Minnesota: Help For Disabled People

Minnesota is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities through a comprehensive network of services and resources designed to promote independence, inclusion, and accessibility. The state recognizes the importance of these services in enhancing the quality of life for those with disabilities, ensuring that they have the necessary support to live fully within their communities.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2025, 1,095,390 adults in Minnesota have a disability. This is equal to 25% or 1 in 4 adults in Minnesota. This significant portion of the population underscores the need for robust and accessible services that cater to a wide range of needs, from mobility and cognitive support to assistance with daily living activities.

Minnesota’s approach to disability services is multifaceted, including healthcare, employment support, and community integration programs. These services are not only essential for the well-being of individuals with disabilities but also for fostering a more inclusive society where everyone can contribute to and participate in community life.

Below, you will find a detailed overview of various disability agencies and service organizations in Minnesota, which play a crucial role in delivering these essential services. These organizations are instrumental in providing the resources and support necessary to ensure that all Minnesotans, regardless of ability, have the opportunity to thrive.


Minnesota Disability Employment Services

Disability Employment Services in Minnesota offer crucial support to individuals with disabilities, helping them secure, maintain, and advance in their careers. These services encompass a range of offerings, including job training, career development, and workplace accommodations.

Disability Hub MN provides a statewide resource network that assists people with disabilities in navigating employment options, understanding benefits, and planning for their future careers.

Lifeworks supports over 700 people with disabilities annually by offering tailored employment services, including job exploration, skill development, and ongoing job support.

EMERGE Minnesota focuses on providing inclusive and supportive employment services, helping individuals overcome employment barriers and achieve financial stability through tailored job placements and career development resources.

Minnesota Unemployment Insurance, administered by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), offers employment services and support to individuals with disabilities, helping them secure jobs and navigate unemployment benefits effectively.


Minnesota Independent Living Services

Independent Living Services in Minnesota offer crucial support to individuals with disabilities, enabling them to live independently and fully participate in their communities. These services provide resources such as personal assistance, advocacy, and skills training to help individuals manage daily activities and achieve their personal goals.

Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) offers a wide range of services including independent living skills training, home modifications, and personal assistance to help individuals live independently in their own homes.

Minnesota Association of Centers for Independent Living (MACIL) represents a network of eight Centers for Independent Living across Minnesota, providing comprehensive support services including peer counseling, advocacy, and independent living skills training.

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota provides Independent Living Skills programs that equip youth with essential life skills such as budgeting, cooking, and job readiness, helping them transition to independent adulthood.

Southeastern Minnesota Center for Independent Living (SEMCIL) in Rochester provides services such as assistive technology, housing assistance, and personal care to promote independent living.

SMILES Center for Independent Living in Mankato offers services including advocacy, independent living skills training, and support for community integration.

Southwestern Center for Independent Living (SWCIL) in Marshall provides services that help individuals with disabilities achieve and maintain independent living, including home modifications and assistive technology.

Independent Lifestyles in Sauk Rapids offers independent living services tailored to individual needs, including housing support, advocacy, and peer mentoring.

Freedom Resource Center for Independent Living serves the Fargo/Moorhead area, offering services like independent living skills training, peer support, and advocacy to help people with disabilities live independently.

Options Interstate Resource Center for Independent Living in East Grand Forks provides services including independent living skills training, advocacy, and assistive technology to support individuals in achieving their independent living goals.

Minnesota Medicaid (Medical Assistance) provides a range of home and community-based services, including personal care assistance and home modifications, to help seniors and individuals with disabilities live independently in their own homes.


Minnesota Rehabilitation Services

Rehabilitation Services in Minnesota provide essential support for individuals recovering from injuries, surgeries, or living with disabilities, helping them regain independence and improve their quality of life. These services encompass physical, occupational, and speech therapy, along with specialized programs tailored to individual needs.

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute offers comprehensive rehabilitation services, including inpatient and outpatient care, across various locations in Minnesota, helping individuals achieve their highest level of independence and health.

Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation provides a range of rehabilitation programs focused on substance abuse recovery, combining evidence-based treatments with compassionate care in a serene environment.

NUWAY Alliance specializes in providing outpatient and residential rehabilitation services for substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders, emphasizing individualized care and recovery support.

Project Turnabout in Marshall offers inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services for individuals dealing with addiction, focusing on long-term recovery and support.

