Disability Archives - KVRR Local News

Moorhead woman says Delta Airlines damaged daughter’s wheelchair

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

July 6, 2023

Hami Arain,

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

Hami Arain,

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

George Gonzales,

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…

Local Athletes Prep for FargoMania

TNT Kid's Fitness and Gymnastics trains individuals with disabilities for competition

July 13, 2017

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FARGO, ND — Several area athletes are prepping for FargoMania. It’s an adapted fitness competition for individuals with disabilities. Disability is not synonymous with inability. That’s what trainers at TNT Kid’s Fitness and Gymnastics are hoping to teach their athletes coping with physical or mental handicaps. “There’s a lot of misconception, a lot of stereotypes that surround a lot of…

Annual Track Meet for the Disabled Gives Family Hope

HOPE Inc. gives kids and adults with mobility challenges an opportunity to compete in 19 different activities all year round

June 24, 2017

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MOORHEAD, Minn. — It all started with two parents who wanted more for their disabled child. “If we’re feeling this sense of dread because our kids have nothing to do, there must be other people out there,” said Adair Grommesh, Executive Director of HOPE, Inc. Now it’s turned into a program which expands to more than 140 families. “It just…

Cass County Sheriff with President Trump as He Signs Laws Aimed at Supporting Law Enforcement

President Trump said he wants to help those, especially in law enforcement and the military, who have taken it upon themselves to protect us

June 2, 2017

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Cass County Sheriff Paul Laney watched just feet away from President Trump as he signed two bills into law aimed at helping law enforcement families and veterans. The president signed the American Law Enforcement Heroes Act, which encourages law enforcement agencies to hire veterans. He also signed the Public Safety Officers Benefits Improvement Act, which helps officers…