This past year, the Planning Team at The Arc Minnesota became the Individual Advocacy Team. This change means that as of January 1, 2024, The Arc Minnesota will no longer offer billable Person-Centered Planning or FutureLife Options services. We are in the process of completing open service agreements and will not enroll any new individuals or families in these formal billable services.

This change doesn’t mean we are going away. We would still like to stay in touch and support you and your loved ones in new ways.

As of January 1, 2024, the Individual Advocacy Team cannot:

• Update Planning Guides or Person-Centered Plans
• Help create or fill out care documentation
• Send out reminders

The Individual Advocacy Team can:

• Talk through your options
• Discuss the future
• Share resources to plan for you or your loved one’s future

The Individual Advocacy team uses a person-centered approach in working with individuals, families, and their trusted supporters. They combine knowledge of systems, resources, and natural supports to explore possibilities in and out of the service system—with a focus on the most individualized, self-directed solutions.

Moving forward, all Individual Advocacy services will be free and available to anyone, whether or not they have a waiver. This aligns with The Arc Minnesota’s goals to make our programs and services more equitable and accessible to all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their trusted supporters across the state.

If you and/or your family are currently enrolled in FutureLife Options but have not completed your final review, please feel free to contact us at info@arcminnesota.org by November 10, 2023. The Individual Advocacy Team can review your documents and make sure you have what you need to update them on your own in the future. Please note there is an hourly cost to this review, just like previous annual reviews.

Thank you to all the families and individuals who have worked with us over the years! We hope you stay involved with The Arc Minnesota. You can:

• Reach out to your Individual Advocate contact
• Call our Help Desk at 1-866-797-1122 if you have questions or need information
• Subscribe to our Newsletters to stay updated
• Utilize these Free Planning Resources

Sincerely,

The Individual Advocacy Team

The post An Update on Person-Centered Planning and FutureLife Options Services first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post An Update on Person-Centered Planning and FutureLife Options Services appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

To assist families, below is a list of resources with free school supplies throughout the state of Minnesota. Events are taking place soon. Make sure to check the dates listed!

Twin Cities:

Register for the 3rd Annual Back 2 School BBQ on August 20th from 11 A.M.- 4 P.M. at Zanewood Recreation Center in Brooklyn Park. 3rd Annual Back 2 School BBQ Tickets, Sat, Aug 19, 2023 at 11:00 AM | Eventbrite

More event options with free supplies can be found on eventbrite.com under the search terms “free school supplies” and your city.

Rochester:

Rochester’s 3rd Annual Back to School Block Party and Parade takes place on August 19th from  12 P.M. to 6 P.M. at Reverend Martin Luther King Park. Click here to learn more.

Monticello:

Back to School Bash. Wednesday, Aug 23^rd from 4-7 at the Monticello Middle School. More info: Back to School Bash, Monticello Middle School, August 23 2023 | AllEvents.in

Blue Earth County and North Mankato Schools Only.

Back to school event. Thursday, Aug 10^th from 1-4 at the Salvation Army. More info: Back to School Community Fair, Mankato Salvation Army, August 10 2023 | AllEvents.in

Action Day 2023

Every child deserves an education that prepares them for success. Yet each year, 100,000 K-12 students in the greater Twin Cities return to school without the school supplies they need, impacting self-esteem and performance. You can help ensure students start the year with the right tools to support their work in the classroom.

Inflation and the rising cost of living have significantly impacted families in the greater Twin Cities, and the need for help from our community is greater than ever.

It’s time to level the playing field! Greater Twin Cities United Way is bringing together community changemakers for our annual Action Day initiative to provide backpacks full of school supplies for 40,000 local students! This year’s event will be co-hosted by the Minnesota Twins and St. Paul Saints at Target Field on August 3.

More Info: GTCUW – Action Day 2023 (uwactionday.org)

It is always a good idea to reach out to your child’s school district to see if there is already a donation system in place. Regardless of the event, be sure to check if there are any sign-up or proof of residency requirements. Be sure to arrive early if there are limited supplies!

There are also low-cost options for essentials.

Arc’s Value Village is a fantastic asset for inexpensive dorm supplies. Learn more about the thrift stores here. The Arc Minnesota provides resources for budget stretchers. Click here for more information.

