VOTE! Page 3
Volume 29, Number 10
October 10, 2018
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Incontinence products issue back to court
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by Access Press staff
"The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it." Flannery O'Connor
NEWS DIGEST THE ARC U.S.
Work has value for everyone, but pay levels are up for debate.
Disability impacts are eyed in miniumum wage debate by Jane McClure Workers with disabilities and the people who provide direct support for people with disabilities are two different sides of the coin in St. Paul’s minimum wage debate. As St. Paul City Council members and Mayor Melvin Carter III push for a $15 minimum wage, the voices of the city’s disability community are being heard. Larger public listening sessions wrapped up in September, including a public hearing
before the City Council. While most attention has focused on bar and restaurant workers and whether or not there should be a tip credit, disability issues have also risen to the surface. The council heard from direct support staff members who need more pay, people with disabilities who want more pay, and disability employers who worry that a higher wage could mean that workers with disabilities could be the first ones laid off. IMPACT To page 5
Thompson Hall needs help Page 6 Lawmakers are remembered Page 2 Work requirement concerns Page 4 Use our Directory of Organizations to find resources and support Pages 7-10
House of Memories' app, program provide valued help Every 65 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease. As the U.S. population ages, the rate of diagnosis will grow. African-Americans are two times more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia than non-Hispanic whites. Anyone wishing to learn more about Alzheimer’s and dementia should check out a new exhibit and program at the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS), with the launch of the U.S. version of the award-winning “House of Memories” dementia awareness program. The program was originally developed in the U.K. by National Museums Liverpool to provide person-centered care for people to live well with dementia. The program offers training workshops, resources and activities, including the “My House of Memories” app, the first of its kind in the world. The app features more than 100 interactive pages of MNHS collection items which can help those living with dementia draw on memories to create personal connections with family, friends and caregivers. The collection items include objects, photographs, music and video that were curated by people living with dementia and their caregivers, including African-Americans who selected items that connect to the black community. “In working to develop the U.S. version of the app and training workshops, we were able to tap into our extensive collections in exciting new ways,” said Kent Whitworth, director and CEO of MNHS. “The app includes items like a Vikings fan helmet, toys and dolls, and civil rights images and audio. Seeing how these museum resources can create meaningful, person-centered engagement for American audiences, and African-Americans in particular, has been
MINNESOTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Debate over a proposed state medical supply program continues in Ramsey County District Court. Opponents of the Preferred Incontinence Products Program (PIPP) are fighting a motion to dismiss their legal challenge to the program. The motion was to be heard October 11, just after Access Press went to press. The legal move dismays the members of the Midwest Association for Medical Equipment Services and Supplies (MAMES), and many people who rely on incontinence products. While bulk purchasing is touted as a potential cost savings, limits are opposed by those who rely on incontinence products. Potential health effects of lower-quality products are just one red flag raised. Another is that such a purchasing program, and limits to products, goes against the movement toward personcentered care, and for not supporting access to choice. MAMES filed suit against the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) and Human Services Commissioner Emily Johnson Piper to block the purchasing program. On August 24 Ramsey County District Court Judge Leonardo Castro filed a temporary restraining order against the program. That same day DHS withdrew the request for supplier proposals, which PIPP foes see as a maneuver to restart the purchasing program in the future. Now the state wishes to dismiss the MAMES lawsuit with prejudice, meaning that it could be more difficult to act in the future. The state also wishes to dismiss the temporary restraining order. “Current law directs DHS to institute this program,” state officials said in a statement. “The court’s order has impacted this without regard to legislators’ wishes.” PIPP was supposed to start September 1. No new bid process has been announced, or new start date set. If a state program is implemented, it could affect about 14,000 people. Rose Schafhauser, executive director of MAMES, said the association is “absolutely concerned” that DHS would like to reissue a similar or comparable request for proposals this year, before state lawmakers have the opportunity to repeal the PIPP statute during the 2019 legislative session. “As Senator (Jim) Abeler said in an August hearing on the program, it’s time that DHS let it go,” said Schafhauser. MAMES is cautiously optimistic that the court will deny the state’s motion, Schafhauser said. “As a requirement of granting MAMES its temporary restraining order, the court already found that MAMES demonstrated a substantial likelihood of success on the merits,” she said. “That finding means that DHS faces an uphill battle to convince the court to dismiss our action. If the court were to dismiss our action with prejudice, however, MAMES is prepared to continue the fight before the judiciary and the legislature until DHS INCONTINENCE To page 4
Familiar objects help people focus on memories. very rewarding.” “We are proud to be working in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society, to launch ‘House of Memories’ in the U.S., to help Americans to live well with dementia,” said Carol Rogers, executive director for education and visitors at National Museums Liverpool. “Person-centered care is at the heart of our training and acknowledges that an individual’s personal history and memory are of huge importance. Museums can be fantastic resources at helping unlock memories, improve communication and understanding, and enrich the lives of those living with dementia. We’re excited to see how the U.S. version of the ‘My House of
Memories’ app will help Americans living with dementia and their caregivers to connect and share memories together.” The “My House of Memories” app is free and can be downloaded to tablets and smartphones from iTunes and Google Play. Search for “My House of Memories” and look for the pink house. MNHS will also hold training workshops across the state for professional and family caregivers, aimed at helping participants develop new skills and understanding in caring for those living with dementia. Participants will receive a toolkit and view training videos based on the real-life stories of people living with dementia. PROGRAM To page 4
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October 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 10
EDITOR’S DESK
Tim Benjamin We have a lot to talk about this month. People, all over are working on trying to get the workforce shortage under control. It's becoming more and more evident that in almost every field, the low unemployment rate is creating a huge shortage of available workers; plus it is pushing salaries up. Last year, I wrote about a poster on my way to work looking for school bus drivers and the bus drivers starting salary at $17.00 an hour. The other day I drove by the same school bus station, and the sign now reads $22.00 an hour starting. Very few employers can compete with a dollar increase starting pay in only about one year. Our home health care programs need state and federal legislative help to compete with those increases in starting wage. The longer we wait, the more it's going to cost, even now we’re looking at
Our front-page article says every 65 seconds a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Who is going to support their independence?
a 30% to 50% increases in government funding. We need to invest to keep our health care system viable and accessible to take care of the Minnesotans’ that need healthcare assistance. Now is the time to take heads out of the sand and recognize the devastation that is happening right now in the disability community and will soon be happening in the aging community. Our front-page article says every 65 seconds a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Who is going to support their independence? McDonald's salaries range from $8 to $12 an hour with nontraditional benefits. Free classes in English, online high school diploma classes for employees. They offer the traditional tuition assistance programs, scholarship opportunities, and academic advisor services. White Castle restaurants starting pay is real similar
We are competing with a lot of entrylevel employers except our needs are very different we need higher skilled workers with more training, hands-on training.
to the Minnesota PCA program but offers paid time off, over time, tuition reimbursement, profit sharing, 401(k)'s with some matching funds. These are couple employers that our PCA program is competing with for employees. These jobs don't have nearly the stress, rigorous working hours and responsibility for your disabled brother or sister, mother or father or grandmother, and grandfather. Nursing assistant salary in St. Paul hospital and clinics average $15.40 per hour (https:// tinyurl.com/ycj6z7k9). The median pay for home-care provider in the state's $10.30 per hour (https://tinyurl.com/PCA-wage). We are competing with a lot of entrylevel employers except our needs are very different we need higher skilled workers with more on training, hands-on training. We need employees that understand our spoken words in our English colloquialism or informal English, a little anatomy, infection control and the ability to point out potential health problems as they're occurring, employees with the ability to think critically under pressure. We need people that have enough patience to listen to people that sometimes don’t speak clearly. Plus, workers that have the needed compassion to help support an individual
that may need extra help or a lot of extra help to maintain their independence, live in their own home, and often work a rewarding job. In addition, mature enough to understand responsibility and the soft skills of a professional employee, arriving on time ready to start working and all the things they’ll need to do their job without outside distractions. What will happen to our independence living programs when many more City Councils’ pass the $15 an hour minimum wage ordinance? We know it won’t be long after it will be state wide law. Direct support staff and many other technically skilled jobs are going to have to start above the minimum wage to get quality works. I hope the legislature recognizes that before they pass laws requiring a $15 starting salaries. I know I sound like a broken record. All I can say, is that our health care system is broken for everyone, and it needs to be fixed so month after month and year after year we’re not telling the same story to the same policymakers who want to help, but are more concerned about the other louder voices and the deeper pockets lobbys at capitol instead of looking at the health care infrastructure. ■
HISTORY NOTE
Smith-Sears Act helped open the door to work for disabled veterans National Disability Employment Awareness Month was declared in 1988 by the United States Congress for October to raise awareness of the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. The theme for this year’s observance is “America’s Workforce: Empowering All.” Various ways are used to celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities and educate the public about the value of a workforce inclusive of their skills and talents. Some employers honor workers. Others hold open houses or celebrations to recognize the many contributions workers with disabilities make. National Disability Employment Awareness Month dates back to 1945, when Congress declared the first week in October as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” That tied into a national awareness of the need to find employment for injured veterans returning from World War II. It was World War I, which ended
100 years ago, that initially sparked efforts to help soldiers with disabilities to find work. In 1918 the Smith-Sears Veterans Rehabilitation Act became law. It provided for the promotion of vocational rehabilitation and return to civil employment of disabled persons discharged from the U.S. military. Smith-Sears was preceded by other federal legislation, but it was one of the first major bills to call out the need for concerted efforts for people with disabilities who wished to return to work. Also known as the Soldiers (Veterans) Rehabilitation Act, it provided for “vocational rehabilitation and return to civil employment of disabled persons discharged from the military and naval forces of the United States” according to one history. It appropriated $1.8 million for buildings, equipment, training and salaries of instructors and supervisors, tuition, travel expenses, and placement and supervision of people who completed rehabilitation programs.
