MOHR AWARDS Page 18
Volume 28, Number 7
July 10, 2017
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Minnesotans wary, watching federal action
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TWIN CITIES, MN PERMIT NO. 4766
by Access Press staff
The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.” Edward "Ted" Kennedy
NEWS DIGEST Larson caps career Page 3 Skyway fight continues Page 6 Check out our Directory of Organizations Page 9-12 FILE PHOTO
2012 Award winner Chuck Van Heuveln and 2009 winner Anne Henry are shown at the 2012 banquet.
Deadline is approaching for newspaper award nominations by Access Press staff Before taking off on that summer vacation, why not nominate someone deserving of the 2017 Access Press Charlie Smith Award? The deadline of 5 p.m. Tuesday, August 15 is rapidly ap-
proaching, and the newspaper’s board of director and staff are waiting for more nominations to arrive. This year’s award will be presented Friday, November 4 at the newspaper’s annual banquet in Bloomington. Please save NOMINATIONS To Page 5
Judge pays a visit Page 13 Odyssey Awards Page 19
MORE INSIDE History Note.................................3 ADA Celebration...........................8 Opportunities..............................15 Enjoy...........................................16 Radio Talking Book......................17
Effective July 1
Hospital improvements, pay hikes set by Access Press staff Significant investments in Minnesota Security Hospital improvements and a pay raise for personal care attendants are taking shape. Those efforts are among the many initiatives that took effect July 1. thanks to the 2017 Minnesota Legislature. The Minnesota Security 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 recent years for the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). The changes were sought after incidents in which employees and patients were assaulted. In 2014 a patient was so badly beaten and stomped upon by a fellow patient, he died. DHS Commissioner Emily Piper visited St. Peter June 14 to highlight significant investments to complete a major renovation of the hospital and the hiring of almost 150 new employees over the next three years. The changes will improve care and safety for patients and staff at the facility. “Addressing safety issues for patients and staff at Minnesota Security Hospital is one of my top priorities,” Piper said. “Given legislators’ attempts to make deep cuts to human services this past session, I’m grateful for Gov. (Mark)
FILE PHOTO
All eyes are on Washington, D.C. as debate continues over repealing the Affordable Care Act and making dramatic cuts and caps to the Medicaid program. Minnesota disability organizations and individuals are among the voices from around the country fighting to save the needed funding and health care coverage. The vote is expected the second week of July. As Access Press went to press the push was on to block the Better Care Reconciliation Act. The bill would repeal the Affordable Care Act and bring about the changes to Medicaid. Medicaid in Minnesota is known as Medical Assistance or MA. In Minnesota alone, more than 200,000 children and adults with disabilities receive MA. 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. Cuts could mean longer waits for service, reductions in some services and even elimination of services such as home and community-based waivers. School services are a huge worry. According to the PACER Center, Minnesota schools annually receive approximately $45 million in Medicaid reimbursements for health-related services for students with disabilities, such as occupational, physical and speech therapy, assistive technology and specialized equipment. “If this bill became law, the important services and programs that Medicaid funds to support children with disabilities at home, school, and in the community would be at risk,” an alert from PACER said. The impact could be greatest in Greater Minnesota. According to the Children’s Defense Fund of Minnesota, new research analysis shows that Medicaid plays a larger role in providing health coverage to people living in small towns and rural communities than it does in metropolitan areas. That is a trend nationally and in Minnesota that is particularly striking among children. The report also found that the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion is having a disproportionately positive impact on small towns and rural areas. For everyone with disabilities, the Medicaid changes could affect clinic and hospital visits, personal care attendants, equipment, assistive technology and various behavioral, personal and employment services and supports. It essentially ends Medicaid as we know it. Medicaid has long operated as an entitlement program. The federal government provides matching grants to states to cover the cost of caring for those who are eligible. The grants aren’t capped. The House and Senate wish to make Medicaid into a per-capita cap system. Republican leaders promote the approach as providing more flexibility for states. Foes of the changes contend that services would be placed at risk as more pressure is put on state coffers. Under the proposed changes states would receive set dollar amounts per person. That capped amount wouldn’t take into account the varying costs of ACA To Page 4
The Minnesota Security Hospital will receive needed capital improvement and staffing funding. Dayton’s leadership to secure funding that will allow us to finish the construction project on this campus and provide the resources to staff the facility at a responsible level and to provide better care for Minnesotans.” In 2017, Dayton and legislators approved $70.255 million to renovate the hospital and create safer working conditions for employees. Ground will be broken this fall and work will take several months.
The construction will replace outdated living units with poor sightlines and narrow stairways that made it difficult and dangerous for staff to monitor patient activity. New living units will be safer and more therapeutic. The plan also calls for more transitional housing, overall building improvements and physical separation of vulnerable patients from the Minnesota Sex Offender Program population on IMPROVEMENTS To Page 8
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July 10, 2017 Volume 28, Number 7
EDITOR’S DESK
Tim Benjamin It's been rather stressful recently for just about everybody in the disability community after the American Health Care Act (AHCA) passed in the House in May, after a delay on its vote. The Senate version, which was brought to the table on June 22, is said to be even worse than the House bill, and even President Donald Trump said the House bill was “mean” and a “son of a b----.” Reportedly, Trump asked the Senate to draft a “more generous, more kind" version of the AHCA. But according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), that did not happen. There is nothing generous or kind about the Senate bill intended to “repeal and replace” Obamacare, or the Affordable Care Act. The new bill will drastically cut federal healthcare funding in the first 10 years and continue on for the
next 10 years. The CBO has estimated a $772 billion savings in the next decade. That is a huge savings, but at what cost? And who will really be benefiting from these cuts? Warren Buffett, the fourth richest man in the world and one of the most successful investors ever, said that the new health care bill would slash his taxes. “It was huge what they did to cut taxes for the rich,” Buffett said on CNBC. “If there's one clear-cut message that comes out of that bill it is we're going to cut the hell out of income taxes for the rich on investment incomes.” President Barak Obama, who has been pretty silent since leaving office, agreed with Buffett. Obama wrote on his Facebook page that “The Senate bill is not a health care bill … It’s a massive transfer of wealth from middle-class and poor families to the richest people
I wrote this on the Fourth of July 2017 and looking forward to spending my Independence Days living independently in my own home. I can only hope to be doing that on the Fourth of July 2021, as well.
If there's one clear-cut message that comes out of that bill it is we're going to cut the hell out of income taxes for the rich on investment incomes. in America. It hands enormous tax cuts to the rich and to the drug and insurance industries, paid for by cutting health care for everybody else.” I wonder how much this will affect the average Minnesotan. According to the Minnesota Department of Health and Human Services, 1.2 million Minnesotans receive public healthcare benefits. That number includes children, seniors and people with disabilities. We know that in the first 18 months of implementation, Minnesota would lose a total of $2.3 billion in federal funding and $11.4 billion by 2025. We know that medical assistance covers 42 percent of Minnesota children and 42 percent of Minnesota births. We know that many Minnesota farmers depend on MinnesotaCare. Nursing homes and receiving other home and community care are covered by Medicaid. With this level of cuts in federal funding, all Medicaid programs in the state of Minnesota will have to make cuts that will have a substantial impact on our most vulnerable Minnesotans. It won’t be Medicaid as Minnesotans know it. The CBO estimates that Medicaid funding under the Senate bill would be 25 percent less in 10 years than it would have been under the Affordable Care Act. We know that Medicaid has grown to be 10
percent of federal spending because so many Americans, working and poor and disabled and aged, cannot afford healthcare on their own. We also know that for many people with disabilities, Medicaid is a “lifelong program’” If we go to per-capita or block grants, states will have to cut programs, or cut the number of people on the programs, or do both. Is this really what most Americans want to happen to Medicaid? Unfortunately, if it is what Americans want, they should expect that tens of millions of Americans will lose federal benefits. And the rest won’t be saving on insurance premiums; we can also be pretty sure of that. I wrote this on the Fourth of July 2017 and looking forward to spending my Independence Days living independently in my own home. I can only hope to be doing that on the Fourth of July 2021, as well. This summer has given us many beautiful days, and all of us should be enjoying the summer and not bottled up with anxiety and concern about the situation we may be in if the existing Affordable Care Act is replaced by the American Health Care Act bill. Please shout out to everyone you know that the Republican plan is going to drastically change how people in the USA will live … and die. ■
July 10, 2017 Volume 28, Number 7
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Four decades' service
The Arc Minnesota’s Larson steps down after long career
A well-deserved retirement means Minnesotans with disabilities are saying goodbye to one of their strongest champions and legislative strategists. Steve Larson, senior policy director for The Arc Minnesota, stepped down July 7. He and his wife Joan Breslin Larson were honored at a retirement party June 28. While he’ll miss his work and the many people he has worked with over the years, it’s time to retire and make changes, Larson said, “I’m looking forward to the next chapter.” The Larsons plan to travel, downsize from their longtime family home and spend more time with family during retirement. Larson had many kind words for those he has worked with over the years and urges everyone to continue the quest for needed services and supports. His retirement caps a 43-year career in human services. His work in human services began in Olmsted County in the 1970s, where both Larsons worked with group home residents. That work gave him an understanding of what direct support workers do, and workers’ importance to their clients. He moved on to work at Bear Creek Services, then to supervise developmental disability programs in Olmsted County. He continued that focus with a move to the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), where he led the Disability Services Division. Larson has made self-directed services for people with disabilities and their families one of his priorities throughout his career in advocacy at the capitol and at meetings with state agency leaders and legislators. This spring he received an award at the National Applied Self-Direction Confer-
He is the ‘go-to’ person in Minnesota to initiate and followup on legislative initiatives that are critical to expanding and supporting self-directed service options in our state. Steve Larson ence for his commitment to expand access to and improve consumer-directed services in Minnesota. It’s one of many kudos he has received in the weeks leading up to retirement. “He is the ‘go-to’ person in Minnesota to initiate and follow-up on legislative initiatives that are critical to expanding and supporting self-directed service options in our state,” the award nomination stated. “He continues to work tirelessly to ensure that self-direction is an integral part of our service system. Steve does an amazing job of determinedly, tirelessly bringing forward legislation each year to support and promote self-directed services and then advocating strongly to get that legislation passed.” Larson was unable to be at the
self-direction conference and accept his award in person. Vicki Gerrits, one of the people who submitted the nomination, presented the award to him at a June 5 meeting. Larson has been a champion for self-direction since he started at The Arc Minnesota in September 2002. When families’ budgets for consumer-directed community supports (CDCS) were cut dramatically in 2004, he led efforts to restore those cuts. The Arc held public forums to inform families about the changes and give them an opportunity to share their stories. In 2005, the Minnesota Legislature approved language to help families continue to use CDCS. Budgets for those receiving CDCS have often been too low to meet an individual’s or family’s needs, so Larson and other volunteers and staff from The Arc have worked persistently with DHS to revise the methods used to calculate those budgets.
In response to the struggles families and individuals were having in accessing and effectively using CDCS, Larson helped build an effective coalition to advance access to self-directed services. This coalition is a collaboration of individuals utilizing self-directed service options and their families, DHS, county representatives and other key stakeholders. In the 2017 legislative session, The Arc Minnesota was one of the primary agencies that advocated for and gained legislative approval of a bill to make CDCS work better for more adults. As a result of the legislation, CDCS policy was changed to expand the exceptions to accessing CDCS and create a pathway for individuals residing in institutions to use the CDCS option more quickly. Read about Larson’s successor on page 14 of this issue. ■
HISTORY NOTE
Marches, rallies draw attention to disability rights cause July 26th is the 27th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). How will Minnesotans celebrate? Many will take part in a march to the Minnesota capitol that day, which will be followed by a rally and program. Details are elsewhere in this issue of Access Press. Marches and rallies have long been part of the disability rights movement, in Minnesota and around the world. Civil disobedience can be a very effective way to draw attention to a cause. It’s not known when the first march for disability rights was held, but many marches predate the current disability rights movement’s start in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Images have been preserved of some marches following World War II. Many servicemen and women sustained disabling injuries as a result of their wartime service. They were dismayed to return from wartime service, only to feel that government agencies turned
their backs on them. One striking image is from a 1946 march by the Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association. Many marchers were in wheelchairs. They carried signs stating Keep Faith in Paralyzed Vets, Don’t Break Promises and Don’t Let Us Down! It’s interesting to note that in these images, and other images from the 1940s through mid-1960s, marchers were often well-dressed. Men often wore suits and ties, and women wore dresses. Marches and rallies over the years have marked Disability Pride Days, International Workers Days, the International Day of People with Disabilities, GLBT Pride and other events. Marches have focused on jobs, health care, transit, housing and inclusion. One of the most high-profile marches and rallies was in spring 1990 when people with disabilities dramatically crawled up the U.S. Capitol steps. That protest dramatized the barriers that face people with disabilities and drew attention to
the slow pace of federal legislation affecting people with disabilities. People from more than 30 states attended that action, which dramatized the fight to get the ADA passed. Media accounts described the action and the impatience of advocates. "Two centuries is long enough for people with disabilities to wait before the constitutional promise of justice is kept," Justin W. Dart Jr., chairman of the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, told the rally. "If we have to come back, perhaps we'll simply stay until they pass [the bill]," said I. King Jordan, first deaf president of Gallaudet College for the Deaf. Twenty-seven years later, community mem-
bers are still marching and rallying for their rights. ■ 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.
