“You must be the change you want to see in the world.”
— Mahatma Gandhi
GREENFIELD LEAVING HOUSE
A Champion of Disability Legislation
by Charlie Smith, Editor
RCongressman Jim Ramstad, major supporter of federal work incentives legislation, at the celebration of Clinton’s signing of the bill.
Metro Mobility Hears From The Public
by Jeff Nygaard
In mid-December the Metropolitan Council held three public forums at which they asked people to tell them how well Metro Mobility is doing its job. They got an earful.
ACCESS PRESS attended two of the three forums, at which was heard testimony from riders and others who are affected by the system. Various concerns were stated, many of them quite forcefully. Over the course of the meetings several themes emerged.
Too many rides are denied Many people cannot get rides when they call Metro Mobility. Comments included: “I just moved [to the Twin Cities] in September. I often wonder why, because transportation is so bad.”
“Metro Mobility has never been able to give me a roundtrip ride to the hospital in Maplewood.” “I can often get rides between 11 am and 1 pm; after 1 o’clock, forget
it!” While the official “denial rate” says that callers are denied rides roughly 4 to 5 percent of the time, the vehemence and frequency with which people stated this problem indicates that the problem may be worse than official records show.
Riders cannot get round-trips
Several riders reported that they have trouble scheduling a round-trip ride at any time. As readers might expect, riders who are offered a one-way ride with no way to get home often decide not to go on their trip at all.
Riders cannot get standing orders
Many riders have regular commitments, such as jobs, church, medical appointments, and so on. Regularlyscheduled rides on Metro Mobility are known as “standing orders,” and they are hard to get. One rider stated, “I have been trying for a year-and-a-half to get a
standing order.” Metro Mobility assistant general manager Gerri Sutton told participants, “We have 400 to 500 requests for standing orders every quarter, and we can only grant 100 to 200.”
Difficult reservation system
Many comments were heard about telephone problems, with concerns including difficulty in getting through, frequent disconnects, and being placed on hold for long periods.
Long waits
In a vivid illustration of this problem, two participants arrived very late to the Monday forum because they had ridden on Metro Mobility.
Inefficient routing
Some riders told of being refused rides when nearby neighbors who were going to the same place at the same time were able to get rides. Others told of several separate vans coming to the same
epresentative Lee Greenfield, a leader in championing disability legislation in Minnesota, announced he won’t seek reelection in November. Greenfield served 20 years in Minnesota’s House of Representatives, many of them as Chair of the Health and Human Services Finance Committee. ACCESS PRESS interviewed Representative Greenfield and asked him about his decision to retire, as well as his reflections on his tenure in the House.
Why did you decide to retire?
It’s mostly personal things. Being in the minority [in the House of Representatives] hasn’t been easy, but I don’t think the Democrats will be in the minority next year. And I can only chair the Health and Human Services Committee, if we come back in the majority, for two more years. I’m not that interested in other kinds of committees.
Essentially, in the 21 years that I’ve been in the House, my wife has supplemented our income by working as a Senate staff member. This isn’t technically a full-time job, but I’ve always pretty much treated it as such, because I don’t know how you can do Health and Human Services and keep up with things, let alone meet with people and make yourself available and things like that. So, I’ve done it as a fulltime job. And I could use some years of earning money that counts for my social Security. I’m 58½ and if I wait much longer it’ll be totally impossible.
You’ve initiated so many great programs, especially
for people with disabilities. You were a key legislator with the PCA program, TEFRA, the de-institutionalization of people with developmental disabilities, MinnesotaCare. If you could pick one or two highlights, what would they be.
I guess the major one would be MinnesotaCare. Not only did we change how health care is sold in this state, particularly for small businesses and individuals, but we started to reduce drastically the [number of people who are] uninsured — moving to universal healthcare. We have one of the lowest uninsured rates in the United States. According to the latest university study, it’s about 5.2%. MinnesotaCare has done a lot to help that. It’s been very exciting. We started out trying to do a lot more than we actually accomplished in MinnesotaCare, but we still accomplished a lot. And I still think the rest has to be done.
The other things, collectively, I would say have been to recognize the state role for various groups with disabilities. To make sure people were in the least restrictive setting, with the most possibilities in getting whatever training, education or access to things that were needed to give them as full a life as possible. Whether it’s getting developmentally disabled [people] out of the regional treatment centers into community programs, or helping people with mental illness get community programs so they can stay in the community, or doing the original “Minnesota version of the ADA” to allow people to seek employment appropriately with an accommoda-
tion. It all fits the same kind of model and it was great to work on. It was great communities to work with.
You’ve just done so much. Well, one of the things that really helped that I have to point out is something I never thought about when I first ran [for office]. I’m fairly good with math, so if I have to handle budgets, it’s not a big deal. If you can handle the big money, and move it around, you can accomplish a lot. If they put you in the right position.
You have been the Chair of the Health and Human Services Finance Committee for 11 years. How has that committee changed over the years?
What’s interesting about it is when I started in Health and Human Services and on the Finance Division, everybody viewed this as an area where “Oh, you help people, but there was no money in it, this was no way to build a political career, etc., etc.” Well, health care dominates our spending, [it’s] close to what K-12 does in education. And so now, people don’t look at it as “you’re just doing welfare,” you’re doing “health care.” That’s where the big bucks are. But there is enough money and if you learn all the systems and the players in the system, you can do good things — lots of good things for people. You can find groups that need help, that haven’t had it in the past and help create programs that fit Medicaid or something like that and really help a lot of people.
And you can stop stupidity.
Charlie Smith Editor
Our lead story is about Representative Lee Greenfield’s retirement. As the subhead suggests, Representative Greenfield has been a great champion for people with disabilities. From the 1970’s through the 1990’s, he authored many of the bills which form the foundation for us to live independently in the community. When the Personal Care Attendant (PCA) program and TEFRA program became targets for budget cuts during Governor Carlson’s administration, Lee led the way to defend the programs and successfully saved them. He is also responsible for many of the raises for the PCA program over the years. Rep. Greenfield will be missed after this year’s
ADA/IDEA Celebration
The ADA 2000 Celebration is scheduled for July 26, 2000. The purpose of the event is to bring together individuals with disabilities, family members, and supporters to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the 25th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), two of the most important pieces of
disability legislation in our nation’s history.
The ADA/IDEA Celebration is a statewide event which will bring people together from every part of the state. By providing special transportation scholarships, it is hoped that as many people as possible will be abe to attend. Ted Kennedy, Jr., an individual with a disability who is also a moving motivational
MINNESOTA STATE COUNCIL ON DISABILITY
Legislative Roundtable Legislative
January 27, 2000
Training session from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Roundtable from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
If your organization wants to make a presentation of legislative priorities at the Roundtable, please contact Tom Brick, 651-296-3478 immediately.
121 E. 7th Place • St. Paul, MN 55101 651-296-6785 V/TTY 1-800-945-8913 V/TTY; Fax: 651-296-5935 E-mail: council.disability@state.mn.us
speaker, will be a featured speaker at the event. Kennedy was involved with disability issues when the ADA was passed by Congress and signed into law by former President Bush.
The celebration will be held at the Anne Sullivan Middle School in south Minneapolis. This school is a model of functional access, with ample accessible space both indoors and out. The event will include local speakers, artists and performers; non-profit organization information booths; local vendors; product demonstrations and other festivities.
The following disability organizations are represented on the ADA/IDEA 2000 Celebration Committee: ACCESS PRESS; ADA Minnesota; Advocating Change Together; Courage Center; Metropolitan Center for Independent Living; the Minnesota State Council on Disability; the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, MN Chapter; PACER Center; United Cerebral Palsy; University of Minnesota Disability Services; VSA - MN; and Wilderness Inquiry.
For further information or to
ACCESS PRESS
Co-Founder/Publisher (1990-1996)...................................................................Wm. A. Smith, Jr.
Editor/Publisher/Co-Founder.............................................................................Charles F. Smith
Cartoonist .....................................................................................................................Scott Adams
Production ..........................................................................Presentation Images, Ellen Houghton
Editorial Assistant..............................................................................................Donna McNamara
ACCESS PRESS is a monthly tabloid newspaper published for persons with disabilities by Access Press, Ltd. Circulation is 11,000, distributed the 10th of each month through more than 200 locations statewide. Approximately 650 copies are mailed directly to political, business, institutional and civic leaders. Subscriptions are available for $15/yr.
Editorial submissions and news releases on topics of interest to persons with disabilities, or persons serving those with disabilities, are welcomed.
Paid advertising is available at rates ranging from $14 to $18/column inch, depending on size and frequency. Classified ads are $8.00, plus 35 cents/word over 20 words.
Advertising and editorial deadlines are the 30th of the month preceding publication; special scheduling available for camera-ready art.
Access Press is available on tape. Call MN State Services for the Blind, 651-642-0500 or 800-652-9000. Inquiries should be directed to: ACCESS PRESS • 1821 University Ave. W. • Suite 185N • St. Paul, Minnesota 55104 • (651) 644-2133 • Fax (651) 644-2136 • E-mail: access@wavetech.net.
legislative session.
If you get a chance, give him a call or write him a note and thank him for his years of service.
* * * *
Metro Mobility held their annual meetings last month. Again this year, it was an opportunity for riders to express their frustrations with our paratransit program. The staff from the service center and the Metropolitan Council heard first hand what ACCESS PRESS has been reporting. People are not being able to get the rides they need when they need them. Metro Mobility is not meeting the needs of its ridership. They need more
vehicles on the streets.
Riders still need to keep requesting rides, even if you believe you won’t get the ride. High denial rates work in favor of requesting higher funding for the program. The Make Your Ride Count campaign is building momentum, the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living’s (MCIL) hot line is receiving more calls each month (651) 603-2039 (voice); (612) 794-7514 (TTY). I encourage all riders who experience poor service to continue to call the hot line and the service center every time it happens. * * * *
On page 9 you will find a newly
updated Directory of Organizations. I would like to thank Elizabeth Young and Eddie Maddox for making the calls to update this valuable resource for the community. Without their help it wouldn’t have been done
* * * *
Donna McNamara, ACCESS PRESS’ Editorial Assistant, has decided to leave the paper. Over the last year and a half she has added another dimension to the paper with her perspective on the issues. The paper and I have benefited greatly from her being here and she will be hard to replace. I wish her well with her new endeavors.
Three Beneficial Medications
— No Money To Pay
by Joel Ulland
For the past 10 years, multiple sclerosis research has held much promise for people with MS. Three new drug treatments, Avonex, Betaseron and Copaxone, have been approved for use in treating symptoms of MS. These treatments help reduce the frequency and severity of MS attacks. But for one group of people with MS, these drugs are unaffordable. This group is on Medicare — and Medicare doesn’t pay for prescription drugs.
