People with Disabilities Task Group | First Unitarian Universalist Church

Gail Bishop, chair. Maximizing and realizing individual potential, addressing community integration and family and societal responsibilities.

It is our wish:

That our congregation will become engaged, educated and informed advocates for members and their families and for others within our county living with disabilities.
That our congregation will continue to support and be more sensitive to issues of inclusiveness and hospitality toward our members and their families who are living with disabilities.
That our efforts will build upon UU principles, to be carried out over a long time. It will take time to create a change in attitude, assimilate these changes and provide hands-on experiences that will enrich the lives of congregants and help them to understand and appreciate the needs of people living with disabilities.

LINKS:

EDUCATION

SERVICES RCTC CAMPUS (507)280-2968 MN Relay TTY (800)627-3529

Disability Support Services mission is to provide academic support services to assist students with disabilities in achieving their educational goals.

OCCUPATIONAL SKILLS PROGRAM - RCTC Vicky Keller (507)529-2722 Vicky.keller@roch.edu
The Occupational Skills Program provides individuals with mild to moderate> disabilities the vocational training necessary to obtain and maintain competitive entry level employment.

PACTT Rachel Weitzel (507)535-7101
PACTT People Achieving Change Through Technology is a program of Ability Building Center providing a variety of assistive technology options in order to enhance independence.

ROCHESTER CENTER FOR AUTISM Mandy Eggert (507)424-3234 > mandyeggert@rcautism.com
The Rochester Center for Autism is a center-based program that provides one-on-one Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT #535 Student Support Services Mickey Curtis (507)328-4310 micurtis@rochester.k12.mn.us
Student Support Services provides support in the following Special Education areas:

* Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) * Deaf/Hard of hearing (DHH) * Developmental Adapted Physical Education (DAPE)
* Developmental Cognitive Disabilities Mild/Moderate (CDC-MM) * Developmental Cognitive Disabilities Severe/Profound (DCD-SP)

*Early Childhood Special Ed (ECSE) * Emotional/Behavioral Disorders (EBD) * Occupational Therapy (OT) * Other Health Disabilities (OHD) * Physically Impaired (PI) *Physical Therapy (PT) * Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) * Speech/Language Impairments * Traumatic Brain Injury
(TBI) * Visually Impaired (VI) * Work Experience Handicapped

ROCHESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY - Adaptive Computer Workstation (507)328-2309 hearing impaired (507)297-2110

The Rochester Public Library has an adaptive computer workstation for people who are blind, have low vision, or reading/learning disabilities.

EMPLOYMENT DAY PROGRAMS

ABILITY BUILDING CENTER (ABC)Brett Graham (507)535-7132 brettg@abcinc.org

The mission of the Ability Building Center is to improve the quality of life in Southeastern Minnesota by providing rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities and other special needs.

POSSABILITIES OF SOUTHERN MN Administration Office (507)281-6116

A non-profit agency dedicated to providing meaningful work and community opportunities for adults and youth with disabilities.

RECREATION

GIRL SCOUT OF MINNESOTA /WISCONSIN RIVER VALLEYS Marlene Jehnke (507)288-4703 ext.108 mjehnke@rivertrails.org

Contact for information on the Adaptive Girl Scout Troop

GREAT RIVER EARTH ADVENTURE TRIPS (507)273-2636 oxbowtom@msn.com
Great River Earth Adventure Trips established to allow mentally and physically disabled individuals to be able to experience the wonders and beauty of the outdoors.

IRONWOOD SPRINGS RANCH Bob Bardwell (533)6707-4315 Bob@ironwoodsprings.com

Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch is a non-profit, non-denominational, year-round cam. Camps include: Wheelchair Sports Camp, various horseback riding week-long and day camps, teen camps, grandparent and grandchild camp, family camp, among others.

J.E.T.S. GYMNASTICS (507)285-9262 jetsgym@hotmail.com
J.E.T.S. holds Adaptive Gymnastics classes that focus on motor, social and cognitive development for children with special needs.

PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT - Adaptive Recreation Program Karen Meyer (507)328-2539 kmeyer@ci.rochester.mn.us
The Adaptive Recreation program is a year-round therapeutic sports and leisure program for persons 3 years and older with developmental disabilities.

RIDEABILITY Jeanie Michelizzi (507)356-8154 rideability@yahoo.com
RideAbility provides therapeutic, recreational and instructional horseback riding lessons and equine-related activities to individuals with disabilities and their amilies.

ROCHESTER AREA DISABLED ATHLETICS & RECREATION (RADAR) Loretta Verbout (507)280-6995 radarsports@aol.com
Rochester Area Disabled Athletics & Recreation, Inc., is a non-profit organization promoting recreational and sporting opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

ROCHESTER COMMUNITY EDUCATION ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES PROGRAM Karen Ek kaek@rochester.k12.mn.us

The Rochester Community Education Adults with Disabilities Enrichment Program provides leisure and recreational activities for adults (18 and older) with disabilities.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS ROCHESTER Beth and Greg Hosteller (507)285-2638 specialolympicsrochester@hotmail.com

Special Olympics Rochester Area is a year-round sports training and competition program for persons 6 years of age through senior adult with intellectual disabilities.

RESIDENTIAL

ARSYS, LLC Kevin Smith, Todd Natzke, Kevin Ward (507)536-9221 kevins@arsysllc.com community home integration program arsystoddn@qwest.net
arsyskevinw@qwest.net
The mission of ARSYS (A Road to Support Your Self) is to provide the clients they serve with opportunities and experiences that enrich their lives. 1-1 community supports, respite weekends and community home integration program

BEAR CREEK SERVICES Liz Crawford (507)288-7195 ext.208 lizc@bearcreekservices.org

Bear Creek Services is a non-profit agency in Rochester providing support to adults with Developmental Disabilities and Traumatic Brain Injuries.

CARDINAL OF MINNESOTA LTD. Paula McGuine (507)281-1077 paula@cardinalofminnesota.com
Cardinal of Minnesota is a residential service provider that prides itself on an individualized approach to serving it¹s clients with developmental disabilities.

HIAWATHA HOMES, INC. Elaine Ingalls & Karolee Adler (507)289-7222 ext. 404 & 30 kadler@hiawathahomes.com
Hiawatha Homes, Inc. is a local non-profit agency that is dedicated to establishing and conducting home and community based services for people with disabilities and specialized medical needs.

MAINS¹L SERVICES, Inc. Tanya Keller (507)289-4463 TKeller@mainsl.com

Mains¹l provides community alternatives for children and adults with mental health considerations.

WING HOUSE, CORPORATION Sadie Wermers LaDeane Peterson (507)282-0868 ladeanep@chartermi.net

Wing House is a 22-bed transitional care facility designed to assist adult survivors of traumatic brain injuries.

RESOURCES

ARC OF SOUTHEASTERN MINNESOTA (507)287-2032 or (888)732-8520 office@arcse-mn.org
Arc of SE MN is a non-profit volunteer driven organization that builds inclusive communities by providing support, education and advocacy to persons with developmental disabilities and their families.

BLUESTEM CENTER FOR CHILD AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT Ann Schwanke (507)282-1009 1(888)283-1009 info@bluestemcenter.com

Bluestem Center specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults with neuro-developmental disorders.

CH.I.L.D. PLAY Child Interaction and Learning Development through Play Anne Harrington (612) 298-8037 harringtonab@yahoo.com
The P.L.A.Y. Project is a community based/regional autism training and early intervention program dedicated to empowering parents and professionals to
implement intensive, developmental interventions for young children with autism in the most effective and efficient way.

DENTISTRY FOR CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTS, LTD. Dr. Candace A. Mensing & Dr. Robyn R. Loewen (507)288-8060
Serves children with special needs.