Volume 29, Number 10 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, 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. ADVERTISING RATES: Display Ad: $12 to $28 per column inch (size and frequency of run). Classified Ad: $14, plus 65¢ per word over 12 words. DEADLINE: 25th of each month. CIRCULATION/DISTRIBUTION: 11,000 copies are distributed the 10 th of each month through more than 200 locations statewide. Approximately 450 copies are mailed to individuals, including political, business, institutional and civic leaders. SUBSCRIPTION: $30 per year. Low-income, student and bulk subscriptions available at discounted rates. ABOUT ACCESS PRESS: A monthly newspaper published for persons with disabilities by Access Press, Ltd. Application to mail at Periodicals Postage Prices is Pending at the St. Paul, MN 55121 facility. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Access Press at 161 St. Anthony Ave, Suite 901, St. Paul, MN 55103. INQUIRIES AND ADDRESS CHANGES should be directed to: Access Press, The Capitol Ridge Inn Offices 161 St. Anthony Ave; #910, St. Paul, MN 55103; 651-644-2133; Fax: 651-644-2136; email: access@accesspress.org www.accesspress.org
The Smith-Sears Act was a contrast to the federal government’s response to previous wars. Soldiers from the Civil War and Spanish-American War who’d returned home with disabling injuries were given modest pensions, if anything. There were no efforts to help these veterans return to the workforce. The two legislators who championed the Smith-Sears Act are largely forgotten today. Sen. M. Hoke Smith was a Georgia attorney, state governor and one-time owner of the Atlanta Journal newspaper. A Democrat, he was in office from 19111921. In the late 19th century Smith was Secretary of the Interior under President Grover Cleveland. Smith began practicing law in 1873, with a focus on helping injured railroad workers. He was a man of great contradictions, compassionate to one group while discriminatory to others. While he was a champion of laws helping people with disabilities, Smith also pushed for “Jim Crow” laws that greatly
disenfranchised African-Americans. Smith died in 1931. Rep. William Joseph Sears was from Florida. He, too, was an attorney, with a practice in the community of Kissimmee. He served as the city’s mayor for a time and was superintendent of schools for Osceola County until being elected to Congress in 1915. Sears served until 1929, after losing the nomination for his seat. He went back to practicing law until regaining the Congressional seat in 1933. He wasn’t renominated in 1936, and then became an associate member of the Board of Veterans' Appeals of the Veterans' Administration in Washington, D.C., from 1937 until retiring in 1942. He returned to Florida and died in 1944. ■ The History Note is a monthly column sponsored by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, www. mnddc.org or www.mncdd.org and www. partnersinpolicymaking.com.
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VOTE ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 6
Take advantage of accommodations to cast election ballots by Access Press staff
Many options are available for voters with disabilities.
Registration is easier
Election Day questions and concerns
Minnesota law allows state residents to register to vote online. Online voter registration makes it easier for individuals to register. Studies have shown that online registration increases voter turnout. Although Minnesotans can register at the polls on Election Day, preregistering online also saves time at the polling place. Registering online for this year’s general election ends Friday, October 16. Remember, moving to a new address requires a new registration. Sign up to vote, check current registration and learn more at www.mnvotes.org Anyone who cannot register online can call 651-215-1440 for a paper form. To register at the polls, bring along items that prove identity and residency. Any one of these items will prove identity: a driver’s license, learner’s permit, state ID card, post-secondary or high school ID card, tribal ID, passport or U.S. military or veteran’s ID card. The item must have the voter’s current name and photo. It can be expired. It can have no address or an old address. To provide residency, bring along a valid residential lease or rental agreement, current student fee statement, or a bill that is dated within 30 days of the election. It can be a phone bill (landline or cell), TV (cable or satellite), Internet service, solid waste or sewer service, banking or credit card bill, rent or mortgage payment documents, or an electric, gas or water bill. These can be shown to the registration judge on a smartphone. Another way to register at the polls is to vote with a registered voter who lives in the same precinct. That person can act as a voucher.
Cast an absentee or early ballot
Many people enjoy voting on Election Day, going to the polling place, seeing neighbors and casting a ballot. Those who don’t wish to wait in long lines at a polling place can cast absentee or vote early at an election office or satellite location. Absentee voting is easier now because Minnesota has adopted a “no excuse” absentee voting clause. In the past voters had to specific why they wished to vote absentee. Now, no reason has to be stated to vote prior to Election Day. That is a benefit to people who don’t wish to selfdisclose a disability. Request an absentee ballot through the mail at: www.mnvotes.org Absentee voting for the November 6 general election began September 21. Ballots can be mailed or voters can check with local election offices to see when and where ballots can be cast. Some larger cities will add additional polling places. Voters can also cast ballots in person at the local elections office between now and Election Day. Hours can vary from community to community. The website www. mnvotes.org can help voters find the correct place to vote before or on Election Day.
FILE PHOTO
Minnesotans will be voting for U.S. House and Senate, governor, Minnesota House members and state office holders on Tuesday, November 6. In some communities, voters will be choosing local elected officials and weighing in on ballot questions or referendums. Many disability advocacy groups have or will host election events this fall. Newspapers and online news sources have prepared or will release voter guides. There are plenty of ways for voters to learn about candidates and where they stand on issues. It’s unusual these days for a candidate or ballot issue not to have a website, Facebook page or other means of online outreach. Check advocacy groups’ online information to find out about debates or issues forums. But learning about candidates is one thing. Getting to the polls is another. Many improvements have been made in recent years to help people with disabilities to register and to vote. Still, people with disabilities have historically voted at lower rates than the general public. Too many polling places still lack proper access. Improper assumptions are made about some individuals’ capability and right to vote. Everyone who has the right to vote should do so, helping to choose elected officials and weigh in on ballot questions. Countless key policy and law changes, that impact every aspect of life for people with disabilities, will be in the hands of those who are elected in November.
Voter assistance and the rights of voters under guardianship are often raised as issues. Learn about these issues before voting Voter assistance can take many forms. The head election judge at every polling place should help with access or assistance questions. Polling places are required by state and federal law to be physically accessible and to offer curbside or motor voting. With this form of voting, an election judge from each party goes out to the voter’s vehicle and helps a voter fill out a ballot. The completed ballot is taken inside and placed in the ballot box. Voters can seek other accommodations. Voters who cannot sign a roster or registration book can ask for assistance, after orally confirming identity. It is OK to ask an election judge or person providing assistance to sign the book or registration if needed. A helper or assistant can be brought to the polls, or be provided by two judges assigned by the head judge at the precinct. An assistant or assistants can help a voter with disabilities through the entire voting process. An election judge may ask an assistant, “Are you assisting or influencing the voter?” Influencing voters is against the law. Assistants are not supposed to tell the voter whom to vote for or a mark a ballot against the voter’s wishes. Assistants cannot be an employer, a union or a candidate for office. Some good choices for assistants are family members, friends, guardians or direct support staff. Polling places have machines voters with disabilities can use to mark ballots. The machines provide privacy for voters who cannot use a pen. The machines can display a ballot in large print or with a high-contrast background. Headphones can be used to have the ballot read to the voter. Ballots can be filled out using Braille keypads, touchscreen or sip and puff devices. The machine prints the completed ballot and then it goes into the ballot box.
It’s OK to take a sample ballot into the polling place for reference. Please don’t leave the sample ballot there after voting. If a ballot if marked improperly, a replacement ballot can be provided. Persons under guardianship can vote until a guardianship court order states that the court has specifically taken away voting rights. Several years ago the federal courts found that individuals under guardianship are presumed competent to vote and are able to register and vote. Anyone under guardianship should review his or her court guardianship order and talk with the guardian prior to voting.
Election Day hotlines and voting information
As of Access Press deadline, there was no information on any “rides to the polls” programs in Minnesota. People should plan for rides through their paratransit services, or ask their local advocacy organizations about any programs. Voters have the right to file complaints about how an election is being run, accessibility issues at a polling place or other concerns. The head election judge at a precinct can take the complaint, and is supposed to report the complaint and issues raised to election officials. The Minnesota Disability Law Center/Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid runs a voter hotline on Election Day during the hours that the polls are open, 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Any voter with disabilities who experiences a problem voting or with a voting-related question, can call 1-800- 2924150. Calls can also be made to this number if there are issues with guardianship. A second hotline for general voting-related problems on Election Day is 1-866-OUR-VOTE. An excellent resource for all election-related questions, forms and sample ballots, is www.sos.state.mn.us ■
ATTENTION PCA CHOICE CAREGIVERS
Don’t Miss Your ONLY Chance to call for a New Union Vote!
The SEIU Union, like it or not, is your Exclusive Representative at the Capitol. SEIU is taking credit for pay and benefits provided by the legislature—and taking millions of dollars from the Medicaid funds intended for people with disabilities and caregivers like you, while providing nothing in return. PCAs need to collect thousands of confidential Election Cards by Thanksgiving so they can vote to decertify (remove) the SEIU for good.
Kris Greene, Lakeville PCA
Send in your signed Election Authorization Card available at mnpca.org or contact us for more information. info@mnpca.org | 612-460-5457
October 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 10
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FROM OUR COMMUNITY
Work requirements for Medicaid would do more harm than good by Alicia Munson The Arc Minnesota Public Policy Director The health care that people with disabilities receive through Medicaid has been a lifeline for over half a century. Medicaid means lifesaving prescriptions, therapies and treatments, increasing life expectancies and survival from once fatal injuries and situations. Creating burdensome barriers to Medicaid (Medical Assistance, or MA, in Minnesota) won’t strengthen our communities, won’t save taxpayer dollars, and will put individuals with disabilities at risk of losing vital healthcare and personal services that allow them to live, work and thrive in their communities. A new report from the Journal for the American Medical Association (JAMA) adds fresh evidence to these claims, concluding that “implementing Medicaid work requirements will likely result in greater administrative expenses, eligible persons losing coverage for failure to complete paperwork, and loss of benefits that support employment.” Last spring, Minnesota policymakers rejected legislation that would have required thousands of Minnesotans who access MA based on income to report
each month whether they worked or volunteered at least 20 hours a week, or prove that they are exempt from the requirement. These types of reporting requirements would jeopardize the health care and prescription drug coverage, as well as many other critical supports, for 20,000 Minnesotans with disabilities. For many Minnesotans with disabilities, consistent MA coverage is critical to ensuring services they need in order to work. These services make it possible for them to get ready for work, get to and from their jobs, and get the support they need on the job, while meeting any ongoing medical needs, mental health challenges, or periods of illness. Requiring people to work to qualify for MA would create a situation in which they cannot work. When people with disabilities access Medicaid through the Medicaid Expansion, they actually save the state money by not spending down their monthly income to become eligible for the disability door to Medicaid where they would need to declare themselves permanently disabled. Furthermore, the JAMA study finds that most people receiving health care through Medicaid who can work are already doing so. Making these people file work reporting requirements is purposeless and overly burdensome, and potentially causes them to lose the MA
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St. Marie’s accomplishments recalled
A longtime disability rights activist whose lifetime accomplishments were tainted by scandal has died. John Paul St. Marie St. Marie was an effective advocate for Minnesota’s disability community for most of his adult life. The Minneapolis resident died at age 74 in August and is survived by his wife, son and nieces. Born in Bayport, St. Marie contracted polio at age eight. He contracted the disease one year before the polio vaccine became available. Polio left him paralyzed from the neck down. According to his obituary, at age 15 he underwent a series of risky spinal fusion surgeries to prolong his life. He was a graduate of Stillwater High School, St. Thomas College (now University of St. Thomas) and the University of Minnesota Law School. He worked for the Hennepin County Attorney’s for 28 years until retiring in 2003 due to the progressive effects of post-polio syndrome. St. Marie’s accomplishments on behalf of Minnesotans with disabilities were many. In 1978, he co-founded Wilderness Inquiry, a nonprofit organization providing outdoor adventures for all ages and abilities. He was one of the co-founders of the United Handicapped Federation (UHF). Many of today’s disability advocacy groups have their roots in UHF’s efforts. He served on the board of Accessible Space, Inc. and the Minneapolis Mayor's Committee for Handicapped Access, which is now the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Disability. St. Marie was instrumental in pushing Minneapolis to become one of the first cities in the country to grade sidewalk curbs, making them wheelchair
INCONTINENCE From page 1 abandons this unnecessary, unworkable program.” The purchasing program got its start during the final hours of the 2017 Minnesota Legislature. Suppliers and disability community advocates were outraged to learn that the language creating the program was slipped into a bill during the final hours of a special session. No hearings were held during the regular session to discuss such a program. During the 2018 session, a program repeal made its way through the process. But repeal language was wrapped into a much larger bill with many other programs and initiatives, despite warnings from Gov. Mark Dayton that he would veto such bills. The veto happened, the repeal effort failed and PIPP is still in place. DHS contends that the MAMES lawsuit should be dismissed for two reasons. One is that MAMES lacks jurisdiction over the legal matter, since the original request for proposals has been withdrawn. The second is that MAMES failed to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. In its motion, DHS makes a number of legal and technical arguments to have the lawsuit dismissed. One is that because the program, was withdrawn, the issue is no longer
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for which they’re eligible. Despite claims made by proponents that these requirements would reduce Medical Assistance costs, the JAMA study demonstrates that administrative costs of creating this additional layer of bureaucracy would be massive. According to state estimates, counties across Minnesota would incur more than $160 million in additional costs per year if work reporting requirements are implemented. Medical Assistance is essential, ensuring that people with disabilities, and all Minnesotans, can get the care we need, when we need it. More than 50 nonpartisan organizations engaged in the Minnesota-based This Is Medicaid coalition agree, and have been working together to protect the promise of Medicaid. This Is Medicaid encourages the public and elected officials to value Medicaid as the crucial lifeline it is – helping Minnesotans with disabilities stay healthy, receive support at home, gain and maintain employment, and in engage in their communities. To learn more about This Is Medicaid, visit www.thisismedicaid.org. Read the JAMA article at https://jamanetwork.com/ journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2701627 ■
In Memoriam f∏∏∏∏∏
accessible. He also was on the Metropolitan Council advisory group which developed Metro Mobility. He enjoyed travel and was an avid sports fan. Professionally, St. Marie worked for 28 years in the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. He didn’t prosecute cases, but represented social service agencies, dispensed or revoked foster care licenses, and advocated for people with disabilities and mental illness to receive hospitalization. In 2009 St. Marie was one of several people arrested after an investigation of the “Minnesota Nice Guys” prostitution ring. He was sentenced to 15 years’ probation and other conditions in 2010. He was accused of violating probation in 2012, and was sentenced in 2013 to more than two years in a Minnesota Department of Corrections community care home. A memorial service was held in September in Minneapolis.
