June 2000 Issue by Access Press

June 10, 2000

TENTH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Volume 11, Number 6

SOURCES

RESOURCES

June 10, 2000

LEGISLATIVE WRAP UP 2000 Legislative Session In Review by Charlie Smith, publisher

A Decade In Review by Charlie Smith, publisher

t’s hard for me to believe that 10 years have passed since the creation of Access Press. In January of 1990, my father and a good family friend, Michael Sheehan sat in the living room and talked about starting newspaper for people with disabilities. The big questions were: Is there a need for a newspaper focusing on people with disabilities? Are there enough people with disabilities who will read the paper? Can we find enough advertisers to financially support this new venture? I spent the next two months doing research, talking to individuals and organizations, asking those questions. The answer to the first two questions was an overwhelming yes. Everyone thought it was a great idea. All of the disability organizations I talked to mentioned that they had thought about starting newspaper but they never had the time to take on a new project. The individuals and advocates in the community that I talked to felt it would be valuable asset to the disability

community. At that time statistics show that between 16 percent and 20 percent of everyone living in MN had some type of a disability. That meant there were as many as 800,000 people with disabilities and certainly we could find enough advertisers to support our new venture. In June 1990 we started to publish, the immediate response was positive. The office started to get calls from all over the metro area, “I just found a copy of Access Press. It looks great. Where can we pick up more copies?” In the early days we were dropping the paper at about 100 locations around the metro area and people started to subscribe. Disability organizations called with story ideas, suggestions of having regular columnist and a directory of organizations. The directory which we put together originally had about 100 organizations serving all types of disabilities in Minnesota. Within two months the directory grew to over 180 organizations and the office received

many calls from people who found it to be a valuable resource. In July of 1990 the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passed and was signed into law by President Bush. Access Press covered this historic law by printing sections of the law and analysis of what it would actually mean to the disability community. Again the community embraced the paper and started to rely on the information we were able to provide. The next few years the paper continued to improve and respond to the readers’ suggestions which were plentiful. As I look back the disability community and Access Press have evolved and grown. The disability community in Minnesota has rich and active history of providing valuable services and getting laws changed to improve people’s lives. But, in the last 10 years the disability community has become more powerful and more effective when it comes Decade - cont. on p. 13

he Minnesota State legislative session for 2000 ended on May 17th. It was the longest session in the states history for a non-budget year. Throughout the session, people with disabilities, parents, advocates, and staff of disability organizations worked tirelessly to educate legislators and the governor on the importance of a great number of disability related bills. ACCESS PRESS has provided monthly updates on the progress of many of the bills. This article will summarize some of the legislation that many people with disabilities have been closely watching. Information for this and previous articles has been provided by community organizations who worked on these bills. I would like to thank all of the advocates who provided information to ACCESS Press during the legislative session. Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) An additional 3% reimbursement increase was approved for all Home and Community Based and Waiver (CAC, CADI, TBI, AC, EW, & DD) services including Personal Assistance Care (PCA) services effective July 1, 2000. This means that all reimbursement rates for Home and Community Based Services and PCA services will increase by 6% because of legislation that was passed last year. The 6% increase has specific language that spells out how the additional money must be used by providers who bill for these services. The additional 3% increase this year money, shall be split in three ways; at least 40% to increase the wages paid to employees other than the administrator and central office staff; at least 50% to increase the per-hour pay rate of all employees other than the administrator and central office staff by an equal

dollar amount and to pay associated costs for FICA, Medicare, workers compensation premiums, and federal and state unemployment insurance. The remaining 10% for other purposes such as administration. This language is subject to interpretation by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. A copy of the provider’s plan for complying with the above language must be made available to all employees. If an employee does not receive the salary adjustment described in the plan and is unable to resolve the problem with the provider, the employee may contact the Commissioner at a phone number provided by the Commissioner and included in the provider’s plan. The information above was provided by Jeff Bangsberg from the Becklund Home Health. Special Education Funding: Special education received over $60 million in new funds. A little over half of it was funneled into the special education funding formula for Fiscal Year 2002 and beyond. The remainder will be distributed by giving districts $8.15 for every pupil in FY 2000 and $19 in FY 2001. *Secondary Vocational Education funding was restored for one more year. *The Commissioner of CFL can make grants to nonprofit organizations for supplemental Adult Education programs including programs that serve students with disabilities. School Safety: There were several items that were passed to address the school safety issue. *Districts will be allowed to expand the use of their crime-related costs levy for a variety of methods to increase student and staff

