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Volume 29, Number 1
January 10, 2018
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'Perfect storm' created by new federal tax law
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TWIN CITIES, MN PERMIT NO. 4766 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
by Access Press staff
Looming cuts to Medicaid and Medicare?
Access to health care through Medicare and Medicaid could be further hampered by looming cuts. “The tax bill awaiting passage in Congress adds to the deficit, will NEW TAX LAWS To page 5
You don't make change by yourself. Don't ever discount what you do on a day-to-day basis. It all matters. randall bachman [f\ FILE PHOTO
The new federal tax law, signed into effect just before Christmas by President Donald Trump, will have disastrous consequences for people with disabilities and the organizations that serve them. The $1.5 trillion tax overhaul is the most sweeping set of changes in decades to federal tax law. Dozens of Minnesota nonprofits, including many groups that serve people with disabilities, weighed in against the law before it was passed by the House and Senate. They criticized the end result of massive benefits to corporations and wealthy Americans, at the expense of many others. The tax cuts are expected to add $1 trillion to the nation’s deficit, putting health care and other critical services in the bullseye for cost savings. Crucial human services support programs including Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, food programs and other needed supports could soon see themselves in the cross-hairs. The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, representing more than 2,000 nonprofits, pointed out that the state’s nonprofit community employs nearly 12 percent of Minnesota’s workforce. “The harm caused by this tax proposal will be dramatic, particularly to children, retirees, people with disabilities, workers and families,” said Rebecca Lucero, the council’s public policy director. She called the bill a “perfect storm” for nonprofits. The list of worries about the tax package is long and complex. The Congressional Budget Office analysis forecasts 13 million fewer Americans will receive health coverage because the individual mandate to have health insurance of the Affordable Care Act was repealed. This includes five million fewer people enrolled in Medicaid, with an estimated 12,500 fewer people enrolled in the east metro area of the Twin Cities alone, according to the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation. As fewer younger, healthier people enroll in programs premiums would likely rise for everyone else. Groups that work on housing issues and homelessness predict those struggles will increase as crucial tax credits and programs are eliminated, including the tax exemption for private activity bonds. Hundreds of thousands of potential new affordable housing units could go unbuilt. Businesses that sell medical devices worry about taxes on those needed items if a current exemption isn’t extended.
NEWS DIGEST
The Arc Minnesota's longtime public policy director, Steve Larson, spoke at a 2017 legislative rally. Larson retired in 2017 after many years' service.
The year in review
2017 was a year of challenges for Minnesotans with disabilities Another year is finished, and we look back at all of the things that happened, good and bad. Access Press wishes the best for its readers in 2018.
JANUARY
The 2017 Minnesota Legislature gaveled into session January 3, launching one of the most potentially complex and contentious sessions in recent years. Republican House and Senate leaders and DFLer Gov. Mark Dayton had to
agree on a two-year budget for the state, or face a crippling government shutdown like one in 2011. Everyone had to concur on what to do with a $1.4 billion budget surplus. Minnesotans with disabilities and allies urged state lawmakers to consider spending on programs including Medical Assistance spend-down reform and wage increases to address the growing caregiver shortage. Calls were made for physical improvements at state hospitals and
Attend advocacy training Page 12 Websites offer historical perspectives Page 2 Tracking devices are bill's focus Page 6 Elders face isolation Page 4 The Directory of Organizations is here, with resources you need Page 7-10
YEAR IN REVIEW To page 3
Stracke spent career as a 'True Friend' to many by Jane McClure Many happy campers have Ed Stracke to thank for their memories of summer and winter fun. Stracke stepped down January 1 as president and chief executive officer of True Friends, which provides camping and outdoor experiences for Minnesotans with disabilities. He has spent more than 33 years leading the organization. Stracke’s career with people with disabilities, which began when he was a young man in Iowa, has paralleled sweeping changes in camping and outdoor recreation. It’s work he has enjoyed thoroughly. Now he is ready for a change. “I’ll still be with True Friends, but in more of a fundraising and ambassador role,” Stracke said. The change will also give him more time with family. “I’ve had a great career, but it’s time to retire.” “Guided by his dedication and unwavering support of individuals with disabilities, True Friends has flourished under his leadership,” said True Friends Board of Directors Chair John Bredemus. “We are grateful and humbled by Ed’s commitment over the years.” True Friends is a nonprofit agency providing life-changing experiences that enhance independence and self-esteem for children and adults with disabilities. True Friends’ programs include camp, respite, therapeutic horseback riding, conference and retreat, travel and team building. The programs serve more than 25,000 people each year.
Ed Stracke Stracke said he never imagined himself having such a career. He grew up in the Harlan, Iowa area. He was part of a farming family, one of eight children. After high school he graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in recreation and leisure services. His interests in working with camps and people with disabilities began with a job at Camp Sunnyside. The Des Moines area camp is affiliated with Easter Seals Iowa, the largest and oldest special needs camping center in that state. Working there with campers there set the stage for Stracke’s career. He still has fond memories of young people he worked with. Seeing the positive experience camp was for children with disabilities was
an inspiration, Stracke said. “You saw that the young people had the same opportunities to go camp, to have fun experiences and to make lifelong friends.” His career took him to Minnesota. In 1984 he began working at Friendship Ventures, which was then affiliated with Arc of Minnesota. Camp Friendship began in 1964 as a resort near Annandale, organized by parents of children with disabilities. By January 1986 Stracke was leading Friendship Ventures, after the camp became a separate nonprofit organization. He had a vision to expand the organization, to offer respite services, travel opportunities, conference and retreat experiences, and team building opportunities. Expanding beyond summer and winter camping paid off. Looking back, he said it was important for Friendship Ventures to diversity. “Camping experiences are important but we couldn’t maintain the camps if we didn’t grow as an organization,” Stracke said. Camp Eden Wood was acquired by Friendship Ventures in 1995. That facility was established in 1925 as the Glen Lake Children’s Camp, originally serving as a summer haven for children with tuberculosis. In the late 1950s, Arc of Hennepin County operated the site as Camp Indian Chief for people with developmental disabilities. In 2005, Camp New Hope, near McGregor, merged into Friendship Ventures. The camp was originally STRACKE To page 14
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January 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 1
EDITOR’S DESK
Tim Benjamin As you all know, we’ve had a dangerously cold couple weeks. I hope everyone stayed safe and had no unforeseen incidents. Most of us who have lived here for some time know the serious risks of being caught off-guard in extreme frigid weather. Getting stuck on a snow-blocked curb cut, an un-shoveled sidewalk or slippery icy spots can create a situation with potential for hypothermia, pneumonia or even death. Even as the weather turns milder, it’s important never to take winter weather lightly. Sure, we’re tough, but let’s be tough and alive. The new year will bring me a new wheelchair, which I was granted by Medica after more than a year of jumping through hoops to replace
a nine-year-old chair that required frequent repairs. The price that Medicaid paid was outrageous, but I had no control over that, and wish someone did. I went through several appeals of insurance denials as well as what’s called a Medicaid Fair Hearing at the state level, just to get the same specifications as my current chair. I’m grateful for the help from my durable goods provider’s rehab documentation specialist, although it caused the company (Handi Medical) extra time, and reduced their profit. The Disability Law Center also got involved and discovered significant mistakes made during the Fair Hearing process. In the end, the 20-month process required many hours of effort by me and many
Of course, companies and bureacracies recognize that many people will not fight a decision, and so it may be that cost savings are achieved through broad-scale denials of initial requests and claims. If that's how things are designed to work, it's a damned shame.
I suspect most of you have similar stories you could tell about the frustration and expensive process of getting services that too often waste the state's, our own, and providers' resources. advocates, as well as a second visit by the Gillette occupational therapist to re-evaluate my needs. It was all much costlier in time and work and dollars than it had to be, and I’ll be glad to be using my new chair soon. I suspect most of you have similar stories you could tell about the frustration and expensive process of getting services that too often waste the state’s, and our own, and providers’, resources. There are so many ways we could reduce the costs of health insurance by respecting the decisions of trained professionals. The state already requires extensive, specific curricula to educate and licensure to certify medical professionals. They know their jobs and responsibilities and the approval and reimbursement process should respect that. Yes, there need to be audits and compliance checking, but too often, healthcare clients have to wait weeks or months for appointments or care to take care of a problem that would be far less costly if taken care of quickly. Of course, companies and bureaucracies recognize that many people will not fight a decision, and so it may be that cost savings are achieved through broad-scale denials of initial requests and claims. If that’s how things
are designed to work, it’s a damned shame. In the disability community, it’s long been said that the Social Security Administration has such a policy for first-time disability status requests. SSA says that’s not true, but it is a fact that overall, about two-thirds of all new disability claims are denied, and only some are approved after appeal. If money was used to provide early and efficient services instead of presenting obstacles, isn’t it just possible that we would be healthier and our provider organizations would be better off? The legislative session is just around the corner, starting on February 20. As I’ve said before, many organizations are already planning their legislative priorities for 2018. Be sure to join in the community’s efforts to make sure your priorities are well-represented in a session where there are many demands for state funds. Finally, I want to apologize for the many spelling and grammatical errors in last month’s issue. I can give you my word that I will watch much closer. Thanks to those folks who pointed it out to me; we really don’t want mistakes and I appreciate your responses. ■
HISTORY NOTE
Resolve to learn more about the history of disability Looking for a new year’s resolution for 2018? Why not resolve to learn more about the history of disability around the world? Many excellent resources are online. Here are a few: One treasure trove is the Disability History Association (DHA). From the stories of post-World War I accommodations for workers in Europe to the complicated history of U.S. psychiatric institutions and tobacco use by patients, the DHA offers a wide range of resources including articles, book reviews and links to online archives from across the globe. DHA is an international non-profit organization that promotes the study of disabilities throughout history. The website includes, but is not limited to, the history of individuals or groups with disabilities, perspectives on disability, representations or constructions of disability, policy and practice history, teaching, theory and disability and
related social and civil rights movements. The association’s website states, “This organization is both inclusive and international, reflected in our diverse topics and approaches.” DHA offers members a community of historians to connect with, as well as a newsletter, conference information and more. Dues are $30 per year, with low-income dues available. Learn more at http://dishist.org Another great online history resources for teachers and others who work with children is linked to the Museum of disABILITY History in Buffalo, N.Y. The museum was established in 1998 by Dr. James M. Boles, president and CEO of People Inc., a large nonprofit human services agency in western New York State. The Museum of disABILITY History is dedicated to advancing the understanding, acceptance and independence of people with disabilities. It exhibits, collections, archives and educational programs create awareness
Volume 29, Number 1 Periodicals Imprint: Pending ISSN
Co-Founder/Publisher............................................................................................................Wm. A. Smith, Jr. (1990-96) Co-Founder/Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief.............................................................................. Charles F. Smith (1990-2001) Board of Directors................................................. Mohamed Alfash, Stephen Anderson, John Clark, Kristin Jorenby, ..............................................................................................................Jane Larson, Julius Williams, Kay Willshire, Mark Zangara Advertising Sales......... Michelle Hegarty, 612-807-1078 Cartoonist......................................................Scott Adams Executive Director.....................................Tim Benjamin Production........................................................ In-Fin Tuan Managing Editor........................................ Jane McClure Distribution............................................ S. C. Distribution Business Manager/Webmaster......... Dawn Frederick EDITORIAL: Editorial submissions and news releases on topics of interest to persons with disabilities, or persons serving those with disabilities, are welcomed. We reserve the right to edit all submissions. Editorial material and advertising do not necessarily reflect the view of the editor/publisher of Access Press.
and a platform for dialogue and discovery. It is chartered by the New York State Department of Education Board of Regents. The museum website offers a virtual tour of the facility itself, as well as many age-appropriate education materials that can be found online. The educational materials are useful for a classroom, group or one-on-one use. Lesson plans are offered to download. A number of short books covering a wide range of disability tropics are available for purchase. Learn more at http:// museumofdisability.org A third resource is the online Disability History Museum. Its mission is to foster a more in-depth understanding about how changing cultural values, notions of identity, laws, and policies have shaped and influenced the experience of people with disabilities, their families, and their communities over time. The museum is a work in progress,
with a few sections still under construction. The posted material can be used to learn about a wide range of disability history topics. One focus for the museum is the many social struggles people with disability face, and for using that history to understand the experiences and challenges people with disabilities have today. The website emphasizes the importance of preserving history, stating, “Young people growing up in the United States today have never lived in a built environment that was not notably accessible, where a public education was not provided to a person with a disability.” Learn more at www.disabilitymuseum.org ■ The History Note is a monthly column sponsored by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, www.mnddc.org or www.mncdd.org and www.partnersinpolicymaking.com.
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January 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 1
schools for children and youth with disabilities. Controversial attorney Paul Hansmeier was being investigated by the FBI for past work representing a nonprofit suing businesses for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Hansmeier, who had been recently indicted for offenses related to copyright trolling, is now accused by a former client of withholding legal proceeds for the disability lawsuits. Before his law license was suspended, Hansmeier represented the Disability Support Alliance. Hansmeier would sue businesses for minor violations of the ADA, using “testers” who would look for violations.
FEBRUARY
High fees are keeping too many Minnesota families out of the Medical Assistance/ Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) program. Families in the program make sacrifices to pay fees meant to keep children with disabilities healthy and living in the community. More than 50 parents and children gathered in Roseville to share stories and mobilize for the 2017 legislative session. The Arc Minnesota is leading the charge, calling for state lawmakers to support a reduction in fees. The goal is to have the fees halved this year and eventually eliminated. Parent after parent, some in tears, described extremely difficult situations. Minnesota’s home care crisis played out at the capitol. More pay and benefits for home care workers are at the forefront for several groups. Advocates got mixed news after Dayton released his budget. Supporters for increased pay are working against a backdrop of thousands of job vacancies in the home care ranks. It was estimated that there were more than 8,700 job vacancies statewide. Workers who do home care for Minnesotans with disabilities earn less than many other works. Home care workers earn an average of $12.32 per hour, pay directly tied to state reimbursement rates set by lawmakers.