Gjerstad’s musical talent shone through
Gary Gjerstad is remembered as a talented musician and community leader during his years in Minnesota and beyond. Gjerstad, 67, died in September in Britt, Iowa.
PROGRAM From page 1 The Mayo Clinic’s Charter House, Rakhma Homes and St. Paul African American Faith ACT Community are community partners on this project. The initiative will complement other MNHS memory loss programs, including sensory-based tours, memory
a “live controversy.” One sticking point in the debate will be when DHS withdrew the request for proposals. Another section of the motion states that “… Plaintiffs’ members are operating in a highly regulated industry and were aware through existing law, or should have been, that the commissioner could utilize a competitive bidding process, or impose reimbursement limits, and that medical assistance payments to providers would conform to the limitations set forth in the program implemented by the commissioner.” DHS also states that medical supply providers are free to contract with the product suppliers of their choice, for non-Minnesota Health Care Program clients fee-forservice clients. It’s argued that providers could obtain waivers for clients who need a special product. The motion also states that MAMES members “could not reasonably expect to be free from rate setting and
As a child and teen, Gjerstad attended the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School in Vinton, then lived in Des Moines and worked for the Iowa Commission for the Blind. During his 25 years in Fairmont, Minnesota, 1976-2001, Gjerstad launched his professional music career. He was organist with the Jack Schultz Orchestra, touring the ballrooms of the Midwest, Texas and Arizona. He then moved to Arizona, where he worked for the Eagle Aerie Charter School music program for several years. He performed at Arizona Diamonds baseball and Arizona State University football games. Gjerstad returned to Iowa in 2015. Everywhere he lived, Gjerstad was an accomplished church musician and community volunteer, holding leadership positions in Lions Clubs. He was an avid sports fan. He was commencement speaker at West Hancock High School in Britt in 2017. One of his favorite activities was when he could reads his Braille books with schoolchildren. He was a member of the River City Barbershop Chorus in Mason City, Iowa and was presented with the Prestigious Barbershopper of Distinction Award in 2018. He is survived by two brothers and their families. Services have been held. ■
cafes and a baking lab. MNHS is a member of the SPARK! Alliance, an organization of Minnesota and Wisconsin museums focused on serving the memory loss community. Family caregiver workshops will be held in spring 2019. To find out more about the workshops, visit mnhs. org/houseofmemories. ■ purchasing restrictions in the highly regulated field of medical assistance.” The potential to jump-start PIPP has renewed fears of the state starting other volume purchasing programs for personal care products. “Before DHS is allowed to commence a new program to volume purchase other medical supplies and equipment, DHS must demonstrate that its new program will be ‘effective, economical, and feasible’. We hope that our incontinence product litigation and DHS’s challenges with PIPP will underscore the difficulty of implementing further volume purchasing programs,” said Schafhauser. “If DHS does undertake another volume purchase program for some other product, MAMES will be willing to review DHS’s proposal in the hopes that DHS will seriously consider MAMES input to avoid yet more litigation.” ■
October 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 10
IMPACT From page 1 City Council Member Chris Tolbert, whose office is drafting the ordinance, is seeking more input from the disability community before the ordinance is written. As Access Press went to press, he was planning to meet with a group of employers and workers. The nonpartisan Citizens League wrapped up a study during the summer, producing a 446-page study. The study was led by a 21-member panel of workers, employers, union representatives and service providers. Members included Pang Yang, owner of Rainbow Health Kare, Inc., Rick Varco from SEIU Healthcare and President/CEO of ALLY People Solutions Bob Brick. All three minimum wage plans forwarded to the City Council call for the $15 minimum wage with indexing to inflation. Another shared recommendation is for employment programs that serve people with disabilities, such as sheltered workshops. Those programs would have to apply to the city for exemptions. The key differences between the three proposals apply to tipping and to phase-in times. The study’s executive summary stated two key points. One is that “An increase in the minimum wage affects businesses/ organizations differently based on their size, industry, and respective business model.” A second shared point is that “Implementation (including community education/outreach) and enforcement efforts are critical to the viability of and adherence to a new minimum wage ordinance.” The committee met 14 times, hearing from a variety of speakers with different viewpoints and information on the minimum wage issue. At its last meeting in August, it was evident that there were still deep divisions and concerns centering on some issues, especially the impacts for workers who receive tips. But there are also concerns about to pay workers with disabilities, some of whom have wages that are also impacted by federal law, Medicare and whether or not the workers benefit from publicly
Bob Brick subsidized health care or other programs. One issue the committee study is that of the “benefits cliff,” the point when workers lose benefits because their pay hits a certain level. Yet the new pay increase still isn’t enough to cover costs of health insurance or other needs for workers and their families. During the summer the study committee heard from a panel that focused on day training and habilitation services and youth training programs. One wrinkle raised is that service providers outside of St. Paul could be affected if staff has to travel into St. Paul to assist clients. It could even be a factor when people with disabilities and their staff go to the capitol for the various disability group rally days, said Kevin Goodno of Fredrikson and Byron. The bigger issue is Medicaid reimbursement that day training and habilitation and other providers depend on for their revenue. Changes would have to be made at the state level to help organizations pay a higher wage. That change was agreed on by longtime disability rights activist Rick Cardenas, who also said he’d like to see more workers with disabilities move from contract jobs to full-time employment. He
told the study group that it is ultimately up to the state to raise the pay of workers with disabilities and give more financial support to funding services for people with disabilities. The study notes that more time is needed to consider some issues. One is that of people who occasionally work in St. Paul. That would include direct support staff who accompany their clients to appointments, personal visits or even lobbying at the state capitol. What has to be determined is the amount of work in St. Paul that would trigger coverage by a minimum wage ordinance. The second issue is Medicaid, which the study committee didn’t feel informed enough about to make a recommendation. “Businesses that receive at least 50 percent of their funding (directly or through reimbursements) from Medicaid will be in a particularly difficult position when St. Paul implements its new minimum wage ordinance,” the study report stated. “Medicaid funding levels are set by state and federal governments and are unlikely to rise in response to municipal minimum wage ordinances without substantial lobbying efforts. Business owners affected by this dynamic who served on the study committee did not seek an exemption to the new wage rate; such an exemption was seen as irrelevant as these businesses must pay competitive wages to attract workers who could opt for higher paying work in retail or restaurant industries, for example. Instead, these business owners sought to be included in the small business phase-in schedule to allow for as much time as possible to work with legislative bodies to increase Medicaid funding and reimbursement rates. Opponents of this option cautioned that a blanket phase-in inclusion could be problematic because it would also cover major institutions with a large workforce, such as public hospitals.” All study group members were invited to submit comments. As a direct care employer, Yang raised concerns for her industry. “During the final voting in the study committee I asked that Medicaid funded businesses to not be excluded from the minimum wage increase. These
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businesses would have a difficult time trying to compete for employees if they were to be excluded. The only way for Medicaid funded businesses to be able pay the increased wage would be for the State of Minnesota to legislatively approve an increase in reimbursement rate. I am asking that the City of St. Paul give these businesses enough time to go to legislation to ask for the rate increase. For this reason, I am asking that businesses who are 100 percent Medicaid funded be included in the slower phase in schedule no matter what their business size. It is a large sum of money to ask the state for. We would need at least five years to ask for the additional funding or at least two full budget sessions.” Brick said, “I am grateful that the study committee recognized the need to exempt a small number of individuals with intellectual and mental health disabilities who receive employment support services from providers which are licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. These support services enable program participants to obtain jobs, learn and keep them, while contributing to the success of St. Paul businesses. Experience tells us that when the minimum wage increases, these individuals are among the first to lose jobs or to have work hours reduced, thus affecting their quality of life. The committee recommendation will allow them to continue earning the state minimum wage or more, while receiving licensed support services.” But Brick raised concerns about the wage exemptions for direct support workers who accompany client to St. Paul, stating that the Minneapolis exemption isn’t clear enough. “Without a thoughtful, clear standard, support staff whom accompany people with disabilities may be covered by the ordinance, even if they accompany a non-resident with disabilities to a limited number of such activities,” he said. Varco didn’t submit comments for the report. He was a study group co-chair. To read the report, go to www.citizensleague.org. ■
October 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 10
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REGIONAL NEWS Thompson Hall is fundraising focus Deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing Minnesotans are rallying to raise funds for the Charles Thompson Memorial Hall in St Paul. The social hall, which is more than a century old, is the focus of a campaign to make the building handicapped-accessible. The hall is more than 100 years old. Its design, which includes large windows for ample natural light, is ideal for signing. It is on the National Register of Historic Places, and hosts a wide range of public and private events. But it isn’t accessible to people whose disabilities limit mobility. That has resulted in a decline in building use. Deaf Equity Board members are working with the Thompson Hall Board of Trustees and community members to save the club, meeting since July 2017 to work on a renovation and preservation Thompson Hall plan. The top priority is to add an elevator, which the building lacks now. The second is to preserve the building for future generations. The financial goal for the first phase of work is $130,000, to pay for planning and design. A second phase of work is needed for construction. Work done so far includes an elevator blueprint, a building assessment and historic structure report from the Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing. Deaf-owned bank, Hiawatha National Bank in Hudson, Wisc. is providing banking services. Anyone interested in the project can email savethdeafclub@gmail.com for information or a pledge form, or sign up through Google Forms at https://goo.gl/ forms/S8Y5DR8lHpc5jCp82 A SAVE Thompson Hall Facebook page has been set up, and the Instagram/ Twitter handle is @SAVE_THdeafclub. The fundraising page is www.gofundme. com/save-thompson-hall (Source: Access Press staff)