safety. *The legislature also placed in the education statutes current language that allows teachers to use reasonable force to correct or restrain students under certain conditions. This information will also be included in districts’ student handbooks. *Districts can refuse to enroll a student under the open enrollment option if they have been expelled due to weapons, drugs or third degree assault. *School districts are given more freedom to share information on students who have been through the juvenile justice system. There are requirements on how the information is to be shared and when it is to be destroyed. Special Education Personnel: Requires people who provide American sign language/English interpreting or transliterating services to meet RID certification and have completed an accredited training program. For people currently working in a school district who haven’t passed RID certification, they can obtain a provisional license from CFL if they develop and implement an education plan in collaboration with a mentor during the next year. New graduates can have a two-year provisional license, again provided they have plan and are working with a mentor. The bill defines the qualifications of a mentor. Districts will receive reimbursement for staff holding a provisional license and for those who are mentors. Other: For students who have sensitivity to toxins, the legislature will now require schools to notify parents and employees if they plan to apply certain types of pesticides. If parents want to know the date it will be applied, they must request that the school notify them.

Wrap Up - cont. on p. 15

June 10, 2000 difference in people lives.

Charlie Smith Editor Access Press has reached a milestone, 10 years of publishing. Our success is due largely to the loyalty of our readers and the support of the disability community. Our anniversary issue grew to 20 pages this month, one of the biggest papers we’ve ever put out on the streets. This is due to all the congratulatory ads we received from a whole host of disability organizations. This outpouring of support is further evidence to me how important Access Press has become to our community. When people are willing to pay money just to say to thank you for 10 years of service, you know you’re doing some-

thing right. I would like to thank all of those organizations that made this issue very special to me. Your support was fantastic! I’ve gotten a great deal of personal satisfaction in producing Access Press over last 10 years. A lot of that satisfaction is reinforced when I’m out and about and people come up to me and say “Are you the guy who puts out Access Press?” When I say yes, they normally have very positive comments about the paper and once a great while a criticism, which I welcome. It is during those times that I really know that Access Press is making a

Martha Hage’s RADIO SHOW Disabled & Proud, It’s Not An Oxymoron

**** Our lead story, the Legislative Wrap-Up, will give you the final results of the 2000 legislative session. There was a lot of action for a non-budget year at the capitol. The system failed again…In a year where the state had a 1.8 billion-dollar surplus, lawmakers were unable to share the wealth with people that are on the bottom of the economic scale. The raise in the medical assistance income standard would have cost the state of Minnesota less than $400,000, giving people who try to live on $467 a month a modest raise. Instead, the Republicans gave a tiny cut in the income tax rate people pay. The governor lowered license tabs for vehicles. The Democrats split their money up on education, taxrelief and rebate, and health

and human services.

president this could have a profound effect on the Social Next year, advocates will have Security program. Next month, another chance to demonstrate the focus will be on Vice Presithat funding programs for dent Gores’s plan. people with disabilities is the right thing to do. Keeping **** people in the community and There are a couple of cultural as independent as possible events happening in the dissaves money in the long run. ability community and I hope you will support them. The **** first will be on June 14, when Jeff Nygaard, one of Access Advocating Change Together Press’s investigative report- (ACT) will be presenting a new ers, has started to take a look video “Disability Rap”. It feafor at this years presidential tures Cheryl Wade a disability candidates. Social Security advocates from Berkeley CA. will be a hot topic during the I would encourage everyone campaign, we decided that we to try and make the public preshould take a look at each mier for more information call candidate’s position. This 651-641-0297. month Jeff analyzed Gov. George Bush’s plan to priva- The next is a play by the taltize a portion of the Social Se- ented group Tilting at Windcurity program. (see page 6) mills, the production will be This is a very complicated is- running through the month of sue and I hope take the time to June (see page 12). The play read this article carefully. If deals with mental illness isMr. Bush were to become sues, which may not sound

like a fun night at the theater, but if their last production was any indication it will be a night you won’t forget – funny and thought-provoking. **** Congratulations to Cliff Poetz for winning the Joseph P. Kennedy award (see page 3). Cliff has been lifelong advocate for people with disabilities and his very deserving of this award. It’s great that he’s getting recognized on a national level. **** The disability community has lost another advocate (see below). Darlene Morse had been very active in the disability community through the ’70s and ’80s. Her contributions to people with disabilities in Minnesota will live on. She will be missed but never forgotten.