MARCH
“We deserve to have our voices heard, and our issues addressed.” Those words, spoken by Apple Valley parent Kelly Kausel, summed up sentiments of 2017 Disability Matters Day at the Capitol. Attendees cheered and chanted, to convey a message that a variety of supports are needed for people to lead independent lives in the community. The rally drew self-advocates from around the state, family members and allies. They called for the 2017 Minnesota Legislature to support policies that promote inclusion, choice, and independence for people with disabilities and their families. The Arc Minnesota, Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance, Get Up Stand Up to Cure Paralysis Foundation and Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities organized the rally and lobbying day. Also at the capitol, a push for more self-direction through the Consumer-Directed Community Supports (CDCS) program met a positive response from legislative committees. Many groups led the charge the charge for more people with disabilities to benefit CDCS. The legislation, if passed, would expand budgets for people with disabilities who want individualized employment and housing. It would increase community options for people who are currently living in institutions. It would also update the methods used to determine service budgets.
and summer weather awareness advice in 2017, which can be found by searching the online archives. Renovation of Minnesota’s capitol was wrapping up. The verdict on accessibility by members of the disability community is primarily positive, with a few things that could be improved. A state staff team toured the restored capitol with Minnesota State Council on Disability (MSCOD). The capitol exceeds ADA requirements, but MSCOD has requested additional changes. Those were sent for review by project architects, contractors, tenants including the House and Senate, facility managers, project managers and others. Changes already made include everything from power door openers to low-pile rugs that are easier for wheelchairs to travel on. Parking and property clearance on hearing room tables were also addressed.
MAY
How do Minnesotans feel about their neighbors with developmental disabilities? Some attitudes have changed for the better over the past 50 years. Other beliefs are cause for alarm and show that there is much progress to be made in understanding disability. Those are among key conclusions drawn from a survey released by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities (MNCDD) and The Arc Minnesota. Surveys were also done in 2007, 2012 and 1962. Colleen Wieck, executive director of the governor’s council, said that repeating the 1962 study would gauge public opinion and attitudes. The original survey was conducted face to face with 900 Minnesotans. The 2017 survey gathered opinions from 1,001 Minnesota respondents. While attitudes changed dramatically between 1962 and 2007, some attitudes have remained unchanged over the past decade. Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare celebrated 120 years’ service to the community. Supporters gathered at the capitol April 25 to mark the occasion. On April 23, 1897, the Minnesota Legislature established Gillette as the nation’s first hospital specializing in care for children with complex medical conditions. The hospital was established at a time when these young patients were often marginalized by the health care system and the greater community. Dr. Arthur Gillette was hospital founder.
A self-advocate showed off one of the slogans at Disability Day at the Capitol.
JUNE
APRIL
Severe Weather Awareness Week was marked April 17-21, but Minnesotans had already seen tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. It’s crucial for people with disabilities to be prepared well before thunderstorms roll in or a tornado siren sounds. Pay attention to the weather and know what terms mean. A severe thunderstorm or tornado “watch” means that conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather. Watches are typically issued up to six hours before a severe storm could hit. Access Press published spring
JULY
Significant investments in Minnesota Security Hospital improvements and a pay raise for personal care attendants are taking shape. Hospital improvements were included in the bonding bill and in other human services legislation. Physical changes to make the facility safer, along with more staff, have been a priority. In 2014 a patient was fatally beaten and stomped upon by a fellow patient. Approved was $70.255 million to renovate the hospital and create safer working conditions for employees. An additional $22.85 million was also passed to increase safety by adding 146 employees. The new personnel will put Minnesota Security Hospital staffing levels closer to those at similar treatment facilities in other states. All eyes were on Washington, D.C. as debate continued over repealing the Affordable Care Act and making dramatic cuts and caps to the Medicaid program. Minnesota disability organizations and individuals were among the voices from around the country fighting to save the needed funding and health care coverage. It’s estimated that nationally, more than 10 million people would be affected. Lives are on the line, especially the ability to live and work in the community. People with disabilities make up 15 percent of Medicaid recipients but rely on 42 percent of the funding. A statewide mental health crisis hotline was able to stay open thanks to a last-minute assist from the Minnesota Department of Health. But the long-term future of the Crisis Connection remains uncertain. The line, which failed to receive support from the 2017 Minnesota Legislature, was to shut down July 11. Canvas Health of Oakdale, which operates Crisis Connection, said the site lacked financing to continue. Crisis Connection is a widely used, statewide mental health crisis line. Each county in Minnesota has a 24hour crisis hot line, which provides counseling and access to crisis teams of mental health professionals. But finding resources isn’t always easy, especially for people in crisis. The possibility of its closure alarmed many mental health advocates. Many Minnesotans with disabilities and their allies have been involved in the fight to save the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid. Hundred marched and rallied at the capitol in St. Paul July 26 for the annual Americans with Disabilities Act celebration. Many of the chants and cheers focused on preserving health care, as well as the services and supports needed to be part of the greater community. Participants and rally speakers said that preserving health care and Medicaid are basic civil rights.
Two champions of Minnesotans with disabilities were honored at the end of the 2017 legislative session. The Arc Minnesota’s Steve Larson retired as senior policy director. Anne Henry, a mainstay at the Minnesota Disability Law Center, retired in late 2017 but will still work on complex care issues. They received lifetime achievement awards from the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities. Session’s end meant mixed results for the community, as legislators had to go into special session to get work done. The first budget bills quickly fell to Dayton’s veto pen. One of the last bills that left the floor was health and human services, which is always carefully watched.
Margot Imdieke Cross of the Minnesota State Council on Disability, shows the clearance under hearing room tables - an important feature for presenters in wheelchairs.
The bill included some disability funding increases and long-term policy reforms. One huge disappointment was that human services spending was reduced by $463 million. Advocates had hoped for more compensation for caregivers than was awarded. A number of programs in the areas of mental health, special education, housing and developmental disabilities did get needed funding increases. One big win was in ConsumerDirected Community Supports (CDCS), where budget methodology and exceptions process were changed. This is seen as making CDCS and self-direction work more efficiently for children and adults with disabilities.
AUGUST
FILE PHOTOS
YEAR IN REVIEW From page 1
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SEPTEMBER
Access to needed medical equipment and supplies continues to cause problems for many people with disabilities. The latest fight in Minnesota is to repeal a law which affects incontinence supplies. The law takes effect July 1, 2018. The Midwest Association of Medical Equipment Suppliers (MAMES), its members and other advocates want to overturn a law requiring Minnesota to bid out incontinence products. The law was tucked into the 2017 health and human service omnibus bill in the final hours of the legislative session. Bill Amberg, who is MAMES’ lobbyist, said member medical supply dealers are frustrated that the bill addition came without debate or discussing. MAMES and its allies are working to overturn the bid requirement before it takes effect. The change could be yet another blow to Minnesota’s medical supply and durable medical equipment providers. More than half a dozen companies have closed during the past year YEAR IN REVIEW To page 15
January 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 1
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FROM OUR COMMUNITY
Neighbors can intervene, help isolated elders by Deb Taylor AARP has completed a report on the Framework for Isolation in Adults over age 50. The report defines isolation as the experience of diminished social connectedness stemming from a process whereby the impact of risk factors outweighs the impact of existing protective factors. A person’s lack of social connectedness is measured by the quality, type, frequency and emotional satisfaction of social ties. Social isolation can impact health and quality of life, measured by an individual’s physical, social, and psychological health; ability and motivation to access adequate support for themselves; and the quality of the environment and community in which they live. The report also states that isolation in adults aged 50 and older occurs due to a complex set of circumstances and factors that exist at the individual, social network, community, and societal levels. The primary risk factors associated with isolation include: living alone, mobility or sensory impairment, major life transitions, socioeconomic status (low income, limited resources), being a caregiver for someone with severe impairment, psychological or cognitive vulnerabilities, location (rural, unsafe or inaccessible neighborhood/community), small social network and/or inadequate social support, language (non-English speaking) and membership in a vulnerable group. Isolation or personal seclusion can also be triggered by the change/loss of social
network, social role, physical health, mental health and resources. The National Council on Aging estimated, in a recent study, that 17 percent of all Americans over the age of 65 are isolated because they live alone and face one or more barriers related to geographic location, disability or communication skills. This time of year has everyone thinking about how we can be better neighbors and friends to those around us and ensure they have somewhere to go or someone to be with during the holidays, but knowing how to help prevent isolation, loneliness and separation from family and community is something we should be concerned about all year long. Isolation is an ongoing issue, not just a seasonal one. Here are a few things you can do all year long to be a friend to an isolated older adult: • Get to know your neighbors This is the first step. Maybe you have an older adult living in your neighborhood that isn’t very active in the community. Introduce yourself, invite them to dinner, have coffee with them. The simplest acts can make a big difference in the life of a person who’s isolated. • Offer to drive Not having access to transportation can be a significant factor causing isolation for an older adult. If you can’t personally drive them, offer to help them find an organization that can. A bus pass can be a welcome gift. • Ask questions As evidenced in the AARP report, there are many reasons an older adult may be isolated, and it may have nothing to do with lack of transportation. They may have just lost a loved one and are finding it hard to find the motivation to leave the
house or maybe they had to move recently and don’t know anyone in town. They may even have been feeling under the weather and haven’t been able to talk to anyone about it. It’s important to ask.
Encourage social activities
Senior centers are great places for older adults to engage with others as well as provide meaning for them with a variety of activities offered from woodworking to cards to yoga and more. • Offer to help There may be a home project that is limiting an older adult’s mobility. For example, they may have trouble bathing themselves because they find it difficult to stand in the shower for so long. Or, this time of year, they may be limited by the snow on their driveway that they’re unable to shovel on their own. Be a neighbor and offer to shovel and salt a path for them. Programs exists include chore and repair services, and in-home safety assessments. There are numerous simple ways to help prevent isolation in older adults, many of which require only a few minutes of your time. Become more aware of the older adults in your life and community and begin to engage with them more often. Older adults add so much value to our communities, and deserve appreciation and support. What will you do to help prevent isolation in the lives of the older adults in your community today? Deb Taylor is the CEO of Senior Community Services and its Reimagine Aging Institute, a nonprofit that helps older adults and caregivers navigate aging to maintain independence and quality of life, at www.seniorcommunity.org. ■
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WELCOME
Access Press welcomes letters to the editor and commentary pieces from readers, on topics of interest to Minnesota’s disability community. Letters should be no more than 500 words, with 750 words per commentary. Ask the editors if more space is needed. Letters and guest commentaries must be signed by the authors or authors. With letters, a writer’s hometown is published but not a street address. Please send contact information in case the editors have questions about a letter or commentary. Contact information isn’t published unless the writer specifically requests that the newspaper do so. Pictures of the author can be published with a guest commentary but aren’t required. Access Press asks that letters and guest commentaries be specifically written for the newspaper. Letters must have a focus on disability issues and ideally, a focus on those issues as they affect Minnesotans. Form letters will not be published. Because Access Press is a non-profit publication and must follow regulations on political partisanship, political endorsement letters are not published. That is true for candidates’ endorsements as well as for ballot questions. Before making a submission writers are always encouraged to contact the newspaper to discuss ideas or to ask questions about From Our Community submissions, at 651-644-2133 or access@accesspress.org. Let the newspaper staff know if accommodations are needed to submit a letter or commentary. Letters and commentaries reflect the view of the authors and not the views of the staff and board of directors of Access Press. Deadline for the print edition of the newspaper is the 25th of each month, with publication the following month.
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January 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 1
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increase the cost of health-insurance, and opens the door to massive cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and other programs that offer vital support for people living with a mental illness,” said Sue Abderholden, executive director of National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) Minnesota, “Our mental health system is still under construction and any cuts to public programs like Medicaid will be particularly devastating for people living with mental illnesses and their families.” Alicia Munson, senior policy director of The Arc Minnesota, said the tax law would cause “major harm” for Minnesotans with disabilities and their families. “The $1 trillion spike in the deficit that this bill will create is roughly the same amount of money that would be cut from Medicaid if the House and Senate leaders’ budget blueprint was passed into law. Medicaid is a lifeline for our citizens with disabilities and their family members; it makes it possible for them to be included in their communities and provides life-saving medical care,” she said. “Drastic cuts in the Medicaid funding would force our state leaders to make impossible choices. It would mean cuts in services that help parents keep their children with disabilities at home, in supports that keep adults with disabilities out of institutions, in medical care that keeps people with disabilities of all ages healthy, or all of the above,” said Munson. NAMI Minnesota cites the impacts Medicaid cuts would have on people with mental illness. For many people living with a mental illness, Medicaid pays for treatment - medications, therapy, ACT teams, ARMHS services and more - that helps people recover and live well in the community. Cuts to Medicaid to pay for lower tax rates will have negative consequences that will harm people with a mental illness. Minnetonka-based St. David’s Center for Children worries about the loss of services for families with children with disabilities. Potential cuts to programs like Medicare and Medicaid would mean many of St. David’s Center’s children and families could not access the critical services they need to thrive. “It’s terrifying to me,” says client Cindy Klossner. Cindy’s four-yearold grandson Kellen receives services at St. David’s Center for autism and the effects of exposure to lead as an infant. Tax cuts could mean Kellen could no longer access the services that have changed his life. Without them, she said, “I can’t imagine the kinds of limitations he’d face in school and in life longer term.” Nonprofit housing and care providers said the new tax law not only will hurt those they care for, it will also hurt employees who often work more than one job to make ends meet. “At Hammer Residences, each individual we support relies on Medicaid funding daily,” said a statement from the housing and support services organization. “Whether they live with a disability or have a pre-existing condition, the potential loss of funding if Medicaid is cut would be devastating. Additionally, the losses to Hammer as an agency would be staggering.” Mount Olivet Rolling Acres is a Minneapolis area disability services organization, providing crisis support services, case management, and residential and inhome supports for children and individuals with mental health issues, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and physical disabilities. In 2017 alone, it supported more than 800 individuals, with almost all funding from the Medicaid program. Its clients tend to be lower functioning, have higher medical needs, and are aging. Many are nearing retirement age, require 24/7 supports and have parents or guardians who are no longer able to afford their care. “In an industry that already faces challenges like low wages, staffing shortages, and a lack of viable resources, further cuts to Medicaid would be detrimental, and result in the loss of services, lower quality of life for the clients supported, and a possibly elimination of jobs,” said Mount Olivet Rolling Acres, President, Tracy Murphy.