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) helps people with disabilities find and keep employment, offering a wide range of services from vocational counseling to job placement and support.

State Services for the Blind (SSB) provides specialized rehabilitation services for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, including training in adaptive skills and technology.

Center for Alcohol and Drug Treatment in Duluth offers a variety of inpatient and outpatient treatment programs tailored to individuals struggling with addiction, focusing on personalized care and community support.

Recovering Hope Treatment Center in Mora offers family-focused rehabilitation services, including residential treatment for mothers and their children, emphasizing a supportive environment for recovery.

The Arc Minnesota provides guidance and support through vocational rehabilitation services, helping individuals with disabilities access the resources they need to secure meaningful employment.

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) oversees a variety of programs aimed at assisting individuals with disabilities, including vocational rehabilitation and job training services tailored to enhance employment outcomes.


Minnesota Assistive Technology Services

Assistive Technology Services in Minnesota are vital resources that help individuals with disabilities enhance their independence and participation in daily activities through the use of various tools and devices. These services include everything from basic assistive devices to advanced technology solutions tailored to individual needs.

Disability Hub MN offers comprehensive resources and guidance on assistive technology, helping individuals find and utilize devices that support independent living, communication, and daily tasks.

Minnesota STAR Program provides device demonstrations, equipment loans, and training to help Minnesotans with disabilities access the assistive technology they need for work, home, and community involvement.

Technology for HOME assists individuals with disabilities in selecting and using assistive technology in their homes to improve safety, independence, and quality of life.

MN Network and Education for Assistive Technology (MN-NEAT) focuses on educating professionals and individuals about assistive technology, offering resources and training to enhance the use and implementation of these tools.

Reading Rockets provides information and resources on assistive technology specifically designed to support children with learning disabilities in educational settings.

The ALS Association Minnesota/North Dakota/South Dakota Chapter offers a range of assistive technology solutions to help individuals living with ALS maintain mobility, communication, and independence as the disease progresses.

ECTA Center supports the inclusion of infants and young children with disabilities by providing assistive technology that aids their participation in natural learning environments, such as home and school.

PACER Center offers a variety of assistive technology services for children with disabilities, including device lending libraries and workshops to help families understand and use these tools effectively.

Minnesota Relay provides communication assistance through devices that enable individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities to use the telephone.

Great Lakes ADA Center offers resources and support on assistive technology related to accessibility and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, ensuring that individuals can fully participate in community and workplace settings.


Minnesota Disability Financial Assistance Services

The Social Security Administration offers comprehensive information on disability benefits, including how to apply, eligibility requirements, and the types of benefits available. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides financial assistance to individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled and have limited income and resources. Use the Social Security Field Office locator to find a location near you or call toll-free: 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday. If you’re deaf or hard of hearing and use TTY equipment, you can call their TTY number at 1-800-325-0778.

Minnesota’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) evaluates medical eligibility for disability benefits under Social Security and provides crucial services in determining qualification. You can reach them at 1-800-622-8794.

Disability Financial Assistance Services in Minnesota provide essential support to individuals with disabilities, helping them manage living expenses, medical costs, and other financial challenges. These services offer a variety of programs and resources aimed at improving financial stability and independence.

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry’s Workers’ Compensation Division administers the state’s workers’ compensation laws, providing financial assistance and medical benefits to workers who are injured on the job. Contact them at 1-800-342-5354.

Minnesota Community Action Partnership (MinnCAP) supports individuals and families across all 87 counties with services that include financial assistance, housing support, and job training to help alleviate poverty and promote economic self-sufficiency.

MNsure offers assistance with health insurance enrollment, including financial aid for those who qualify, to help cover medical costs through Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare.

NAMI Minnesota provides resources and support for individuals with mental health conditions, including guidance on disability income and benefits.

The Arc Minnesota helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities navigate financial assistance programs and manage their benefits effectively.

Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) provides temporary financial support and employment services to low-income families, including those with disabilities, to help them achieve self-sufficiency.

Bridging the Gap offers financial assistance to individuals with disabilities for home modifications and assistive technology that enable independent living.

Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) provides financial assistance, housing, and employment services to veterans with disabilities, helping them stabilize their lives and achieve long-term success.

Minnesota Disability Law Center offers free legal assistance to individuals with disabilities, helping them access public benefits and navigate the complexities of disability law.