July 10, 2017 Volume 28, Number 7
ACA From Page 1 care needed, especially for people with chronic health conditions, elders and people with disabilities. Each state would have to make up its actual costs of care under the proposed changes. That has raised fears nationwide. Minnesota’s senators, Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken have announced they will vote against the bill. Much of the lobbying effort in Minnesota has focused on asking people to contact senators from other states. News reports indicated that the Senate would be looking at two versions of the bill. The Congressional Budget Office was to review the bills over the holiday break, which ends July 10. The Senate’s health care overhaul has severe Medicaid cuts similar to those approved by the U.S. House in May. The House bill cut Medicaid spending by $834 billion in the next decade. According to the Congressional Budget office, the Senate health care proposal would slash $772 billion from Medicaid in the next decade. The nonpartisan budget office also said the Senate bill will trigger continuing disparities in federal support for Medicaid. “Despite the uncertainty, the direction of certain effects of this legislation is clear. For example, the amount of federal revenues collected and the amount of spending on Medicaid would almost surely both be lower than under current law,” the Congressional Budget Office stated.
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The bottom line is that under this legislation, Medicaid will be decimated. People will lose vital benefits and services that support their basic human right to a life in the community. It will turn back the clock on the progress we have made as a society over the last 65 years. It’s morally reprehensible, and our nation cannot let this happen. Peter Berns, CEO of The Arc “With less federal reimbursement for Medicaid, states would need to decide whether to commit more of their own resources to finance the program at current-law levels or to reduce spending by cutting payments to health care providers and health plans, eliminating optional services, restricting eligibility for enrollment through work requirements and other changes or (to the extent feasible) arriving at more efficient methods for delivering services,” the office stated. The Medicaid cuts proposed have led to protests nationwide. Members of the national disability rights group ADAPT in June were arrested during protests in the Senate Office Building. They staged a “die-in” outside of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s office. ADAPT members rallied to protest the possible loss of community-based services and supports. News accounts indicated that many ADAPT members got out of their wheelchairs and laid on
Volume 28, Number 6 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, Richard Dick VanWagner, 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.
the floor in front of McConnell’s office. The Kentucky Republican is a lead author of the controversial bill. Pictures of the arrests of people with disabilities were seen around the world. More than 40 people were arrested. ADAPT leaders said that if the changes are enacted, the consequences are dire. “To say people will die under this law is not an exaggeration,” said Mike Oxford, an ADAPT organizer from Kansas. He was quoted by the online news site Disability Scoop. “Home and community-based services are what allow us to do our jobs, live our lives and raise our families. Without these services many disabled and elderly Americans will die. We won’t let that happen.” Nine ADAPT members were recently arrested and taken into custody after protesting at a Colorado senator’s Congressional office. More actions around the nation are planned. Disability advocates from around the country are weighing in. “The bottom
line is that under this legislation, Medicaid will be decimated. People will lose vital benefits and services that support their basic human right to a life in the community. It will turn back the clock on the progress we have made as a society over the last 65 years. It’s morally reprehensible, and our nation cannot let this happen,” said Peter Berns, CEO of The Arc. “Thanks to the Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, millions of people, including people with disabilities, their family members, and their support professionals, have gained access to health coverage. Lives have been saved because people have had access to affordable, comprehensive health coverage. The tax credits and changes to health savings accounts proposed in this bill are not adequate to meet needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities or those with chronic health conditions,” said Berns. ■
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ADVERTISING RATES: Display Ad: $12 to $28 per column inch (size and frequency of run). Classified Ad: $14, plus 65¢ per word over 12 words. DEADLINE: January 25, 2017. CIRCULATION/DISTRIBUTION: 11,000 copies are distributed the 10 th of each month through more than 200 locations statewide. Approximately 450 copies are mailed to individuals, including political, business, institutional and civic leaders. SUBSCRIPTION: $30 per year. Low-income, student and bulk subscriptions available at discounted rates. ABOUT ACCESS PRESS: A monthly newspaper published for persons with disabilities by Access Press, Ltd. Application to mail at Periodicals Postage Prices is Pending at the St. Paul, MN 55121 facility. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Access Press at 161 St. Anthony Ave, Suite 901, St. Paul, MN 55103. INQUIRIES AND ADDRESS CHANGES should be directed to: Access Press, The Capitol Ridge Inn Offices 161 St. Anthony Ave; #910, St. Paul, MN 55103; 651-644-2133; Fax: 651-644-2136; email: access@accesspress.org www.accesspress.org
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July 10, 2017 Volume 28, Number 7
NOMINATIONS the date. The event has moved to DoubleTree by Hilton, 7800 Normandale Blvd. This will be the second year for the banquet to be held at DoubleTree. The award winner is chosen by the newspaper’s board. The winner and finalists will be featured in the September issue of Access Press. More information on the award can be found at www.accesspress.org. On the home page, look for the Charlie Awards tab. The banquet is always a great time, so why not nominate someone to be this year’s guest of honor? The award winner’s family, friends and colleagues are always encouraged to attend, to enjoy the dinner, speeches, music, raffle and silent auction. Nominators can email access@ accesspress.org for a form or call 651-644-2133 for assistance. If assistance or accommodations are needed to submit an award nomination, Access Press staff is glad to provide help. Call during regular business hours. If the voice mail is on, leave a message for a callback. The Charlie Smith Award is named in honor of the late Charlie Smith Jr., founding editor of Access Press. He was a well-known Minnesota disability rights advocate. In the pre-Internet days, Smith founded the paper as a way to provide information and organize the community around key issues. He was well-known for his tenacious spirit, yet he was also someone who quietly reached out to and helped people with disabilities. He also loved children and often interacted with children with disabilities. Many of the award recipients cite the importance of receiving the award and its stature in Minnesota’s disability community. The Charlie Smith Award is unique because it doesn’t single out a particular type of disability as criteria for nomination. Nor do nominees have to be members of a particular group or organization to be eligible for nominations. Any individual or group in Minnesota playing a role in Minnesota’s disability community is eligible for nomination. That is a very broad spectrum of people, so the net for nominees can be cast widely. A nominee can be a self-advocate, a group or organization, or someone who provides service. Some years many nominations are received. Before submitting a nominee, think about what makes that person or persons unique to
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Charlie Smith, Jr. the disability community. Provide as much information as possible about a nominee. That information is used by the newspaper board to evaluate the nominees. Links to newspaper, magazine or online articles or television news stories are always welcome. The more information, the easier it is to make a decision. Please send a high-resolution digital photo or an actual photo of the nominee. Otherwise, be prepared to tell the editors where a high-resolution photo can be obtained. Pictures will be returned on request. Past nominees can be nominated again, but please follow the rules for repeat nominations. A person or organization can be nominated for two consecutive years. But he or she has to wait one year before being nominated again. If there is a repeat nomination, a new person or group must make the nomination the second year. People cannot nominate themselves. Completed nominations, with photos can be sent via email to CSAnominations@accesspress. org, via fax to (651) 644-2136, or mail to Access Press, c/o Charlie Smith Award Committee, 161 St. Anthony Avenue #910; St. Paul, MN 55103. The winner is the guest of honor at the annual award banquet. Sponsors are still being sought, as are donations for the raffle and silent auction. The raffle and silent auction can be a great place to showcase a business and its services, or to make a truly unique donation. Artists and crafters are especially welcomed as donors. Photos, original art, sports and theater tickets, handmade crafts, jewelry, dinner and drink gift certificates and much, much more are highlights. But donations need to be made soon. Sponsorship and donation information is also on the newspaper’s website. Email or call Business Manager Dawn Frederick at 651-6442133 or dawn@accesspress.org for further details. ■
CHARLIE SMITH AWARD WINNERS 2016 – Cliff Poetz, Institute on Community Integration 2015 – Jessalyn Akerman-Frank, Minnesota Commission for Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing 2014 – Christine Marble & Wendy Devore, CareerVentures 2013 – Cal Appleby, Augsburg College 2012 – Charles “Chuck” Van Heuveln, St. Paul School District 2011 – Jeff Bangsberg, Minnesota Department of Health 2010 – Steve Kuntz, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) 2009 – Anne Henry, Minnesota Disability Law Center 2008 – Pete Feigal, Co-Founder of Tilting at Windmills 2007 – Jim and Claudia Carlisle, People Enhancing People 2006 – John Smith, University of Minnesota 2005 – Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD) 2004 – Rick Cardenas, Co-Director of Advocating Change Together (ACT) 2003 – Margot Imdieke Cross, Minnesota State Council on Disability
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Charlie Smith, Jr., Jamie Becker and George Hall are shown in a file picture of a past community event.
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July 10, 2017 Volume 28, Number 7
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REGIONAL NEWS We Can Ride relocates
Skyway access fight goes on A squabble over skyway access at the Railroader Printing Building isn’t over, despite a 4-3 June 21 St. Paul City Council vote requiring that the Mears Park property stay open until 2 a.m. After the council vote building manager Jaunae Brooks said she would continue to close the building doors at 8 p.m., despite threats of city fines. The city’s current skyway governance ordinance allows for civil or criminal penalties for violations. In a worst-case scenario, the city could revoke the rights to use the space as part of the skyway system and order it shut down. The issue has raised the ire of several members of the disability community, who are concerned about skyway system access. Ward Two Council Member Rebecca Noecker, who represents downtown, spoke against the exception. Noecker said with more people living, working a going to events downtown, more people are using the skyways and the sidewalks. “And I think this is
Drone to be utilized
exactly the wrong time to start to dissect that (skyway) system,” she said. Noecker said the system needs consistent hours for its users, and that she couldn’t find a reason to grant Brooks an exception. “We passed the original skyway ordinance when the downtown sidewalks rolled up at 5 p.m.,” said Noecker. The original ordinance was adopted in 1991. Since then thousands of people have moved to downtown housing, in new and converted buildings. Debate over the request for an earlier skyway closing has roiled the City Council for several weeks. It comes at a time when downtown building owners and managers, residents and business owners are debating skyway hours, security and cleanliness. Large-scale fights among young people, loitering and trash are growing problems. One difficult issue is that of homeless people staying in the skyway for extended periods. A committee is working on recom-
A police department in southern Minnesota has acquired a new drone that it hopes to use to track people who wander off due to medical or cognitive conditions. The Rochester Police Department acquired the drone to add to their Project Lifesaver initiative, which monitors adults and children who wander due to Alzheimer's, autism and other related conditions or disorders, the Post Bulletin reported. Clients wear a transmitter that is activated when they wander so police can quickly respond to save their lives or protect them from injury. The drone can switch out an antenna for the camera, enabling law enforcement to see the direction of a transmitting signal. The drone's camera has thermal, night vision and day vision capabilities. Officer Rey Caban said there have been several cases where he requested aviation support, but a helicopter wasn't available. So he came up with the idea of using a drone instead. “Not having availability, I can understand the frustration it can cause, so I'm excited we can actually deploy someone in a short period of time,” he said. The drone and special training for four officers cost about $68,000. The officers are licensed pilots who follow Federal Aviation Administration regulations because they're operating the drone for a public agency. The drone was made by international aerospace company
mended skyway ordinance changes, which are expected to reach the council in August. One proposal would close the skyway system at midnight, rather than maintain the current 2 a.m. closing. A series of meetings on the skyway system began last month. Brooks offered to make other accommodations to help people get to first-floor tenants Barrio and Bulldog bar/restaurants. One could be a buzzer system so that people could get to the popular establishments via the skyway and an elevator. The buzzer would sound in Bulldog and Barrio, and staff would let people into the skyway and to a connecting elevator. A second offer is for a chair lift inside the building at ground level, as a means of providing access between Barrio and Bulldog restaurants, which are separated by stairs. Brooks said she is making those offers as a compromise. But those drew a skeptical response. Source: Access Press
Lockheed Martin. Its carbon fiber body is very strong and durable, Caban said. The drone can fly for nearly an hour, while most other drones can only fly about 20 minutes, he said. “I'm excited to have this,” Caban said, “to potentially save a life — and not just to save the life of someone in immediate danger, but to save officers from confronting an unknown.” Source: Post-Bulletin
Man faces new charges
Marcus Abrams, 19, has autism who was at the center of a controversy involving Metro Transit police has now been charged with punching a police officer in Minneapolis. Abrams just recently settled a lawsuit for $40,000, as a result of a 2015 incident on a light rail platform in St. Paul. In that incident police were accused of using excessive force after a disagreement with Abrams. Abrams was 17 at the time. The incident prompted protests against police brutality. On Memorial Day weekend Abrams punched an officer with Minneapolis Police Department, at bar closing time. Abrams was eventually Tasered by police. He is charged with assault. After his arrest, Abrams asked a police investigator if he had heard of the 2015 incident. When asked why he punched the officer, Abrams said he didn’t like the police. Source: Minnesota Public Radio
