Rosenfield made an impact for disabled Minnesotans

by Access Press staff

The death of Barnett “Bud” Rosenfield is being felt all across Minnesota. Rosenfield, Minnesota’s Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, died suddenly and unexpectedly of a heart attack July 8. He was 57 years old.

Rosenfield had served as ombudsman since December 2021. He was appointed to the post with a long record of committed service to Minnesotans with disabilities. His office released a tribute, stating: “ . . . his impact on our office, staff, clients, and stakeholders was immeasurable. While his time as ombudsman was far too brief, his advocacy career as a champion of the rights of people with disabilities spanned decades. He was dogged in his efforts to promote and enforce the rights, community inclusion, and informed choice of people with all types of disabilities . . . The world is a bit dimmer without you in it, Bud, but your legacy lives on as we continue your efforts promoting justice, inclusion, dignity, and choice for people with disabilities.”

Many other tributes poured in, from elected officials, disability advocacy organizations and from Rosenfield’s former colleagues at the Minnesota Disability Law Center, where he had served as supervising attorney.

The Minnesota Council on Disability stated, “Bud Rosenfield was a committed, compassionate Ombudsman and

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