Hopefully, these resources allow your child to start the school year on a great note!

The post School Supply Support first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post School Supply Support appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

• Make decisions  
• Have control in their lives  
• Advocate for themselves  

• Get support from trusted allies as they advocate and make decisions  

Many Minnesotans with disabilities face barriers to living the life they choose, on their terms. But there are creative services and solutions that can help overcome those barriers.   

That’s why The Arc Minnesota teamed up with some of our community partners for a three-part information series called “A Life of One’s Own”.  

In this webinar series, we explored:   

• Life Sharing – a newer service that pairs people with disabilities with homeowners that can build a life together   
• Assistive Technology – devices, services, and other resources that can help you access the world  

We also learned from people with disabilities and their family members about options that have worked in their lives.  

With questions about information in the Resource Guide, or to get more support from The Arc, here’s how you can contact us: 

• Office Phone Number: 952-920-0855 
• Help Desk Phone Number: 1-866-797-1122 

• Toll Free Phone Number: 833-450-1494 
• Online Ask an Advocate 

Download this guide here.

Tell us what you thought of this series, and what you want our next series to be about!  

Session 1: Life Sharing 

10:00 am – 11:30 am
March 22nd, 2023 

Recording with CART and ASL 

Description:

Life Sharing is a newer service option for Minnesotans with disabilities. Through this service, they can find another person or family to live with. Together, they share life experiences and support. Join The Arc Minnesota, Accord, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, and the Department of Human Services to learn more about Life Sharing. We will give information about the discovery and matching process, as well as ongoing support.    

Presenters:

All of our presenters have been working together to help make Life Sharing a possibility in Minnesota.   

• Scott Schifsky, Department of Human Services  
• Jennifer Walton, Accord  
• Laura Vogel, LSS  
• Denise Dyer, Clay County  

Session Information and Resources: 

Life Sharing Presentation  

Learning objectives of this presentation: 

• General service overview 

• Matching 
• Life Sharing  
• Ongoing support  

• Process for interested individuals (people w/ disabilities & potential hosts)  
• Challenges/barriers 

Session 2: Assistive Technology 

10:00 am – 11:30 AM
April 5th, 2023 

Recording with CART and ASL 

Description:

Assistive Technology (AT) and Remote Supports (RS) can help you do things that might otherwise be difficult or impossible to do on your own. Learn about AT and RS, how you can use the services, and see examples that can help you speak, walk, talk, remember, see, hear, learn, live on your own, and more.   

Presenters: 

• Amy Perron  

• • Amy Perron is the Program Director for the MN STAR Program. STAR is Minnesota’s Federally funded Assistive Technology Act program. In addition to serving as STAR’s Director Amy actively serves on numerous state and national assistive technology groups.  Prior to becoming the Director Amy served as STAR’s Assistive Technology Specialist assisting Minnesotans with all types of disabilities learn more about and acquire assistive technology. Amy has worked with a broad spectrum of clients including private sector, non-profits, education, and government agencies.  Amy is passionate about helping people live life to the fullest and thrilled to be a part of the STAR Program. Her goal is to increase public awareness of the STAR Program and enable as many citizens as possible to benefit from its many services.  

• Alaina Gallagher  

• • Alaina Gallagher is a dedicated, high-energy executive, passionate about using Assistive Technology (AT) and Remote Supports (RS) to improve health outcomes and increase individual independence. Alaina has worked as an executive in the AT and RS world for six years and currently serves as a consultant and project manager for ARRM and NextGenAT. She is deeply devoted to finding creative routes to enhance the quality of life for everyone.   

•  Dan Stallsworth   
  • Dan Stallsworth is a passionate artist. He recently had an art show premier honoring his late wife, Sally, on the same date as their wedding anniversary.  Dan pre-recorded an interview with me to share his story and show you how he uses assistive technology. This pre-recorded interview was shortened, but other than that was edited very little. We want to show a real-life example of using assistive technology, including the times where it doesn’t capture letters or words perfectly. Dan uses several pieces of assistive technology daily.  In this video, Dan will show the headpiece he uses to paint and sign forms. He will also show how he uses a button controlled by his head to select letters and words on his Accent iPad. Dan shares about his life, love, loss, and passions through this communication device and his art.   