Darlene Morse Remembered by Roger Fuller

arlene E. Morse, a prominent disabled activist, died on Saturday, May 27 after a short hospitalization. She lived for about 15 years at Galtier Plaza in downtown St. Paul until she was hospitalized with a collapsed lung in June, 1998. After she was no longer able to use an iron lung, she moved to Selby House in St. Paul a residence for people who are ventilator dependent.

lyzed from the neck down,” said Pat Swanson, a sister. She was taught at home by tutors and graduated from Hopkins High School.

Warm Springs, GA that year. She also won a Minnesota June 13th Jaquie Maddox-Johnson and Chris Maddox disAccess Achievements Award cuss life with hemophelia in 1989, a Kaiser Roll award in 1983, and the Minnesota KaJune 20th A conversation with Ann Barnwell from People, rate Third Handicap Form in “I was in charge of feeding,” 1984. Inc. about her connection to the search program said Kyle, a brother. “That and her work within the disability community. suited me fine because it got From 1978 to 1990 she was a th me out of doing dishes.” Kyle member of the board of United June 27 Amy Lindgren, employment writer for the St. Paul added a book turning device Handicapped Federation, an Pioneer Press, addresses common questions for was set up at home to allow her advocacy group and served people with disabilities. to read. “She would nod her as president from 1980-82. th head and touch her chin to a “Darlene chaired a UHF task July 4 An encore “mystery” show Darlene was born on July 30, device which turned the page,” force responsible for setting KFAI Every Tues. 7:30 p.m. 1943, in Hopkins. “In 1953 she he said. up the Metropolitan Center 106.7 FM — St. Paul 90.3 FM — Mpls contracted polio and was parafor Independent Living,” said Pat Swanson explained Frances Strong who also Darlene was able to leave the served on the UHF board. “It iron lung for up to 12 hours at was a UHF project and Darlene a time. “She developed a type sounded wistful after the of ‘frog breathing’ in which group was spun off as an indeshe would swallow air,” she pendent organization. She said said. she felt like she lost a child. Darlene was also active in For the last ten years you have helped keep our community Darlene was named Miss Speak Out, in which disabled Wheelchair Minnesota in 1985 people went out into the cominformed about issues that impact all of us.. Here’s to your and won the Judges’ Award at munity and spoke before continued success! the national competition in groups on disability aware-

WE SAL UTE SALUTE S ACCES S PRES ACCESS PRESS

ness,” Frances added. Steve Keppel, another UHF colleague, said that “Darlene had an enthusiasm which was addictive. She had a lot more to contend with than most, but she was always positive. I’d feel down and talk to her and be cheered up.” Keppel said Darlene was active in sit-ins at the State Capitol where she urged the Metro Transit Commission to quit stalling and put the Metro Mobility program into operation. Morse was a proficient computer user in which she used a mouth stick to type letter. Later she used voice recognition. She had almost completed her autobiography at the time of her death. Friends and family intend to publish the book. A celebration of Darlene’s life will be held in St. Paul in the latter part of July. Q

MINNEAPOLIS ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

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 .............................................................................................. Nathan Halvorson 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.

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Cliff Poetz To Receive Kennedy Award T

he Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation has selected Cliff Poetz to receive their SelfEmpowerment Award for his pioneering efforts to promote self-advocacy among people with mental retardation. The S e l f - E m p o w e r m e n t Award is presented to an individual with mental retardation who has demonstrated the ability to successfully advocate for him or herself and others at local, state, federal, and other policy and administrative bodies. Cliff Poetz has been active in the disability community for over twenty five years. His leadership has been demonstrated by his legislative and

