March 2018 Edition - Access Press

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Volume 29, Number 3

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Paratransit idea meets resistance

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by Jane McClure

METRO MOBILITY To page 3

ESS. R P S S E C C A HOUT A WORLD WIT

I am not what happened to me . ’’’’’

I am what I choose to become .

- anonymous

Imagine a world without Access Press.

Access Press needs your help Dear Faithful Readers, Access Press needs your help. We’ve been with you for more than 28 years, educating, advocating, illuminating, investigating, revealing, solving, entertaining, raging, urging, grieving, celebrating and honoring you and your friends, family, and supporters in our disability community. We’ve been there for you!

Now we need your help to carry on what founder Charlie Smith started more than 330 monthly issues ago. In our February edition, we shared with you our desperate need for financial support. Not everyone has extra dollars to spare, but there are other ways you can help us out. We need you, the innovators, creative thinkers and

idea generators, to step forward Without additional financial support Access Press as readers have known it all these years will cease to exist before the end of 2018. At a time when disability rights are under siege, when supports that keep us living and working in the community are threatened, Access Press is needed now more than ever.

We need to continue to be here for our readers at a time when we need a dedicated source of news that talks about the issues that our community is facing. We all know too well that most of the mainstream media is only interested in the inspirational success stories when disability news coverage is

NEWS DIGEST New leader named Page 10 'Gang of Seven' is remembered Page 2 Caregiver, elder issues raised Page 4 Facility's future is uncertain Page 6 Eggroll Queen has new palace Page 13

ACCESS PRESS To page 7

Disability Day highlights several key needs

by Jane McClure With the 2018 Minnesota Legislature in full swing, disability groups are making the case for a wide range of policy and spending bills. The calls for more spending for needed supports and services is bolstered by the budget forecast released at the end of February. A surplus of $329 million is projected. A deficit had been predicted in December 2017, which was the state’s first in five years.

Who benefits from the modest surplus remains to be seen. At a news conference Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner Myron Frans cautioned that the figure is less than 1 percent of the state's total two-year budget. Frans and Gov. Mark Dayton also said a positive balance shouldn’t be taken for granted and that spending needs to be looked at carefully.

Dayton's budget recommendations will be announced March 15.

A lot of factors could affect what is ultimately allocated this session, including the national economy, federal tax code changes and competing state financial needs. One issue that has to be tracked is if federal tax law changes provided a one-time or ongoing benefit.

Disability advocates contend their needs have been put off for years and can no longer wait. A large crowd from around the state descended on the state capitol February 27 for Disability Day at the Capitol. Waving signs, chanting and cheering, the crowd delivered the message that they want change.

The Arc Minnesota, Minnesota

DIANE ANDERSON

Making improvements to Twin Cities area paratransit services calls for Metropolitan Council and Minnesota Legislature action in the months ahead. Recommendations proposed by a task force are touted as providing flexibility and expanding service, while remaining in compliance with state and federal regulations. But the notion of using companies like Uber and Lyft as part of the region’s future paratransit system drew criticism from some Metropolitan Council members.

They contend that the transportation network companies or TNCs don’t do adequate driver background checks to keep riders safe.

Metro Mobility is the paratransit service of Metropolitan Council. It is for certified riders who are unable to use regular fixed-route bus service due to disability or a health condition. A 53-page report by the Metro Mobility Task Force was reviewed February 28 by a legislative committee and Metropolitan Council.

No timeline has been set up for either group to act on the task force recommendations. Meetings with stakeholder groups continue this spring, and Metro Mobility “Community Conversation” is set for Thursday, April 5. Other next steps include improved customer communications, the rollout of the new Metro Mobility website, exploratory meetings with TNC companies and partnerships with disability advocacy groups to augment driver training.

The report includes four servicelevel approaches that include the integration of taxi services and/or TNCs into the paratransit system.

That is seen as a way to provide more and better service. Metro Mobility in recent years has seen rising demand for service, along with rising costs.

Operating costs were $64.8 million in 2016, with 2.26 million riders.

Costs are projected to increase to $81.8 million by 2020, with ridership estimated at 2.45 million.

The Metro Mobility Service Center manages the service and works with private companies. There are seven contracts currently held by five providers, as well as taxi and special transportation services (STS) providers.

Metro Mobility ridership is increasing as more people are certified to use the service. As ridership increases, so too do costs, reaching a cost per passenger per trip of $29.89 in 2016. Passenger fares, restricted by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, contribute 10 percent of Metro Mobility revenue.

Appropriations from the State General Fund make up the rest.

All regional transit services, including paratransit, have been squeezed by factors including rising demand, inflation and a projected decline in motor vehicle sales tax revenue. As part of an overall transit fare increase package approved last year, Metro Mobility users are now

March 10, 2018

Disability Day at the Capitol rally attendees waved signs and chants to make their presence known.

Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNCCD), Minnesota Council on Disability, Autism Society of Minnesota, Minnesota Council on Disability, Advocating Change Together and Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (MOFAS) were day sponsors.

More than 450 people filled the capitol rotunda, including about 130 from MOFAS, which had its own gathering earlier that morning. (See related story on page 3.)

Noah McCourt, who chairs the State

Council on Mental Health subcommittee on children’s mental health issues, urged those present to meet with legislators and outline their needs. “I’m here today because self-advocacy is essential," he said. He and other speakers urged everyone to let state lawmakers know their needs. Several legislators were on hand to offer support and encouragement.

“We need your voices here, and your voices need to be heard,” said Sen. Kent Eken (DFL-Twin Valley). He continues to

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March 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 3

EDITOR’S DESK

Tim Benjamin (This month's column is difficult for me to write because it’s an early job ad.

Access Press has been a dominant part of my life for many years. I'll be turning 65 in a few months (I know; how did that happen?), and I think it's time for Access Press to hit the “refresh button.” Access Press needs new, younger leadership with a youthful view on what's important to the disability community, and so I am planning my retirement next year, in 2019.

I don't want to leave entirely and hope to continue writing for Access Press for many, many more years. I also don't want any of the staff to leave Access Press. The paper absolutely needs the talented Jane McClure to keep writing and editing, and for Dawn Frederick to continue her excellent office management and website administration.

As long as you will have us, we all want to continue being a part of Access Press’s role in this incredible community.

We do need to get much more stable financially, however, and that will take a lot of help from you readers. The paper depends on your donations and your organizations’ advertising. I’d ask that each of you take some time now and at least once a year to send in a donation, and to talk to folks who can and will advertise in the paper: it’s the best way to communicate with Minnesota’s disability community. I especially ask those of you who are part of the philanthropic community to step up and help support

Minnesota’s disability community newspaper. Access Press is one of two or three such papers in the country, and the only one that I know of that serves across disabilities. Access Press has been delivering a newspaper every month for the last 26 years, nine years with founder Charlie Smith as executive director, and for the last 17 years with me in that position.

In addition to providing your monetary support, you could help me and the Access Press board identify my successor.

When Charlie asked me to take over, he said that I had the right “temperament.”

I didn't know what he meant those many years ago, but today, as the Access Press board thinks about succession planning, I think I do understand what he meant.

Access Press needs leadership that is determined and patient, with a rock-solid commitment to the needs and the dignity of people with disabilities. Other skills that would be helpful would be the ability to quickly adjust to new circumstances and always be able to consider compromising.

The paper needs a person who can provide direction for many personalities and make sure that things get done well and on deadline. And, of course, something that is necessary by all journalists is a thick skin and a tendency not to take things too personally. We need to find somebody who is willing to put in the time to successfully procure grant funding and enough advertising and other revenue

Access Press is one of two or three such papers in the country, and the only that I know that serves across disabilities. The paper depends on your donations and your organizations' advertising. to pay all the salaries. Like every news organization, Access Press’s most significant expense, by far, is salaries, but our staff earns something close to subsistence incomes. (Once, a few years ago, I was featured at the low end of the scale in an annual survey of salaries among media professionals in the Twin Cities magazine.)

The paper’s total income per year is just around $200,000. If you do the math, you will recognize, that considering costs of printing, distribution, desktop publishing, rent, phones, a website and Internet connection, we’re running on a needlethin margin. When I had the energy, good health, and reliable caregivers, the paper had a reasonably good income and revenue. I think a new leader can bring in that kind of energy, and I am eager to help the board find that person and make sure they’re successful.

Last month’s Disability Day at the Capitol on February 20 should make us all proud. There were more folks at the capitol that morning than I can recall ever seeing at disability days and more than I've seen at many of the rallies at the capitol during a legislative session. Minnesota's organization for fetal alcohol syndrome disorder was hugely represented. I hope they will succeed with their legislation and that all legislation that includes services for people with disabilities will find good results this session. There were a couple new legislative members supporting us,

joining our champions Sen. John Hoffman and Sen. Jim Abeler.

We all have a lot to accomplish in this short session to shore up services for our disability and aging communities’ extra needs. Many aging citizens are helping the disability community now as caregivers, foster parents and in many other ways. Our seniors, in turn, need to have community services when they can no longer be the help that they've always been to the disability community. And remember, many of us will be in the aging population and have those extra needs very soon (for example, me). As Commissioner Piper and Director Benson point out, in their article on page 4, if we think about it, ultimately these are the people we all hope to be.

The state’s February financial forecast was more favorable than in the previous couple months. There still are not enough funds, though, to finance everything that everyone needs. As always in the disability community, when one faction needs help legislatively, we all try to help that faction; or, if one organization’s bill fails, that organization supports another association that is still in the legislative chase. Let's not let up in our mutual efforts to funding the groups that are in the most need and that are most likely to succeed.

Have a great session, and please don't forget that Access Press needs your help, too. ■

HISTORY NOTE

MinnesotaCare resulted from work by capitol’s ‘Gang of Seven’

by Access Press staff China had its “Gang of Four.” Members who were Communist Party leaders rose to prominence in that country’s Cultural Revolution of the 1970s, but were later charged with treasonous crimes.

Minnesota had its “Gang of Seven.”

Members who were Independent Republicans (IR) and Democrat-FarmerLabor (DFL) party members in the Minnesota Legislature rose to prominence for their work to ensure health care for all and to establish MinnesotaCare. As that program is eyed for change this session, it’s worth a look back.

Representatives Lee Greenfield (DFL-Minneapolis), David Gruenes (R-St. Cloud), Brad Stanius (IR-White Bear Lake) and Paul Ogren (DFLAitkin) were the gang’s House faction.

They were joined by Senators Linda Berglin (DFL-Minneapolis), Duane

Benson (IR-Lanesboro) and Pat Piper (DFL-Austin). Many of the legislators are remembered for their work with the state’s disability community and on legislation protecting seniors.

The group drew from varied backgrounds. Some were legislative veterans and others were relative newcomers at the time they created MinnesotaCare.

Benson had played 11 seasons in the NFL and was a rancher when he was elected to the Senate. Berglin was a graphic designer. Piper worked in religious education and spent 22 years as a Franciscan Sister before getting involved in politics. Greenfield, who came from a science background, was a former civil rights and anti-war activist. Gruenes was a teacher and salesman. Ogren was a farmer and carpenter. Stanius was a pharmacist, former White Bear Lake mayor and City Council member, and competitive

Volume 29, Number 3 Periodicals Imprint: Pending ISSN

Co-Founder/Publisher............................................................................................................Wm. A. Smith, Jr. (1990-96) Co-Founder/Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief.............................................................................. Charles F. Smith (1990-2001) Board of Directors................................................. Mohamed Alfash, Stephen Anderson, John Clark, Kristin Jorenby, ..............................................................................................................Jane Larson, Julius Williams, Kay Willshire, Mark Zangara Advertising Sales......... Michelle Hegarty, 612-807-1078 Cartoonist......................................................Scott Adams Executive Director.....................................Tim Benjamin Production........................................................ In-Fin Tuan Managing Editor........................................ Jane McClure Distribution............................................ S. C. Distribution Business Manager/Webmaster......... Dawn Frederick EDITORIAL: Editorial submissions and news releases on topics of interest to persons with disabilities, or persons serving those with disabilities, are welcomed. We reserve the right to edit all submissions. Editorial material and advertising do not necessarily reflect the view of the editor/publisher of Access Press.

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fisherman when he was first elected.