The future of the Medicare program is important to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter, because one in every four people with MS receives health care coverage through Medicare. Currently, Medicare only covers drugs when administered during hospitalization or in a physician’s office. As use of drug therapies to treat MS continues to advance, coverage for prescription drugs under Medi-
become involved, please contact Margot Imdieke Cross at the Minnesota State Council on Disability, 121 East 7th Place, Suite 107, Saint Paul, MN 55101. Phone toll free at: 1-800-945-8913 (v/tty) or 651296-6785( v/tty).
care becomes very important.
Some beneficiaries have access to drug coverage through Medicare HMO plans or supplemental (Medigap) plans. However, prescription coverage under Medicare HMOs and Medigap is often limited, forcing people to pay a hefty premium and a 50percent co-pay for the drug.
The three MS drug treatments each average about $1,000 a month. The $500 co-pay per month leaves many people with no choice but to go without the drug or impoverish themselves and their family to afford the medication.
The options are very limited for people in this situation.
All three drug companies offer some grants to people to get started on the drug treatment or to continue treatment while an insurance carrier is being changed. But none offer ongoing, continuous grants to people on Medicare.
Proposals have been introduced in the US Congress to reform Medicare, but it is unclear how these proposals would benefit people with MS. A bill to expand the Senior Prescription Drug Program to people with disabilities under age 65 will be introduced at the Minnesota Legislature in February. This expansion will obviously benefit people with MS, but the benefits go to anyone with a disability under age 65. People with disabilities can’t pass up this chance to make the Senior Prescription Drug Program fair to everyone.
If you or someone you know would directly benefit from this proposal or you would like more information, please contact Joel Ulland from the National MS Society, MN Chapter at 612-335-7933.
Another option is to enroll in Medical Assistance (MA), which does cover prescription drugs. The drawback is that income and asset limits are very strict. People must “spend down” their Social Security check to $487 per month, threatening their ability to pay for food and shelter.
CORRECTION
The Y2K article on page 2 of the December 10 issue incorrectly identified St. Paul’s Y2K office staff member. The staff person is Sean Kershaw.
612-529-5019 • 651-483-9143
Drivers Wanted! Call for more information.
Organization Profile
Children’s Mental Health Association
by Christine Tomlinson
The Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health (MACMH) will be filling billboards around town with children’s drawings. The drawings are the agency’s way of letting kids educate us on the reality of mental health disorders in children.
Judging on the poster project will be held January 16 at the Minnesota History Center. Through the project, the agency intends to make itself known to parents and to diminish the stigma associated with mental health disorders in kids. Posters are drawn by kids from fourth to eighth grade, in two graduated categories. The Association developed activity packets for teachers whose students enter the contest to help them add learning about mental health issues to their curriculum. The billboard posters, hung with space donated by Eller Media, stand to help us all learn about children’s mental health issues, and, hopefully, to give parents information about an advocacy resource they may not have known was available to them.
“We help them [parents] understand the mental health system, help them navigate the mental health system,” said Deborah Saxhaug, the Association’s executive director. The Association offers education, support and advocacy services to parents who are seeking help. Often, though, Saxhaug says, by the time parents learn of the Association and the help it can provide, they have already tried to get help, and have already gotten frustrated. “Most of the time we hear from parents when they’re in crisis mode,” she said.
One of the Association’s goals is to reach parents sooner, so they can have assessments done earlier and get intervention before more serious problems set in. The nature of children’s mental health disorders places kids in a vicious cycle. The “unacceptable behaviors” cause a child to have difficulty in school, or to be rejected socially, thus creating a larger problem. And yet, with proper mental health care, the disorders that affect children can be treated, just as they are in adults. The kinds of disorders most often seen at MACMH include depression, attention deficit disorder, anxiety disorders that cause school resistance and bi-polar disorder. Other disorders, like schizophrenia, are sometimes dealt with as well.
While the disorders have a biological and neurological base, the public awareness of mental health disability in children is not at the level it is for adults. “One of the largest challenges, the root, the main obstacle that parents face would be stigma,” said Saxhaug. “The child faces a stigma of having a mental illness, but the parent faces a stigma as well about being a parent of a child who has a mental health disability. Different than physical disability, parents of children with emotional/behavioral disorders typically are looked at as being dysfunctional, are looked at as having poor parenting skills.”
The Association’s mission includes both education and advocacy, to help fight the lack of public knowledge, while getting kids and their parents the kind of help they need, and the kind of help that
is their civil right. Under the Children’s Mental Health Act, services for children are mandated across the state.
“There are a variety of services mandated under the Children’s Mental Health Act that parents should have access to, but don’t know how to advocate for those services,” said Saxhaug. The services that are mandated by the state sometimes exist in the parents’ counties, but sometimes they do not. The Association tries to help parents access the services to which they are entitled. One way to do this is through the parent support groups the Association has set up across the state.
MACMH has developed 36 support groups for parents that serve a variety of the parents’ needs. Besides providing the emotional support of knowing there are others going through what a parent goes through having a child with an emotional disorder, the groups also act as a community resource. “Other parents really understand the issues another parent is going through, and they’re a wonderful resource for information. Because they’re community specific, we refer a lot of people to the groups. Even if they don’t want to attend the group, the group members will often act as resource people as well, and let them know who is a good psychologist in the community, or psychiatrist, what are some groups or services that on the state level we might not know about, but people on the community level may know about,” said Saxhaug.
Parents of children with emo-
Kids Health - cont. on p. 6
ADA Minnesota will host distance learning sessions in January and February 2000. These opportunities are free and open to anyone who is interested. They will be held at MCIL, 1600 University Avenue, Suite 16, St. Paul.
On Jan 18 from 1-2p.m. the session is entitled “Interplay between ADA and Family Medical Leave Act” and will be presented by Carol Miaskoff, Assistant Legal Counsel, EEOC. She will discus the relationship between the two laws addressing workplace leave, reasonable accommodations, and medical care.
On Tuesday, February 15, from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Marc Charmatx, Director of the National Association of the Deaf, will present on “Effective Communication.” His presentation will cover misperceptions about when an interpreter needs to be provided, the use of notes, affording an auxiliary aid, and more. For information call ADA Minnesota, 651-6032015(V); 1-888-845-4595 (toll free) or 651-603-2001 (TTY).
Robin Jones, Director of the Great Lakes ADA Center, will conduct an advanced training workshop on Wednesday,
New Disability Website
Minnesota’s Internet Disability Directory is online. DirectAbility is a comprehensive, award-winning web site directory devoted to disabil-
ity-related products, services, resources and information in Minnesota. To access the site, go to www.directability. com For more information or
February 9, 2000, at the Sheraton Midway Hotel. This workshop will use case studies to focus on Title I of the ADA (employment) with some case study related to communication. This is not an introductory workshop; participants should have working knowledge of the ADA. Ms Jones has extensive experience as a trainer in all titles of the ADA. She is actively involved in disability related advocacy efforts on local, state and national levels. For more information, contact ADA MN 651-603-2015(V), 1-888-845-4595 (toll free) or 651-603-2001 (TTY).
to get listed, send an E-mail to Mike@patcom.com or call 612-827-4ll0.
Artists With Disabilities Receive Awards
Six Minnesota artists with disabilities have been awarded grants for their artistic efforts and activities by VSA arts of Minnesota. The fourth annual Artist Recognition Program presented the six $750 awards through funding from the Jerome Foundation of St. Paul. This year’s selected grantees are:
J. D. Carlson, Grand Rapids: Writing: Short Stories Dennis Behr, Minneapolis,
Visual Arts: Pastel, Pencil & Conte Crayon
Mary Degen, Minneapolis, Visual arts: Construction & Photography
Carei Thomas, Minneapolis, Music Performance: Composition
Mary Carol Peterson, Pelican Rapids, Visual Arts: Pastels
Jane Gerus, St. Paul, Visual Arts: Painting, Acrylics
The Recognition Grants were awarded following a jurying
process conducted by individuals with extensive backgrounds in the written, visual and performing arts. VSA arts of Minnesota is a nonprofit organization working to make the arts accessible to people with all types of disabilities. It serves individuals as well as arts organizations. For more information on its grant or arts programs, call (612) 3323888 (Voice/TTY), or toll free 1-800-801-3883 (V/TTY).
Hartz Leads Midwest Special Services
Lyth J. Hartz has been selected as the new president of Midwest Special Services, a Twin Cities organization that
has provided training and employment for adults with disabilities since 1949. Hartz has directed Midwest’s Developmental Achievement Center for the past 20 years. He replaces Gene O’Neil, who retired after 28 years.
Martha Hage’s RADIO SHOW Disabled & Proud, It’s Not An Oxymoron
Jan 11:Catherine Durivage Dir., MN Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Jan 18:Sonja Alvarez
Jan 25:Lolly Lijewski host with guest TBA
Feb 1:Layne Nelson, Ronna Linroth and Tom Schaefer, Assistive Technology MN
We offer 24 hr. Emergency Service exclusively to our regular customers. Free UPS and deliveries to Mpls., St. Paul & Suburbs.
Accessible Arts Performances
American Sign Language (ASL)
1/12 Wed., 10:00 p.m. and 1/14 Fri., 7:00 p.m., “The Frog Prince,” Central Minnesota Children’s Theater, Paramount, St. Cloud, 320-2590250
1/15 Sat., 8:00 p.m., “Scotland Road,” Rochester Civic Theatre, 507-282-8481
1/22 Sat., 8:00 p.m., “The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told,” Outward Spiral Theatre, Hennepin Center for the Arts , Little Theatre, Mpls., 612-2535222
1/29 Sat., 8:00 p.m., “The Waiting Room,” Park Square Theater, St. Paul, 651-2917005
1/29 Sat., 1:00 p.m., (sensory tour 11:00 a.m.) “Misalliance,” Guthrie Theater, Mpls, 612377-2224, 800-848-4912, TTY 612-377-6626
* 1/30 Sun., 2:00 p.m., 2/3 Thurs., 12:30 p.m., “The Silver Skates,” Stages Theatre Co., Hopkins, 612-979-1111
2/3 Thur., 11:00 a.m., “Dance Asia,” St. John’s University, Collegeville
2/4 Fri., 8:00 p.m., “Misalliance,” Guthrie Theater, Mpls, 612-377-2224, 800-848-4912, TTY 612-3776626
2/4 Fri., 7:30 p.m., “Green Eggs & Ham,” Children’s Theatre Co., Mpls, 612-874-0400
* 2/5 Sat., 2:00 p.m., and 2/9 Wed., 9:00 a.m. “Number the Stars,” Central MN Children’s Theater, Para-mount, St. Cloud, 320-259-0250
* 2/10 Thur., 8:00 p.m., “The Glue Factory Project,” Beth Corning, Danny Buraczeski, Bonnie Mathis, Theatre de la Jeune Lune, Mpls, 612-3336200
* 2/18 Fri., 7:30 p.m., “The Island of Anyplace,” AnokaRamsey Community College, Coon Rapids, 612-422-3459
2/20 Sun., 2:00 p.m., “Most Valuable Player: The Jackie Robinson Story,” Youth Performance Co., 1900 Nicollet Ave., Mpls, 612-623-9080
Audio Described (AD)
* 1/16 Sun.,, 8:00 p.m., “Whirligig: Life & Perspective 101,” Burning House Group at Loring Playhouse, Mpls, 612623-9396 or 333-2172
1/21 Fri., 8:00 p.m., “The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told”, Outward Spiral Theatre, Hennepin Center for the Arts Little Theatre, Mpls., 612-2535222
1/29 Sat., 8:00 p.m., “The Waiting Room,” Park Square Theater, St. Paul, 651-2917005
1/29 Sat., 1:00 p.m., (sensory tour 11:00 a.m.) “Misalliance,” Guthrie Theater, Mpls, 612377-2224, 800-848-4912, TTY 612-377-6626
*1/30 Sun., 2:00 p.m., 2/3 Thurs., 12:30 p.m., “The Silver Skates,” Stages Theatre Co., Hopkins, 612-979-1111
2/4 Fri., 8:00 p.m., “Misalliance,” Guthrie Theater, Mpls, 612-377-2224, 800-8484912, TTY 612-377-6626
2/13 Sun., 5:00 p.m., “Peking Acrobats,” Ordway Music Theatre, St. Paul, 651-2244222
* Asterisked performances are eligible for Reduced Admission Prices through Access to Theatre, funded by United Arts and VSA Arts of Minnesota.