After nearly four decades in Minnetonka, a therapeutic horseback riding program is settling into new stables this summer in Medina. “It’s really bittersweet; it’s the end of an era,” said Mary Mitten, executive director of We Can Ride, the oldest and largest program of its kind in Minnesota. “[But] we have a really great opportunity being in the park system.” The nonprofit is trying to raise $350,000 www.crowdrise. com/we-can-ride-we-can-move to cover the cost of relocation and to build an outdoor arena at the new site, which will host an open house August 25. We Can Ride serves about 250 people with disabilities or special needs - from autism or learning disabilities to multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy. Since it began in 1982, the nonprofit had operated on wooded Minnetonka acreage it shared with the Hennepin County Home School, a center for juveniles in trouble with the law. Hennepin County officials recently announced they want to build a $58 million state-of-the-art medical examiner’s office on open land there. The county also plans to restore wetlands where We Can Ride’s barn and offices were located. The program, including 12 horses, is moving 20 miles away to Baker Park Reserve, in the Three Rivers Park District. The new site has a barn, heated indoor arena and pasture space, which was used until recently for the park district mounted patrol. The horse patrol program was ended a few years ago. “It turned out to be a good match,” Three Rivers Superintendent Boe Carlson said. Instructors offer therapeutic riding, hippotherapy, equine-facilitated psychotherapy and equine-assisted learning. While there is some research on the benefits of equine therapy, none of them is covered by insurance. But Mitten said she’s seen many success stories of people having mental or physical improvements through equine therapy. At one point, We Can Ride had five sites throughout the Twin Cities. Now it just has two sites — the other is in Marine on St. Croix — but Mitten said she hopes the nonprofit can expand again to serve more of the metro area as the popularity of therapeutic riding continues to grow. Source: Star Tribune
Camper is found safe
A tense rescue had a happy ending at Eden Wood, an Eden Prairie summer camp for disabled children. On a June day a nine-year-old at the True Friends camp ran off from the group he was with. The child ran through a swamp and a camp counselor couldn’t keep up. A Minnesota State Highway Patrol helicopter found the child after about a ten-minute search, sitting atop of what appeared to be a beaver dam. Eden Prairie police and fire, Hennepin County Sheriff’s officials, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Three Rivers Park District staff searched for the child. “ Several firefighters and police officers went into the marsh area and kind of fanned out in small groups, so we didn’t get lost in there,” said Becki White, Eden Prairie assistant fire chief. “ The weeds were over our heads and the water was between ankle to waist deep up and down, so he got stuck a few times and we had to pull ourselves out.” True Friends issued a statement. “As per our existing safety protocols and procedures, camp staff immediately notified the authorities and other public service agencies.” Camp officials thanked all involved in the search. “True Friends provides life changing experiences that enhance independence and self esteem for over 5,000 children and adults with disabilities each year. We are extremely thankful that the individual was found safe and unharmed.” Source: KMSP TV
Water skiers get gear back
Participants in a Courage Kenny rehabilitation Institute are back on the water, after adaptive water skiing equipment was recovered. A trailer containing about $30,000 in equipREGIONAL NEWS page 7
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July 10, 2017 Volume 28, Number 7
AARP gives state good marks Minnesota’s number two ranking in the AARP Long-term Services and Supports State Scorecard for older adults and people with disabilities continues to show the state’s strong leadership in providing services to those populations where and how they choose. “Although Minnesota has enjoyed ranking number one on the scorecard the first two times it was issued, in 2011 and 2014, we are pleased to know that AARP considers Minnesota and Washington to be leading all of the 50 states with its long-term services and supports for older adults and people with disabilities,” Minnesota Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper said. “This is a result of Minnesota putting emphasis on services in people’s homes and communities, offering information so consumers can make informed choices, rewarding quality care and considering the needs of vital
family caregivers.” The scorecard ranks states based on their performance on long-term services and supports in affordability and access, choice of setting and provider, quality of life and quality of care, support for family caregivers and effective transitions between nursing homes, hospitals and homes. AARP said the scorecards published in 2011, 2014 and 2017 all have somewhat different methodologies and indicator sets,
REGIONAL NEWS From Page 6
ment was stolen in late June. The theft threatened to cancel the entire water skiing program for the season. The trailer was parked outside of a program staff member’s home near Lake Owasso in Roseville when it disappeared. It contained life vests and 15 adaptive water skis. The skis are designed to allow skiers to be seated, or to provide extra stability when standing. Eric Larson, who oversees sports and recreation for Courage Kenny, said the theft brought the water skiing program to a complete halt. But days after the theft and just hours before the classes were to start at Lake Owasso, the trailer was found a few miles from where it was stolen. Most of the equipment was still inside. Larson said he suspects the trailer was abandoned because the thieves didn’t see the value in the equipment, and were expecting to find something like tools that could be resold. The program is popular and has been offered for several years. Source: Star Tribune
Musician faces charges
A Willmar musician who is well-known for playing at area senior living and activity facilities is facing a second allegation of criminal sexual conduct. Terrance Raymond Shaw, 72, appeared in June in Kandiyohi County District Court on one count of fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct, a gross misdemeanor. The charges are in connection with a 2014 incident in a New London facility. Shaw was charged with two felony counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim who was mentally impaired, mentally incapacitated or physically helpless. Those charges stem from an incident in April when Shaw performed at a memory care facility in Willmar and allegedly touched the breasts of a resident with dementia after the performance. Shaw has denied both allegations and given his own version of events. His next court appearance for the felony charges filed in May is scheduled for Aug. 21. Further performances at similar facilities will not be allowed pending the outcome of the criminal cases. As part of the conditional release for the felony charges, Shaw has been told to have no contact with any vulnerable adults. Shaw requested that he be allowed to continue performing at certain senior living facilities. Judge Jennifer Fischer denied the request, agreeing with the state and a county probation officer that the mixed abilities and disabilities of residents living at such facilities makes it difficult to protect the vulnerable from possible victimization. Source: West Central Tribune
Federal grant for children’s mental health
A new federal grant will help make mental health services for Minnesota children more coordinated, community-focused, and collaborative. The four-year grant from the U.S. Department of Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) supports an approach called “systems of care,” which relies on linking and expanding community-based services to keep kids at home and in school. “Minnesota is taking the next step so children and their families can get the help they need,” said Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper. “Coordinating systems will have a deep, sustainable impact. It would be hard to overestimate the benefits.” Minnesota is one of eight states to receive the grant, which builds on 24 years of experience since SAMHSA first began to explore the systems of care approach. Systems of care focuses on coordination between agencies that serve children and expansion of proven, innovative services. Minnesota’s grant will help mental health services better serve children and their families, offering community-based services to support their success. Services tailored to each child will be better connected across agencies. The grant also includes training and workforce development and new services, such as piloting a new model to keep kids in school and out of the juvenile justice system. DHS will launch the grant in collaboration with the Min-
due primarily to changes in data availability. With baby boomers beginning to turn 80 in 2026, states must accelerate the pace of improving longterm services and supports for older adults and people with disabilities, AARP said. While the scorecard shows that most states have made progress, the scorecard shows that “the pace of change overall remains too slow and has not kept up with demographic demands.” Source: Minnesota DHS
nesota chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI Minnesota), the Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health, Wilder Research and the University of Minnesota. DHS worked with multiple partners to develop the systems of care effort, including the state departments of Corrections, Education, and Health. Thirty-six counties, the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, the University of Minnesota, child-serving collaborative and community and advocacy organizations will pilot systems of care across the state. The grant begins on September 30 and runs until 2021. Planning and development is already underway. Source: Minnesota DHS
Task force does video outreach
The St. Cloud area’s Disability Awareness Task Force is trying some new outreach. For the first time, the group is having a video challenge to reach out to youth in the community and breaking down barriers for people with disabilities. The Disabilities Awareness Task Force is a communitywide collaborative made of more than 10 disability-related organizations. It aims to bring awareness and education about people with disabilities to the community. “We know social media is the way to our youths’ hearts, and they’re so talented at it,” said Cara Ruff, president of the task force and executive director of Independent Lifestyles. She said it’s important to get kids involved in the creation because youth listen to their peers. “Sometimes it means a whole lot more from youth to youth,” she said. Two-minute videos are sought. “We want them to deliver messages about treating people with disabilities with respect, and being inclusive,” she said. The task force will judge the videos. The video score will also be based on how many likes it gets on Facebook and views it gets on YouTube. The winners will receive prizes. Ruff hopes the challenge will attract some younger people and local sports teams, as one of the themes is around traumatic brain injury. The task force has already been in touch with Boys & Girls Clubs, local athletic directors and others. “We hope that’s our biggest problem — that we have way too many and it takes forever to review them,” she said. The winning video will be shown at a community event in October, featuring speaker and traumatic brain injury survivor Nikki Abramson. Source: St. Cloud Times
Assisted living case goes to trial
The family of Dale Gerard gets their day in court August 8, in a wrongful death case involving a West Duluth assisted
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living facility. Gerard died as a direct result of leaving the Wesley Residence, a judge ruled recently. The case is going to a jury trial. Sixth Judicial District Judge Mark Munger granted partial summary judgment to Mark Gerard. He is Dale Gerard’s son. Mark Gerard filed the negligence suit against the care facility in February 2016. The lawsuit states that staff at Wesley Residence was negligent in failing to adequately secure the building and allowing Gerard to leave unattended, in violation of established care policies. Dale Gerard was 74 and living when dementia when she left the Wesley Residence in July 2013. After months of searching, her remains were found in the Lincoln Park neighborhood in April 2014. She had been seen getting off a bus in that area. She was three miles from her home. Andrew Gross, a Twin Cities attorney representing the Gerard family, called the ruling an “ important victory" and said it will narrow the scope of the issues a jury will be asked to decide at trial. With the ruling, Gross said, the jury will essentially be left to decide whether Wesley Residence was negligent in allowing Gerard to leave — and, if so, the damages that are warranted. Robyn Johnson, a Twin Cities attorney for Wesley Residence and Hermantown-based parent company At Home Living Facilities, did not respond to a request for comment. The suit alleges that Gerard required care for “wandering, orientation issues, anxiety, verbal aggression, physical aggression, repetitive behavior, agitation, self-injurious behavior and property destruction.” Family members had worked on a service plan and Gerard wore a tracking device. But she had learned how to disable the device, and was wearing it when her body was found. The Minnesota Department of Health didn’t file any sanctions against Wesley Residence, finding that Gerard was her “own guardian" and that it was “unclear how and why the client left against medical and family advice.” Source: Duluth News-Tribune
Accessibility eyed in bike plans
As Minneapolis’ network of bicycle lanes grows, how is disability access to streets and sidewalks handled? City leaders are looking carefully at balancing the various interests as streets convert motor vehicle lanes into space for bikes. The shift, following the city's adoption of the “Complete Streets” policy in 2016, has fanned the debate between cyclists, drivers, residents and business owners about safety, traffic congestion and lost parking in front of shops and homes. But there's another concern: How can people with disabilities navigate these new streets safely? “Before, people could deploy their lifts and ramps onto a sidewalk or boulevard -- now, they're deploying them into the street and into the bike lane,” said Margot Imdieke Cross, accessibility specialist at the Minnesota State Council on Disability. Access is particularly challenging when bike lanes are protected from cars by poles or curbs. Protected bike lanes are gaining favor in Minneapolis and across the country because they are safer for cyclists. But the protection, in the forms of curbs or bollards, can create access issues. In Minneapolis, the plan is to consider adding bicycle infrastructure when streets come up for repair, such as resurfacing or reconstruction. Bike lane work is evolving as new designs and practices emerge, said Jenifer Hager, director of transportation planning and programming in public works. The Federal Highway Administration released a design and planning guide, with input from cities including Minneapolis, for protected bike lanes in 2015, with suggestions for how to preserve accessibility including buffers to accommodate wheelchair lifts and mid-block curb ramps. Imdieke Cross said she'd like to see more accessibility accommodations such as buffers and mid-block curb ramps included in bike lane projects here. If the city doesn't provide adequate access, she said, that could be a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. “Access is required by law,” she said. “Bike lanes aren't.” Parking can also be an issue for people with disabilities. Eight bike lane projects planned for this summer will cut parking spaces to make room for bike lanes, whether they're protected or just painted on the street. Source: Star Tribune
July 10, 2017 Volume 28, Number 7
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FILE PHOTO
Disability rights march and rally
The 2016 Minnesota ADA Celebration featured dancers.
St. David’s Center expands
St. David’s Center is expanding its services, including children’s mental health and autism programs, to downtown Minneapolis. Programs will be offered as part of Westminster Presbyterian Church’s expansion project. The new building will offer early childhood mental health services, pediatric therapies, a day treatment program for children who have faced trauma, and the East African Autism day treatment program, which was previously located in northeast Minneapolis. At an event marking the expansion, St. David’s Center CEO Julie Sjordal spoke about the critical need to invest in children and families. St. David’s is based in Minnetonka and offers serves around the region. The new center will serve about 200 children up to five years of age and their parents. Clients are expected to be from Minneapolis and surrounding communities. The church expansion is already underway. It will create a 9,000-square-foot, $4.5 million building. It is to open in spring 2018. The space is just off of Nicollet Mall and is praised for its accessibility. Located off Nicollet Mall, the center counts that accessibility as a huge advantage, leaders said. Jennifer DeCubellis, deputy administrator for Hennepin County Health and Human Services, said families in the East African autism day treatment program won’t have nearly as far to travel when the new center opens. The church and St. David’s have worked together since 2016.
Access Press welcomes your news
Access Press welcomes articles for its People and Places pages. Articles 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 taken 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 651-644-2133.
