Winterfest 2021 is going virtual! Due to the resiliency and commitment our community has demonstrated in following COVID-19 protocols, we have been able to remain open and safe while delivering programming.To ensure the safety of our participants, families, and staff, the MICC Family Association and MICC Leadership have made the decision to take our Winterfest event 100% virtual. Preregistration not required!
What is virtual Winterfest?Every year in January, we host a weekend event for our community that gives participants and families a chance to connect, learn, and celebrate! This year, Winterfest will be delivered in a fully virtual format to ensure the safety of our participants and families. Throughout the week of January 4, we will host live virtual Zoom presentations and host live virtual Zoom social activities.
All times listed below are CST and all sessions will take place virtually on Zoom. |
How do I participate?To participate, you can visit this page to view prerecorded presentations and join the live Zoom presentations and Zoom activities at the designated time on the schedule by clicking the corresponding links on the detailed agenda.
All programming for Winterfest 2021 will be virtual via Zoom. As a reminder, College Program students will not be returning to campus until Sunday, January 10th. |
Live Zoom Schedule Overview
| Download a copy of the Winterfest Schedule |
Detailed Live Zoom Agenda
Monday, January 4th at 12:00 pm CST
Financial Planning with Northwestern Mutual
Ivailo Grigorov, Northwestern Mutual
For all MICC College and Community Participants and Families
Topics covered include an overview of SSI & SSDI, Medicaid & Waivers, ABLE accounts, special needs trusts, and other important considerations to help family members better understand how planning for a child with special needs is different both legally & financially. I provide also a comparison between special needs trusts and ABLE accounts and walk families through pros/cons and example of how you can use them.
Financial Planning with Northwestern Mutual
Ivailo Grigorov, Northwestern Mutual
For all MICC College and Community Participants and Families
Topics covered include an overview of SSI & SSDI, Medicaid & Waivers, ABLE accounts, special needs trusts, and other important considerations to help family members better understand how planning for a child with special needs is different both legally & financially. I provide also a comparison between special needs trusts and ABLE accounts and walk families through pros/cons and example of how you can use them.
Tuesday, January 5th at 7:00 pm CST
Navigating the Ins and Outs of Community Resources
Disability Hub MN
For all MICC College and Community Participants and Families
This presentation is for families of transition-age youth and young adults will provide information on the Disability Hub, a free statewide resource network that helps you solve problems, navigate the system, and plan for your future.
Navigating the Ins and Outs of Community Resources
Disability Hub MN
For all MICC College and Community Participants and Families
This presentation is for families of transition-age youth and young adults will provide information on the Disability Hub, a free statewide resource network that helps you solve problems, navigate the system, and plan for your future.
Wednesday, January 6th at 12:00 pm CST
Work and Benefits
Disability Hub MN
For all MICC College and Community Participants and Families
This presentation will provide information on Work and Benefits, conducted by Disability Hub, a free statewide resource network that helps you solve problems, navigate the system, and plan for your future. Work and benefits can go together to support your goals. Every benefit in Minnesota has work incentives. These special rules let you get a benefit while working, keep a benefit longer while you work, or get the benefit back quickly if it stops due to work. Most people who get benefits and go to work end up better off financially — even if their benefits go down. This presentation will give an overview of the basics and resources available.
Work and Benefits
Disability Hub MN
For all MICC College and Community Participants and Families
This presentation will provide information on Work and Benefits, conducted by Disability Hub, a free statewide resource network that helps you solve problems, navigate the system, and plan for your future. Work and benefits can go together to support your goals. Every benefit in Minnesota has work incentives. These special rules let you get a benefit while working, keep a benefit longer while you work, or get the benefit back quickly if it stops due to work. Most people who get benefits and go to work end up better off financially — even if their benefits go down. This presentation will give an overview of the basics and resources available.
Wednesday, January 6th at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm CST
Family Association Meeting
Linda Rundle, Family Association President
For all MICC College and Community Families
All families are strongly encouraged to attend the Family Association meeting hosted by Linda Rundle. Updates will be provided on activities and upcoming elections will be discussed.
Family Association Meeting
Linda Rundle, Family Association President
For all MICC College and Community Families
All families are strongly encouraged to attend the Family Association meeting hosted by Linda Rundle. Updates will be provided on activities and upcoming elections will be discussed.
| 9.28.20 FA Association Meeting Minutes |
Thursday, January 7th at 12:00 pm CST
Meet the MICC Activities Team
College and Community Program Activities Staff
Grab your lunch and join the MICC Activities Team to learn more about upcoming social engagement opportunities! In this presentation and discussion, staff will highlight our new dedicated activities space and share information about new spring 2021 offerings.
Meet the MICC Activities Team
College and Community Program Activities Staff
Grab your lunch and join the MICC Activities Team to learn more about upcoming social engagement opportunities! In this presentation and discussion, staff will highlight our new dedicated activities space and share information about new spring 2021 offerings.