Medicaid fraud alleged
An Eagan man who ran a network of personal care assistant services fraudulently obtained more than $4 million in Medicaid funds. A criminal complaint was filed in Ramsey County District Court in September, by the Minnesota Attorney General’s officer. Victor Nenghimobo Clement, 53, was already barred from participating as a Medicaid provider due to a previous conviction in Ramsey County for Medicaid fraud. In the current case, an investigation by the state’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit found that Clement arranged for others to start personal care attendant (PCA) agencies. The criminal complaint states that he managed the agencies. He also worked with others to set up four more “shell” companies to conceal stolen funds. Clement is charged with racketeering between 2012 and 2015, three counts of aiding and abetting theft by false representation, four counts of aiding and abetting theft by swindle, six counts of concealing criminal proceeds, and four counts of engaging in business of concealing criminal proceeds. In the past felony case, Clement was to pay $75,000 in restitution to the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). But it was found that
he used stolen fund to repay more than $49,000. “What makes this case especially troubling is that this individual was barred from participation in the Medical Assistance program,” said Attorney General Lori Swanson. Dedra Fayatte Wilson, 29, of Newport; Inemo Seimokuma Clement, 55, of Tacoma, Wash.; Amiete Priscillia Clement, 47, of Eagan; Janaei Jatuan Reed, 30, of Woodbury; and Theresa Ann Jordan, 45, of Blaine are also charged. After Victor Clement's previous company came under investigation, he operated other agencies out of a building on St. Paul's University Avenue: AppleOne Home Care Services Inc., Ambitious Care Services Inc., Blessing Home Health Services Inc. and Human Services Associates Inc., according to the investigation. The agencies obtained nearly $3.9 million from DHS for services that were not eligible for reimbursement because Clement was an excluded provider. Also, the agencies billed DHS for at least $248,000 in PCA services that did not occur, the complaint said. Though the businesses didn't disclose to DHS that Clement was involved in running them, the investigation turned up evidence. Business records seized
from Clement's house included paystubs that named Clement as the corporate officer of AppleOne. Clement listed AppleOne as his employer from "2010now" when he completed an application to rent an apartment in 2012. Email addresses linked to the companies were connected to Clement's LinkedIn page and cellphone. One recipient of PCA services reported Clement showed up unannounced at her house two weeks before her interview with the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit "and instructed her not to speak with anyone about her PCA services," according to the complaint. (Source: Pioneer Press)
South St. Paul seeks relief
A disproportionate number of residents who receive state assistance because they are disabled and low-income has the city of South St. Paul seeking aid from Dakota County. The South St. Paul City Council drafted a resolution in late August asking for help in alleviating what they say is a strain on city resources caused by too many police calls, some from disabled people who are part of housing support programs. Dakota County officials began looking at the request in September. County officials also worry about unfair stereotyping of people with disabilities. The city wants the county to provide “an experienced social worker” to be housed at the police department. It's also asking for revisions to how the county's 911 dispatch center is funded so that the county levy covers the cost. The request was sparked by the shooting of two South St. Paul police officers in July. The man charged in the shooting was receiving state services at the time for his disability. City Council Member Todd Podgorski said he's heard about high numbers of 911 calls for years, but the July incident spurred him to act. County officials said they were already responding to the city's concerns when the resolution was drafted. They recently pledged to hire a mental health coordinator to be shared by the West St. Paul and South St. Paul police departments. The county is also tracking the people who make frequent 911 calls and trying to determine why they're calling so often. Dakota County Commissioner Kathleen Gaylord said there may be other reasons for the higher number of calls. South St. Paul is an aging community, she said, and older people may be calling more for medical assistance. Podgorski, who is running against Gaylord for her commission seat, said the county's efforts aren't enough. “It's disappointing that it took such a critical incident to have them respond more appropriately,” he said. Dakota County social services staff acknowledge that West St. Paul and South St. Paul have slightly more than their share of people receiving housing support. Those who qualify live
independently but receive a rent voucher and may also receive services such as help with cleaning or money management. Andrea Zuber, Dakota County social services director, said that the two cities might have more disabled and low-income tenants because accessible properties there are more affordable and available. (Source: Star Tribune)
Device to improve park access
Wheelchair users have won a two-year campaign to add an $11,000 trackchair for visitors at Rochester’s Quarry Hill Nature Park. The tank-like vehicle is expected to open up and make more areas of the 329acre park accessible to wheelchair users. Rochester resident Noah Hanson is one of the people who pushed for the new vehicle. As a Century High School student and member of Rochester-Olmsted County Youth Commission, Hanson was part of an effort to clear invasive species from the park. He got stuck on a gravel road and had to call for help. Hanson and Mary Gorfine, the youth commission’s coordinator, launched the campaign to purchase the chair and make parks more accessible. Hanson had used a trackchair at a center in Stewartville. Rochester City Council Member Ed Hruska met the two by chance and quickly got involved. The chair is the first for Rochester parks and may be used at other city parks. Olmsted County has two trackchairs for its parks. “It makes me really happy that other people can experience nature in the same way that I’ve been able to,” Hanson said. (Source: Rochester Post-Bulletin)
Special education staff sought
Minneapolis Public Schools, which has one of the state’s largest special education programs, is struggling with vacancies in teaching and assistant positions. The shortfall in Minneapolis, Superintendent Ed Graff said, stems from the strong labor market and a high number of assistants leaving the job just before schools opened this year. Minneapolis began the new school year with fewer than 10 special education teacher vacancies, a significant improvement from previous years. But Graff said he is concerned about vacancies among assistants, especially in high schools that serve students with severe learning disabilities. In the past several years, the number of Minnesota students needing special education services has soared, while the shortage of teachers and aides to instruct them has become more pronounced, according to a 2017 report released by the state Department of Education. Almost all states across the nation are struggling with shortages in special education staff. "Our intent is to get those filled as quickly as possible with the same level of high quality staff we'd be pursuing throughout the course of the school year," Graff recently told the Minneapolis REGIONAL NEWS To page 15
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INSURANCE AssuredPartners of Minnesota, LLC
LEGAL MN Disability Law Center
MEDICAL SUPPLIES/EQUIPMENT Handi Medical Supply
V-651-644-9770
F-651-644-0602
www.handimedical.com
Phoenix Medical Services Inc.
V-651-636-0848
F-651-636-5746
www.PhoenixMedical.org
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DIRECTORY OF ORGANIZATIONS MENTAL HEALTH Avivo
V-612-752-8074
F-612-752-8001
www.resource-mn.org
Community Involvement Programs (CIP)
V-612-362-4434
V-612-362-4452
www.cipmn.org
Fraser
V-612-861-1688
F-612-861-6050
www.fraser.org
Lifetrack - St. Paul
V-651-227-8471
TTY-651-227-3779
www.lifetrack-mn.org
National Alliance on Mental Illness of MN
V-651-645-2948
TF-888-NAMI-Helps
www.namihelps.org
Reach for Resources
V-952-200-3030
F-952-229-4468
www.reachforresources.org
Vinland National Center
V/TTY-763-479-3555 F-763-479-2605
www.vinlandcenter.org
Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare
V-651-290-8707
www.gillettechildrens.org
Wound Healing Center
V-715-268-0175
Experiences & adventures for all abilities
PHYSICIANS TTY-715-268-0177
www.AmeryMedicalCenter.org
RECREATION-ADAPTIVE HOBBY/EXERCISE/SPORTS/ARTS Courage Kenny Rehabilition Institute
V-612-775-2277
218-726-4762
www.allinahealth.org/couragekenny
Drama Interaction, 501(c)3
V-952-220-1676
www.cokartscenter.com/opportunitypartnersprog.html
Highland Friendship Club
V-651-698-4096
www.highlandfriendshipclub.org
Mind Body Solutions
V-952-473-3700
www.mindbodysolutions.org
Mixed Blood Theatre Company
V-612-338-6131
www.mixedblood.com
Reach for Resources
V-952-200-3030
F-952-229-4468
www.reachforresources.org
Upstream Arts
V-612-331-4584
F-612-353-6638
www.upstreamarts.org
• Summer, Day & Winter Camp • true StriDeS therapy horSeS • team QueSt Camp Courage Maple Lake
Camp Friendship Annandale
Camp eden Wood Eden Prairie
Camp Courage north Lake George
952.852.0101 | truefriends.org
RECREATION-DINING/BARS/CLUBS V-651-698-4096
Highland Friendship Club
www.highlandfriendshipclub.org
RECREATION-MOVIES/PERFORMING ARTS/SPECTATOR SPORTS/MUSEUM Children's Theatre Company
V-612-874-0400
www.childrenstheatre.org
Highland Friendship Club
V-651-698-4096
www.highlandfriendshipclub.org
RECREATION-TRAVEL/CAMPING Hammer Travel
V-952-277-2458
TF-877-345-8599
www.hammertravel.com
True Friends
V-952-852-0101
TF-800-450-8376
www.truefriends.org
Ventures Travel
V-952-852-0107
TF-866-692-7400
www.venturestravel.org
Wilderness Inquiry
V-612-676-9400
TF-800-728-0719
www.wildernessinquiry.org
Canoeing at Vinland’s main campus in Loretto, Minnesota
Vinland Center provides drug and alcohol treatment for adults with cognitive disabilities. We make all possible accommodations for cognitive deficits and individual learning styles.
REHABILITATION (PHYSICAL, OCCUPATIONAL, SPEECH, AUDIOLOGY THERAPISTS) A Chance to Grow
V-612-789-1236
V-612-706-5555
www.actg.org
Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute
V-763-588-0811
V-612-262-7979
www.allinahealth.org/couragekenny
DeafBlind Services Minnesota (DBSM)
V-612-362-8454
TTY-612-362-8422
www.dbsmllc.org
Fraser
V-612-767-5180
F-612-861-6050
www.fraser.org
Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare
V-651-291-2848
TF-800-719-4040
www.gillettechildrens.org
In Home Personal Care
V-763-546-1000
F-763-546-1018
www.inhomepersonalcare.com
Located in Loretto, Minnesota — just 20 miles west of Minneapolis.
866.956.7612 • VinlandCenter.org
...because everyone has limitless potential.