IMPROVEMENTS From Page 1
the St. Peter campus. An additional $22.85 million was also passed in the 2017 session 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. More staff will also mean reductions in overtime and increased programming for patients on evenings and weekends. In efforts to fill the first group of 52 full-time equivalent employees in a wide range of jobs, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, therapists, dental staff, safety and security staff, and general maintenance workers, DHS will hold a Minnesota Security Hospital Career Fair in in the next few months. Time, date and location will be announced. In October 2016 Piper and other DHS officials opened the Minnesota Security Hospital opened its new $56 million facility in St. Peter to the public for a rare tour, to show improvements made thus far. At the time Piper said that the work wasn’t complete and that more funding was needed. She also pointed out that patients live at the facility eight years on average, so there is a need to make the facility feel as home-like as possible. The hospital provides evaluation and therapy for about 350 patients deemed by the courts to be mentally ill and dangerous. Getting the second phase of work done is one priority. Another is hiring. “Even before construction gets underway, we’ll be working hard to fill important medical and nursing positions,” said Piper. “That means identifying the key clinical and direct care positions that we need to fill most immediately and ramping up our recruiting and hiring efforts to ensure we can offer Minnesotans that need our help the best care possible.”
Care workers get raises
On July 1, a new contract went into effort for personal care attendants. Workers and the state of Minnesota reached a new agreement for a union contract that covers approximately 27,000 Minnesota home care workers. The two sides had to negotiate a new contract and have it presented for a vote after elected officials cut funding in half for the previous tentative agreement, in the final health and human services omnibus bill. Many disability advocates left the capitol this spring believing that there would be no pay increase at all. The increases adopted are less than what was sought. Minnesota has about 9,000 caregiver openings. One challenges is that the work pays so poorly. One key provision negotiated is an additional five percent increase for workers who provide the care for the highest-need clients. High-need is defined as clients who qualify for 12 or more hours per day of in-home care. The Complex Care Coalition worked on that issue. Other provisions include: • A $1 an hour increase to the minimum wage for home care workers, putting the new floor at $12. • Time-and-a-half pay for workers
Twenty-seven years ago this month, the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed. Join Minnesotans and their allies at a march and rally to celebrate the anniversary. Events are planned for Wednesday, July 26 in St. Paul. Events are free and open to the public. At 1 p.m., gather at the Minnesota History Center, 345 Kellogg Blvd. Marchers will meet at the education wing and at 1:30 p.m. will heads to the capitol. At 2:30 p.m. the group will assemble for a rally and program in the capitol rotunda. That event will continue until 4 p.m. The day’s events will feature ASL interpretation, audio descriptions and open captioning. Deadline to request accommodations has passed. Call Cindy Tarshish at
who take care of their clients on five holidays, a benefit no home care workers in the state have had before • An increase in the amount of paid time off home care workers earn • Training stipends for 5,000 workers who take voluntary trainings to build their skills in order to provide higher quality care • An online matching registry to help address the struggle clients face when trying to find quality care workers to bring into their homes. SEIU Healthcare Minnesota and union foes led by the Center of the American Experiment have battled over unionization and the latest contract talks. Union leaders have vowed that the fight to restore funding continues in 2018. “So many good people all across the state worked hard pushing our elected officials to address the care crisis that is harming thousands of families like mine. Home care workers and clients like me negotiated in good faith earlier this year, but at the very end of the legislative session politicians decided to only fund half of what we had agreed to with the state,
ADA Minnesota with questions, at 651603-2015 or email cindyt@mcil-mn.org. Performers include the band Workin’ Dogs, whose music promotes human dignity and equal civil rights for all, and Young Ant (Antyenette Walker), the first blind female rapper in the U.S. Kristen Jorenby, director of accessibility resources at Metropolitan State University, is master of ceremonies. Speakers will include Sen. Foung Hawj (DFL – St. Paul), Rep. Frank Hornstein (DFL-Minneapolis), Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Kevin Lindsay and Access Press Executive Director/Editor Tim Benjamin. The event is a collaboration of many disability organizations. Check websites for more details, including www.disability. state.mn.us/ada
which is incredibly frustrating,” said Jim Carlisle, a home care client who counts on care for himself and his wife Claudia to be able to stay in their home. “We made some important steps forward in this new agreement, but the crisis in our state is well beyond the point where any half-measures will suffice.” “This is, without exaggeration, a life or death situation for someone like me who relies on quality caregivers to get out of bed and do basic tasks like eating and leaving my house,” Carlisle continued. “I’m proud we won the gains we did, but we are still a long way from where we need to be. What we’ve proven over the last few months is that we won’t let any attacks or setbacks stop us. We will fight to ensure every person who needs care has access to quality caregivers.” The Carlisles are considered to be pioneers in self-directed care. The care agency they started, People Enhancing People, recently closed. ■ Information from DHS and SEIU Healthcare was used in this article.
July 10, 2017 Volume 28, Number 7
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www.mdi.org
MRCI Worksource
V-507-386-5000
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
RESOURCE
V-612-752-8111
F-612-752-8101
www.resource-mn.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
Medica
V-800-266-2157
TTY-800-855-2880
www.medica.com
UCare
V-800-707-1711
TTY-800-688-2534
www.ucare.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
People Enhancing People (PEP)
V-763-586-0049
F-651-234-0864
www.pepeople.org
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
Equip A Life (formerly Assistive Techology of MN)
V-763-479-8239
Hibbing-218-741-9134
www.equipalife.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
Ebenezer Park Apartments
V-612-879-2233
TTY-612-879-8889
www.fairviewebenezer.org
HousingLink
V-612-522-2500
F-612-521-1577
www.housinglink.org
National Handicap Housing Institute, Inc
V-651-639-9799
F-651-639-9699
www.nhhiaccessiblehousing.com
Villas and Townhomes by Mary T. Inc.
V-763-754-2505
TF-888-255-6400
www.marytinc.com
HOUSING-RENTAL
Join the Directory of Organizations! 651-644-2133 dawn@accesspress.org
July 10, 2017 Volume 28, Number 7 Pg 11
DIRECTORY OF ORGANIZATIONS INFORMATION/REFERRAL RESOURCES ADA Minnesota; a program within MCIL
V-651-603-2015
TF-888-630-9793
www.adaminnesota.org
Equip A Life (formerly Assistive Techology of MN)
V-763-479-8239
TF-866-535-8239
www.equipalife.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
F-651-644-0602
www.handimedical.com
INSURANCE Lee F. Murphy Insurance Group
Follow us ONLINE! www.pinterest.com/accesspress
LEGAL MN Disability Law Center
MEDICAL SUPPLIES/EQUIPMENT Handi Medical Supply
V-651-644-9770
HME Medical Shop
V-800-258-6313
Phoenix Medical Services Inc.
V-651-636-0848
F-651-636-5746
www.PhoenixMedical.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
RESOURCE
V-612-752-8074
F-612-752-8001
www.resource-mn.org
Vinland National Center
V/TTY-763-479-3555 F-763-479-2605
www.vinlandcenter.org
V-715-268-0175
www.AmeryMedicalCenter.org
www.hmemedicalshop.com
MENTAL HEALTH
PHYSICIANS Wound Healing Center
www.facebook.com/accesspress
TTY-715-268-0177
www.twitter.com/accesspress
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.
RECREATION-ADAPTIVE HOBBY/EXERCISE/SPORTS/ARTS Courage Kenny Rehabilition Institute
V-612-775-2277
Drama Interaction, 501(c)3
V-952-220-1676
218-726-4762
www.cokartscenter.com/ opportunitypartnersprog.html
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
a program of Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota
Call us today:
651-632-5113 • 1-800-976-6728 (711) MNWorkIncentives.com
July 10, 2017 Volume 28, Number 7 Pg 12
DIRECTORY OF ORGANIZATIONS RECREATION-TRAVEL/CAMPING Camp Winnebago
V-507-724-2351
F-507-724-3786
www.campwinnebago.org
Hammer Travel
V-952-277-2458
TF-877-345-8599
www.HammerTravel.org
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
Enrich inc.
V-651-470-6204
tom@enrichinc.com
www.enrichinc.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
Mary T. Inc. Human Services Programs
V-763-754-2505
TF-888-255-6400
www.marytinc.com
Mt. Olivet Rolling Acres
V-952-474-5974
F-952-474-3652
www.mtolivetrollingacres.org
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
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
SERVICE ANIMALS 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
Equip A Life (formerly Assistive Techology of MN)
V-763-479-8239
TF-866-535-8239
www.equipalife.org
Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare
V-651-291-2848
TF-800-719-4040
www.gillettechildrens.org
Mary T. Assistive Technology
V-763-754-2505
TF-888-255-6400
www.marytinc.com
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
SOCIAL SERVICES Restart, Inc.
TECHNOLOGY
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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DISABILITY RIGHTS MARCH AND RALLY
Wednesday, July 26, 1-4pm Celebrate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and reaffirm what it stands for. The annual Minnesota ADA Celebration features a march and rally. Gather at the Minnesota History Center, 345 Kellogg Blvd. at 1 p.m. The march starts at 1:30 p.m. marchers will travel to the state capitol for a 2:30 p.m. disability rights rally in the capitol rotunda. Enjoy featured speakers and entertainment. Accommodations for the orientation and rally include ASL interpreters, CART and audio description. Deadline to confirm audio description services or to request a reasonable accommodation listed is July 7. FFI: Cindy at ADA Minnesota, 651-6032015, cindyt@mcil-mn.org
Individualized Housing Options • Supported Apartments • Home Health • ILS and SILS
763-754-2505
www.marytinc.com • info@marytinc.com www.facebook.com/maryt.inc
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
July 10, 2017 Volume 28, Number 7 Pg 13
PEOPLE & PLACES U.S. District Court Judge Donovan Frank’s recent visits to ProAct facilities in Eagan and Red Wing have given clients and staff a chance to learn about the legal system. In turn, the judge learned more about the jobs people with disabilities do. Frank is known for his work in helping to shepherd along the state’s Olmstead Plan, which is required to provide community inclusion for people with disabilities. ProAct President Steve Distchler said the organization was honored by the visits from a long-time supporter of issues for people with disabilities. “Judge Donovan Frank has probably done more for people with disabilities in the state of Minnesota from a judicial perspective than anybody I’m aware of,” said Ditschler. “His works, his court order, the Olmstead Plan … have ramifications and impact on us, today, tomorrow and well into the future.” “It was a great learning experience for everyone, and we were so pleased to learn that Judge Frank believes in a person-centered philosophy,” said Sally Ogren, director of programs in Red Wing. “When considering options for people with disabilities, one size doesn't fit all. It depends on the person's needs and desires for community involvement. That really has always been ProAct's philosophy.” Frank was able to meet many people during the two visits. He also shared his own history, growing up in the southeastern Minnesota farming community of Spring Valley and the interactions he had with people with disabilities that helped shape his views.
PROACT
Judge's visit to two facilities provides teaching opportunities
The judge received facility tours led by ProAct clients, where he was able to meet workers and hear about what they do. He was also able to speak to clients in small and large group sessions. Frank spoke about equal justice under the law, listened to people who described their work and greeted many others as he visited the facilities. In large group sessions, Frank said he has received a number of letters and phone calls from people saying that the Olmstead Plan and the court orders have been interpreted to mean that people cannot receive services in facilities like ProAct’s, that everybody has to live by themselves or with a roommate in the community, they have to go find a job in the community, and that government is going to eliminate facility-based options. “Absolutely false,” the
U.S. District Court Judge Donovan Frank enjoyed his recent visits to ProAct facilities in Eagan and Red Wing. judge said. “It’s personal choice … one ple,” said Frank. A number of lawyers size doesn’t fit all.” said to the judge, “We had no idea we Frank also heard from several people were carrying around these stereotypes.” with disabilities who are working in the The Olmstead case was decided by the community. They talked about their U.S. Supreme Court in 1999 and was jobs, dreams, and achievements, as well followed by the court approved Minneas disappointments. One woman desota Olmstead Plan in 2015. It was rescribed an employment rejection she had vised and adopted by the Olmstead Subreceived at a fast food establishment. cabinet and submitted to the U.S. DisStaff had said it would not be safe for her trict Court in February 2017. Olmstead to work there because she was blind. is a broad series of key activities our state The judge also spoke about his work must accomplish to ensure people with in teaching attorneys about disability disabilities are living, learning, working, discrimination and stereotypes, and the and enjoying life in the most integrated devastating effect these have on people. setting, according to the Minnesota DeHe worked to provide free continuing partment of Human Services. education to more than 1,000 attorneys, With facilities in Eagan, Red Wing, which includes a panel discussion featurZumbrota and Hudson, Wis., ProAct is a ing people with disabilities. nonprofit corporation which has served “You can’t believe what happened, the needs of people with disabilities for training all these highly-educated peomore than 40 years. ■
DIAMOND HILL TOWNHOMES Diamond Hill Townhomes is a great property located near the Minneapolis International Airport. We have spacious two and three bedroom townhomes that are HUD subsidized and rent is 30% of the total household’s adjusted gross income. Diamond Hill Townhomes may be accepting applications for our large number of mobility impaired accessible units. Please contact us for more information.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Please call 612-726-9341.
