Disability Advocacy Day is on March 27, 2024!
*We will continue to update this page with information for 2024 Disability Advocacy Day at the Capitol.*
Wednesday, March 27
Pre-Rally - 9:30 - 10:45 am, Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda
Rally - 11:00 - 11:45 am, Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda
Meetings with legislators - All day!
Disability Advocacy Day is Wednesday, March 27. The pre-rally includes check-in, poster making, learning more about the MNCCD Policy Agenda, and connecting with fellow Disability Justice advocates. We encourage everyone to wear purple!
Register at https://bit.ly/3DbxcOp.
We are hosting 2 Advocacy 101 trainings prior to Disability Advocacy Day at the Capitol. You only need to attend one session.
Sunday, March 24 from 11:00am-12:00pm. Register here.
Tuesday, March 26 from 6:00-7:00pm. Register here.
With general event questions, contact Jessica Tabbutt at [email protected].
ASL and CART will be provided. There will be chairs, a bariatric bench, and designated space for people who use wheelchairs. There will be a sensory friendly space in room 317A of the capitol building.
For support with other access needs, contact Gene Martinez at [email protected].
Wednesday, March 27
Pre-Rally - 9:30 - 10:45 am, Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda
Rally - 11:00 - 11:45 am, Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda
Meetings with legislators - All day!
Disability Advocacy Day is Wednesday, March 27. The pre-rally includes check-in, poster making, learning more about the MNCCD Policy Agenda, and connecting with fellow Disability Justice advocates. We encourage everyone to wear purple!
Register at https://bit.ly/3DbxcOp.
We are hosting 2 Advocacy 101 trainings prior to Disability Advocacy Day at the Capitol. You only need to attend one session.
Sunday, March 24 from 11:00am-12:00pm. Register here.
Tuesday, March 26 from 6:00-7:00pm. Register here.
With general event questions, contact Jessica Tabbutt at [email protected].
ASL and CART will be provided. There will be chairs, a bariatric bench, and designated space for people who use wheelchairs. There will be a sensory friendly space in room 317A of the capitol building.
For support with other access needs, contact Gene Martinez at [email protected].
Resource Guide
Introduction
Thank you for registering to attend the 2024 Disability Rally at the Capitol. We are excited to advocate alongside you!
If you have not registered, please register here: https://forms.office.com/r/AS4BZtAubj
This Resource Guide can help make sure that you feel prepared. We want your experience at the Capitol to be as positive and impactful as possible.
Questions about the Rally at the Capitol? Please email Jess Tabbutt, [email protected].
Many thanks in advance for your advocacy on Wednesday. We wish you a great Day at the Capitol!
Event Information
Disability Advocacy Day is a time for people with disabilities and supporters to come together and advocate for policy change. This year, we’re back at the Minnesota State Capitol to advocate for the theme of: Disability Justice. We invite everyone to wear purple on March 27!!
Pre-Advocacy Day Trainings
Sunday, March 24 from 11:00am - 12:00pm - Register Here
Tuesday, March 26 from 6:00pm - 7:00pm - Register Here
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Getting Here
We will start with the pre-rally at 9:30am in the Capitol Rotunda. The rally will take place from 11:00-11:45am in Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda.
Minnesota State Capitol-75 Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
Google Map and directions
Public Transit
There are several public transportation options to consider when planning your trip to the Capitol Complex.
Light Rail
There are three (3) Light Rail stations located in the Capitol Complex including:
Visit the Metro Transit website to plan your visit.
Metro Transit
Several Metro Transit bus stops will drop you off within a block of the Capitol Complex. Visit the Metro Transit website to plan your visit.
Metro Mobility
For people who use Metro Mobility, there are drop off and pick up sites on Cedar Street (east of Capitol) and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
The ground floor entrance (under front steps) is wheelchair accessible. Drop off location is 400 feet, or approximately 3/4 of a city block, from ground floor entrance.
Parking
There are many public parking options throughout the Capital Complex. For a complete list of all the available parking options, visit the Minnesota Department of Administration website.
Disability Parking
Public disability parking is available throughout the Capitol Complex. Be sure to arrive early and give yourself plenty of time to make your way to the Capitol Building.
