DESCRIPTION: Program that works on behalf of individuals and/or groups to make sure that they receive the benefits and services for which they are eligible MORE INFORMATION Offers one-on-one advocacy work with consumers or families to eliminate barriers to getting services, income, or meeting other needs Advocates can assist with: * Understanding Social Security and how to apply, managing Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, and referrals to resources for developing an individualized Plan To Achieve Self Support (PASS). * Understanding and applying for health care benefits such as Medical Assistance, Medical Assistance (MA) for Employed People with Disabilities, Medicare, and using MN Sure to shop for individual insurance plans. * Understanding county waiver programs and how to apply. * Information about housing options, voucher programs, how to search for affordable housing, renters rights and responsibilities. * Learning about and utilizing transportation options, bus training, Metro Mobility applications. * Strengthening soft skills and self-image, increasing assertiveness, confidence, and ability to advocate for oneself. * Basics of money management, tips about creating and sticking to a budget. * Time management and good organization skills. * How to talk to your legislator to advocate for systems change, keep up on relevant public policy, and be more engaged in civic life. * Coordination of services with other agencies and organizations. * Learning useful community resources to help you meet your needs.

DESCRIPTION: Program that works on behalf of individuals and/or groups to make sure that they receive the benefits and services for which they are eligible MORE INFORMATION Provides advocacy and educational opportunities related to aging topics or issues Advocacy services include: * Opportunities for individuals to engage in advocacy * Online real time advocacy updates from federal government * Information on latest regulatory changes in aging services * Regular meetings with lawmakers to educate on the impact of policy issues

DESCRIPTION: Program that works on behalf of individuals and/or groups to make sure that they receive the benefits and services for which they are eligible MORE INFORMATION Advocates for and promotes a better quality of life and social wellness of Deaf people through its membership, activities and advocacy Activities include but are not limited to: * Biennial conference * Deaf culture salon * Deaf awareness day * Virtual meetings

DESCRIPTION: Program that works on behalf of individuals and/or groups to make sure that they receive the benefits and services for which they are eligible MORE INFORMATION Provides information and peer support to siblings of people with disabilities across the lifespan.

DESCRIPTION: Program that works on behalf of individuals and/or groups to make sure that they receive the benefits and services for which they are eligible MORE INFORMATION Coordinates group and individual advocacy for persons with disabilities Individual advocacy services include: * Education on legal, civil, and human rights * Developing self-advocacy skills The Citizens for Accessibility group works towards improving accessibility by eliminating architectural barriers. These groups meet monthly in Mankato and Fairmont.

DESCRIPTION: Program that works on behalf of individuals and/or groups to make sure that they receive the benefits and services for which they are eligible MORE INFORMATION Advocates assist people with disabilities in learning how to advocate for themselves and make informed choices. Advocates help people get the necessary support services at work, at school, with county or state government, or in the community. Program goals: * To promote and advocate for the civil rights of persons with disabilities * To provide resources to support advocacy on behalf of persons with disabilities * To educate the community about inclusion of persons with disabilities * To impact policies that affect persons with disabilities

DESCRIPTION: Program that works on behalf of individuals and/or groups to make sure that they receive the benefits and services for which they are eligible MORE INFORMATION AARP advocates on issues at the state, national and local level.  * The AARP Advocacy Program works to identify issues that will impact members and their families and communicate critical information about these timely issues so that members can make their voices heard.

DESCRIPTION: Program that works on behalf of individuals and/or groups to make sure that they receive the benefits and services for which they are eligible MORE INFORMATION * Individual consumer advocacy - staff work with you to understand your rights and obtain the support services you need to live independently * Community advocacy - staff, board members, and volunteers initiating activities to make changes in the community that make it easier for all persons with disabilities to live more independently

DESCRIPTION: Program that works on behalf of individuals and/or groups to make sure that they receive the benefits and services for which they are eligible MORE INFORMATION Provides information and advocacy for LGBTQ+ older adults. Agency doesn't provide individual support. Additional services include: * Working for LGBTQ+ elders to address and overcome the challenges of discrimination in senior service settings * Publishing guides for caregiving with LGBTQ+ elders, advocacy guides and many informational resources about aging * National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging provides training, technical assistance and educational resources to aging providers, organizations and older adults

DESCRIPTION: Program that works on behalf of individuals and/or groups to make sure that they receive the benefits and services for which they are eligible MORE INFORMATION The Dementia Friendly Communities program provides training to various communities to create a dementia-aware and dementia-informed network of businesses, services and individuals. [Toolkits](https://www.actonalz.org/dementia-friendly-toolkit) of program materials are available online. [Sector guides](https://www.actonalz.org/sector-guides) have been created for various types of businesses to support people with dementia.

