fun through the Community Center. 612-871-2222.

 

 

OTHER RESOURCES

Helping Paws, Inc is a volunteer-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to further the independence of people with physical disabilities other than blindness or deafness. 952-988-9359;  www.helpingpaws.org.

 

Hearing & Services Dogs of Minnesota  612-729-5986; 1-800-627-3539 TTY; hsdm@bitstream.net.

 

The following are resources on individual disabilities:

Alzheimer’s Association  952-830-0512

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation  651-631-3290; minn@cff.org.

Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota  651-603-0720; dsamn.org

Epilepsy Foundation  651-646-8675; infoefmn@mr.net.

Muscular Dystrophy Association  952-832-5517

Spina Bifida Assoc. of Minnesota  651-222-6395 www.sbamn.com.

Stroke Center, North Memorial Medical Center  763-520-5900

Twin Cities Autism Society  651-647-1083

United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota  651-646-7688; ucpmn@cpinternet.com.

 

 

TRANSPORTATION

Metro Mobility an ADA Paratransit Service, is available for people who are unable or have extreme difficulty using regular route transportation. To apply for service call Customer Service at 651-602-111; TTY 651-221-9886; or download an application form (pdf format) from www.metromobility.org.

 

Resources are available for persons wishing to purchase lifts, vans, etc.

 

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