July 10, 2017 Volume 28, Number 7 Pg 14
PEOPLE & PLACES The Arc Minnesota welcomes Munson
Prep sports wrap up successful year Minnesota prep athletes with disabilities wrapped up the 2016-2017 academic year with state tournaments in adapted softball, bowling and track and field. The track and field tournament at Hamline University June 9-10 was the final event until fall. Athletes in Class A and AA competed in wheelchair events. In the Class A discus throw, Luke Johnston of Medford placed first, Adrian Gravelle of LCWM/Nicollet placed second and Ben Bode of St. Peter placed third. Peyton Gunnarson of Lewiston-Altura won the 100 meter dash wheelchair race with Gravelle second and Danny Lilya of Moose Lake/ Willow River in third. The three placed in the same order in the 200 meter wheelchair dash. In Class AA, Ben Mathiowetz of New Ulm took first place in the discus throw. Lilly Stiernagle of Maple River won the wheelchair division girls’ shot put for Class A. The Class AA winner is Mitzi Probst of White Bear Lake. The adapted softball and bowling tournaments have CI and PI divisions, for athletes with cognitive and physical disabilities. Bowling also has an autism spectrum disorder or ASD Division. The adapted softball tournaments at Capon Rapids High School ended with a traditional powerhouse champion and a first-time winner. In the CI Division, St. Cloud Area made its first state tournament trip a memorable one with a 10-7 victory over the Burnsville/ Farmington/Lakeville Blazing Cats in the championship game. St. Cloud Area Sluggers began playing adapted softball in 2007. But from 2010-16, the program was discontinued. This is the first time a Greater Minnesota team has ever won the CI Division title. Junior first baseman Dayton Wienjas had four hits and scored three runs for the Sluggers. Eighth-grade shortstop Natalya Rawley had a home run for the Blazing Cats. St. Cloud Area topped Mounds View/Irondale/Roseville and Chaska/ Chanhassen/Prior Lake to get to the title game. The Mounds View/Irondale/Roseville Rams took third place, with a five-run third inning en route to a 13-5 victory over Anoka-Hennepin. Junior infielder Danziel Marshall had four hits and scored four runs for the Rams. In the consolation final, Osseo outlasted Chaska/Chanhassen/Prior Lake/ Shakopee for a 14-13 victory. 2016 CI champ North Suburban and South Washington County were also in the tournament. The CI Wells Fargo All-Tournament Team includes St. Cloud Area athletes Wienjas, Frank Cross and Jordan Williams; Tyrell Frank Cross, Lucas Petrich, Cobi Vettrus and C.J. Weydert,
Marissa Bartels of Delano, winner of the girls wheelchair 100 meters. (2015 Minnesota State Track Meet) Burnsville/Farmington/Lakeville; Cole Brambilla, Osseo; Dylan Theroux, and Cole Denny, Anoka-Hennepin; Gordon Erickson and Danziel Marshall, Mounds View/Irondale/Roseville. Longtime power Robbinsdale/Hopkins/Mound Westonka won the PI Division for a record 10th time following a 10-7 victory over Anoka-Hennepin. The title game was the fourth meeting this season for the teams. Anoka-Hennepin held a 2-to-1 edge in those matchups. The Robins flew to an 8-1 lead entering the bottom of the fifth inning before Anoka-Hennepin stormed back. But the Robins pulled away with two timely runs in the top of the seventh inning and a strong defense. Eighth-grade outfielder Marcus Brady and junior infielder Brendan Bosker-Elliott had RBI singles in the top of the seventh that helped clinch the victory for the Robins. They both finished with three hits apiece. It was the 26th state championship for Robins coach Marcus Onsum, who has also built an adapted athletics dynasty in soccer and floor hockey. “At the beginning of the season, I figured we might be good enough to win the consolation final, at best,” he said. “Soon, I could tell, though that this team was going to accomplish so much more. They came together as a team and came up big when we needed them. This one is really special.” Rochester outlasted Dakota United for a 16-13 victory for third place. Dakota United was defending champion. In the consolation final, Osseo raced to a 14-1 victory over Mounds View/ Irondale/Roseville behind eighth-grade pitcher Kirby Gilbertson. Robbinsdale/Hopkins/Mound Westonka defeated Rochester and Burnsville/Farmington/Lakeville to get to the title game. Minneapolis South was also in the tournament. Members of the PI All-Tournament Team are Bosker-Elliott, Andy Hanson and Vincent Luu, Robbinsdale/Hopkins/Mound Westonka; Gilbertson, Osseo; Grant Drew, Mounds View/ Irondale/Roseville; Riley Wisniewski and Cooper Chelstrom, Dakota United; Sean Healy and Calvin Gerdt, Rochester and Kai France, Joey Manion and Tyler Ezell, Anoka-Hennepin. Adapted bowling had its state tour-
nament at Brunswick Zone in Brooklyn Center. None of the defending individual, doubles or team champions repeated. The ASD Division is growing in popularity, with more than 50 athletes in boys’ singles alone. The Lakers of Wayzata/Minnetonka tallied a 27-pin team victory over runners-up from Alexandria Area for the team title. Members of this year’s winning squad are ninth-graders Alex Arkhipenkov and Grayson Barenburg and seniors Quinn Schomburg and Nick Desautels. The Scarlets of Mankato West finished in third place. Anoka-Hennepin seventh-grader Maddy Oblander took top honors in girls’ singles with a score of 431. Abigail Erickson of St. Peter was close behind at 428. Anoka-Hennepin’s Katelyn Sedgewick placed third. Seventh-grader Elijah Rosado of Moorhead claimed the boys’ singles crown with a score of 480. St. Paul Highland Park’s Frimosa Said was second and Anoka-Hennepin’s Gavin Sigafoos placed third. In doubles competition, Mankato West sophomores Stone Bridges and Conner Bridges won the title. Teams from Anoka-Hennepin finished in both second and third place. Alex Purinton and Maddy Oblander were runners-up and Sigfoos and Alex Semanko placed third. The Mankato West Scarlets won the CI division title, with a final score of 1,653. This year’s winning team members are eighth-grader Bryce Nelson, juniors Henry Claussen and Duol Lul, and senior Isaiah Becker. Teams from Tartan of Oakdale and Simley of Inver Grove Heights placed second and third. Austin senior Tianna Weigel won her first championship in the girls’ singles competition with her 466 total. Anoka-Hennepin’s Shanna Betts was runner-up, and
Alicia Munson has joined The Arc Minnesota as the new senior policy director, replacing Steve Larson. Munson brings a wealth of public policy experience and expertise. As a leader in the 5% Campaign, she was an integral part Alicia Munson of campaign's successful effort in 2014 to get muchneeded funding for direct care staff wages, spearheading grassroots efforts across Minnesota. She is also a strong ally of self-advocates in their efforts to advocate for public policy change, having supported self-advocates and managed public policy efforts for seven years at Opportunity Partners. Munson also brings skills in public policy communications and has served in leadership positions for the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNCCD) as cochair of the Grassroots Committee and member of the MN-CCD board), ARRM and the Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation. Her skills and efforts made her a worthy recipient of The Arc Minnesota’s Luther Granquist Systems Change Award in 2014. Most recently, Munson served as government affairs director for the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association.
PREP SPORTS
To Page 17
HEALTHY INDEPENDENT LIVING: For People with Disabilities
&
HEALTH WELLNESS CONFERENCE KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Henry Emmons, MD Author of The Chemistry of Joy WHEN
Tuesday, October 3, 2017 WHERE
St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church Minneapolis, MN
SAVE THE THE DATE! DATE! SAVE THE DATE! SAVE SAVE THE DATE! 2016 Charlie Award Banquet 2016 Charlie Award Banquet SAVE THE DATE! 2016 Charlie Award Banquet
2016 Charlie Award Banquet Friday, November 3, 2017 Friday, November 3, 2017 2016 Charlie Award Banquet Friday, November November 3, 3, 2017 2017 We’reFriday, already preparing for the 2017 Charlie Award Banquet. We’re already preparing for the 2017 Charlie Award Banquet. November 3, 2017 We’re Friday, already preparing for the 2017 Charlie Award Banquet. We’d love to see you there!
We’re already preparing for the 2017 We’d love to see youCharlie there!Award Banquet. We’d love to see youCharlie there! We are currently taking nominations for this year’sBanquet. winner. We’re already preparing for the 2017 We’d lovenominations to see you there! We are currently taking for thisAward year’s winner. We are currently taking nominations for this year’s winner. FMI: (651) 644-2133 orsee access@accesspress.org We’d love toor youfor there! FMI: (651) 644-2133 access@accesspress.org WeLocation: are currently taking nominations thisBlvd, year’s winner.55439 NEW! Double Tree by Hilton, Normandale Minneapolis, FMI: (651) 644-2133 or7800 access@accesspress.org NEW! Location: Double Tree by Hilton, 7800 Normandale Blvd, Minneapolis, We are currently taking nominations for this year’s winner.55439 FMI: (651) or7800 access@accesspress.org 5:30 to 9:00 pm NEW! Location: Double Tree644-2133 byTime: Hilton, Normandale Blvd, Minneapolis, 55439
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July 10, 2017 Volume 28, Number 7 Pg 15
OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYMENT HELP
VISION LOSS GROUP OFFERS ACTIVITIES Vision Loss Resources provides free and low-cost activities PARKING PERMITS OFFERED in the Twin Cities for people who are blind or visually Persons with disabilities who work in downtown St. Paul impaired. Life skills classes for those with low vision; card should check into special parking permits. The St. Paul games, craft classes, book clubs, walking groups, dinners Mayor’s Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities out, special outings and technology classes are among the is working with the city’s Department of Public Works offerings. Participants need to RVSP to participate, at least to bring awareness about the Disability Special Needs three working days prior to an event. The calendar is also Permit for people with disabilities working in downtown available on the Vision Loss Resources website and as a St. Paul. To obtain a permit applicants will need to printable large-print PDF document for those who wish to complete a formal application and interview process. print their own or additional copies. FFI: RSVP hotline, 612FFI: Elizabeth Stiffler, 651-266-6200, or visit www.stpaul. 843-3439; activity line and audio calendar, 612-253-5155, gov/parking and click on the link for residential disability www.visionlossresources.org parking at the bottom of the page. MCIL HOSTS CLASSES AND ACTIVITIES The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living provides CHILDREN & FAMILIES many life skills classes as well as fun outings and events PACER WORKSHOPS SAMPLING for people with disabilities. MCIL is at 530 N. Robert PACER Center offers many useful free or low-cost Street, St Paul and most activities are there or start there. workshops and other resources for families of children Classes and events are listed on the website, www. with any disabilities. Workshops are at PACER Center, mcil-mn.org. Click on “Classes Groups and Sessions” for 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, unless specified. updated information or to print their calendar. Please Workshops are offered throughout the state. Advance give two weeks’ notice if the alternative format or other registration is required for all workshops. Ask if workshops accommodations are needed. Events are free, accessible are livestreamed. Check out PACER’s website and link and mostly scent-free. FFI: 651-603-2030 to the newsletter of statewide workshops that allows ICICIL OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES participants to pick and choose sessions catered to their ICICIL Independent Lifestyles, 215 N. Benton Drive, St. needs. Tablet and Computer Accessibility is offered KNOW A RISE-ING STAR? Cloud, offers a number of classes, events and other 6-7:30 p.m. Tue, July 18 at PACER Center. Tablets and Rise Inc. is looking for outstanding people who are served in its program, to be honored at the opportunities for Minnesotans with disabilities in central computers have many accessibility settings built into their Oct. 5 Celebrate Rise Fundraising Gala. The public is invited to nominate people for this honor. Minnesota. The center offers its own programming and operating system. Learn how to make tablets, computers Rise has forms available to nominate a persons or persons. Know anyone who has benefitted hosts, other groups. One group it hosts is the St. Cloud and smartphones more accessible, including screen from RISE’s work? Now is the time to submit a nomination. Deadline for submissions is Fri, July Area Parkinson's Disease Support Group meets 1-2:30 magnification, screen reading and more. FFI: PACER, 95222. Awardees will be notified in August and be honored at Celebrate Rise on October 5. FFI: p.m. the third Mon of each month. The center has a full 838-9000, 800-537-2237, www.pacer.org. Beth, 763-783-2822, www.rise.org schedule of its own activities including support groups, Using the iPad to Enhance Summer Learning is Pictured: Melissa Marroquin works at Community Integration Program in Coon Rapids. Rise classes and more. FFI: 320-267-7717 offered 5-6:30 p.m. Wed, July 19 at PACER Center. Learn Reporter, June 2017 how to use apps to keep children and students engaged ADULT SUPPORT GROUPS OFFERED and learning this summer. Participants of students in grades AuSM offers free support groups for adults with autism three through seven will learn strategies for using the iPad. year, along with help in navigating the