Southwestern Center for Independent Living

05/11/2026

Pay attention to your body, feelings and spirit.
Recognize and heed early warning signs of stress.
Recognize how your own past experiences affect your way of handling this event and think of how you handled past events. Focus on the ways you handled them well.
Know that feeling stressed, depressed, guilty or angry is common after a traumatic event.
Take time to renew your spirit through meditation, prayer or helping others in need.

05/11/2026

A Message from Theo Braddy: Little by Little

Listen to the audio version of this message: https://bit.ly/3PbMQTh
Hello again. This is Theo W. Braddy, Executive Director of the National Council on Independent Living, bringing you another message. This one I call “Little by little”.
If you know me, you have probably heard me say this more than once, “little by little”.
I say it a lot because I have lived it.
I have lived those moments when life hits you so hard, and you don’t see a way out. When the situation feels too big! Too heavy! Too far gone!
I remember going through my first divorce. I truly believed things would never get better.
But they did. Not all at once. Not overnight, but little by little.
I remember finishing my master’s degree, searching for that first job opportunity, wondering if anyone would ever give me a chance.
And then, they did. Not all at once. Not overnight, but little by little.
That’s how life works.
The hard things don’t fall apart all at once. And the good things? They don’t come all at once either.
They come little by little.
And there’s something else I have learned along the way. Movements work the same way.
They don’t start big. They don’t start with millions. They don’t start with everyone.
They start small. With a few people making a decision.
And then they grow.
That’s how the Independent Living Movement started. That’s how NCIL was built. That’s how we have protected rights for decades.
And that’s exactly where we are right now.
Why am I telling you this? Because this is how I see the Protect IL Campaign.
Funding is uncertain. Decisions are being made that affect real people, real services, real lives.
It may happen little by little. And that’s okay, because that’s how movements grow.
To learn more about the Protect IL Campaign follow this link:

https://ncil.org/news/announcements/join-the-protect-il-campaign/

05/11/2026

Ready to EXITE your summer?
Date: August 3-7
Location: PACER Center

The 23rd annual EXITE (Exploring Interests in Technology and Engineering) Camp is back! We’re calling all Minnesota middle schoolers (girls and gender-expansive youth) with disabilities for a fun-filled week of high-voltage STEM exploration.

Last year, we tackled topics like nuclear fission and dove into the world of coding. This year, campers will experience new and engaging, hands-on magic alongside our partners, volunteers, alumni, and staff.

Safe. Inclusive. Unforgettable. FREE!
Registration ends May 31, 2026.

Follow this link to register:

A trusted source of information, training, and support for families of children with disabilities.

05/08/2026

The 2026 Mental Health Awareness theme is "You matter".
Taking care of your mental health includes things that you may already be doing that benefit your physical health too. The National Institute of Mental Health suggests these things:
1. Get regular exercise.
2. Eat regular, healthy meals and drink enough water.
3. Get enough sleep.
4. Do a relaxing activity you enjoy.
5. Set goals and priorities.
6. Practice gratitude.
7. Focus on positives.
8. Stay connected to other people.

05/08/2026

The Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Network is seeking input from people with disabilities regarding their experiences with access to dental care. The link below will take you to the survey, which aims to gather information that will help with advocacy, policy development, and accessibility improvements in this regard.

Please share with anyone you think might be interested, and thank you again for taking the time to share your experiences!
This survey will remain open through the end of May!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe5ycPR4FQCik_ZNu15WY4ZP2EWZHekA-STv-yE2RTRLISmHg/viewform?usp=header

05/05/2026

Preparing for the future: Measurable postsecondary goals
Measurable postsecondary goals describe what a student plans to do after they exit special education and receive their high school diploma. Check out PACER’s new video in our disability advocacy tips series to learn more about these goals and how to include them in IEP transition planning. It is available in English, Spanish, Somali, Amharic, Arabic, French, Russian, and Vietnamese.

To watch the video follow this link:
English https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiO2gyi1lmc&list=PLMe9zDtTPTVdR4tMwfEtXZ4gYsMItgr0z&index=21
Spanish https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qfPy0oMq_Y&list=PLMe9zDtTPTVehP33SwI-a_TCS6O_VVTtn&index=21
Somali https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCJaN3QUi3w&list=PLMe9zDtTPTVdOWbdW8amDCxVAwq5QqM_G&index=21
Other languages https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMe9zDtTPTVfRqIVcEw60N-PJ9NcDQMKm

Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

05/05/2026

Just a reminder that PACER is a great resource.
Follow this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAhV9to2bVM

05/05/2026

05/01/2026

DID YOU KNOW?
Disney+ has debuted Disney Animation’s Songs in Sign Language, a new collection of animated musical sequences reimagined in American Sign Language (ASL), released on 27 April to mark National Deaf History Month.

The project features three songs from recent Walt Disney Animation Studios films: “The Next Right Thing” from Frozen II, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from Encanto and “Beyond” from Moana 2.

2 likes. "Disney+ debuts animated songs in American Sign Language for Deaf History Month"

05/01/2026

Rock County Spring Dance
Join self-advocates for a spring dance.
Date & Time: Friday, May 8th, 5:00 – 7:30 pm
Location: Big Top Event Center, Luverne
Contact: Colleen Deutsch at [email protected] or 507-227-6163