Thursday, January 7th at 7:00 pm CST
Guardianship and SSI
Jason Schellack, Autism Advocacy & Law Center
For all MICC College and Community Participants and Families
In this presentation Jason Schellack will provide an overview of guardianship in the state of Minnesota and share the revisions to Minnesota's guardianship laws that occurred this year. Jason will also discuss benefits individuals with disabilities can benefit from in an array of government programs, including Social Security and Medical Assistance. The presentation will give an overview of services and resources available through the Autism Advocacy and Law Center.
Guardianship and SSI
Jason Schellack, Autism Advocacy & Law Center
For all MICC College and Community Participants and Families
In this presentation Jason Schellack will provide an overview of guardianship in the state of Minnesota and share the revisions to Minnesota's guardianship laws that occurred this year. Jason will also discuss benefits individuals with disabilities can benefit from in an array of government programs, including Social Security and Medical Assistance. The presentation will give an overview of services and resources available through the Autism Advocacy and Law Center.
| Guardianship + SSI - Autism Advocacy & Law Center.pdf |
Friday, January 8th at 12:00 pm CST
Lunch and Learn with MICC Careers: Live Q&A
Careers Department Staff
For all MICC College and Community Participants and Families
The MICC Careers department will conduct an open discussion style question and answer presentation. Come with questions and meet the Careers department!
Lunch and Learn with MICC Careers: Live Q&A
Careers Department Staff
For all MICC College and Community Participants and Families
The MICC Careers department will conduct an open discussion style question and answer presentation. Come with questions and meet the Careers department!
Friday, January 8th at 2:00 pm CST
Meet the College Program Pod Instructors
College Program Instructors and Managers
For all MICC College Participants and Families
The MICC College Program instructors and staff will conduct an open discussion style question and answer presentation. Come with questions and meet the team!
Meet the College Program Pod Instructors
College Program Instructors and Managers
For all MICC College Participants and Families
The MICC College Program instructors and staff will conduct an open discussion style question and answer presentation. Come with questions and meet the team!
Friday, January 8th at 5:30 pm CST
Virtual BINGO with Camille
Camille Loughlin, Social Engagement Manager
For all MICC College and Community Participants and Families
Join our social engagement extraordinaire Camille in virtual BINGO! Bingo winners will receive MICC swag and can choose from a t-shirt, lanyard, or mug!
Virtual BINGO with Camille
Camille Loughlin, Social Engagement Manager
For all MICC College and Community Participants and Families
Join our social engagement extraordinaire Camille in virtual BINGO! Bingo winners will receive MICC swag and can choose from a t-shirt, lanyard, or mug!
Friday, January 8 at 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm CST
Winterfest Celebration - Speed Friendship and Social Hour
For all MICC College and Community Participants and Families
All MICC Participants and Families are encouraged to attend our live Zoom Winterfest Celebration! The first hour will consist of a structured "Speed Friendship" activity where you will get to know members of our community. The second hour will be an open social hour where you will have the ability to join breakout rooms of your choosing. Grab your favorite beverage and snack and get to know our Community.
Winterfest Celebration - Speed Friendship and Social Hour
For all MICC College and Community Participants and Families
All MICC Participants and Families are encouraged to attend our live Zoom Winterfest Celebration! The first hour will consist of a structured "Speed Friendship" activity where you will get to know members of our community. The second hour will be an open social hour where you will have the ability to join breakout rooms of your choosing. Grab your favorite beverage and snack and get to know our Community.
Saturday, January 9 at 10:00 am -11:00 am CST
Community Program Enhancements and Fee Restructure Presentation
Community Program Director and Managers
For all MICC College and Community Program Participants and Families
Community Program Director Aaron Carper will provide an overview of the 2021 Community Services Catalog, program enhancements, and fee restructure. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions following the presentation.
Community Program Enhancements and Fee Restructure Presentation
Community Program Director and Managers
For all MICC College and Community Program Participants and Families
Community Program Director Aaron Carper will provide an overview of the 2021 Community Services Catalog, program enhancements, and fee restructure. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions following the presentation.
| Community Program Enhancements and Fee Restructure PowerPoint |
Saturday, January 9 at 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm CST
Dance and Groove with Lindsey
Lindsey Ryan, Wellness Program Manager
For all MICC College and Community Program Participants and Families
Grab your tennis shoes, comfortable clothes, and find a space to move! Lindsey will lead you through a fun dance activity and movement routine.
Dance and Groove with Lindsey
Lindsey Ryan, Wellness Program Manager
For all MICC College and Community Program Participants and Families
Grab your tennis shoes, comfortable clothes, and find a space to move! Lindsey will lead you through a fun dance activity and movement routine.