The Religion Column will resume in February.
THello Nicole:
Dear Nicole,
I’m the Mom of a beautiful almost 6 year-old named Carla with severe Muscular Dystrophy. I am 20 weeks pregnant with another child now and we are concerned because our genetic testing results are not back yet and I’m already noticing decreased movement. I don’t want to make another child suffer like Carla has in her short life. How should I tell Carla we won’t be having the baby if the tests come back showing problems? She is a very intelligent 6 year-old and has been looking forward to her new sister or brother.
Sincerely, Carla’s Mom
Dear Mom,
This is probably the hardest question I’ve ever responded to. Of course, you don¹t want to make another child suffer like Carla has suffered. Watching helplessly while a child suffers is one of the most heartbreaking exper-iences of a parent’s lifetime. Oftentimes, this pain is tinged with guilt. Guilt is rarely “appropriate” or logical, but seems to serve as a buffer from a deep sense of confusion or loss of control. A parent might think, “Why is this happening to my child? What did I do wrong?”
With genetic testing, this sense of guilt is magnified because the suffering seems “preventable.” Therefore, for most people, choosing to have a child with a disability is out of the question. There is a lot of social pressure to abort a disabled fetus, both for the baby’s good and the good of the society. In Alabama it has been declared state policy “to encourage the prevention of birth defects and mental retardation through education, genetic counseling and amniocentesis...”(Section 22-0A-l of Alabama statutes).
I remember when I was 3, and my mother was pregnant. She told me that she was going to have some tests done and if the fetus was found to have Muscular Dystrophy (like me), she was going to have an abortion and “try again.” I was shocked and suddenly panicked. It was my first faceto-face encounter with the idea that my disability was so bad it should not be allowed to exist. I must have looked confused, because after a minute my mother said, “You wouldn’t want to make someone else go through what you have to go through, would you?” Instantly, my shock turned to guilt. I felt ashamed
Support Groups
he Hennepin County affiliate of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill meets the third Friday of every month at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, at 50th & Knox in South Minneapolis. The family and consumer support groups are at 6:30 P.M. The Main Meeting is held from 7:30-9:00 P.M. Pete Feigal, President (651) 310-9923.
On January 21, the meeting will host State Representative Mindy Greiling who will be
HOUSING AND PERSONAL CARE SERVICES
Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI) offers subsidized one and two bedroom apartments for individuals with physical disabilities. We have housing in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, St. Cloud, Brainerd, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, Austin, Marshall, Willmar, and Duluth.
The apartments are fully wheelchair accessible and each building has a central laundry room, large community room, secured entry and an on-site caretaker.
ASI also offers shared personal care services 24 hours a day, at most locations, for adults with a physical disability and/or traumatic brain injury who qualify for Medical Assistance. For more information call (651) 645-7271 or (800) 466-7722. For services or housing call Leigh, for employment as a personal care attendant call Al or Kellie.
talking about re-examining Minnesota’s commitment law. Renowned psychiatrist Dr. Ron Groat will also be a guest. Please join in a discussion to give Representative Greiling feedback and insights before she drafts new legislation.
The Minnesota Bio-Brain Associa-tion will host Brian Nystrom of Nystrom and Associates Clinic on the topic of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). He will cover the causes, treatment, the impact on family members, and what they can do to help. This meeting will be held January 17 at 7:00 p.m. at the Richfield United Methodist Church, 5835 Lyndale Ave. S.
On February 21, State Reresentative Mindy Greiling and Hennepin NAMI President Pete Feigal will speak at the Richfield United Methodist Church about the commitment law. All are invited to give your valuable insights/experience to Representative Greiling.
Bio-Brain’s weekly, 7:00 p.m, Monday night support and information meetings will be at the Bio-Brain offices in Edina at 6950 France Ave, Suite 18. Support groups for individuals meet the 1st and 4th Monday of each month, also at 6950 France, but in the lower conference room at 7:00 p.m.
of my selfishness. Of course, I would not want to “make” someone go through it!
Now I want to tell you about one of my earliest memories. I was around one year old. My mother was holding me up by my hands while my father moved my feet in steps across the floor. It felt wrong to me, as though they were throwing me into the air and expecting me to fly, and I fought them every step of the way! I knew absolutely that I was not meant to walk. It was a natural knowledge to me, as though I had made the choice myself, and I didn’t feel any disappointment or tragedy in not walking.
Unfortunately, my parents still suffer an awful burden of guilt and disappointment over my situation. My younger brother turned out to be ablebodied. However, I cannot tell you how many times I’ve looked at my brother and thought, “If you had been like me, you would not be here.” I ponder his accomplishments, his physical agility, health, relationships, his “bright” future prospects and I wonder what makes his life a blessing and mine a tragedy? Because I’ve spent my life dealing with issues of death, illness, pain and rejection, I am more adept at seeing beyond super-ficialities and I can offer unique experiences that may nourish our deeper, truer selves. How do we measure the worth of a life? Which life is the larger blessing?
I hope you will see that aborting a disabled fetus is not simply the “right” or “responsible” thing to do. Listen to your heart. If you decide that for yourself you need to abort this baby, I think it’s important to sort out that you are doing it because of your feelings or ability, not because there is something wrong with the baby that you are saving it from. Explain practical matters to Carla — explain your lack of time or space or money. Talk in terms of your feelings, what you can or cannot manage. Allow Carla to be upset. It is a loss. It might be nice to make an object for the baby so that you and Carla can honor and remember it’s existence. By honoring this baby’s life as valuable (whether or not you choose to birth the baby) you will also honor Carla and all of us with disabilities.
- Nicole
to
Remembering Our History
by Lolly Lijewski
Ashort time before his death, Irv Zola reviewed a few books on the history of disability and made this very important observation.
“We cannot and should not root the origin of our history solidly in the 20th century, since there has been an eternal existence of chronic disease and disability and also personal, social and political attempts both to deal with and deny them. Without this sense of history, there is no societal or even personal appreciation of the depth of the fear of disability. Without appreciation of the depth of the fear of disability, there is a naivete that what’s ‘wrong’ about disability can be righted, by single actions like the ADA.’ Without recognition of its omnipresence through both time and space, we will seek the elimination and prevention of disability as our primary goals rather
than its integration, acceptance, and ultimately its appreciation.”
As we look ahead to a new century, it’s important that we also look to the past. Doing so will help insure that we learn from the lessons of the past and avoid repeating the same mistakes. Zola’s vision of complete integration, acceptance and appreciation of disability can inspire us and move us to action.
Moving Ahead Into 2000
The Hennepin County CareS planning team continues to seek out Medical Assistance (MA) consumers and their representatives to help create a better health care delivery management system.
The planning team has spent 1999 researching two main planning goals, which has taken the team in two distinct directions.
1.“Determine whether a Hennepin County initiative has the potential to add value to a person’s quality of health care.”
2.“Determine whether implementing a Hennepin County initiative is fiscally viable and responsible.”
In studying the first goal, the team has conducted extensive community outreach. Over 40 community meetings have been held to educate potential consumers about the planning process for a new health care delivery system. The planning team also learned what consumers thought of the current MA fee-for-service program, and how to create a better system of care delivery.
With regard to the second goal, the planning team has been examining data received in March 1999 from the MN Department of Human Services (DHS). The team sorted the data to make it easier to analyze. The team’s hope is
to determine the financial risk to the County in undertaking this project. The team has also researched managed care projects in other states and found programs that are successful and some that are not. The team expects to learn from these programs which will help the team develop a successful program for the citizens of Minnesota.
Part of the 1999 planning activities focused around learning from the two southern Minnesota implementation sites. To date, these sites have not been able to start due to time lags and setbacks. The planning team had hoped to gain a full year’s worth of actual experience from these sites to add to our planning in 2000, but this will not be the case.
At the last DPPD Stakeholder’s Committee meeting held December 6, 1999, DHS announced the extension of the time lines for implementation in the southern sites. The current time line is as follows: 1/31/2000, first part of the Request for Proposals (RFP) response is due back to DHS; 6/30/2000, second part of the RFP response is due back to DHS; 9/30/2000 the contract between the demonstration sites and DHS is completed; 12/01/2000, education and enrollment starts; and 1/01/2001, services start in the demonstration sites. This new time frame is a seven-month delay from the
previously announced time line. Also at the meeting, Olmstead County announced that it will be withdrawing from further participation as a DPPD implementation site. This leaves the Southern Minnesota Health Initiative (SMHI) as the only DPPD implementation site. Hennepin and Itasca Counties continue to be planning sites.
In the year 2000, the Hennepin County planning team will focus on continuing it’s planning for the State’s mandatory DPPD project. The County will also begin to look at other creative ways to provide MA consumers with disabilities with additional voluntary options for a health care delivery management system.
The planning team, using a quarterly newsletter and other press releases, will continue to inform consumers and other stakeholders regarding the next planning phase. If you would like to receive this information, please call Bill Blom or Julie Wegscheid at 612-348-2200 (voice) or 612596-6758 (TTY).
This column is a paid insertion by Hennepin County CareS, a Demon-stration Project for People with Disabilities.
Never Leave A Man Behind
by Pete Feigal
Governor Jesse Ventura is (rightly) proud of his connection to the Navy SEALs, an elite group of highly trained, highly motivated commandos whose reputation as a Special Forces unit is second to none in the entire world. The SEALs are taught in all aspects of warfare and reconnaissance, have some of the most intensive and toughest physical training and have experienced combat from the jungles of Vietnam to the deserts of the Middle East.
