Application for PANDA’S Disability Working Group

PANDA is excited to offer Minnesota Adult Basic Education (ABE) teachers, volunteers, and program managers with special education licensure or disability experience the opportunity to join the Disability Working Group. Members are eligible to earn a $250 stipend for a one-year term.

PANDA, Minnesota ABE Physical and Nonapparent Disability Assistance, is an ABE Support Network provider funded by a Minnesota Department of Education ABE Supplemental Services grant. PANDA’s mission is to provide Minnesota Adult Ed programs with disability support, knowledge, and resources to increase academic opportunities for all students.

The Disability Working Group was created in 2014. Its mission is to educate, advocate, advise, and communicate topics related to students with disabilities within the Group and with ABE staff throughout the state. Current members include ABE program managers, teachers, and disability experts.

Please consider applying to join the Disability Working Group to learn more about PANDA services and to provide your expertise and input about needs in the disability field.

Expectations for PANDA Disability Working Group members:

• Commit to a one-year term for the fiscal year July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. Members may be able to extend their term.
• Participate in four virtual meetings of approximately two hours each, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. No travel is required.
  • Thursday, October 23, 2025
  • Thursday, December 11, 2025
  • Thursday, March 12, 2026
  • Thursday, May 21, 2026
• Agree to work approximately four hours outside of meetings on projects such as:
  • Speaking at a staff meeting to explain PANDA services.
  • Teaching colleagues how to navigate the PANDA website and how to find useful tools.
  • Visiting an ABE program serving adults with disabilities to learn, collaborate, and share ideas.
  • Identifying instructional best practices or adaptive equipment needs for students with disabilities.
  • Sharing information about an area of your expertise during a Disability Working Group meeting or in an MN ABE Connect article.

The application deadline is June 6, 2025.

To apply, click on the following link and submit:  PANDA Disability Working Group Application

For more information, contact Erin Parker, PANDA Manager,  [email protected]