The Arc Minnesota sponsors programs like last September’s class on voting for members with disabilities and supporters. From left: Marissa Ahlering, Mayor Shelly Carlson, Logan Loerzel, Marisa Bengtson, City Council member Heather Nesemayer, Steve Pasche, Ted Pasche, Katie Cragg, Kellie Rivard, Siham Ahmedy, Addie Loerzel, Kassi Sofferman, Emily Rivard and Mitchel Cragg. (Photo/The Arc MN.)

Marisa
Bengtson-Loerzel
The Arc of MN

Nancy Edmonds Hanson 

Here’s something to make Moorhead proud: This month, the city is hosting its first annual Disability Pride Month, an occasion promoted by the Minnesota Council on Disability.
From one-to-one conversations with elected officials and “Disability Bingo” to a festival staged near the Moorhead Public Library, the Moorhead chapter of The Arc of Minnesota has put together a series of events celebrating the contributions of people with disabilities and drawing attention to the issues that still remain.
“Disability Pride Month has been recognized in the Twin Cities for years,” Marisa Bengtson-Loerzel points out. “We’re so excited this year to have some of the excitement come our way.”
The month’s nationwide designation was spurred by passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990. The landmark legislation recognizes that disability rights are civil rights. From voting to parking, the ADA protects people with disabilities in mwwany areas of public life, including employment, state and local governments, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation and telecommunications. Essentially, it ensures that people with mental or physical disabilities have equal access and opportunities in various aspects of life.
Marisa and her colleague, Katie Cragg, work with the West Central Region of The Arc Minnesota – Marisa as its advocacy and community engagement coordinator, and Katie as coordinator of the Regional Quality Council. They have put together four weekly events, all admission-free and open to the entire FM community.
At 5:30 Thursday, July 10, the group hosts Speed Dating with an Elected Official. Like the rest of the month’s events, it takes place at the Moorhead Public Library.
Collaborating with the League of Women Voters, the disability advocates offer a chance for participants to talk face to face about issues facing those with disabilities. “Instead of sitting and listening to a presentation, it’s a chance to actually discuss needs and challenges with decision makers,” Marisa explains. Among those planning to participate are Mayor Shelly Carlson; Jordan Schroer, a representative of U.S. Sen. Tiny Smith; MAPS school board members Cassidy Bjorklund and Lorilee Bergin; and City Council members Heather Nesemeier and Nicole Matson.
On Thursday, July 17, the public is invited to play an original game and win prizes with Disability History Bingo. The Bingo part is familiar, the disability history focus less so. Marisa has designed the game herself, putting together facts about the challenges and achievements of the estimated 15% of the world’s population whose mental and physical disabilities affect some aspect of their lives. “It will be fun – and we’ll have prizes,” the creator assures prospective players.
One week later, on July 24, the theme is “advocacy through art.” Participants will have opportunities to create art that speaks to their personal stories. “They’ll be able to make something during the class and take it home,” the planner promises. Poster board and markers will be provided.
A community celebration July 31 with games, food and music culminates the local Disability Pride Month. Marisa says, “That’s the event I’m most excited about. We’re looking for a real party vibe. We’ll have a DJ, food, resource tables hosted by service agencies, and Games to Go. Everything will be wheelchair-accessible, of course.”
Participants will be invited to decorate pieces of a giant jigsaw puzzle that will eventually be displayed in the community, while speakers address what the concept of disability pride means to them.
“Everything is free,” Marisa points out, “and it’s all open to anyone in the entire FM community. It’s a chance to celebrate and to look to a bright future. We’re hoping for a real party vibe.”
For more information, contact Marisa at (218) 233-5949.