The SEAL’s biggest point of pride, however, is not their combat prowess or physical toughness, but that they have never left a man behind. Wounded or dead, they always bring their buddies home. Having the confidence that they will not be abandoned is one of the keys to why the SEALs can work with a minimum of supervision or support, and perform with such distinction and bravery. The SEALs have learned the greatest secret of valor: that people fight and work hardest not for a cause, glory or themselves, but for each other; that you never abandon or be unworthy of each other; that the cement that forms any group of people into a unit is not self-sufficiency, toughness or even professionalism, but love.
Thousands and thousands of wounded Minnesotans are being left behind. They are our family members, our neighbors, our friends. They are wounded by physical brain disorders like depression, schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, obsessivecompulsive disorder. They are suffering in hell-like existences, often without treatment or understanding. Because of outdated prejudices, these diseases have been shrouded in mystery and dread, literally since the Dark Ages. Many who suffer do so in silence, afraid to seek care because of the stigma and uneducated
judgments associated with these diseases.
Even with medical breakthroughs revealing that these are physical diseases of the brain, not unlike Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s, mental illness/ brain disorders still have stigma, myths, and lies attached to them. In addition to the unbelievable suffering the diseases bring, is the added burden that somehow the disease is not a real disease, that the fault lies with the mentally ill person himself. There is a persistent myth that it is inherent weakness, laziness and flaws of character that are responsible, and that all someone has to do is simply “pull yourself up by your bootstraps.” We know now, of course, that this is like telling someone with MS to “get up out of that wheelchair.”
Like the SEALs, individuals and nations achieve greatness from how they protect and care for each other, especially the ones that are wounded or suffering. For the wounded are equally valuable, and have their place of importance, their gifts to offer. The ancient Greeks wrote about how the orator with a speech impediment could actually be the greater speaker, as he would have to focus more on what he said than the way he said it. A wrestler with a pulled tendon was actually more dangerous, because he would have to be smarter, rely more on his brain than his 1egs. Our “weaknesses” are actually keys to helping us look at
the world in a little different way, forcing us to find new ways of solving problems, making us more creative and thoughtful.
As we enter this new millennium, I pray that our State, our Country and our World become more aware and educated about this most mysterious of diseases. I pray that those with this disorder, their families and friends will all come forward, “out of the closet,” to tell their own stories, because that is what will finally make the difference, what will finally open peoples’ hearts and minds. We need to reawaken people, relight their “pilot lights” and help them look at those with special needs with new eyes. People with brain disorders should not be seen as impediments, but as beloved friends who need a little extra help to get over the obstacle course of life, so that we can all cross the finish line together.
Helping those in need is not a burden or a hardship, but a cherished honor. Anyone who has given to a worthy cause or volunteered their time to others knows that nothing is half so rewarding, that there is no greater gift that one can give to someone else or himself. There is no greater example or inspiration we can give to our children. Making a conscious, focused effort to aid those left behind, whether from disease or abuse, poverty or lack of education, is what will transcend us — as individuals and Illness - cont. on p. 6
AXIS Moving Ahead Learning From Consumers
AXIS Healthcare, a joint venture of Becklund Home Health Care, Courage Center and Sister Kenny Institute, was created to work with consumers, providers and health plans to redesign the delivery of health care for persons with physical disabilities. To learn of the barriers experienced by persons with disabilities, AXIS has been providing health coordination support for 20 persons on a voluntary basis since early last summer. While diverse in their composition, ranging in age from 25 to 75, with a variety of disabilities, they consistently described a dysfunctional health care system. They experienced it as comprised of islands of care, difficult to access, with minimal communication between providers or with consumers.
These individuals generally stated that they received good care, though their providers only considered the services which they provided, without regard to the consumers’ other needs. This one-dimensional treatment commonly resulted in undesired side effects and redundant assessments and tests, with important issues left
unaddressed. As one person stated: “My doctors and therapists don’t know what each other are doing, so my care is fragmented and important pieces get lost.” Many had difficulty finding an experienced primary care physician, therefore received much of their medical care in emergency rooms-- from health care personnel unfamiliar with their disability or overall health status. The result was frequent episodes of preventable illnesses, with avoidable complications. Thus, the common refrain: “People who don’t know me or my disability are telling me what I need,” with one person stating “I’m tired of training new health professionals about my disability.”
Perhaps most frustrating to the consumers was the difficulty they experienced navigating the health care system, including obtaining needed authorizations. This is exemplified by the individual with quadriplegia who was assured by their case manager that “the foam cushion will be comfortable;” the individual experiencing a great deal of pain who was told there wasn’t an appointment available for two weeks; andthe
person who sat by the phone for hours while spiking a very high temperature, waiting for a nurse to call back. One individual captured the frustration of many, stating, “I have to spend hours talking to numerous people before I get authorization for even the basic things I need.” Another stated she doesn’t always have the energy to keep fighting, “so I sometimes just give up and accept whatever they say.”
These voluntary AXIS consumers, along with Consumer and Provider Workgroups, are developing and refining a consumer-centered model of health coordination, utilizing the best providers to develop integrated systems of care and services. This model will be based on a single contact for the management and authorization of all health care services, utilization of experienced providers, and 24-hour access to a primary care physician. Consumers who wish to learn more about the voluntary health coordination trial, or providers who know that the health care system can be improved, are encouraged to contact Sue Bulger or Chris Duff at AXIS Healthcare at (651) 641-0887.
KID’S HEALTH
tional disorders often have to access a whole spec-trum of services, like mental health services, school services, county services, day treatment, and sometimes corrections. The multiple systems navigation is difficult even for the social services professional to understand, so the parents need all the collaborative help they can get.
The Children’s Mental Health Act was amended in 1993 to establish the Children’s Mental Health Collaborative, to provide funding to design an integrated children’s mental health system, to streamline services and get everyone working together for the wellbeing of the child. The state’s appropriations designate that the funds must enhance consumer empowerment. The MACMH attempts to do just that, in part as a direct result of their own lack of staff. With one full-time and two parttime advocates, the agency is relegated to doing most of the advocating over the phone. They fill in the gaps for parents by providing a breadth of educational materials to parents, as well as access to the community support groups.
The Association also publishes a Survival Manual. So
MISALLIANCE
By George Bernard Shaw
Directed by Neil Munro January 14 - February 13, 2000
One critic called Misalliance “one of the few great farces of the English language.” The play revolves around the potential union of a young middle-class woman and the upper-crust young man her parents want her to marry.
With this production the Guthrie honors the generosity of the American Express Minnesota Philanthropic Foundation.
ASL Interpreted Performances: Friday, January 28, 2000 at 7:30pm Thursday, February 10, 2000 at 7:30pm
Audio Described Performances: Saturday, January 29, 2000 at 1:00pm* Friday, February 4, 2000 at 7:30pm *11:00am sensory tour
Ticket prices are $12 for patrons who are blind, low vision, Deaf/hard of hearing, and for students and teachers of ASL, and $12 for one companion.
FOR TICKETS OR INFORMATION CALL 612-377-2224 (voice) or 612-377-6626 (TTY).
Access Programs at the Guthrie are supported in part by Northern States Power, KARE 11, and Miracle Ear.
- Cont. from p. 3
far, 9000 manuals have been sold and donated. The manual includes information about county services, public health nursing, early childhood and special education services, as well as financial programs, such as Medical Assistance, SSI and TEFRA. The Children’s Multicultural Task Force of the Department of Human Services prepared a “cultural resource guide” for the manual as well.
MACMH conducts support group facilitator training for the parent groups. They also host workshops and presentations throughout the year, in addition to their annual Children’s Mental Health Conference, which will take place this year on April 25 & 26 in St. Cloud.
The Association relies heavily on volunteers to help set up the conference, which has grown in its hands-on focus. The conference is attended by parents and professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, teachers, social workers, corrections workers and nurses. “They want some concrete information that they can take back to their community, take back to their job or take back to their home if they’re a parent,” said Saxhaug, “and see a change
based on some information, whether it’s a skill or knowledge they’ve received. We try to make it more skill-based, try to bring in any new information that’s come about in children’s mental health.”
The MACMH continues its attempts to get the message out about the help that is available to parents and their kids with emotional disorders. The Association is represented on a state advisory council and committees at the Department of Children Families Services, in an on-going effort to also effect systemwide change, and to bring more dollars into the programs. The task of getting to parents early enough to get kids help when they really need it, before their mental health disorders have taken root untreated, is daunting, but hopeful.
Saxhaug has been at the task since the Association’s inception in 1992. She is also the parent of a child who had emotional disorders, and is now doing quite well, she says. So, the rewards are ever present for her and for those who continue to fight for the rights and well-being of children.
MINED
ILLNESS
- Cont. from p. 5
as a people — and our actions will touch the sublime.
Hope, healing and equality for those with this terrible disease, and their famalies, is all within reach. It’s right there, and has never been closer. All we have to do is to do it. And bring everyone home.
MINED is a new Literary and Art Journal of, by and for people with mental illnesses. The journal seeks poetry, short stories, and creative non-fiction from mentally ill or emotionally disturbed writers. Camera ready black line art (8½" X 11") is also welcome. Submit up to 5 poems (single-spaced), one prose piece (double-spaced), or one drawing at a time. (Line drawing may include writing.)
Poems in languages other than English are accepted; the journal requests an English translation be included as well.
Home Care Services
Available 24 hours per day
Specializing in the care of Children • Adults • Elderly
We provide Personal Care Assistants • Home Health Aides • Homemakers • Live-in Caregivers • Nursing
Our Rehabilitative Services include: Physical/ Occupational/Speech/Respiratory Therapies
PCA Provider Organization MA/Waiver/Medicare Certified 612-544-0315 or 1-800-231-0315
The magazine will be printed in fourteen-point type and will also be available on cassette. The sound of the poem, as well as its appearance in print, is, therefore, important. Limits:
· Poetry Maximum 38 lines, 40 characters wide
· Prose Maximum 500-1000 words
· Notes: Make all names of persons and places fictional.
· Include Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope for return of manuscript.
· The Editorial Board will comment on rejected manuscripts if received early.
· Deadline April 1, 2000
Mail submissions to: Editor, Mined, C/O Walker Church, Box 7588, Minneapolis, MN 55407.
Please patronize your Access Press Advertisers — and tell them where you heard about them. They bring you your paper.
METRO MOBILITY-
place to pick up several people who were all going to the same destination at the same time.
Long transit times
One rider told of a five-hour ride to get from St. Paul to Brooklyn Park, and others had similar stories.
Poorly trained or unpleasant drivers
While riders stressed that most Metro Mobility drivers are very good, many riders told stories about drivers who could not read maps or who were rude or less than helpful. Several riders said they were afraid to ride with one particular driver who is often angry and drives very dangerously.
