According to the state of Minnesota, an estimated 12 percent of people statewide report having a disability.
It means different things to different people. Disability can mean challenges with hearing, vision, cognition, memory, movement, learning, communication, self-care or independent living.
In celebration of Disability Pride Month in July, MPR News will be spotlighting people with disabilities who are working to make Minnesota a more inclusive and accessible place for everyone. Throughout the month, you can watch and listen as people share their life experiences in hopes of fostering understanding and connection within and beyond our community.
They are featured in “ChangeMakers,” our continuing series showcasing Minnesotans from diverse and often underrepresented backgrounds who are making an impact.
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While we aimed to capture a wide range of people with diverse experiences, we know that disability is complex and this is only one part of our ongoing coverage of a rich community.
MPR News is committed to its mission to inform, engage and inspire all who find our content. Our goal is to strive every day to improve our journalism and service to the public.
We welcomed feedback and suggestions along the way and were careful to use the language preferred by the individuals we interviewed.
Previous ChangeMakers editions have featured leaders from the transgender, non-binary, Black, Indigenous and Asian Pacific Islander communities.
Our first changemaker is Jules Edwards. An Anishinaabe author and disability rights advocate, Edwards learned she had autism after her own children were diagnosed. She aims to educate others and create a better world for future generations.
You can watch the series throughout the month at mprnews.org/changemakers Thank you to the ChangeMakers who shared their stories with us!
If you have any questions or comments, please email us at [email protected].