The “Gang of Seven” is remembered for its work to establish MinnesotaCare. That finally happened in 1992 but not with a lot of effort. All of the seven, when they left office, pointed to MinnesotaCare as a key achievement. But that took years. When he retired from office in 2000, Greenfield recalled that his first legislative campaign 22 years prior called for the state’s health care system to take care of all Minnesotans.

The legislators worked with then-Gov. Arne Carlson to pass the legislation that expanded the state's health coverage of the uninsured from children to all residents who did not have access to employer supported coverage. Tenacity earned the legislators the “Gang of Seven” nickname. They took on resistance from the insurance and health care industries as they worked to ensure health care for all. But they pressed on, encouraged by

people who needed their help. When he left office, Stanius recalled helping a constituent family whose young daughter needed a kidney transplant, and how they battled an unwilling insurance company.

Of the seven, Berglin was the last to leave the capitol. She resigned from the Senate in 2011 to work for Hennepin County.

Stanius died in 2014 and Piper in 2016. Benson went on to lead the Minnesota Business Partnership. Gruenes served as Department of Commerce Commissioner. Greenfield worked in health care and public policy. Ogren moved to California where he has owned and operated businesses. ■ 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.

March 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 3

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Spotlight is on fetal alcohol syndrome support this session Awareness of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) is growing, as are advocacy efforts in Minnesota. The Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (MOFAS) had a record turnout for the February 27 FASD Day at the Capitol. More than 130 people from across the state signed up for this year’s event, which organization leaders said is an unprecedented number. Three busloads of people attended from the Iron Range.

Advocates clad in bright purple T-shirts gathered at Christ Lutheran Church to meet lawmakers and review 2018 legislation, then headed to the capitol to join the bigger Disability Day at the Capitol rally. Two young people who live with FASD told rally attendees how they struggle to do day-to-day tasks and keep their emotions in check.

MOFAS has worked with Minnesota families since 1998.

Consumption of alcoholic beverages during pregnancy has long been known to be a health risk before birth. But only recently has more been known about the extent of FASD in society. A national report released in February indicated that as many as one in 20 first graders have an FASD. That is more common than autism, according to MOFAS. The damage done by alcohol to a developing fetus can result in physical disabilities including growth deficiencies, facial abnormalities and organ and brain damage. Cognitive disabilities can include behavioral issues and learning disabilities.

The conditions are lifelong and irreversible. There is no cure for FASD. The national findings have energized the Minnesota advocates. MOFAS Executive Director Sara Messelt said the organization is taking four key priorities to the Minnesota Legislature this session.

One is to expand the definition of a brain injury to include the congenital injuries caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol.

“What people don’t realize is that fetal alcohol syndrome is a brain injury that occurs before birth,” Messelt said.

METRO MOBILITY From page 1 paying $3.50 to $4.50 per ride, as well as an additional 75-cent surcharge for trips greater than 15 miles. Transit Link Dial-A-Ride fares increased on average by $1.60 and include a 75-cent distance surcharge. The fare hikes were sought to counter a $110 million transit budget deficit anticipated by fiscal 2020-2021.

The report’s advocacy for the TNCs drew questions from some Metropolitan Council members. Metropolitan Council Member Edward Reynoso said he is concerned about potential liability. He also said that if a customer using a TNC for paratransit has a bad experience, that reflects on Metro Transit’s reputation. But his greatest worry is for safety of riders.

Several states recently have passed laws demanding more stringent background checks for TNC drivers, to ensure the safety and security of passengers who use the popular ride-hailing applications.

Uber faces a class action lawsuit filed by two anonymous women, who contend

DIANE ANDERSON

by Access Press staff

Members of MOFAS spoke about the challenge of fetal alcohol syndrome and th e need for expanded waiver services at Disability Day at the Capitol.

But until changes are made to state law, people with FASD cannot receive the same intensive services that other people with brain injuries can benefit from.

“We want people to have the same access to services,” she said.

As of Access Press deadline, the bill had been introduced in the House but not in the Senate.

Other MOFAS-support legislation includes a requirement of one hour’s training for all non-emergency foster parents. Training would provide an overview of FASD, effective parenting strategies, resource information and referrals for support. Currently only newly licensed foster parents must have FASD training in their first year.

MOFAS will also spend the 2018 session and beyond to promote health issues. One effort will promote continued community-based services for pregnant women and mothers with histories of substance use disorders to help them

stay healthy, maintain sobriety and be good parents. The services are known as the Community of Recovery and Family Transitions (CRAFT) Project. During a 3.5-year period, CRAFT served 298 pregnant women trying to maintain recovery. Only four women had babies with prenatal substance use exposure.

MOFAS will also support programming to prevent prenatal alcohol exposure and improve quality of life for people with FASD. Since 2004, the Minnesota Department of Health awarded MOFAS a grant to develop a comprehensive strategy to address FASD through diagnostic services, community grants, intervention and family support, public awareness, and professional education.

“This work remains critical and continues to require funding, given that FASD is still a sizeable public health issue,” MOFAS said in a statement.

A National Institutes of Health study of more than 6,000 first-graders across

that they and other passengers have been sexually assaulted by drivers whose backgrounds weren’t scrutinized.

A flash point between TNCs and several states’ regulatory agencies has been the call for drivers to undergo background checks that include fingerprints. TNCs have contended that a fingerprint requirement would be too onerous and have waged legal fights against such requirements.

Some states have fined the TNCs for not performing adequate background checks. In fall 2017 the Colorado Public Utilities Commission issued a civil penalty notice against Uber, for $8.9 million “for allowing individuals with disqualifying criminal or motor vehicle offenses, or without valid licenses, to drive for the company.” The notice listed violations involving 57 Uber drivers who should not have been permitted to drive.

Another issue Reynoso raised is that of “surge pricing” used by TNCs. That is, higher demand for service means higher costs for riders. He said that could result

in TNCs dictating the paratransit rules to Metropolitan Council, instead of the council having control.

Task force history and recommendations

The Metro Mobility Task Force was established in 2017 by the Minnesota Legislature as part of the omnibus transportation bill. The study was called for after a series of service issues with Metro Mobility. The task force was to prepare a report by February 15, 2018 that would describe the current Metro Mobility program and identify options for reducing program costs and improving efficiency. Another charge was to identify at least three potential service level approaches that involve partnering with and incorporating transportation network companies, taxi service providers, or both.

Recommendations were also to be made for program and legislative changes, for Metropolitan Council and state lawmakers.

four U.S. communities has found that a significant number of the children have FASD, with conservative rates ranging from 1 to 5 percent in community samples. The new findings represent more accurate prevalence estimates of FASD among general U.S. communities than prior research. The study was funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), part of the National Institutes of Health.

The study was conducted by the Collaboration on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Prevalence consortium, which studies the prevalence of FASD among U.S. school children. Researchers collected data between 2010 and 2016 on 6,639 children in four communities in the Midwest, Rocky Mountain, Southeast and Pacific Southwest, sites that were selected to be more reflective of U.S. community populations than previous studies. At each site, first-graders in public and private schools were recruited across two academic years and evaluated based on the FASD criteria. Prenatal alcohol exposure was assessed by interviewing mothers or other close relatives.

Researchers found that the prevalence estimates for FASD among the selected sites ranged from 1.1 to 5 percent. This was the most conservative estimate and assumed that no additional cases of FASD would be found in first-graders who did not participate in the study.

Using a “weighted prevalence” approach that assumed that the rate of FASD in children who were evaluated would be the same in all eligible first-grade children in each community, the estimated prevalence of FASD was higher—ranging from 3.1 to 9.8 percent among the study sites. Of the 222 children diagnosed with FASD in the study, only two had been previously diagnosed with FASD, although many parents and guardians were aware of learning and behavioral challenges. This finding suggests that children with FASD often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Read the report at www.nih.gov ■

The task force approved its report in February, one day before it was due.

The 18-member task force met seven times, with additional subgroup meetings. It included seven county representatives. Six were county commissioners, with Dakota County appointing a West St. Paul City Council member who has a family member with a disability. ARMM was represented, as was the Minnesota Council on Disability, Minnesota Management and Budget, Minnesota Department of Human Services, Uber, Lyft, the University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies, two transportation companies and one Metropolitan Council member.

The various TNC and transportation company representatives and Metropolitan Council representatives were non-voting.

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March 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 3

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FROM OUR COMMUNITY

Now is the time to address and challenge old views on aging

by Emily Piper and Kari Benson Older Minnesotans today serve as workers and volunteers in government, our schools, faith communities, civic organizations, the arts and other places that make our communities vibrant, enjoyable places to live. Older adults already are helping to alleviate a caregiver shortage likely to become more severe in the years to come. Many are not only supporting their own parents but their children, grandchildren and other family members and friends.

We now have an opportunity to maximize what each of us can contribute as we, on average, live longer and healthier lives. In just a few years, one-fifth of our population will be age 65 or older – this represents a gold mine of resourcefulness, creativity and experience we must tap for the health of our state.

Standing in the way of these benefits is ageism, discrimination based on prejudices about age. It can be directed at people of any age but when it’s directed at older people, it often involves the assumptions that older people are less competent than younger people and need someone else to take care of them.

Ageism is largely unconscious. Our exposure to pervasive negative messages about older people and their capabilities leave us with a prejudice we may not even

Emily Piper

Kari Benson

be aware of. The negative effects of this bias, however, can be dramatic.

It can range from workplace discrimination and harassment to social exclusion and neglect to egregious abuse in older adult care settings.

Ageism affects the economic security of many older adults who would like to be working. Stress, depression and a higher risk of heart disease result when we internalize negative messages about growing older. Conversely, a Yale study showed that positive attitudes about aging could extend one’s life by more than seven years.

Many Minnesotans are ready for change. People participating in MN2030 community conversations sponsored by our agencies ranked respect and social inclusion high on issues our state should address as we prepare for the year 2030.

That is the year baby boomers will begin to turn 85 and one in five Minnesotans will be over the age of 65.

The MN2030 initiative is about building on our successes and nurturing bold ideas to shape our future as we grow older. We want to make Minnesota a great place to grow up and grow old. We want all Minnesotans to be treated with

respect, regardless of age.

We’ve learned through these conversations that people of all ages want to be connected and to figure out how to support each other. Older adults have come forward in these discussions with ideas for making that happen and with creativity and energy to solve other community problems.

If you want to help overcome ageism and to prepare Minnesota for 2030, there are things you can do. Take the MN2030 survey to identify the most important aging issues facing our state. You can find out how your views about aging line up with reality by taking the Aging Attitudes Quiz on the World Health Organization’s website. Then talk about this with your family and friends.

The same ingenuity that has made Minnesota a national leader supporting older adults can help us see aging differently. We can reframe how we look at older people who, if we think about it, are ultimately the people we all hope to be.

Read more and take the survey at https://mn.gov/dhs/mn2030/ Emily Piper is commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services and Kari Benson is executive director, Minnesota Board on Aging. ■

All caregivers must also take care of themselves

by Deb Taylor Are you a caregiver? Many people are in this role, but have never identified with the title, “Caregiver.” Often, we think of caregivers as professionals such as doctors, nurses, social workers or home health care workers who provide direct care to the young, sick, disabled or elderly.

Although this is one type of caregiver, it is important to recognize that there are many caregivers that attend to the personal needs of someone in their life.

You may be an adult child caring for a parent. You may be a neighbor looking out for an older neighbor. You may be a spouse caring for your partner. Even the type of assistance can vary. Maybe you are helping someone with shopping, cleaning, preparing meals, paying bills, personal cares, medication set up, transportation, the list goes on. If you are doing any of these things, you are a caregiver. But being a caregiver is hard work and can be emotionally draining. Common feelings include exhaustion, guilt, anger, fear and loneliness. Finding support and balance in your own life is crucial.

There are many resources, tips and tricks to help manage the many emotions that caregivers go through. The first step is to make sure you aren’t in it alone. The phrase, “it takes a village” comes to mind.

Its original meaning is in reference to child rearing, but also applies to the caregiver experience. Caring for a loved one can be a greatly fulfilling experience, but you can’t and shouldn’t do it alone. As they say, “you can’t pour from an empty cup,” and with caregiving you are often giving more of yourself than you realized you even had to give. If you don’t have anyone else helping you, and even if you do, one of the best ways to find support is through a caregiver support group. Here at Senior Community Services we provide five

support groups, free of charge, throughout the metropolitan suburbs with varying days and times. These are open groups that caregivers may join at any time.