Minnesota Housing Finance Agency offers financial assistance for home modifications and accessibility improvements, helping individuals with disabilities maintain independence in their homes.

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota provides financial counseling, debt management, and other financial assistance services to individuals with disabilities, helping them achieve greater financial stability.

Minnesota’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) evaluates medical eligibility for disability benefits under Social Security and provides crucial services in determining qualification. You can reach them at 1-800-622-8794.

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry’s Workers’ Compensation Division administers the state’s workers’ compensation laws, providing financial assistance and medical benefits to workers who are injured on the job. Contact them at 1-800-342-5354.


Minnesota Disability Transportation Services

Disability Transportation Services in Minnesota offer essential support to individuals with disabilities, ensuring they can access healthcare, employment, and other critical services. These services range from paratransit options to specialized transportation programs designed to meet the unique needs of those with mobility challenges.

Metro Mobility provides door-to-door transit services for people with disabilities within the Twin Cities area, offering reliable transportation for medical appointments, work, and social activities.

Disability Hub MN offers resources and information on accessible transportation options, helping individuals find and utilize services that fit their mobility needs.

DAV Minnesota Transportation Program offers free transportation services to veterans with disabilities, ensuring they can attend VA medical appointments and access other necessary services.

DARTS provides transportation services for older adults and people with disabilities in Dakota County and the Greater Minneapolis area, offering safe and reliable rides tailored to their needs.

People For People Transportation offers door-to-door transportation services for individuals with disabilities in rural counties, ensuring they have access to essential services like healthcare and social support.


Minnesota Disability Childcare Services

Disability Childcare Services in Minnesota provide essential support for families with children who have disabilities, ensuring access to safe, nurturing, and inclusive environments. These services help children with disabilities thrive in childcare settings tailored to their unique needs.

Child Care Aware of Minnesota offers resources to help families find quality childcare, including specialized services for children with disabilities, ensuring access to inclusive and supportive environments.

Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNCCD) advocates for inclusive childcare policies and offers resources to support families in finding appropriate care for children with disabilities.

Children’s Minnesota provides comprehensive medical and developmental support services, including specialized childcare options for children with complex medical needs.

HRDC District 7 offers family services that include assistance in finding childcare tailored to the needs of children with disabilities, focusing on accessibility and quality care.

PACER Center provides resources and workshops to help parents of children with disabilities navigate childcare options, ensuring that their children receive appropriate care and support.


Minnesota Disability Recreational Services

Disability Recreational Services in Minnesota offer a variety of programs that enable individuals with disabilities to engage in sports, outdoor activities, and other recreational pursuits, promoting both physical and mental well-being. These services provide opportunities for inclusive participation in activities ranging from competitive sports to adaptive outdoor experiences.

Special Olympics Minnesota provides year-round sports training and competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, fostering inclusion and community through athletic programs.

Lifeworks offers day support services that include community-based recreational activities, helping individuals with disabilities engage in social and leisure activities tailored to their interests.

Volunteers of America Minnesota and Wisconsin offers various recreational programs for individuals with disabilities, including adapted outdoor activities and community integration opportunities.

University of Minnesota Disability Resource Center supports students and staff with disabilities, providing access to inclusive recreational programs and adaptive sports on campus.

Disability Hub MN connects individuals with disabilities to a wide range of recreational activities and resources across the state, helping them find accessible and inclusive opportunities for engagement.


Minnesota Disability Rights & Legal Services

Disability Rights & Legal Services in Minnesota are essential resources that provide legal assistance, advocacy, and protection to individuals with disabilities, ensuring their rights are upheld and they have access to necessary services. These organizations offer support on a wide range of legal issues, from discrimination and accessibility to guardianship and public benefits.

Minnesota Disability Law Center is the state’s designated Protection and Advocacy agency, providing free legal assistance to individuals with disabilities on issues such as discrimination, access to services, and abuse prevention.

Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota offers free civil legal help to low-income individuals, including those with disabilities, in 22 counties across northwest Minnesota, focusing on critical legal matters such as housing, public benefits, and consumer rights.

Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services provides free, high-quality legal help to low-income individuals in southern Minnesota, addressing civil legal issues that impact basic needs, including disability rights.

Central Minnesota Legal Services offers free legal services to low-income individuals in central Minnesota, with a focus on civil matters, including disability-related issues such as access to services and benefits.

The Arc Minnesota provides advocacy and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including guidance on legal issues like guardianship and decision-making rights.


