Minnesota Community Education Association

Search

Minnesota Community Education is Here for You!

Adults with Disabilities

Adults with Disabilities programs are designed to serve adults with physical, developmental or cognitive disabilities by encouraging inclusion in the community and providing educational, social and recreational opportunities for participants. Programming can include development of classes and activities specifically for adults with disabilities as well as providing reasonable accommodations for adults with disabilities to participate in any Community Education activity.

By creating inclusive programs for all community members to pursue learning, Community Education fosters relationships, opportunities, and connections. Programming can include development of classes and activities specifically for adults with disabilities as well as providing reasonable accommodations for adults with disabilities to participate in any Community Education activity.

Professional Network

MCEA established the Community Education Network on Disabilities (CEND) which is made up of community educators and adults with disabilities advocates from throughout Minnesota. CEND meets quarterly to network, participate in staff development opportunities, share program ideas, problem-solve and develop legislative action plans. Members work together to strengthen programs, connect adults with disabilities to their community and provide accommodations that will ensure successful learning experiences for all participants.

Here is a listing of CEND member groups and Community Ed. programs for adults with disabilities in MN.

Meet the CEND Leadership Team:

  • Chair – Lindsay Richins
  • Chair Elect – Madeline Dubois-Clinton
  • Treasurer – Laura Campbell
  • Communications – Lindsay Richins

For questions about CEND, contact Lindsay Richins, 2023-2024 Chair at lindsay.richins@minnetonkaschools.org or 952-401-6898.

2023-2024 CEND Committee Meeting Dates

         Meetings – Tuesdays:
         Sept. 24th – 10 am -12 pm-virtual
         Nov.  12th- 10 am -12 pm-virtual
         Feb. 11th- 10 am -12 pm-virtual

CEND Annual Conference:

Friday, May 2, 2025 –   9 am-4pm at Schaar’s Bluff Gathering Center

2025 Registration & Info.  – TBD

District staff to stay connected to:

Special Education staff
Transition program staff for 18-21 year olds

As students with disabilities age out of K-12 programs, the adults with disabilities program offered through Community Education is a natural transition.

Community members to stay connected to:

Group homes and employment centers for people with disabilities can be helpful in promoting upcoming classes and activities. They can be a great resource on what skills, knowledge or experiences adults with disabilities need to live more fulfilling lives.

Laws related to Adults with Disabilities services within Community Education:

  • 124D.56 COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAM REVENUE; ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES
  • 124D.19 COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAMS; ADVISORY COUNCIL.

Fees and funding:

Certain districts have been given the opportunity to receive aid from the State of Minnesota and also to match that aid with a local tax levy. Districts are also allowed to charge fees for classes and activities. Programs strive to keep fees as low as possible in order for activities to be accessible to participants.

 
 

Membership

Become a member to get access to amazing resources and grow your community education program!

Sign up today

Leadership & Governance

MCEA Leadership is focused on leading lifelong learning throughout Minnesota.

Join us

Professional Development

Grow your knowledge, expand your horizons and connect with others through various sessions!

Explore sessions

Contact Us

We want to hear from you! Get in touch to start your journey with MCEA.

Get Started
Scroll to Top