Other changes spark fears
Another great fear is centered on how changes to the tax laws would negatively impact charitable giving, which could be reduced by as much as $13 billion. Many nonprofit face decreased giving, as a result of changes to tax itemization. Some estimates put the drop in charitable gaining at as much as $13 billion. One of many groups fearful of that impact is Can Do Canines, a New Hope organization that provides specially trained assistance dogs for people with a wide variety of health issues. “We depend heavily on donations from individuals to continue to do this work without charge to our clients,” Can Do Canines said in a statement “The new legislation will significantly impact us because many people will no longer get tax deductions for contributions, reducing the size and frequency of their gifts. Fewer contributions mean fewer dogs for people on our already-long waiting list.” Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (MOFAS) Executive Director Sara Messelt said, “We are also very concerned about the proposed reduction in tax incentives for charitable giving. While all people make contributions to non-profits because they believe in the mission, maintaining the tax incentive to give creates stability for the essential work of the non-profit sector.” ■
Can Do Canines is one of many Minnesota Disability nonprofit service organizations that relies heavily on donations. Changes to federal tax law could affect those donations and the services the organization and many others provide.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
TAX LAWS From page 1
January 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 1
Pg 6
REGIONAL NEWS Abderholden, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness-Minnesota. “Time has come to just stop discriminating against people with mental illness.” (Source: Star Tribune)
Safety program is proposed
All too easily, vulnerable adults can wander off from their homes. That can be a dangerous problem in places like Minnesota where temperatures can dip well below freezing. U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota, is concerned about the number of such incidents in her state. She sees the problem as preventable with simple technology that is easy and inexpensive to administer. Klobuchar has sponsored a bipartisan bill that's already passed the Senate, and next goes to the House. It would provide millions in funding to provide the tracking bracelets for people with various developmental and cognitive disabilities. The bracelets would allow law enforcement officers to locate bracelet wearers when they wander from home. Klobuchar is hoping to have the bill passed into law in 2018. It is one of many issues she is working on. Klobuchar will be joined in the U.S. Senate in January by former Lieutenant Gov. Tina Smith. Smith is being sworn in to replace Al Franken, who was dogged by accusations of sexual misconduct and announced his resignation earlier this month. It was the first time in Minnesota history two female senators will represent the state, though Klobuchar says she's just looking forward to getting things done. “I think this is going to be quite a moment to come into the Senate,” she said. “It’s historic, but what really matters to me isn't if it’s a man or a woman, but that it's someone who gets things done.” (Source: KMSP-TV)
Ex-executive pleads guilty
Starkey Laboratories' former chief financial officer pleaded guilty in December to a single conspiracy charge, in a plea agreement reached with the U.S. Attorney's Office. Scott Arthur Nelson, 58, was fired from the Eden Prairie-based hearing aid maker in September 2015. He was subsequently accused of self-dealing in a $15 million stock scheme, and pleaded guilty to the single conspiracy charge as part of a “felony information.” Nelson waived his right to a formal indictment and jury trial. He previously pleaded not guilty to various charges involving the fraudulent transfer of restricted stock associated with a Starkey subsidiary called Northland Hearing. Judge John R. Tunheim said that Nelson now faces a possible sentence of up to 60 months in jail, plus the forfeiture of up to $2.53 million in ill-gotten stock sale and insurance proceeds. Tunheim also said that as part of his plea agreement, Nelson must cooperate with federal authorities regarding other co-defendants in the Starkey fraud case. That includes former Starkey President Jerry Ruzicka and former Starkey human resources manager Larry Miller. The criminal trial involving Ruzicka, Miller and former Starkey business associates Larry Hagen and Jeff Taylor, is currently scheduled to begin January 16. Nelson's sentencing hearing has been delayed, but is expected soon. Several former Starkey officials have been indicted on charges of embezzlement and illegal transfer of stock. Starkey is an internationally known hearing aid firm. (Source: Star Tribune)
Driverless cars eyed for rural areas?
Rural Minnesota residents could benefit from driverless cars, according to University of Minnesota researcher Frank Douma. He created a task force in 2016 to examine how to give residents across the state access to self-driving vehicles. While many see possibilities of driverless vehicles in cities or suburbs, Douma said they could benefit rural communities. People who can't drive because of disabilities or financial obstacles, as well as older drivers could benefit. The technology is still being developed. The Minnesota Department of Transportation is making advances in self-driving vehicle technology. The department will run a self-driving shuttle in Minneapolis during Super Bowl week in February.
Vitals app available to more people
Sen. Amy Klobuchar
Douma predicts such vehicles could be on the road by 2025 or 2030. The vehicles could also improve the state's 41 rural transit systems and cut down on recruitment and drivers' salary expenses. Officials and people with disabilities in rural areas agree. “I think it's a tremendous growth opportunity for us,” said Itasca County Sheriff Vic Williams. “It allows the accessibility for people limited in their mobility to be able to have some freedoms that we take for granted.” Myrna Peterson is on Douma's task force. She was paralyzed in a car accident more than 20 years ago. The 68-year-old often makes a two-mile commute to Grand Rapids in her electric wheelchair. "Twenty-three surgeries later, I'm not dead yet," she said. "I am on a mission to make things more accessible for those people who don't have a voice or are incapable of speaking for themselves." (Source: Minnesota Public Radio)
Patients pay more for mental health help
Even Minnesotans who have health insurance are increasingly likely to pay more for mental health treatment compared to other medical care, a trend that's coming under greater scrutiny by insurance regulators. A recent study that looked at three years of insurance claims, including nearly seven million in Minnesota, has advocates concerned that added cost burden for mental health treatment will discourage people from seeking help. Regulators are asking if the situation violates a 2008 federal law named partly after the late Sen. Paul Wellstone, requiring any coverage for mental health is at parity with coverage for medical care. Health plans do a good job providing enrollees with a network of physicians to serve medical needs, according to the research. But when it comes to getting mental health care, enrollees went out of network much more often, boosting co-payments. That can further complicate the search for treatment; a process made more difficult when people are most vulnerable. In 2015, out of network mental health care jumped threefold, accounting for 11 percent of all therapy sessions, according to the study conducted by the consulting firm Milliman. The Minnesota Commerce Department, which has regulatory authority over mental health parity laws, said complaints are increasing “We have been hearing from people that it has been hard to get into networks and this confirms that,” said Sue
For people with disabilities, the Vitals app can provide safety. Vitals is a new technology, a service with two apps, designed to create safer interactions between law enforcement and people with behavioral, mental health, and developmental disorders. The St. Paul Police Department became the first department in the state to use the app, starting to do so earlier in 2017. Other departments are starting to use the app or are considering it. The app alerts police officers of “invisible” disabilities, such as autism or dementia. Officers can then use that information to de-escalate confusing situations and to help people when there is a crisis. But the app has a cost, of more than $100 per year per person. That’s why it was welcome news in December 2017 when an anonymous person donated $10,000 to The Arc Greater Twin Cities and Vitals Aware Services to provide 100 people with disabilities with the Vitals app for one year. The donation, combined with a $2,000 gift from Vitals, will ensure the $120 annual cost per person for the app will be covered for one year. For more information, go to www.arcminnesota.org (Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press)
Ehlinger out at health department
Folloewing reports of abuse and neglect at state nursing homes, Dr. Edward Ehlinger, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Health resigned in December 2017. His resignation comes in the wake of charges that the department has failed to properly investigate reports of abuse and neglect in senior care facilities. The issues have been investigated by KARE-11 and the Star Tribune. Both news outlets have reported on incidents of abuse and neglect. Workers have been caught on video cameras verbally abusing and threatening a patient with dementia. Sexual assaults of patients have been reported. But some complaints weren’t even investigated by state officials. KARE 11 investigated a case where a woman with both legs broken waited many hours for help. Outraged family members have demanded action, as have state lawmakers. “Why are we continuing to hear about the abuse neglect and harm to our senior population?” Sen. Karin Housley (R-St. Mary’s) said at a news conference. In 2016, the state received more than 24,000 reports of abuse and neglect. But records reveal the vast majority of them – more than 23,000 – were never thoroughly investigated. Gov. Mark Dayton named Health Department Deputy Commissioner Dan Pollock acting commissioner until a permanent replacement is selected. Dayton also ordered that the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ Office of the Inspector General provide the Health Department assistance in improving the management of its investigations of elder neglect and abuse. (Source: KARE 11)
Text for safety on Metro Transit
Many people with disabilities in the Twin Cities use Metro Transit buses and trains to travel. The new Text for Safety number is 612-900-0411, allowing transit riders to contact Metro Transit by text. Use it to report non-emergency situations, to silently report something that doesn’t look right on a bus, on a train or at a transit shelter. The service is accessible via the Metro Transit Mobile App. The Text for Safety service is REGIONAL NEWS To page 15
BDC MANAGEMENT CO. MAY BE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS for our accessible waiting lists at the following affordable communities
We may be accepting applications for our large number of mobility impaired accessible units. Please call us for more information.
Albright Townhomes Minneapolis Buffalo Court Apartments Buffalo Cornerstone Creek Apartments Golden Valley (for developmentally disabled individuals) Elliot Park Apartments Minneapolis Evergreen Apartments Hutchinson Franklin Lane Apartments Anoka Hanover Townhomes St. Paul Hopkins Village Apartments Hopkins Lincoln Place Apartments Mahtomedi Olson Towne Homes Minneapolis Park Plaza Apartments Minneapolis Prairie Meadows Eden Prairie Raspberry Ridge Hopkins Slater Square Apartments Minneapolis Talmage Green Minneapolis Trinity Apartments Minneapolis Unity Place Brooklyn Center Vadnais Highlands Vadnais Heights Willow Apartments Little Falls
(612) 824-6665 (763) 684-1907 (763) 231-6250
1 BR 2 BR 1 & 2 BR
(612) 338-3106 1-800-661-2501 (763) 427-7650 (651) 292-8497 (952) 938-5787 (651) 653-0640 (612) 377-9015 (612) 377-3650 (952) 941-5544 (952) 933-3260 (612) 340-1264 (612) 623-0247 (612) 721-2252 (763) 560-7563 (651) 653-0640 (320) 632-0980
2 BR 1 BR 1 & 2 BR 1 BR 1 & 2 BR 2 BR 1 BR 1 & 2 BR 2 & 3 BR 1 BR EFF & 1BR 2 BR 1 BR (sr) 2 BR 3 BR 1 & 2 BR
January 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 1
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DIRECTORY OF ORGANIZATIONS ADVOCACY Advocating Change Together (ACT)
V-651-641-0297
TF-800-641-0059
www.selfadvocacy.org
Arc Greater Twin Cities
V-952-920-0855
F-952-920-1480
www.arcgreatertwincities.org
The Arc of Minnesota
V-651-523-0823x115
F-651-523-0829
www.thearcofminnesota.org
Association of Residential Resources in MN
V-651-291-1086
TTY-800-551-2211
www.arrm.org
MCIL
V-651-646-8342
F-651-603-2066
www.mcil-mn.org
MN Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities
V-952-818-8718
F-952-818-8719
www.mnccd.org
PACER Center, Inc.
V-952-838-9000
TTY-952-838-0190
www.pacer.org
SEIU Healthcare Minnesota
TF-855-282-3769
United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota
V-651-265-7361
F-651-628-4484
www.ucpmn.org
Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI)
V-651-645-7271
TTY-800-466-7722
www.accessiblespace.org
Dungarvin Minnesota, LLC
V-651-699-6050
TTY-651-695-5802
www.dungarvin.com
Dungarvin Minnesota, LLC
V-651-699-6050
F-651-699-7265
www.dungarvin.com
Mary T. Inc. Supportive Living Programs
V-763-754-2505
TF-888-255-6400
www.marytinc.com
Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance
V-612-378-2742
TTY-800-669-6442
www.braininjurymn.org
Opportunity Partners
V-651-457-4756
V-952-500-8572
www.opportunities.org
V-612-224-9101
aburke@cipmn.org
www.cipmn.org
Avivo
V-612-752-8074
TTY-612-752-8001
www.resources-mn.org
Vinland National Center
V/TTY-763-479-3555 F-763-479-2605
www.vinlandcenter.org
DeafBlind Services Minnesota (DBSM)
V-612-362-8454
TTY-612-362-8422
www.dbsmllc.org
Dungarvin Minnesota, LLC
V-651-699-6050
TTY-651-695-5802
www.dungarvin.com
Living Well Disability Services
V-651-688-8808
F-651-688-8892
www.livingwell.org
Mary T. Inc. Supportive Living Programs
V-763-754-2505
TF-888-255-6400
www.marytinc.com
MCIL
V-651-646-8342
F-651-603-2066
www.mcil-mn.org
Metro Work Center, Inc
V/TTY-612-729-7381
F-612-729-7382
www.metroworkcenter.org
Reach for Resources
V-952-200-3030
F-952-229-4468
www.reachforresources.org
SMILES Center for Independent Living
V/TTY-507-345-7139
TF-888-676-6498
www.smilescil.org
www.UnitedCareWorkersMN.org
ASSISTED LIVING BRAIN INJURY
CASE MANAGEMENT Community Involvement Programs (CIP)
CHEMICAL HEALTH COMMUNITY LIVING
Experiences & adventures for all abilities
• Summer, Day & Winter Camp • true StriDeS therapy horSeS • team QueSt Camp Courage Maple Lake
Camp Friendship Annandale
Camp eden Wood Eden Prairie
Camp Courage north Lake George
CONSUMER-DIRECTED COMMUNITY SUPPORTS Accra
V-952-935-3515
TF-866-935-3515
www.accracare.org
Lifeworks Services, Inc.