Minnesota Support Groups for People with Disabilities

Support Groups for People with Disabilities in Minnesota offer essential peer support, resources, and community connections, helping individuals and their families navigate the challenges of living with disabilities. These groups provide a safe space for sharing experiences, offering emotional support, and learning from others who face similar situations.

Family Voices of Minnesota connects families of children with disabilities and chronic health conditions with peer support, allowing them to share resources, experiences, and guidance.

AuSM (Autism Society of Minnesota) provides a variety of support groups tailored to the needs of individuals on the autism spectrum, as well as their families, covering topics such as living independently, LGBTQIA+ issues, and more.

NAMI Minnesota offers numerous support groups for individuals living with mental illness, as well as for their families, ensuring that participants receive support and understanding in managing mental health conditions.

People Incorporated hosts support groups and community activities for individuals with mental health conditions, providing a range of services from crisis stabilization to creative expression through art therapy.


Minnesota Disability Housing Assistance

Disability Housing Assistance in Minnesota offers essential support to individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have access to safe, affordable, and appropriate housing options. These services help navigate the complexities of securing housing, whether through subsidies, community living arrangements, or home modifications.

HousingLink provides comprehensive information on subsidized housing options in Minnesota, including details on Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and other low-income housing programs.

Minnesota Housing Partnership (MHP) advocates for equitable housing policies and provides community development services, particularly focusing on rural and Native communities.

Disability Hub MN offers resources and assistance for individuals with disabilities to explore housing options and access housing stabilization services, ensuring they can live independently in the community.

Autism Speaks Housing and Community Living provides tools and resources to assist individuals on the autism spectrum and their families in finding and securing appropriate housing and support services.


Minnesota Disability Education Services

Disability Education Services in Minnesota provide vital support for individuals with disabilities, ensuring access to quality education and accommodations across various educational settings. These services encompass everything from early childhood intervention to higher education support, helping students achieve their academic goals.

University of Minnesota Disability Resource Center (DRC) provides comprehensive services to students, faculty, and staff, facilitating accessibility and reducing barriers to ensure full participation in all university programs and activities.

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities offers a range of support services across its 26 state colleges and seven universities, including accommodations, assistive technology, and resources tailored to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNCCD) works to improve educational opportunities and policies for individuals with disabilities by advocating for inclusive practices and providing educational resources.

Understood provides resources and guidance for parents and educators on the 13 disability categories under the IDEA, helping ensure that children with learning and thinking differences receive the support they need in educational settings.

Disability Hub MN offers resources and assistance to families and individuals navigating educational systems, including planning tools and guides for accessing educational services and supports.


Minnesota Disability Healthcare Services

Disability Healthcare Services in Minnesota provide essential medical care, support, and resources tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities. These services ensure that all Minnesotans, regardless of ability, have access to the healthcare they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

The Arc Minnesota offers healthcare support and advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping them access necessary medical services and community-based support.

Minnesota Community Care provides comprehensive healthcare services, including dental and mental health care, with a focus on removing barriers to access for individuals with disabilities.

MNsure is Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace, where individuals with disabilities can find and enroll in health insurance plans, including those that meet specific needs related to their disabilities.

University of Minnesota’s Disability Resource Center supports students, staff, and faculty with disabilities, ensuring they have access to necessary healthcare accommodations and services on campus.


Minnesota Vocational Training for People with Disabilities

Vocational Training for People with Disabilities in Minnesota offers specialized programs and resources designed to help individuals with disabilities develop skills, find employment, and achieve greater independence through meaningful work. These services provide tailored support, including job coaching, skills development, and placement services.

Lifeworks Services partners with individuals with disabilities to provide person-centered vocational training, job placement, and ongoing employment support, helping them secure and maintain fulfilling jobs in the community.

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) assists people with disabilities in finding and keeping employment by offering services such as career counseling, job training, and placement, tailored to individual needs.

The Arc Minnesota advocates for the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing vocational training and support services that promote competitive employment opportunities.


Minnesota Mental Health Services for People with Disabilities

Mental Health Services for People with Disabilities in Minnesota are crucial for providing comprehensive support tailored to the unique needs of individuals facing both mental health challenges and disabilities. These services offer a wide range of programs, including therapy, crisis intervention, peer support, and community-based care, aimed at improving mental well-being and overall quality of life.

