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You are here: Home / Archives for David Shaw

David Shaw

Jesse Bethke Gomez: Reshaping the Caregiving Ecosystem

"From transforming the direct care workforce to elevating the role of caregivers in policy and practice, Jesse’s work redefines how we approach care."

We are excited that the latest cover story of Healthcare Eureka features MCIL Executive Director Jesse Bethke Gomez!

Read Jesse Bethke Gomez: Reshaping the Caregiving Ecosystem on the Healthcare Eureka website.

Read the latest digital issue of Healthcare Eureka, which includes this article.

Jesse Bethke Gomez: Crafting a Legacy of Dignity in Direct Care

"Our vision for the future isn’t just about expanding our physical space—it’s about creating a heartfelt invitation of welcome, belonging where individuals with disabilities can thrive, connect, and lead." – Jesse Bethke Gomez, Executive Director, Metropolitan Center for Independent Living

The latest cover story of World Care Magazine discusses MCIL under Jesse's leadership, and our important work to address the nationwide direct care workforce shortage crisis.

Read Jesse Bethke Gomez: Crafting a Legacy of Dignity in Direct Care on the World Care Magazine website.

2025 National ADA Symposium

The Great Lakes ADA Center in collaboration with the ADA National Network are excited to announce the 2025 National ADA Symposium. The symposium will be taking place virtually May 5-7, 2025 and in-person June 15-18, 2025.

This year’s In-Person National ADA Symposium will be held in Atlanta, Georgia. The event will offer over 80 sessions on a wide range of topics presented by nationally recognized experts on the ADA and disability issues, including our own Great Lakes ADA Center staff! Visit the in-person National ADA Symposium website to view the event agenda. The in-person Symposium registration deadline is May 16th or when the event is sold-out, whichever comes first.

The Virtual National ADA Symposium will be May 5-7, 2025 and will feature 36 sessions covering all areas of the Americans with Disabilities Act presented by nationally recognized experts on ADA issues. The virtual Symposium registration deadline is close of business on April 11th.

The Center will continue its history of supporting participation and attendance from across their six-state region by providing a limited number of stipends to cover the registration fee for attending either the virtual or in-person Symposium.

Registration Stipend Application and Deadlines

Applications will only be accepted from individuals who work and/or reside in the Great Lakes Region (IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, and WI).

Applications will be accepted through March 21, 2025. Notification to recipients will be made by email the week of April 3, 2025 to allow selected individuals to meet the virtual Symposium registration deadline of April 11, 2025.

This stipend is only valid for the registration fee to attend the 2025 National ADA Symposium and does not cover any pre-conference events. Individuals are responsible for their travel and personal costs associated with participation in either the in-person or virtual event as well as any pre-conference events they would like to attend.

Applications for the ADA Symposium Stipend

Contact Great Lakes ADA Center regarding the stipend program at 800-949-4232 (V/TTY) between the hours of 8:00 am – 4:30 pm Central Time.

$14 million bill aims to invest in consumer-led independent living centers

"A bill laid over by the House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee Tuesday would provide $14 million in the 2026-27 biennium from the General Fund for a centers of independent living grant program.

The total matches current biennial funding, which was increased by $8 million over base in 2023.

The money would go to eight centers around Minnesota which are among the few statutory nonprofits in the state. They serve thousands of Minnesotans of all ages and disabilities and assist with a range of activities such as managing finances, choosing a career path and getting a driver's permit."

Read more on the Minnesota House of Representatives website.

Managing Chronic Disease Webinar on March 6

Physical Activity and Health Promotion Programs for Managing or Preventing Chronic Disease

Join the Minnesota Department of Health and the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living to learn about evidence-based health promotion and education programs that can help people increase physical activity, manage their chronic condition, socialize with others, and set healthy habits. Programs are offered throughout Minnesota online and in-person and can be adapted for people with disabilities. Community-based organizations can also start programs within their own operations to serve their staff or clients.