Managing stress is another very important task for caregivers. Often times there are multiple people who want to be in the loop about mom or dad’s health and it can be very stressful to make sure you’re getting all the pertinent information to everyone. A great resource to make this task easier for caregivers is the free web-based tool, CareNextion. org. CareNexion.org is a way for caregivers to easily keep everyone in the loop, manage coordination of care, access to local resources and phone support with licensed social workers. In this online portal you can manage care schedules by using the calendar feature and assigning tasks to other members of your care team.

It also acts as a central hub for secure communication with the journal feature.

By setting up a care team on CareNextion. org, you also get access to hundreds of valuable resources in your community.

The next step in creating a healthy, balanced caregiver experience is something I’m sure you’ve heard of before, self-care.

Taking care of yourself is one of the most important things you can do as a caregiver for yourself and for your loved one in your care. If you don’t take time to care for yourself you run the risk of becoming depressed, having feelings of resentment towards your loved one, or losing other relationships. Those are just a few of the numerous negative side effects of putting your own health and well-being second to your role as a caregiver.

One thing you can

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do for yourself right now, as a form of self-care, is to ask for help. Remember earlier, the first step is to make sure you aren’t doing it alone. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, ask for help. Whether it’s from a doctor, social worker, friend or family member, it doesn’t matter. Just ask.

Another great way to show yourself some love is to start prioritizing your own health by creating healthier habits such as exercising regularly, getting enough sleep at night and investing in uplifting relationships. This may all sound overwhelming when you look at it all at once, but having a healthy balance between caring for yourself and caring for your loved one doesn’t have to be scary.

Just take it one day at a time and if that’s too much, take it one moment at a time.

Maybe you’re on your way home from work to take mom or dad to a doctor’s appointment, turn on your favorite radio station and just enjoy the music. Don’t let your mind run wild with everything you need to make sure you have before leaving for the appointment. Just enjoy the moment and relax. It’s the little moments in life that really matter, so try to start taking notice of the opportunities you have to reenergize yourself in these little moments.

Deb Taylor is the CEO of Senior Community Services and its Reimagine Aging Institute, a nonprofit that helps older adults and caregivers navigate aging to maintain independence and quality of life. We provide a wide array of programs -- www. seniorcommunity.org. ■

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March 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 3

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Sudduth an early self-advocate ∏∏f∏∏

In Memoriam

Longtime disability rights advocate J.R. Sudduth is remembered as someone who was tireless in challenging the social services system that had held him and others back. Sudduth died March 1 while in a Minneapolis nursing home.

Sudduth had battled health issues for several weeks.

“He’d fought a good fight against his illness,” said his sister Esther Moore.

A memorial service is 11 a.m. Saturday, March 31 at Zion Baptist Church, 621 Elwood, Minneapolis. A luncheon will follow the service. Family members would like to meet Sudduth’s friends and colleagues in the self-advocacy movement. Memorials can be directed to Bethany Residence, 2309 Hayes St. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418.

Born in Alabama, Sudduth had rubella as a small child.

He was left with cerebral palsy and a learning disability.

His family moved to Minneapolis when he was

METRO MOBILITY from page 3 assistance providers and non-STS providers including taxis and/or TNCs. There could be shared and premium services. Service could be on-demand or for rides booked in advance. These services would have limited lift or ramp capacity. The premium level services wouldn’t be eligible for federal funding.

Not all the potential services could be used by all Metro Mobility customers. Some may continue to need vans that can accommodate wheelchair lifts. Other customers may be able to, with assistance, get into a TNC vehicle or taxi.

“The task force recognizes the potential for expanded service options to enhance the current service and provide options for those customers who may not need the level of service provided by the base system,” the report stated. “Adding service options will create a more diversified system that has the potential to expand consumer choice, improve base system capacity, and reduce the average cost per trip. Expanded service options should be implemented on a pilot basis to fully understand the impact to ridership and costs.”

The options would be supplemental to the Metro Mobility base service. An agreement to pilot and promote the four services would be in place by March 31, 2019.

This would be overseen by Metropolitan Council.

A DHS client transportation service model could be added later.

Director of Metropolitan Transportation Services Nick Thompson outlined advantages and disadvantages to the opt-in service. opt-in services would allow for the growing demand on the base system to be distributed. The varying levels of service could provide additional capacity for varying needs. Premium options would provide faster trips than shared rides. There is the potential to have overall lower costs per trip.

But there is risk exposure. Adding various levels of service adds complexity to an already complicated system. “This would become a system that is a lot more complicated for our customers,” Thompson said. “For some it is too complex today.”

Customers would have curb to curb service with opt-in services rather than door-to-door. That wouldn’t work for everyone. Accessible fleet limitations, which could be a possible civil rights violation, raised red flags.

Drivers wouldn’t be regulated by state STS, nor the Federal Transit Administration, including random drug and alcohol tests, reasonable suspicion guidelines and driving training. There would be no requirements on onboard cameras. Safety and security concerns would be heightened for vulnerable populations.

State lawmakers are asked to provide funding to study and invest in technology innovations such as a single-point reservation system. Customers could choose between all available service options when scheduling a ride. Another ask is to provide incentives to increase the number of ondemand accessible vehicles operated by private companies to increase availability to persons with accessibility needs and provide an equivalent response time for all customers using on-demand services.

Another key change would be to facilitate collaboration between DHS and Metro Mobility by modifying data practices language to allow the agencies to share available non-medical data for limited purposes. That would allow Metro Mobility to leverage additional federal dollars for waivered service and medical assistance client transportation.

Yet another request to state lawmakers is to establish a dedicated funding source to ensure Metro Mobility demand is met.

Thompson said Metro Mobility is already making changes to improve service. In October 2017 the driver minimum wage was raised by $2. A limited pilot group ride program began in December 2017, with incentives for off-peak groups. An example of this is a shopping trip for several people in a senior housing facility or group home.

Premium Same Day customers are now being allowed to book rides up to four days in advance, as well as same day. A fixed route transfer program and a van leasing pilot program are in progress.

Read the report and learn more about the task force at https://tinyurl.com/ycmv5upq ■

young. Sudduth fought against being placed in special education and in a sheltered workshop. He balked at being labeled and being forced to do piecework for little money. He wanted dignity and equal rights.

His longtime friend Mel Duncan wrote of Sudduth, “His experience as an African American man had given him a keen understanding of discrimination. He refused to be treated like a child and would not be herded into piecework jobs. If he was going to work, he wanted decent pay. He was ‘social worked’ and treated for years.

He walked away from the social service system. He wanted to work for change.”

Sudduth instead began working with Arc, but wanted to do more. He helped found Advocating Change Together (ACT) in the late 1970s. He was hired as an organizer and worked on a number of issues at the capitol. He could forcefully tell a story or make a point, and get a message across to state lawmakers.

Sudduth is survived by sisters Esther Moore and Linda Kemp, brothers Steve and Lester, and many nieces and nephews. ■

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March 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 3

Pg 6

REGIONAL NEWS Residential facility's fate uncertain The Hills Youth and Family Services,

a Duluth nonprofit, wants to build a residential psychiatric facility for children and teenagers in Forest Lake. But delay tactics by the Forest Lake City Council could kill the project. A council meeting in February drew a large crowd, with many people speaking for the need for the facility. Council members have repeatedly delayed acting on the project.

The 60-bed facility would be built on part of Shadow Creek Stables, a family-run horse farm. Clients at the facility would care for and interact with horses as part of their treatment.

Dozens of people have asked the City Council to support the facility, with some saying their own families could have been helped by having such a facility closer to their homes. A shortage of residential treatment facilities has meant young people face long separations from their families.

But some city leaders contend the facility doesn’t fit into Forest lake’s comprehensive plan. Forest Lake Mayor Ben Winnick has spoken out against making city ordinance changes that would allow the facility. Its proposed site is zoned for residential use. Winnick said there are other properties for sale that could be used instead.

Jeff Bradt, CEO of the Hills Youth and Family Services, said zoning is just a pretext to keep the treatment facility out of Forest Lake. He's not hopeful further study will change council members' minds.

“The sad thing is there were many expressions of their sympathy and concern for people with mental health conditions but no willingness to move forward on a project that would have a huge benefit to those very same people,” Bradt said. (Source: Minnesota Public Radio)

Complaint backlog eliminated

Weeks of hard work by state regulators have virtually eliminated a giant backlog of unresolved complaints alleging abuse and neglect at Minnesota senior care facilities. State officials have also modernized the state’s complaint-intake system. It’s a turning point for a stepped-up effort to deal with thousands of reports of neglect, abuse and financial exploitation of residents in nursing homes and other elder facilities.

The state’s Office of Health Facility Complaints (OHFC), a division of the Minnesota Department of Health, is charged with investigating the allegations. But the backlog of complaints meant it sometimes took years to get investigations completed. Families were angered, and criminal investigators were frustrated by the delays.

Gov. Mark Dayton responded in late 2017 by giving DHS sweeping powers over the OHFC. The rare interagency agreement has meant help from DHS to review the dormant cases.

Now, every single case has been reviewed. About 430 cases have been assigned for investigation. The office has also implemented an electronic system to process the approximately 400 cases it receives each week.

“This is what we needed to do to ensure the safety of our parents, our grandparents, and our loved ones across Minnesota,” said acting Human Services Commissioner Chuck Johnson. “This puts the OHFC in a much better position going forward.”

Officials with the Dayton administration said they are preparing a package of legislative proposals aimed at improving oversight of Minnesota’s 1,800 senior care facilities. (Source: Star Tribune)

Education violations alleged

The Minnesota Department of Education is looking into a complaint filed by a former employee of the Worthington Public Schools. Confirmation of the complaint came after former District 518 Area Learning Center Special Education Instructor Karen Abbott resigned in January.

State education officials will investigate regarding allegations Abbott made about special education violations.

The activists’ group Worthington Citizens for Progress Committee posted about the resignation and allegations on its Facebook page, which made the matter public.

Abbott joined the school district at the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year. Her resignation was effective in January. She has cited claims ranging from alleged personal mistreatment to a variety of alleged special education violations. Abbott also said she reported violations of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to her supervisors. She also raised questions about attendance and grading policies. She resigned after refusing to sign a formal reprimand and stated that she was working in a hostile environment.

School district officials filed a response to the allegations, which then starts a state investigation process that includes interviews with those involved. The state has 60 days in which to complete its finding.

The pending investigation is not the first time District 518's special education protocol has been investigated by the state, according to the Worthington Globe newspaper.

Violations were found in 2011, which affected five students. Part of that complaint was that some special education students were removed from school without due process and without the benefit of any educational services. (Source: Worthington Globe)

Changes proposed to employment program

A state-funded program that provides long-term job supports to people with disabilities will soon operate under a new set of rules if proposed changes are adopted.

The Extended Employment (EE) program is housed within the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. It provides supports to help Minnesotans with significant disabilities keep their jobs and advance in their careers.

The proposed rule change reflects principles such as Minnesota’s commitment to person-centered practices, informed choice and Minnesota’s Employment First policy – especially its focus on competitive, integrated employment. Revisions would align the program with new practices in the broader disability services system, including the federal Home and Community Based Services rule, the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, and stepped up enforcement of the Olmstead decision.

One major policy change would prioritize funding for services for individuals in competitive, integrated employment, cap funding for non-competitive

employment, and phase out funding for center-based or workshop employment. Additionally, the proposed rule changes clarify that, for a job to be truly competitive and integrated, the employer cannot be an individual’s service provider.

The rule revision process began more than three years ago, including 18 months’ work by an advisory committee and public forms. The rule revision will be published in late March or early April, followed by a 30-day public comment period to gather additional input from individuals, community rehabilitation providers, advocacy organizations for individuals with disabilities, and others.

After the public comment period, DEED expects to adopt the revised rule so that it would take effect in the next state fiscal year beginning July 1, 2019.

(Source: DEED)

Sheriffs demand legal action

Minnesota sheriffs are demanding legal action against the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), saying it has violated the law and jeopardized the health of dozens of mentally ill jail inmates by failing to admit them to state-operated treatment facilities. The Minnesota Sheriffs' Association said it has documented at least 60 cases since 2015 in which DHS failed to comply with a state law that requires inmates to be transferred to a state psychiatric facility within 48 hours after being committed as mentally ill by a state judge.

