We’ve been putting in the work and the miles this summer. Momentum Refresh is wrapping up its tour at the Minnesota State Fair, giving attendees the reasonable accommodations they deserve. Plus, we invite you to join us this month for Long Beach Gives – details below. Also, we’re sharing the improvements we’re making at our adult residential homes. Fall is just around the corner!

This year, the Minnesota State Fair welcomed an exciting addition: Momentum Refresh. Thanks to the efforts of Minnesota lawmakers and community leaders, a fresh initiative was set in motion, mandating the inclusion of adult changing tables in newly constructed restrooms. This presented a perfect platform to showcase Momentum Refresh, which embodies the principle of universal design by offering thoughtful accommodations. The impact was palpable as numerous fair attendees embraced the convenience of Momentum Refresh, allowing them to savor the fair to the fullest without compromising their experience or resorting to less accessible facilities.

• Experience the comprehensive coverage by WCCO and witness firsthand how Refresh is making a transformative difference in people’s lives.
• And another story from MPR News on the increased accessibility.
• Be sure to follow our Refresh social media page to stay up to date.

We’re excited to share some wonderful news with you—Long Beach Gives, a citywide online fundraising campaign to inspire giving for LB nonprofits like Momentum, is just around the corner! Mark your calendars for September 14th as we launch this campaign.

In 2022, our pediatric programs at Momentum facilitated an astounding 22,000+ hours of essential services and therapies for the cherished children and families we proudly serve. Every contribution funneled into this campaign directly empowers us to procure vital therapeutic resources, elevating the lives of our children and dedicated staff. Your participation amplifies the impact of this noble endeavor. Let’s raise $10,000 together for our wish-list of sensory therapy equipment and tools.

Our goal is to provide the best living accommodations for those we support. We’re diligently renovating our residential homes to better meet the needs of our residents. The latest update comes from the Ranch House in Sylmar. The house now boasts contemporary aesthetics, courtesy of new furnishings, improved lighting, revamped flooring, and modernized bathrooms—embodying the principles of universal design for seamless inclusivity. Take a look at the video walk-through to see for yourself. Residents are scheduled to move in this month.

The ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena stands as an exceptional educational institution, providing students with a unique platform to explore design within the realm of accessibility and disability. This August marked a significant moment as students presented their final projects focused on play for communication. It was truly gratifying to witness the culmination of their hard work and dedication throughout the term. The presentations encompassed an array of ingenious ideas, such as Connectopia—a concept that empowers children through play, fostering confidence and growth. Another standout was Ferrofluid, which encourages dance synchronized with music beats. The students’ commitment and excellence left us genuinely impressed.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude for the ongoing alignment between Momentum and ArtCenter, enabling us to jointly influence the next generation of designers.