1962 to recognize outstanding achievements in the field of mental retardation. President John F. Kennedy presented the very first awards, which have been conferred every five years to recognize outstanding leadership and achievements that improve the lives of political astuteness. Cur- people with mental retardation. rently, Mr. Poetz is on the State Council on Disabilities, People He will attend the award cerFirst Minnesota, Arc Henne- emony to be held on the pin, and the Arc National evening of Wednesday, AuBoard. He has been a board gust 2, 2000 in Seattle, Washmember of ACT and Arc Min- ington in conjunction with the nesota. For the past five years, 11th World Congress of the he has served on the Headwa- Intellectual Association of the ters Fund grants committee. Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities. At this ceremony, The Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Cliff will be presented with a Foundation International cash award and an original Awards were established in commemorative crystal. Q

Information Sessions at Arc Hennepin County A

rc Hennepin County will host two informational sessions offered by the Hennepin County Developmental Disabilities Division to address the needs of individuals with mental retardation and related disabilities and their families. •Vocational Service Options.

Celebrating Disability Rights Disability organizations are clude musicians, vocalists, event is open to the general collaborating to organize a day-long series of activities in celebration of the progress made in our community because of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Ted Kennedy, Jr. will be the keynote. Other activities in-

dancers, magicians, storytellers, clowns, poets and writers, wheelchair painting, wheelchair sports, and much more all performers have disabilities with unlimited abilities. This festive, educational, and commemorative event also includes displays, films, demonstrations, and vendors. The

public and will take place July 26, 10am-7pm at Sullivan Middle School/Communications Center 3 100 East 28th Street, Minneapolis. Ted Kennedy, Jr. will speak at 4:30pm. We would like to thank Northwest Airlines for being a financial sponsor.

Courage Center Seeks Awards Nominees

Courage Center is seeking nity. Five people will receive will receive $5,000 to provide nominations for year 2000 re- this $1000 award. cipients of the Rose and Jay Phillips Award and of the Judd The Judd Jacobson Award Jacobson Award. commends people with a disability who have shown sigThe Phillips Awards honors nificant achievement in an people with disabilities who entrepreneurial endeavor. To have achieved success in their be eligible for this award, one careers. The award commends must have a physical disabilthose who have achieved fi- ity or sensory impairment, nancial and vocational inde- demonstrate excellent achievependence through employment in an entrepreneurial ment, have demonstrated lead- business environment, and ership skills, and have made reside in MN, WI, IA, SD or contributions to their commu- ND. The recipient of the award

resource to advance his or her abilities personally, educationally, and professionally. These awards will be presented at the 2000 Celebration of Courage Gala in October, exact date and location to be determined. Nominations are due Friday, July 14, 2000. For more information or to request award applications, call Greg Biehn at 612 520-0268 or TTY 612 520-0245.

MWIC June Training Sessions

Arc Minnesota congratulates everyone associated with ACCESS PRESS on a great job of advocating and getting the news out to people with disabilities. Keep up the good work !

To register, or for more information, contact Hennepin County Developmental Disabilities Division at 612596-7094 or call Arc Hennepin County at 952-920-0855 (TTY 952-920-0977). Q

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YOUR COMPLETE MEDICAL SUPPLYVENDOR • Wheelchairs/with complete • repair service • • Walkers/canes, crutches • • Bathroom safety aids • • Incontinent/Urological supplies

On June 27, MWIC will hold a ‘How to Write a Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS)’ seminar. PASS allows people to set aside income and resources to help them reach a particular job goal. The training will teach how to set up a PASS plan, the uses of a PASS plan, and its benefits. The

ACT Receives Award ity rights organizing and pro-

ACCESS PRESS

HANDI MEDICAL SUPPLY

June 10, 2000

IN BRIEF . . . .

Thursday, July 13, 7-00 - 8:30 State Rehabilitation Services p.m. This session provides (formerly DRS); Day training The Minnesota Work Incenan informative overview of and habilitation services; and tives Connection (MWIC) will vocational service alterna- Community options for voconduct two training sessions tives that are available to cational support. in June. A Social Security adults with disabilities who Basic Training course will take are served through the •Residential Service Options. place on June 20, and will cover Hennepin County Develop- Thursday, June 15, 1:00 - 2:30 the difference between SSDI mental Disabilities Division. p.m. This session outlines & SSI and the health coverage Topics include: Resources various residential services with each of these programs. available through Minnesota options for people with disWork Incentives will also be abilities, including Intermediscussed. diate Care Facilities for PerTH sons with Mental Retardation (ICF-MR), foster care, At the Headwaters Fund AnSemi-independent Living nual Dinner and Social Change Services (SILS), Supported Institute Workshop on May 5, Living Services (SLS), Advocating Change Together Consumer-Controlled Hous(ACT) received the 2000 Soing and Apartment Training cial Justice Award. ACT is an Programs. It will also provide organization that does disabilinformation on how to select a provider.