There are several accessible parking options available including:
Street Parking
There is metered street parking around the Capitol complex. Some metered spots are a distance to travel and you will need to pay close attention to parking restrictions.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station
EV Charging stations are located in Lot C and Ramp F on the 1st Level.
Electric Vehicle owners visiting the Capitol Complex must pay for their parking at the pay station and may plug-in for a maximum of 4 hours.
Capitol Complex Entrances
There are lots of buildings in the Capitol Complex. This section of the Resource Guide can help you find entrances to the different buildings and the tunnels.
Tunnel System
Depending on where you park or which public transportation options you access, consider using the tunnel system to get to the Capitol Building where the event will be held. Portions of the tunnel between the State Office Building and the State Capitol will be closed. You will have to walk outside to get to the Capitol from the State Office Building. Please see the above tunnel system link to see which parts of the tunnel are closed.
Please Note: Certain portions of the Capitol Complex Tunnel network are open only to State employees with proper badge access.
Access is closed to the public in the tunnels connected to the Judicial Center, and in certain stretches between the Transportation Building and Veterans Service Building.
Capitol Complex Building Maps
Here are some maps to help you get around the different buildings in the Capitol Complex:
Schedule
Pre-Advocacy Day Trainings
Sunday, March 24 from 11:00am - 12:00pm - Register Here
Tuesday, March 26 from 6:00pm - 7:00pm - Register Here
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
We will have materials for you to make posters centered around the event theme of “Disability Justice.”
COVID-19 Safety
Our priority is to maintain a safe environment for visitors, staff, and volunteers. Thank you for your continued support during this time.
If you are feeling sick, have flu-like symptoms, or have been in contact with someone who has recently had COVID-19, please stay home.
Masks
Face masks and social distancing are encouraged but not required for all visitors regardless of vaccination status. We will have free masks.
Testing
Guests are encouraged but not required to test for COVID-19 before coming to the Rally. We will have free testing kits.
Access Information
ASL and CART will be provided. There will be chairs, a bariatric bench, and designated space for people who use wheelchairs. There will be a sensory friendly space in room 317A of the capitol building.
Do you have other access needs? Please Email Gene Martinez.
Sensory Friendly Space
There might be several hundred people at the rally. The noise is very loud. This may be challenging for those who are sensitive to stimulation. If you would like, you can take a break in the sensory room in conference room 317B of the Capitol building. That space will be quieter and less crowded. It is reserved for this event until noon.
To get to room 317A and 317B, you will need to take the stairs or elevator to the third floor of the Capitol building. From there, review the State Capitol Building Map to find room 317A and 317B. You might want to print this map for reference, or have it ready on your phone.
After the Rally
After the Rally, you may choose to grab lunch at one of the on site Cafeterias.
Meeting with Legislators
We hope everyone will find time to connect with elected officials during the day. It is so important for your legislator to learn from you about issues that are important in your life!
It is best to schedule meetings in advance, if possible. Let them know that you are a constituent – someone who lives in their district – and share a brief personal story.
What if my legislator is in a committee meeting?
Some legislators will be in committee meetings. You may need to pull them from the committee in order to meet. To do so, there are different options:
What if I am unable to meet with my legislator?If you are unable to schedule a meeting with your legislator(s), you could meet with their Legislative Assistant. They will be happy to tell the legislator about your visit and pass along any materials (personal stories, fact sheets, etc.) that you leave behind.
Resources
Here are some resources that can help you plan for your meeting and develop a personal story.
The Arc Minnesota Advocacy Toolkit
The Arc Minnesota has an Advocacy Toolkit that is full of resources to help you feel informed and empowered to advocate for policy and systems change. Resources available in this toolkit include:
Advocacy Toolkit
Minnesota Governor’s Council Making Your Case Booklet
The Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities has a booklet that can help you take part in the legislative process and positively influence public policy. Topics include:
The Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) tracks disability-related bills that are introduced during the legislative session. Their bill tracker is updated weekly.Visit MCD’s bill tracking page.
After the Event
If you meet with elected officials, consider sending them a “thank you” card and your contact information following the event. This will go a long way in helping them remember you and the issue(s) for which you’re advocating!
Also after the event, you will receive an evaluation. Please take a few minutes to complete it, and share your feedback about Day at the Capitol. It will be incredibly helpful as we plan and prepare for next year!
Event Hosts & Sponsors
Thank you to all of our event co-hosts and sponsors!
