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http://www.kaaltv.com/article/stories/S3073363.shtml?cat=10728 About one in five Minnesotans has some kind of disability. Now, there's a new push to make sure all disabled Minnesotans can live, work, and travel where they choose. It's just the very beginning of a process that has been years in the making. The state's hand was forced on this issue -- in part, by the recent settlement of a lawsuit filed against it. That prompted an executive order from Gov. Mark Dayton in January, stating that Minnesota must become a better place for the disabled. Chris Bell is blind. But he sees how he's sometimes perceived. "One interviewer asked, 'How do you put your pants on in the morning?'" Bell said. The retired lawyer said he does so just like anyone else, and wants other Minnesotans with disabilities to do the same -- in all walks of life. "We want to be able to make decisions, informed decisions, as to where we live, what kind of work we want to do," Bell said. Wednesday's forum's focus was on making that happen. It was the first chance for the public to see the state's Olmstead Plan, aimed at increasing the quality of life for disabled Minnesotans. The first draft is a full 83 pages long and includes better access to support and services, housing, transportation, and "competitive, meaningful, and sustained" employment. "I know a lot of people who have and still are having problems finding a job," Bell said. Possibilities include the government hiring more people with disabilities, and setting disability hiring goals in state contracts. "They'd done a lot of work, and I commend them for that, but they have a lot more work to do," Bell said. Bell wants far more detail. But the state wants feedback before fleshing out the fine print. "We want to make sure that we don't go into conclusions before we gather and listen to everyone," said Kevin Lindsey, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. Their message on Wednesday was clear -- they just want more control over their lives. "They need to have the choice, and I think the keyword there is 'choice,'" said Joan Willshire, executive director of the Minnesota State Council on Disability. "The social service system essentially has been making those decisions for us, and we don't want that anymore," Bell said. Wednesday's was just the first of five public forums to be held throughout the state this summer, and you can comment on the proposals online as well. After that, eight state agencies will come together and draft the final plan. That's scheduled to be released on Nov. 1.