"It is time for law enforcement ... to take action to enforce the laws of the State of Minnesota that are regretfully being ignored to the peril of public safety, safety of sheriff staff and harmful to those in jail with severe mental illness," the sheriffs said in a letter to state and local prosecutors.

The letter is likely to escalate a long-simmering feud between county sheriffs and DHS over how to accommodate a growing number of jail inmates with serious mental illnesses. As many as one-fourth of the inmates in county jails across Minnesota suffer from a diagnosed mental illness — hundreds of people on any given day — yet county jails are generally ill-equipped to offer care, provide medications or keep them safe.

The situation was exacerbated by a 2013 law that requires the state to find a psychiatric bed within 48 hours for any jail inmate who is determined by a judge to be mentally ill. The statute, known as the 48-hour law, was meant to reduce a growing number of inmates languishing in jail cells without mental health treatment.

Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek said DHS officials should be held in contempt of court for failing to admit an inmate held for 14 days after he was committed as mentally ill to a state psychiatric facility. Acting Human Services Commissioner Chuck Johnson called the sheriffs' letter “unproductive,” saying in a statement that it “actively damages our ability to work together to address what we all know is needed — a mental health system that works better between the courts, law enforcement, hospitals and our safety net for the people of Minnesota.” Johnson also placed some of the blame on the counties, noting that over the past two years sheriffs have failed to transport 82 people within 48 hours of a court order. (Source: Star Tribune)

Fundraiser to help student

An online fundraising effort raised more than $25,000 in pledges for the family of student whose social media posts prompted a school lockdown in Orono in February.

The student has autism.

A GoFundMe page set up for the student stated that he is being held at the Hennepin County Juvenile Detention Center. He was arrested after police investigated an anonymous online posting that threatened a school shooting at Orono High School. It was the REGIONAL NEWS To page 15

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March 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 3

Pg 7

DIANE ANDERSON

ACCESS PRESS From page 1

Parent Scott Price spoke to the Disability Day at the Capitol rally about how state programs have helped his family

DISABILITY From page 1 focus on the need for a state constitutional amendment that would dedicate a funding stream to long-term care.

Amy Zellmer, who lives with traumatic brain injury, emphasized the importance of everyone sharing their stories with lawmakers. "When we share our stories, people listen” Zellmer said.

“They connect with us. They learn from us. And more importantly, they take action with us.”

Speakers outlined a wide range of topics including the need for additional complex care funding, more attention to ConsumerDirected Community Supports (CDCS) and inclusion of fetal alcohol syndrome in brain injury waiver programs.

The complex care issue is a difficult one. A group had worked in 2017 for higher wages for people who need 10 or more hours of care per day. Supporters left the capitol at session’s end thinking they had achieved their goal of higher wages for workers who provide complex care. “And then magically in the middle of the night, the bill disappeared,” said Jeff Bangsberg.

He and fellow self-advocate Lance Hegland said the bill, which is technically still active, need to pass this session.

“We’d love to see a rate increase for everyone who provides care, but we need the focus now on people who have the greatest needs," Bangsberg said.

Hegland relies on more than 12 hours of care each day. “These supports are vital to my health and safety," he said.

“These supports are critical to help me participate in daily activities, to work plus to participate in activities with family, friends and community.”

Hegland said without support he and others cannot survive. But the workforce shortage makes it difficult for him and others to hire care workers.

Consumer-Directed Community Supports

One issue of focus this session is Consumer-Directed Community Supports or CDCS. Providing more access to and visibility for CDCS programs is a

focus for many organizations this session.

Scott Price and his family, which includes six children, live in Coon Rapids. The family has adopted special needs children.

Four children are adults who live with developmental disabilities.

The Price family has used CDCS for 19 years, and it has provided a better life for their children. “I was excited when this option became available because it would increase our choices of services we could receive, and we could be in charge of our children’s services and care,” Price said. “Because of CDCS, we have been able to access a number of wonderful things for our four children who have developmental disabilities.”

“Without options like CDCS that let us direct our loved ones’ care and support, our children would be forced to live in more restricted settings, have less control over their lives, and not be integrated into the community,” Price said. “I urge our state legislators to make it easier for more families to have these options, so their children can have more independent lives, too.”

One huge advantage for the Price family is to be able to increase pay to retain direct care staff. Before that staff turnover was nine months to one year. Now they can retain staff for three to five years. Having trusted, quality staff has helped the Price family improve health and safety for their family members.

The control has also helped the Prices purchase needed specialized equipment, such as a portable ramp for their daughter Victoria. She could use the ramp for access, including access to the building where her Girl Scout troop met. “Her success in that troop was borne out when she was the top cookie seller for three years in a row,” said Price.

While the cookie sales comment drew cheers, Price made a serious point that CDCS is a lifesaver. Son Josh lives with significant disabilities but was able to live in his own apartment and hold a job. He developed a brain tumor about two years ago and had to leave his apartment. CDCS helped him lived with his family with supports, get the care he needed and get back into the workforce.

What lies ahead?

Scott Price

The 2018 session has been described as a “three-month sprint” in some news accounts. More disability focus days are coming up in March. Tuesday, March 13 will be busy with ARRM/MOHR Day at the Capitol, along with Rise and other groups gathering there. Go to www.arrm. org and www.rise.org for details.

NAMI Minnesota has its day to raise mental health awareness on Thursday, March 15. Got to www.namihelps.org Remember that MNCCD’s Tuesdays at the Capitol are 9:30-11 at the Minnesota Department of Transportation building cafeteria. The lunch meetings and policy updates for members are now Tuesdays, noon-1 p.m. at the State Office Building, Room 500S. MNCCD also posts other capitol events on its online calendar, at ww.mncod.org Bill deadlines are coming up fast.

Thursday, March 22 is when committees must to act favorably on bills in the house of origin. Thursday, March 29 is when committees must to act favorably on bills, or companions of bills, that met the first deadline in the other body.

Friday, April 20 is when committees must act favorably on major appropriation and finance bills. The deadlines don’t apply to the House Capital Investment, Taxes, Ways and Means, or Rules and Legislative Administration committees, nor to the Senate Capital Investment, Finance, Taxes or Rules and Administration committees.

Dayton will deliver his final State of the State address at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 14 in the House Chamber.

Anyone planning to visit the capitol should remember that state lawmakers are in recess for the Easter/Passover holidays from March 30-April 8. ■

considered. Access Press tells the real story.

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Without additional financial support, the newspaper that you have relied on for all these years will cease to exist. We want to be here for you and everyone else in the disability community at a time when we really need a dedicated source of news that talks about the issues that our community is facing.

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March 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 3

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Self-advocate Amy Zellmer encouraged everyone at the rally to share stories with state lawmakers.

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Photos by MNCCD, The Arc Minnesota and Diane Anderson

Bret Helsa accompanied the Side by Side Chorus.

PROPOSED CHANGES TO

EXTENDED EMPLOYMENT RULE The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is proposing changes to state rules that govern the Extended Employment (EE) program. The program helps Minnesotans with significant disabilities keep their jobs and advance in their careers.

Proposed Changes Prioritize funding for competitive, integrated employment

PROGRAMS

Align the program with new practices in the broader disability services system Reflect principles such as personcentered practices and informed choice

Public Comment The public will have an opportunity to make formal comments on the proposed changes this spring.

For more information and to sign up for email updates, please visit the DEED – EE website at: mn.gov/deed/eerule

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For further information, contact: Extended.Employment@state.mn.us

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Lance Hegland and Jeff Bangsberg spoke about the need for more caregiver compensation.

Self-advocate Amy Zellmer encouraged everyone at the rally to share stories with state lawmakers.

DIRECTORY OF ORGANIZATIONS MEMBER

The Minnesota Disability Law Center (MDLC) is the designated Protection and Advocacy System (P&A) for Minnesota and addresses the unique legal needs of Minnesotans with disabilities. MDLC provides free civil legal assistance to individuals with disabilities statewide on legal issues related to their disabilities.

MDLC has four goals to address the legal needs of clients with disabilities. MDLC advocates to:

 Eliminate Abuse and Neglect Increase Integration and Decrease  Discrimination  Increase Access to Appropriate Services  Increase statewide awareness of MDLC as an Advocacy Resource

All individuals with disabilities are eligible to receive help, regardless of age or income level.

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Phone: (612) 334-5970 • Online: www.mndlc.org Did you know you can join the Directory for $60/yr?

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March 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 3

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PEOPLE & PLACES Access improvement grants given

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Four Twin Cities arts organizations were awarded Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Access Improvement Grants by VSA Minnesota. The nonprofits will use grants totaling $40,744 to make arts programs more accessible to people with disabilities. Since 2010, 130 projects by 67 different organizations have been funded, totaling $1,508,744.

VSA Minnesota has administered the ADA Access Improvement Grant program since 2010 for the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council.

Artability, St. Paul, received $7,500. The Artability program encourages mental health through visual and written artistic expression, providing workshops free of charge to clients of People Incorporated and members of the public with mental illness. The program features the annual Artability Show & Sale, where artists with mental illness exhibit and sell visual pieces and an anthology of written works.

Artibility stages an annual show and sale in St. Paul.

Minnesota Fringe Festival, Minneapolis, will use $15,000 for various program enhancement. The annual festival will continue to provide ASL and audio-description services for dozens of performances in the Twin Cities. It will introduce a new Family Fringe, establishing a benchmark of 100 percent of shows serviced with interpretive services. Other additions include investigating new initiatives to improve access including transit assistance for patrons with visual impairments, and offering relaxed performance opportunities to accommodate individuals on the autism spectrum.

Minnesota Museum of American Art, St. Paul, received $15,000. The museum is embarking on an extensive expansion of its facility, opening phases in 2018 and 2019. The funds will help make the museum accessible, and build staff knowledge and capacity to continue to make improvements.

Mixed Precipitation, St. Paul, will use $3,244 to improve accessibility and build relationships with the deaf community through outreach by a deaf ASL coordinator, evaluation by a reinvigorated access advisory panel, and services by a team of deaf and hearing interpreters.

Applications were read, discussed and scored by a panel of persons active in arts and disability communities. VSA Minnesota’s board approved the panel’s recommendations. The next grant ap- plication deadline is May 1.

MDI opens Hibbing facilities

SUBMITTED PHOTO

individuals as well as the Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation, BlanMDI, a Minnesodin Foundation, St. Louis County, ta-based nonprofit Cleveland Cliffs, and FabCon.” social enterprise with The completion of MDI’s new a mission to serve peobuilding marks the culmination ple with disabilities of its multi-year effort to modernby offering inclusive ize equipment and facilities and employment opporprepare the organization for new tunities and services, diversification and growth. This announced it has offiprocess has included moving into cially opened its new and renovating a new space in the facility in Hibbing.

Twin Cities in 2014, purchasing “MDI built this faand renovating a new building in cility to provide better Cohasset in 2016, installing new working conditions equipment in Grand Rapids in for employees, to 2017, and opening the new space in strengthen overall efHibbing. ficiency of operations, “At the end of the day, this new provide room for building will vastly improve workbusiness growth, and ing conditions for the Hibbing create more jobs in the employees while providing opporHibbing community,” tunities for MDI to grow,” said Phil The opening of MDI's new facility in Hibbing was recently said Peter McDerBakken, who is a long-term MDI celebrated. mott, president and board member and was instrumental CEO. “We’re excited in creating support for the Hibbing project. “While still to welcome our current Hibbing employees into this new largely dependent on the United States Postal Services for setting and look forward to business growth.” revenue, we are now expanding into other manufactured Located outside downtown Hibbing near the Range Revenues that will diversify sales.” gional Airport, MDI’s new 36,000 square foot structure In addition to sales diversification, MDI is also working includes office space, a lunchroom, locker rooms, and a to expand the support services provided to people with modern and bright production floor. It replaces the fordisabilities. In 2017, MDI launched an innovative training mer 100-year-old Hibbing facility, which was originally a program, Work Skills 101, which provides professional Greyhound bus terminal. development opportunities for people with and without “I want to thank all our employees whose production disabilities and prepares them for job growth and adof more than 100 million totes and trays for the United vancement. The new Hibbing building will improve the States Postal Service over the past 25 years contributed training by providing a modern and inviting environment to MDI’s ability to build this new facility,” said McDerin which individuals with and without disabilities can mott. “In addition, we couldn’t have done it without the learn side by side. support of local elected officials and donors including Finally, with its new facilities and equipment in place,

∏∏f∏∏

Walz part of Bill Sackter’s story

In Memoriam

Another chapter in Bill Sackter’s story has ended.

