Institute on Community Integration

Federal cuts could effectively end programs for Minnesotans with intellectual disabilities mprnews.org/story/2025/05/…

@Communica1st @UMNews @OHSUUCEDD @ISAAC_AAC @DREDF @LittleLobbyists @AUCDNews @BorealisPhil @FordFoundation @NDRNadvocates @CaringAcrossGen Thank you, Bob!

Hurrah for speaking up for #access to #AAC! 👏 Frontline Initiative published this article today on the importance of access to AAC by CommunicationFIRST Co-Founder and Policy Director Bob Williams. lnk.to/fiart [Image: Bob Williams shares the stage with Professor Christine Holyfield who excitedly claps for him after a presentation.]

Aunque los estudiantes han muerto bajo restricciones físicas, ninguna ley o estándar federal guía su uso en las escuelas, y la regulación estatal es desigual. Este informe de investigación de políticas de ICI explora el tema y recomienda la supervisión. z.umn.edu/9oab

Although students have died in physical restraints, no federal laws or standards guide their use in schools, and state regulation is uneven. More often they restrain students with disabilities and Black students. This PRB explores the issue. z.umn.edu/9oab

On Thursday, August 15, Roger Stancliffe (pictured; formerly of ICI) and Bev Frantz (Temple University) will present an AAIDD webinar on “Violent Crime & Sexual Violence: Victimization, Prevalence and Risk Reduction for People with IDD.” z.umn.edu/9o38

DSP Megan Russell shares her story of advocacy with elected officials for better working conditions in the new Frontline Initiative: “The status quo has had its time. Now the call for social justice is for you and the people you support.” publications.ici.umn.edu/frontline-init…

We closed institutions for a reason. DSPs make community living possible for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Before Aug. 12, let regulators know they need their own federal job title. z.umn.edu/9p99

Work with someone with IDD? Tell officials in Washington DC about the essential work of DSPs. Public comments close Aug. 12 – send your public comment today! z.umn.edu/9p99

Last few days! Send your public comment in support of creating a federal code recognizing the work DSPs do to support people with disabilities. A standard code will help address dire workforce shortages! z.umn.edu/9p99

Having a federal job code for direct support professionals would send a message about the critical work they do. Join ICI and others in recognizing the work of direct support professionals – public comments are due Aug. 12! z.umn.edu/9p99

Final days! DSPs do more than personal care. Let’s send a message that we get it. z.umn.edu/9p99

DSPs help make it possible for people with IDD to live their best life, but a lot of people confuse this work with home health care. Let’s send a message that DSPs need their own federal job classification. Public comments are due Aug. 12! z.umn.edu/9p99

Having a federal job code for direct support professionals would send a message about the critical work they do. Join ICI and others in recognizing the work of direct support professionals – public comments are due Aug. 12! z.umn.edu/9p99

How can Minnesota improve intervention and respite services for people with behavioral health needs and disabilities? We want to hear from you! For more information and to see how you can share your opinion, visit z.umn.edu/9nbk

The latest issue of Impact explores sexuality and gender identity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. shorturl.at/lwxGK

Join us on August 31, to hear Mikala Mukongolwa present on early identification and intervention for children with disabilities in Zambia. Lunch provided. MIDB Community Center Multipurpose Room, 2025 East River Parkway, Minneapolis. Register at bit.ly/3RfVEpZ.