What can you do to improve the lives of people with disabilities? Join the Collaborative Action Network Developing Opportunities (CAN DO) Initiative that will bring together people with a variety of perspectives to formulate and take action!

The CAN DO Initiative will:

• Focus on the areas that people with disabilities have identified as vitally important: Community membership, Health and safety, Own place to live, Important long term relationships, Control over supports, and Employment earnings (economic stability) - CHOICE!
• Develop a summary of recent recommendations from multiple reports and sources.
• Host eight Regional Action Conferences to bring together people who have the passion and a willingness to take action that improves the lives of Minnesotans with disabilities.
• Encourage the full participation of people with disabilities and those who understand their needs so that nothing happens about them without them.
• Establish and maintain a network of information and collaborative action that results in improved outcomes for people with disabilities.

What do I need to participate?

• A CAN DO spirit!
• The willingness to take meaningful action in collaboration with others!

What three steps can I take now?

1. Register to attend one of the following eight Regional Action Conferences.
2. Prepare for the action conference! Review the summary of key findings of recent reports and studies. This summary is meant to spur thinking about what has been done and what further action is needed. The CAN DO Summary is posted online here. Think about your local needs and priorities. Clarify what you are passionate about and what you are willing to work with others on. Focus on areas that are important to people with disabilities.
3. Share information about the Regional Action Conferences! Spread the Word!

This information is available in other forms to people with disabilities by contacting 651-431-2430 (voice). TDD users can call the Minnesota Relay at 711 or 1-800-627-3529. For the Speech-to-Speech Relay, call 1-877-627-3848.

CAN DO MEETINGS 9:00-3:00

Thief River Falls - Wednesday, October 24
Ralph Engelstad Arena Imperial Room
525 Brooks Ave. N.
Thief River Falls, MN
218-681-2183

Bemidji - Thursday, October 25
Bemidji State University Ballroom
Hobson Memorial Union, Campus Scheduling Office
1500 Birchmont Drive #31
Bemidji, MN 56601
218-755-3757

Fergus Falls - Friday, October 26
Big Wood Event Center Kempfer/Adams
925 Western Ave.
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
218-739-2211

St. Cloud - Thursday, November 1
Best Western Americanna Inn & Conference Center North/South Room
520 South Hwy 10
St. Cloud, MN 56304
320-252-8700

Owatonna - Wednesday, November 14
Owatonna Holiday Inn & Suites Ballroom
2365 NW 43rd St.
Owatonna, MN 55060
507-446-3101

Marshall - Monday, November 19
Southwest State University Student/Conference Center
1501 State Street
Marshall, MN 56258
1-800-642-0684

St. Paul Continuing Education and Conf. Ctr Upper Level- Monday, November 26
1890 Buford Ave.
St. Paul, MN
612-624-3275

Duluth - Thursday, November 29
Holiday Inn & Suites Ballroom
Duluth Downtown Waterfront
200 West 1st Street
Duluth, MN 55802
1-218-727-7492

The Regional Action Conferences are FREE. Morning snack and a light lunch will be provided.

How do I register?
Registration is encouraged and requested for conference registration please log on to: http://survey.dhs.state.mn.us/snap/dsd/can_do_1007/cando1007.htm. You may identify any need for an accommodation as a part of the registration process.

Who should I contact with questions?
If you have questions contact Lois Bossert via e-mail at Lois.Bossert@state.mn.us or call (651) 431-2430.

A special thank you to Minnesota's Pathways to Employment Initiative (the Minnesota State Council on Disability, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Employment and Economic Development) for providing the resources needed for the regional action conferences!

Download the brochure in PDF format to pass along to others.