Access Press

09/20/2025

Emergencies can happen at any time, and planning ahead is especially important for people with disabilities. The Minnesota Council on Disability provides resources for you to create a personal emergency plan, share it with your support network, and build the right emergency kits. From knowing what to do if the power goes out to preparing supplies for service animals, emergency plans give you the tools to stay safe and ready before disaster strikes.

https://www.disability.state.mn.us/2025/09/17/create-your-emergency-plan-a-guide-for-people-with-disabilities/

09/19/2025

Wisconsin Public Radio reports that the U.S. Department of Education has terminated nearly $11 million in grants to Wisconsin, including funding for the Deafblind Technical Assistance Project.

The U.S. Department of Education has cut another nearly $11 million in grants to Wisconsin, this time to some of the state’s most vulnerable children.

09/19/2025

reports that recent research indicates autism is not caused by a single factor but results from a complex interplay of genetic and environmental influences. Studies suggest that genetics accounts for a significant portion of autism risk, but environmental factors also contribute to its development.

Being raised by “refrigerator mothers,” the researchers explained, was what caused autistic people’s difficulties with social communication and sensory processing and their repetitive behaviors and interests. “We had rather simple views about what it might be” that caused autism, says Hele...

09/19/2025

reports that of Grand Rapids and the University of Minnesota Regents have each received funding to enhance dementia awareness and caregiver resources in Northern Minnesota. ElderCircle will utilize the grant to support its programming in Itasca County, while the University of Minnesota Regents will host a two-day regional gathering on the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe reservation, focusing on education and support for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias among Native American communities.

ElderCircle of Grand Rapids will receive funds for its programming in Itasca County, and the U of M Regents will host a gathering on the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe reservation.

09/18/2025

Bioengineer.org reports that the University of Minnesota Medical School has secured a $3.3 million NIH grant for a five-year study on neurodevelopment in infants born with congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV). The study will follow 200 infants identified through Minnesota’s statewide newborn screening program, utilizing advanced neuroimaging and developmental assessments to understand the long-term impacts of cCMV.

In a pioneering move that promises to transform our understanding of congenital viral infections, a team of researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School has secured a $3.3 million grant

09/18/2025

reports that Olmsted Medical Center in Rochester, Minnesota, is offering a sensory-friendly vaccine clinic on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The clinic is designed to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other sensory needs, providing private spaces, extended appointment times, and specialized support tools.

https://kroc.com/sensory-friendly-vaccine-clinic-omc-rochester/

09/18/2025

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09/17/2025

reports that Minnesota and New York have issued executive orders to expand access to COVID-19 vaccines amid federal restrictions. Minnesota's order allows pharmacists to administer vaccines to patients aged 3 and older without a prescription, while New York's order permits pharmacists to vaccinate individuals aged 3 and older without a prescription, including pregnant women and healthy adults.

Governors in Minnesota and New York are issuing executive orders in an effort to protect vaccine access in those states, in the wake of chaos and confusion over the availability of COVID-19 vaccine boosters at the federal level.

09/17/2025

Denver7 reports that in 2024, COVID-19 fell out of the top 10 leading causes of death in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recorded nearly 3.1 million deaths, with heart disease and cancer accounting for over 40% of fatalities.

https://www.denver7.com/health/covid-19-no-longer-a-top-10-killer-as-us-death-rate-returns-to-normalv

09/17/2025

The Minnesota Department of Revenue warns of ongoing scams, including reported text messages falsely asking taxpayers to update banking information. The agency details how to spot and report suspicious texts, emails, and phone calls, notes it will not request personal data via unsolicited messages, provides verification contacts, and lists the page as last updated September 15, 2025.

https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/fraud-and-scam-alerts

09/17/2025

Disability Scoop reports that the U.S. Department of Justice has sued Uber, alleging the company discriminates against passengers with disabilities. The lawsuit claims Uber drivers have refused rides for passengers with service animals or foldable wheelchairs, violating the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Federal officials are suing ride-sharing giant Uber, accusing the company and its drivers of refusing to serve people with disabilities.

09/16/2025

Rett Syndrome News reports that individuals with disabilities face heightened risks during mass violence events. The column highlights the challenges in evacuation, communication, and protection for people with profound special needs.

Columnist Jacqueline Babiarz considers how people with disabilities are especially vulnerable during incidents of mass violence.