Thank you for our event co-sponsors, too! Their financial support made this event possible.
Thank you for registering to attend the 2024 Disability Rally at the Capitol. We are excited to advocate alongside you!
If you have not registered, please register here: https://forms.office.com/r/AS4BZtAubj
This Resource Guide can help make sure that you feel prepared. We want your experience at the Capitol to be as positive and impactful as possible.
Questions about the Rally at the Capitol? Please email Jess Tabbutt, [email protected].
Many thanks in advance for your advocacy on Wednesday. We wish you a great Day at the Capitol!
Event Information
Disability Advocacy Day is a time for people with disabilities and supporters to come together and advocate for policy change. This year, we’re back at the Minnesota State Capitol to advocate for the theme of: Disability Justice. We invite everyone to wear purple on March 27!!
Pre-Advocacy Day Trainings
Sunday, March 24 from 11:00am - 12:00pm - Register Here
Tuesday, March 26 from 6:00pm - 7:00pm - Register Here
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
- 9:30 - 10:45 am: Pre-Rally - Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda
- 11:00 - 11:45 am: Rally - Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda
- All day: Meetings with legislators
Getting Here
We will start with the pre-rally at 9:30am in the Capitol Rotunda. The rally will take place from 11:00-11:45am in Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda.
Minnesota State Capitol-75 Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
Google Map and directions
Public Transit
There are several public transportation options to consider when planning your trip to the Capitol Complex.
Light Rail
There are three (3) Light Rail stations located in the Capitol Complex including:
- the Capitol/Rice Street Station, just west of the State Capitol Building,
- the Robert St Station, and
- the 10th Street Station
Visit the Metro Transit website to plan your visit.
Metro Transit
Several Metro Transit bus stops will drop you off within a block of the Capitol Complex. Visit the Metro Transit website to plan your visit.
Metro Mobility
For people who use Metro Mobility, there are drop off and pick up sites on Cedar Street (east of Capitol) and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
The ground floor entrance (under front steps) is wheelchair accessible. Drop off location is 400 feet, or approximately 3/4 of a city block, from ground floor entrance.
Parking
There are many public parking options throughout the Capital Complex. For a complete list of all the available parking options, visit the Minnesota Department of Administration website.
Disability Parking
Public disability parking is available throughout the Capitol Complex. Be sure to arrive early and give yourself plenty of time to make your way to the Capitol Building.
There are several accessible parking options available including:
- 8 free public accessible parking spaces in Lot AA, located on Rice Street, two blocks west of the Capitol building (not pictured on map).
- 10 free public accessible parking spaces on the first level of Ramp F, located on Freeman Avenue and Rice Street – adjacent to the Department of Transportation building.
- 20 free public accessible spaces in the Minnesota Senate Building ramp, accessible from Capitol Blvd, off of Sherburne Ave-Public Disability Parking only (no access from University Avenue).
Street Parking
There is metered street parking around the Capitol complex. Some metered spots are a distance to travel and you will need to pay close attention to parking restrictions.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station
EV Charging stations are located in Lot C and Ramp F on the 1st Level.
Electric Vehicle owners visiting the Capitol Complex must pay for their parking at the pay station and may plug-in for a maximum of 4 hours.
Capitol Complex Entrances
There are lots of buildings in the Capitol Complex. This section of the Resource Guide can help you find entrances to the different buildings and the tunnels.
Tunnel System
Depending on where you park or which public transportation options you access, consider using the tunnel system to get to the Capitol Building where the event will be held. Portions of the tunnel between the State Office Building and the State Capitol will be closed. You will have to walk outside to get to the Capitol from the State Office Building. Please see the above tunnel system link to see which parts of the tunnel are closed.
Please Note: Certain portions of the Capitol Complex Tunnel network are open only to State employees with proper badge access.
Access is closed to the public in the tunnels connected to the Judicial Center, and in certain stretches between the Transportation Building and Veterans Service Building.
Capitol Complex Building Maps
Here are some maps to help you get around the different buildings in the Capitol Complex:
Schedule
Pre-Advocacy Day Trainings
Sunday, March 24 from 11:00am - 12:00pm - Register Here
Tuesday, March 26 from 6:00pm - 7:00pm - Register Here
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
- 9:30 - 10:45 am: Pre-Rally - Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda
- 11:00 - 11:45 am: Rally - Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda
- All day: Meetings with legislators
We will have materials for you to make posters centered around the event theme of “Disability Justice.”
