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Registration Now Open | 2024 Minnesota Gathering | 2 Days: In-person on Nov. 12 and online on Nov. 14 | Welcome begins at 8:30 a.m. and Keynote at 9:30 a.m.; Final session ends 4:30 p.m.
General Information
This year's Gathering will occur exclusively in person on November 12 across two distinct regions, with an additional online session on November 14. The Minnesota Gathering is committed to adhering to CDC guidelines prevailing at the time of the event. Should you require reasonable access accommodations, please contact Nik Fernholz at fern0104@umn.edu by October 13, and the Minnesota Gathering will gladly assist.
Keynote Presenters
Meredith Kujala (in Cloquet)
Meredith is a social worker who initially focused on domestic violence and sexual assault. Given her own disabilities, she has gone on to become a passionate advocate for the disability community. She is a Program Coordinator at Advocating Change Together (ACT) and manages Little.NotLess, a nonprofit organization that she founded. She educates and trains individuals with disabilities on self-advocacy, leadership, and the importance of inclusion. She aims to create an accessible community where everyone can work, play, and learn together without feeling "different." “Being person-centered should be common sense. We should all focus on the person first and follow their lead toward what they want or need. No one else would know better, anyways!” she says.
Lori Jasper (in Mankato)
Lori has supported individuals and families for 40 years. She began in occupational therapy and then specialized in home and community-based services. Lori co-founded a provider agency and led it for 15 years. She received international training in nine planning methods, becoming a Person-centered Thinking Training, Charting the LifeCourse Coach/National Consultant, and a Trauma-informed Supports Trainer. Personal and professional life intersected when her great nephew was diagnosed with multiple disabilities 17 years ago.
Pricing
Two Days, Two Locations:
Day One: Cloquet (near Duluth) and Mankato November 12, 8 a.m. Central Time. In-person registration, breakfast, and mingling. Opening statements at 8:30 a.m. Keynote presentations at 9:00 a.m. Boxed lunch at noon.
Day Two: Online via Zoom
Price: $125.00 Includes:
- Full in-person day packed with sessions
- Light breakfast and boxed lunch
- Virtual attendance on day two
- Access to an all-online virtual day on November 14
- Registered participants will receive a Zoom link by November 8
There are no separate pricing options; the fee remains the same regardless of attendance on one or both days.
Registration
Registration opens on August 28.
Location
Two in-person-only locations: North and South Regions
November 12
North Region | Cloquet Forestry Center, Cloquet, Minnesota - near Duluth | 175 University Road, Cloquet, MN 55720
South Region | South Central College, North Mankato, Minnesota | 1920 Lee Boulevard, North Mankato, MN 56003
November 14 | Online via Zoom | A link will be provided to registered participants by November 8
Scholarships
Please email Nik Fernholz at fern0104@umn.edu if you wish to apply for a scholarship. The scholarship pays for the cost of attending the event only, which includes breakfast, lunch, and access to sessions on both days. Please include your full name, address, and reason for applying. As an alternative to emailing, please call 612.626.3346.
Lodging
Hotel accommodations are on your own. The Minnesota Gathering does not have blocked rooms available. Please use the links below to see what hotels are available for the region you're visiting.
North Mankato Hotel options are coming soon.