mental health system. spectrum disorder. Groups include those for adult family Today’s Top Online Assistive Technology Resources is In the Twin Cities NAMI has about two dozen family support members, women with autism spectrum disorders and independent offered 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thu, July 20 at PACER Center. Whether groups, more than 20 support groups for people living with a adults with autism. Check the website for upcoming groups. Groups learning is best done through social media, blogs, podcasts or mental illness, anxiety support groups, groups for veterans and meet at the AuSM offices at 2380 Wycliff St. FFI: 651-647-1083 ext. videos, this presentation has some of the best resources for other groups. Led by trained facilitators, groups provide help and 10, www.ausm.org learning about assistive technology online. support. Parent resource groups are facilitated by a parent who Technology for Girls: Become a Detective is 8-10:30 a.m. has a child with a mental illness and who has been trained to VOLUNTEER Sat, July 22 at PACER Center. Ever wonder what it’s like to be a lead support groups. A group meets 6:30-8 p.m. on the second OPEN THE DOOR TO EDUCATION detective? In this workshop, middle school girls with disabilities and fourth Monday at Eagle Brook Church, 2401 East Buffalo St., Help adults reach their educational goals and earn their GED. will learn about areas of the brain, Morse code and fingerprinting. White Bear Lake. FFI: Jody Lyons 651-645-2948 x109. Tutor, teach or assist in a classroom with the Minnesota Literacy Participants will make brain hats, bracelets with their names in Family support groups help families who have a relative with Council. Give just 2-3 hours a week and help people expand their Morse code, and learn how to collect fingerprints. a mental illness. A group meets at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth opportunities and change their lives through education. The Wed at Centennial United Methodist Church, 1524 Co. Rd. C-2 Council provides training and support and accommodations for West, Roseville. FFI: Anne Mae. 651-484-0599. ADVOCACY volunteers with disabilities. FFI: Allison, 651-251-9110, volunteer@ Open Door Anxiety and Panic support groups help people ADA ANNIVERSARY MARCH AND RALLY mnliteracy.org, http://tinyurl.com/adult-opportunities cope with anxiety disorders. One group meets 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. the Planning is underway to mark the 27th anniversary of the second and fourth Thu in Room 104, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, BE A FREQUENT FILER Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). ADA 27 –Protecting 700 Snelling Ave. S., St. Paul. The group used to meet at Goodwill/ Ramsey County – Volunteer Services is looking for people our Rights! The event is 1-4 p.m., Wed, July 26. A march from Easter Seals. Another group meets 6:30-8 p.m. the first and third who want to help in an office. Volunteer office assistants are the Minnesota History Center lines up at 1 p.m., starts at 1:30 Thu at Woodland Hills Church, 1740 Van Dyke St., St. Paul. needed in several areas. Multiple shifts are available, Monday p.m. and ends with a 2:30 p.m. rally in the capitol rotunda. Enjoy Young Adult NAMI Connection is a free support group for through Friday during regular business hours. Midway area and speeches and entertainment. Accommodations for the orientation persons ages 16-20. A group meets 7-8:30 the first and third Thu downtown St. Paul locations have limited reimbursement for and rally include ASL interpreters, CART and audio description. at Friends Meeting House, 1725 Grand Ave., St. Paul. The group parking expense or bus fare is provided. Volunteers must be at Deadline to confirm audio description services or to request a is facilitated by young adults who live with mental illnesses and least 16 years of age. Ask about accommodations. FFI: 651-266reasonable accommodation not listed is July 7. FFI: Cindy at ADA are doing well in recovery. A full calendar of all events is offered 4090, Volunteer@co.ramsey.mn.us Minnesota, 651-603-2015, cindyt@mcil-mn.org online. FFI: 651-645-2948, www.namihelps.org
INFO & ASSISTANCE HEALTHY, INDEPENDENT LIVING Healthy, independent living is the focus of a conference sponsored by the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNCCD). Save the date of Tue, Oct. 3 and make plans to attend the conference at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church, Mpls. The church is accessible. Keynote speaker is Henry Emmons. Emmons is a doctor and author of the book, The Chemistry of Joy. The conference is for direct support staff, professionals working with people with disabilities, and people experiencing significant health challenges. CEU’s and certificates of attendance are available. MN-CCD is seeking conference presenters, vendors and sponsors. Make plans now to participate in or support the event. Check on the website home page’s conference tab. FFI: www.mnccd.org MENTAL HEALTH SYMPOSIUM The PACER Symposium about Children & Young Adults with Mental Health & Learning Disabilities is 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tue, Aug. 15 at Minneapolis Convention Center. Registration fee of $35 includes lunch. Space is limited. Administrator and teacher CEU’s will be available. An outstanding learning opportunity for general and special education teachers, administrators, and parents interested in understanding more about mental health and learning disabilities in children and young adults. Clock hours available for teachers. Gil Noam, the founder and director of The PEAR Institute at Harvard University, will discuss the socio-emotional needs of young people, and positive mental health. Other speakers are featured, along with workshops on dyslexia, culture and mental health, eating disorders, assistive technology, social media and mental health, and many more. FFI: 952-838-9000, www.PACER.org 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
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July 10, 2017 Volume 28, Number 7 Pg 16
ENJOY! CLUB THROWS A PARTY Highland Friendship Club is marking 15 years’ service with a 15Year Birthday Bash, 3-6 p.m. Sun, July 16 at Highland Park picnic pavilion, 1500 Montreal Av., St. Paul bring a side dish to share. The club will provide hot dogs, chips, water, plates, utensils, ice cream bars and cake. No RSVP required.
JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT Artistry presents the tale of Joseph’s challenges, at Bloomington Center for the Arts, Schneider Theater, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington. ASL offered 2 p.m. Sun, August 6. AD offered 2 p.m. Sun, Aug. 13. Tickets reduced to $29; regular $41. Other discounts apply. FFI: 952-563-8575, www.artistrymn..org
ATTEND RISE EVENT RISE’s third annual “friendraiser” event, Tapping into Possibilities, is 5-7:30 p.m. Mon, July 17 at Bauhaus Brew Labs, 1517 Tyler St., Mpls. Advance tickets are one for $12 or two for $20. At the door pay $15 and $25. Enjoy appetizers, live music and $5 craft beers. Raffles add to the fun. FFI: www.tappingintopossibilities2017. eventbrite.com
THE HOLLER SESSIONS Guthrie Theater presents a play staged as a live radio show, at Guthrie Theater, Dowling Studio, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. AD, ASL and OC offered 7:30 p.m. Thu, August 17. Every Dowling Studio performance includes a discussion component. Tickets $9 general admission. FFI: 612-377-2224, www.guthrietheater.org
SUBMITTED PHOTO
REACH FOR RALPH Attend Reach for Ralph, Hammer Residences’ summer fundraiser, is 5:30-10 p.m. Thu, July 20 at Earle Brown Center, 6155 Earle Brown Drive, Brooklyn Center. The event benefits adults and children with developmental disabilities. Enjoy a casual atmosphere, dinner, auctions, games and beautiful outdoor space. Tickets are $75 if purchased before June 30. Ralph was a student who was part of Alvina Hammer’s first school for children with disabilities. Rather than live in an institution, Ralph enjoyed a full life and grew to adulthood at Hammer. He died in 1995 but his spirit lives on as inspiration for the Hammer logo, figure, statues, and event. FFI: www.hammer.org
THE ELEPHANT MAN Commonweal Theatre Company presents the story of a disfigured man and his complex life, at Commonweal Theatre, 208 Parkway Ave. N., Lanesboro. AD offered 1:3- p.m. Sat, August 19, with pre-show at 1:10 p.m. Please make AD reservations at least one week in advance, noting if a tactile tour is desired at noon. Two-week notice requested for a Braille program. Five-week notice requested for ASL interpreting. Assistive listening devices available at the box office; special seating available for persons with mobility issues. Tickets reduced to $15 for AD/ASL patrons (regular $35). FFI: FFI: 507-467-2525, www.commonwealtheatre.org
SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE AUSM GOLF CLASSIC 2017 Guthrie Theater presents the popular Stephen Sondheim musical, at Guthrie Theater, Wurtele Thrust The Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) hosts its 22nd annual Stage, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. OC offered 1 p.m. Wed, July 12 and 7:30 p.m. Fri, July 14. AD offered 7:30 PHILEMON AND BAUCIS - PLANET IN PERIL: A AuSM Golf Classic at Troy Burne Golf Club in Hudson, Wis. Mon, p.m. Fri, July 14 and 1 p.m. Sat, July 15. ASL offered 1 p.m. Sat, July 15, with free sensory tour at 10:30 PICNIC OPERETTA Aug. 7. In addition to 18 holes of a golf in a scramble format, the Mixed Precipitation’s popular picnic operetta is back, with event features lunch, a silent auction, a cigar roller, contests to win a.m. ASL offered 7:30 p.m. Fri, July 28. Tickets reduced to $20 for AD/ASL, $25 for OC (regular $15-87), FFI: 612-377-2224, www.guthrietheater.org performances at Twin Cities community gardens. A sighted exciting prizes and an awards banquet. All proceeds will benefit guide is suggested for patrons with vision loss. A 7 p.m. Fri, local autism community programs and services. Proceeds benefit show 11 a.m. Sat, July 22. Contact MVCT at least two weeks in advance to Aug. 25 performance is at Loring Park Garden of the Seasons, 1382 Willow AuSM programs. FFI: Vanessa Coates, 651-647-1083 ext. 19, www.ausm.org request ASL or other accommodation or to reserve special seating. St., Mpls offers AD and ASL interpretation. Voluntary donations ($10-20) Tickets $20. Other discounts available. 651-638-2139, www.mvct.org collected at show’s end. Seating is limited, advance reservations are rePROACT GOLF CLASSIC quested online or by phone. FFI: 612-619-2112, www.mixedprecipitation.org The ProAct Golf Classic is Mon, Aug, 28 at Southview Country Club in West DISNEY’S ALADDIN JR. St. Paul. Proceeds benefit ProAct’s programs for people with disabilities. MENTAL ILLNESS IS EXHIBIT’S FOCUS SteppingStone Theatre presents the story of a genie, at SteppingStone TheEnjoy good food, games, promotions and more. Several sponsorship options Hennepin County Medical Center Inspire Arts Program and ZagZum host atre for Youth Development, 55 Victoria St. N., St. Paul. AD offered 7 p.m. also cover tournament fees for players FFI: www.proactinc.org Celebrating Creativity 2017: A Visual Art Exhibition Featuring Artists with a Sat, July 2. ASL offered 3 p.m. Sun, July 23. Patrons using AD/ASL service Lived Experience of Mental Illness. The exhibit is on display through Aug. 17, pay $10 access rate when VSA is noted at box office or online (on ticket MIGHT AS WELL BE DEAD: A NERO WOLFE MYSTERY at Hennepin County Medical Center, Inspiration Cafe, 701 Park Ave., Orange page click "enter a password or discount code" and note “VSA” for this price Park Square Theatre presents a world premiere from its Mystery WritBuilding, Level 3, Mpls. Free. Café hours are 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. FFI: 612to appear). Regular prices $16. Other discounts available. FFI: 651-225-9265, ers Producers Club, at Park Square Theatre, Proscenium Stage, 20 W. 836-9303, www.zagzum.org www.steppingstonetheatre.org 7th Place, St. Paul 55102. OC offered 7:30 p.m. Thu-Fri-Sat, July 27-29, 2 p.m. Sun, July 30. Assistive listening devices available. Tickets ASL/ SUMMER ARTS DISCOVERY GLENSHEEN AD/OC single ticket discount is half-price for patron and one guest with Summer Arts Discovery is a summer-long exhibition, showcasing works by History Theatre presents the tale of murder at the Glensheen mansion, code ACC (regular $40, $60). Other discounts available. FFI: 651-29110 artists throughout Landmark Center on Rice Park in St. Paul. Artists subat History Theatre, 30 E. 10th St., St. Paul. OC offered 7:30 p.m. Sat, July 7005, www.parksquaretheatre.org mitted work themed around a collective or inclusive community. Featured 22 and 2 p.m. Sun, July 23. AD offered 2 p.m. Sun, July 30. ASL available artists are Betsy Alwin, Debbie Boyles, Cathy Durso, Kyle Fokken, Sophia on request. Tickets reduced to $20 for OC or AD patrons. The accessible SENSORY FRIENDLY STORY TIME Heymans, Isaac S. Lewin, Judd Nelson, Aziz Osman, Andrea Ellen Reed and entrance is on the east side of the building off Cedar Street; the theatre has Wild Rumpus Books for Young Readers presents a sensory friendly storyCraig Snyder. Learn creative techniques directly from selected artists during six spaces for wheelchairs, plus companion seats; hearing enhancement time, 11-11:30 a.m. Thu, July 13 at Wild Rumpus, 2720 W. 43rd St., Mpls. a free “Make It and Take It” workshop, 1-4 p.m. Sun, Aug. 13. FFI: www. devices and Braille or large print playbills are available. FFI: 651-292-4323, Free. Presented every second Thu. FFI: www.wildrumpusbooks.com landmarkcenter.org www.historytheatre.com DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Trollwood Performing Arts School presents the fairy tale at Bluestem Center for the Arts, IMAGINE Amphitheater, 801 50th Ave. S., Moorhead. AD offered 8:30 p.m. Sat, July 15. ASL offered 8:30 p. Fri, July 21. For seating using accessible services, call the box office or email David Triptow, triptod@fargo.k12.nd.us. General admission $15. Other discounts available. FFI: 218-477-6502, www.trollwood.org ANYTHING GOES Lyric Arts Company of Anoka presents the classic musical comedy, at Lyric Arts Main Street Stage, 420 E. Main Street, Anoka. ASL offered 2 p.m. Sun, July 16. 