Joining ARRM for Disability Services Day at the Capitol
March 16, 2026
Why Disability Advocacy Matters in Minnesota
Each March, communities across the country recognize Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM) — a time to celebrate inclusion, raise awareness, and recognize the contributions of people with developmental disabilities.
The 2026 theme, “We’re Here. Then. Now. Always.” reminds us that the disability rights movement spans generations. While progress has been made, advocacy continues to play a critical role in ensuring individuals with disabilities have access to the supports, opportunities, and community connections they deserve.
At Homeward Bound, Inc., advocacy is part of how we show up for the people we support. Each year, our team joins providers, families, and advocates from across Minnesota for Disability Services Day at the Capitol, organized by the Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota (ARRM).
It’s a day dedicated to listening, learning, and making sure the experiences of people with disabilities are part of the conversations shaping policy in our state.
What is Disability Services Day at the Capitol?
Disability Services Day at the Capitol brings together people from across Minnesota who believe in the importance of strong, sustainable disability services.
Providers, individuals receiving services, family members, and community supporters gather to:
• Meet with legislators
• Share personal experiences
• Discuss policies affecting disability services
• Advocate for stronger, more sustainable support systems
For many legislators, these conversations provide an important window into how policy decisions affect real people, real families, and real communities.
For organizations like Homeward Bound, it’s an opportunity to make sure the voices of the individuals we support are part of the decisions that shape the future of disability services in Minnesota.
Legislative Priorities That Impact Disability Services
Across Minnesota, disability service providers and advocates continue to focus on several key priorities that directly impact the quality and sustainability of services.
Supporting the Direct Support Workforce
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) play an essential role in helping individuals with disabilities live full and independent lives. Strengthening the workforce through competitive wages, training opportunities, and long-term support remains one of the most urgent needs across the disability services field.
Stabilizing Disability Services
Policies that strengthen long-term funding and sustainability for residential and community-based services help ensure providers can continue delivering high-quality care and support to the individuals and families who rely on them.
Protecting Access to Community Living
Ensuring individuals with disabilities have opportunities to live, work, and participate fully in their communities has long been a central goal of the disability rights movement.
Organizations like Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota (ARRM) and Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation (MOHR) work alongside providers across the state to advance policies that protect and strengthen these opportunities.
How You Can Advocate
Advocacy doesn’t have to happen only at the Capitol. There are simple ways anyone can help strengthen disability services in Minnesota.
Attend Disability Services Day at the Capitol
This event offers a chance to learn more about the issues affecting disability services and meet directly with lawmakers.
Contact Your Legislator
Sharing your perspective helps elected officials understand why disability services matter to the people in their communities.
You can find your legislator through the ARRM Find Your Legislator tool.
Learn More About Disability Inclusion
Organizations like Treat People Like People provide resources that help individuals and communities better understand respectful communication and disability inclusion.
How Homeward Bound Supports Advocacy
At Homeward Bound, advocacy extends well beyond one day at the Capitol.
Every day, our staff, residents, volunteers, and community partners work together to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities to thrive. Whether through recreation programs, community outings, residential support, or employment services, our work is centered on dignity, independence, and meaningful connection.
Advocacy helps ensure these opportunities continue — not just today, but for future generations.
Celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Throughout March, Homeward Bound will be sharing stories, partnerships, and moments that highlight how inclusion is happening across our communities.
Because disability awareness is about more than recognition.
It’s about building a future where everyone belongs.
And that work continues — then, now, and always.