System not able to keep up with demand
There seemed to be general agreement from both users and staff that Metro Mobility is not able to meet the demand for its services. On the surface, the problem appears to be quite simple: Not enough vehicles, and not enough drivers. Harlan Peterson, owner of HandiCabs, one of the service providers for Metro Mobility, said, “What it really boils down to is not enough drivers. If we had enough drivers, the other things would be better.”
Metro Mobility general manager Dave Jacobson underlined the problem when he pointed out that, despite ever-increasing demand, “In 1993 [when the current system was put into place] we started with 150 vans. That number is still the same.”
Another problem was illustrated by Jacobson when he explained the problem with standing orders: “Federal law limits our standing orders to no more than 50 percent of our total trips. In other words, we have to save one-half of our trips for demand trips [Ed. note: “Demand” trips are individual trips for which riders call in one at a time.] We have thus had to bring our numbers of standing orders down so they wouldn’t exceed 50 percent of all trips.”
The alternative option, that of increasing the number of demand trips to equal the number of standing orders that riders would like to have, is apparently out of the question due to lack of funding, or “capacity constraints.” And this points to another fear that several forum participants expressed to ACCESS PRESS: That federal regulations may actually serve to decrease the level of paratransit service in Minnesota. Here’s how that could happen:
Federal regulations have been put in place to serve as a “floor” below which states are not allowed to fall in providing paratransit services. Disability advocates are proud of the fact that Minnesota has often chosen to exceed federal regulations when it comes to disability access. And even though big gaps in service remain a problem for Metro Mobility, in some ways the system still exceeds federal minimums. For example, Sutton points out that Metro Mobility has chosen to exceed regulations in regard to driver training.
Minnesota legislators could, however, choose to use the existing federal paratransit regulations as a “ceiling,” saying in effect that “We will fund only enough to meet federal guidelines, and no more,” putting further pressure on an already underfunded system. This would be ironic, but both advocates and paratransit officials have told ACCESS PRESS that they fear that this danger may exist. Perhaps it is already occurring. Metropolitan Council member Todd Paulson, who attended the last of the three public forums, told ACCESS PRESS that “We used to have one of the strongest [paratransit] systems in the nation, but since the passage of the ADA it almost seems like we have scaled it back to ADA specifications.”
Leadership out of touch?
Some riders think that the extent of the problems experienced by riders on the street is not fully understood by the management of Metro Mobility.
Advocate Lolly Lijewski stated that, “The current system for receiving complaints at Metro Mobility is not working. It is not supplying accurate information about what is actually happening on the street.” Her claim appeared to be supported by the following exchange: Rider Elaine commented that, “I have to call every day to confirm my rides for the day.” When a Metro
Mobility official responded to her specific complaint by saying that, “This should not be happening,” the crowd spontaneously erupted with cries of “This happens all the time!”
An inadequate system for receiving complaints may be only a part of the problem. Some riders suspect that the method of recording trip denials may provide data that understates the true extent of the problem. The recording of round trips illustrates one aspect of how this may occur. As mentioned earlier, riders often decide not to accept a trip to a destination if they cannot get a ride back from that destination. Rather than this situation being recorded as two trip denials, Metro Mobility actually records the refused return trip as a denial (which is the responsibility of Metro Mobility) and the unused front-end trip as a cancellation (which is the responsibility of the rider). If the round-trip problem is as common as these forums made it appear, this method of recording trip denials may give management a distorted picture of the trip denial problem.
“Latent demand”
The true extent of the problem of lack of funding may be even worse than that indicated by the official statistics, since some unknown number of riders have already “given up” on the system, in whole or in part. As rider Frances pointed out, “I doubt that anyone knows the actual demand that is out there, because a lot of times I don’t even try calling for a ride. If you think it’s hopeless, you don’t even try.” She went on to say that “I’ve talked to lots of other people who have given up [calling], as they see it as hopeless.”
The phenomenon of potential riders who have dropped out of the system, or who have never gotten into the system, is known as “latent demand.”
Jacobson acknowledged that this demand could be quite large when he said, “Latent demand has never been mea-
sured. It would be shocking to see what it is, but it’s hard to know.”
Not enough money to do the job
On December 15th, the Met Council approved additional Metro Mobility funding in the amount of $750,000. Of that $350,000 will be used to provide additional service, and $400,000 will be used to improve existing service by providing driver incentives.
When this new funding was announced at the forum on the 16th, listeners were pleased but not satisfied. As one rider put it, “$750,000 is a welcome addition to the system, but it’s not enough.” This was met by general applause from the group.
Finally, many forum participants agreed with Metro Mobility staff that demand is bound to be higher in the future due to demographics. As disability advocate Roseanne stated, “Right now, people’s lives are being affected drastically. With the aging of the baby boomers, demand will increase. We need more rides, we need more money. The governor needs to listen but, better yet,
the Met Council has to ask for what they need. The Council, and [Council Chair] Ted Mondale, need to go to the governor and tell him what is needed to really do the job.”
Throughout the forums, participants praised Metro Mobility staff for stretching an
inadequate budget about as far as it will go. But riders kept coming back to the basic issue, which was summed up near the end of the final forum by a rider named Juliet: “There’s going to have to be a lot more money. It’s going to be a legislative matter.”
State Rehabilitation Council Public Forum
– On Meeting the Need –Vocational
Rehabilitation Services in MN
Wednesday, February 2, 2000
Sheraton Midway Hotel
I-94 & Hamline Ave. – St. Paul, MN
Tell us about the state’s unmet needs for VR services!
Tell us your recommendations for innovation and improvement of VR services!
Tell us what the state’s VR goals and priorities should be!
The Minnesota Department of Economic Security-Rehabilitation Services will complete work in the year 2000 on goals and priorities for the VR Program. VR is Minnesota’s only statewide public program for meeting the vocational needs of people with disabilities.
The State Rehabilitation Council and MDES-RS want your participation. This will not be your only opportunity, but the importance of public participation is such that no opportunity for participation should be missed.
VR is your program. Let us hear your voice.
Bob Niemiec, Chair Kris FlatenMaureen Pranghofer Rich Diedrichsen, Vice-Chair Howard GladJerry Roberts Yvonne Redmond-BrownPeter HoialmenAnne Robertson Jolene BruceDavid LeisethSarah Simmons
Scott DehnMark NetzingerJayne Spayne Jean DunnRachel ParkerWilliam Stech
Closed captioning and interpreters will be present. Other reasonable accommodations will be made upon request. For accommodations or information call VOICE: (800)-3289095, (651) 296-7869 or TTY: 800-657-3973, (651) 296-3900; or write SRC, MDESRS, 390 No. Robert St., St. Paul MN 55101.
Directory of Organizations for Persons with Disabilities
A
A Chance to Grow, Bob DeBour, 612-521-2266
AccessAbility, Inc., 612-331-5958
Access to Employment, Lori Sterner, 612-870-0578V/TTY
Accessible Space, Inc., Stephen Vanderschaaf, 651-645-7271
Achilles Track Club-Uptown, Richard Schwartz, 612-285-1957
ACT-UP MN, Robert Halfhill, 612-870-8026
Adult Basic Education/Special Needs, Betty Sims, 651-290-4729
Advocating Change Together, Kathy Sanders, 651-641-0297
Alliance for Mentally Ill - Wash. Co., Bob Rafferty, 651-439-3800
Alliance for Mentally Ill of MN, 651-645-2948
ALS Assoc. (Lou Gehrig's Disease), 612-672-0484
Altern. for People with Autism, Inc, John Makepeace, 612-560-5330 Alzheimer’s Association, John Kemp, 612-830-0512
Am. Behcet's Disease Assoc., 1-800-723-4238
American Cancer Soc.- MN Div., 612-925-2772, 1-800-227-2345
Am. Cancer Soc. (Ramsey Co.), 651-644-1224
Am. Council of Blind Services, James Olsen, 612-332-3242
Amer. Diabetes Assoc., Lee Johnson, 612-593-5333
Amer. Heart Assoc., Robin Durand, 612-835-3300
American Lung Assoc., 651-227-8014
Anoka Metro Reg. Treatment Ctr., Judith Krohn, 612-576-5500
ARC - Anoka/Ramsey Counties, Marianne Reich, 612-783-4958
ARC - Carver County, Susan Hines, 612-448-8829
ARC - Hennepin County, Kim Keprios, 612-920-0855
ARC - MN, Bob Brick, 651-523-0823, 1-800-582-5256
ARC - St. Croix Valley, Dick Ulrich, 651-439-0721 (Ans. service)
ARC - Suburban, Joan Fawcett, 612-890-3057
ARRM, Bruce Nelson, 651-291-1086
Arthritis Foundation, Deb Dressely, 651-644-4108 Assoc. of Late-Deafened Adults, 1-800-627-3529
B
BLIND, Inc., Joyce Scanlan, 612-872-0100
Boy Scouting for People w/ Spec. Needs, 651-224-1891
Brain Injury Assoc. of MN, Tom Gode, 612-378-2742, 800-669-6442
C
Camp for Child. & Teens w/ Epilepsy, Deborah McNally, 651-6468675, 1-800-779-0777
Camp Winnebago, Barb Cage, 507- 724-2351 Candle in the Window, Kathy Szinnyey, 1-502-895-0866 Capable Partners, 612-542-8156