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duces mission related videos to further system change efforts of persons with disabilities. Donna McNamara and Cliff Poetz of the Headwaters Fund Grants Committee pre-

class will not review basic knowledge of SSI in the session. Therefore, the SSI course is recommended in preparation for this workshop. The cost for each session is $25, or both for $35. To register, call 1-800-976-6728 toll-free or 651-632-5113.

sented the award to ACT members Carol Robinson and Charles Harvel. The Edward Curtice photograph will be hung forever in the ACT office in Saint Paul.

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR TENTH ANNIVERSARY! Thank you for keeping people in Minnesota informed and motivated on the issues which affect all of us. Over the past decade Access Press has grown into a publication many people rely on. Charlie, you have been the driving force and we salute you for it!

MINNESOTA STATE COUNCIL ON DISABILITY

June 10, 2000

On Mental Illness

How Harley-Davidson Saved Me From The Asylum by Pete Fiegal

hen traveling in a car, doesn’t matter if it’s a Ferrari or a Ford Fiesta, you are in a moving sardine can looking at 4 color TV screens and working some very simple Nintendo controls. You have 2½ tons of collapsible sheet meted hermetically sealing you off from the world. You’ve got automatic transmission, power steering anti-lock brakes, electric windows, cruise control, cell phones, air conditioning, stereophonic CD, and lumbar-support upholstery contoured to your contours. All the comforts of home. Sometimes more comforts than at home. Everything engineered by rocket scientists in white lab coats from Detroit, Munich, Osaka, Bologna to make you feel at ease, help you to relax, make you go to sleep. On a motorcycle, doesn’t matter if it’s a Vincent Black Shadow or a Vespa, you are awake, you experience the world, you look down and that’s The Road, pal. You watch that black/gray blur as it rushes by. You take your foot off the floorboard/pegs and skim your toe on the asphalt at 75-per and it skips like a flat stone across a pond, and that road’s hard! You feel the wind/ sun/rain in your face, your cheeks stung by sand thrown up by that SUV In front of you, burned by the windchill, caressed by the cool breeze on a hot day. On a bike you experience the terrain as you pass through it, become part of it, not just channel-surf through it like you do in a car. Even at right, you know what the land is, what you’re passing through. You can feel the heat of an open field, as it releases the energy it’s been cooked in all day. You smell that wet, swampy smell as you pass near rivers. You ride past pig farms

and smell that “fresh country radios to talk to the truckers. air” (one of the only lies my Full-dress Harley ElectraGlides for Bob and Bertha father told me). Walletchain, and Honda In a car, you turn the steering Goldwings for Mr.& Mrs. wheel and your right toot con- Wingnut, but, purist that I am, trols the accelerator and the I’ve always believed that if brake, That’s pretty much it. you can’t leave home without On a bike, it’s a little more all the comforts of home ... complex and you learn the in- Don’t Leave Home! tricate dance of total control. You learn about counter- steer- Since I ride both Japanese ing, i.e. moving the bars to the rocket-bikes and American left, to go right (Imagine hav- cruisers, people often ask me ing to do that in a car!). Your which is the best, what is my right hand controls the crucial favorite. That’s a tough questhrottle, and, even more cru- tion, especially with all the cial front brake. Your left-hand hype, patriotism, and pride controls the clutch. Right foot about the miraculous return works the rear brake, left foot, from the dead that America’s the gear lever. Then of course, best known company, there are buttons and switches Harley-Davidson, pulled off for the turn signals, horn, in the last 15 years (even conkill-switch (never liked the sidering that a new Harley has sound of that one), fuel re- 40 percent of it’s parts from serve, ignition, etc. You drive Japan and Korea). I can only speak from my own experience: a car. A bike, you ride. the German, Italian, and JapaYou have to work on your bike nese bikes are better engiconstantly: Look for loose neered, they’re faster, quicker, nuts&bolts; Check tire pres- stop and handle better, get sure; Keep it clean; Love and better mileage and from a care for it like it was your child. nuts&bolts point of view are Because if something goes 50 years ahead of anything wrong or breaks...that’s The from Milwaukee. But the clear Road, right there, pal, or, at the advantage still has to go to very best, a long walk home. Harley. Rocket bikes have a With my lowered Harley seat that a squirrel would be Softail’s saddle putting my uncomfortable on, i.e. a tiny posterior a pinky’s length from plastic banana that has you the pavement, any thought of squirming by the time you chassis failure is unthinkable. reach the end of your driveAnd, with only 2 tires (both way. Harleys still have the old with contact patches the size ‘30’s John Deere-tractor seat of a couple of postage stamps, that really babies your butt. where cars have 4 tires with After a twelve-pack and a sack contact patches the size of the of potatoes, I’m in buttockinside of a fat lady’s thighs), heaven on a Harley. they have to be perfectly pressurized, cleaned, and checked On a bike, you have to be every ride. You almost feel like aware, your pilot-light must be you’re flying An Old WWI lit or you are in the proverbial “World of Hurt.” You mix Biplane. “Clear! Contact!” drugs or booze with a machine Sure, there are bikes that now that has the power-to-weight have most of the same com- ratio of an Indy car, and you forts that cars have: intercoms, are in trouble. With My 30on-board air compressors, CB year battle with depression and

