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Age, disability forum set for Brainerd on June 9
A human rights community forum focusing on age and disability is scheduled for June 9 in Brainerd.
The session, eighth in a series of quarterly forums, is designed by the Department of Human Rights. Titled "The Right Focus on.... Age & Disability," the forum's goal is to highlight rights and obligations under the Minnesota Human Rights Act.
The forum will begin with a welcome address by Jerry Walseth, Brainerd School District superintendent, and Terry Sluss, Crow Wing County commissioner, followed by a panel of experts discussing age and disability issues. Panelists include: Velma Korbel, commissioner Minnesota Department of Human Rights; Russ Philstrom, vice chairman, Minnesota State Council on Disabilities.
Korbel will discuss state human rights laws and issues.
Area presenters include: John Ward, Franklin Junior High School teacher; Wayne VanTassel, managing attorney, Legal Aid Services of Northeastern Minnesota; Amy Roth, Brainerd High School junior; Crystal Stein, executive director, Isle Recreation and Education Center; Marcia Ferris, program manager, Lutheran Social Service Senior Corps.
Using the 2000 Census, the state estimates 15 percent of the state's population -- or 680,000 Minnesotans, including 83,000 children, have disabilities.
More than 1.45 million Minnesotans -- about 28 percent of the state's population -- are older than 50, according to census data.
To help inform the public about the age and disability provisions of the state Human Rights Act, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, the Crow Wing County Human Rights Commission and the Brainerd School District are hosting a community forum. The forum is set from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. June 9 at Franklin Junior High School in Brainerd.
The event is free and open to the public. The panel will take questions from the audience. A sign-language interpreter will be present. Requests for accommodations are needed by Thursday with Denise Romero-Zasada at (651) 297-2824/TTY 651-296-1283 or denise.romero-zasada@state.mn.us.
The Human Rights Commission may be contacted by mail at: 326 Laurel Street, Crow Wing County Courthouse, Brainerd, MN 56401, or leave a message by calling 824-1351.
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