This free Microsoft Teams Webinar will take place on Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 10:00-11:00am.

Register online today! For more information, please contact kellyk@mcil-mn.org.

Managing Chronic Disease Webinar Flyer (PDF)

Ed Roberts Day Proclamation

Governor Tim Walz has proclaimed Thursday, January 23, 2025, as Ed Roberts Day in Minnesota. The full text of the proclamation can be found below.

State of Minnesota Proclamation

WHEREAS: Ed Roberts is often referred to as the Father of Independent Living; and

WHEREAS: The impact Ed Roberts has made through his hard work and dedication continues to influence the lives of people with disabilities every day; and

WHEREAS: Ed Roberts was deeply dedicated to fulfilling the Independent Living Philosophy, where people with disabilities have increased options to choose where they live, learn, work, and play; and

WHEREAS: The Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Council and the eight Minnesota Centers for Independent Living seek to fully realize the vision of Ed Roberts for all people with disabilities in Minnesota to receive civil rights and achieve independent living; and

WHEREAS: Minnesota recognizes and celebrates the significant contributions of Ed Roberts and the importance of independent living philosophy and services, by which people with disabilities are as independent as they choose to be.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM WALZ, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim Thursday, January 23, 2025, as:

ED ROBERTS DAY in the State of Minnesota.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Minnesota to be affixed at the State Capitol this 22nd day of January.

Tim Walz
GOVERNOR

Steve Simon
SECRETARY OF STATE

Comprehensive Benefits Planning Program by MCIL, receives accreditation from venerated Commission of Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities

Program administered by MCIL offers crucial supportive services for members of the disability community
considering employment options

ST. PAUL, MINN (November 25, 2024): The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) is pleased to announce its Independent Living and Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IL/VR) Comprehensive Benefits Planning service, contracted by the Vocational Rehabilitation Services of Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, has received a three-year renewal of accreditation from the Commission of Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). An independent, nonprofit health and human services accreditor, CARF International, supports service providers in demonstrating their value through the quality of their services and meeting internationally recognized program and agency standards. Achieving accreditation shows the provider is committed to delivering the highest level of safe, effective services, ongoing performance improvement, and clientele satisfaction.

MCIL is contracted by Vocational Rehabilitation Services of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development to provide independent living services, including comprehensive benefits planning to VRS job-seeking clients. IL/VR Benefits Planning Specialists work closely with job seekers and their VRS job counselor, weighing outcomes and identifying an impact threshold that gaining employment may have on current or future benefits to which the job seeker is entitled. As part of the program, individuals in this program must be enrolled in Minnesota Vocational Rehabilitation Services and referred by their job counselor. This past year, MCIL’s IL/VR team assisted more than 400 individuals in pursuing their independent living goals.

“MCIL is driven to remove barriers in helping members of the disability community live their most independent lives,” said MCIL Executive Director Jesse Bethke Gomez, MMA. “The Comprehensive Benefits Planning program is vital to our mission in advancing independent living for all who pursue employment.”  Bethke Gomez continued, “CARF engages in a rigorous certification process for both the program pursuing accreditation and for an agency overall. It is the gold standard for an agency to meet their standard of excellence. Recipients of CARF-accredited services can be assured of exceptional value. We are highly gratified that our staff and work have been recognized in this way, and we look forward to continuing to provide exceptional support to those we serve.”

“The CARF accreditation is further testament to the importance of MCIL’s Comprehensive Benefits Program,” said Minnesota Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) Director Dee Torgerson. “Their work with VRS clients is a superb asset as job seekers gain helpful insight and support to determine the best path toward their independent living goals. We welcome a continued partnership with MCIL’s team of IL/VR Benefits Planning Specialists in the years ahead.”

