Disability Advocacy Day at the Capitol is April 29, 2026!

Wednesday, day, April 29
Pre-Rally - 9:00 - 10:15 am, Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda
Rally - 10:30 - 11:30 am, Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda
Meetings with legislators - All day!

Disability Advocacy Day is Wednesday, April 29. The pre-rally includes check-in, poster making, learning more about the MNCCD Policy Agenda, and connecting with fellow Disability Justice advocates. 

Register at https://bit.ly/3DbxcOp.
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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 available. 

For support with other access needs, contact Gene Martinez at [email protected].

Resource Guide


Introduction

Thank you for being part of Disability Advocacy Day at the Capitol.

This is a day to come together, share our experiences, and make sure decision-makers hear directly from people with disabilities.

Our message is simple. Listen to us. Include us. Respect how we communicate and what we know from our lived experiences.

We are here to protect Medicaid and waiver services. These supports are essential. They help people live in their home, work, communicate in their own way, and be part of their community. When these services are at risk, people’s lives are impacted.

We are also lifting up key issues this year, including access to communication through AAC, transportation, affordable housing, service rates, and the right to access services in every community. Disability services deserve to exist everywhere, and funding needs to reflect the real cost of living, including rising housing costs. There is no quick fix or one-size solution. Real investment is needed.
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We believe in program integrity. At the same time, changes should never harm the people these services are meant to support.

This day is also about power. People with disabilities must be part of the conversation. We need leaders and legislators to stop speaking for us and start listening to us.

We are here. We are not going anywhere. Things are hard, and they have been hard, but we are strong together.
As this legislative session comes to a close, it is important to stay involved. Keep sharing your story in the way that works for you. Stay connected. Vote. Get involved in your community. Consider leadership roles, including running for office.

Your perspective matters, and it makes a difference.

If you have not registered, please register here. 

If you have questions about the event, contact Bridget Carter-Bertrand
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-274-2098

Event Information Disability Advocacy Day is a time for people with disabilities, families, and supporters to come together, connect, and advocate for change.

Please join us for the 2026 Disability Advocacy Day at the Capitol on Wednesday, April 29. This is a powerful day where we come together to share our experiences, build community, and push for policies that support people with disabilities across Minnesota.

Register
Registration is open. Please sign up to let us know you are coming:
https://forms.office.com/r/envSR5c9ms

When
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
9:00 to 10:15 am: Pre-Rally
10:30 to 11:30 am: Rally
All day: Meet with legislators

Where
Minnesota State Capitol
  • Rotunda (Rally)
  • First floor hallways (Pre-rally activities)
  • Lower level, Justices’ Dining Room near the Rathskeller Dining Hall (Sensory Friendly Space)
You can search “Minnesota State Capitol” in Google Maps for directions.

Theme
Disability Justice: Safety in Community

Pre-Rally
9:00 to 10:15 am
The pre-rally is a time to check in, get materials, and connect with others. You can make posters, learn more about the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities policy agenda, and spend time with fellow advocates. 
MNCCD is starting the process of refreshing its strategic plan and we want to hear from you! A strategic planning committee has been formed by the MNCCD board and committee members will be at the capitol on April 29th gathering feedback from self-advocates and supporters about MNCCD - what do we do well and where could we improve in the future?
Please stop by the strategic planning committee’s table to share your thoughts and learn about other ways you can contribute to this important process of guiding MNCCD’s future!"

Rally
10:30 to 11:30 am
Location: Capitol Rotunda
Join us as we come together to share experiences, build momentum, and advocate for change.
Meet with Legislators
All day

You are encouraged to meet with your legislators throughout the day. This is your opportunity to share your experiences and help shape policy decisions.

Accessibility and Supports
We are committed to making this event as accessible as possible.
ASL and CART will be provided during the rally.
A sensory friendly space will be available.
Seating will include chairs and a bariatric bench.
There will be designated space for people who use wheelchairs.
A livestream will be available for those who cannot attend in person.

Sensory Friendly Space, 9:30 - 12:00 pm
Location: Justices’ Dining Room, lowest level of the Capitol - off the Rathskeller Dining Hall
There may be several hundred people at the rally, creating very loud noise. A room has been reserved to be a sensory friendly space. The rally will be streamed in this room. The room is reserved until noon.

Post Rally - Day of Event

Meeting with Your Legislators
We encourage everyone to take time during the day to connect with elected officials. It is so important for legislators to hear directly from you about what matters in your life.
Sharing your experiences helps shape decisions. You can communicate in the way that works best for you, whether that is speaking, writing, using AAC, or sharing a story in another way.
It is best to schedule meetings in advance, if possible. Let them know you are a constituent, meaning you live in their district, and share a short personal story about why these issues matter to you.

Scheduling Legislator Meetings
Find out who represents you using the who Represents Me tool

Reach out to your legislators’ offices, both your Representative and your Senator, to schedule a meeting. Let the legislative assistant know that you will be at the Capitol on April 29 for Disability Advocacy Day and would like to meet in person if possible.