TF-866-454-2732
TTY-866-454-2732
www.lifeworks.org
952.852.0101 | truefriends.org
January 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 1
Kent’s Accounting Kent Service, LLC Fordyce Certified ProAdvisor 2017 2005-2016
Pg 8
DIRECTORY OF ORGANIZATIONS CONSUMER-DIRECTED COMMUNITY SUPPORTS MRCI-Client Directed Services
V-507-386-5704
SMILES Center for Independent Living
V/TTY-507-345-7139 TF-888-676-6498
www.smilescil.org
Avivo
V-612-752-8100
F-612-752-8101
www.resource-mn.org
Upstream Arts
V-612-331-4584
F-612-353-6638
www.upstreamarts.org
Ally People Solutions
V-651-641-0709
F-651-641-0976
www.allypeoplesolutions.org
Autism Works
V-612-315-2456
F-763-592-7907
www.autism-words.com
A RESOURCE FOR
Avivo
V-612-752-8100
F-612-752-8101
www.resource-mn.org
Chrestomathy, Inc.
V-952-974-0339
F-952-974-0307
www.chrestomathyinc.org
ADVERTISING
Community Involvement Programs (CIP)
V-612-353-4595x101
V-612-353-4595x102
www.cipmn.org
Courage Kenny Rehabilition Institute
V-612-775-2569
Dungarvin Minnesota, LLC
V-651-699-6050
TTY-651-695-5802
www.dungarvin.com
ESR ( formerly East Suburban Resources, Inc.)
V-651-351-0190
esr@esrworks.org
www.esrworks.org
Fraser Transition Services
V-612-767-5180
Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota
V-651-379-5800
Kaposia Inc.
V/TTY-651-224-6974 F-651-224-7249
www.kaposia.com
Lifetrack - Minneapolis
V-612-788-8855
F-612-788-8577
www.lifetrack-mn.org
Lifetrack - St. Paul
V-651-227-8471
TTY-651-227-3779
www.lifetrack-mn.org
Lifeworks Services, Inc.
TF-866-454-2732
TTY-651-365-3736
www.lifeworks.org
Merrick, Inc.
V-651-789-6231
F-651-789-9960
www.merrickinc.org
Metro Work Center, Inc.
V/TTY-612-729-7381
F-612-729-7382
www.metroworkcenter.org
Midwest Special Services, Inc.
V-651-778-1000
F-612-331-3444
www.mwsservices.org
Minnesota Diversified Industries (MDI)
V-651-999-8200
F-651-999-8242
www.mdi.org
MOHR
V-651-489-2595
F-651-489-0410
www.MOHRMN.org
MRCI Worksource
V-612-386-5600
F-507-345-5991
www.mrciworksource.org
Opportunity Partners
V-612-839-4476
Partnership Resources, Inc.
V-952-925-1404
F-952-925-6055
www.partnershipresources.org
Partnership Resources, Inc. - Minneapolis
V-612-331-2075
F-612-331-2887
www.partnershipresources.org
Partnership Resources, Inc. - Older Adults Program
V-952-746-6206
F-952-746-6209
www.partnershipresources.org
ProAct Inc.
V-651-686-0405
F-651-686-0312
www.proactinc.org
Reach for Resources
V-952-200-3030
F-952-229-4468
www.reachforresources.org
Rise, Inc.
V/TTY-763-786-8334 F-763-786-0008
www.rise.org
TSE, Inc.
V-651-489-2595
F-651-489-0410
www.tse-inc.org
Work Incentives Connection
V-651-632-5113
TF-800-976-6728
www.mnworkincentives.com
Minnesota State Council on Disability
V/TTY-651-361-7800
TTY-800-945-8913
www.disability.state.mn.us
MN Gov. Council on Developmental Disabilities
V-651-296-4018
TF-800-627-3529
www.mncdd.org
STAR Program
V-651-201-2640
TF-888-234-1267
www.starprogram.state.mn.us
V-612-262-8800
F-612-262-8801
www.axishealth.com
Hennepin Health
V-612-596-1036
TTY-800-627-3529
www.hennepinhealth.org
UCare
V-800-707-1711
TTY-800-688-2534
www.ucare.org
6371 Bartlett Blvd Mound, MN 55364
612-889-2959
fordyce6@aol.com • 952-472-1458 Fax
MULTICULTURAL AND DIVERSITY
CALL 612.588.1313 DIRECTORY OF ORGANIZATIONS MEMBER
The Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation (MOHR) is comprised of more than 110 Adult Day, Day Training & Habilitation, Extended Employment, and Supported Employment Service provider members serving in excess of 26,000 Minnesotans with disabilities. Our mission is to Advocate and support members in providing meaningful services to persons with disabilities and communities served. Members proudly offer a broad array of quality options to realize the work and life enrichment goals of the people who have chosen these services.
MOHR MIINNESOTA
Address: 2027 Rice Street, St. Paul 55113 Phone: (651) 489-2595 • Online: www.MOHRMN.org Did you know you can join the Directory for $60/yr? Available online year-round and in four print editions.
Want to work, but concerned about benefits? Our certified benefits counselors can help you. We provide clear, accurate answers about the effect of work on benefits for people with disabilities.
a program of Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota
Call us today:
651-632-5113 • 1-800-976-6728 (711) MNWorkIncentives.com
TF-800-829-7110
www.mrcicds.org
EDUCATION EMPLOYMENT/VOCATION
www.allinahealth.org/couragekenny
www.fraser.org F-651-379-5803
www.goodwilleasterseals.org
vocservices@opportunities.org
GOVERNMENT
HEALTH CARE COORDINATION Axis Healthcare
HEALTH CARE PLANS HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICES Break-Thru Home Care, Inc.
V--763-502-1505
F-763-502-6777
www.breakthrucare.com
Community Involvement Programs (CIP)
V-612-362-4434
V-612-362-4452
www.cipmn.org
In Home Personal Care
V-763-546-1000
F-763-546-1018
www.inhomepersonalcare.com
Mary T. Inc. Home Health Care
V-763-862-5426
TF-888-255-6400
www.marytinc.com
V-763-772-9963
TF-888-255-6400
www.marytinc.com/hospice_care.php
HOSPICE CARE Mary T. Inc. Hospice Care
HOUSING-CONSTRUCTION/REMODELING AccessAbility Options, Inc.
V-763-571-6789
F-800-632-0798
www.accessoptionsmn.com
Accessibility Design
V-952-925-0301
F-952-926-7712
www.accessibilitydesign.com
Accessible Homes, LLC.
V-612-978-1054
F-651-554-3085
www.accessiblehomesllc.net
Beyond Barriers Minneapolis
V-651-462-3444
TF-800-561-2223
www.beyondbarriers.com
Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI)
V-651-645-7271
TTY-800-466-7722
www.accessiblespace.org
Dungarvin Minnesota, LLC
V-651-699-6050
TTY-651-695-5802
www.dungarvin.com
Ebenezer Park Apartments
V-612-879-2233
TTY-612-879-8889
www.fairviewebenezer.org
National Handicap Housing Institute, Inc
V-651-639-9799
F-651-639-9699
www.nhhiaccessiblehousing.com
Rental Housing by Mary T. Inc.
V-763-862-5432
TF-888-255-6400
www.marytinc.com
HOUSING-RENTAL
INFORMATION/REFERRAL RESOURCES ADA Minnesota; a program within MCIL
V-651-603-2015
TF-888-630-9793
www.adaminnesota.org
Minnesota State Council on Disability
V/TTY-651-361-7800
TTY-800-945-8913
www.disability.state.mn.us
PACER Center, Inc.
V-952-838-9000
TTY-952-838-0190
www.pacer.org
STAR Program
V-651-201-2640
TF-888-234-1267
www.starprogram.state.mn.us
United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota
V-651-265-7361
F-651-628-4484
www.ucpmn.org
V-651-294-0710
TF-800-886-7201
F-651-644-9137
V-612-334-5970
TF-800-292-4150
www.mndlc.org
INSURANCE Lee F. Murphy Insurance Group
LEGAL MN Disability Law Center
January 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 1
DIRECTORY OF ORGANIZATIONS MEDICAL SUPPLIES/EQUIPMENT Handi Medical Supply
V-651-644-9770
F-651-644-0602
www.handimedical.com
Phoenix Medical Services Inc.
V-651-636-0848
F-651-636-5746
www.PhoenixMedical.org
Avivo
V-612-752-8074
F-612-752-8001
www.resource-mn.org
Community Involvement Programs (CIP)
V-612-362-4434
V-612-362-4452
www.cipmn.org
Dungarvin Minnesota, LLC
V-651-699-6050
F-651-699-7265
www.dungarvin.com
Fraser
V-612-861-1688
F-612-861-6050
www.fraser.org
Lifetrack - St. Paul
V-651-227-8471
TTY-651-227-3779
www.lifetrack-mn.org
National Alliance on Mental Illness of MN
V-651-645-2948
TF-888-NAMI-Helps
www.namihelps.org
Reach for Resources
V-952-200-3030
F-952-229-4468
www.reachforresources.org
Vinland National Center
V/TTY-763-479-3555 F-763-479-2605
www.vinlandcenter.org
V-715-268-0175
www.AmeryMedicalCenter.org
MENTAL HEALTH
PHYSICIANS Wound Healing Center
TTY-715-268-0177
RECREATION-ADAPTIVE HOBBY/EXERCISE/SPORTS/ARTS Courage Kenny Rehabilition Institute
V-612-775-2277
218-726-4762
Drama Interaction, 501(c)3
V-952-220-1676
www.cokartscenter.com/ opportunitypartnersprog.html
Highland Friendship Club
V-651-698-4096
www.highlandfriendshipclub.org
Mind Body Solutions
V-952-473-3700
www.mindbodysolutions.org
Mixed Blood Theatre Company
V-612-338-6131
www.mixedblood.com
Reach for Resources
V-952-200-3030
Simply ArtAble (formerly Simply Jane)
V-612-354-3961
Upstream Arts
V-612-331-4584
F-952-229-4468
www.allinahealth.org/couragekenny
www.reachforresources.org www.simplyjanestudio.com
F-612-353-6638
www.upstreamarts.org
RECREATION-DINING/BARS/CLUBS Highland Friendship Club
V-651-698-4096
www.highlandfriendshipclub.org
RECREATION-MOVIES/PERFORMING ARTS/SPORTS/MUSEMS Highland Friendship Club
V-651-698-4096
www.highlandfriendshipclub.org
RECREATION-TRAVEL/CAMPING Hammer Travel
V-952-277-2458
TF-877-345-8599
www.hammertravel.com
True Friends
V-952-852-0101
TF-800-450-8376
www.truefriends.org
Ventures Travel
V-952-852-0107
TF-866-692-7400
www.venturestravel.org
Wilderness Inquiry
V-612-676-9400
TF-800-728-0719
www.wildernessinquiry.org
REHABILITATION (PHYSICAL, OCCUPATIONAL, SPEECH, AUDIOLOGY THERAPISTS) Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute
V-763-588-0811
V-612-262-7979
www.allinahealth.org/couragekenny
DeafBlind Services Minnesota (DBSM)
V-612-362-8454
TTY-612-362-8422
www.dbsmllc.org
Fraser
V-612-767-5180
F-612-861-6050
www.fraser.org
Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare
V-651-291-2848
TF-800-719-4040
www.gillettechildrens.org
In Home Personal Care
V-763-546-1000
F-763-546-1018
www.inhomepersonalcare.com
Lifetrack - St. Paul
V-612-788-8855
TTY-612-788-8577
www.lifetrack-mn.org
RESIDENTIAL/GROUP HOME PROGRAMS Community Involvement Programs (CIP)
V-612-362-4403
V-612-362-4417
www.cipmn.org
Dungarvin Minnesota, LLC
V-651-699-6050
TTY-651-695-5802
www.dungarvin.com
Fraser
V-612-861-1688
F-612-861-6050
www.fraser.org
Hammer Residences
V-952-473-1261
F-952-473-8629
www.Hammer.org
Living Well Disability Services
V-651-688-8808
F-651-688-8892
www.livingwell.org
Lutheran Social Service of MN - Statewide
V-218-829-9214
TF-866-444-373
www.lssmn.org
RESIDENTIAL/GROUP HOME PROGRAMS Opportunity Partners
V-952-912-7475
V-952-930-4232
www.opportunities.org
Phoenix Residence
V-651-227-7655
F-651-227-6847
www.phoenixresidence.org
REM Minnesota
V-952-945-4952
F-952-922-6885
www.remminnesota.org
Restart, Inc.