About MCIL: The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) is a Twin Cities-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) person-centered organization founded in 1981. The mission of MCIL is " To Advance the Independent Living of People with Disabilities by Removing Barriers and Promoting Choices." The agency is dedicated to the full realization of the Independent Living (IL) philosophy in society by assisting individuals with disabilities in their pursuit of independent living. MCIL is one of eight Centers for Independent Living in Minnesota and is a member of the Minnesota Association of Centers for Independent Living. Visit MCIL-MN.org

Mock Election Day for People with Disabilities – October 30

The following information is being shared on behalf of InControl. For questions or accommodations requests, email Kelsey Joson at kelsey.joson@incontrolmn.com.

We’re thrilled to announce our last event this election season that you won’t want to miss! On Wednesday, October 30, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, we’re partnering with the Hennepin County Elections Office to host a Mock Election Day at Southdale Library in Edina. This event is specifically designed for people with disabilities to experience the voting process firsthand before Election Day!

Why is this event important?

This non-partisan event provides an amazing opportunity for individuals with disabilities to practice using accessible voting machines, understand their rights, and feel fully prepared to cast their vote on Election Day. Voting is a right, and we want everyone to feel confident and empowered when they head to the polls!

Here’s what you need to know

  • When: Wednesday, October 30, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Where: Adams Hill Conference Room, Southdale Library
    (7001 York Ave S, Edina, MN 55435)

We’d love for you to join us and help spread the word! This is a fantastic opportunity to share with your community and ensure everyone feels empowered and confident to vote.

Thank you so much for your support, and I hope to see you there!

Best regards,
Kelsey Joson
Founder, InControl

Event Flyer (PDF)

“Culture of Care” central to PCA College Service Corps in addressing direct care crisis

Innovative program offers college students career development, a chance to make meaningful connections, and play a vital role in meeting critical community needs

ST. PAUL. MN (Oct. 7, 2024) — As Minnesota and states nationwide face an urgent direct care crisis with a growing Personal Care Assistants (PCA) job gap to meet the needs of people who rely on PCAs for daily living, a new program holds promise in bringing together higher education and the disabilities communities in advancing a culture of care for profound, long-lasting solutions. The PCA College Service Corps offers a path for college students to strengthen their professional credentials, develop personal bonds with members of the disability community, earn a livable wage, and receive a (taxable) bonus incentive award, all while playing a pivotal role in addressing the critical need for direct care providers in our communities.

The PCA College Service Corps, facilitated by the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL), is open to students 18 or older currently enrolled in post-secondary education in Minnesota. Students can commit to ten-, twenty-, or thirty-week options, spending an average of 10 hours per week working as a Personal Care Assistant. Upon approval of their application, students are matched with Participants who are part of the Minnesota PCA program, are assessed at 10 or more hours of PCA assistance per day, direct their own care and are accepted also into the PCA College Service Corps program. Once a match is made, the student is introduced to the Participant’s PCA provider and is hired directly by their agency. Training, guidance, and mentoring are provided. In addition to their competitive hourly wage, students can earn between $1,500 and $4,500 as a (taxable) incentive bonus award, depending on their level of program participation. The program is funded by the State of Minnesota and the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation Fund of the Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation.

“We are extremely pleased with the initial implementation of the PCA College Service Corps and thrilled to learn of several post-secondary institutions who are assessing how to offer college credits for the experiential learning offered to their students who seek to participate in the College Service Corps program,” said MCIL Executive Director Jesse Bethke Gomez, MMA. “This groundbreaking program provides a sustainable, scalable solution to address the dire need for direct care services, not only in Minnesota, but it can be replicated across the country.” Bethke Gomez continued, “The PCA CSC offers students flexible work hours, training and valued experiential learning, camaraderie with fellow program participants, and the chance to forge deep personal relationships with those they serve. We are moved by the students who are heeding the call to embrace a ‘culture of care,’ a shared commitment to the common good, and the chance to make a difference in others’ lives and our community. We are deeply grateful to the colleges and universities for taking a leadership role in advancing a ‘culture of care’ and promoting this program on their campuses in support of people with disabilities who rely upon PCAs.”