Resources for Individuals, Families and Employers 800.829.7110 I MyMRCI.org
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DIRECTORY OF ORGANIZATIONS RESIDENTIAL/GROUP HOME PROGRAMS Community Involvement Programs (CIP)
V-612-362-4403
V-612-362-4417
www.cipmn.org
Fraser
V-612-861-1688
F-612-861-6050
www.fraser.org
Hammer Residences
V-952-473-1261
F-952-473-8629
www.Hammer.org
Living Well Disability Services
V-651-688-8808
F-651-688-8892
www.livingwell.org
Opportunity Partners
V-952-912-7475
V-952-930-4232
www.opportunities.org
Phoenix Residence
V-651-227-7655
F-651-227-6847
www.phoenixresidence.org
REM Minnesota
V-952-945-4952
F-952-922-6885
www.remminnesota.org
Restart, Inc.
V-952-767-3350
F-952-767-3351
www.restartincmn.org
Wingspan Life Resources
V-651-644-2665x100
V-651-646-3846
ww.wingspanlife.org
Can Do Canines
V-763-331-3000
F-763-331-3009
www.can-do-canines.org
Helping Paws, Inc.
V-952-988-9359
F-952-988-9296
www.helpingpaws.org
V-612-643-5671
www.PawPADS.org
V-612-879-2262
TTY-612-879-8889
www.fairviewebenezer.org
V-952-767-3350
F-952-767-3351
www.restartincmn.org
Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare
V-651-291-2848
TF-800-719-4040
www.gillettechildrens.org
PACER Center, Inc.
V-952-838-9000
TTY-952-838-0190
www.pacer.org
SMILES Center for Independent Living
V/TTY-507-345-7139
TF-888-676-6498
www.smilescil.org
STAR Program
V-651-201-2640
TF-888-234-1267
www.starprogram.state.mn.us
SERVICE ANIMALS Pawsitive Perspectives Assistance Dogs (PawPADs)
SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES Ebenezer Care Center
SOCIAL SERVICES Restart, Inc.
TECHNOLOGY
TRANSPORTATION RENTAL/SALES/MODIFICATION V-651-635-0655
TF-800-788-7479
www.imedmobility.com
Vision Loss Resources
V-612-843-3400
F-612-872-0189
www.visionlossresources.org
Volunteer Braille Services
V-763-544-2880
F-763-544-3612
www.vbsmn.org
IMED Mobility
VISION IMPAIRMENT WAIVER CASE MANAGEMENT Fraser
V-612-861-1688
F-612-861-6050
www.fraser.org
Reach for Resources
V-952-200-3030
F-952-229-4468
www.reachforresources.org
www.pinterest.com/ accesspress
www.facebook.com/ accesspress
www.twitter.com/ accesspress
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ENJOY! TALES OF A FOURTH GRADE NOTHING GREAT Theatre presents Judy Blume’s story of sibling rivalry, at Paramount Theatre, 913 St. Germain St. W., St. Cloud. ASL offered 7:30 p.m. Fri, Oct. 26. Tickets zone-based seating: adult $28-34; student/child $18-22. FFI: 320-259-5463, www.GreatTheatre.org THE AGITATORS Park Square Theatre presents the story of allies and adversaries Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, at Park Square Theatre, Proscenium, 20 W. 7th Place, St. Paul. OC offered 7:30 p.m. Fri-Sat, Oct. 26-27 and 2 p.m. Sun, Oct. 28. Assistive listening devices available. ASL/AD/OC single ticket discount is half-price for patron and one guest with code ACC (regular $40, $60). Other discounts available. FFI: 651291-7005, www.parksquaretheatre.org
LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET
Children’s Theatre Company presents an adaptation of the Newberry Award-winning book, at Children’s Theatre Co., United Health Group Stage, 2400 3rd Ave. S., Mpls. AD and ASL offered 7 p.m. Fri, Oct. 12. SENS offered 7 p.m. Fri, Oct. 18. To reserve seating in the ASL section, enter the ASL-19 promo code in the upper right hand corner. To reserve AD seating, enter the AD-19 promo code. Assistive listening devices, induction loop system, Braille programs and sensory tours available upon request. Sensory friendly performances provide a supportive and welcoming environment for children and families affected by autism spectrum disorders and other sensory, social and cognitive disabilities. Features include reduction of loud or jarring sounds, reductions in flashing or strobe lights, modification of the house lights, audience members are free to talk or move during the show, extra staff and volunteer support, designated Quiet Room and Take a Break Space, guidance and sensory supports (fidgets, earplugs, noise cancelling ear-muffs) available in the lobby before the show, audience members are welcome to bring their own manipulatives, seat cushions, comfort objects, and extra support items to the show. Families may select their own seats, but if special assistance or a buffer seat is needed, call 612-874-0400 or email access@childrenstheatre.org. For pre-visit resources, go to https://tinyurl. com/yd58etjv. Tickets start at $15. Other discounts available. FFI: 612-874-0400, www.childrenstheatre.org CELEBRATE RISE Rise hosts its annual Celebrate Rise! Fundraising Gala 5-8 p.m. Mon, Oct. 22 at Mpls. Marriott Northwest in Brooklyn Park. Tickets start at $75. The event includes a dinner, program, awards presentation and live auction. FFI: www.rise.org TEAM ALLY FUNDRAISER The Team ALLY 2018 Fundraiser for ALLY is 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wed, Nov. 14 at Inwood Oaks Event Center, Oakdale. Enjoy a cash bar, dinner, silent and live auctions and more. Tom Whaley of the St. Paul Saints is emcee. Tickets are $115. FFI: www.allypeoplesolutions.org SPROUT FILM FESTIVAL The Arc Minnesota hosts the Second Annual Sprout Film Festival, 5:30-8 p.m. Wed, Nov. 7 at Parkway Theatre, 4814 Chicago Ave., Mpls. Free but preregistration required. The Sprout Film Festival’s mission is to inspire audiences, promote inclusion and support transformative filmmaking as an integral part of social change. The event focuses exclusively on films that celebrate the diverse lives and creativity of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, strives to challenge assumptions and breakdown stereotypes. Ask for accommodations at least two weeks in advance. FFI: 952-920-0855, www.arcminnesota.org CHARLOTTE’S WEB Stages Theatre Company presents E.B. White’s beloved children’s tale, at Hopkins Center for the Arts, Mainstage, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins. SF offered 10 a.m. Sat, Oct. 13. Tickets for SF performances not available online; to reserve, call 952-979-1111, option 4. AD and ASL offered 4 p.m. Sun, Oct, 14. Tickets $16, AD and ASL reduced to #12. Other discounts available. FFI: 952-979-1111, option 4, www.stagestheatre.org FRANKENSTEIN – PLAYING WITH FIRE Guthrie Theater presents an imagined meeting between the monster and its creator, at Guthrie Theater, Wurtele Thrust, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. OC and AD offered 7:30 p.m. Fri, Oct. 12. AD and ASL offered 1 p.m. Sat, Oct. 13. Free sensory tour available at 10:30 a.m. OC offered 1 p.m. Wed, Oct. 17. ASL offered 7:30 p.m. Fri, Oct. 19. Tickets reduced to $20 for AD and ASL, $25 for OC. (regular $15-93). FFI: 612-377-2224, www.guthrietheater.org LA RONDINE Minnesota Opera presents a comic opera, at Ordway Theatre, 345 Washington St., St. Paul. Sung in Italian with English translations projected above the stage. OC offered 7:30 p.m. Sat, Oct. 13 and 2 p.m. Sun, Oct. 14. AD offered 2 p.m. Sun, Oct. 14. Tickets reduced to halfprice for AD patrons (regular $25-165). Braille, large-print programs and infrared listening systems available at Patron Services in Ordway’s first level lobby. FFI: 612-333-6669, www.mnopera.org A WOMAN CALLED TRUTH: A CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE OF SOJOURNER TRUTH Youth Performance Company presents the story of a remarkable woman, at Howard Conn Fine Arts Center, 1900 Nicollet Ave., Mpls. ASL offered 7:30 p.m. Sat, Oct. 13. Tickets $15. VSA discounts. Other discounts available. FFI: 612-623-9080, www.youthperformanceco.org FOR COLORED GIRLS: WHO HAVE CONSIDERED SUICIDE WHEN THE RAINBOW IS ENUF Penumbra Theatre presents the Obie Award-winning play, at Penumbra Theatre, 270 N. Kent St., St. Paul. ASL offered 7:30 p.m. Sat, Oct. 13. Ask about ADSL discount. Tickets $40. Other discounts available. FFI: 651-224-3180, http://penumbratheatre.org THE LARAMIE PROJECT Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre presents a drama about humanity and compassion, at the Stage at Island Park, 333 4th St. S., Fargo. AD offered 7:30 p.m. Sat, Oct. 13; pre-show description at 7:10 p.m. Tickets reduced to $10 for AD patron and companion (regular $23). AD tickets not available online. Other discounts available. FFI: 701-235-6778, www.fmct.org DEAR FINDER 2018 UMD Theatre presents a new imagining of the award-winning documentary play about the Holocaust, at UMD Marshall Performing Arts Center, Mainstage Theatre, 1215 Ordean Court, Duluth. ASL offered 2 p.m. Sun, Oct. 14. Tickets $21. Other discounts available. FFI: 218-726-8561,www.d.umn.edu/theatre
26TH ANNUAL SALLY AWARDS Ordway Concert Hall, 345 Washington, St. Paul is the site for the annual awards for arts access, arts learning, commitments, initiatives and social impact. AD/ASL offered 7 p.m. Mon, Oct. 15. If using ASL or OC, recommended seating locations (subject to availability) are in the Concert Hall Main Floor rows D-H in the 303-306 area. Braille, large-print programs and infrared listening systems available at Patron Services in Ordway’s first level lobby. Free; 651-224-4222, www.ordway.org MOVING WORDS: WRITERS ACROSS MINNESOTA M State, 1414 College Way, Fergus Falls, hosts a lively discussion with four multi-genre, Minnesota Book Award-winning authors: Will Weaver, Diane Wilson, Gary Kaunonen and Kaethe Schwehn. Moving Words is an opportunity for writers and readers to explore various themes together: the impact of literature in their lives, their connection as fellow Minnesotans, and the lens through which everyone reads. Sponsored by Fergus Falls Public Library. ASL offered 7 p.m. Mon, Oct. 15. Free. FFI: Alayne Hopkins, 651-366-6488, https://thefriends.org FLY GUY THE MUSICAL SteppingStone Theatre for Youth Development presents the story of an unusual pet, at SteppingStone Theatre, 55 Victoria St. N., St. Paul. AD offered 7 .m. Fri, Oct. 19. ASL offered 3 p.m. Sun, Oct. 21. Tickets $10 when VSA is mentioned, regular $16. FFI: 651-225-9265, www. steppingstonetheatre.org THE GREAT SOCIETY History Theatre presents a story about historic legislation and its times, at History Theatre, 30 E. 10th St., St. Paul. ASL and AD offered 7:30 p.m. Sat, Oct. 20. OC offered 7:30 p.m. Sat, Oct. 27 and 2 p.m. Sun, Oct. 28. Tickets reduced to $25 for OC/AD/ASL patrons (regular $25-56). The accessible entrance is on the east side of the building off Cedar Street. The theater has six spaces for wheelchairs, plus companion seats. Hearing enhancement devices and Braille or large print playbills are available. FFI: 651-292-4323, www.historytheatre.com
OPEN FLOW FORUM The Artists with Disabilities Alliance is the first Thu of the month, 7-9 p.m. at Walker Community Church, 3104 16th Ave. S., Mpls. Upcoming dates are Nov 1 and Dec. 6. Join artists with disabilities and supporters to share visual art, writing, music, theater and other artistic efforts or disability concerns. Informal, fragrance-free, shared refreshments. Facilitators are Dan Reiva, Tara Innmon and Kip Shane. For the holiday party, bring a food item and an inexpensive gift to share, as well as some of art, if desired. Fully accessible, but anyone needing special accommodations, contact Jon at VSA Minnesota, 612-332-3888, jon@vsamn.org THE LAST SCHWARTZ Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company presents a story of family and painful pasts, at Highland Park Community Center Theater, 1978 Ford Parkway, St. Paul. AD offered 1 p.m. Sun, Nov. 4. Tickets: $23-38; AD patrons $23. FFI: 651-647-4315, http://mnjewishtheatre.org TOUR FOR PEOPLE WITH MEMORY LOSS At 10 a.m. on the first Tue of every month the historic James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Ave., St. Paul, offers a sensory-based tour designed for people with memory loss and their caregivers. Each themed tour, usually an hour or less, highlights three rooms and is followed by an optional social time until 11:30 a.m. with pastries and coffee. Private group tours are available for care facilities. Next tour is Tue, Nov. 6. Free but reservations required. FFI: 651-297- 2555, www.mnhs.org HOT FUNKY BUTT JAZZ Interact Theater presents the story of an after-hours jazz club, at Guthrie Theater, Dowling Studio, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. AD, ASL and OC presented 7 p.m. Fri, Nov. 16; 1 p.m. Sat, Nov. 17, (sensory tour 10:30 a.m.). Tickets $9. Large print and Braille playbills, and assisted listening devices are available for all performances from Level 9 usher staff. On Sat, Nov. 3, an after-party speakeasy features Creole-inspired hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar and New Orleans jazz by special guests Delfeayo Marsalis, Zena Moses and the band. Proceeds will benefit Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts. Tickets are $99 ($55 tax-deductible) and include the performance and after-party. Accessible performances can be made available for other performances upon request. FFI: 612-377-2224 (Guthrie), 651-209-3575 (Interact), www.interactcenter.org IN THE MARGINS Karen L. Charles Threads Dance Project presents a performance focusing on implicit biases faced by the deaf and hard of hearing community, at O’Shaughnessy Auditorium, 2004 Randolph Ave., St. Paul. ASL and OC offered 7:30 p.m. Fri-Sat, Nov. 16-17. Patrons planning to use ASL should choose seats in the Main Floor Left section. Postshow discussion Nov. 16. Tickets $30, $26 ADA/senior. Other discounts available. FFI: 651-690-6700, www.threadsdance.org ART SHOW BY KEN DOBRATZ The exhibit, part of a rotating series of exhibits coordinated by VSA Minnesota, features the artwork of Ken Dobratz of Bloomington. The paintings represent a new beginning for Dobratz, who lost his sight 13 years ago to ischemic optic neuropathy. Like many fellow veterans who experience life-altering events due to injury or illness, he passed