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 Lisa, for employment as a personal care attendant call Al or Kellie.

Accessible Space, Inc.

Dear Nicole,

Hello Nicole:

I have a friend who is disabled and is allowed 13 hours of attendant care a day. He has been having so much trouble finding PCAs and the agencies aren¹t helping him much. He has been with several different agencies over the last two years but none of them can fill his hours and what is worse is that the agencies keep dropping him as a client when he complains that they aren¹t finding him help. I don¹t understand how the agencies can just leave him on his own when it is supposed to be their job to find help for him! Is this legal? Now his current agency has told him he has two weeks to find another agency because they can¹t fill his needs. But he has been calling around and he can¹t find another agency that will take him on because they know about the trouble with filling his hours! His current agency says they will turn his case over to the state if he doesn¹t find another agency and I think what that means is they will put him in a nursing home. I don¹t want to see that happen this man. He is already depressed and a nursing home is the last thing he needs. Can the agencies just turn him down for service if he need too much help? I thought that was their job!! Do you have any advice to help me keep my friend out of a nursing home? Sincerely, Confused and Angry my 12- year struggle with MS, some of the only times I was happy and ‘in the moment’ was in the saddle of a bike. Even when my MS made me walk like an ape, when I got on that Harley I was ‘instant grace.’ I wasn’t ill, I wasn’t broken, I was alive, zooming to freedom on my wild stallion/ fighter plane/rocket ship. On a bike I was ‘Pete,’ and that steady injection of mindfulness and life and non-judgmental fun kept me from fading away; and, believe it or not, I’m still here. Q

Dear Confused,

This is a really hard situation with no easy answers. There is a crisis in the home care industry right now and everyone is having trouble finding personal care attendants. Unfortunately, agencies can say they are unwilling to provide care for a client they think they cannot staff. They can discontinue service after giving a proper notice to the client. The amount of notice considered proper varies depending on the certification held by the agency - for example if they are Medicare certified they need to give more notice than if they are only certified as a PCA provider. You can call the Department of Human Services if you want to check that this company has given a proper notice, but more than likely it has. If your friend doesn¹t find an agency to take his case, his current agency must alert Adult Protection that he is going to be without PCA service as of such and such a date. Adult Protection must then step in and try to get services for your friend. In order for your friend to be forced into a nursing home there would have to be a court hearing and someone would have to prove that your friend is incompetent or a danger to himself. Legally it¹s not easy to force someone in Minnesota into a nursing home. On the other hand, when he can¹t find care he may “choose” to go into a nursing home. Therefore, the best way to help keep him out of a nursing home is to get very active in trying to find him care.

