Access Press

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This year, Access Press is publishing each month's Radio Talking Book schedule as a downloadable PDF document. If you would prefer that we return to the text format we used for many years, please let us know by email to [email protected]. Happy listening! Option: download the Radio Talking Book news for October 2026 as a Word .docx file. Enjoy Radio Talking Book Radio Talking Book is not just for listeners with visual disabilities.

A recent court case settled on September 23, 2026, called Texas v. Kennedy, did not get rid of the law that protects community living. But it did erase important federal rules that help people with disabilities stay out of institutions. Here is what happened, why it matters, and what we must do next. What Is the Law and What Just Happened? In 1999, the U.S. Supreme Court made a famous decision called Olmstead.

Meaningful work is a key part of life for many of us living with disabilities. National Disability Employment Awareness Month every October is a way to highlight and honor the contributions of workers with disabilities and promotes inclusive workplaces.

Access Press is excited to announce the appointment of two disability community leaders to its Board of Directors. Their addition brings a wealth of experience, vision, and dedicated advocacy to the organization, and will further our mission to inform, amplify the voices of, and unite Minnesotans with disabilities. Mai Thor Mai Thor joins the board as a prominent disability justice advocate.

Every October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is celebrated across the country. For people with disabilities, employment can be the ticket for independent living, community integration, and economic autonomy. But for years there have been too many barriers. To explore how these barriers have changed over the years and what needs to happen in the future, Access Press met with David Dively, Executive Director of the Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD).

The fourth annual Disability Pride Festival brought people with disabilities, advocates, and community members to the steps of the Minnesota State Capitol to celebrate the disability community and connect. "I think the most amazing part of today is, it doesn't go right; all the things that happen that are unexpected end up being the things that make this the most amazing day, it's the people," Jennifer Walton, executive director, Advocating for Change Together (ACT), said.

According to a new resource brief from the University of Minnesota's Institute on Community Integration (ICI), titled Exploring Transition in Minnesota, Minnesota employers are struggling to find workers to fill many jobs while many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) looking for work remain unemployed. Currently, only 21.5% of Minnesotans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) receiving state services are currently employed.

Trees sway from a calm breeze and ripples move across Lake Harriet on a late summer afternoon. On the water there's a sense of peace. "You can hear the waves, the water, the sound of the water, and then the wind in the sail, it's very peaceful and relaxing," Paul Van Winkel, an adaptive sailor, said. The Lake Harriet Yacht Club's adaptive sailing program gives people with physical disabilities the opportunity to experience the freedom of sailing.

On August 11, a voter with mobility issues went to cast her ballot in Dakota County. After voting, she called the county elections office to explain her experience.