Capella Management Group, Gerald Glomb, 651-641-0041 Catholic Charities, Program for People with Disabilities, John Schatzlein, 651-222-3001 Center for Learning & Adaptive Student Serv. (CLASS), Sue Carlson, 612-330-1053, 612-330-1748 Chemical Injury Resource Assn. 651-643-4220 Children’s United Hospital, 651-220-8000 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Association of Minnesota, 612-285-9067 Client Assist. Project (CAP) MN )Legal Aid), 612-332-1441 Closing the Gap, MaryAnn Harty, 1-507-248-3294 Communication Center for the Blind, Dave Andrews, 651-642-0513 Community Bridge Consortium, Pat Svendsen, 651-748-7437V/TTY Comprehensive Seizure Ctr, Neurology,Regions Hosp. 651-221-3700 Courage Center, Tony Lebahn, 612-520-0520 612-520-0245 TTY Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Linda Mahoney, 612-338-0885 D Dakota Co. Social Services, 612-891-7400 Deaf Blind Services MN, Mary Hartnett, 612-871-4788 V/TTY Disability Institute, Wendy Brower, 612-935-9343 Div. for Persons w/ Developmental Disabilities, 651-296-2160 Down Syndrome Assn. Of MN, 612-797-0110 Duluth Consumer & Family Regional Resource Center, 218-728-3531 E East Suburban Resources, Sue Schmidt, 651-351-0190 or MRS 800627-3529
ELCA Committee on Disabilities, Linda Larson, 612-788-8064 Emotions Anonymous, 651-647-9712 Epilepsy Found., 651-646-8675, 800-779-0777, 651-297-5353 TTY F Fraser Community Services, Diane Cross, 612-861-1688 Functional Industries, Laurie Cameron, 612-682-4336
G
Gay and Lesbian Helpline, 612-822-8661 V/TTY, 1-800-800-0907 Gillette Children’s Hospital, Lynn Carpentier, 651-229-3845 Goodwill Indus./Easter Seal, Michele Heinbigner, 651-646-2591 V, 651-646-0424 TTY
H
Hearing and Service Dogs of MN, Alan Peters, 612-729-5986 V, 612729-5914 TTY
Hearing Impaired Prog., Joyce Dougaard, 612-627-2623 V/TTY
Help Yourself, Sara Meyer, 651-646-3662
Helping Paws Of Minnesota, 612-988-9359
Hemophilia Foundation of MN, 612-323-7406
Henn. Co. Lib. Homebound Serv., Becky Mobarry, 612-847-8854
Henn. Co. Mental Health Ctr., Joel Pribnow, 612-348-4947
Health Psychology Clinic, U of M, 612-624-9646
Homeward Bound, Inc., 612-566-7860
I Independence Crossroads, Leah Welch, 612-854-8004
Indian Family Service, Maggie Spears, 612-348-5788
Institute on Community Integration,, Vicki Gaylord, 612-624-6347
Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, 612-339-5145 V, 612-339-6465 TTY
Interstate Rehabilitation Center, Mary Augustine, 612-338-7108 K
Kaposia, Inc., Cindy Amadick, 651-224-6974
L
League of Women Voters, 651-224-5445
Learning Disabilities Program (Family Services of St. Paul), Lory Perryman, 651-291-6795
Learning Exchange, Lynn Dennis, 612-885-8531, TTY 612-885-8590
Legal Advocacy for Persons with Dev. Disabilities, 612-332-1441
Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis, Laurie Moser, 612-332-1441
Leukemia Society of America, MN Chapter, 612-545-3309
Lupus Foundation of America, MN Chapter, 612-375-1131
Lyme Disease Network of Minnesota, Sherri, 612-441-2857 M
MELD (MN Early Learning Design), 612-332-7563 V/TTY
Mental Health Association, 612-331-6840, 1-800-862-1799; www.MentalHealthMN.org
Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Network, 651-637-2800, 1-800383-2007; csnmt@uslink.net
Mental Health Law Project, Pat Siebert, 612-332-1441
Methodist Hosp. Ctr. for Senior Services, 612-993-5041
Methodist Hosp. Stroke Supp. Grp., 612-993-6789
Methodist Hosp. Parkinson Center, 612-993-5495
Metro Ctr. for Independent Living, 651-646-8342 V, 651-603-2001 TTY
Metro Mobility, 651-602-1111, 651-221-0014 TTY
Metro North Adult Basic Education, 612-755-6626
Metro Regional Service Ctr. for Deaf & Hard of Hearing People, Marie Koehler, 651-297-1313 TTY, 651-297-1316 V Metro Work Center, Inc., 612-729-738
Midway Training Services, Barbara Kale, 651-641-0709
Midwest Special Services, Gene O’Neil, 651-778-1000
Mpls. Advisory Commitee for People with Disabilities, Margot Imdieke 651-296-6785
Mpls. Community and Technical College, Office for Students w/ Disabilities, Melissa Newman, 612-341-7000 V/TTY
Mpls Rehabilitation Center, Kim Fellen, 612-752-8102, MN AIDS Project, Lorraine Teel, 612-870-7773, 612-870-0700
MN Assoc. for Child. Mental Health, 651-644-7333, 1-800-528-4511
MN Assoc. of Deaf Citizens, Inc., Douglas Bahl, 612-757-5998 TTY
MN Bio Brain Assoc., Theresa Carufel, 612-922-6916, www.mnbba.org
MN Children with Special Health Needs, 651-215-8956, 1-800-7285420 V/TTY
MN Commission Serving Deaf & Hard of Hearing People, 651-2977305 TTY
MN Comprehensive Health Assoc., Floyd Robertson, 612-881-6741
MN Consortium for Citizens With Disabilities, Tom Brick, 651-2963478
MN Dept. of Human Services, Traumatic Brain Injury Program, 651-297-7511
MN Depressive & Manic Depressive Assoc., 612-379-7933
MN Developmental Achievement Center Assoc, 651-647-9200
MN Disability Law Ctr., 612-332-1441
MN Gov. Council On Dev. Disabilities, Katy Peterson, 651-296-4018 V, 651-296-9962 TTY
MN Relay Service, 1-800-627-3529
MN State Council on Disability, Margot Imdieke, 651-296-6785
MN State Services for the Blind, 651-642-0500, 800-652-9000
Muscular Dystrophy Assoc., Lisa Pachan, 612- 832-5517 (Mpls. district), 612-832-5716 (St. Paul district)
MultiplePersonality Disorder Consumer Advocacy Network Hotline 612-752-8012
If your organization would like to be included in the Directory of Organizations, contact ACCESS PRESS at Suite 185N, 1821University Ave.W. St. Paul, MN 55104 651-644-2133 • E-mail: access@wavetech.net
N
National Ataxia Foundation, Donna Gruetzmacher, 612-553-0020
Nat’l Center for Youth w/ Disabilities, Elizabeth Latts, 612-626-2820
Nat'l. Multiple Sclerosis Society, MN Chapter, 612-335-7900, 1800-582-5296 V/TTY
National Spinal Cord Injuries Assn, Roger Hoffman, 651-464-7559
North Suburban Consumer Advocates for the Handicapped (NSCAH), Jesse Ellingworth, 612-783-4708, 612-783-4724 TTY
Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council, 612-493-2802 V/TTY O
Ombudsman for Mental Health & Mental Retardation, 651-296-3848 1-800-657-3506
Opportunity Partners, 612-938-5511, 612-930-4293 TTY
OUT Front MN, 612-822-0127 V/TTY 1-800-800-0350
Owobopte, Inc., 651-686-0405 P
PACER Center, Inc., Pat Bill, 612-827-2966 V/TTY
Parent Support Network (EBD/ADD/ADHD/LD), 612-783-4949
People, Inc. Epilepsy Services, Anne Barnwell, 612-338-9035
The Phoenix Residence, Darlene M. Scott, 651-227-7655
Pilot City Mental Health Center, Sy Gross, 612-348-4622
POHI District Consultants-Mpls. Public Schools, Barb Reynolds or Judy Azar - District Consultants, or Jim Thomas - Anwatin Coord., 612-627-3150
Project Compass, Adult Disability Program - Winona Comm. Educ., Helen Newell, 507-454-9450 Voice/TTY
Project Enhance, Deb Clark, 612-627-2925 V 612-627-3131 TTY
Project SOAR, Janice Wade, 612-470-2855 V R
Radio Talking Book, 651-642-0500
Regional Transit Board, 651-292-0593
Rehab Services Branch, 651-296-5616 or 800-328-9095, 651-2963900 TTY
Rehabilitation Centers, MRCI - Burnsville, 612-894-4680
MRCI - Carver/Scott 612-445-6811
MRCI - Chanhassen, 612-474-6469
MRCI - Chaska, 612-448-2234
MRCI - Fairmont, 507-238-4388
MRCI - Industrial Operations, 507-345-5865, Steve Ditschler
MRCI - Lakeville, 612-898-5025
MRCI - Mankato, 507-345-4507, Pam Year
MRCI - New Ulm, 507-354-2758
Reuben Lindh Learning Center, 612-721-5111
Rise, Inc., 612-786-8334 S
Self Help for Hard of Hearing (SHHH), Leslie Cotter, 651-772-4931 V/TTY
Sight & Hearing Association, 651-645-2546
SILC-Statewide Independent Living Council, 651- 296-5085 V, 651297-2705 TTY
Sister Kenny Institute, Bill Bauer, 612-863-4622
Ski for Light, 612-827-3232
SE MN Ctr for Independent Living (SEMCIL), 507-285-1815, 507285-0616 TTY
So. MN Independent Living Enterprises & Serv. (SMILES), Alan Augustin, 507-345-7139
So. Suburban Adaptive Rec., Jennifer Watson, 612-861-9360 V/TTY
Spina Bifida Association of MN, Lisa Schaffee, 651-222-6395
St. Paul Advis. Comm.for People w/Disabilities, Roger Schwagmeyer, 651-266-8891
St. Paul Rehabilitation Ctr, 651-227-8471 V, 651-227-3779 TTY
STAR Program-Governor’s Council on Technology, 651-296-2771, 651-296-9478 TTY T
Traumatic Brain Injury-TBI Metro Services, 612-869-3995
TSE, Inc., Phil Saari, 651-489-2595
Twin Cities Autism Society, 651-647-1083 U United Blind of MN, Inc., 612-391-3699
United Cerebral Palsy of MN, JoAnn Erbes, 651-646-7588, 1-800328-4827, ext.1437
UofM Disability Services, 612-626-1333 V/TTY
UofM Disabled Stud Cultural Ctr, 612-624-2602, 612-626-7003 TTY V VSA MN, 612-332-3888 V/TTY, MN@vsarts.org Vinland Center, Beth Milligan, 612-479-3555 V/TTY
Vision Loss Resources West, 612-871-2222
Vision Loss Resources East, 651-224-7662
Volunteer Braille Services & Large Print, 612-521-0372 W West Hennepin Community Services, Mary Perkins, 612-988-4177 Wilderness Inquiry, Corey Schlosser-Hall, 612-379-3858, 800-7280719 V/TTY, www.wildernessinquiry.org Wings, Mark Davis, 612-866-0462
GREENFIELD-
That becomes a very important aspect of it. I remember Governor Carlson trying to — for reasons I have never understood — eliminate the TEFRA program. He was hearing from people in other states that it was being abused. First of all, if there were abuses — as is typical of almost any program you can have — there were a lot less [of them] in Minnesota than elsewhere. Minnesotans don’t abuse programs, they use them when they need them. And it took us two full years to get back enough money.
If you could go back and change something that you didn’t get through or that you could improve upon, what would it be.
That’s really hard. Most big things that I really supported, moved in the direction I wanted before it was over. For example, the hate crimes bill including gays and lesbians. I lost it the first time it came to the floor, we came back a couple of years later
Cont. from p. 1
and got it. I guess I would have to say I really would have liked to keep the commitment to universal care that was in MinnesotaCare when we first passed it. We had to give it up after the 94 election. We lost a whole bunch of votes and were barely in the majority, and time went against it when the federal attempt by the Clinton folks failed.
Universal health care has always been one of the key goals of an awful lot of people. Why do you think this hasn’t been successful?