DISABILITY LINKAGE LINE 1-800-333-2466
Disability Linkage Line is a state-wide information and referral resource for Minnesotans with disabilities or chronic illnesses, their family members and service providers. The information is free of charge.

EPILEPSY FOUNDATION OF MINNESOTA Sue Ringhofer (507)287-2103 sringhofer@efmn.org
The Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota is a non-profit organization focused on enhancing the quality of life of those affected by seizures.

NAMI OF SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA (507)287-1692 nami-semn@nami.org
NAMI Southeast Minnesota is a grassroots non-profit organization comprised of mental health consumer, family members and professionals in our community
who are dedicated to helping improve the lives of those affected by mental illness.

OLMSTED COUNTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES Jane Clark (507)529-4575 Don Parsons (507)529-4585 Clark.jane@co.olmsted.mn.us Parsons.don@co.olmsted.mn.us
Olmsted County Community Services are for persons with developmental disabilities and related conditions.

PACER CENTER Phone: (952)838-9000 TTY: (952)838-0190 PACER@PACER.ORG
PACER¹s mission is to expand opportunities and enhance the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families, based on the concept of parents helping parents.

PLAN OF SOUTHEASTERN MINNESOTA (Planned Lifetime Assistance Network) plan@arcse-mn.org (507)287-2032 or toll-free 1-888-732-8520
PLAN addresses the question, "Who will watch after my loved one when I am no longer able to do so?"

REGION 10 STAKEHOLDERS BRAIN INJURY WORKGROUP Harry R. Nevling (507)289-8989 hrnevling@hotmail.com
The Stakeholders promote information on disabilities and support through quality of life and legislative issues for those with disabilities.

ROCHESTER AREA BRAIN INJURY COMMUNITY COMMITEE (BICC) Harry R. Nevling (507)289-8989 hrnevling@hotmail.com
Its mission is to coordinate and promote development of community resources for persons with traumatic and other acquired brain injury to enhance quality of life and community involvement.

ROCHESTER FAMILIES.COM Lindy Lange (507)536-4856 lindy@rochesterfamilies.com
Rochester Families.com is a website for families in Rochester, MN. It provides information on family and kid-friendly events, activities, classes, organizations, resources, etc.

RT AUTISM AWARENESS FOUNDATION, INC. Brad Trahan rtautism@yahoo.com

The RT Autism Awareness Foundation, Inc. is an organization devoted to making people aware of autism and the effects it has on the whole family.

SEMCIL (507)285-1815 semcil@semcil.org
The Southeastern Minnesota Center for Independent Living, Inc. is a non-profit organization that assists people with disabilities to become independent and productive community members.

Rochester Special Education Advisory Council’s Parent Guidebook To Special Education Services

SPECIAL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (SPRED) Shirley Russo (507)289-2607 or Sharon Spencer (507)287-6426

SPRED is a non-denominational program for children and adults who are mentally challenged.

STANLEY JONES AND ASSOCIATES INC. THERAPY SERVICES Pat Hanks (507)288-0064 pattihanks@aol.com
Stanley Jones and Associates Therapy Services offers speech/language, occupational and physical therapy services for children and adults.

UNITED WAY April Sutor (507)287-1533 aprils@uwolmsted.org

The United Way works to unite people and resources to improve lives in Olmsted County

ZUMBRO VALLEY MENTAL HEALTH CENTER (507)289-2089
Zumbro Valley Mental Health Center exists to address the mental health and chemical health needs of community members, regardless of their social position or status.

TRANSPORTATION

R & S TRANSPORT INC. (507)289-5080

RST provides transportation for individuals with special needs or disabilities.

ZIPs (507)328-2439, fax (507)328-2401, TDD (507)328-2900
The Zumbro Independent Passenger Services (ZIPS) is a door-to-door transportation system for persons who cannot use Rochester City Lines bus service due to a disability. All ZIPS vehicles are wheelchair accessible.