Tom Walz, a longtime professor and former director of the University of Iowa School of Social Work, died in February. He was 84 and lived in the Iowa City area.

"He had the courage to start a lot of things before people recognized they were good ideas, and then once he got things started, people saw the wisdom in what he started and then took it over — then he was onto something else,” Mercedes Bern-Klug, director of the Aging & Longevity Studies Program at the School of Social Work, told the Press-Citizen newspaper.

Walz may best be known for his involvement with Sackter, a Minnesotan with developmental disabilities.

In the 1970s Walz hired Barry Morrow to work at the UI School of Social Work. Morrow brought Sackter, who had spent 44 years in an institution, along. Walz set Sackter up with a coffee cart job at the university.

Sackter’s story is one of what can happen when a person with disabilities is integrated into the

community. His story became a made-of-television movie in 1981, starring Mickey Rooney in an Emmywinning performance.

Sackter died in 1983 but his legacy continue, as the university’s coffee shop now employs a dozen people with disabilities. After Walz retired in 2001, he created a second shop, Uptown Bill’s Coffee House.

Uptown Bill’s hires people with disabilities and has spun off other businesses. The coffee house is overseen by the Extend the Dream Foundation.

Walz also started the Disability Enterprise Foundation, which runs the Iowa Disability Creative Works Galley.He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lisa, and their six children.

Groos helped implement law

John Groos is remembered as a pioneer in Minnesota special education. Groos, 91, died in late January. He IN MEMORIAM To page 13

MDI is perfectly positioned to strengthen its model as an inclusive work environment and to demonstrate to all employers that people with disabilities are dependable, committed, and skilled workers.

Angela Amado Retiring from ICI

Angela Amado, who has promoted person-centered approaches and social inclusion for more than 30 years, will retire from the University of Minnesota Institute on Community Integration (ICI) at the end of March. She has worked for the Institute since 1995, and was honored earlier this month after the screening of Valuing Lives: Wolf Wolfensberger and the Principle of Normalization at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis.

Angela Amado “It has been a privilege and joy to work at ICI with the freedom, flexibility and shared commitment to expand my two strongest passions - person-centered approaches and social inclusion,” said Amado. “My ICI projects have resulted in hundreds of community members befriending, including, and coming to love individuals with disabilities.”

Her projects include work on the issues of person-centered planning, consumer-controlled housing, self-advocacy, service quality, employment for people with disabilities, faith and friendships. Through the ICI Institute's Research and Training Center on Community Living she worked on projects such as Quality Mall and Self-Advocacy Online to leverage what was then a powerful new tool the Internet - to support people with disabilities. She also helped plan national and international conferences.

New Deaf, Hard of Hearing Services director named

Daniel Millikin has been named director of the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division. The appointment is effective April 4.

“In our search for a new director, Dan stood out for his experience in supervisory and strategic leadership positions as well as his extensive background in programs for people who are deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing and his skill Daniel Millikin in cultivating relationships with stakeholders,” said Claire Wilson, assistant commissioner of the DHS administrations of Continuing Care for Older Adults and Community Supports, which includes Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services.

Millikin brings 16 years’ professional experience and leadership in providing services to people who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind and those who also have secondary disabilities. Most recently he worked for Convo Communications, a Denver-based video relay service company. Before that he was director of the Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. He directed and supervised statewide referral services, program development and service delivery. He developed and maintained collaborative relationships with a wide range of organizations focused on services for older adults and people with disabilities as well as those who are deaf and hard of hearing and who have mental health and substance abuse issues.

Earlier in Millikin’s career he was director of the Student Life Team at the National Institute for the Deaf, part of the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, N.Y. he also taught at the New Mexico School for the Deaf; and was an attorney in government offices in Washington, D.C., and Madison, Wis. He holds degrees in law and psychology.

March 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 3

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OPPORTUNITIES

Disability issues take on urgency Weigh in, participate in planning

Minnesota’s Olmstead Plan envisions people with disabilities living, learning, working, and enjoying life in the most integrated setting of their choice. In March, there are two opportunities for people with disabilities, their families, and advocates to provide input into plan implementation.

Round Two of public input for plan amendments closes Tue, March 13. Information and a form are on the plan website. Comments can also be made by calling 651-206-9952 or emailing MNOlmsteadPlan@state.mn.us The Olmstead Implementation Office is currently seeking applicants who are interested in serving on the Olmstead Community Engagement Workgroup from June 2018-June 2019.

The group provides input and recommendations to the Olmstead Subcabinet and the office on ways to strengthen and expand authentic community engagement between state agencies, disability communities, and the general public. The subcabinet places a high priority on recruiting diverse representatives from within Minnesota’s disability community. People with disabilities who receive a various types of services or supports; people of color, American Indians, women, immigrants and refugees, and individuals who

identify as LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer); and people who reside both within

the metro area and greater Minnesota are encouraged to apply. Learn more about Olmstead at

https://tinyurl.com/y8rfwyx4

CONFERENCES MINNESOTA AUTISM CONFERENCE Registration is open for the 23rd Annual Minnesota Autism Conference, April 25-28, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Minneapolis - Park Place, 1500 Park Place Blvd., Mpls. Autism Society of Minnesota organizes the event, offering opportunities for experts, parents, caregivers, educators, paraprofessionals, mental health professionals, service providers and individuals on the spectrum to connect, collaborate, advocate and educate. The conference features four keynote speakers: “Autism Daddy Frank Campagna; Jed Baker, PhD; Stephen Shore, PhD; and Leah Kuypers MA Ed, OTR/L. More than 30 breakout sessions are also offered.

The conference begins with an exciting family celebration featuring Julia, the newest Sesame Street Muppet, a character who was created to increase awareness and understanding of autism. Costs and details are online. FFI: www.ausm.org SAVE THE DATE FOR MNCCD Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities hosts its annual health and wellness conference, conference, Healthy Independent Living for People with Disabilities Tue, Sept. 25 at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church, Mpls. Matthew Sanford is keynote speaker. This is the second year for the conference. FFI: www.mnccd.org

RESOURCES FREE EYE EXAMS FOR ANIMALS Service and working animals can get free eye exams through an annual exam program in May, organized by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists ACVO and StokesRx. The program has been offered for 11 years and has helped almost 60,000 animals. Registration opens Sun, April 1 and ends Mon, April 30.

The appointments fill up quickly. The goal for the hundreds of volunteers is to provide as many exams as possible. Guide, disability assistance, detection, military, search and rescue, and registered therapy animals are eligible. Register to determine eligibility and to see what is offered in the region. FFI: www.ACVOeyeexam.org QPR CLASS IS OFFERED A free, one-hour presentation sponsored by NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) that covers the three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide - Question, Persuade and Refer. Just like CPR, QPR is an emergency response to someone in crisis and can save lives. It is the most widely taught gatekeeper training program in the United States, and more than one million adults have been trained in classroom settings in more than 48 states. Registration is required. Class is 7-8 p.m. Mon, March 26 at in St. Paul at Woodland Hills Church, 1740 Van Dyke St., St. Paul.

FFI: Hayley, 651-645-2948 x198, “classes” at namihelps.org PACER WORKSHOPS SAMPLING PACER Center offers many useful free or low-cost workshops and other resources for families of children with any disabilities.

Workshops are at PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, unless specified. Workshops are offered throughout the state. Advance registration is required for all workshops. At least 48 hours’ notice is needed for interpretation. Ask if workshops are livestreamed. Check out PACER’s website and link to the newsletter of statewide workshops that allows participants to pick and choose sessions catered to their needs. 10 Topics to Help Your Child Succeed in Special Education is offered 6:30-8:30 p.m. Mon, March 19 in St. Paul. Parents who participate in this interactive workshop will learn 10 important areas in the special education process that will help children be successful. Parents will also be provided with four useful tools to help in the process.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI): First Steps is offered 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wed, March 28 in St. Cloud. Learn how young family members can apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to help meet postsecondary education, training, employment, and independent living goals.

FFI: PACER, 952-838-9000, 800-537-2237, www.pacer.org BE A ‘HANDIHAM’ The Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute’s Handiham Program connects people with vision loss or physical disability with the challenging, exciting and rewarding world of ham radio. Radio Talking Book is helping to promote the program. Ham radio is a fun hobby and can connect people from all over the world. FFI: 1-866426-3442, www.handiham.org TECH FOR GIRLS PACER Center presents Tech for Girls Club for middle school girls with disabilities 10-11:30 a.m. Sat, April 21 at PACER, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington. Making Music with Water allows girls to ill turn glasses of water into music machines using

MakeyMakey kits. They will learn about circuits and wiring, and will become musicians for a day. An opportunity to have fun with science, technology, engineering, and math. All skill levels are welcome. Free but participants must preregister. FFI: PACER, 952838-9000, 800-537-2237, www.pacer.org

VOLUNTEER VOLUNTEER READERS SOUGHT Volunteers are a valuable resource at Radio Talking Book, broadcasting local news and information programs to blind and print-impaired listeners from sites in Duluth, Fergus Falls, Grand Rapids, Mankato, Rochester, St. Cloud and the Communication Center in St. Paul. The goal is to provide accurate and timely information to our thousands of listeners throughout Minnesota and across the nation. Volunteers are needed to provide this important service. FFI: Roberta Kitlinski, 651-539-1423 OPEN THE DOOR TO EDUCATION Help adults reach their educational goals and earn their GED. Tutor, teach or assist in a classroom with the Minnesota Literacy Council. Give just 2-3 hours a week and help people expand their opportunities and change their lives through education. The literacy council provides training and support and accommodations for volunteers with disabilities. FFI: Allison, 651-251-9110, volunteer@ mnliteracy.org, http://tinyurl.com/adult-opportunities

INFO & ASSISTANCE PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP The St. Cloud Area Parkinson's Disease Support Group meets 1-2:30 p.m. the third Mon of each month at ILICIL Independent Lifestyles, 215 N. Benton Drive, St. Cloud. Free. Meetings are open to those diagnosed with Parkinson’s, their families, caregivers and the general public. The group provides support, education, and awareness about the disease. FFI: 320-529-9000 MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT OFFERED NAMI Minnesota offers more than 300 free educational classes statewide each year, along with help in navigating the mental health system. NAMI also has more than 70 free support groups for people living with a mental illness and their families. NAMI Minnesota offers more than 300 free educational classes statewide each year, along with help in navigating the mental health system. In the Twin Cities NAMI has about 24 family support

groups, more than 20 support groups for people living with a mental illness, anxiety support groups, groups for veterans and other groups. Led by trained facilitators, groups provide help and support.

Parent resource groups are facilitated by a parent who has a child with a mental illness and who has been trained to lead support groups. A group meets 6:30-8 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday at Eagle Brook Church, 2401 East Buffalo St., White Bear Lake. FFI: Jody Lyons 651-645-2948 x109.

Family support groups help families who have a relative with a mental illness. A group meets at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Wed at Centennial United Methodist Church, 1524 Co. Rd. C-2 West, Roseville. FFI: Anne Mae. 651-484-0599.

Open Door Anxiety and Panic support groups help people cope with anxiety disorders. One group meets 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. the second and fourth Thu in Room 104, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 700 Snelling Ave. S., St. Paul. Another group meets 6:308 p.m. the first and third Thu at Woodland Hills Church, 1740 Van Dyke St., St. Paul.

A peer support group is offered for LGBTQ adults living with a mental illness. The group meets 1-2:30 p.m. Sat, Living Table United Church of Christ, 3805 E. 40th St, Mpls. FFI: David, 612-920-3925, 651-645-2948.

