Access North

08/13/2025

🌞We have had an incredibly busy summer - advocating for people with disabilities as well as celebrating our 40th Anniversary of doing so! 🥳

🌟You can read all about our summer activities (so far) in our latest edition of Access North UpNorth News! ✨

Email from Standing strong for disability rights! Embracing our Civic Responsibilities This July, several members of our team traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the National Council on Independent

08/04/2025

It's time to plan for our 2025 Accessible Deer Hunt!

08/04/2025

We want to learn from YOU! 🗣️

Registration is required: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSfzwS3XiS6Uvo.../viewform

The State of Minnesota is shaping future plans and services and your voice matters! Join Access North & Arc Northland for a community conversation to share your ideas and experiences.

🗓️ When: August 7, 2025 | 2:00–4:00 PM

Where: St. Louis County Depot (Duluth Depot), 506 W Michigan St, Duluth, MN

📩 Need accommodations? Email accessibility@dendros.com by July 30, 2025.

🎉 Light snacks will be provided, and participants will receive a $50 reward card by mail as a thank you!
Your voice can make a difference. Let’s build a better Minnesota — together.

07/24/2025

We want to learn from YOU! 🗣️
What do people with disabilities need to live, learn, work, and enjoy life?
The State of Minnesota is shaping future plans and services and your voice matters! Join Access North & Arc Northland for a community conversation to share your ideas and experiences.
🗓️ When: August 7, 2025 | 2:00–4:00 PM
📍 Where: St. Louis County Depot (Duluth Depot), 506 W Michigan St, Duluth, MN
💬 Why: To help shape Minnesota’s next Olmstead Plan, which sets goals to support people with disabilities living full, inclusive lives in their communities.
✅ Registration is required: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSfzwS3XiS6Uvo.../viewform
📩 Need accommodations? Email accessibility@dendros.com by July 30, 2025.
🎉 Light snacks will be provided, and participants will receive a $50 reward card by mail as a thank you!
Your voice can make a difference. Let’s build a better Minnesota — together.

07/24/2025

Yesterday, we dedicated our time to advocating for disability rights on Capitol Hill. We’re grateful to the Minnesota representatives who met with us, listened to our concerns, and committed to working alongside us to preserve the essential benefits and services that support independent living. Thank you to Sen. Tina Smith, the office of Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Rep. Pete Stauber for taking the time to meet with us and to listen to our concerns.

07/21/2025

Kicking off Day 1 at the National Council on Independent Living! We’re here to raise our voices, build partnerships, and fight for a more accessible future.

07/09/2025

MINNESOTA STATEWIDE INDEPENDENT LIVING COUNCIL (SILC)
You’re Invited to a Community Town Hall
Location: Access North, 1309 E 40th St, Hibbing MN 55746
Date: Wednesday 7/9/25
Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm
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Let’s Talk About Independent Living in Our Community
We want to hear from YOU!
Join us for a community town hall where we’ll come together to:
• Celebrate the positive things happening around Independent Living
• Share stories of success and local progress
• Voice concerns about recent legislation changes affecting Independent Living
• Build stronger connections between SILC and the community
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Your Voice Matters
This is your space to be heard, to share, and to help shape the future of Independent Living in Minnesota.
Whether you're a person with a disability, a family member, an advocate, or an ally - your insight and experiences are valuable to us.
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Let’s come together for a meaningful and open dialogue.
For accommodations or questions, contact:
Jake Knaffla, 218-262-6675 jknaffla@accessnorth.net

07/04/2025

Our. Work. Continues.

This afternoon, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1 with a final vote of 218-214. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the policy changes in this bill will result in nearly 1 trillion dollars in cuts to Medicaid and an estimated 17 million Americans are at risk of losing their h...