V-952-767-3350
F-952-767-3351
www.restartincmn.org
Wingspan Life Resources
V-651-644-2665x100
V-651-646-3846
ww.wingspanlife.org
Pg 9
Thanks to ALL OF YOU
for supporting Access Press FRIEND ($50-$74)
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January 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 1
Pg 10
DIRECTORY OF ORGANIZATIONS SERVICE ANIMALS Can Do Canines
V-763-331-3000
F-763-331-3009
www.can-do-canines.org
Helping Paws, Inc.
V-952-988-9359
F-952-988-9296
www.helpingpaws.org
V-612-643-5671
www.PawPADS.org
Pawsitive Perspectives Assistance Dogs (PawPADs)
SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES Bethel Healthcare Community
V-651-224-2368
F-651-224-1014
www.welcov.com
Ebenezer Care Center
V-612-879-2262
TTY-612-879-8889
www.fairviewebenezer.org
V-952-767-3350
F-952-767-3351
www.restartincmn.org
Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare
V-651-291-2848
TF-800-719-4040
www.gillettechildrens.org
PACER Center, Inc.
V-952-838-9000
TTY-952-838-0190
www.pacer.org
SMILES Center for Independent Living
V/TTY-507-345-7139
TF-888-676-6498
www.smilescil.org
STAR Program
V-651-201-2640
TF-888-234-1267
www.starprogram.state.mn.us
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SOCIAL SERVICES Restart, Inc.
TECHNOLOGY
www.pinterest.com/accesspress
TRANSPORTATION RENTAL/SALES/MODIFICATION V-651-635-0655
TF-800-788-7479
www.imedmobility.com
Vision Loss Resources
V-612-843-3400
F-612-872-0189
www.visionlossresources.org
Volunteer Braille Services
V-763-544-2880
F-763-544-3612
www.vbsmn.org
IMED Mobility
VISION IMPAIRMENT WAIVER CASE MANAGEMENT AXIS Healthcare
V-612-262-8800
F-612-262-8801
www.axishealth.com
Dungarvin Minnesota, LLC
V-651-699-6050
TTY-651-695-5802
www.dungarvin.com
Equip A Life (formerly Assistive Techology of MN)
V-763-479-8239
Hibbing-218-741-9134 www.equipalife.org
Fraser
V-612-861-1688
F-612-861-6050
www.fraser.org
Reach for Resources
V-952-200-3030
F-952-229-4468
www.reachforresources.org
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January 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 1
Pg 11
Disability issues highlighted at large rally
ENJOY!
MINNESOTA ORCHESTRA: TCHAIKOVSKY MARATHON Minnesota Orchestra, Museum of Russian Art, Avivo Artworks and St. Paul Ballet present an exhibit and performance at Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Mpls. See an artifact and art display including 10 artists with disabilities from Avivo Artworks presenting One Step at a Time, an exhibit sharing their perspectives and experiences on mental illness and recovery through art. AD offered 6:15 p.m. Sat, Jan. 13 for the art exhibit and 7 p.m. dance performance. Pre-show audio described activities are free; orchestra concert at 8 p.m. has a range of ticket prices. FFI: 612-371-5656, www. minnesotaorchestra.org SUPERIOR DONUTS Lyric Arts Company of Anoka presents the story of a Chicago doughnut shop, at Lyric Arts Main Street Stage, 420 E. Main St., Anoka. ASL offered 2 p.m. Sun, Jan. 14. Lyric Arts reserves seats in Row I for parties including persons using wheelchairs or with limited mobility. ASL interpreters are provided at the first Sun performance of each regular season production. A limited number of seats near the interpreters are held in reserve for ASL patrons until three weeks prior to the performance. If no ASL seating has been reserved three weeks before the show, the ASL interpretation will be canceled, and seats will be released to the general public. When ordering tickets, please indicate the need for seating in this section. Assisted listening devices are also available upon request. Tickets $26-30; $5 discount for ASL seats. FFI: 763-422-1838, www.lyricarts.org THE NINE WHO DARED: COURAGE AT LITTLE ROCK GREAT Theatre presents an interactive drama about the civil rights movement, at Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre inside GREAT World Headquarters, 710 Sundial Drive, Waite Park. ASL offered 7:30 p.m. Fri, Jan. 19. Tickets adult $28-34; student/child $18-22. FFI: 320-259-5463, www.GreatTheatre.org THE LAST FIVE YEARS Artistry presents the musical story of a complex relationship, at Bloomington Center for the Arts, Black Box, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington. ASL and AD offered 2 p.m. Sun, Jan. 21. Tickets reduced to $29; regular $41. Other discounts available. FFI: 952-5638575, www.artistrymn.org RHINOCEROS Theatre in the Round Players presents Ionesco’s story of social conformity, at Theatre in the Round, 245 Cedar Ave., Mpls. AD offered 2 p.m. Sun, Jan. 21. Tactile tour at 1 p.m. upon request based on reservations. Largeprint programs and assisted-listening devices available at every performance. Tickets $22. Other discounts available. FFI: 612-333-3010, www.theatreintheround.org THE POLARIZING EXPRESS: DYSFUNCTION JUNCTION Brave New Workshop Comedy Theatre presents a holiday tale, at Brave New Workshop, 824 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls. ASL offered 8 p.m. Fri, Jan. 19. Assisted listening devices and accessible seating available. Tickets $38 regular; use discount code ASL online or via phone to get tickets for $19. Ask for reserved seats with ASL sightline (click on "Choose Seats" and choose seats noted with orange dot). Other discounts available. FFI: 612-332-6620, www.bravenewworkshop.com SANCTUARY One Voice Mixed Chorus presents Sanctuary, focusing on the immigrant communities who have made Minnesota home, at Ordway Concert Hall, 345 Washington St., St. Paul. ASL offered 3:30 p.m. Sun, Jan. 21. Tickets $30-$45. FFI: 651-298-1954, www. OneVoiceMN.org FIRESIDE READING SERIES Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library present a sixweek series of free readings, with coffee and cookies, at Hamline Midway Library, 1558 W. Minnehaha Ave, St. Paul. ASL is offered. Readings start 7-8:30 p.m. Wed, Jan. 24 and continue through Feb. 28. Authors featured in order of appearance are Miriam Karmel, Bao Phi, Marcie R. Rendon, Carolyn Porter, Jon Lurie and Kaethe Schwehn. Accessible entrance is on west side of building (near parking lot). Accessible restrooms on ground level (retrieve keys from the first-floor desk). Elevator is near the accessible entrance. FFI: 651-3666497, https://thefriends.org ISHMAEL Jungle Theater presents a musical twist of the Moby Dick tale, at Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls. AD offered 7:30 p.m. Thu, Jan. 25. Assistive listening devices available. Contact the theater to request an ASL-interpreted show. Tickets reduced to $19 plus fees (regular $37 plus fees); four-show AD season ticket package is $84 including fees (choice between Ishmael and 4 Noses). FFI: 612-822-7063, www.jungletheater.com LEO LIONNI’S FREDERICK Stages Theatre Company presents the Caldecott Medalwinning children’s story, at Hopkins Center for the Arts, Mainstage, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins. AD and ASL offered 1 p.m. Sat, Jan. 27. OC offered 7 p.m. Fri, Feb. 16. Tickets $16, discount for AD and ASL patrons. Other discounts available. SENS offered 10 a.m. Sat, Feb. 3. All tickets to sensory-friendly performances are $10. To reserve for Sat, Feb. 3, call 952-979-1111, opt. 4. FFI: 952979-1111, opt. 4, www.stagestheatre.org
ordering tickets, please indicate the need for seating in this section. Assisted listening devices available upon request, FFI: 763-422-1838, www.lyricarts.org
ROLL OF THUNDER
STEEL MAGNOLIAS Normandale Department of Theatre presents the story of a group of women at a southern beauty salon, at Normandale Community College, Fine Arts Building, 9700 France Ave. S., Bloomington. ASL offered 7:30 p.m. Fri, Feb. 23. Make reservations in advance and request seating near the interpreters as seating is limited in the Black Box Theatre Tickets $10. Other discounts available. FFI: 952-358-8884, www. normandale.edu/community/theatre
SteppingStone Theatre presents Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry at the theater at 55 N. Victoria St., St. Paul. The story of coming of age in the Jim Crow era is recommended for children in third grade and older. It is part of the theater’s 30-year anniversary celebration. AD offered 3 p.m. Sat, Feb. 17. ASL offered 3 p.m. Sun, Feb. 18. Tickets start at $12. FFI: https:// tinyurl.com/y8nv9r8t PURDY FESTIVAL: FREDERICK DOUGLASS NOW Penumbra Theatre presents the story of the famed abolitionist, at Penumbra Theatre, 270 N. Kent St., St. Paul. ASL offered 7:30 p.m. Sat, Jan. 27. Tickets $20. FFI: 651-224-3180, http://penumbratheatre.org/ DEAD MAN WALKING Minnesota Opera presents a story of grief, grace, and redemption, at Ordway Center Music Theatre, 345 Washington St., St. Paul. OC offered 7:30 p.m. Sat, Jan. 27; 2 p.m. Sun, Jan. 28; 7:30 p.m. Tue, Jan. 30 and Thu, Feb. 1 and 8 p.m. Sat, Feb. 3. Sung in English with English translations projected above the stage. AD offered 2 p.m. Sun, Jan. 28. Tickets reduced to halfprice for AD patrons (regular $25-165). Braille, largeprint programs and infrared listening systems available at Patron Services in Ordway’s first level lobby. FFI: 612-333-6669, www.mnopera.org OUR HOUSE: THE CAPITOL PLAY PROJECT Wonderlust Productions presents the premiere of a look at those who dedicate themselves to the peoples’ business, at the Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul. AD and ASL are offered at 12:30 p.m. Sat, Jan. 27. Check-in for the play will take place at the accessible south main entrance at ground floor, below the rotunda. The play will move around the capitol. Elevators and seats will be available in every performance location, and accommodations are provided for patrons with limited mobility. Tickets $25. Reservations are guaranteed only online and in advance. Only 100 tickets available for each performance. Contact info@wlproductions.org for group discounts and other economic accommodations. Wonderlust will make available some free seats at the door. FFI: www.wlproductions.org GOD GIRL Northfield Arts Guild presents the story of the first women to smash the stained glass ceiling of Protestantism, at Northfield Arts Guild, 411 W. 3rd St., Northfield. ASL offered 2 p.m. Sun, Jan. 28, with reservations at least two weeks in advance or by Jan. 12. Tickets $17. Other discounts available. FFI: 507645-8877, www.northfieldartsguild.org OPEN FLOW FORUM The Artists with Disabilities Alliance Open Flow Forum is the first Thu of the month, 7-9 p.m. at Walker Community Church, 3104 16th Ave. S., Mpls. Upcoming dates are Feb. 1 and March 1. Open Flow allows artists with disabilities to share visual art, writing, music, theatre and other artistic efforts or disability concerns. The gathering is informal and fragrance-free. Bring refreshments as well as your recent artistic creations to share. Free. Facilitators are Tara Innmon, Dan Reiva and Kip Shane. Fully accessible, but anyone needing special accommodations, contact Jon at VSA Minnesota, 612332-3888 or jon@vsamn.org CARDBOARD PIANO Park Square Theatre presents a story of love in a time of civil war, at Park Square Theatre, Andy Boss Thrust Stage, 20 W. 7th Place, St. Paul. Play contains strong language, gunshots, and adult content. Assisted listening devices available. AD offered 7:30 p.m. Fri, Feb. 2. OC offered 7:30 p.m. Fri-Sat, Feb. 16-17 and 2 p.m. Sun, Feb. 18. AD/OC single ticket discount is half-price for patron and one guest with code ACC (regular $40, $60). Other discounts available. FFI: 651-291-7005, www.parksquaretheatre.org TOUR FOR PEOPLE WITH MEMORY LOSS At 10 a.m. on the first Tue of every month the historic James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Ave., St. Paul, offers a sensory-based tour designed for people with memory loss and their caregivers. Each themed tour, usually an hour or less, highlights three rooms and is followed by an optional social time until 11:30 a.m. with pastries and coffee. Private group tours are available for care facilities. Next tour is Tue, Feb. 6 Free but reservations are required. FFI: 651-297-2555, www.mnhs.org NOISES OFF Artistry presents the farce of a play within a play, at Bloomington Center for the Arts, Schneider Theater, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington. ASL offered 2 p.m. Sun, Feb.11. AD offered 2 p.m. Sun, Feb.18. Tickets reduced to $29; regular $41. Other discounts available. FFI: 952-563-8575, www.artistrymn.org
SUN SUPPER: A DAY OF ABSENCE Penumbra Theatre presents a satire about a missing person, followed by a community meal and readings, at Penumbra Theatre, 270 N. Kent St., St. Paul. For ages 13 and older. ASL offered 4 p.m. Sun, Feb.11. Tickets $12. 651-224-3180, http://penumbratheatre.org PURDY FESTIVAL: JOY REBEL Penumbra Theatre presents the world premiere of a story of being who we are, at Penumbra Theatre, 270 N. Kent St., St. Paul. ASL offered 7:30 p.m. Sat, Feb. 17. Tickets $15-25. Discounted tickets $5 with code ‘ACCESS’ on Wed, Feb. 14, 7:30. ASL patrons, for $5 discounted ticket, contact Dahlia Stone at dahlia. stone@penumbratheatre.org or 651-224-3180. FFI 651224-3180, http://penumbratheatre.org YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU Lyric Arts Company of Anoka presents the Pulitzer Prizewinning farce, at Lyric Arts Main Street Stage, 420 E. Main St., Anoka. ASL offered 2 p.m. Sun, Feb. 18. Tickets $26-30, $5 discount for ASL seats. Lyric Arts reserves seats in Row I for parties including persons using wheelchairs or with limited mobility. ASL interpreters are provided at the first Sun performance of each regular season production. A limited number of seats near the interpreters are held in reserve for ASL patrons until three weeks beforeprior to the performance. If no ASL seating has been reserved three weeks before the show (Sun, Jan. 28), the ASL interpretation will be canceled, and seats will be released to the general public. When
MINNESOTA ORCHESTRA SMALL ENSEMBLE CONCERT: VIOLIN DUO Minnesota Orchestra’s Pamela Arnstein, violin, and Kathryn Nettleman, bass, perform an engaging and interactive show with audience participation, at Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Mpls. SENS offered 11 a.m. Tue, Feb. 13. Free, but tickets must be ordered in advance. The Minnesota Orchestra's sensory-friendly small ensemble concerts are inclusive experiences for patrons of all ages and abilities, including individuals on the autism spectrum and those with sensory sensitivities. Concerts take place in a relaxed environment where audience members are welcome to be who they are and enjoy music with family and friends. Lyndie Walker, MT-BC, of Toneworks Music Therapy Services hosts. Fidgets, noise-canceling headphones, and quiet spaces are available, and attendees can access online preparatory materials one month before performances. Stand-alone chairs provide for flexible seating, and open space is available for those who wish to sit on the floor or move around the room. FFI: 612-371-5656, www.minnesotaorchestra.org SUN SUPPER: SELECTED CHILDREN’S STORIES FROM LANGSTON HUGHES Penumbra Theatre presents Langston Hughes’ children’s stories, at Penumbra Theatre, 270 N. Kent St., St. Paul. ASL offered 4 p.m. Sun, Feb. 25. Program suitable for patrons ages five and older. Tickets $12. FFI: 651-224-3180, http://penumbratheatre.org CO LAB ARTISTS WITH DISABILITIES Co Lab, an annual inclusive exhibition showcasing collaborative artwork created by self-taught artists and professional artists, is on display through Jan. 28 at the Show Art Gallery, 346 N. Sibley St., Lowertown, St. Paul. The exhibition features a unique opportunity for artists to participate in the Bill Murray's Choice Award,