Young Adult NAMI Connection is a free support group for persons ages 16-20. One group meets 7-8:30 the first and third Thu at Friends Meeting House, 1725 Grand Ave., St. Paul. A group also meets 7-8:30 p.m. on the first and third Thu at Dental Office of Dr. Crandall & Associates, 2300 East Highway 96, White Bear Lake. The group is facilitated by young adults who live with mental illnesses and are doing well in recovery. A full calendar of all events is offered online. FFI: 651-645-2948, www.namihelps.org VISION LOSS GROUP OFFERS ACTIVITIES Vision Loss Resources provides free and low-cost activities in the Twin Cities for people who are blind or visually impaired. Life skills classes for those with low vision; card games, craft classes, book clubs, walking groups, dinners out, special outings and technology classes are among the offerings. Participants need to RVSP to participate, at least three working days prior to an event.

The calendar is also available on the website and as a printable large-print PDF document for those who wish to print their own or additional copies. FFI: RSVP hotline, 612-843-3439; activity line and audio calendar, 612-253-5155, www.visionlossresources.org MCIL HOSTS CLASSES AND ACTIVITIES The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living provides many life skills classes as well as fun outings and events for people with disabilities. MCIL is at 530 N. Robert Street, St Paul and most activities are there or start there. Classes and events are listed at www.mcil-mn.org. Click on “Classes Groups and Sessions” for updated information or to print their calendar. Please give two weeks’ notice if the alternative format or other accommodations are needed. Events are free, accessible and mostly scent-free. FFI: 651-603-2030 ICICIL OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES ICICIL Independent Lifestyles, 215 N. Benton Drive, St. Cloud, offers a number of classes, events and other opportunities for Minnesotans with disabilities in central Minnesota. The center offers its own programming and hosts other groups. Free mental health discussion group 6-:30 p.m. Mon. Learn to live life to the fullest and support each other. FFI: 320-267-7717 ADULT SUPPORT GROUPS OFFERED Alums offers free support groups for adults with autism spectrum disorder. Groups include those for adult family members, women with autism spectrum disorders and independent adults with autism.

Check the website for upcoming groups. Groups meet at the Alums offices at 2380 Wycliff St. FFI: 651-647-1083 ext. 10, www.ausm.org

TICKETS ON SALE

MARCH 17!

651-644-6659

saintsbaseball.com

March 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 3

Pg 12

Disability issues highlighted at large rally

ENJOY!

INDECENT Guthrie Theater presents a drama about a drama, at Guthrie Theater, Wurtele Thrust, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. OC offered 1 p.m. Wed, March 7; 7:30 p.m. Fri, March 16, and 1 p.m. Sat, March 24. AD and ASL offered 1 p.m. Sat, March 10 with free sensory tour at 10:30 a.m. AD offered 7:30 p.m. Fri, March 16. ASL offered 7:30 p.m. Fri, March 23. Tickets reduced to $20 for AD/ASL, $25 for OC. (reg. $15-67), FFI: 612-377-2224, www.guthrietheater.org THE NIGHTINGALE Stages Theatre Company presents the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, at Hopkins Center for the Arts, Mainstage, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins. AD and ASL offered 7 p.m. Fri, March 16, SENS offered Thu, March 15 or Sat, March 17. All tickets to SENS performance are $10 and cannot be reserved online.

FFI: 952-979-1111, opt. 4, www.stagestheatre.org CALENDAR GIRLS Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre presents the story of eight ladies and their saucy fundraiser, at the Stage at Island Park, 333 4th St. S., Fargo. AD offered 7:30 p.m. Fri, March 16, pre-show description at 7:10 p.m. Tickets reduced to $10 for AD patron and companion; AD tickets not available online. FFI: 701-235-6778, www.fmct.org THE WIZ Children’s Theatre Company and Penumbra Theatre Production present an adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, at Children’s Theatre, United Health Group Stage, 2400 3rd Ave. S., Mpls. SENS offered 7 p.m. Fri, March 16. Assistive listening devices, induction loop system, Braille programs and sensory tours available upon request. Tickets start at $15. Discounts available. FFI: 612874-0400, www.childrenstheatre.org RIGOLETTO Minnesota Opera presents Verdi’s time-honored tale of seduction and revenge, at Ordway Music Theater, 345 Washington St., St. Paul. OC offered 7:30 p.m. Sat. March 17; Thu, March 22; Sat. March 24; Tue, March 27, Thu, March 29 and Sat. March 31; and 2 p.m. Sun, March 25. Sung in Italian with English translations projected above the stage. AD offered 2 p.m. Sun, March 25. Braille, large-print programs and infrared listening systems available at Patron Services in Ordway’s first level lobby. Half-price tickets for AD patrons (regular $25-165). FFI: 612-333-6669, www.mnopera.org THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE Park Square Theatre presents the Gilbert and Sullivan favorite at Park Square Theatre, Proscenium Stage, 20 W. 7th Place, St. Paul. OC offered 7:30 p.m. Fri-Sat, March 23-24 and 2 p.m. Sun., March 25. Assistive listening devices available. OC single ticket discount is half-price for patron and one guest with code ACC (regular $40, $60; previews $27, $37). Other discounts available. FFI: 651-291-7005, www.parksquaretheatre.org MEASURE FOR MEASURE Theatre Unbound presents Shakespeare’s #metoo classic at Gremlin Theatre, 550 Vandalia Ave., St. Paul. AD offered 7:30 p.m. Sat, March 24.

Tickets $18-22 range. Discount code for $15 tickets for VSA patrons: VSA. FFI: 612-721-1186, www.theatreunbound.com RISE UP Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus presents a concert in the spirit of resistance and persistence, at Ted Mann Concert Hall, 2128 4th St. S., Mpls. Listening devices, large-print and Braille programs available on request. ASL offered 8 p.m. Sat, March 24. Tickets reduced to half-price for ASL patrons (regular $25-48 in advance). The interpreter will be located on the right side of the stage; an area near that location has been designated as ASL seating, with locations on the orchestra and mezzanine levels, FFI: 612-624-2345, www.tcgmc.org AS ONE Skylark Opera Theatre presents an opera with a transgender protagonist, at North Garden Theater, 929 7th St. W., St. Paul. ASL offered 2 p.m. Sun, March 25. Tickets $39. Discounts available. FFI: 651-292-4309, www.skylarkopera.org SHE LOVES ME Lyric Arts Company of Anoka presents a musical set in a 1930s perfumery, at Lyric Arts Main Street Stage, 420 E. Main St., Anoka. ASL offered 2 p.m. Sun, March 25. Lyric Arts reserves seats in Row I for parties including persons using wheelchairs or with limited mobility. ASL interpreters are provided at the first Sun performance of each regular season production.

A limited number of seats near the interpreters are held in reserve for ASL patrons until three weeks prior to the performance. If no ASL seating has been reserved three weeks before the show, the ASL interpretation will be canceled and seats will be released to the general public. When ordering tickets, please indicate the need for seating in this section. Assisted listening devices are also available upon request. Tickets $30-34; $5 discount for ASL seats. FFI: 763-422-1838, www.lyricarts.org THE ILLUSIONISTS A touring company of master illusionists performs at Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls. ASL offered 6:30 p.m. Sun, March 25. Tickets $48.50 to $83.50. Limited seats are available at the lowest price level to patrons using ASL interpreting services on a first-come, first-served basis. Prices apply for up to two tickets for each patron requiring ASL interpretation. Additional seats may be sold separately and at regular price.

FFI: 612-339-7007, www.hennepintheatretrust.org DISNEY'S NEWSIES Chanhassen Dinner Theatres presents a story inspired by the Newsboys’ Strike of 1899, at 501 W. 78th St., Chanhassen. AD offered Wed, March 28, with 6 p.m. dinner and 8 p.m. show; and Sat, May 5, with 11 a.m. lunch and 1 p.m. show (limited seating, first-come first-served). ASL to be determined.

Ticket prices vary by day and whether or not patrons have meals, starting at $50. FFI: 952-934-1525, www.ChanhassenDT.com DANCE 'TIL YOU DROP A dance premiere based on the 1929 stock market crash, by Collide Theatrical Dance Company and History Theatre, is presented at History Theatre, 30 E. 10th St., St. Paul. AD offered 7:30 p.m. Fri, March 30. OC offered 7:30 p.m. Sat, March 3 and 2 p.m. Sun, April 1. ASL offered by request only as 90 percent of the show is dance. The accessible entrance is on the east side of the building off Cedar Street. The theatre has six spaces for wheelchairs, plus companion seats. Hearing enhancement devices and Braille or large print playbills available. Tickets reduced to $20 for AD/OC patrons (regular $26-500. FFI: 651-292-4323, www.historytheatre.com ARTS OF EUROPE Minneapolis Institute of Arts presents interpreted tours starting at the information bar, upper lobby, first floor, 2400 3rd Ave. S., Mpls. ASL offered 1 p.m. Sunday, April 1. Free. Other interpreted and memory loss tours can be scheduled through the museum’s Visitor Experience office. FFI: 612-870-3000, www.artsmia.org AS YOU LIKE IT University Theatre/Guthrie Theater BFA Sophomore Class 2020 presents a

JENNIFER HUDSON HEADLINES

Academy Award-winning actress and Grammy Award-winning singer Jennifer Hudson headlines PACER’s Annual Benefit on Sat, May 12 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Proceeds from the annual benefit support PACER’s programs for children with disabilities and their families, and PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center. Tickets start at $75 and include silent and live auctions.

FFI: 952-838-9000, PACER.org/benefit .

Shakespearean adventure that is romantic and ridiculous, at University of Minnesota, Rarig Center, Stoll Thrust stage, 330 21st Ave. S., Mpls. ASL offered 2 p.m. Sun, April 1. Tickets $6 general admission. FFI: 612 6242345, www.theatre.umn.edu TWELFTH NIGHT University Theatre/Guthrie Theater BFA Sophomore Class 2020 presents Shakespeare’s story of love, loss and mistaken identity, at University of Minnesota, Rarig Center, Stoll Thrust stage, 330 21st Ave. S., Mpls. ASL offered 7:30 p.m. Sun, April 1. Tickets $6 general admission. FFI: 612 6242345, www.theatre.umn.edu TOUR FOR PEOPLE WITH MEMORY LOSS At 10 a.m. on the first Tue of every month the historic James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Ave., St. Paul, offers a sensory-based tour designed for people with memory loss and their caregivers. Each themed tour, usually an hour or less, highlights three rooms and is followed by an optional social time until 11:30 a.m. with pastries and coffee. Private group tours are available for care facilities. Next tour is Tue, April 3. Free but reservations required. FFI: 651-297-2555, www.mnhs.org OPEN FLOW FORUM The Artists with Disabilities Alliance Open Flow Forum is the first Thu of the month, 7-9 p.m. at Walker Community Church, 3104 16th Ave. S., Mpls. Upcoming dates: April 5 and May 3. Allows artists with disabilities to share visual art, writing, music, theatre and other artistic efforts or disability concerns. The gathering is informal and fragrance-free. Bring refreshments as well as your recent artistic creations to share. Free. Facilitators are Tara Innmon, Dan Reiva and Kip Shane. Fully accessible, but anyone needing special accommodations, contact Jon at VSA Minnesota, 612-332-3888 or jon@vsamn.org KINKY BOOTS A touring company presents the musical about a struggling shoe factory and its new products, at Ordway Music Theater, 345 Washington, St. Paul.

OC offered 7:30 p.m. Thu, April 5. ASL and AD offered 2 p.m. Sat, April 7.

