Minnesota Resources

PACER (& national resource)
Enhances the quality of life and expands opportunities for children, youth, and young adults with all disabilities and their families so each person can reach his or her highest potential.

The Arc Minnesota (part of national network)
Promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. People with disabilities and their families trust The Arc for information, education, and public policy leadership.

Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota (part of national network)
Empowers individuals and families, to create community, and to celebrate the abilities of people with Down syndrome.

GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center – Twin Cities (part of national network)
Free, purposeful, progressive, therapeutic, and educational programming to empower infants through adults with Down syndrome and similar disabilities – as well as empowering the entire family.

Jack’s Basket (global)
Strives to ensure that every new and expectant parent of children with Down syndrome are provided resources and avenues of support within the community. Aims to educate medical providers on how to discuss the diagnosis in an unbiased way to celebrate all children like any other.

Minnesota Autism Center
Provides therapeutic services to children and adolescents between the ages of 18 months to 21 years who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM)
The mission is to enhance the lives of individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorder.

BLIND inc. (part of national network)
Vocational rehabilitation programs for blind adults, an English Language program for blind immigrants and refugees, training and employment programs for blind teens, a summer training program for blind children, an independent living skills training program for blind senior citizens, blindness immersion programs for professionals working with blind people, and public education programs about blindness.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division (DHHSD)
Minnesota Department of Human Services
Responsible for creating and delivering a wide range of innovative programs and services to help children and adults who are deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing.

Disability Minnesota
Hundreds of links to pages on Minnesota websites related to disabilities. Use the top navigation bar to select a retrieval tool.

Minnesota Disability Law Center (MDLC)
Mid-MN legal aid
Addresses the unique legal needs of persons with disabilities and provides free civil legal assistance to individuals with disabilities on legal issues that are related to their disabilities.

Employment Resources for People with Disabilities
Minnesota state CAREERwise
Counselors are available to help people with employment options and are knowledgeable in the areas of disabilities, workplace demands, and community resources.