Useful Links + Information
In this subsection, you will find general, MN specific links to other databases of information which could be helpful to you. There are also specific Duluth-area resources/organizations outlined below!
Embedded Files
state of MN Resources/links
state of MN Resources/links
The mn.gov main disability page holds so, so many resources - medical assistance, waivers, etc. It can be overwhelming though, as it has so much important information about everything you could think of! It's a wonderful rabbit hole of resources, but here are some of the most helpful and used ones, and short blurbs about each! Feel free to explore the entire website yourself as well using the link provided above, or read about the specific commonly used resources below.
Additional Resource (1): TEFRA (Medical Assistance)
TEFRA helps provide medical assistance (MA) to families who earn too much to qualify for MA otherwise. To learn more about if your child may be eligible, read below and click the TEFRA link above to learn more!
Additional Resource (2): SMRT
As outlined in the photo above, the SMRT (State Medical Review Team) determines what one's level-of-care will be based on information provided to them.
With offices located in Hibbing, Walker, Brainerd, Aitkin, and Duluth, Access North serves the entirety of Northeastern Minnesota. Their mission is to assist individuals with disabilities to live independently, pursue meaningful goals, and have the same opportunities & choices as all people. Their core services include:
Advocacy
Independent Living Skills
Transitions (to living independently, aging, into nursing facilities, etc.)
General Information and Referral
Peer Mentoring/Group Support
... and so much more!
Check out their website (linked above) to learn more about all of the services they provide and the scope of their plentiful abilities!
Contact information: 1-800-390-3681
Disability Hub MN holds resources for both families and professionals. It is a free MN statewide resource network that assists people with disabilities/their families to navigate the complicated system, solve problems and plan for their future. Go to the Disability Hub MN website (linked above) to learn more about what they have to offer!
ConnectAbility of MN is a nonprofit organization based in Waite Park, MN - but they provide their services across the entire state of Minnesota! They offer a wide range of resources to support those with disabilities of all ages. They assist with transportation, accessibility home modifications, assistive technology, transitional services, and other services! Visit their website (linked above) to learn more.
Arc MN is a statewide organization which promotes and protects the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For the Duluth area (as well as ???), our Arc is The Arc Northland (see more information on the Arc Northland below)! To learn more about the entire Arc MN and what they provide, click the link in the title above.
Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota (DSAmn)
The DSAmn holds a wide variety of resources to support people with Down syndrome and their families within Minnesota. They have resources for new parents as well as experienced parents, and everyone in between. They are based in St. Paul and also hold a lot of events in that area, as well as plentiful volunteering opportunities for said events! To learn more about the DSAmn, visit the link to their website above.
Duluth DSAmn Representative: Hana Rogers (Email: hanarogers@dsamn.org)
The Autism Society of Minnesota is a nonprofit organization committed to enhancing the lives of individuals and families affected by autism. They advocate for legislation and policies that lead to improved services, increased opportunities, and greater self-determination for people with autism. To learn more about the services they offer and provide, visit their website (linked above)!
Duluth area-specific/local organizations
Duluth area-specific/local organizations
The Arc Northland (an affiliate chapter of the Arc MN) is a non-profit organization located in Duluth, MN that works to protect and promote the rights of those with disabilities and work towards inclusion. The Arc provides many essential programs in the following counties: St. Louis, Carlton, Lake, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Aitkin, and Pine. Their services include PCA Choice, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Housing Services, Adult, Children & Family Services, and many, many others. They also have a number of groups for people with disabilities that meet frequently (People First, and others) and each group focuses on a separate, important thing/skill. You can find their contact info (email and phone number) below, as well as links to their website (linked above) and Instagram and Facebook (click on the icons below). They are an amazing resource for the Duluth area and surrounding communities!!
Email: info@arcnorthland.org Phone: (218) 726-4725
Support groups/networks (For families and siblings!)
Support groups/networks (For families and siblings!)
Bridging to Adulthood Support Group
Joining or attending any type of support group can be very helpful when navigating your journey. Support groups are a place to be amongst others who may be going through similar things, or just to know you're not alone! There are many support groups which vary by area, but one in the Duluth area is Bridging to Adulthood. Bridging to Adulthood meets every Thursday evening from 6-7:30 pm at Do North Pizza Restaurant in Hermantown, MN (5116 Miller Trunk Hwy, Duluth, MN 55811).
Contact Laura Kleffman (email: laura@outlooktherapy.org) with any questions!
Family Voices of Minnesota Support Network
Do you have a child with special healthcare needs or disabilities?
Would you like to talk with another parent who has had similar experiences and can understand?
Do you need more information about resources and services for your child?
Do you want to learn more about being an effective partner in your child's care?
Are you an experienced parent who would like to support and mentor another parent?
Family Voices of Minnesota provides parent to parent support, information, and individual assistance to help.
To get in contact, call or email their parent to parent program: 1-866-334-8444 or visit
SibShops
SibShops is a program for kids who have a sibling with chronic health, mental health or developmental needs/disabilities. They hold free events for children ages 8-13 to help them explore their experience of having a sibling with special needs through fun activities and meeting others who know what it's like.
Northland (Duluth) SibShop information: https://siblingsupport.org/user/jorman/
According to the Northland SibShops website (linked above), SibShop events occur in the Duluth area twice a year and are open to siblings ages 6-13 of those with disabilities. They are sponsored by Essentia Health and Northwestern Mutual. Contact JoHannah Orman (the primary contact) at johannah.orman@essentiahealth.org with any questions!
If you are outside of the Duluth area, click the link below to search for and find a SibShop near you!
https://siblingsupport.org/sibshops/find-a-sibshop-near-you/
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