ENJOY! To page 14
January 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 1
Pg 12
Disability issues take on urgency
OPPORTUNITIES
CONFERENCES
SPEAK FOR YOURSELF
SPINAL CORD INJURY, TBI SYMPOSIUM The 2018 Minnesota Spinal Cord and Traumatic Brain Injury Research Symposium is 1-5 p.m. Wed, Jan. 31 at HealthPartners Neuroscience Center, 295 Phalen Blvd, St. Paul. The event is free, but participants must preregister. Highlights include 18 presentations on spinal cord and traumatic brain injury research in Minnesota, a post-session and the chance to meet researchers and patients who have participated in studies. The Minnesota Spinal Cord & Traumatic Brain Injury Research Grant Program funds research into new and innovative treatments and rehabilitation for the functional improvement of people with spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries. FFI: https://tinyurl.com/ ycqzyhk9
Be an effective self-advocate with these upcoming training sessions, sponsored by National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) Minnesota and Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNCCD) MNCCD offers advocacy training 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Tue. Jan. 23 at the Minnesota Department of Transportation Cafeteria, 395 John Ireland Blvd., St. Paul. Cost is $20 and includes a lunch voucher. Prepare for the 2018 legislative session and learn new advocacy skills. Preregister. FFI: www.mnccd.org NAMI Minnesota hosts free legislative trainings for mental health advocates 6-8 p.m. Thu, Jan. 25 and Tue, Jan. 30 and 10 a.m.-noon Sat, Feb. 10 at NAMI Minnesota, 800 Transfer Road, Suite 31, St. Paul. NAMI Minnesota is a non-profit organization that works to improve the lives of children and adults with mental illnesses and their families through its programs of education, support and advocacy. Learn about the legislative process, how to contact elected officials, and the most effective ways to share stories. The two-hour workshop program is for anyone interested in advocating for changes to improve the lives of children and adults with mental illnesses and their families. Preregister. FFI: 651-6452948 or see “classes” at namihelps.org
RESOURCES CREATING CARING COMMUNITIES Speakers from National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Minnesota present Creating Caring Communities 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mon, Jan. 22 at Woodland Hills Church, 1740 Van Dyke St., St. Paul Learn about mental illnesses, the impact of negative attitudes and five things everyonecan do to make Minnesota a better place for people who experience a mental illness. Free and open to the public. FFI: Brianna Libby, 651-645-2948 x128. FREE SKILLS HELP Anyone needing to to learn English, get a GED, gain citizenship, brush up on math and reading, or improve computer skills should call the Adult Literacy Hotline. It is a resource for potential students and social service providers to get connected with free Adult Basic Education programs in their area. The hotline staff maintain a detailed database containing information about 325 programs throughout Minnesota. FFI: 1-800-222-1990, text to 612-424-1211, www.mnliteracy.org/hotline HOPE FOR RECOVERY WORKSHOP IN ST. PAUL NAMI Minnesota hosts a free, interactive workshop that provides families and individuals with information on mental illnesses, practical coping strategies, and hope for recovery. The workshop I 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sat, Feb. 3 at Loyola Spirituality Center, 389 N. Oxford St., St. Paul. Preregister. FFI: 651-6452948, namihelps.org PACER WORKSHOPS SAMPLING PACER Center offers many useful free or low-cost workshops and other resources for families of children with any disabilities. Workshops are at PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, unless specified. Workshops are offered throughout the state. Advance registration is required for Parent Leadership Training on Children’s Mental Health is offered 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thu, Jan. 18 at PACER Center. The workshop is also available via online streaming. Parents of children and youth who have behavioral health challenges play an important role in their child’s services and supports, and can use those experiences to help others. This training will provide information on ways parents can effectively share their story and promote better outcomes for children and youth with behavioral health needs in Minnesota. Special Education and the Important Role You Play for Your Child is offered 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tue, Jan. 23 at PACER Center. Parents will learn how they can use their rights and abilities to advocate for their child and work effectively with the school. Check out PACER’s website and link to the newsletter of statewide workshops that allows participants to pick and choose sessions catered to their needs. FFI: PACER, 952-838-9000, 800537-2237, www.pacer.org OPEN HOUSE FOR ADULT DAY LOCATIONS Rise Inc. hosts open houses to unveil new adult day program locations. One is 3-4:30 p.m. Tue, Jan. 23 at Maplewood Community Center YMCA, 2100 White Bear Ave., Maplewood. The second is 3-4:30 p.m. . Thu, Jan. 25 at Fridley Community Center, 6085 N.E. 7th Street, Fridley. Rise Adult Day Programs offer people ages 18 and older who have brain injuries or physical disabilities who no longer want to work a wide array of recreational, social, health and fitness, and creative activities. Open to the public. Light refreshments served. FFI: 763-5670626, jandersen@rise.org TECH FOR GIRLS OFFERED PACER Center hosts new sessions of its free, popular Tech for Girls Club for middle school girls with disabilities 10-11:30 a.m. Sat, Jan. 20 and Feb. 10, at PACER, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington. These sessions are free. Programming Lights and Sounds is offered Sat, Jan. 20.Work with a LightBlue Bean circuit board to program a light and sound show. Koding with Kodu is offered Sat, Feb. 10. Girls will learn how to code their own video games using Kodu, a visual programming language created by Microsoft. Kodu is designed to be accessible for children and enjoyable for anyone. Tech for Girls Club is an opportunity to have fun with science, technology, engineering, and math. All skill levels are welcome. Preregister. FFI: PACER, 952-838-9000, 800-537-2237, www.pacer.org
INFO & ASSISTANCE ICICIL OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES ICICIL Independent Lifestyles, 215 N. Benton Drive, St. Cloud, offers a number of classes, events and other opportunities for Minnesotans with disabilities in central Minnesota. The center
offers its own programming and hosts other groups. The free mental health discussion group 6-:30 p.m. Mon. Learn to live life to the fullest and support each other. FFI: Ricky at 320.281.2025. The center has a full schedule of activities including support groups, martial arts, Nordic walking and more FFI: 320-267-7717 PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP The St. Cloud Area Parkinson's Disease Support Group meets 1-2:30 p.m. the third Mon of each month at ILICIL Independent Lifestyles, 215 N. Benton Drive, St. Cloud. Free. Meetings are open to those diagnosed with Parkinson’s, their families, caregivers and the general public. The group provides support, education, and awareness about the disease. FFI: 320-529-9000 VISION LOSS GROUP OFFERS ACTIVITIES Vision Loss Resources provides free and low-cost activities in the Twin Cities for people who are blind or visually impaired. Life skills classes for those with low vision; card games, craft classes, book clubs, walking groups, dinners out, special outings and technology classes are among the offerings. Participants need to RVSP to participate, at least three working days prior to an event. The calendar is also available on the Vision Loss Resources website and as a printable large-print PDF document for those who wish to print their own or additional copies. FFI: RSVP hotline, 612-843-3439; activity line and audio calendar, 612-253-5155, www.visionlossresources.org MCIL HOSTS CLASSES AND ACTIVITIES The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living provides many life skills classes as well as fun outings and events for people with disabilities. MCIL is at 530 N. Robert Street, St Paul and most activities are there or start there. Classes and events are listed on the website, www.mcil-mn.org. Click on “Classes Groups and Sessions” for updated information or to print their calendar. Please give two weeks’ notice if the alternative format or other accommodations are needed. Events are free, accessible and mostly scent-free. FFI: 651-603-2030 MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT OFFERED National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Minnesota offers more than 300 free educational classes statewide each year, along with help in navigating the mental health system. NAMI also has more than 70 free support groups for people living with a mental illness and their families. NAMI Minnesota offers more than 300 free educational classes statewide each year, along with help in navigating the mental health system. In the Twin Cities NAMI has about two dozen family support groups, more
than 20 support groups for people living with a mental illness, anxiety support groups, groups for veterans and other groups. Led by trained facilitators, groups provide help and support. Parent resource groups are facilitated by a parent who has a child with a mental illness and who has been trained to lead support groups. A group meets 6:30-8 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday at Eagle Brook Church, 2401 East Buffalo St., White Bear Lake. FFI: Jody Lyons 651-645-2948 x109. Family support groups help families who have a relative with a mental illness. A group meets at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesday at Centennial United Methodist Church, 1524 Co. Rd. C-2 West, Roseville. FFI: Anne Mae. 651-484-0599. Open Door Anxiety and Panic support groups help people cope with anxiety disorders. One group meets 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. the second and fourth Thursday in Room 104, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 700 Snelling Ave. S., St. Paul. Another group meets 6:308 p.m. the first and third Thursday at Woodland Hills Church, 1740 Van Dyke St., St. Paul. Young Adult NAMI Connection is a free support group for persons ages 16-20. One group meets 7-8:30 the first and third Thursday at Friends Meeting House, 1725 Grand Ave., St. Paul. A group also meets 7-8:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursday at Dental Office of Dr. Crandall & Associates, 2300 East Highway 96, White Bear Lake. The group is facilitated by young adults who live with mental illnesses and are doing well in recovery. A full calendar of all events is offered online. FFI: 651-645-2948, www.namihelps.org ADULT SUPPORT GROUPS OFFERED Alums offers free support groups for adults with autism spectrum disorder. Groups include those for adult family members, women with autism spectrum disorders and independent adults with autism. Check the website for upcoming groups. Groups meet at the Alums offices at 2380 Wycliff St. FFI: 651-647-1083 ext. 10, www.ausm.org
VOLUNTEER OPEN THE DOOR TO EDUCATION Help adults reach their educational goals and earn their GED. Tutor, teach or assist in a classroom with the Minnesota Literacy Council. Give just 2-3 hours a week and help people expand their opportunities and change their lives through education. The literacy council provides training and support and accommodations for volunteers with disabilities. FFI: Allison, 651-251-9110, volunteer@mnliteracy.org, http://tinyurl.com/adult-opportunities
Polar Plungers start time of chills, thrills
January 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 1
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PEOPLE & PLACES
MNCCD announces leadership change The Minnesota Consortium Much work was done since those for Citizens with Disabilities years to make sure that people are (MNCCD) announced leadership housed in community settings. changes at its annual meeting in He urged MNCCD members to December in Minneapolis. One continue to work together toward loss that will be keenly felt is that common goals. “You don’t make of departing Board Chairman change by yourself,” Bachman said. Randall Bachman. “Don’t ever discount what you do on Bachman has stepped down a day-to-day basis. It all matters.” from the board, after leading the Although Bachman is stepping consortium through a state of down as chairman of the board of transition. He is the retired head of MNCCD, “don’t be surprised if you AXIS Healthcare and has served see me skulking around the capitol,” as board chairman of the Autism he said. Recovery Foundation. The group also recognized Henry, MNCCD Executive Director who retired from the law center in Sheryl Grassie described Bachman late 2017. Henry will continue to as a “remarkable” board chairman, work on complex care issues. who worked very hard and took his Two more outgoing board members volunteer role very seriously. He were thanked. Longtime Minnesota was praised for keeping MNCCD disability rights activist and retiring Randall Bachman on an even keel, and being a leader MNCCD Board member Christopher in setting up its legislative agenda Bell and his wife recently moved to and its first-ever conference in 2017. North Carolina to be closer to family. Also stepping Several MNCCD members said they admire down from the board is Andy Pomroy, of the law firm Bachman for his leadership of MNCCD and on of Fredrikson and Byron. autism-related issues. “Legislators paid attention MNCCD will start the 2018 legislative session with when Randy would speak,” said Anne Henry of the new Policy Committee co-chairmen, as Dan Endreson, Minnesota Disability Law Center. “He has a manner of public policy director for the National Multiple speaking that command attention.” Sclerosis Society, Upper Midwest Chapter and Ben In thanking the group, Bachman recalled his Gustafson of Fraser step down. Gustafson is moving decades of human services work and how many to California. Endreson will stay on the MNCCD changes have occurred thanks to the hard work of board. Josh Berg of Accessible Space and MNCCD many people. As a college student in the late 1960s, lobbyist Bill Amberg are the new committee co-chairs. his psychology class visited a Missouri state hospital. MNCCD will elect new board officers and seat new “It was an eye opener,” he said. “It was bedlam.” board members in the future.