Saturday, January 9 at 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm CST
Escape Room Social Activity
Activities Team
For all MICC College and Community Program Participants and Families
Join in on an exciting and live social activity - virtual ESCAPE ROOMS! Escape Room winners will receive MICC swag prizes and can choose from a t-shirt, lanyard, or mug!
Escape Room Social Activity
Activities Team
For all MICC College and Community Program Participants and Families
Join in on an exciting and live social activity - virtual ESCAPE ROOMS! Escape Room winners will receive MICC swag prizes and can choose from a t-shirt, lanyard, or mug!
Saturday, January 9 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm CST
Pictionary Social Activity
Activities Team
For all MICC College and Community Program Participants and Families
Join in on an exciting and live social activity - virtual Pictionary! Pictionary winners will receive MICC swag prizes and can choose from a t-shirt, lanyard, or mug!
Pictionary Social Activity
Activities Team
For all MICC College and Community Program Participants and Families
Join in on an exciting and live social activity - virtual Pictionary! Pictionary winners will receive MICC swag prizes and can choose from a t-shirt, lanyard, or mug!
Prerecorded Presentation Library
We are excited to continue to provide access to a wide variety of prerecorded virtual presentations by key staff and experts that have been delivered this year. Prerecorded presentations are available on this page below. Presentations can be watched at any time and will provide valuable information for all MICC participants and families.
Click below to access the entire YouTube playlist, or browse the presentations by scrolling below!
Resource Presentations
Navigating the Ins and Outs of Community ResourcesDisability Hub MN
Recorded live on Tuesday, January 5th at 7:00 pm CST For all MICC College and Community Participants and Families This presentation is for families of transition-age youth and young adults will provide information on the Disability Hub, a free statewide resource network that helps you solve problems, navigate the system, and plan for your future FutureLife Options™Allycia Wolff from Arc of Minnesota
For All MICC Families and Participants Families of people with disabilities want their loved one’s future to be secure and happy but may not know exactly what to consider. The Arc Minnesota created FutureLife Options™ as a comprehensive program to help families have peace of mind about the future. With support from an Advocate, families consider every area of their loved one’s life and document it all in one place. Each plan is designed for the individual, the people in their life, and anyone who will be there for them in the future. The plan outlines how to make dreams a reality, while also addressing legal or financial planning. Allycia Wolff, an Advocate from The Arc, will give an overview of the program and participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and hopefully join a cohort of MICC families going through the process together Financial Planning Northwestern MutualIvailo Grigorov, Northwestern Mutual
Recorded live on Monday, January 4th at 12:00 pm CST For all MICC College and Community Participants and Families Topics covered include an overview of SSI & SSDI, Medicaid & Waivers, ABLE accounts, special needs trusts, and other important considerations to help family members better understand how planning for a child with special needs is different both legally & financially. I provide also a comparison between special needs trusts and ABLE accounts and walk families through pros/cons and example of how you can use them. BestNotes Portal TrainingChrissy Cleveland, Assessment and Accountability Program Manager
For All MICC Families An overview training regarding how to login and access participant information on the BestNotes system. |
Work and BenefitsDisability Hub MN
Recorded live on Wednesday, January 6th at 12:00 pm CST For all MICC College and Community Participants and Families This presentation will provide information on Work and Benefits, conducted by Disability Hub, a free statewide resource network that helps you solve problems, navigate the system, and plan for your future. Work and benefits can go together to support your goals. Every benefit in Minnesota has work incentives. These special rules let you get a benefit while working, keep a benefit longer while you work, or get the benefit back quickly if it stops due to work. Most people who get benefits and go to work end up better off financially — even if their benefits go down. This presentation will give an overview of the basics and resources available. SSI/SSDI 101 OverviewJena Kulenkamp, Transition and Resource Coordinator
For All MICC Families and Participants Learn more about disability programs administered by the Social Security Administration including a comparison of Disability Insurance Benefits and Supplemental Security Income programs while explaining the requirements for each. The session will also cover the process the Social Security Administration uses to determine eligibility for disability benefits. Guardianship and SSIJason Schellack, Autism Advocacy & Law Center
Recorded live on Thursday, January 7th at 7:00 pm CST For all MICC College and Community Participants and Families In this presentation Jason Schellack will provide an overview of guardianship in the state of Minnesota and share the revisions to Minnesota's guardianship laws that occurred this year. Jason will also discuss benefits individuals with disabilities can benefit from in an array of government programs, including Social Security and Medical Assistance. The presentation will give an overview of services and resources available through the Autism Advocacy and Law Center. |
General Presentations
MICC State of the OrganizationAmy Gudmestad, Executive Director
For all MICC College and Community Participants and Families Recorded live on 10.1.2020. An overview of the current state of the organization and key initiatives in the coming year and beyond. MICC Family Association Meeting 1.6.21Linda Rundle, Family Association President