ENJOY! To page 15
MARY POPPINS Artistry presents the story of a lively nanny and her charges, at Bloomington Center for the Arts, Schneider Theater, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington. ASL offered 2 p.m. Sun, Oct. 21. AD offered 2 p.m. Sun, Oct. 28. Tickets reduced to $30 (regular $46). Other discounts available. FFI: 952-563-8575, www.artistrymn.org FISH IN A TREE Stages Theatre Company presents a story about disability and pride, at Hopkins Center for the Arts, JC Studio, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins. SENS offered 10 a.m. Sat, Oct. 27. Tickets for sensory-friendly performances are not available online; to reserve, call 952-979-1111, option 4. FFI: www.stagestheatre.org WAR OF THE WORLDS Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre presents the true story of a radio hoax, at the Stage at Island Park, 333 4th St. S., Fargo. AD offered 7:30 p.m. Sat, Oct. 27, with pre-show description at 7:10 p.m. Tickets reduced to $10 for AD patron and companion (regular $23). Other discounts available. Contact box office for AD tickets; not available online. FFI: 701235-6778, www.fmct.org
Our award-winning access services can help make your visit a memorable one. Connect with us to learn more.
ARTABILITY ART SHOW & SALE Minnesota artists with disabilities show and sell their work at the annual art show and sale sponsored by People Incorporated, at the Great Hall, 180 E. 5th St., St. Paul. Show runs 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thu, Oct 25 with 6 p.m. award ceremony, and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri, Oct. 26 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat, Oct. 27. See more than 550 works of art by more than 100 artists. Free admission. FFI: 651-288-3532, 651-774-0011, www.peopleincorporated.org BEAUTIFUL – THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL A touring company presents the remarkable story of singer/songwriter Carole King, at Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls. OC offered 7:30 p.m. Thu, Oct. 25. ASL offered 2 p.m. Sat, Oct. 27. AD offered 8 p.m. Sat, Oct. 27. Tickets $39 to $149. Limited seats are available at the lowest price level to patrons using ASL interpreting or captioning services on a first-come, first-served basis. Prices apply for up to two tickets for each patron requiring ASL interpretation or captioning. Additional seats may be sold separately and at regular price. Audio description receivers may be used in any price level in Hennepin Theatre Trust theatres. To order, email accessible@broadwayacrossamerica.com. FFI: 612-339-7007, https://hennepintheatretrust.org/
612.377.2224 / guthrietheater.org accessibility@guthrietheater.org Access programs at the Guthrie are sponsored by Travelers, Medtronic and Xcel Foundation
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OPPORTUNITIES CHILDREN & FAMILIES SCOTT COUNTY SUPER SATURDAY National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) Minnesota offers a series of free classes on children’s mental health Fri, Oct. 13 at Super Saturday for Children’s Mental Health Awareness at Prior Lake High School, 7575 150th Street West, Savage. This event is being held during national Mental Illness Awareness Week, Oct. 7-13. Morning classes from 9:30-11:30 a.m. include Recognizing Early Warning Signs, Understanding Early Episode Psychosis, Eating Disorders: How to Identify Them and Support a Loved One, and The Quest for Resiliency – Moving from Stressed Out to Chill. Afternoon classes from 12:30-2:30 p.m. include Mental Health Crisis Planning for Families, Special Education: Helping Students Succeed, and Understanding the Children’s Mental Health System. Lunch at 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. will be provided and resource tables will be available during this time. FFI: Liz Babkin at 651-645-2948 ext. 109, ebabkin@namimn.org or see “classes” at namimn.org PACER WORKSHOP 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 live-streamed. 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. How Parents Can Effectively Communicate with the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team offered 6:308:30 p.m. Mon, Oct. 15 in Austin. The interactive workshop helps parents learn to advocate for their child in the special education process. Parents receive tips and tools to help them become more effective communicators as a member of their child’s IEP team. Transitioning to Employment offered 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thu, Oct. 18 in Grand Rapids. Families of youth will receive information on career exploration and planning, including preparing their youth for employment, information about agencies that provide independent living, financial and employment services and supports. Tech for Girls Club: Painting with Robots offered 10-11:30 a.m. Sat, Oct. 13 at PACER Center. Art and robotics collide in this fun workshop for girls. Code a Sphero robot and use it to create your own painting and photography masterpiece. This workshop is led by TPT, Twin Cities Public Television. No coding or photography experience is necessary; all skill levels are welcome. Workshops are free but advance registration required. FFI: PACER, 952-8389000, 800-537-2237, www.pacer.org
INFO & ASSISTANCE AUTISM SOCIAL GROUP FOR AGE 15+ Reach for Resources offers Social Seekers for individuals (age 15+) on the autism spectrum. Social Seekers activities include games, crafts, discussions, outdoor recreation, and other opportunities for socializing. The program is designed to build group cohesion, sustain friendships, and provide gentle verbal redirection when needed to assist individuals with issues surrounding conflict, assertiveness, boundaries, and more. The next session will run on Wednesdays, 5:00-6:30 p.m., from Sept 12-Nov. 28, but participants can join at any time with advance registration and a required intake. The group meets at the Depot in Hopkins, and cost is $200 for the 10 weeks. FFI: 952-393-5866 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. Get to Know NAMI in St. Paul is 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wed. Sept. 12, at NAMI Minnesota, 1919 University Ave., Suite 400, in St. Paul. Meet NAMI staff and volunteers and hear firsthand how NAMI’s work directly affects the lives of children and adults with mental illnesses and their families. Learn about education and support programs and how to advocate for better mental health policies. RSVP to Kay King, 651-645-2948 x113 or kking@namimn.org
IN THE TWIN CITIES NAMI has about two dozen family support groups, more than 20 support groups for people living with a mental illness, anxiety support groups, groups for veterans and other groups. Led by trained facilitators, groups provide help and support. Parent resource groups are facilitated by a parent who has a child with a mental illness and who has been trained to lead support groups. A group meets 6:30-8 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday at Eagle Brook Church, 2401 East Buffalo St., White Bear Lake. FFI: Jody Lyons 651-645-2948 x109. FAMILY SUPPORT GROUPS help families who have a relative with a mental illness. A group meets at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth 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 6:30-8 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 OLMSTEAD SUBCABINET Olmstead Subcabinet meets 3-4:30 p.m. Mon, Oct. 29 at Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, Minnesota Housing, 400 Wabasha St. N, Suite 400, Lake Superior Conference Room, Treasure Island Center, St. Paul. Agenda includes follow up on the Direct Care Workforce recommendations, agency work plans and updates on the quality of life survey. To make public comments during the October Subcabinet meeting, notify the Olmstead Implementation Office at 651-296-8081 Agendas are posted one week prior to meetings, at https://mn.gov/ olmstead with minutes posted two weeks after the meeting. Sign up for updates at https://signup.e2ma.net/signup/1846169/25709/ The Community Engagement Workgroup holds its final meeting for 2018 1-4 p.m. Thu, Oct 18, also at Treasure Island Center. Other options to access updates: www.facebook.com/MNOlmsteadPlan HOPE FOR RECOVERY WORKSHOP IN ST. PAUL NAMI Minnesota hosts a free, interactive workshop that provides families and individuals with information on mental illnesses, practical coping strategies, and hope for recovery. The workshop is 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat, Sept. 29 at Loyola Spirituality Center, 389 N. Oxford St., St. Paul. FFI: 651-645-2948, www.namimn.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 Vision Loss Resources website and as a printable large-print PDF document for those who wish to print their own or additional copies. FFI: RSVP hotline, 612843-3439; activity line and audio calendar, 612-253-5155, www. visionlossresources.org
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ILICIL OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES ILICIL Independent Lifestyles, 215 N. Benton Drive, St. Cloud, offers a number of classes, events and other opportunities for Minnesotans with disabilities in central Minnesota. The center offers its own programming and hosts other groups. The free mental health discussion group 6-:30 p.m. Mon. Learn to live life to the fullest and support each other. The center has a full schedule of activities including support groups, martial arts, Nordic walking and more FFI: 320-267-7717 ADULT SUPPORT GROUPS OFFERED AuSM 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 AuSM offices at 2380 Wycliff St. FFI: 651-647-1083 ext. 10, www.ausm.org 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. Open to those diagnosed with Parkinson’s, their families, caregivers and the public. The group provides support, education, and awareness about the disease. FFI: 320-529-9000 DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS SUPPORT Jewish Family Service of St. Paul, in partnership with Sholom Home East and the Alzheimer’s Association, facilitates a caregiver support group for people who are providing care to a loved one suffering from dementia. Designed to provide proven resources and methods for caregivers who are caring for someone at home or considering in-home services or a transition to assisted living or long-term care. Meets 3-4 p.m. on the second and fourth Mon of each month in the Community Room at Sholom Home East, 740 Kay Ave., St. Paul. Free and open to the public. RSVP. FFI: Grace, 651-690-8903, glundquist@jfssp.org, or Cassandra, 651-328-2014, cnickell@sholom.com .com
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 thousands of listeners throughout Minnesota and across the nation. 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 2-3 hours a week and help people expand their opportunities and change their lives through education. Provides training and support and accommodations for volunteers with disabilities. FFI: Allison, 651-251- 9110, volunteer@mnliteracy.org, http://tinyurl. com/adult-opportunities
MCIL HOSTS CLASSES AND ACTIVITIES The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living provides many life skills classes as well as fun outings and events for people with disabilities. MCIL is at 530 N. Robert Street, St Paul and most activities are there or start there. Classes and events are listed on the website, www.mcil-mn.org. Click on “Classes Groups and Sessions” for updated information or to print their calendar.