Well, actually, it’s interesting because the question is how you do it exactly. There are states that have a lot of work to do. For example, Arizona. In Arizona, a third of all people have no health care coverage. In Minnesota, it’s 5.2%. That’s not a huge number of folks. And when they have needs, we found that for most significant things, we already covered these people–if they had an emergency, they went to an
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emergency room and we [sic] took care of them. What we didn’t give them was preventive care or care that helped if they had chronic conditions — care that would cover them and not let them deteriorate. And if you look at that, we probably spend as much money on them — for many of them — as if we had given them universal care. If we had just given them coverage, we could have saved and avoided emergencies and a whole bunch of other things.
Representative Greenfield
The community basically has held together and come together when it was needed. I think they’ve got to understand that more of that is needed, not less, and they’ve got to continue the course. But, it is working. We have, over the years, improved services that are available. Slowly, I’m sure people would have loved it to be done much faster, but still, we’ve improved them.
Access To Employment
Employment ads are $14 per col. inch; Jan 31 is the deadline for the Feb 10 issue. Mail to: ACCESS PRESS • 1821 University Ave. • #185N • St. Paul, MN 55104 • FAX 651-644-2136 • E-mail: access@wavetech.net
BUILDING
MAINTENANCE CUSTODIAN
More listings on pages 10 & 11
SENIOR ECONOMIC ANALYST
So the question then is, how do you exactly do it. As soon as you start to do it, people start to worry, well, is the government involved, this is the whole thing that happened during the Clinton administration.
One of the lessons I tell people about from other states is in MinnesotaCare — the insured part — the subsidized sliding fee program for working people — the lesson I learned was if you’re going to do a big program like that, get it up and running as fast as possible, because very soon you’ll have large numbers of people [using it] and nobody will fight it. And in MinnesotaCare, there’s something like a little under 1,000 people in every district who use it. It’s when they’re working people, or at least there’s one person in the family that works, which means they’re more likely to be voters than regular poor people who don’t work. So legislators are generally afraid to tick them off. So nobody wants to destroy the program anymore.
Is there anything you’d like to tell the disability community?
And we certainly need help with Metro Mobility, which has been a chronic point, though if we can start to move into more mass transit, like a light rail that people in wheelchairs can use, I think that will take some of the pressure off of Metro Mobility. We’re moving in a direction, I think, which in the long run will work well for the community, and I guess we just have to encourage people to keep at it. Make sure they make their contacts with their legislators, make sure that legislators are aware of their needs. You can never do enough of that in this system. If you’re quiet too long, people assume you’re being taken care of.
The City of Minnetonka has a full-time employment opportunity available for a Building Maintenance Custodian. Position is responsible for the security, cleaning and maintenance of the interior of city-owned buildings, along with their mechanical and electrical systems. Applicants must be experienced with cleaning methods, materials and equipment, and work primarily from 10 p.m. - 6 a.m., Sunday – Thursday. One to five years relevant experience preferred, boilers license a plus. Salary: $25,147.20 -$29,577.60, with excellent fringe benefits. To obtain an application packet, call the JobLine at (612) 939-8212. Application deadline date is January 24th
City of Minnetonka 14600 Minnetonka Blvd Minnetonka, Minnesota 55345
An affirmative action employer
Opening for utility rates analyst at the senior level involving state regulation of telephone companies. Seeking candidates with a graduate degree in economics, public policy or business administration (relevant field and experience as a rates analysis in a utility regulatory agency, public utility company, or other regulatory rate-setting process). Salary begins at $38,500 with a higher salary level for significant experience. To receive an application packet, please submit a resume to: MN Department of Commerce, 121-7th Place East, 200 Metro Square Building, St. Paul, MN 55101-2145. Attention: William Janisch, Personnel Director. Application packets should be returned by January 31, 2000 to be considered for the current vacancy with the Public Utilities Commission.
Equal Opportunity Employer
OFFICE MANAGER/EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Immediate opening at ACCESS PRESS. Tasks include writing articles, editing and proofreading; maintaining computer and paper files; responsibility for accounts payable and receivable; maintaining/updating database; phone and written contact with the public; and general office duties as needed. Required skills include effective written and oral communication abilities, experience with Microsoft Word and/or WordPerfect software; attention to detail; and flexibility in handling a variety of tasks. 30 hours/week. Hourly salary plus benefits. To apply, contact: Charlie Smith, Editor, by phone at: 651-644-2133; fax resume to 651-644-2136; or mail resume to 1821 University Avenue West, Suite 185N, St. Paul, MN 55104.
ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN
Civil Engineering firm seeks Technician to assist in preparation of highway and municipal street and utility plans. Position requires 2 year technical degree and experience utilizing CAD. Auto Cad or Microstation experience highly desirable.
For the above position, send resume to: SRF Consulting Group, Inc., Suite 150, One Carlson Parkway North, Minneapolis, MN 55447 or to web site www.srf consulting.com
EOE
Access To Employment
Employment ads are $14 per col. inch; Jan 31 is the deadline for the Feb 10 issue. Mail to: ACCESS PRESS • 1821 University Ave. • #185N • St. Paul, MN 55104 • FAX 651-644-2136 • E-mail: access@wavetech.net
HEALTHCARE
AXIS Healthcare, a new health care alternative for persons with physical disabilities, is building a staff to work with our members to obtain consumer-centered health care services and supports. The positions include: Health Coordinator, Community-Based Services and Mental Health Specialists, Office Manager, and Member Services/ Enrollment Specialists. Qualifications vary by position, though all require: significant professional experience empowering persons with physical disabilities, a commitment to improving the health care delivery system, and a creative, problem-solving approach to all job tasks.
We are seeking a diverse and flexible staff, motivated by a belief that the health care system must be redesigned. If you believe you have a contribution to make as part of the AXIS team, please call (651) 6410887 X 351 for further information, or fax/ email/mail your resume to (651) 646-1887, staff@axishealth.com, 2356 University Ave W., Ste 405, St. Paul, MN 55114
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Major upper Midwest chemical manufacturer/ distributor of commercial, institutional, and industrial chemicals has immediate opening for a professional customer service representative for inside sales. Representative will take customer service orders, reconcile customer issues, track orders and assist in defining customer needs. Ideal candidate will have a college degree or two years vo-tech, customer service experience with chemical background. Excellent phone and communication skills required. Good computer skills (AS-400, Outlook) Position is salaried, fulltime days. Excellent company paid benefit package. Please submit resume and salary requirements to:
Hawkins Chemical, Inc.
Attn: Jennifer Wiisanen, CS 3100 E Hennepin Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55413
Fax: (612) 331-1851
No phone calls please. EOE
HUMAN SERVICES TECHNICIAN
On-call and/or part-time positions in Duluth, Cloquet, Virginia, Gilbert and Moose Lake areas providing direct care to persons with developmental disabilities in State operated group homes and day, training & habilitation programs; positions in Duluth and Eveleth providing inpatient and out-reach services for persons with mental illness; and positions in Cloquet providing direct care to chemically dependent patients. Hours include rotating shifts, weekends & holidays. Entry level State of MN positions with opportunities for advancement. CNA preferred. Starting salary $9.97/ hr. All training provided. Applications accepted on a continuous basis. For application call: Moose Lake Regional State Operated Services, Human Resources Office at 218-485-5300 Ext. 5513.
Moose Lake Regional State Operated Services EOE/AA Employer
ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT
We’re looking for the best!
We’re looking for the best! Excellent position for someone who wants meaningful work. Arc Hennepin County, a dynamic non-profit org., has an exciting opportunity to support Director of Finance. Responsibilities include maintaining general ledger, accounts payable, payroll, bank reconciliation, & other accounting support. Successful candidate must have strong organizational skills, ability to handle confidential info, interpersonal & written communication skills. Must have previous accounting exp & proficiency w/ MS Excel 97. Experience in Solomon IV & MS Word 97 desired. In return we offer a comp salary, exc benefits, growth opportunities & a friendly, warm work environment. No phone calls, please. Fax or mail resume, cover letter & salary req by Jan 14, 2000 to:
Arc Hennepin County 4301 Hwy 7, #140 Minneapolis, MN 55416 Fax 612- 920-1480
Equal Opportunity Employer
PROJECT MANAGER/ESTIMATOR WANTED
Growing Twin Cities Construction firm has an immediate opening for a project manager/estimator with 3+ years of experience in structural steel, miscellaneous metals and rebar. Must be computer literate. Full benefits and pension plan. Please fax or send resume to:
J & L Steel Erectors
ATTN: Louanne Reger 11621-95th Avenue North Maple Grove, MN 55369 FAX: (612) 315-4725
J & L Steel Erectors is an equal opportunity employer
Professional Directory
Access To Employment
DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION OPERATIONS
Twin Cities Public Television (KTCA/2 & KTCI/17), one of the largest and most respected PBS affiliates seeks a Director of Production Operations. This is a key leadership position for an experienced professional.
The Director is responsible for overall management of production technical staff and facilities, including scheduling and utilization analysis. Responsibilities also include department budgets, supervision of staff managers, and liaison work with production departments and bargaining units.
Strongest candidates will have 5 -10 years of television industry experience with 3-5 years in managerial positions.
Excellent written and oral communications skills are essential, as are analysis skills and a clear understanding of television production technology. Successful history of managing a staff of diverse talents is also critical.
Salary negotiable DOE. Send resume and cover letter by 01/ 21/00 to: Box 325-0, KTCATV, 172 East 4th St., St. Paul, MN 55101
EEO/AAP
GRAPHIC ARTIST DESIGN ASSISTANT
We are a rapidly growing Engineering, Planning & Landscape Architecture Consulting Firm in the western suburbs (free parking!) looking for a creative team player. This is a full-time permanent position with excellent benefits & a great opportunity for training & growth.
Qualifications:
Two-year degree or equivalent experience in graphic design/production
Basic knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Acrobat, Photoshop & QuarkXpress
Good computer aptitude & working knowledge of Macintosh operating system
· Exp. with HTML Code or Macintosh Networking is a plus.
Duties:
Preparation of large format presentations
· Photo production, scanning & archiving
Developing internal corporate intranet & newsletter
· Graphic design & desktop publishing
For the above position, send resume to: SRF Consulting Group, Inc., Suite 150, One Carlson Parkway N., Mpls., MN 55447 or visit our web site: www.srfconsulting.com EOE
CLERICAL POSITION
Full-time clerical opening with progressive, team-oriented company. Collaborative working environment, competitive salary and excellent benefits. Duties include back-up switchboard/receptionist, file maintenance, copying, office routing, data entry, deliveries and report production. We’re looking for an individual with 3 years of related experience and a positive attitude. Send resumes to: SRF Consulting Group, Inc., One Carlson Parkway North, Suite 150, Minneapolis, MN 55447 or visit our web site: www.srfconsulting.com
Equal Opportunity Employer
HOUSING PROGRAM TEAM LEADER
Professional - Single Family
$38,500 - $52,000 annually
The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency seeks a Single Family Homebuyer Team Leader. The qualified candidate has proven experience working with communities of color and targeted populations in an effort to increase home ownership opportunities within those communities.