AccessAbility teams up with Women’s Advocates to provide many services
AccessAbility, Inc. and Women’s Advocates have announced a new partnership, effective in 2018. The partnership allows women staying at Women’s Advocates to partake in AccessAbility’s program opportunities as they continue on their journey to independence. Women’s Advocates is a safe place where victims/ survivors of all backgrounds and cultures can escape domestic violence and begin to heal. Its mission is to eliminate violence in the lives of women, children and families. The nonprofit offers shelter, meals, clothing, transportation, personal needs items, counseling, support, advocacy, referrals, crisis phone and other basic services to women and their children daily. Residents will be eligible to work with AccessAbility for up to 90 days to support the transition between emergency shelter and independent housing. “This new relationship with Women’s Advocates is a natural extension of the work currently underway
with yet another group of persons facing barriers to economic security and full community inclusion,” said Brad Janowski, director of programs at AccessAbility. AccessAbility’s mission is to provide opportunities for self-sufficiency to people with barriers to employment and community inclusion. These barriers include, but are not limited to homelessness, mental and physical disabilities, adult re-entry, and/or a lack of successful work history and required skill-sets. Learn more at www.accessability.org
The Arc chapters merge
The Arc of Minnesota has announced that as of January 1, 2018, its Minnesota chapters have merged into one organization. The intent of the merger is to support more people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The Arc chapters participating in the merger include Greater Twin Cities (St. Paul), Midstate (St. Cloud), Minnesota State Chapter (St. Paul), Range (Eveleth), Southeast (Rochester), Southwest (Mankato) and West Central (Moorhead).
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In Memoriam
Education pioneers are remembered
Minnesota lost two of its special education pioneers in late 2017. Both were remembered by their colleagues near year’s end. Mary Lee Enfield is remembered for her compassion for children with learning disabilities, and her tireless efforts to force changes in state education laws. Enfield died in September 2017 at age 85, after a long struggle with lymphedema and heart problems. Friends remembered her at Christmas time, because of her long tradition of holiday letters. Enfield began her teaching career at Red Lake Indian Reservation, then at Bloomington Public Schools. She was one of the first teachers to focus on dyslexia. As an assistant principal and coordinator of special learning disabilities in Bloomington, she led the district in establishing standards for teaching students with dyslexia and other reading disabilities. Enfield also lobbied for state mandates for special services for students, an inspiration for a federal mandate enacted in 1975. She was active for many years in the Minnesota Association for Children with Learning Disabilities. Her 1976 doctoral thesis on multisensory learning led her to co-found Project Read, a tutorial for teaching students with dyslexia through touch and sound Districts nationwide consulted with her or adopted the approach in everyday classrooms, reducing the need to refer students for special education. Enfield was president of the Minnesota Council for Exceptional Children and as a regent to Concordia College in Moorhead. She was Minnesota's special educator of the year in 1972. She most recently lived in Fargo. She is survived by family members and many friends. A second pioneer educator who was remembered
in late 2017 was Charlie Burbach. Burbach died in October 2017 at 84 years of age and was a longtime St. Paul resident. A truck driver’s son who developed an appreciation for education as a teenager, Burbach would devote most of his St. Paul Public Schools career to students with disabilities. Burbach grew up on the city’s West Side, and often skipped school as a child to travel with his truck driver father. His father couldn’t read or write, so son Charlie logged and did other paperwork. At age 15 he began playing tennis at St. Paul’s Baker Playground, with a group that valued learning. He went on to the University of Minnesota and a long career as an educator. He dedicated his career to special education, first as a teacher at the now-closed Crowley school and later at Bridgeview as an administrator. Burbach is remember as someone beloved by students and parents. For several years he was also principal of the Saturn School of Tomorrow. In 1991 Burbach and other educators hosted then-President George H.W. Bush during Bush's visit to the school. Burbach is survived by his wife, Cecelia, two sons, a daughter, a sister, seven grandchildren and a greatgrandchild. Services have been held.
Jerry a longtime self-advocate
Melvin Jerome Jerry was a longtime disability rights activist and self-advocate. Jerry, 65 of Maplewood, died in December 2017. Jerry lived with cerebral palsy. He was a fixture at disability community rallies, and enjoyed attending events. He was active with different disability advocacy groups over the years. Services have been held and Jerry was buried at Union Cemetery. He is survived by family and friends.
Maintaining local connections is important to the chapters. Throughout 2018, website visitors will see all regional information integrated into one website. During the transition, contact information and current region website links are available on each of the separate web pages. Minnesotans can still access organizational information in three ways. Regional offices can be contacted during business hours. Calls are typically responded to in one day. Another way to get in touch is to contact an advocate by calling toll-free, 1-833-450-1494 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Or leave a message after hours and an advocate can return the call. Submit our Ask An Advocate online form and an Advocate will contact you. The Arc Minnesota is committed to supporting people across Minnesota and that commitment is ongoing through the merger process. Anyone living in a county or region not previously supported by The Arc can call 1-833-450-1494 or call a regional office. Four chapters remain as affiliate members of The Arc Minnesota. Those are The Arc Northland, The Arc Stevens County, The Arc Mower County and The Arc Freeborn County.
Access Press welcome your news
Access Press welcomes items for its Peopßle and Places pages. Submissions may cover a wide range of topics. Disability organizations and businesses are welcomed to send submissions. Deadline is the 25th of the month for publication the following month. Here is a sampling of the type of news our editors wish to see. Has someone won an award or a grant? Did the board of directors get new members? Has an organization hired a new leader to replace the current leader? Is the current leader retiring after many years? Is a group moving or expanding its locations? Look at the newspaper or its website for an idea of the types of articles that appear in People and Places. The editors will consider articles that have already appeared in an organization’s newsletter or articles that have appeared in other newspapers. Photos are also welcomed. People and Places is also a place in the newspaper where photos of events can be sent, if the photos are sent for publication in the month after the event was held. These photos are appreciated because the newspaper staff cannot always get to community events. Photos need to be of a large enough size to reproduce for print media. Taking photos off of Facebook or a website doesn’t always work because those photos can be too small to reproduce properly. If photos are take of vulnerable adults or children, please make sure permission has been obtained to release photos. The editors will ask to see release forms. With photos, please send caption information: who, what, when, where, why and how. Questions? Email access@accesspress.org and the newspaper editors will respond. Or call 651-6442133. ■
January 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 1
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RADIO TALKING BOOK BOOKS AVAILABLE THROUGH FARIBAULT Books broadcast on the Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network are available through the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library in Faribault. Call 1-800-722-0550, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The catalog is online at www.mnbtbl.org, click on the link Search the Library Catalog. Persons living outside of Minnesota may obtain copies of books via an inter-library loan by contacting their home state’s Network Library for the National Library Service. Listen to the Minnesota Radio Talking Book, either live or archived program from the last week, on the Internet at www. mnssb.org/rtb. The listing published monthly in Access Press is a sampling and doesn’t represent the full array of programming. Many more programs and books are available. Call the Talking Book Library for a password to the site. To find more information about Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network events go to the Facebook site at http://tinyurl.com/facebookMTBN Audio information about the daily book listings is also on the National Federation for the Blind (NFB) Newsline. Register for the NFB Newsline by calling 651-539-1424.
Environmentalist, nonfiction by Paul Kingsnorth, 2017. Former green activist Paul Kingsnorth believes the environmental movement has gone wrong, and advocates for “uncivilization.” Read by Mike Piscitelli. 11 broadcasts, begins Fri, Jan. 19.
Access Press is featured at 9 p.m. Sundays on the program “It Makes a Difference.” Donate to the State Services for the Blind at mn.gov/deed/ssbdonate
CHOICE READING* Monday – Friday 4 p.m. Signs for Lost Children, fiction by Sarah Moss, 2017. Shortly after they marry, physician Ally and architect Tom become absorbed in their interests in different parts of the world. Read by Rachael Freed. 16 broadcasts, begins Mon, Jan. 22.
CHAUTAUQUA* Tuesday – Saturday 4 a.m. Confessions of a Recovering
PAST IS PROLOGUE* Monday – Friday 9 a.m. The Tunnels, nonfiction by Greg Mitchell, 2016. Network news reports of tunnels under the Berlin Wall were quashed by the Kennedy White House to ease nuclear tensions. Read by Jan Anderson. 14 broadcasts, begins Thu, Jan. 18. BOOKWORM* Monday – Friday 11 a.m. Startup, fiction by Doree Shafrir, 2017. Everyone in the tech world wants good publicity. However, an errant text message may ruin a person’s reputation and establish another’s. Read by Pat Muir. 11 broadcasts, begins Thu, Jan. 25. – L, S THE WRITER’S VOICE* Monday – Friday 2 p.m. Flock Together, nonfiction by B.J. Hollars, 2017. Fascinated with extinct American birds, a professor began a year-long vigil. Read by Tom Speich. Seven broadcasts, starts Mon, Jan. 29.
FETCH!
“What shall we bid on, Rover?” Can Do Canines presents its Fetching Ball fundraiser, 6 p.m. Sat, Jan. 27 at DoubleTree by Hilton, Bloomington. Honoring Team Spirit is the theme with Master of Ceremonies, KARE 11 Sunrise Meteorologist Sven Sundgaard. Enjoy a performance by Sara Carson and Hero from America’s Got Talent, inspiring stories, silent and live auctions, and delectable dining. Tickets start at $85 for program graduates. FFI: www.can-do-canines.org
ENJOY From page 11 in which actor and Saints co-owner Bill Murray will choose his favorite piece of work from the submissions. Sales from the exhibition benefit the gallery and sponsor artists who need support in solo exhibitions, art crawl, and other community events. Free, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Thu-Fri; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat-Sun. FFI: 651-419–8022, http://theshowgallerylowertown.org MINNEAPOLIS INSTITUTE OF ART EXHIBIT Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) in partnership with the Minneapolis Institute of Art has the work of AuSM Artists on display through Sun, Jan. 28. During the summer of 2017, young adults on the autism spectrum came together to explore art and learn social skills at Mia through the AuSM Artists class. Each artist ended the class not only with new friends and skills but with artwork of their own in a variety of media. The institute is at 2400 3rd Ave. S. Mpls. FFI: www.ausm. org, https://new.artsmia.org/ CECILE BELLAMY & HOLLY TAPPEN Vision Loss Resources, 1936 Lyndale Ave. S. (at Franklin), Mpls, hosts an exhibit featuring the artwork of Cecile Bellamy of Minneapolis and Holly Tappen of Roseville. Part of a rotating series of exhibits coordinated by VSA Minnesota. Through Jan. 2018. Free during lobby hours, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Mon-Fri. FFI: VSA Minnesota, 612-332-3888 AS WE ARE The Minnesota State Arts Board presents a visual showcase featuring more than three dozen Minnesota artists with disabilities. Artists have produced work with the support of an Arts Board grant, either as individual artist grantees or through organizations serving individuals with disabilities. The art forms include photography, drawing, mixed media, and painting. Among the artists are five who participated in VSA Minnesota’s statewide Mural Project in 2015: Mark Davison (Living an Inspired Life), Dunji Diego (Untitled), Cecile Bellamy (Dahlia Girl), Samantha Esguerra (Touch & See), Stacey O’Connell (Untitled). At the Minnesota State Arts Board offices, 400 Sibley St, Suite 200, St. Paul. The exhibit is free and held during office hours, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays. Continues through Feb.2018. FFI: Natalie Kennedy, 651-215-1617, Natalie.Kennedy@arts.state.mn.us
MORE EVENTS INFORMATION VSA MINNESOTA VSA Minnesota is a statewide nonprofit organization that works to create a community where people with disabilities can learn through, participate in and access the arts, at http://vsamn.org. The website has a comprehensive calendar at the upper right-hand corner of its homepage. For information on galleries and theater performances around the state join the Access to Performing Arts email list at access@vsamn. org or call VSA Minnesota, 612-332-3888 or statewide 800-801-3883 (voice/TTY). To hear a weekly listing of accessible performances, call 612-332-3888 or 800801-3883. Access Press only publishes performance dates when accommodations are offered. Contact the venue to find out the entire run of a particular production and if discounts for seniors, students or groups are provided. VSA Minnesota advises everyone to call or email ahead, to make such that an accommodation is offered, as schedules can change. VSA Minnesota can also refer venues and theater companies to qualified describers, interpreters, and captioners. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Another web events listing is http://c2net.org (c2: caption coalition, inc., which does most of the captioned shows across the country. Facebook is another way to connect with performances. Sign up to connect with Audio Description across Minnesota http:// tinyurl.com/ d34dzo2. Connect with ASL interpreted and captioned performances across Minnesota on Facebook http:// tinyurl.com/FBcaption. Another resource is Minnesota Playlist, with a recently updated website calendar with all the ASL-interpreted, audio-described, captioned, pay-what-you-can shows and other features. Go to http://minnesotaplaylist.com/calendar Arts festivals are held throughout the state. Check: www.exploreminnesota.com/index.aspx, http:// festivalnet.com/state/minnesota/mn.html, www. fairsandfestivals.net/states/MN/ ABBREVIATIONS: Audio description (AD) for people who are blind or have low vision, American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, Open captioning (OC) for people who are hard of hearing, sensory-friendly (SENS) performances, Shows featuring performers with disabilities or disability-related topics (DIS)
PM REPORT* Monday – Friday 8 p.m. Unwarranted, nonfiction by Barry Friedman, 2017. Our police departments play an indispensable role in our society. A failure to supervise them can leave us all in peril. Read by Judy Woodward. 16 broadcasts, begins Thu, Jan. 25. NIGHT JOURNEY* Monday – Friday 9 p.m. The Watcher in the Wall, fiction by Owen Laukkanen, 2016. An Internet suicide chat group for teenagers is led by an anonymous presence, who appears to goad the others. Read by Joe Sadowski. 11 broadcasts, begins Wed, Jan. 17. – V, L, S OFF THE SHELF* Monday – Friday 10 p.m. Journeyman, fiction by Marc Bojanowski, 2017. Nolan Jackson is a wanderer by nature, but a workplace accident makes him settle in one place and try to build a meaningful life. Read by Don Gerlach. Nine broadcasts, begins Tue, Jan. 16. Broken River, fiction by J. Robert Lennon, 2017. A family moves into a home in upstate New York, where a seemingly unrelated crime from years before suddenly affects their lives. Read by Tom Speich. 11 broadcasts, begins Mon, Jan. 29. POTPOURRI* Monday – Friday 11 p.m. Madame President, nonfiction by Helene Cooper, 2017. In 2005 Ellen Johnson Sirleaf won the Liberian Presidential election and became the first female head of state in Africa’s history. Read by Yelva Lynfield. 16 broadcasts, begins Thu, Jan. 18.