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Please give two weeks’ notice if the alternative format or other accommodations are needed. Events are free, accessible and mostly scent-free. The People of Color with disabilities group meets 5:30-8 p.m. the third Thu of each month. FFI: 651-603-2030
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October 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 10
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The Arc Minnesota seeks new leader
The Arc Minnesota in September launched its search for a new chief executive officer. The new leader will replace Kim Keprios, who stepped down in June. The firm of Ballinger Leafblad is helping the agency’s board of directors with the search. The Arc has been through many changes in recent months, as seven independent chapters across the state were merged into one entity. The Arc Minnesota and Arc Twin Cities were Keprios’ employer for the past 36 years. In a statement she described those years as “rewarding, humbling, joyful and challenging.” Keprios joined The Arc Hennepin County in 1982 and became executive director in 1986. She became chief executive officer of The Arc Greater Twin Cities in 2006 as metro chapters merged and was named CEO of The Arc Minnesota following the merger of statewide chapters on January 1, 2018. Keprios was a recognized leader at the local, state and national level, both within The Arc and in her community engagement with partner agencies, public and private sectors. She initiated innovative programs and services that have been vital to people with disabilities and their families. The Arc Minnesota Board expressed gratitude for Keprios’ commitment to the agency’s mission and her years of service. She has advanced many initiatives to improve the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, and has been a vocal advocate for community inclusion. She was also a leader in the efforts to merge the chapters. The Arc Minnesota Chief Marketing Officer Rich Stoebe is serving as interim leader.
Memoir details hydrocephalus
September was Hydrocephalus Awareness Month which honors the estimated one million Americans touched by hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is a condition that affects both people and animals worldwide by preventing cerebrospinal fluid from freely flowing in the “lakes, creeks and rivers” inside the head causing difficulties such as headaches, impaired vision and cognitive issues. Minneapolis author Lesli Chinnock Anderson received her own diagnosis of hydrocephalus at the age of 45 after suffering from headaches and migraines her whole life. Her new medical memoir, The Lakes in My Head: Paddling an Unexplored Wilderness, chronicles her voyage of hope and healing after receiving this life-changing diagnosis and having a shunt surgically placed in her brain to help drain the excess cerebrospinal fluid. Anderson is sharing her story to
be used as a source of inspiration and encouragement for those struggling with hydrocephalus and other conditions and challenging life events. The memoir presents Anderson’s journey through her hydrocephalus diagnosis in which she uses the parallel of preparing for and going on a paddling trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Minnesota – an activity she would often do with her friends prior to diagnosis – to help readers not familiar with the condition better understand the “lakes in their heads” and the experience one goes through while trying to balance everyday life while dealing with a serious medical condition. “After my diagnosis, I experienced setbacks due to complications but still had numerous life events I had to go through and help with,” said Anderson. “However, I was ultimately able to find a balance between being a mother, wife, pet parent, daughter, sister, friend and contributing member of my community and church while living with hydrocephalus and I want others to know they can be too.” To learn more visit, www. lesliandersonbooks.com
Author launches publishing firm When he lost his sight as a result of a violent beating in 2007, St. Louis Park resident Belo Cipriani suddenly found himself thrust into a scary new world he didn’t know how to navigate. At the age of 26, he began life over again. He currently is a columnist with the Bay Area Reporter. In 2017, his column on disability issues was recognized by the National Center on Disability and Journalism at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University. “One of the first steps I took in my recovery was to seek insight into my situation,” he said. “I started looking for disability stories that were contemporary in nature.” He didn’t really find anything that fit the bill, so he did the next best thing. “I started turning to people and places that could offer support,” he said. That support eventually led him to pursue a master’s in creative writing, and start a new career as a disability journalist. “Right away when I started working, I began meeting other disabled writers and asked them questions about how they were navigating life,” he said. Their answers are among those featured in the debut title for Oleb Books, a new publishing company Cipriani started up that will exclusively publish writers with disabilities. Firsts: Coming of Age Stories by People with Disabilities was released in September. It’s a collection of essays, edited by Cipriani, that describe life with a disability. The Hearing Child by Kevin Souhrada describes what it’s like to be a second-generation deaf man. In his essay, he shares details about how he
Independent Lifestyles, Inc. - A Center for Independent Living (ILICIL) of Sauk Rapids has named Shawn Reagan as its new life skills coach coordinator. Shawn has been with Independent Lifestyles for more than a year as a life skills coach. He has helped boost the housing programs outcomes hours working with consumers in multiple settings and was a chief player in successfully proving the scheduling of FLEX time in the program.
MOHR
PEOPLE AND PLACES
Rep. Matt Dean (R-Dellwood), center, received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation (MOHR). At left is MOHR Board Member John Wayne Barker, left, and lobbyist Kevin Goodno, right, honored Dean at the recent MOHR Legislative Conference
Legislator feted for advocacy
Rep. Matt Dean, R-Dellwood, was recognized by the Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation (MOHR) with a certificate of appreciation for his years of work in advocating for people with disabilities in the Minnesota Legislature. The certificate was presented at MOHR’s recent Legislative Conference in Alexandria. “I can't think of a better example of an individual who has supported us consistently in the disability community,” said Kevin Goodno, a lobbyist and attorney with Fredrikson & Byron in St. Paul. “Not only in front of everybody else, but behind closed doors where it really counts.” Dean has served as chair of the Health and Human Services Finance Committee. “It's a fact that people with disabilities are often the last people to get funds, the last people to get help,” he said. “You're doing great work on behalf of people with disabilities and their families. You do it because you love it, and for the people you serve.” John Wayne Barker, a MOHR board member and executive director of Merrick, said Dean has always made himself available to people with disabilities in his district and service providers. “He's focused on our concerns, asked thoughtful questions and has held the Department of Human Services accountable for its actions.” communicates with the world around him, about the modification made to help him interact with the hearing world, and
of the trials and tribulations associated with parenting his hearing children. PEOPLE & PLACES To page 15
October 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 10
AROUND THE DIAL
Polar Plungers start time of chills, thrills
RADIO TALKING BOOK
NEW TECH PROGRAM LAUNCHED Radio Talking Book is continuing its tradition of disability advocacy programming with the Oct. 7 debut of Tanner’s Tech Den. Host David Tanner invites listeners to listen at 8 p.m. on the first Sun of each month, to hear an hour of news, reviews, and explorations of the latest in accessible technology. 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 on It Makes a Difference, 9 p.m. Sun. Donate to the State Services for the Blind at mn.gov/deed/ssbdonate CHAUTAUQUA* Tuesday – Saturday 4 a.m. The Human Advantage, nonfiction by Jay W. Richards, 2018. A coming wave of automation leaves many Americans fearful that their best days are behind them. Read by Brenda Powell. 10 broadcasts; begins Tue, Oct. 16.