COVID-19 Safety
Our priority is to maintain a safe environment for visitors, staff, and volunteers. Thank you for your continued support during this time.
If you are feeling sick, have flu-like symptoms, or have been in contact with someone who has recently had COVID-19, please stay home.
Masks
Face masks and social distancing are encouraged but not required for all visitors regardless of vaccination status. We will have free masks.
Testing
Guests are encouraged but not required to test for COVID-19 before coming to the Rally. We will have free testing kits.
Access Information
ASL and CART will be provided. There will be chairs, a bariatric bench, and designated space for people who use wheelchairs. There will be a sensory friendly space in room 317A of the capitol building.
Do you have other access needs? Please Email Gene Martinez.
Sensory Friendly Space
There might be several hundred people at the rally. The noise is very loud. This may be challenging for those who are sensitive to stimulation. If you would like, you can take a break in the sensory room in conference room 317B of the Capitol building. That space will be quieter and less crowded. It is reserved for this event until noon.
To get to room 317A and 317B, you will need to take the stairs or elevator to the third floor of the Capitol building. From there, review the State Capitol Building Map to find room 317A and 317B. You might want to print this map for reference, or have it ready on your phone.
After the Rally
After the Rally, you may choose to grab lunch at one of the on site Cafeterias.
Meeting with Legislators
We hope everyone will find time to connect with elected officials during the day. It is so important for your legislator to learn from you about issues that are important in your life!
It is best to schedule meetings in advance, if possible. Let them know that you are a constituent – someone who lives in their district – and share a brief personal story.
What if my legislator is in a committee meeting?
Some legislators will be in committee meetings. You may need to pull them from the committee in order to meet. To do so, there are different options:
- Meet the elected official’s Legislative Assistant at their office. Ask for their support in pulling the legislator from their committee hearing.
- Go directly to the hearing room and identify the committee attendant stationed near the door. Let them know that you have a scheduled meeting with the elected official. They will help pull your legislator from the hearing on your behalf.
What if I am unable to meet with my legislator?If you are unable to schedule a meeting with your legislator(s), you could meet with their Legislative Assistant. They will be happy to tell the legislator about your visit and pass along any materials (personal stories, fact sheets, etc.) that you leave behind.
Resources
Here are some resources that can help you plan for your meeting and develop a personal story.
The Arc Minnesota Advocacy Toolkit
The Arc Minnesota has an Advocacy Toolkit that is full of resources to help you feel informed and empowered to advocate for policy and systems change. Resources available in this toolkit include:
- finding your elected officials
- meeting with elected officials
- writing letters or emails to elected officials
- sharing your story
Advocacy Toolkit
Minnesota Governor’s Council Making Your Case Booklet
The Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities has a booklet that can help you take part in the legislative process and positively influence public policy. Topics include:
- communicating with legislators and public officials
- roles and responsibilities of legislative staff
- approaches for “making your case”
- items specific to the Minnesota legislative process
- glossary of terms
The Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) tracks disability-related bills that are introduced during the legislative session. Their bill tracker is updated weekly.Visit MCD’s bill tracking page.
After the Event
If you meet with elected officials, consider sending them a “thank you” card and your contact information following the event. This will go a long way in helping them remember you and the issue(s) for which you’re advocating!
Also after the event, you will receive an evaluation. Please take a few minutes to complete it, and share your feedback about Day at the Capitol. It will be incredibly helpful as we plan and prepare for next year!
Event Hosts & Sponsors
Thank you to all of our event co-hosts and sponsors!
- The Arc Minnesota
- The Arc Northland
- Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM)
- Cow Tipping Press
- Family Voices of Minnesota
- Gillette Children’s
- Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
- Minnesota Autistic Alliance
- Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities
- Minnesota Council on Disability
- Minnesota Disability Law Center
- Multicultural Autism Action Network (MAAN)
- National Parents Union
- Uplift MN
Thank you for our event co-sponsors, too! Their financial support made this event possible.
ABOUTThe Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNCCD) is a broad based coalition of advocacy and provider organizations working to change public policy to improve the lives of people with disabilities through building awareness, providing education, and engaging the community.
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