The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners on July 8 proclaimed July 2025 as Disability Pride Month and heard remarks from county disability-services staff and representatives of a long-term residential provider about services, community inclusion and day-to-day supports.

Commissioner McMurtry read a proclamation noting the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and affirming county commitments to accessibility and inclusion. The proclamation thanked advocates and local groups and recognized that disabilities may be visible or invisible.

22Whereas July is recognized as disability pride month, a time to celebrate the achievements, contributions and resilience of individuals with disabilities and to promote inclusion, acceptance and understanding of disability as a natural part of human diversity,22 McMurtry read during the board meeting.

Katie Molinere, deputy director in social services who leads the county's Aging and Disability Services and MN Choices division, accepted the proclamation on behalf of the division. Molinere said the division's work is partly meant to help residents live fully in the community and highlighted recent capacity investments.

22In Ramsey County our division of 245 employees, with a welcome addition of 80 additional folks joining us this year, completes upwards of 17,000 MN Choices assessments annually and is currently providing case management to more than 12,500 Ramsey County residents who have a disability,22 Molinere said. She said the language in the proclamation was co-created with community members, including the county's community advisory council.

Representatives from Lake Owasso, a residential provider that serves adults with developmental disabilities, described daily life and supports at their residence. An interim administrator said their campus has eight homes housing a total of 64 adults, onsite staff who do 24/7 residential rounds, and activities such as pontoon rides, piano lessons and volunteer opportunities.

Board members praised county staff and community partners for work on disability access and commended the hiring of additional MN Choices staff earlier this year. Commissioners encouraged continued partnership with vendors and community advisory groups to improve services.

Ending: Staff said there will be a reception after the meeting and noted related public events in the coming weeks, including a regional Disability Pride Festival at the Minnesota State Capitol on July 17.