Request seating in areas for ASL and OC. Braille, large-print programs and infrared listening systems available at Patron Services in Ordway’s first level lobby. Tickets $34-$116.50. FFI: 651-224-4222, www.ordway.org SOMETHING ROTTEN A touring company presents a musical comedy about Shakespeare’s less successful relatives, at Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls. OC offered 7:30 p.m. Thu, April 5. ASL offered 1 p.m. Sun, April 8. AD offered 6:30 p.m. Sun, April 8. Tickets $39-$135. Limited seats are available at the lowest price level to patrons using ASL interpreting or OC services on a firstcome, first-served basis. Prices apply for up to two tickets for each patron requiring ASL interpreting or OC. Additional seats may be sold separately and at regular price. FFI: 612-339-7007, www.hennepintheatretrust.org CORDUROY Children’s Theatre Company presents the story of the beloved little bear, at Children’s Theatre Co., Cargill Stage, 2400 3rd Ave. S., Mpls. AD and ASL offered 7 p.m. Fri, April 6. SENS offered 7 p.m. Fri, May 11. Tickets start at $15. Assistive listening devices, induction loop system, Braille programs and sensory tours available upon request. Discounts available. FFI: 612-8740400, www.childrenstheatre.org FAMILIAR Guthrie Theater presents the story of cultural identity and an upcoming wedding, at Guthrie Theater, McGuire Proscenium, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. OC offered 7:30 p.m. Fri, April 6 and 1 p.m. Sat, April 7 and Wed, April 11. AD and ASL offered 7:30 p.m. Fri, April 6 and 1 p.m. Sat, April 14. Free sensory tour 10:30 a.m. Sat, April 14. Tickets reduced to $20 for AD/ASL, $25 for OC (regular $15-67). FFI: 612-377-2224, www.guthrietheater.org MERMAID HOUR: REMIXED Mixed Blood Theatre presents a world premiere chamber musical exploring the gender continuum, at Alan Page Auditorium at Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 S. 4th St., Mpls. OC with projected supertitle translations in English offered at all performances. AD and ASL offered 7:30 p.m. Sat, April 7, with tactile tour at 7 p.m. Recorded AD available at all performances after April 7.

Mixed Blood’s Access Pass provides complimentary guaranteed admission for shows to patrons with disabilities and their companions, as well as free transportation to and from the theatre for patrons with disabilities. Advance reservations available online or by phone for $25. Radical Hospitality admission is free on a first come/first served basis starting two hours before every show. Memberships also offered. FFI: 612-338-6131, www. mixedblood.com CANTERVILLE GHOST Theatre in the Round Players presents Oscar Wilde’s humorous ghost story, at Theatre in the Round, 245 Cedar Ave., Mpls. AD offered 2 p.m. Sun, April 8.

Tactile tour at 1 p.m. upon request based on reservations. Large-print programs and assisted-listening devices available at every performance Tickets $22.

Discounts available. FFI: 612-333-3010, www.theatreintheround.org THE WOLVES Jungle Theater presents a drama about nine American girls, at Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls. AD offered 7:30 p.m. Thu, April 12. Contact the theatre to request an ASL-interpreted show. Tickets reduced to $19 plus fees (regular $37 plus fees), FFI: 612-822-7063, www.jungletheater.com DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST GREAT Theatre presents the children’s tale of love and acceptance, at Paramount Theatre, 913 St. Germain St. W., St. Cloud. ASL offered 7:30 p.m.

Fri, April 13. Tickets zoned-based, ranging from $28-34. Other discounts

available. FFI: 320-259-5463, www.GreatTheatre.org MINNESOTA ORCHESTRA SMALL ENSEMBLE CONCERT: VIOLIN DUO Minnesota Orchestra, Adam Kuenzel, flute, and Magdalena Loza Flores, guitar, present an engaging and interactive concert, at Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Mpls. SENS 11 a.m. Sat, April 14. The sensory-friendly small ensemble is ideal for patrons of all ages and abilities, including people on the autism spectrum and those with sensory sensitivities. Lyndie Walker, MTBC, of Toneworks Music Therapy Services hosts. Fidgets, noise-canceling headphones and quiet spaces are available, and attendees can access online preparatory materials one month before performances. Stand-alone chairs provide for flexible seating, and open space is available for those who wish to sit on the floor or move around the room. Free but advance tickets required. FFI: 612-371-5656, www.minnesotaorchestra.org FIVE POINTS Theater Latte Da presents the world premiere of a tale of Civil War-era New York City, at Ritz Theater, 345 13th Ave. NE, Mpls. AD and ASL offered 7:30 p.m. Thu, April 19/ Tickets reduced to $17.50 for ASL/AD patrons and one guest. FFI: 612-339-3003, www.latteda.org DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre presents a musical comedy caper, at the Stage at Island Park, 333 4th St. S., Fargo. AD offered 7:30 p.m. Fri, April 20. Pre-show description at 7:10 p.m. Audio description tickets not available online. Tickets reduced to $10 for AD patron and companion (regular $21).

Other discounts available. FFI: 701-235-6778, www.fmct.org SPRING AWAKENING Normandale Department of Theatre presents a musical about morality and sexuality, at Normandale Community College, Fine Arts Building, 9700 France Ave. S., Bloomington. ASL offered 7:30 p.m. Fri, April 20. Adult themes. Not suitable for children. Tickets $10. Other discounts available. FFI: 952-358-8884, www.normandale.edu THE TEMPEST North Hennepin Community College Theatre presents Shakespeare’s tale of magic and revenge, at North Hennepin Community College Fine Arts Center, Mainstage Theatre, 7411 85th Ave. N., Brooklyn Park. ASL offered 7:30 p.m. Fri, April 20. Tickets $12. Other discounts available. FFI: 763-493-0543, www.nhcc.edu/theatre MAN AND WOMAN AT (ART)WORK Self-taught Midwest Special Services artists Dan Stallworth and Tiranke Sidime present their work at the Show Art Gallery, 346 N. Sibley St., Lowertown St. Paul through Sun, March 25. AD offered 10-11 a.m. Sun, March 18. Gallery hours are Thu-Fri, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat-Sun. Closed Mon-Wed. Free. FFI: 651-419-8022, www.theshowgallerylowertown.org TO REALLY SEE: EXPLORING THE MEDICATION-TAKING EXPERIENCE THROUGH ART Avivo ArtWorks, formerly Spectrum, presents a show by artists with mental illness, at University of Minnesota Bio-Medical Library, 2nd floor, Diehl Hall, 505 Essex St. SE, Mpls. The exhibition is a project curated by Jes Reyes, the coordinator of Avivo's ArtWorks program, and co-organized by Paul Ranelli, a professor of Social Pharmacy at the U of M College of Pharmacy. Exhibiting artists include: Ashley Adams, Teresa Audet, Cecile Bellamy, Douglas Blue, Andrew Braunberger, Jennifer N. Campbell, John Casey, Kate Clark, Christi Furnas, Peter F. Hinze, KaTa, Kandace Krause, Sam Larom, Gary Melquist, Photovoice participants, Michaela Rachor, Holly Rapoport, Anne South, Julia C. Spencer, Heather Spielman, Shining Starr, Tobias, Jessica Ward and Roger Williamson. Open until April 30. Free. FFI: 612-752-8242, JReyes@ Resource-MN.org MORE EVENTS INFORMATION VSA MINNESOTA VSA Minnesota is a statewide nonprofit organization that works to create a community where people with disabilities can learn through, participate in and access the arts, at http://vsamn.org. The website has a comprehensive

ENJOY To page 15

Indecent Now – March 24

by PAULA VOGEL directed by WENDY C. GOLDBERG

Familiar

March 10 – April 14

by DANAI GURIRA directed by TAIBI MAGAR

612.377.2224 • accessibility@guthrietheater.org www.guthrietheater.org/access

March 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 3

Pg 13

PEOPLE & PLACES

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Can Do Canines KARE 11 Meteorologist Sven Sundgaard took part in the fun at the recent Can Do Canines Fetching Ball fundraiser.

Eggroll Queen has a new place Mai Vang, known by many Twin Cities food truck fans as the Eggroll Queen, is getting a new palace. Vang has been a fixture in the St. Paul food truck community in recent years. She sells her wares at farmers’ markets and helps raise money for charities.

In an interview, Vang said her goal in volunteering is to “create miracles for families,” adding “People can be wonderful if you give them the chance.”

Vang has faced many challenges.

She was born in Laos and spent eight years in a refugee camp with her family before coming to St. Paul.

She suddenly lost her hearing in 2013. She regained some auditory abilities within a few months, then began cycle of regaining and then losing all hearing abilities. She has pursued natural alternatives as well as a cochlear implant.

She channeled her energy into helping others with her cooking skills and an impressive array of volunteer activities, all while raising a family and running a software business full-time. In interviews she has described how making eggrolls has given her a sense of purpose and usefulness, while coping with disability. To thank those who helped her food business get its start, Vang has committed to making food for four fundraisers each year.

In January it was Vang who needed help. While preparing food at a benefit, her trailer caught on fire and was a total loss. A GoFundMe campaign started by fellow food truck owner-operators Will and Amy Cave of Grill Works raised more than $7,900

IN MEMORIAM From page 10 lived in Minneapolis.

He came to Minnesota in 1961 to lead state efforts to get special education programs in place.

The work took several years. As the state's director of special education, Groos was responsible for implementing the 1957 Special Education Law that required education services be provided for children and youths with disabilities. That was a major change from the decades of children either going to state schools, living in state institutions or staying home. Local school districts were able to opt out of providing services. A district needed at least five students with disabilities before services could be provided.

Groos’ work to implement the 1957 law involved travels statewide. He met with school superintendents and helped set up special education programs. Colleagues remember his calming manner in the face of school district leaders with budget and staffing concerns.

He also worked with colleges and universities to promote special education teaching as a career and to promote teacher training.

Family members said Groos taught them to listen to voices that aren't in the mainstream, whether it was from blind or deaf students, or those who were dyslexic or disenfranchised. He

Stay Warm. Stay Safe.

Stay Connected.

Don’t Get DisconnecteD! enerGy AssistAnce cAn Help.

Community Action Partnership of HELP? Hennepin County’s Energy Assistance Program provides financial assistance to eligible Hennepin County residents, to help with home utility costs.

NEED

in less than a month. Publicity in the weekly newspaper City Pages and support from prominent chefs including celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern helped the campaign soar well past its $7,200 goal.

Vang has already found a used truck, which she will make improvements to. Her hope is to pass an upcoming Minnesota Department of Health inspection and be on the road by mid-April.

was also an early advocate for affirmative action.

He stepped down as state director of special education in 1980.

Groos is survived by his wife, Virginia, four children and 11 grandchildren. Services have been held.

Lewis an advocate for special education

James F. Lewis was a longtime faculty member at St. Cloud State University, and a champion for people with disabilities. Lewis, 74, died in February.

The Nebraska native lost an arm at age five, in a farm accident. His family encouraged him to succeed, so he took up the trumpet and was a high school and college track athlete. After earning advanced degrees in special education and psychology, Lewis and his family moved to St. Cloud in 1969. He taught at St. Cloud State for 32 years, retiring in 2001.

Lewis had a private assessment practice providing testing services for Social Security disability, mental health, vocational rehabilitation and government agencies, which he operated through 2015. He advocated for people with disabilities. He was a board member for ADAM (Attention Deficit Awareness Lewis and his wife Ruth endowed education scholarships for students in the fields of science and special education at the IN MEMORIAM To page 15

Energy Assistance Program offices are now open in St. Louis Park and 3 Minneapolis locations: Minnesota Council of Churches, Sabathani Community Center and Minneapolis Urban League

To apply, call 952-930-3541 E-mail eap@caphennepin.org or text 4WARMTH to 555888 www.caphennepin.org facebook.com/caphennepin

A program of Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County, sponsored by: The Minnesota Department of Commerce & The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

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March 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 3

Polar Plungers start time of chills, thrills

Pg 14

RADIO TALKING BOOK

BOOKS AVAILABLE THROUGH FARIBAULT Books broadcast on the Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network are available through the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library in Faribault. Call 1-800-722-0550, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The catalog is online at www.mnbtbl.org, click on the link Search the Library Catalog. Persons living outside of Minnesota may obtain copies of books via an inter-library loan by contacting their home state’s Network Library for the National Library Service.

Listen to the Minnesota Radio Talking Book, either live or archived program from the last week, on the Internet at www.mnssb.org/rtb. The sampling published monthly in Access Press doesn’t represent the full array of programming.

Many more programs and books are available.

Call the Talking Book Library for a password to the site. To find more information about Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network events go to the Facebook site, Minnesota Radio Talking Book.

Audio information about the daily book listings is also on the National Federation for the Blind (NFB) Newsline.

Register for the NFB Newsline by calling 651-539-1424.

Access Press is featured at 9 p.m. Sundays on the program “It Makes a Difference.”

Donate to the State Services for the Blind at mn.gov/ deed/ssbdonate CHAUTAUQUA* Tuesday – Saturday 4 a.m.

A Big Bang in a Little Room, nonfiction by Zeeya Merali, 2017. How was the universe created? Could we create our own? Modern science may hold the answers. Read by Arlan Dohrenburg. 13 broadcasts, begins Thu March 29.