“Disability offices and campus partners can promote the availability of the PCA College Service Corps to students with disabilities and to students who wish to serve as PCAs,” said Enjie Hall, University of Minnesota Director, Disability Resource Center Twin Cities and ADA Coordinator, Office for Equity and Diversity. “The program directly addresses the need for personal care support, which will benefit students at the U of M or other institutions who rely on PCA services to participate in campus life more fully. Students who serve as PCAs gain knowledge and valuable experience in implementing accessible and equitable care solutions that support independence. It offers students at U of M and other educational institutions a chance to gain meaningful, paid experience that not only helps them develop professionally but also reinforces values of inclusion and community engagement.”

Participants who receive PCA College Service Corp services can attest to the importance of this program and its impact. Sam D., a recipient of PCA services, shared, “Besides helping me meet my basic needs, they also play an integral part in my life by assisting me to be able to live an active, healthy, fulfilling life, regardless of my disability. Without the assistance of a PCA, I wouldn’t be able to work, get to my medical appointments, and continue to live in the community instead of a facility or group home.” Sam added, “Due to the crisis in finding and retaining PCAs, people in the disability community have been forced to move into group homes and long-term care facilities. Even worse than being forced to live in a different setting, there have been several cases of individuals passing away due to the inability to find caregivers or from lack of caregiver support, leading to additional health complications.  This is a civil rights issue, as all individuals should be allowed to live in the setting of their choice, but to do so, those in the disability community need the opportunity to receive consistent support from caregivers. The critical staffing shortage in caregivers continues to grow, and unless innovative solutions like the PCA College Service Corps are explored, the trend will continue.”

Applications are now being accepted for the PCA College Service Corps. Students interested in submitting an application or learning more about this important program will find more information on the MCIL website.

This work was supported by the Department of Human Services – Disability Services Division.

Metropolitan Center for Independent Living Remembers Disability Champion Margot Imdieke Cross

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA, July 26, 2024 — In recognizing the recent passing of disability champion Margot Imdieke Cross, the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) wishes to acknowledge her profound impact on Minnesota’s disability community and well beyond. Margot’s lifetime of work in pursuit of accessibility, equity, and empowerment is unmatched, and she will be deeply missed.

“As a member of MCIL’s Board of Directors, Margot brought unending energy and a deep commitment to the independent living movement,” said MCIL Executive Director Jesse Bethke Gomez, MMA. “We were honored that she chose to bring her expertise, insight, and candid clarity to our organization in support of the Centers for Independent Living and our ongoing mission to ensure individuals can pursue self-directed paths and live their most independent lives. We are ever grateful for her contributions and leadership.”

Margot led a remarkable life and career. She attended the historic signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, was undaunted and undeterred, broke down barriers, and challenged the status quo. She gained immense respect and admiration for her expertise in building accessibility standards and civil rights advocacy. With unrelenting determination, persuasion, wit, and wisdom, she fought for what was right on behalf of the community and created meaningful change. Margot worked with the Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) for over 35 years. As an Accessibility Specialist, she played an integral role in passing a range of legislation, authored expert opinions, conducted countless presentations, and took tremendous pride in her interaction with community members as she found solutions to their accessibility concerns. Her unwavering commitment to advancing accessibility impacted thousands of people across our state.

“Our hearts are heavy,” said Beth Fondell, MCIL Board of Directors Chair. “The loss of Margot leaves an irreplaceable hole in our community. We are now charged with ensuring her life’s work and legacy continue. We are dedicated to honoring Margot's passion and commitment as we continue to strive toward a world that is equitable and accessible for all.”

Read MCD’s tribute to Margot, posted on their website.

Read Margot's obituary on the Epilogg website.

A Celebration of Life is planned for 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 7, at Banquets of Minnesota at 6310 Highway 65 NE, Fridley, MN.

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