A cross country runner in Oregon broke down in tears when he was surprised with the news that he will become the first professional Nike athlete in history with cerebral palsy. The moment Justin Gallegos, 20, got the news that he got a contract with Nike was captured in a heartwarming video. Watch & read ... Read moreRead Article

  Thanks to all the sponsors, committee members, staff, and donors for making MDI’s 3rd annual Ability Bash a smashing success! 78 New Donors 49 New In-Kind Donors 1 New Sponsor …and together we raised $89,515! Your support helped advanced the career opportunities for people with disabilities. It was a very special night. View picture slideshow here.Read Article

  A workforce that empowers everyone is good for job seekers as well as job creators. Observed each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and educates all about the value of a workforce inclusive of their skills and talents. Read this week’s featured individuals and why they feel an inclusive and integrated ... Read moreRead Article

  A workforce that empowers everyone is good for job seekers as well as job creators. Observed each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and educates all about the value of a workforce inclusive of their skills and talents. Read this week’s featured individuals and why they feel an inclusive and integrated ... Read moreRead Article

A workforce that empowers everyone is good for job seekers as well as job creators. Observed each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and educates all about the value of a workforce inclusive of their skills and talents. Read this week’s featured individuals and why they feel an inclusive and integrated environment empowers ... Read moreRead Article

A workforce that empowers everyone is good for job seekers as well as job creators. Observed each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and educates all about the value of a workforce inclusive of their skills and talents. Read this week’s featured individuals and why they feel an inclusive and integrated environment empowers ... Read moreRead Article

  October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and MDI will be featuring 31 individuals, one each day, in support.  All featured individuals play an important part in fostering a more inclusive workforce, one where every person is recognized for his or her abilities. Held annually, National Disability Employment Awareness Month is led by the U.S. Department of ... Read moreRead Article

MDI recognizes National Direct Support Professional Week September 9th – 15th. Staff members are crucial to supporting people with disabilities in the community. To recognize the accomplishments and contributions made by direct support professionals to the lives of people with disabilities, MDI in the communities of Cohasset, Grand Rapids, Hibbing and Minneapolis, along with the Minnesota ... Read moreRead Article

  You’re invited to MDI’s Ability Bash III, Party with a Purpose! At MDI we focus on abilities and strengths – and it pays off. Help us empower people with disabilities by providing career services: identifying skills and interests, job training, and placement at MDI or in the community. Date: Wednesday, September 19, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. ... Read moreRead Article

  New York Fashion Week has opened its glamorous tent wider to feature models with disabilities wearing adaptive clothing designs by Tommy Hilfiger, Nike and Target. Organized by the Runway of Dreams Foundation, the show on Wednesday included a catwalk welcoming to wheelchairs, crutches, walking canes and more. Actor and model RJ Mitte of “Breaking Bad” was host. Mitte said he understood ... Read moreRead Article

  When Glynis Harvey and Mark Cagley opened Hidden ­Manna Cafe four years ago, the couple did not set out to hire people with disabilities. But then a social service agency asked: Might the Matteson restaurant employ a woman with cerebral palsy? How about a man with mild blindness? A customer asked for an application ... Read moreRead Article

  Several local organizations have come together to successfully launch Life Skills Academy, a pilot program for youth ages 18-21 with a documented disability.  The four-week college level residential program at Itasca Community College helped students learn emotional and social development, how to identify and set goals, explore careers, build positive social skills, and learn ... Read moreRead Article