DESCRIPTION: Program that works on behalf of individuals and/or groups to make sure that they receive the benefits and services for which they are eligible MORE INFORMATION The Dementia Friendly Communities program provides training to various communities to create a dementia-aware and dementia-informed network of businesses, services and individuals. [Toolkits](https://www.actonalz.org/dementia-friendly-toolkit) of program materials are available online. [Sector guides](https://www.actonalz.org/sector-guides) have been created for various types of businesses to support people with dementia.

DESCRIPTION: Program that works on behalf of individuals and/or groups to make sure that they receive the benefits and services for which they are eligible MORE INFORMATION Advocates for seniors through legislation and public policy. Areas of focus are: * Healthcare * Long-term care and supports * Older Americans Act * Elder Justice * Training for advocates * Federal budget for aging services

DESCRIPTION: Program that works on behalf of individuals and/or groups to make sure that they receive the benefits and services for which they are eligible MORE INFORMATION Advocates assist people with disabilities in learning how to advocate for themselves and make informed choices. Advocates help people get the necessary support services at work, at school, with county or state government, or in the community. Program goals: * To promote and advocate for the civil rights of persons with disabilities * To provide resources to support advocacy on behalf of persons with disabilities * To educate the community about inclusion of persons with disabilities * To impact policies that affect persons with disabilities

DESCRIPTION: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal US law that protects Americans from disability discrimination. ADA Minnesota focuses on information about the ADA federal law and the access it can create. Services ADA MN provides to individuals, organizations, and businesses include: * Provides technical assistance and information about ADA compliance and disability-related state and federal laws * Offers educational opportunities so that individuals with disabilities, businesses, organizations, and communities understand ADA rights and responsibilities. * Connections to a network of local agencies and national organizations * One-to-one assistance, in person, online or via telephone

DESCRIPTION: Program that works on behalf of individuals and/or groups to make sure that they receive the benefits and services for which they are eligible MORE INFORMATION Provides advocacy on behalf of individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers One-on-one advocacy assistance is available for: * Employment * Education * Navigating service or government systems * Accessibility An Advocates for Independence Committee is available for staff, consumer and community members to support each other in their self-advocacy efforts as well as addressing disability issues in the community.

DESCRIPTION: Program that works on behalf of individuals and/or groups to make sure that they receive the benefits and services for which they are eligible MORE INFORMATION * Individual consumer advocacy - staff work with you to understand your rights and obtain the support services you need to live independently * Community advocacy - staff, board members, and volunteers initiating activities to make changes in the community that make it easier for all persons with disabilities to live more independently

DESCRIPTION: Program that works on behalf of individuals and/or groups to make sure that they receive the benefits and services for which they are eligible MORE INFORMATION * Individual consumer advocacy - staff work with you to understand your rights and obtain the support services you need to live independently * Community advocacy - staff, board members, and volunteers initiating activities to make changes in the community that make it easier for all persons with disabilities to live more independently

DESCRIPTION: Program that works on behalf of individuals and/or groups to make sure that they receive the benefits and services for which they are eligible MORE INFORMATION Coordinates group and individual advocacy for persons with disabilities Individual advocacy services include: * Education on legal, civil, and human rights * Developing self-advocacy skills The Citizens for Accessibility group works towards improving accessibility by eliminating architectural barriers. These groups meet monthly in Mankato and Fairmont.

DESCRIPTION: Learn more about a specific topic and how to connect to additional resources and services. MORE INFORMATION Disability-related information and referral resources for people of all ages representing local, regional, statewide and national resources.