The qualified candidate will: recommend and implement monitoring and evaluation processes for comprehensive home ownership training services; provide leadership to homebuyer staff by delegating and monitoring workflow, and coaching and mentoring others; work with program managers to increase MHFA program usage while actively advocating programs; work with program managers to help establish outreach goals and methods of tracking and monitoring success of goals.
To minimally qualify, you must have two years experience in mortgage or consumer lending, residential mortgage loan servicing, or rehabilitation loan programs; OR a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Public Administration, Housing or related PLUS 1-1/2 years of the above experience. Qualified candidates must be available for overnight travel.
TO APPLY, submit a skillsbased scannable resume AND a State of Minnesota SkillSearch Application for Employment. To receive further information about the position and the application process, including information on how to write a skills-based scannable resume, contact Human Resources, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency at 651/296-8177, FAX 651/2968032, or the TDD (hearing impaired individuals only, please) 651/297-2361.
Submit applications by January 21, 2000 to: Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, Room 300, 400 Sibley Street, St. Paul, MN 551011998.
The MN Housing Finance Agency, located downtown St. Paul, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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BUILDING OFFICIAL
The City of Hopkins has an opening for a Chief Building Official. Responsibilities include supervising Inspections Division and enforcing construction regulations including: Building, Housing, Mechanical, Fire, Electrical, and Health Codes. Min. Qual: HS grad. or equiv. Must have an automobile and a valid driver’s license. Class II Certification as a Building Official from the State of Minnesota or the ability to obtain the Certification within 3 months. 2 years post HS courses in code enforcement, engineering or architecture. Min. 5 years exp. in municipal Building Code enforcement with increasing responsibility. Des. quals. include: One or more years of exp. as a supervisor; bachelors degree in architecture, engineering or code enforcement. Starting salary range $42 - $52k; plus excellent benefits. Apply at: Hopkins City Hall, 1010 1st St. S. Hopkins, MN 55343 or call 612-935-8474. Completed City application form must be received by 3:30 P.M. January 21, 2000.
Equal Opportunity Employer
EXTENSION EDUCATOR, CHILD & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, HOUSTON COUNTY, CALEDONIA, MN
University of Minnesota Extension Service
Required: A bachelor’s degree; acceptance into a graduate program or academic achievement at a level qualifying the applicant for admission to graduate study; excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Preferred: A master’s degree; a degree in education or a youth related major; course work or related professional experience in citizenship and leadership; familiarity and experience with the 4-H Youth Program or a similar youth development program; community involvement; experience managing volunteers; networking experience; enthusiasm, creativity, and a positive attitude; teaching methods and program assessment skills; team collaboration; media work; computer use in database management or other specialized software; and grant writing. Experience with agriculture is desired.
Deadline for materials: February 1, 2000.
To obtain complete position announcement & application materials, call U of MN Human Resources at 6121624-3717, or download from Web page: www.extension.unm.edu/units/ director/positions.html The U of MN is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
NOTICE
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
SAINT PAUL PUBLIC HOUSING AGENCY
SECTION 8 PROJECT- BASED RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
TheSaint Paul Public Housing Agency (PHA) announces the availablity of its Section 8 Project- Based Rental Assistance Program. The PHA wishes to improve the existing rental housing stock and increase the supply of affordable rental housing available to low income households. The PHA has available at this time up to 100 Units of subsidy for use in buildings in which the owner agrees to construct or rehabilitate the dwelling units in compliance with federal regulations. Proposals will be accepted from owners, developers or other ownership teams who agree to rehabilitate or construct dwelling units for occupancy by tenants eligible for Section 8 rental assistance.
Upon acceptance and approval of the proposal and completion of the construction or rehabilitation, the PHA will provide rental assistance to eligible Section 8 applicants who agree to live in the rehabilitated or newly built units. Financing for the construction or rehabilitation of the dwelling units must be arranged independently, as such funds are not available through the PHA. The property must be located in the city of Saint Paul. Owners must be willing to enter into a Housing Assistance Payments Contract with the PHA for a minimum of one year.
PHA goals for the program include contributing to the upgrading and long-term viability of the city’s housing stock; increase the supply of affordable housing and locational choice for very low income households; integrate housing and supportive services; and promote the coordination and leveraging of resources.
The PHA, through this RFP, does not promise to accept any proposals and specifically reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive any formal proposal requirements, to investigate the qualification and experience of any proposer, to reject provisions in any proposal, or to obtain new proposals. Proposals which do not meet basic program requirements or which are not sufficiently detailed or in acceptable form may be returned for completion or rejected by the PHA.
The PHA is acccpting all applications through the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) SuperRFP process, scheduled for release December 6, 1999. You can obtain more information and an application and guidebook by contacting the MHFA Multi-Farnily Division at 651-297-3294 or 1-800-657-3701, checking the MHFA web site at www.mhfa.state.mn.us, or by contacting Rita Ander, PHA Section 8 Programs Manager, at 651-298-5079. Applications are due no later than 4:00 pm. on February 17, 2000.
Ramsey Cty
More Ads On Pg 9 & 10
CLASSIFIEDS
Reach 11,000 Active, Interested Readers with ACCESS PRESS Classifieds. $8 up to 20 words, 35¢/word thereafter. Mail with check to: ACCESS PRESS, 1821 University Ave W, #185N, St. Paul, MN 55104; (651) 644-2133
FOR SALE
3 and 4 Wheel Mobility Scooters, Scooter lifts and ramps
New scooters from $1,975.00. Free in-home demonstration. Sales and services. FastServ Medical. (320) 654-0434 (St. Cloud) or toll free 1-888-565-0434.
3 and 4 Wheel Scooter Repair
We repair Amigo, Bruno, Electric Mobility, most brands. New and used scooters for sale. Buy, sell & trade. FastServ Medical. (320) 654-0434 (St. Cloud) or toll free 1888-565-0434.
E & J Record Vision rigid frame wheelchair. 14" width seat, 24" regular & primo tires. Excellent condition. $1000 or B.O. Call Jaime at 218-624-4737 or 651765-9195.
CD of love songs www.songs foryou.com
1984 GMC Vandura conv. van Raised roof, crow river lift, w/ extra folding platform. 98,000 mi., many new parts. No rust, TX winters. Very sharp van in exc. condition. $9000/offer, call Deb at 651-459-2466.
Uni-lift, simple electric, platform is 26x36. Like new condition. $400/offer, call Deb at 651-4592466.
WEB SITE SERVICES
Basic Web site design, hosting, updating, phone support. Designing for accessibility and diverse browsers. Help with Linux. Please call for information. 651-222-8222.
HAIR CARE
Hair care in your home. Homebound only, men and women. Licensed operator comes to your home. Call 651-4844885 or 651-426-8461.
HOME FOR SALE
One level townhome in Blaine. 2-Bedroom, roll-in ceramic shower, patio, gas fireplace, central air, dishwasher, humidifier/air purifier on furnace. Two-car attached garage, maintenance-free exterior, new roof and siding. $97,000. 612-717-7302.
FOR RENT
Seward Square Apartments: We are currently accepting applications for our waiting list at Seward Square Apartments in Minneapolis. Seward Square is barrier-
free housing and is federally subsidized. For an application, please call (612) 338-2680. Equal Opportunity Housing.
Lewis Park Apartments: Barrier free housing with wheelchair user in mind. Section 8 subsidized. One and two bedroom units. For more information on availability call 651/488-9923. St. Paul, MN Equal Opportunity Housing.
Holmes-Greenway Housing
One and two bedroom apartments designed for physically handicapped persons. Convenient SE Minneapolis location. Call 612/ 378-0331 for availability information. Equal Opportunity Housing.
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Accord Health Care ServicesAll Temporaries, IncAlliance for the Mentally Ill of MN
Arc of Anoka/Ramsey CtyArc SuburbanArc Minnesota
Best Care Brain Injury Assn. of MN
Consumer Council of The Alliance for the Mentally IllDisabled Dealer
Duluth Consumer & Family Regional Resource CtrEast Suburban Resources
Equity Services-St. PaulFranciscan Sisters of St. Paul
Forensic Alliance of Mentally IllFraser Community Services
Goodwill/Easter Seals Rochester Equipment Loan
Home Health Care Kaposia
Mankato Consumer & Family Reg. Resource CtrMBW Company
Mental Health Assoc. of MNMental Health Consumer Survivor Network of MN
Metro Mobility Service Center StaffMN Bio Brain Association
MN Developmental Achievement Center Assoc. (MnDACA)New Dimensions
New WaysNortheast Contemporary Services Rise Park
BRONZE SPONSOR
Sue AbderholdenSusan AsplundJeff Bangsberg
Jill BedowJanet BerndtTom Brick
Rick CardenasMichael and Janice ChevretteStephanie Cunningham
LeAnne & Larry DahlDawn Doering Chris Duff
M. Therese GockenbachLuther GranquistRobert Gregory
Diane GreigLori GuzmanJudy Haaversen
Roger A. HoffmanDavid and Susan HoughtonJames R. House
Dianna KrogstadLolly LijewskiRonna Linroth
Matt LiveringhousePaul & Corrine McNamaraChristopher Meyer
Joline Gitis & Steven MilesManley & Ann OlsonLouise Pattridge
Mary & Henry PattridgeCatherine Reid & Liddy RichRick & Debbie Ryan
John SmithPeter & Pamela StanfielMary Jane Steinhagen
Erica SternEric and Caroline StevensHelen Thompson J. Quinn Tierney Julie WegscheidLinda Wolford
Jerrold WoodJoe & JoAnn Zwack
AC TransportationBridgeton Healthways Co. Dept. of Occupat’l Therapy-U of MDiv. MN Rehab. Assoc Job Placement & Dvlpmt
Merrick CompaniesPat Siebert, MN Dis. Law Ctr.
National Results Council
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Scott BeersRobert E. BuuckCatherine Eilers
David GrosvenorMartha HageDean Doering & Lisa Scribner
Arc Hennepin CountyCourage Center
Help YourselfJob Placement and Development Division, MN Rehab Assn
Mental Health Consumer/Survivor NetworkMpls. Advisory Committee
Multiple Sclerosis SocietySister Kenny Institute
Twin City TransportationVinland Center
Shirley LarsonMATRIX Advocare NetworkMargaret Perryman
DIAMOND SPONSOR -------------------------------------
Chris BerndtNorth Memorial Health CareRapit Print
Deluxe
Anne Henry by Karen Adamson
U of M Occupational Therapy Education Program by Erica Stern
Troy Fahlenkamp and Valerie Birosh by David Dreier
Bill & Renee Smith by Becky J. Bugbee-TongMabel Heuer by Dawn Doering
Michael Graf by E. Alexandra GrayBill Smith by Joe & Peg Figliuzzi
Bill Smith by Kathy & Paul West