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. Any ASL seats left unreserved are released to the general public. If no ASL seating has been reserved three weeks before the show, the ASL interpretation will be canceled. When ordering tickets, please indicate the need for seating in this section. Lyric Arts reserves Rows H and I for parties including persons using wheelchairs or with limited mobility. Tickets $18-32; $5 discount for ASL seats. FFI: 763-422-1838, www.lyricarts.org MILLY AND TILLIE Artistry and Open Eye Figure Theatre present Milly and Tillie’s picnic adventure, at Bloomington Center for the Arts, Black Box, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington. AS offered 4 p.m. Sun, July 16. AD offered 4 p.m. Sun, July 23. All single tickets are $7. FFI: 952-563-8575; www.artistrymn.org JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR The rock opera of Christ’s final days is presented at Ordway Music Theater, 345 Washington, St. Paul. OC offered 7:30 p.m. Thu, July 20. AD and ASL offered 2 p.m. Sat. July 22. If using ASL or captioning, request seating in that area. Tickets $34-$120.50, plus fees. FFI: 651-224-4222, www.ordway.org LYNGBLOMSTEN MID-SUMMER FESTIVAL The Lyngblomsten Mid-Summer Festival is a day to celebrate how Lyngblomsten is promoting artistic exploration, wellness, and lifelong learning for older adults 365 days a year. The day includes an arts showcase featuring works created by older adults, make-and-take art activities, live music and entertainment, food, games, dancing under the big tent, and more, at Lyngblomsten campus, 1415 Almond Ave., St. Paul. 2-8 p.m. Fri. July 21. Food and activities are priced for affordable fun. FFI: Andrea, 651-632-5318 www. lyngblomsten.org SHREK THE MUSICAL Stages Theatre Company presents a young audiences version of the Disney tale, at Hopkins Center for the Arts, Mainstage, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins. AD and ASL offered 7 p.m. Fri, July 21. Tickets reduced to $11 (regular $16). Sensory friendly offered 10 a.m. Sat, July 22. All sensory friendly tickets are $10 (not available online). FFI: 952-979-1111, opt. 4, www.stagestheatre.org H.M.S. PINAFORE Mounds View Community Theatre presents the Gilbert & Sullivan favorite, at Irondale Theater, 2425 Long Lake Road, New Brighton. Sensory-friendly
BILLY ELLIOT: THE MUSICAL Duluth Playhouse presents the story of a young man who prefers ballet to boxing, at Duluth Playhouse, 506 W. Michigan Street, Duluth. ASL offered 7:30 p.m. Wed, July 26. To reserve an ASL viewing seat, call 218-733-7555. Make your ticket reservations sooner than later. Tickets $32. FFI: www. duluthplayhouse.org STATE FAIR Cross Community Players present the Rogers and Hammerstein story of the 1946 Iowa State Fair, at Maple Grove Senior High School, 9800 Fernbrook Lane N., Maple Grove. ASL offered 7:30 p.m. Thu, July 27. AD offered Sat, July 29, 2:00 PM. Tickets $18. ASL patrons and AD patrons half-price up to 2 tickets. Other discounts available. For each ticket, please bring a non-perishable food item for the local food shelf. FFI: 763391-2787, www.crossplayers.org RED HERRING Theatre in the Round Players present the story of 1950s America, at Theatre in the Round, 245 Cedar Avenue, Mpls. AD offered 2 p.m. Sun, July 30. Large-print programs and assisted-listening devices available at every performance/ Ask about tactile tours. Tickets $22. Other discounts available. FFI: 612-333-3010, www.theatreintheround.org TOUR FOR PEOPLE WITH MEMORY LOSS At 10 a.m. on the first Tue of each month, the historic James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Ave., St. Paul, hosts sensory-based tours for people with memory loss and their caregivers. Free but reservations required. 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, Aug. 1. Tours are made possible through funding from the Bader Foundation. FFI: 651-259-3015, http://sites.mnhs.org/historic-sites/james-j-hill-house
ART SHOW: MARI NEWMAN Mpls artist Mari Newman has created art in almost every media, has won many awards and has had work in many galleries and publications. She has vision and hearing loss. See her latest show at Vision Loss Resources, 1936 Lyndale Ave. S. (at Franklin Ave.), Mpls. The show is in the lobby, which is open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon-Fri. It will be up through Aug. FFI: 612-332-3888, http://vsamn.org VSA MINNESOTA VSA Minnesota is a statewide nonprofit organization that works to create
ENJOY! To Page 18
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2017 MINNESOTA FRINGE FESTIVAL The 24th annual Minnesota Fringe Festival features 11 days (August 3-13) with almost 900 performances of theater, dance, improv, storytelling and other theatrical entertainment at many accessible Mpls. venues. Shows last 60 minutes or less, and a new show starts every 90 minutes. Performing groups come from Minnesota as well as from across the country. AD or ASL or ASL: The 2017 Fringe schedule went online July 1. The list of shows with audio description, ASL interpreting or performers with disabilities will be available later at www.fringefestival.org/access and available for printing at home. For a daily recording of shows presented with AD or ASL, call VSA Minnesota at 612-332-3888. FFI: 612-872-1212, www.fringefestival.org NATIVE GARDENS Guthrie Theater presents a comedy of clashing cultures, at Guthrie Theater, McGuire Proscenium, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. OC offered 1 p.m. Sat, Aug. 5, 7:30 p.m. Fri, Aug. 11, and 1 p.m. Wed, Aug. 16. ASL offered 7:30 p.m. Fri, August 11 and 1 p.m. Sat, Aug. 12. AD offered 7:30 p.m. Fri, Aug. 11 and 1 p.m. Sat, August 12. Tickets reduced to $20 for AD/ASL, $25 for captioning (regular $15-67); FFI: 612-377-2224, www.guthrietheater.org
612.377.2224 • accessibility@guthrietheater.org guthrietheater.org Access programs at the Guthrie are sponsored by Travelers, Medtronic and Xcel Foundation
July 10, 2017 Volume 28, Number 7 Pg 17
RADIO TALKING BOOK HOW DOES A BOOK BECOME AN AUDIO BOOK? Learn all about it 1-4 p.m. Thu, July 13 at the Communication Center, State Services for the Blind, 2200 University Ave. W., Suite 240, St. Paul. The free session is open to the public and will be informative for all users of Radio Talking Book or any audio books. Presenters will explain how a book goes from the page to spoken and recorded word. CHAUTAUQUA* Tuesday – Saturday 4 a.m. Words on the Move, Nonfiction by John McWhorter, 2016. Nine broadcasts. Begins July 26. Language is always changing and people tend not to like that. It seems as if the language is deteriorating before everyone’s eyes. But the truth is different and less scary – the English language has always been in motion. L Read by Parichay Rudina. PAST IS PROLOGUE* Monday – Friday 9 a.m. The Winter Fortress, Nonfiction by Neal Bascomb, 2016. 15 broadcasts. Begins July 17. In 1942, the Nazis were poised to develop the atomic bomb. The ingredient they needed was only produced in one plant in Norway, a castle fortress on the edge of a gorge. It took a scientist-turned-spymaster to arrange the
operation that ended its development. Read by Judith Johannessen. BOOKWORM* Monday – Friday 11 a.m. An Irish Country Love Story, Fiction by Patrick Taylor, 2016. 15 broadcasts. Begins July 17. The snow on the ground cannot stop love from warming hearts in the village of Ballybucklebo. Not just the love between couples, but also the love of a pensioner for his missing dog, the love of local gentry on the verge of losing their estate, or Doctor Fingal Flahertie O’Reilly’s love for his Trish Barry. THE WRITER’S VOICE* Monday – Friday 2 p.m. The Six, Nonfiction by Laura Thompson, 2016. 14 broadcasts. Begins July 19. Born into privilege, the Mitford sisters were the “bright young things” of London high society of the ’20s and ‘30s. But as Fascism crept over Europe, the stark differences in their outlooks would reflect the political extremes of the era. RE - Read by Esmé Evans. CHOICE READING* Monday – Friday 4 p.m. The Other Einstein, Fiction by Marie Benedict, 2016. 10 broadcasts. Begins July 24. Mileva Maric was always different from other girls, excelling in
math and physics at university. But then fellow student Albert Einstein took an interest in her. Is there room for more than one genius in a marriage? Read by Jessica Banks. PM REPORT* Monday – Friday 8 p.m. The Euro, Nonfiction by Joseph E. Stiglitz, 2016. 16 broadcasts. Begins July 12. The 19 countries that share the euro currency – the eurozone – have been rocked by economic stagnation and debt crises. Hailed by its architects as a lever that would bring Europe together and promote prosperity, the euro has done the opposite. Read by Brenda Powell. NIGHT JOURNEY* Monday – Friday 9 p.m. Traces of Guilt, Fiction by Dee Henderson, 2016. 12 broadcasts. Begins July 20. Police detective Evie Blackwell loves her job but wishes she could have a romantic life. Sheriff Gabriel Thane wishes the same. Evie is now helping launch a new task force focused on unsolved crimes. She’ll be working with the sheriff’s department on a couple of the most troubling missing person cases, and she finds some surprising connections. Read by Laura Young.
OFF THE SHELF* Monday – Friday 10 p.m. Divorce Is in the Air, Fiction by Gonzalo Torné, 2016. 13 broadcasts. Begins July 17. Joan-Marc is struggling with long-held illusions about the inexorable forward march of time. In the spirit of honesty, he decides to tell his second wife all the things that she doesn’t know about him – the story of his life. L - Read by Peter Danbury. GOOD NIGHT OWL* Monday – Friday midnight Good on Paper, Fiction by Rachel Cantor, 2016. Nine broadcasts. Begins July 25. Shira Greene’s life has stalled. A single mom, living with her daughter and her gay friend Ahmad, she’s waiting for a job as a translator when her big break comes. But then, it seems that the work is impossible to translate. L - Read by Mary Hall.
PREP SPORTS From Page 14
petition with score of 861. Monticello’s Dehmer and Justin Garaghty claimed runner-up honors. Alexandria Area’s Robert Goor and Jonathon Jahnke placed third. Minneapolis South won its first PI Division title with an impressive 1,835 total. Winning team members are ninth-grader Jontelle Johnson, and seniors Noah Novacek, Shafi Abdulahi, and Hanna Bolstrom. Albany placed second and North of North
St. Paul was third. Ninth-grader Intizor Isoeva of Wayzata/Minnetonka won the girls’ singles title at 496, topping Monticello junior Emily Miller. Austin’s Tyra Wiles was third. In boys’ singles, Anoka-Hennepin ninth-grader Kevin Prenosil won with a 488 total. Logan Farnsworth of Austin and Ty Mashuga of Anoka-Hennepin placed second and third. Eighth-grader CeCe Devries and se-
nior Kylie Haney of Austin claimed the doubles title, at 935. St. Peter’s Sabrina Kopischke and Kiersten Stierlen earned runner-up honors. Zachary Taylor-Thelen and Hunter Shankle of Monticello placed third.
Mahtomedi’s Phoebe Taylor was third. In the boys’ singles, Monticello senior Carson Dehmer won with a 582 total. Defending champion Elton Gruber of Alexandria Area was runner-up. Hopkins’ Fraase Holden placed third. Seniors Perry Thomas and Domminic Alexander of North of North St. Paul earned top honors in the doubles com-
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Bill & Alex Bartolic Fred & Phyllis Benjamin (in memoriam) Susan Bulger Teresa Chicoine Craig Dunn Laura Fedock Daniel & Susan Ferber Connie Ford
Hazen & Kathy Graves Ann Hewitt Judy Hunt Mary Kay Kennedy Barbara Kleist Susan Kohler Dianna Krogstad Steve Kuntz Gregory Lais John & Michelle LeBlanc Andrea & Lars Mattson Mark McAlister Jimmy & Lisa Michaels Brandon Miller Marianne Moreno Scott Neamy Donn Poll & Eric Nelson Paula Newman-Scott Manley & Ann Olson Mark & Mary Payette Anne Henry & Jerry Peterson Michael & Judy Semsch John Sherman Alan Sickbert Brigid Smith Diane Smith Benjamin Stevens Ed Stracke Kathy Thurston Joel & Trace Ulland Peter Vaill Advocating Change Together Hennepin County Library Reach for Resources
SILVER ($150 -$499)
Jeff Bangsberg & Anita Boucher Charlie Braun (In honor of) Robert Dahl Rick Cardenas Richard & Vicki Dalle Molle Sherry Gray Robert Paul Gregory Beth Hayden Kim Keprios Kenneth Lakin Meysembourg Family Brandon Miller
Jim and Cindy Musselman Manley and Ann Olson Anne Henry & Jerry Peterson Walt Seibert John G. Smith AccraCare ADA Minnesota Associated Bank Axis Healthcare Best Life Alliance Companion Housing Program Courage Kenny Institute Gillette Children’s Special Healthcare Handi Medical Supply Institute on Comm. Integration MCIL Medica Minnesota Diversified Industries People Enhancing People Vinland National Center
GOLD ($500-$999)
Mary Benhardus Phyllis A. Benjamin (In Memoriam) Michael Bjerkesett Janice Chevrette Mel & Georgia Duncan Ronna Linroth Jane Larson Debra Shriver Best Life Alliance IMED Mobility Natl. Handicapped Housing Institute Tamarack Habilitation Technologies
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Community Shares of MN In Home Personal Care Lynda Milne Paul Mueller MN Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities SEIU/MN Dept of Human Services The Otto Bremer Foundation UCare
Donate at your work place through Community Shares: www.communitysharesmn.org
Abbreviations: V – violence, L – offensive language, S – sexual situations, RE – racial epithets.
