Each July the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) honors Disability Pride Month which marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) signed into law on July 26, 1990. ADA prohibits discrimination based on disability and provides equal access and opportunity in employment, state and local government services, public accommodations, transportation and telecommunication services.

In Minnesota, 12% of the population - nearly 668,000 people - identify as individuals with disabilities. Across the United States one in four adults - more than 70 million people - have a disability.

Historically, Veterans have been at the forefront of removing barriers for people who have disabilities. Time and again Veterans injured and wounded during wartime were essential to advancing awareness and advocacy for all who have disabilities. Veteran groups were instrumental in the passage of the ADA more than three decades ago. MDVA continues that tradition by focusing on serving those who have disabilities, whether it be physical or mental.

Two examples demonstrate how MDVA provides accessible environments for all.

Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries - Redwood Falls opened in 2023. As part of the design of the main reception area and office, a vertical platform lift was installed alongside a set of stairs to provide equal access in this split-level building. The first person to use the lift was former MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke, who passed away from ALS in 2024. He had wanted to tour our state-of-the-art facility and was able to thanks to this accommodation. The lift is important to not only provide access, but also the dignity he and each person who visits the facility deserve.

Another example is found at our Minnesota Veterans Homes – Fergus Falls. Our Home there consistently achieves award winning status at the national and state levels for the care they provide Veterans. This would not be possible without the caring staff who support one another. Fergus Falls has several employees whose primary language is American Sign Language (ASL). Several of their colleagues want to learn more about sign language to increase their intercultural communication skills. One of our Fergus Falls employees who uses ASL began informally teaching some basic sign language to their team members. The team at Fergus Falls truly epitomizes an accessible environment that supports inclusion.

Thank you to all Veterans for your service to our country and for your legacy of activism advocating for accessibility and inclusion. You put your bodies on the line and evidence shows that Veterans have a higher incidence of disabilities compared to the general population. State of Minnesota has statutes in place, such as Veterans Preference Act, to honor your service and to provide support for employment, particularly those Veterans with service-connected disabilities.

Take the time to learn more about the accessibility initiatives that you may benefit from. You can start by visiting the MDVA website or connecting with your County Veterans Service Officer or Tribal Veterans Service Officer.