churches, schools, grocery stores, apartment complex newsletters, etc, and neighborhood or city newspapers (ask the PCA agency to cover the costs of these ads). Try First Call for Help and Lutheran Social Services, both of these organizations are great sources of information, referral and possible contacts. Talk to as many people as possible about his predicament. Be flexible when people call about the job, i.e. don¹t say, “He needs 13 hours a day” instead, find out what kind of time they are looking for. It may be easier to find several part time caregivers than trying to fill large amounts of hours at once. It¹s widely unknown that a PCA recipient can work with two agencies at once, meaning two agencies could split the responsibility for his hours. This new rule was made last year in an attempt to relieve some of the worker shortage. Many agencies are reluctant to work this way because of billing complications, however, it is worth pushing the issue. You can call the Department of Human Services to get verification of this rule and a complete list of PCA providers to try. Most importantly, don¹t give up. The more active you are in reaching out for help the more likely it is that you will find the help that you need. You are in an extremely difficult situation and it makes sense that you and your friend feel hopeless and frustrated. It might be helpful for your friend to find a caring psychologist for added support during this difficult time.

- Nicole Obviously, relying on PCA agencies to provide care isn’t Question? Complaint? working. You and your friend Comment? need to get creative in order to Write to Nicole: find people yourselves. Make % Access Press, 1821 attractive help wanted signs University Ave. W,#185 N; and put them up everywhere. St. Paul, MN 55104; Put advertisements in HelloNicoleAccess@yahoo.com

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June 10, 2000

Religion And Disability

Disability Culture

The Human Canine Bond I Love You Body And Soul by Kathryn Power-O’Brien

by Lolly Lijewski

ecently, a friend did me the honor of asking me to write a section for a manuscript she is preparing for publication on ‘working dogs.’ It proved to be an incredible experience. As a five-time Seeing Eye dog handler, I’d like to share some of the insights that have been revealed to me through this process, (Note: This is a much-shortened version of the stories I relate in the manuscript. As such, it is vastly incomplete.) A Seeing Eye instructor once said, “If the match isn’t good, nothing can make it tight,” I have been matched with five extremely different Seeing Eye dogs. Each of them brought their own unique gifts and challenges; as I brought my own life issues and experiences to the relationship. The matching and bonding processes for humans and Seeing Eye dogs, bare little resemblance to the ‘Disney magic,’ the public associates with working dogs. In fact, both the person and the dog expend a great deal of energy and effort to make the match work. Creating a match between a human and a Seeing Eye dog is comparable to an arranged marriage, where both partners have little or no knowledge of each other before marrying, but will be spending a major portion of their lives together. It’s also like a closed adoption In that the handler, like adoptive parents, knows little or

nothing about the parentage family in South Minneapolis. of the adopted canine. Kallah, my second guide was My first guide, Amber, a a beautiful black and tan GerChocolate Labrador Retriever, man shepherd. She had fiwas strong, bold, confident, nesse. She seemed effortless and smart, she was what the in her work, as if she was born instructors call “a high-energy to it. She almost didn’t have to dog.” She had an extremely be shown what to do; She fast walking pace and I learned demonstrated an innate sense how to walk faster than I could about guiding. Her pull was have ever imagined. She pulled moderate and steady. Her pace with the power of a Mack Truck, was much slower then which forced me to strengthen Amber’s. Her gait was my upper body. She was stub- smooth. It felt as if she was born and willful, and I was loping along. compelled to learn how to do a great deal of physical han- A Seeing Eye dog must be able dling; including giving ex- to do guide work, and behave tremely strong leash correc- appropriately in work settings, tions. She had “tons of initia- and social situations. Unfortive.” tunately, Kallah, though she could do the guide work, exPull, pace, high energy, and hibited extreme vocalizing initiative are all words the in- and thus was unable to be structors at The Seeing Eye socially appropriate. use to describe a dog. Pull is used to describe the dog’s After a year of trying to curb amount of pull against the her vocalizing, I returned her harness and the clarity of its to the school. They attempted signals to the handler through to retrain her, but were unsucthe harness handle. Pace de- cessful. The Seeing Eye has a scribes the speed with which long list of people who want to the dog moves in harness. Ini- adopt dogs that are removed tiative describes the ease with from the program. A family which a dog can size up a sit- who lives on a farm in New uation and make decisions. York adopted Kallah. She is much happier as a pet. Amber, with her take-charge personality, was supremely Bandit, a black Lab, my third confident in her abilities to do Seeing Eye dog, was a charmer. her work, she was my “curb-to- He could rap you around his curb dog. Nothing got in the paw with one look. He had a way of her performing her du- twinkle in his beautiful brown ties – including pedestrians... eyes and a touch of mischief in Amber and I were together for his soul. His work was wonnine and a half years. She re- derful. He could work through tired just before her tenth birth- a crowd like no other dog. He day, and was adopted by a Culture - cont. on p. 11