STRACKE From page 1 established in 1968 by four Cambridge State Hospital doctors who saw a need to get patients with disabilities out of the hospital. This camp is no longer being used and the property is being put up for sale. In 2012 Stracke led Friendship Ventures through the acquisition of Camp Courage in Maple Lake and Camp Courage North at Lake George near Bemidji. Those camps had been operated by Courage Center for many years. Camp Courage was established in 1955 to serve individuals with physical disabilities. Camp Courage North, near Itasca State Park, was established in 1971-72. The expanded organization was called Camps of Courage and Friendship before the True Friends name was chosen. True Friends’ trajectory of growth under Stracke’s leadership goes against the trends too many other camps have faced. Over the past few decades several Minnesota groups have closed or scaled back camp programs. The Salvation Army, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and faith-
GOOD NIGHT OWL* Monday – Friday midnight No One Can Pronounce My Name, fiction by Rakesh Satyal, 2017. Two Indian immigrants recently moved into a Cleveland suburb, form a friendship that brings to light their shared passions and fears. Read by Connie Jamison. 15 broadcasts, begins Mon, Jan. 15. – L, S AFTER MIDNIGHT* Tuesday – Saturday 1 a.m. Same Beach, Next Year, fiction by Dorothea Benton Frank, 2017. Two couples begin a friendship one summer that will last more than twenty years and transform their lives with unexpected attractions. Read by Sue McDonald. 11 broadcasts, begins Wed, Jan. 17. – L, S (explicit) WEEKEND PROGRAM BOOKS Your Personal World. 1 p.m. Sat, presents The Power of Meaning by Emily Esfahani Smith, followed by Hallelujah Anyway by Anne Lamott, both read by Beverly Burchett. For the Younger Set, 11 a.m. Sun, presents Flying by Carrie Jones, read by Stevie Ray. Poetic Reflections, noon Sun, presents A Doll for Throwing by Mary Jo Bang, read by Robb Empson. The Great North, 4 p.m. Sun, presents The Big Marsh by Cheri Register, read by Nan Felknor, followed by The Women of Mayo Clinic by Virginia M. WrightPeterson, read by Mitzi Lewellen. ABBREVIATIONS: V – Violence, L – Offensive Language, S – Sexual Situations, RE – Racial Epithets
based groups have shut down camps. Dwindling participation and finances have doomed some once-popular camps. Other camps around the Twin Cities were swallowed up by suburban sprawl. In summer 2017 it was announced the Camp Winnebago near Caledonia was shutting down, ending 50 years’ service to children with disabilities. Stracke said it takes a strong organization, dedicated staff and board members, and committed supporters to keep camp programs viable. It also takes a willingness to adapt to trends and think of new offerings to keep people coming back. One example Stracke cited is the wheelchair-accessible challenge course added at the Maple Lake camp two years ago. It includes a giant swing, zip line and a ropes circuit. Expanding what campers can experience is vital to True friends’ success. So too are its dedicated workers. “We’re fortunate that we’ve had so many good people over the years,” he said. Learn more about True Friends at www. truefriends.org ■
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January 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 1
YEAR IN REVIEW From page 3
are devastating. Emboldened lawmakers vow that Medicaid and Social Security will be their next targets. For people with disabilities, low-income people and many senior citizens, the bills are a disaster. Disability and elder groups around the nation weighed in on the very real threats to the supports that keep people healthy, employed and living in their home communities. Many expressed dismay at Congress’s actions, which are paving the way for cutting Medicaid, Medicare, Supplemental Security Income and other critical programs for people with disabilities in order to pay for the tax cuts later. ■
including longtime Twin Cities firm Key Medical Supply. When Stuart Holland stepped down as manager of Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network in September, he didn’t call it a retirement, but a transition. He was a state employee since 1975, and with Radio Talking Book since 1986. The audio book service went through many changes during his tenure.
Paralympian and motivational speaker Mark Braun was honored as the 2017 Access Press Charlie Smith Award winner. A large crowd gathered at the newspaper’s annual banquet to recognize him and to celebrate disability community accomplishments.
REGIONAL NEWS From page 6 free, but standard messaging rates apply, as determined by the user's mobile plan. The texts go directly to trained Metro Transit staff who can respond by text, and if needed, send Transit Police. The new feature doesn't take the place of calling 911 in emergencies, said Metro Transit spokesman Drew Kerr. It allows riders to discreetly report safety concerns, such as in harassing situations, without having to make a phone call and become vulnerable. "It's just another way to connect with us," Kerr said. And while 911 will always work, the app feature could be quicker because "you get a hold of person who knows the transit system," Kerr said. If there's a problem on Route 4, police will know it's on Lyndale Avenue, for example. The service is aimed at helping deaf, blind or hard-of-hearing riders. Translation services for multiple languages are available. The app feature comes after the statewide "Text-to-911" went live. The service allows anyone needing to reach 911 to send a text message when calling for help is not an option. (Source: Star Tribune)
Facility cited for neglect
A facility that offers residential services for people with disabilities in southeast Minnesota has been cited by the state for neglect of a vulnerable adult and fined $5,000. Minnesota Department of Human Services alleges a resident's gums grew over removable dentures over a period of almost three years while living at REM River Bluffs in Rochester The dentures had to be removed through a dental procedure in October 2017, according to a department report. A large tumor or growth was found on the person's gums. The staff member who accompanied the person to the dentist believed the individual had a lower dental implant and wasn't aware the dentures were removable. Staff turnover also
Karen Lund gets help from worker Mary Ballanger, through an independent living skills program. Fears were expressed for the future of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Groups including the Minnesota Council on Disability, the American Civil Liberties Union and Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF) are alarmed about the ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017. Disability rights advocates contend that the legislation isn’t reform, and would roll back rights and inclusion. Title III of the ADA allows people with disabilities to file lawsuits against business owners who don’t provide reasonable accommodations. Businesses found to be in violation don’t pay monetary damages, only attorney’s fees. Business must provide injunctive relief, to correct the violation. Businesses are only required to provide accommodations when doing so doesn’t present an undue burden, and when changes are technically feasible and affordable. Federally funded resources have long been in place to help businesses comply. The legislation
would weaken consequences and remove incentives outlined under Title III. It also wouldn’t eliminate frivolous lawsuits by attorney’s seeking damages rather than access improvements.
contributed to the individual not getting annual dental care as required, according to staff members at the facility. Staff members have since received additional training to ensure the resident's dentures are removed nightly and properly cleaned, according to the state. The company, which also offers services in Olmsted and Winona counties, self-reported the problem to the department and immediately sought dental care for the individual, said Pat Masyga, the facility's executive director. Masyga said the company is committed to providing quality of life enhancing services to the individuals we are privileged to support. REM River Bluffs has worked to improve its dental and medical care filing and medical audits, Masyga said. The company is also working to implement electronic records. (Source: KSTP-TV)
Vet Fishing to identify veterans who have post-traumatic stress disorder and would benefit from a service dog. Bandit will live with a veteran in Wisconsin. While service dogs can cost up to thousands of dollars through other organizations, Bandit's future owner will not pay anything. Smith donates her time and Take a Vet Fishing is paying Bandit's adoption fee to Mending Spirits. It is hoped that Bandit will go to his new home in early 2018. (Source: Mankato Free Press)
Dog’s tale has a happy ending
A few months after a golden Labrador named Bandit was found abandoned inside a hot and filthy home, he began training to become a service dog. Bandit was among a dozen dogs taken from an Eagle Lakehouse in September 2017 after neighbors reported persistent barking. Their owner hadn't been seen for days. After watching the house for 30 hours, police officers rescued the dogs. The dog owner was charged with animal mistreatment. Eight puppies and four adult dogs went to a Mankato veterinarian and were treated for malnutrition and dehydration. Once healthy, all the dogs were adopted, except for Bandit. Mending Spirits Animal Rescue volunteer Kathryn Smith agreed to give Bandit a second chance. "I was his last hope," she told the Mankato Free Press. She drove from her twin Cities suburban home to get the dog and begin training him as a service animal. Smith has trained several service dogs for veterans and children with disabilities. Smith works with a group called Take a
DECEMBER
Autism spectrum disorders and sleep apnea have been added to the list of qualifying conditions for Minnesota’s medical cannabis program. The news was greeted with enthusiasm by some parents with children on the autism spectrum, who hope that medical marijuana can help their children. Some parents had used medical cannabis with success and others are eager to try it. Threats to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are heightened, because of the sweeping Tax Cuts and Jobs Act bills passed by the U.S. House and Senate. Final floor votes took place before Christmas. The bills represent the largest tax overhaul in three decades and the impacts
Parents make case for interpretation
Julie and Matt Svatos had their first child, Stella, at the Fairview Range Medical Center in Hibbing in May 2013. The delivery went fine, but the next morning, a doctor gave them some bad news: Stella might have a brain abnormality, and she needed several tests, including a CT scan. Julie could hear the doctor, but Matt is deaf. The sign language interpreter who was there for the birth had left. It was a stressful and exhausting process for the new mother, who was
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OCTOBER
After complaints about homeless people sleeping in skyways and bad behavior, the St. Paul City Council voted to reduce downtown skyway hours. Downtown St. Paul’s skyways can opt to close at midnight instead of 2 a.m., as of mid-month. That’s too early for many downtown residents and workers, including the elderly and people with disabilities. The time change is part of the revised skyway code of conduct ordinance. Many of the elderly and people with disabilities worried about getting safely home from work or leisure activities. Minnesota’s This is Medicaid coalition was making itself heard to protect the future of Medicaid, holding education events and appearing with Dayton at a press briefing. Medicaid, known as Medical Assistance in Minnesota, supports a wide range of services. Minnesota’s This is Medicaid coalition includes more than 150 groups. About one million Minnesotans rely on Medicaid for services and supports. Dayton harshly criticized federal efforts to cut Medicaid, calling such actions “a tragedy” and “a travesty.” He described the proposed cuts as an “abandonment of people who need government support by people who don’t.” Dayton is also unhappy that under one proposal, states would have to make the decisions on which programs to keep and which to cut.
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The annual Americans with Disabilities rally included a march to the state Capitol. trying to sign to her husband and understand the difficult news. But no interpreter was provided to the Santos despite repeated requests. “They would just kind of ignore me as if I wasn't there,” Matt Svatos said. “And they would only talk to Julie as if she was the only one in the room. I just felt like they were treating me like a piece of furniture just standing there in the corner.” The family filed a complaint with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. They and state officials sued Fairview Health Services. Their case is one of dozens filed against Minnesota hospitals. Many rural hospitals lack interpreters to provide required services. Rick Macpherson, an attorney with the Minnesota Disability Law Center, has settled 15 cases against hospitals since 2004. Some organizations just don't consider providing interpreters a very high priority, he said. Other hospitals provide interpreters by video, which has met criticism from the deaf community. Fairview agreed to a settlement of their case with the Svatos and the state. Fairview also agreed to improve training for staff, and report regularly to the state
FOR RENT Calvary Center Apts: 7650 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN. A Section 8 building now accepting applications for our waiting list. Call 9 am to 4 pm, Mon – Fri 763-546-4988 for an application. Equal Opportunity Housing. Find your new home with At Home Apartments. Call 651-224-1234 or visit AtHomeApartments.com for an apartment or town home. Equal Opportunity Housing. EMPLOYMENT Legal Support Specialists: Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid. For details go to www. mylegalaid.org/jobs Classified rates: $15 for the first 18 words and 65¢ per word thereafter. Classified ads prepaid. Mail to: Access Press, Capitol Ridge Inn Offices; 161 St. Anthony Ave; #910; St. Paul, MN 55103; Phone: 651-644-2133; Fax 651-644-2136; Email: access@accesspress.org
January 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 1
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