Recorded live on Wednesday, January 6th at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm CST For all MICC College and Community Families All families are strongly encouraged to attend the Family Association meeting hosted by Linda Rundle. Updates will be provided on activities and upcoming elections will be discussed. |
Ways to Get InvolvedBen Lentz, Director of Advancement
For All MICC Families Learn various ways to get involved at MICC including participating in our 2021 Gala, volunteer opportunities, ways to give, and becoming an ambassador. |
College and Community Program Presentations
Meet the College Program PodsCollege Program Instructors and Managers
Recorded live on Friday, January 8th at 2:00 pm CST For all MICC College Participants and Families The MICC College Program instructors and staff will conduct an open discussion style question and answer presentation. Come with questions and meet the team! College and Community Program Safety at MICC*Updated to include Community
Savannah Sisk, Advisory Program Manager and Aaron Carper, Director of Community Programs For College and Community Program Families and Participants An overview of different safety concerns and how MICC reduces risk. Safety topics to be covered could include COVID-19, neighborhood and community safety, bullying, medications, financial vulnerability, and sexual/relationship vulnerability. |
Meet the MICC Activities TeamCollege and Community Program Activities Staff
Recorded live on Thursday, January 7th at 12:00 pm CST Grab your lunch and join the MICC Activities Team to learn more about upcoming social engagement opportunities! In this presentation and discussion, staff will highlight our new dedicated activities space and share information about new spring 2021 offerings. College Program Competency Overview and ReportingChrissy Cleveland, Assessment and Accountability Program Manager
For College Families and Students This presentation will provide an overview of the competencies taught and measured in the MICC College Program and the Competency Reports provided to participants and their families. |
Transition Overview at MICCJena Kulenkamp, Transition and Resource Coordinator
For College Senior Families and Students An overview of MICC’s transition process for seniors as they plan and prepare for life after graduation. The focus of the presentation will be on the Senior Transition Timeline and the Transition Specialist’s role. Community Program Wellness & Support Services OverviewLindsey Ryan, Wellness Program Manager
For Community and College Families and Participants Learn more about the Community Wellness Program services and programming available to participants in the areas of nutrition and physical fitness. |
Community Program OverviewAaron Carper, Director of Community Programs
For College Families and Students (Senior Families Highly Encouraged) Learn more about the MICC Community Program and the lifelong supports it offers in the areas of social engagement, independent living skills support, wellness, and emotional supports. Community Program Annual Review & Individual Service Plan OverviewLisa Anastasi, Services Program Manager
For Community Families and Participants An overview of the Community Program Annual Review process including the development of an Individual Service Plan and person-centered goal setting for desired services. |
Careers Program Presentations
Heath Services - Careers Certificate Specific Program UpdateLindsay Sommer, Heath Services Instructor
For College Junior Families and Students Learn more about what students have been working on in certificate programming. Including an overview of the skills taught so far, a practicum update and information about what the students will be working on the remainder of the semester. Hospitality - Careers Certificate Specific Program UpdateKrista Espelien, Hospitality Instructor
For College Junior Families and Students Learn more about what students have been working on in certificate programming. Including an overview of the skills taught so far, a practicum update and information about what the students will be working on the remainder of the semester. Careers Department OverviewMICC Careers Department
For College Families and Participants This presentation provides a general overview of the Careers Department and Program. Lunch and Learn with CareersLive Q&A Careers Department Staff
Recorded live on Friday, January 8th at 12:00 pm CST For all MICC College and Community Participants and Families The MICC Careers department will conduct an open discussion style question and answer presentation. Come with questions and meet the Careers department! |
Retail - Careers Certificate Specific Program Update Clare Schmid, Retail Instructor
For College Junior Families and Students Learn more about what students have been working on in certificate programming. Including an overview of the skills taught so far, a practicum update and information about what the students will be working on the remainder of the semester. Culinary - Careers Certificate Specific Program Update Scott Schneider, Culinary Instructor
For College Junior Families and Students Learn more about what students have been working on in certificate programming. Including an overview of the skills taught so far, a practicum update and information about what the students will be working on the remainder of the semester. Introduction to Job DevelopmentAli Brickner, Job Developer
For College and Community Families and Participants Learn more about the job development process at MICC. |
Zoom Virtual Backgrounds
Zoom backgrounds with backwards logos have been fixed!
Join in on the Winterfest spirit by adding a fun MICC Zoom background when you join a live session! Right click on your favorite, choose "Save Image As...". On mobile, long tap, and save!
Learn how to change your Zoom background here.
Join in on the Winterfest spirit by adding a fun MICC Zoom background when you join a live session! Right click on your favorite, choose "Save Image As...". On mobile, long tap, and save!
Learn how to change your Zoom background here.
Download all backgrounds via this compressed zip folder.
| Winterfest 2021 Zoom Backgrounds.zip |