Session Information and Resources: 

Assistive Technology April 5th Presentation

Learning objectives of this presentation: 

• Learn the definitions of Assistive Technology and Report Support 
• See examples of Assistive Technology and Remove Supports 
• Learn from an artist and self-advocate who uses several kinds of Assistive Technology 

Session 3: Assistive Technology 

10:00 am – 11:30 am
April 19th, 2023 

Recording with CART and ASL 

Description: 

Continue learning about Assistive Technology, how you can use the services, and learn how they can help you speak, walk, talk, remember, see, hear, learn, live on your own, and more.    

Presenters: 

• Joan Breslin Larson Joan is an independent consultant in assistive technology, with a focus on systems change and leadership development. She formerly worked for the Minn. Department of Education as the assistive technology specialist and supervised programs for students with low incidence disabilities. Joan is a member of the QIAT Leadership Team, facilitating a grassroots community of practice focusing on quality assistive technology services. She is a co-author of 2 books focusing on AT services and is a frequent presenter at state and national conferences. Joan lives in Monticello and spends her free time going to her grandson’s basketball games.    

Session Information and Resources: 

Assistive Technology April 19th Presentation  

Learning objectives of this presentation: 

• Learn about Education related Assistive Technology 
• Learn how Assistive Technology can be used in all areas of life 

• Learn about creative Assistive Technology ideas from Webinar Attendees 

Assistive Technology Resources 

Below you will find resources mentioned in our sessions, and other resources we think may be helpful. 

Courage Kenny 

• https://www.allinahealth.org/courage-kenny-rehabilitation-institute/innovation  

Minnesota Guide to Assistive Technology 

• https://mn.gov/admin/at/  

Minnesota Department of Education: Assistive Technology 

• https://education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/sped/tech/  

Minnesota Department of Administration: Assistive Technology for All   

• https://mn.at4all.com/  

Minnesota STAR Program (System of Technology to Achieve Results) 

• https://mn.gov/admin/star/  

MN-NEAT (Network & Education for Assistive Technology) 

• https://mn-neat.org/  

MDHS Assistive technology (Waiver Information) 

• https://www.dhs.state.mn.us/main/idcplg?IdcService=GET_DYNAMIC_CONVERSION&RevisionSelectionMethod=LatestReleased&dDocName=ID_002426  

Housing Benefits 101: Assistive Technology 

• https://mn.hb101.org/a/46/  

Disability Benefits 101 

• https://mn.db101.org/mn/situations/workandbenefits/supports/program2f.htm  

PACER Center: Project KITE 

• https://www.pacer.org/stc/kite/  

 Regional Resources 

Southwest 

• SWCIL Assistive Technology Program 
• SMILES Assistive Technology and Ramps 
• Minnesota State Services for the Blind Mankato Office Assistive Technology 
• MSU Mankato Adaptive Technology is for students, but they have additional resources/training on the website 

• There are lots of options under the Assistive Technology Page of this site too. 

West Central  

• North Dakota Assistive – Homepage (ndassistive.org) (includes MN residents) 
• Home | North Dakota Association for the Disabled (ndad.org) (located in ND but will help MN residents living in boarder city)  

Midstate 

ConnectAbility of MN 

• https://connectabilitymn.org/connect-programs/  

MN State Services for the Blind (St. Cloud) 

• https://mn.gov/deed/ssb/  

SCSU Assistive Technology Lab 

• https://www.stcloudstate.edu/cidad/assistive-technology-lab/default.aspx  

Metro 

PACER Center 

• Simon Technology Center 
• https://www.pacer.org/stc/  

Courage Kenny Rehab  

• Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute 

• System of Technology to Achieve Results (STAR) 

Southeast  

SEMCIL 

• https://www.semcil.org/services/independent-living-program/assistive-technology/ 

Possabilities 

• https://www.possabilities.org/ 

MN State Services for the Blind (Rochester) 

• https://www.minnesotahelp.info/Providers/Minnesota_State_Services_for_the_Blind_SSB/Assistive_Technology_Products/9?returnUrl=%2FSpecialTopics%2FRefugees%2F38233%3F%253fo%3Dprovider-asc%26num%3D50%26o%3Dservice-asc 

Northeast 

Access North CIL 

• https://www.accessnorth.net/assistiveTech/assistiveTechHome.html  

Tell us what you thought of this series, and what you want our next series to be about! 