If you are not able to schedule an in-person meeting that day, they can help set up a meeting for another time, either virtual or in person.

Find Your Legislators
You can find contact information here: Who Represents Me?
House of Representatives Members

Questions About the Event
If you have questions about the event, contact:
Bridget Carter-Bertrand
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-274-2098

What to Say in Your Meeting
It is normal to feel nervous. You do not need to be an expert. The most important thing you can do is share your experience.
Here is a simple way to structure your meeting:
  1. Introduce yourself
    Share your name and that you live in their district.
  2. Share your experience
    Talk about your life and why disability services matter to you. This could include things like healthcare, housing, transportation, work, or communication.
  3. Make a clear ask
    Share what you want them to support. This could be protecting Medicaid, supporting specific bills, or improving services.
  4. Thank them
    Thank them for their time and for listening.

Helpful Tips
  • Keep it simple and speak from your experience
  • It is okay to take your time
  • You can bring notes or read from a paper or device
  • You can bring a friend, family member, or supporter
  • If you do not know an answer, it is okay to say that

Remember
  • Your experience matters
  • How you communicate is valid
  • You belong in these conversations

Live Stream The rally will be livestreamed from 10:30-11:30am on the MNCCD YouTube page. The link can be found here. 
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 Disability Advocacy Day at the Capitol.  It will be incredibly helpful as we plan and prepare for next year! 

Access Information
ASL and CART will be provided. There will also be chairs, a bariatric bench, designated space for people who use wheelchairs, and sensory friendly space. Do you have other access needs? Please Email Gene Martinez.

More information about accessibility at the Capitol can be found here. 
What can you expect at the Capitol? Check out this presentation put together by the Minnesota Historical Society.

Security at the Capitol
Arrive early! When you enter the Capitol building, you will go through a security screening.
This is similar to airport security, but much quicker and less strict.  Please review what you can expect from security at the capitol.

You will be asked to:
  • Go through a metal detector
  • Place bags and personal items on a table or scanner for screening
Security staff are there to keep everyone safe and can help if you have questions or need support.

Helpful Tips
Give yourself extra time, especially in the morning when it may be busy

Bring only what you need to make the process easier

Let security staff know if you need accommodations or assistance

If you use mobility devices or medical equipment, you can request alternative screening
Important: Some items are not allowed inside the Capitol, such as weapons or certain sharp objects. If you are unsure about an item, it is best to leave it at home.

Public Transit
There are several public transportation options to help you get to the Capitol.

Metro Transit
The Green Line light rail runs through St. Paul and has stops near the Capitol area, including:
  • Capitol/Rice Street Station (closest to the Capitol)
  • Robert Street Station
  • 10th Street Station
From these stations, you can walk to the Capitol.
Metro Transit buses also serve the Capitol area and may be the most direct option depending on where you are coming from.
Light rail trains and city buses are accessible. They include features like ramps, priority seating, and space for mobility devices.
Travel time and walking distance may vary, so plan ahead and choose the option that works best for you.
Visit the Metro Transit website to plan your trip.

Metro Mobility
Metro Mobility drop-off and pick-up locations are available on Cedar Street (east of the Capitol) and on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
The ground floor entrance of the Capitol, located under the front steps, is wheelchair accessible.
The drop-off location is about 400 feet, or approximately three-quarters of a city block, from the accessible 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:  ​
  •  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). 
Visit the Capitol Complex Map Webpage for further details on each location. 

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
There are EV charging stations 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 many buildings and tunnels in the Capitol Complex and they can be difficult to navigate. As you make your way through them do not hesitate to ask others for directions, many of the people you will pass are there regularly and familiar with the complex.

Capitol Complex Building Maps
The following maps will help navigate the Capitol Complex. *Note: The State Office Building is closed due to construction. House of Representative offices are temporarily located in the Centennial Building. The offices are only accessible by appointment. 

Tunnel System
The Capitol Complex tunnel system connects many of the buildings. 
Access is closed to the public in the tunnels connected to the Transportation Building and Veterans Service Building.

Lunch
After the rally, you may choose to grab lunch at one of the on site Cafeterias.

Resources

Telling your story is so important! Below are resources to help you plan for your legislator 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

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

2026 Bill Tracker | Minnesota Council on Disability
The Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) tracks disability-related bills that are introduced during the legislative session. The bill tracker is updated weekly.


Health Safety

Our priority is to maintain a safe environment for visitors, staff, and volunteers. 
If you are feeling sick, have symptoms, or have been in contact with someone who has recently been sick, please stay home.
Thank you for your continued support during this time. 


Event Hosts & Sponsors
Thank you to the following agencies for their financial contribution to Disability Advocacy Day! 
Thank you to the following agencies for co-hosting Disability Advocacy Day!