Inside Legal Aid

MINNEAPOLIS – If anyone embodies the spirit of doing it all, it’s our colleague Demitrea Kelley. Nearing her final year in law school, she’s a case study and an enigma for having accomplished so much while overcoming even more. Meet the MABL Scholar for 2025!

MINNESOTA DISABILITY LAW CENTER – When faced with discrimination at a nail salon, Attorney Sonja Peterson of the Minnesota Disability Law Center fought for the rights of Josie LaBonne, leading to a settlement that ensures better training for employees in accommodating service animals.

ST. CLOUD – Legal Aid client Cathy was drawn to her retirement community because it was marketed to people with disabilities. But soon, she encountered barriers that hindered her mobility. Enter the team of Chen, Shah and Craddick.

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid is among the justice groups that sent a letter to the Minnesota Supreme Court – Star Tribune; A federal judge reinstates fair housing grants – MSN.com; LSAP is highlighted for its role in tackling high insurance costs. – CBS Minnesota. Catch up on these stories and more.

Our Minnesota Disability Law Center prepared last month for Disability Advocacy Day at the Capitol. There, Ryan Haenze was profoundly struck by these words of advocacy:

“If you, alone, try to hold a note too long, you will lose your breath. You sputter, cough and are unable to continue. But choirs can hold notes seemingly forever…because in a choir when someone takes a breath, someone else sings. And like this, people pause and start and remain and leave but the sound keeps going.” -Dani Indovino Cawley