The Family Gene, nonfiction by Joselin Linder, 2017. A young woman discovers that she and 14 relatives share a private genetic mutation. Read by Carol McPherson. Nine broadcasts; begins Tue, Oct. 30. BOOKWORM* Monday – Friday 11 a.m. The Voiceover Artist, fiction by Dave Reidy, 2015. After years of not speaking Simon Davies masters techniques to control his stuttering, and pursues his dream to become a voiceover artist. Read by Jeffrey Weihe. 13 broadcasts; begins Tue, Oct. 16. – L, S THE WRITER’S VOICE* Monday – Friday 2 p.m. My Mission to Walk, nonfiction by Tonya Rabb with Lawrence Silveira, 2018. Author and entertainer Tonya Rabb seeks to help extraordinary people overcome everyday obstacles. Read by Carol McPherson. Seven broadcasts; begins Tue, Oct. 23. CHOICE READING* Monday – Friday 4 p.m. The Last Cruise, fiction by Kate Christenson, 2018. When the 1950s ocean liner Queen Isabella makes her final voyage, three passengers unite to prevent an onboard crisis. Read by Rachael Freed. 12 broadcasts; begins Mon, Oct. 22. PM REPORT* Monday – Friday 8 p.m. American Radical, nonfiction by Tamer Elnoury, 2017. Tamer Elnoury, a Muslim American, joined an elite counter-terrorism group after Sept. 11 whose goal is to gain the trust of terrorists. Read by Don Lee. 10 broadcasts; begins Mon, Oct. 29. NIGHT JOURNEY* Monday – Friday 9 p.m. Second Strike, fiction by Peter Kirsanow, 2018. A former special-ops agent and his team must intercept a Russian assassin, with help of a high-ranking intelligence officer at the right hand of the president. Read by John Mandeville. 16 broadcasts; begins Mon, Oct. 15 - V OFF THE SHELF* Monday – Friday 10 p.m. How to Stop Time, fiction by Matt Haig, 2017. Tom Hazard may look like an
POTPOURRI* Monday – Friday 11 p.m. Not in My Family, nonfiction by Roger Frie, 2017. Author and psychologist Roger Frie addresses an unspoken Nazi history in his German family, confronting issues of historical memory and inter-generational trauma. Read by Rachael Freed. 14 broadcasts; begins Mon, Oct. 15. GOOD NIGHT OWL* Monday-Friday midnight The Magnificent Esme Wells, fiction by Adrienne Sharp, 2018. Esme Silver, young and irrepressible, comes of age in the glamour days of Hollywood and the unlawful days of Las Vegas. Read by Michelle Juntunen. 13 broadcasts; begins Wed, Oct. 17. – L, S WEEKEND BOOKS Your Personal World, 1 p.m. Sat, presents I’ll Have It My Way by Hattie Bryant, read by Beverly Burchett. For the Younger Set, 11 a.m. Sun, presents Love Songs and Other Lies by Jessica Pennington, read by Brenda Powell. Poetic Reflections, noon Sun, presents Funny Men Cannot Be Trusted by Tolu’ Akinyemi; followed by The Future by Neil Hilborn, both read by Scott McKinney. The Great North, 4 p.m. Sun, presents Minnesota 1918 by Curt Brown, read by Don Lee. Remember that all program times are U.S. Central Standard Time. ABBREVIATIONS: V – Violence, L – Offensive Language, S – Sexual Situations, RE – Racial Epithets, G – Gory Depictions
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DISABILITY AND PROGRESS Disability and Progress is aired on KFAI Radio, 6-7 p.m. Thursdays. Host Sam Jasmine and her guests explore a wide range of topics that are important to people with disabilities. KFAI is at 90.3 FM in Minneapolis and 106.7 in St. Paul. Listeners outside of the Twin Cities, or those looking for a past show, will find the show’s archives online at www. kfai.org Look for the link to archives and for Disability and Progress. Listeners need to have a Real Audio Player downloaded so that this will work. A smartphone app is also available to hear archived programs. To make comments or make suggestions, for future shows, call 612-341-3144, or email disabilityandprogress@tcq.net. Postal mail can be sent to KFAI, 1808 Riverside Ave. S., Disability and Progress, Box 116, Minneapolis MN 55454. DISABILITY VIEWPOINTS Disability Viewpoints is an award-winning public access television show by and for people with disabilities. Mark Hughes and his team of co-hosts feature current news, interesting people and groups, and events in Minnesota’s disability community. The show is produced by volunteers at CTV North Suburbs in the Twin Cities. The North Suburban Access Corporation, CTV, is a nonprofit organization that provides community media for several communities in that area. Some shows are archived on YouTube, so search for Disability Viewpoints on that web channel to find past shows. The program has also been shown in the past on Twin Cities Public Television. Disability Viewpoints has a Facebook page, and a web page at www.ctv15.org/ programs/local/dv OTHER PROGRAMMING Access Press is interested in listing regularly scheduled broadcast, cablecast or podcast programs by and for people with disabilities. Programming needs to have a tie to Minnesota or the Upper Midwest. Around the Dial is published on a spaceavailable basis. Anyone with questions can contact jane@accesspress.org
ordinary 41-year-old, but he’s been alive for centuries and now longs for an ordinary life. Read by Jim Tarbox. 10 broadcasts; begins Tue, Oct. 16. Our Little Secret, fiction by Roz Nay, 2017. Angela Petitjean is interrogated by police because her ex’s wife Saskia is missing. But she hasn’t seen either her ex or his wife for years. Read by Laura Rohlik. Eight broadcasts; begins Tue, Oct. 30.
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PEOPLE & PLACES Rise, Inc., ESR merger brings shared advantages to agencies' clients Longtime disability service providers Rise, Inc. and ESR are hoping to complete a merger in January 2019. Leaders and staff of the two are working to ensure a smooth transition for everyone involved. The merger means that Rise added 155 team members and began serving an additional 500 people when ESR became its subsidiary on July 1. “ESR has a strong history of providing quality services to adults with disabilities, and we’re honored to help them carry on that tradition.” said Rise President and CEO Lynn Noren. “All aspects of ESR’s philosophy and mission align with Rise, and we look forward to offering additional opportunities for innovative programming to the people served at both organizations.” Longtime ESR Executive Director Ed Boeve retired July 1, capping a plus-40year career in vocational rehabilitation. He is staying on part-time through 2018 to assist with the merger. “Initially the ESR Board of Directors was going to hire someone to fill my position, but they were also looking at
PEOPLE AND PLACES
From page 13 Also included in the book is Dark Clouds by Nigel David Kelley. He shares how being diagnosed with a slow growing, but debilitating brain tumor helped him discover the important things in life. In Heart in a Bottle, Christina Pieres shares how difficult it is to overcome the assumptions and stereotypes people have about those living with autism. The majority of the book’s essayists developed disabilities later in life. “A common thread in a lot of the stories is that many of the writers were the first
REGIONAL NEWS From page 6 But while the VA was cited for these failures, the investigating team was unable to determine that any one issue, or some combination, caused the patient’s death. The report notes the rate of suicide by veterans exceeds that of U.S. civilian adult males — 37.2 per 100,000 for veterans compared to 25 per 100,000 for civilian adult males. In 2014, the number of veteran deaths by suicide averaged 20 a day, according to the Veterans Health Administration. In 2007, the VA established a suicide prevention hotline in an effort to provide emotional support and intervention to veterans and their friends and families.
quality employment services to the people they serve and Rise is excited for the opportunity to partner with them,” Noren said. “Our missions and service philosophies are nearly identical, so we anticipate a smooth transition of professional team members, the people we serve, as well as their families and support staff.” ESR has four locations throughout Washington County, in Forest Lake, Stillwater, Oakdale and Cottage Grove, and one in New Richmond, Wisc. ESR expanded to Wisconsin in 2014. All five locations will remain open, although most administrative functions will move to Rise’s main office in Spring Lake Park by year’s end. “In the past few months, Lynn and Rise’s senior leadership team have spent a lot of time meeting with ESR staff and family members at all five locations to answer their questions mutually beneficial work relationships.” Since 1971, Rise has provided employment, housing support, and life enrichment services to people with
disabilities and other challenges in the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota. Rise unlocks potential and opens doors to success through creative solutions and customized support. Since 1964, ESR has served individuals and built partnerships with area businesses, schools and government in the east Twin Cities metropolitan area. It has operated as a private nonprofit agency and address whatever concerns they may have,” Boeve said. “I think people realize that, for the most part, it will continue to be ‘business as usual’ and that our two agencies will be even stronger together.” “Our team members are meeting with community organizations and employers to introduce them to Rise and further solidify the alreadyestablished partnerships they have had with ESR,” said Noren. “We are confident we will be able to continue to build upon these supporting adults with developmental disabilities and other special needs by helping them integrate into the larger community and gain meaningful employment.
person with a disability to do a certain thing,” said Cipriani. Souhrada, for example, was the first deaf child in his community to play t-ball for the local team; the first deaf middle school football player; and the first deaf man in the nation to take a national Spanish test. Another common theme shared by many of the writers, they had a second “Coming of Age” as a result of their disability. “There’s a sense that once you’re disabled your life is over, or it’s less rich. I don’t think that’s the case. All of these people lead very rich lives. They are falling in love, they are getting
work, they are moving around. Yes they have experienced tragedy, but they are learning to manage it,” said Cipriani, who hopes the book will serve as a reminder to others that life may not be perfect, but it is manageable. “Great books touch our minds, hearts and take us to undiscovered lands. But for far too long, literary works have failed to capture the disability experience. I’m hoping to change that through Oleb Books,” said Cipriani. His goal is to publish one or two books annually. For more information, go to www. olebbooks.com
ENJOY! From page 11
Collaboration among health care professionals and treatment teams is a key in improving health care and patient safety, the report noted. According to the Inspector General’s report, the veteran in this case called the crisis line, reporting suicidal thoughts and having “immediate access to guns.” The crisis worker and the veteran, who isn’t identified in the report, developed a safety plan that included going to the VA’s emergency department. The veteran was seen the same day at the hospital, and was evaluated and admitted into the mental health unit. By the fourth day, a nurse practitioner documented that the patient requested
to be discharged and wrote that the “patient does not currently meet dangerousness criteria for a 72-hour hold or petition for commitment because [the patient] denies intent to kill or harm self or others … and is agreeable to continuing with outpatient care.” According to the report, the patient described feeling hopeful, and the discharge summary said the patient was a low risk for suicide. The veteran denied having immediate access to a firearm but said he could obtain one. The next day, VA police found the patient dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the hospital’s parking lot. (Source: Star Tribune)
other options, including merging with another agency,” said Boeve. “Several Minnesota organizations had expressed an interest, but after two or three months of a mutual discovery process, the Rise board and the ESR board decided our merger was the best option for everyone.” “Given all the changes in our industry, the leadership and boards of both organizations have concluded that this partnership will result in a stronger combined organization in the future,” said Noren. Two members of ESR’s board of directors joined Rise’s board in June. Susan Langfeldt works for Bremer Bank and lives in Deer Park, Wisc. Kelly Steffens of Prior Lake is corporate counsel with Home Services America. “ESR has a 54-year history of providing
CLASSIFIEDS
ROOMMATE WANTED: A forty-eight-year old male with Cerebral Palsy is seeking someone to share his fully-accessible New Hope home. The roommate must have his or her own services. It’s equipped with an elevator and ceiling lift. Rent includes 3 bedrooms, two bathrooms, and 2,700 sq of shared space. $750/ month, all utilities included. If interested, please contact via Ayan (763) 587-5513. FOR SALE: 2006 Dodge Caravan with AMS conversion ramp. Has a V6 with an automatic transmission and has 167073 miles. The van needs some cosmetic work and a new battery but would be a great fixer upper for someone. Brand new tire inside the back storage area: switch out to the front drivers tire – not sure, if it is a slow leak, a nail or a bad tire; 2 video screens – just needs a DVD player to keep everyone occupied; plus lots of other bells and whistles. Also has a clean title. For more information please call 763-479-8239 or email info@equipalife.org. You can see the van at 5563 Pioneer Creek Dr. in Maple Plain. Price is $5000 or best offer! 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.
Classified rates: $15 (first 18 words) and 65¢ per word thereafter. Classified ads prepaid. Mail to: Access Press, Capitol Ridge Inn Offices; 161 St. Anthony Ave; #910; St. Paul, MN 55103; Phone: 651-644-2133; Fax 651-644-2136; Email: access@accesspress.org
Enjoyed at Visit mnDNR.gov/Perfect to find a park near you.
through a period of mourning, anger and eventually acceptance before he could move forward. He was helped by the Mpls VA Medical Center, and began to paint as part of his recovery. He is inspired by nature and strives to capture its beauty. At Vision Loss Resources, 1936 Lyndale Ave. S. (at Franklin), Mpls. The exhibit is on display through November. Lobby hours are 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon-Fri. Free. FFI: VLR, 612-871-2222, http://vsamn.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 calendar at the upper right-hand corner of its homepage. For galleries and theater performances around the state join the Access to Performing Arts email list at access@ vsamn.org or call VSA Minnesota, 612332-3888 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 is offered, as schedules can change. VSA Minnesota can also refer venues and theater companies to qualified describers, interpreters and captioners.
October 10, 2018 Volume 29, Number 10
Coverage for all. UCare has been de-complicating health plans for people of all abilities for more than 30 years. Get started at ucare.org or call 800-707-1711 | TTY: 800-688-2534
Access Press Oct. 2018.pdf
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