The post 2023 A Life of One’s Own Resource Guide first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post 2023 A Life of One’s Own Resource Guide appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

A recent training from MNConnect Leadership Group focused on family and professional partnerships in developing the Individualized Education Program (IEP). The session covers how to fill out the life trajectory tool and examples of how others have used it. Watching this webinar will inspire you to work on one with your child to bring to the next IEP meeting.

You may have tried to collaborate with the school but are still finding barriers to your child accessing the education they need. There are options to resolve conflict through the Minnesota Department of Education. Below you will find a few options that might fit your situation.

Special Education Mediation

Mediation is a voluntary process that allows parties to resolve disputes without a formal legal hearing. An impartial mediator helps the parties express their views and positions and understand each other. The mediator’s role is to facilitate the discussion and help all parties reach an agreement. The mediator should not recommend solutions or take positions or sides.

You can find more information from the Minnesota Department of Education on Special Education Mediation.

Facilitated Individualized Education Program Meeting

A facilitated team meeting is an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting led by a neutral, state-provided facilitator. These meetings assist an IEP team in developing an IEP. The goals of a facilitated IEP are to:

• Improve communication among IEP team members
• Discuss areas of disagreement
• Develop an IEP that all IEP team members agree to

You can find more information from the Minnesota Department of Education on Facilitated Team Meetings.

Minnesota Department of Education Complaint State Complaint

Parents can file a formal complaint with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) if they feel their child’s IEP has not been followed. They can also file a complaint if they feel their child’s educational rights have been violated.

You can find more information from the Minnesota Department of Education on Special Education Complaints.

Questions and Concerns

For other special education-related questions, a great resource is the Special Education Assistance and Compliance line.

• mde.assistance-compliance@state.mn.us
• Call 651-582-8689

The Arc Minnesota is available to talk through your options or answer your special education questions.

• Help Desk: 1-866-797-1122
• Ask an Advocate

The post Ways to Resolve Conflicts with Special Education Teams first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post Ways to Resolve Conflicts with Special Education Teams appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

People with disabilities are disproportionately likely to experience homelessness and federal policies, such as those regulating wages and supplemental security income, perpetuate housing instability in the disabled community. Not only do many people with disabilities work for subminimum wage, they also face income limits if they receive financial support from the state. When it comes to accessibility, both affordable housing options and shelters fall short. And in general, the disabled community is not appropriately considered in the pursuit of housing equity.

Ellen Baudler, the Director of Housing Access at The Arc Minnesota, works to dismantle these injustices in Ramsey County and across the state by creating accessible and affordable housing options for the disabled community. When we asked Baudler why housing is central to disability justice she cited the necessity of intersectional thinking.

“One of the principles of disability justice is intersectionality. Disabled Black, Indigenous, and People of Color who lead the Disability Justice Collective define the sentiment of intersectionality by asserting – we are not only disabled, we are also each coming from a specific experience of race, class, sexuality, age, religious background, geographical location, immigration status, and more. We approach our housing work from an intersectional lens; understanding that disabled people may experience compounding barriers to housing based on the intersections of their diverse identities. Ensuring people’s needs are met in each of these areas is crucial to advancing equity and justice for people with disabilities, and for all people,” said Baudler.

In 1982, she began her journey in housing justice working on rent control efforts in Minneapolis. And before she began her work with The Arc, Baudler worked as a public defender and a housing attorney, which shaped her understanding of housing challenges for low-income people. Her legal background prepared her for her current advocacy roll where she challenges housing application denials, unaddressed maintenance requests, and termination of tenancy decisions. Baudler also wields a deep understanding of regulations implemented by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, giving her key insight into legal infractions on Minnesotan’s rights to housing.

The Arc works to promote and protect the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), supporting them and their families in a lifetime of full inclusion and participation in their communities. The Arc Minnesota’s housing programs specifically help people across all disabilities and those experiencing housing instability access affordable, accessible, inclusive housing in their communities. Team members also connect people with other resources, services, and supports that help lead to stable housing.

When Baudler reflected on the challenges she faces in her work she lamented about the lack of subsidized housing for people who are extremely low-income and the unethical amount of power state and local regulators hold over disability services. “The person with a disability should dictate the services they want and need and how the services are delivered,” said Baudler.