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July 10, 2017 Volume 28, Number 7 Pg 18
PEOPLE & PLACES MOHR honors its outstanding direct support professionals
State official named to key post at human services
Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner Emily Piper has appointed Santo Cruz to be Deputy Commissioner for External Relations at DHS, effective immediately. Cruz will oversee the Office of Inspector General as well as a number of external relations divisions he currently supervises as an assistant commissioner for DHS. The office manages financial fraud and abuse investigations; licenses programs such as family child care, adult foster care, and mental health centers; and conducts background studies on people who apply to work in these settings. “Santo has a unique blend of experience that makes him particularly suited for this role, including in both state and county government,” Piper said. Immediately prior to joining DHS in 2016, Cruz held a number of positions at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. At the Minnesota Department of Commerce, he provided legal advice and counsel to all areas of the agency, including divisions regulating financial institutions, energy, and insurance. In addition to his experience in state service, he served as both a prosecutor and press secretary for Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman. Cruz holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of St. Thomas School of Law. He lives in St. Paul with his wife and four daughters.
Guild Incorporated names new leader
St. Paul-based nonprofit, Guild Incorporated, which helps individuals with mental illness in the Twin Cities metro area, announced that its Board of Directors has selected Julie Bluhm, LICSW, as the organization’s next executive director. Bluhm will begin on July 24, succeeding Grace Tangjerd Schmitt, who will retire after leading the organization for more than 25 years.
ENJOY! From Page 16
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 home page. 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 800-801-3883. 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 offered. 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.
MOHR award winners Darcy Meagher, Lisa Vitkus, Pam Gonnella, Tammy Schexnaider and Megan Wark. portunity Partners. Vitkus likes the variety, flexibility, and mobility of her
job. Growing up, she learned that finding a job isn't necessarily about the pay,
“We looked at a number of very compelling candidates during the search process, and after interviewing and getting to know several of them, we concluded without hesitation that Julie’s background in social work, her experience in and knowledge of the industry, and her obvious passion for the value of community mental health services, make her not only a perfect fit for the Guild of today but also an ideal partner to help build the Guild of tomorrow,” said Mike Sampson, chairman of Guild Incorporated’s Board of Directors and a partner at Maslon LLP. Bluhm holds a bachelor’s degree in family social science and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Minnesota. She is currently the director of clinical innovation for Hennepin Health, leading the implementation and refinement of the Hennepin Health care model and integration of social service delivery to improve care and reduce costs for members served by their integrated care network. Prior to Hennepin Health, Bluhm spent several years working in the mental health field, providing direct care and serving in managerial roles. “At Hennepin Health, I was working a lot with hospitals and clinics, trying to figure out how to meet individuals’ needs outside of a clinic or hospital setting, looking at the social determinants of health,” said Bluhm. “I want to go back to serving people – helping people lead the lives that they want to live, and I don’t think that there’s any question that’s what Guild does.” Grace Tangjerd Schmitt expressed confidence in the board’s selection. “Julie’s person-centered approach to services and her experience in health reform through Hennepin Health’s accountable care model are tremendous assets for Guild’s future.” “Through Grace’s leadership, the spirit of constant innovation has become an indelible part of the culture of Guild Incorporated, and it will continue to serve us well as the health care landscape continues to change,” Sampson said of Grace’s upcoming retirement.
“I have admired Guild for years,” said Bluhm. “I am humbled to have the opportunity to continue to build on Grace’s legacy.” Guild Incorporated helps individuals with mental illness lead quality lives, with an array of recovery-focused, community treatment and rehabilitation services for individuals 16 and older who have serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder. On any given day, Guild staff serves nearly 900 individuals in the Twin Cities metro area.
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, paywhat-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/
Two Minnesota psychiatrists honored by NAMI
Minnesota psychiatrists Eduardo Colon and Dionne Hart were selected to receive Exemplary Psychiatrist Awards by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). The awards recognize psychiatrists who have “gone the extra mile” in caring for their patients and providing outstanding treatment. Both psychiatrists were nominated for the national awards by NAMI Minnesota. Colon is chief of psychiatry at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis since 2016 and has been a longtime instructor at the University of Minnesota.
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The group MOHR recently gave its 2017 awards for outstanding direct service providers, to honor those who demonstrate exceptional performance in serving individuals with disabilities. Also selected was a Tip of the Spear Award winner. The award is given to an individual who inspires others to take action benefiting people with disabilities, is Pam Gonnella. She is a parent, advocate, and leader of the Best Life Alliance. “For the last two years, I've been working at the legislature ... trying to explain to them why (direct support professionals) are so important to the success of my daughter,” Gonnella said. The Employment Service - Job Coach Greater Minnesota Award went to Megan Wark, Polk County DAC, East Grand Forks. Wark said her job is highly rewarding and that she truly loves coming to work. “We are very blessed," she said. "I get to get these guys out in the community more and it seems like that's what they enjoy most.” The Employment Service - Job Coach Metro was given to Lisa Vitkus, Op-
but enjoying the work. “It's a 'following your bliss' kind of approach," she said. “Finding something you care about ... it's about enjoying what you do and having fun doing it.” The Enrichment Focus Metro Award went to Tammy Schexnaider, Partnership Resources. Schexnaider said compassion and patience are important skills she uses in her job. Helping people to see their own potential to reach their goals and dreams is another aspect. “It is important for them to realize that they have choices and that they are able to blossom,” she said. The Enrichment Focus Greater Minnesota Award went to Darcy Meagher, Functional Industries. “I go because I like what I do. I like helping people with disabilities. That's my way of life,” said Meagher. She said the participants she serves are always in her heart, and that she thinks about them constantly. One of the people in her group is her 21-year-old daughter.
He has worked to reduce stigma and to try to solve the bottleneck at HCMC, which just opened a new crisis home to help alleviate the problem. “NAMI Minnesota often is on panels with Dr. Colon to provide the community with a balance of information from a clinical and advocacy point of view,” said NAMI Minnesota’s executive director Sue Abderholden. “Dr. Colon also developed its Psychiatry Family Resource Center with input and collaboration with NAMI Minnesota.” Hart is a psychiatry specialist working in Rochester who was also named Psychiatrist of the Year by the Minnesota Psychiatric Society in 2014. She has run an advocacy organization called "Care from the Hart" and provides psychiatric education and a voice for meeting the need of minorities with mental health issues. “Dr. Hart has been an incredible leader in the state for improved mental health care. She strongly believes in NAMI’s mission and seeks out opportunities to partner with NAMI Minnesota to provide education and support. She has been a voice in closing disparities in communities of color,” Abderholden said. “There are few psychiatrists advocating for mental health treatment in the federal prison system, and Dr. Hart is one of them.”
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 Managing Attorney. Central Minnesota Legal Services seeks mng attorney for its Minneapolis office. Supervise staff; assit grant rpt. Some case work. Fam. Law; with some work in housing/govt benes. Licensed in MN pref’d. Post-law school pov. law exper., fam. law or clinical exper. pref’d. Spanish or Somali language a plus. Salary D.O.E. Excellent benes. Resume with references and writing sample to Ginger Palmquist CMLS, 430 First Ave. No., #359, Minneapolis, MN 55401 or email to: cmls@centralmnlegal. org Appl. deadline: 07/03/17 or until filled. EOE. Staff Attorney. Central Minnesota Legal Services seeks full-time attorney for its Minneapolis office. Fam. Law; with some work in housing/govt benes. Licensed in MN pref’d. New grads consrd. Post-law school pov. law exper., fam. law or clinical exper. pref’d. Spanish or Somali language a plus. Salary $47,000+D.O.E. Excellent benes. Resume with references and writing sample to Ginger Palmquist, CMLS, 430 First Ave. No., #359, Minneapolis, MN 55401 or email to: cmls@centralmnlegal.org Appl. deadline: 07/03/17 or until filled. EOE. 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
July 10, 2017 Volume 28, Number 7 Pg 19
PEOPLE & PLACES Odyssey conference awards recognize people, organizations Five individuals and one organization were recognized for improving the health and lives of all people who need services to live, work and engage in their communities at the 2017 Age and Disabilities Odyssey Conference. The conference was held June 21-22 in Duluth. “These awards highlight the important work being done by innovative, caring and dedicated individuals and organizations to enrich the lives of people with disabilities and older adults, and inspire us to continue to improve long-term services and supports,” said Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper. Steve Larson of Shoreview, who retired July 7 from his position as senior policy director of The Arc Minnesota, received a certificate of appreciation from Gov. Mark Dayton and special Odyssey recognition. Larson was honored for his dedication to improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities and their families throughout a lifetime of service and advocacy. His 43year career began as a direct support professional and has included the last 15 years at The Arc Minnesota following public service with the Minnesota Department of Human Services and Olmsted County. Francis Harris of St. Paul, cofounder, Urban Partnership Community Development Center in St. Paul, was also honored. Harris co-founded the Urban Partnership in 1999. The community-based organization that serves disadvantaged African-Americans in St. Paul has a mission to “enhance the soul of our community through connecting senior citizens to each other and to living assistance services.” While Harris was executive director at the organization, Urban Partnership developed programs to help more than 400 older adults and their caregivers with issues such as overcoming social isolation, working while caregiving and accessing social services and supports. In her retirement, Harris volunteers, helping children improve their reading skills. A third person honored is Margot Imdieke Cross of St. Paul, an accessibility specialist with the Minnesota State Council on Disability. She has been working for three decades to make the state more accessible to people with disabilities, including ensuring disability parking stalls are large enough to accommodate accessible vans and increasing accessible restrooms, curb cuts, buses and building entrances. She has also provided technical assistance and training to people on a range of significant building projects, including the state capitol renovations, U.S. Bank Stadium and the St. Paul Saints ballpark. Another focus of her work is with Homeland Security on emergency preparedness. Jodi Kritzeck of Minneapolis, recreational therapist at the Minnesota Veterans Home Adult Day Center, is another honoree. Kritzeck co-developed a program called “Operation: Sight and Sound” with songwriter Charlie Maguire to connect veterans’ photographs (sight) and words through song (sound) in performances the veterans give in their communities. The participating veterans, who range in age from late-60s to mid-90s, often face a variety of age-related challenges such as dementia and Parkinson’s. The program encourages them to express themselves through their art, helping them share their talents and enrich their communities. It also offers assistance. Kritzeck will bring the veterans to the place they would like to write about and photograph. Phil Norrgard of Cloquet, retired human services director, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, was also recognized. During his 37 years working with the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa in northeastern Minnesota, Norrgard was instrumental in building a comprehensive health and human services delivery system. The human services division tripled under his leadership, and developed an array of services for people with disabilities and older adults. Norrgard has shared his experiences as a speaker and consultant to the governor’s office and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, as well as serving as a MNsure board member.
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White Earth Nation Health Division
Jodi Kritzeck
Margot Imdieke Cross
White Earth Nation Health Division, long-term care consultation, was given an organization award. The White Earth Nation, Gaa-waabaabiganikaag, Health Division is a leader in tribal services for older adults and people with disabilities. It was the first tribal nation in Minnesota to offer waiver services and personal care assistance to its community, which includes three counties in northwestern Minnesota. White Earth Nation Health Division has focused on building the capacity to provide people with disabilities and older adults with culturally-based care. The tribal Health
Phil Norrgard
Francis Harris
Division Long-Term Care Consultation group provides a familiar and accessible way for tribal members to get the necessary home and community-based services. The Odyssey Conference, sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Human Services and the Minnesota Board on Aging, is a two-day conference held every other year. The conference promotes best practices, provides training and assistance for DHS program and services and recognizes individual, organization and program-level excellence.
UNION YES: WE WON NEW BENEFITS FOR HOME CARE! BEGINNING AUGUST 1ST, 2017 • New Minimum Standards: the PCA Choice reimbursement rate and CDCS/CSG budgets will increase by 1.64%, to pay for these new benefits: • The Minimum Wage will be $12/hour for home care workers • You will earn 1 hour of Paid Time Off for every 43 hours worked. PTO can be used as vacation, or sick time. Just get approval from your client and let your agency or Fiscal Support Entity know. • You will be paid time-and-a-half if you work on the following five holidays: Labor Day, Thanksgiving, New Years Day, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Day, and Memorial Day! • Our union and the Department of Human Services have created an online matching registry to help clients find workers and workers find clients. It is called Direct Support Connect, and it will be launched this summer. BEGINNING JULY 1ST, 2018 • Home care workers who complete training can earn $500. A committee of home care workers, clients, and State officials will decide what training will be required to receive the stipend. Stay tuned! • An additional 5% rate increase for workers who provide support to clients who qualify for 12 or more hours per day of care and who complete required training. HAPPENING NOW: SEIU members are organizing to solve the home care crisis. Too many people with disabilities are going without proper care. Too many workers are not able to support our own families. Politicians can solve this, but only if we make them. We urge all home care workers to join together in our Union to take control of our futures and ensure that EVERYONE can get quality home care.
Our strength is in numbers—we are winning, but we can win more with you.
Call us at 651-294-8100 or 800-828-0206 to learn more! Or visit www.seiuhcmn.org. SEIU Healthcare Minnesota is a voluntary membership union for Minnesota’s 27,000 home care workers.
July 10, 2017 Volume 28, Number 7 Pg 20
COULD BE
A VULNERABLE ADULT You could make a difference If you suspect a vulnerable adult is at risk of abuse, neglect, self-neglect or financial exploitation, call the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center.
1 (844) 880-1574 That’s the power of could