Disability Archives - KVRR Local News

Buffalo Wild Wings Foundation Gives $11,500 to ABLE Games

ABLE says the money will help them expand to more states outside the Midwest.

September 3, 2025

Gabriel Ostler,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – A big donation is set to help many children with disabilities compete in athletics. The LaHaise family owns 11 Buffalo Wild Wings locations in North and South Dakota and Minnesota, and every October they focus on fundraising efforts for local organizations. That allowed them to present the ABLE Games with a check for 11,500 dollars. They…

35 Years Since the ADA, Advocates Say Progress Has Been Made but More Can Be Done

People living with disabilities in Fargo cited several common issues, such as inconsistent snow removal and a lack of accessible doors to downtown businesses.

July 27, 2025

Gabriel Ostler,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – The Americans with Disabilities Act went into effect on July 26, 1990. Thirty-five years later, it’s plain to see that it has profoundly transformed life for disabled people in the United States. “We have seen ramps and accessible parking, and accessible restrooms. It’s really transformed the accessibility and usability of the built environment for people with…

Farm in the Dell Launches “The Market at Farm in the Dell”

August 1, 2024

Juliana Pelaez,

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — Farm in the Dell has launched “The Market at Farm in the Dell”, its version of a farmers market. It features farm fresh vegetables and flowers straight from the garden that people from across the community can buy and support the workers at the Dell. They had a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the launch. Their team of…

Moorhead woman says Delta Airlines damaged daughter’s wheelchair

Marisa and Addie Loerzel want to raise awareness for disability rights.

July 6, 2023

Site Staff,

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) – A Moorhead woman is going after Delta Airlines through social media for apparently damaging her daughter’s electric wheelchair. Marisa Loerzel is calling on Delta Airlines to improve accommodations for passengers with disabilities to avoid similar incidents for other passengers. Her daughter, Addie has Spina Bifida and they both traveled to Maine where Addie participated in a…

Healthcare expands for veterans exposed to burn pits

August 3, 2022

Site Staff,

WASHINGTON (KVRR) — Bipartisan legislation to help veterans exposed to toxic substances is headed to President Biden’s desk. Veterans will have expanded benefits to healthcare through the V.A. for the millions who served near burn pits. They can contain chemicals, cans, tires, plastics and medical and human waste. It directs the VA that certain respiratory illnesses and cancers were related…

ULTA Salon in Fargo agrees to settlement after denying woman to enter with service dog

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals with disabilities who use service animals may enter public places with their service animals

June 28, 2022

Alison Voorhees,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — ULTA Salon in Fargo has agreed to settlement terms after violating the Americans with Disabilities Act. A woman with a disability says she was told she couldn’t enter ULTA with her service animal. The retail store is located at 4420 13th Avenue South. A salon employee also incorrectly claimed that a North Dakota cosmetology statute prohibited service…

Contractors build free handicap-accessible ramp for Fargo woman

The new ramp will help provide a sense of safety for Barbara Sather who's been left with lingering effects after her battle with cancer.

May 13, 2021

Aaron Walling,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Local contractors are giving one local woman a little more sense of freedom by helping build a handicap-accessible ramp at her doorstep. “They had a ramp before that we are replacing with a permanent ramp so it’s definitely a rewarding deal,” Remodelers Council Chairman Steve Schall said. Barbara Sather who’s dealing with an acquired brain injury…

Disability Rights Organizations Remind Community to Clear Sidewalks for Pedestrians

March 12, 2019

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FARGO, N.D. — As we all try to continue getting through this winter, disability rights organizations are reminding homeowners to keep their sidewalks clear for everyone. Accessibility specialists say keeping snow off the sidewalks is especially important for people with disabilities because it’s forcing them to walk in the streets. They say the city has done a great job cleaning up…

Inspired by Miss Minnesota Contestant with Down Syndrome

Mikayla Holmgren made history in the Miss Minnesota USA pageant

November 29, 2017

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FARGO, ND — Mikayla Holmgren made history as the first woman with Down syndrome to compete in the Miss Minnesota USA pageant. One West Fargo family not only has a connection to the pageant world, but what it’s like to have a daughter with Down syndrome. “When I saw her on stage looking so poised and so radiant and so…

Sanford Health HealthCare Accessories Hosts Costume Contest for Kids

Parents said this is a great way to celebrate Halloween without facing the usual negative stigmas

October 30, 2017

Site Staff,

FARGO, ND — Several monsters, characters and superheroes competed in a costume contest for physically challenged children. The annual Halloween Costume Party at Sanford Health HealthCare Accessories was attended by hundreds of families. Kids marched in a costume parade, enjoyed snacks and spent time surrounded by people who understand their disability. A mother told us when she takes her son…