Disability Services Day - Frequently Asked Questions

We're so excited you're joining us for Disability Services Day at the Capitol! Here's everything you need to know.

What do I need to know about heightened security?

  • All visitors to the capitol must enter through the ground floor. The entrance at the top of the front steps is closed. This means that everyone will be going in the accessible entrance and may be taking the elevators at higher rates. ARRIVE EARLY.
  • Security is similar to a big sporting event or a concert: expect a metal detector and bag check.

Above all: ARRIVE EARLY and expect to wait for security!

Where can I find ARRM's Legislative Agenda and learn more about other policy priorities?

How do I find/check in for my legislative meeting?

For Minnesota Senate Building Meetings: Check in at their desk at the Minnesota Senate Building. You may meet with their legislative assistant. 

For Centennial Office Building Meetings: Check in at the front desk at the Centennial Office building OR head to the cafeteria, depending on your meeting time. 

For Meetings in the Rotunda or Cafeteria Spaces: In the past, members have brought a sign with their legislator's name(s) on it and held them up, similar to what you might see at airport pickup, so that their legislator(s) can find the group. We also recommend looking up a picture of your legislator prior to the meeting so you know exactly who you're looking for.

When you connect with your legislator or their staff: 

  • Introduce yourself and what time you're appointment is
  • Greet the legislator/their staff
  • Thank them for meeting with you
  • Be comfortable, and don't feel like you need to rush. 

What tips do you have about talking to legislators?

  • Remember legislators' time is limited and they review a LOT of bills.
  • Remember that you might be more of an expert on disability services than your legislator--no one is an expert in everything! They may be completely unaware of these issues. Try to help them understand how important this is to their constituents.
  • When talking to your legislators, introduce yourself, share the group/organization you're with, and share where you live in their district. 
  • Ask them for something specific, like: "We are here today to ask you to supporrt HF/SF ____" or "Please reject any additional cuts to disability services." Then explain why your ask is important. 
  • Be sure they understand the "why." Tell your story and how these changes will impact your life, the lives of your family, and/or your organization. 
  • Remember you don't need to be a policy expert! Your story can be much more powerful than the nuts-and-bolts of policy.

Close out the meeting:

  • Provide them with ARRM's legislative agenda and your written story (take time between meetings or while you wati for the rally to write on the detachable postcard in your program!)
  • Don't expect a direct answer or yes/no
  • Expect follow-up questions. It's okay to say "I don't know."
  • Be thankful and respectful. Thank them for their time.
  • Take notes, and follow up with ARRM to let us know what they say!
  • Follow up with the legislator via email to thank them for their time and provide any additional resources or answers to questions you have. 

How does construction impact Day at the Capitol? How do we access the Centennial Office Building?

The Centennial Office Building (COB) is the new House office. You will need to check in when going upstairs, but you can access the cafeteria without checking in. 

Note that the cafeteria will be busy with meetings! Many legislators choose to meet their constituents there.

We recommend walking outside to the door off of Cedar Street to get into the COB. The tunnels generally are not convenient.

There are no meetings held at the State Office Building.

How can I prepare for the rally?

  • Be ready to get loud! If noise is difficult for you, consider bringing noise-cancelling headphones. And if you're concerned about hearing the rally, tune in to our YouTube channel to watch the livestream!
  • Make signs: Express your viewpoint and creativity with a sign for the rally! Just note that signs attached to sticks cannot be brought to the capitol, and nothing can be taped or hung from railings in the upper levels of the Rotunda.
  • Plan your schedule: the Rotunda can get packed, so designate a meeting point after the rally to reconvene with your group in case you get separated. 

Where can I go between my meetings?

  • There are two cafeterias open during the construction at the Capitol. Those details are here.
  • ARRM also has the Christ Lutheran Church sanctuary reserved for groups to use to rest or meet up from 1-3 p.m. Note that we cannot park in the church parking lot. We've been asked to use the rear entrance (located on Park Street between University and Sherburne Avenues) as the front entrance may be locked.

How will I know if my meeting is changed or cancelled?

If you are signed up for a meeting, you will see changes in your event app. You will also be notified by text message and/or email of any changes.

A full, live schedule is also located here. Any day-of changes will be highlighted in yellow.

If you are signed up for a meeting, you will see changes in your event app. You will also be notified by text message and/or email of any changes.

A full, live schedule is also located here. Any day-of changes will be highlighted in yellow.