BOOKWORM* Monday – Friday 11 a.m.

Across the China Sea, fiction by Gaute Heivoll, translated by Nadia Christensen, 2017. In the waning days of World War II a family moves to a small Norwegian town, where they develop a unique community. Read by Therese Murray. Seven broadcasts, begins Mon, March 26.

THE WRITER'S VOICE* Monday – Friday 2 p.m.

On My Own, nonfiction by Diane Rehm, 2016. NPR host Diane Rehm recounts her husband’s struggle with Parkinson’s disease and her challenges without him.

Read by Therese Murray. Six broadcasts, begins Wed, March 28. – V, L, S CHOICE READING* Monday – Friday 4 p.m.

London and the South-East, fiction by David Szalay, 2008. An out-of-work salesman begins an unskilled job, befriends people he never would have, and transforms his life. Read by Neil Bright. 14 broadcasts, begins Wed, March 21.

PM REPORT* Monday – Friday 8 p.m.

Strangers in Their Own Land, nonfiction by Arlie Russell Hochschild, 2016. A sociologist travels to Louisiana and uncovers powerful feelings of fear, resentment, and betrayal among its people. Read by Judy Woodward. 11 broadcasts, begins Mon, March 19. – V, L, S NIGHT JOURNEY* Monday – Friday 9 p.m.

The Inca Code, fiction by Colin T. Nelson, 2017. An investigator learns that his friend leads a double life,

which includes South American authorities and Chinese gangsters. Read by Yelva Lynfield. 12 broadcasts, begins Mon, March 26.

OFF THE SHELF* Monday – Friday 10 p.m.

Shining City, fiction by Tom Rosenstiel, 2017. An investigative team assigned to “vet” a Supreme Court nominee races the clock to protect him from a murder threat. Read by John Holden. 11 broadcasts, begins Tue, March 27.

GOOD NIGHT OWL* Monday – Friday midnight The Wages of Sin, fiction by Kaite Walsh, 2017. A medical student in Victorian Edinburgh discovers the corpse of one of her patients, and is determined to find the killer. Read by Michele Potts. Nine broadcasts, begins Wed, March 28. – V, L, G Weekend Program Books Your Personal World, 1 p.m. Sat, is airing The Wisdom of Sundays by Oprah Winfrey, read by Beverly Burchett.

For the Younger Set, 11 a.m. Sun, is airing Running Full Tilt by Michael Currinder, read by Don Gerlach.

Poetic Reflections, noon Sun, is airing The Hudson Review Winter Poetry 2018, read by Jess Banks.

The Great North, 4 p.m. Sun, presents The Women of Mayo Clinic, by Virginia M. Wright-Peterson, read by Mitzi Lewellen.

ABBREVIATIONS: V – Violence, L – Offensive Language, S – Sexual Situations, RE – Racial Epithets

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March 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 3

IN MEMORIAM From page 13

ENJOY! LEARN TO BE INCLUSIVE AND ACCESSIBLE How do cultural organizations learn if their plans to be inclusive and accessible are actually what the disability community needs? What makes an access advisory committee successful? What makes it worth the time of the arts or cultural organization’s “experts”? What pitfalls should be avoided or ideas replicated? The Minnesota Access Alliance can help answer those questions at a free panel discussion, 3:30-5 p.m. Thu, March 15 at the Guthrie Theater, 818 S. 2nd St., Mpls. Moderated by Maren Levad from Minnesota Historical Society, the panel will include Stephanie Cunningham of Lighthouse Consulting; Kaitlyn Mielke of ThinkSelf Minnesota Deaf Adult Education & Advocacy; Jenea Rewertz-Targui, of the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts and Jessica Ryan of the Minnesota Orchestra. All have strong backgrounds in the arts and access issues.

People in arts and cultural organizations who are interested in access, and in forming access advisory committees are urged to attend. Preregistration is requested at https://mnaa-advisorycommittees.eventbrite. com. Open Captioning will be provided. Anyone needing additional accommodations such as ASL interpretation to make this program accessible, contact Maren Levad, 651259-3480, maren.levad@mnhs.org

calendar at the upper right-hand corner of its homepage. For information on galleries and theater performances around the state join the Access to Performing Arts email list at access@vsamn.org or call VSA Minnesota, 612-332-3888 or statewide 800-801-3883 (voice/TTY). To hear a weekly listing of accessible performances, call 612-332-3888 or 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 provided. VSA Minnesota advises everyone to call or email ahead, to make such that an accommodation

REGIONAL NEWS From page 6 second threat in less than a day and prompted a lockdown for more than 900 students, just a week after 17 people were shot and killed at a Florida high school.

The fundraising page stated that the student did not mean the threat, didn't have the means to carry it out and that he is despondent over the incident.

“The social media post was made in frustration with a group discussion regarding school safety, without the benefit of impulse control. There was no intention, nor the means, to carry out the threat,” the page stated.

The money raised — the goal originally was $25,000 but has now been raised to $30,000 — will help fund he student and his family's legal and medical needs and time away from work.

(Source: Minnesota Public Radio)

Plans to raise rents dropped

An assisted-living complex in Coon Rapids reversed plans to impose doubledigit rent increases that could have uprooted dozens of longtime neighbors and splintered the community. Also, the operator of Autumn Glen Senior Living apologized for not communicating directly with residents about rent hikes of 15 to 30 percent that took effect in January. The operator said it would instead limit the rent increase to 4 percent and promised to provide a clear explanation for any future rent increases of 5 percent or more.

“We hope these adjustments will make your apartment feel like home again as we work together in supporting your future needs here,” wrote Dan Dixon, president and chief executive of Guardian Angels Senior Services of Elk River, a nonprofit organization that manages the facility for a group of private investors.

The decision marks a dramatic change in fortunes for the roughly 100 seniors who live at Autumn Glen, a complex that includes apartments, assisted living and memory care. Residents had challenged the increases.

Elder-care advocates say the case highlights the general lack of consumer protections for the roughly 60,000 Minnesotans who live in senior facilities across the state. Minnesota is one of just a handful of states that does not license

is offered, as schedules can change. VSA Minnesota can also refer venues and theater companies to qualified describers, interpreters and captioners.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Another web events listing is http://c2net.org (c2: caption coalition, inc., which does most of the captioned shows across the country. Facebook is another way to connect with performances.

Sign up to connect with Audio Description across Minnesota http:// tinyurl.com/d34dzo2. Connect with ASL interpreted and captioned performances across Minnesota on Facebook http://tinyurl.com/ FBcaption. Another resource is Minnesota Playlist, with a recently updated website calendar with all the ASL-interpreted, audio-described, captioned, pay-

these facilities, which means that elderly residents have few protections against sudden rent hikes and evictions. Despite the vulnerability of their residents, assisted-living facilities fall under the same landlord-tenant rules that govern ordinary rental properties and apartment buildings. (Source: Star Tribune)

New program focuses on treating childhood trauma

A new mental health program that will help children with high needs to stay with their foster families and out of treatment facilities is now available.

Intensive Mental Health Treatment in Foster Care is designed to meet the unique needs of each child. With services such as psychotherapy, crisis assistance and clinical care consultation, this model also provides services to all members of children’s families and their foster families, working closely with other providers and professionals who interact with the children.

“It’s critical that children get help early in life, where they are at and when they need it, and that’s what this program offers,” Acting DHS Commissioner Chuck Johnson said. “With appropriate care and support from the adults around them, children and adolescents living with mental illness can and do improve.

This new service will help fill a gap for many children.”

Lutheran Social Service, St. Paul and Roseville; Lee Carlson Center, Fridley and Family Innovations, Maplewood are offering the service. Family Innovations plans to expand in the Twin Cities metro area and Alexandria.

Treating childhood trauma is an important focus of the program.

Childhood trauma may be the result of experiences such as child physical or sexual abuse or domestic violence.

The most common primary reason for children to enter foster care is parental drug abuse, including abuse of opioids, which can add to the trauma.

Addressing children’s traumas is critical to the healing process, said Ed Frickson, president of Family Innovations.

“Untreated trauma leads to a host of problems throughout life,” Frickson said.

“By treating trauma, we hope to help them lead more productive lives, and not pass the effects of their own trauma

what-you-can shows and other features. Go to http:// minnesotaplaylist.com/calendar Arts festivals are held throughout the state. Check: www.exploreminnesota.com/index.aspx, http:// festivalnet.com/state/minnesota/mn.html, www. fairsandfestivals.net/states/MN/ ABBREVIATIONS: Audio description (AD) for people who are blind or have low vision, American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, Open captioning (OC) for people who are hard of hearing, sensory-friendly (SENS) performances, Shows featuring performers with disabilities or disability-related topics (DIS)

experiences onto their kids.”

The program will offer services in a variety of settings. Age, diagnosis and level of care restrictions will apply.

(Source: Minnesota DHS)

Card available to facilitate communications

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has released a new tool to help improve communications between people who are deaf and law enforcement.

The new two-way communication card provides guidance to officers and can help facilitate the interaction.

“Minnesotans who are deaf and hard of hearing suggested this card, which we are confident can help to reduce significant communications barriers and increase overall safety for both people with hearing loss and law enforcement,” said DHS Assistant Commissioner Claire Wilson.

The laminated document, which can be kept in the vehicle, identifies the person as being deaf or hard of hearing and offers a few key communication tips. It indicates the best way an officer can communicate

CLASSIFIEDS

ENJOY From page 12

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University of Nebraska. They enjoyed meeting the scholarship recipients annually in Lincoln.

He and his family enjoyed travel, the arts, gardening, skiing, hunting, fishing and fossil hunting. Lewis is survived by his wife, a son and daughter and their families, and many other relatives.

Services have been held.

Throndrud helped start group home

Gloria Lorrane Fauskee Throndrud is remembered for her work in establishing one of Greater Minnesota’s early group homes and her long career as a special education teacher. Throndrud died in late January. She was 91 and lived in Ortonville.

Throndrud grew up with secondgeneration Norwegian immigrant parents, in the Brooten area. She spoke Norwegian at home and at a one-room schoolhouse before going to Brooten High School, where she was the first homecoming queen. She then went to St. Cloud Teachers College, graduating in 1946. She married Elwood Throndrud in 1949 and they moved to Ortonville where they raised four children. One child, David, had intellectual disabilities. He died more than a decade ago.

Throndrud taught special education and helped establish Monarch Heights, a group home for the developmentally disabled in Ortonville. She was also involved with Special Olympics.

She is survived by her three daughters and their families, a brother and a sister.

Services have been held. Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association. ∏∏f∏∏

with the person with hearing loss, whether through written communication, lip reading or texting. It also includes a set of graphics the driver or law enforcement can use to communicate.

“This is a valuable tool for both the deaf and hard of hearing community as well as law enforcement,” said Col. Matt Langer, chief of the Minnesota State Patrol. “Any tool that helps with safety and communications is valuable.”

The card was designed with significant input from Minnesotans who are deaf and hard of hearing, who identified symbols that would be most helpful to them in communicating. People who want the traffic card should send an email to dhhs. metro@state.mn.us with their name, mailing address and county of residence (or email if they want an electronic copy), or call 651-431-5940 voice or 651-9641514 video phone. An online version is available at https://edocs.dhs.state.mn.us/ lfserver/Public/DHS-7438-ENG. (Source: Minnesota DHS)

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.

Holmes Greenway Housing. Now accepting waitlist applications for 1 BR & 2BR, Section 8 unit from February 20 to March 20, 2018. Designed for persons with mobility impairments. Send an email to ggomez@diversifiedequitiescorp.com, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope, or stop by the office Mon. – Thurs from 9:30AM to 1:00PM to receive application. Holmes Greenway Housing, 114 Fifth Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414, 612-378-0331 Equal Housing Opportunity Legal Support Specialist. Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid. For details go to www. mylegalaid.org/jobs.

Bilingual Family Law Attorney. Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid. For details go to www. mylegalaid.org/jobs.

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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

March 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 3

Do what moves you.

Live your life; we’ve got you covered.

For over 30 years, UCare has been committed to providing health plans that make health care easy for adults of every age and ability.

We take care of the details, so you can keep moving.

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UCare Connect Member Bicyclist, artist and volunteer

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