When Mayor Carter introduced the Universal Basic Income (UBI) pilot in St. Paul, The Arc Minnesota was very supportive. Baudler explained that UBI and similar policies respect the value and worth of each person regardless of their capacity for typical work and help ensure people are able to access safe housing.

Recently, Baudler and The Arc Minnesota also led an effort at the Minnesota State Legislature that would have created a shared definition of housing accessibility – both physical and sensory. The initiative ensured state bonding requests for housing projects include these accessibility features, but the proposal was not successful last session. Baudler says they will continue pushing for change to achieve accessible housing in Minnesota, as well as subsidies to ensure no one has to pay more than 30 percent of their income on rent.

“We need to provide rental subsidies, require universal design and sensory accessibility in housing development, and implement more flexible tenant screening that acknowledges housing challenges faced by people with disabilities,” said Baudler, “We need people with disabilities included in housing policy planning. The disabled community brings solutions and necessary political power to affordable housing efforts. We need to make sure those most impacted by housing instability are informing housing policy, and that means more accessible and equitable policymaking overall.”

Find more information about The Arc Minnesota’s Housing Programs here.

Find more information about East Side Housing Justice and donate to them here.

The post An East Side Housing Justice Interview with The Arc Minnesota’s Director of Housing Access first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post An East Side Housing Justice Interview with The Arc Minnesota’s Director of Housing Access appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

 To assist families, below is a list of resources with free school supplies throughout the state of Minnesota. Events are taking place soon. Make sure to check the dates listed! 

Twin Cities: Register for the 2nd Annual Back 2 School BBQ on August 20th from 11 A.M.- 4 P.M. at Zanewood Recreation Center in Brooklyn Park. Click here to learn more.  

More event options with free supplies can be found on eventbrite.com under the search terms “free school supplies” and your city. 

Rochester: Rochester’s 2nd Annual Back to School Block Party and Parade takes place on August 20th from 1 P.M. to 6 P.M. at Reverend Martin Luther King Park. Click here to learn more.  

Moorhead: United Way is distributing school supplies and backpacks at The Scheels Arena on August 9th and August 10th from 4:30 P.M. to 6 P.M., and August 11th from 11:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Click here for more information.  

Duluth: Churches United in Ministry is pairing up with Duluth Public Schools to distribute backpacks August 24th from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. while supplies last. Click here to learn more.  

St. Cloud: Salvation Army in St. Cloud and Stern County have an assistance program that includes free school supplies. Click here to learn more.   

Salvation Army locations throughout Minnesota are distributing supplies in late August. Click here to learn more.  

It is always a good idea to reach out to your child’s school district to see if there is already a donation system in place. Regardless of the event, be sure to check if there are any sign-up or proof of residency requirements. Be sure to arrive early if there are limited supplies!   

There are also low-cost options for essentials.  

Arc’s Value Village is a fantastic asset for inexpensive dorm supplies. Learn more about the thrift stores here. The Arc Minnesota provides resources for budget stretchers. Click here for more information.  

Hopefully these resources allow your child to start the school year off on a great note!  

The post School Supply Support   first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post School Supply Support   appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

What GROW Means

At The Arc, GROW stands for:

G: Goal

What you want to happen

R: Reality

Your current situation

O: Options

Things you can do to meet your goal

W: Way Forward

What you are going to do

How The Arc Uses GROW

When you call the Help Desk or fill out an Ask An Advocate form, our staff will go through the GROW process with you and send you a completed GROW worksheet if you would like one. Through our GROW coaching, we can help you:

• Figure out what your overall goal is, both in the short and/or long term
• Discuss what you have already tried
• Provide resources and discuss the pros and cons of resources we give you
• Summarize what you can do moving forward

An Example of GROW

A common call we receive is about supporting a child when they become an adult. Here is how that process may look:

The person calls us and says their child is turning 18. They have heard about guardianship but aren’t sure what it is, or what other options they have to help their child make decisions. We go through the GROW process with them:

G: We help them figure out their goal: to help their child make decisions after turning 18.

R: We discuss their current situation: their child needs help with medical and financial decisions.

O: We discuss many options for helping with supported decision-making and the pros and cons of each. We explain what guardianship is. We also talk about Health Care Directives, Power of Attorney, Joint Bank Accounts, and Releases of information.