Mental Health Minnesota provides a variety of mental health resources, including peer support and crisis intervention, to help individuals manage their mental health and connect with necessary services.

NAMI Minnesota is dedicated to improving the lives of people with mental illnesses and their families through support groups, advocacy, and educational resources.

Central Minnesota Mental Health Center offers mental health services, including outpatient therapy, crisis intervention, and peer support, across several counties in Central Minnesota.

People Incorporated provides a wide array of community-based mental health services, focusing on individual needs through innovative care models.

Mental Health Resources is a nonprofit organization offering services that support the recovery and health of people with serious mental illnesses, helping them achieve their wellness goals.


Minnesota Vision Services for People with Disabilities

Vision Services for People with Disabilities in Minnesota provide essential support to individuals experiencing vision loss, ensuring they have access to the tools, resources, and training needed to live independently and thrive. These services range from adaptive technology solutions to life skills education and community support.

Vision Loss Resources offers comprehensive rehabilitation services for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, including adaptive technology training, independent living skills, and support groups.

Sights for Hope provides life skills education, technology solutions, and support services for people with visual impairments, aiming to remove barriers to independence and enhance well-being.

American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) offers a wide range of assistive technology products and resources for individuals with blindness or low vision, helping them navigate daily life and access educational and employment opportunities.


Minnesota Hearing Services for People with Disabilities

Hearing Services for People with Disabilities in Minnesota offer a wide range of support, including hearing aids, auditory rehabilitation, assistive technology, and community resources, helping individuals with hearing impairments to communicate effectively and live independently.

Disability Hub MN provides a free statewide resource network that helps individuals with disabilities navigate the healthcare system, including hearing services and assistive technology options.

Commission of Deaf, Deafblind & Hard of Hearing Minnesotans advocates for equal access to services and programs for individuals with hearing impairments, including offering resources and referrals for hearing aids and communication devices.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) offers extensive resources on hearing rehabilitation, including strategies for improving communication and managing hearing loss with technology and therapy.

Help America Hear provides access to prescription hearing aids for individuals with limited financial resources, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to improve their hearing health.

Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) supports people with hearing loss by offering information on hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other assistive listening devices, as well as advocating for accessible communication environments.


Minnesota Speech & Language Services for People with Disabilities

Speech & Language Services for People with Disabilities in Minnesota provide crucial support for individuals facing challenges with communication, speech, and language. These services include diagnosis, therapy, and the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems to help individuals express themselves effectively and improve their overall quality of life.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) offers a wide range of resources and support for people with speech and language disorders, including finding qualified speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and information on various communication disorders.

Mayo Clinic Health System provides personalized speech-language therapy services for both children and adults, addressing conditions such as aphasia, dysarthria, and stuttering, as well as offering rehabilitation after injury or illness.

Family Voices of Minnesota supports families of children with disabilities, including those with speech and language disorders, by providing resources, peer support, and educational tools to help navigate the healthcare system and access necessary services.


Minnesota Autism Services

Autism Services in Minnesota offer a wide range of support tailored to the needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), helping them and their families navigate the challenges associated with autism. These services include therapeutic interventions, educational resources, advocacy, and community support.

Fraser is the largest and most experienced provider of autism services in Minnesota, offering a comprehensive range of interventions, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, and mental health services for individuals across the lifespan.

Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) provides education, advocacy, and support for individuals with autism and their families, offering resources such as social skills classes, summer camps, and support groups.

Minnesota Autism Center (MAC) delivers therapeutic services to children and adolescents with autism, utilizing a variety of therapeutic modalities in both in-home and center-based settings.

Autism Partnership Foundation (APF) focuses on advancing autism treatment and research, providing high-quality behavioral interventions and training programs for professionals working with individuals with ASD.


Minnesota Early Intervention Services

Early Intervention Services in Minnesota are designed to support the growth and development of infants and toddlers who have developmental delays or disabilities. These services are crucial for helping young children reach their full potential by providing targeted interventions during the critical early years of life.

PACER Center offers comprehensive early intervention resources and support for families, helping them navigate the process of obtaining services for their young children with disabilities.

Minnesota Head Start Association provides early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and families, ensuring that children are prepared for school and life.

Child Care Aware of Minnesota connects families with early intervention services and provides information on child care options that support children with special needs.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) supports early intervention for children with speech and language delays, providing guidance and resources for families and professionals.


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