W: We find a way forward: the person decides that a power of attorney and joint bank account will meet their needs. They picked these options because of the amount of support they can provide without restricting their child too much and because these options don’t require going to court like guardianship. They are going to try these options first, then explore other options if they don’t work out. We send them our Arc Guide to Decision Making which has information on both of these options to get them started.

How GROW Can Help

Here is how GROW helps:

• It can be frustrating to always repeat yourself whenever you talk to someone new. Once you have the GROW worksheet, you can use it whenever you need to talk to someone again and can send it to them for reference.
• It has all the resources and action items shared in one place so you know exactly what to do.
• The four components can help you make an informed decision.

A Straightforward Process

Many people have shared their positive feedback about the GROW process. It can be difficult to navigate so many phone calls with people trying to help you, but GROW is a helpful tool to remember important information. The GROW process is straightforward and easy to follow, which people appreciate when faced with difficult decisions.

If you feel you would benefit from the GROW process, please visit our Ask An Advocate page here and fill out the form. You can also check out our FAQ here, and find our contact information here if you’d like to call the Help Desk.

The post All About GROW: The Arc Minnesota Coaching Series first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post All About GROW: The Arc Minnesota Coaching Series appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

We want to learn about what is important to you. When you take our survey, you’re helping to co-create an Arc for All by directly impacting how our programs and services are designed.

With your help, we will build an Arc for all Minnesotans who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families.

If you use are using a mobile device, like a phone or tablet, click here to take the survey.

If you are on a computer or laptop, you can take the survey below or by clicking here.

Si está utilizando un dispositivo móvil, como celular o tableta, haga clic aquí para realizar la encuesta.
Si está en una computadora, puede realizar la encuesta abajo o hacer clic aquí (en español).

The post Building an Arc for All first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post Building an Arc for All appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families have always been able to call the Arc and talk with staff about their needs. The Help Desk is a new way for staff to work with people with IDD and their families to get the information and resources they need. 

We want you to be in control. Our new Help Desk will support you in finding the information you need to explore your options, find resources, and accomplish your goals. We believe every person has unique strengths and deserves a chance to use them. 

Your needs and ideas are important to us. We used direct feedback from our Human Centered Design survey to help us design our Help Desk to meet your needs. We’ll work together to make important updates to it over time.

How does the Help Desk work?

When you call our Help Desk, an Arc Minnesota staff will answer. They will talk to you about your situation, goals, options, and a way forward. If we’re unable to help with a situation directly, we’ll connect you with one of our trusted partners. 

If you call the Help Desk and no one answers your call, please leave a message and we’ll return your call as soon as we can. 

You are still able to submit a request for support on our website with our Ask an Advocate form or use our Frequently Asked Questions to quickly find resources on your own. 

We hope the change to our Help Desk model will be accessible and equitable to all Minnesotans with IDD and their families. If it isn’t, we want you to let us know! 

Call the Help Desk at 1-866-797-1122

The post New at The Arc: The Help Desk is now available! first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post New at The Arc: The Help Desk is now available! appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

Video games can provide people with disabilities an escape from the limitations of being disabled, allowing them to be daring adventurers and brave warriors. They also provide a social space where the player is not judged by physical appearance, but by the actions taken and results produced inside the game. Yet, game developers have historically created games that people with disabilities could not complete or enjoy without the help of an able-bodied person. DAGERS helps make accessibility a priority in game development.

DAGERS website launched in 2012, but needed an upgrade to promote their services to some of the biggest game developers in the field prior to a big convention in 2018. Joshua applied for a grant and made a strong case for how a rebuilt site would serve his employment goals and business.

Joshua’s hard work combined with receiving a Microgrant have been incredibly beneficial to his business. His accomplishments include consulting for FORTNITE, Uncharted and The Crew, owning a profitable business and negotiating several new, lucrative contracts. Joshua also started working on starting a non-profit gaming company in partnership with a larger organization to further advance his employment goals. He’s especially grateful for the boost from the Minnesota Microgrant Partnership which is funded through the Minnesota Department of Human Services and administered by The Arc Minnesota.

Learn more about Microgrants

The post Joshua’s Business Booms with Help from a Microgrant first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post Joshua’s Business Booms with Help from a Microgrant appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.