ealing and spirituality permeate the pop culture today- For large and growing numbers of people, meditation, yoga, recovery programs, body and breath work, spiritual readings and holistic lifestyles are as much a part of modern life as credit cards, cell phones and the Internet. Just beneath the surface, a new wisdom (actually a very old wisdom) offers universal wellness and peace. Yet, to hear and embrace that wisdom, we must find a way to dive beneath the din of modern life. Body-Centered Spirituality offers us that pathway. Sensory experience and Body Awareness promote mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well being. Bernard Gunther says,”Sensory awakening, like true meditation, can be an integral part of each rich life moment…sensory meditation is active meditation.” Through a more body-centered spirituality, we gain a sense of being in charge of our lives. We move through our day feeling full of GRACE, that is, Grounded, Relaxed, Aware, Centered and Energized. A Body-Centered Spirituality encourages us to tend to our physical, emotional, mental and soulful needs. This approach to spirituality praises sensory awareness, blesses sensory experience and celebrates our embodiment as gift for expression of our soul. To hear the deeper healing wisdom of our bodies, we begin by quieting ourselves down, going beneath the stressful din of modern life &

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Our body has consciousness as does the earth have consciousness. By tuning into both those landscapes with eyes that see, ears that hear, nose that smells, mouth that tastes and body that touches and is touched, we come to know the incredible beauty, mystery and wholesome holiness of our created embodiment and its intimate relationship with all of creation. Then, we can begin to experience the pleasure, satisfaction, meaning and sense of belonging that is our birthright because we will be experiencing our body as the soul in its richest and most expressive form.

It seems fitting to close with “A Blessing for the Senses” taken from Anam Cara by John O’Donohue May your Body be blessed. May you realize that your body is a faithful and beautiful friend of your soul. And may you be peaceful and joyful and recognize that your senses are sacred thresholds. May you realize that holiness is mindful gazing, feeling, hearing and touching. May your senses gather you and bring you home. May your senses always enable you to celebrate the universe and the mystery and possibilities in your presence here. May the Eros of the Earth bless you. Q Kathryn Power-O’Brien M.A., MTh. has 18 years experience as a body-centered psychospiritual therapist, body worker and therapeutic educator promoting integrative approaches to health and well-being, earth-centered shamanic approaches to spirituality and the creative arts of therapeutic movement, drama and ritual. She is a certified Psychomotor Therapist, Trager Practitioner and Esalen Massage Therapist. Along with her advanced degrees in the Social Sciences, Theology/Pastoral Counseling, she has a certificate in Spirituality and Ritual and is a staff person at the Franciscan Center for Holistic Living in St.Paul.

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the noise of self-abusive or addictive behaviors. Meditation, body-mind therapies, paying attention to our breath and noticing the present moment are tools that take us below the noise. When we do this, we begin to hear messages from our Body-Mind such as: ‘slow down,’ ‘eat healthful foods,’ ‘tend to your feelings,’ ‘what is it you need right now,’ ‘take care of yourself,’ ‘exercise.’ In order to listen, we need to relax. When we do begin to relax and listen, we may need to let go of other messages that come from our ‘critical voice.’ The messages that come from this voice in our internal landscape are often the result of need deprivation in our childhood. With the help of a trained therapist or guide, our body-mind can remember and give up negative experiences as part of a body-centered healing process.

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June 10, 2000

Campaign 2000: Gov.Bush’s Social Security Explained by Jeff Nygaard

n a major speech on May 15th Presidential candidate George W. Bush proposed a radical change in the Social Security system in the United States. By doing so, he “began a debate that could dominate the presidential campaign,” according to the Star Tribune newspaper. In his speech, Mr. Bush proposed that workers be allowed to take some of the money that they currently pay to the government in Social Security taxes and put that money into what some call a Personal Retirement Account, or PRA. The worker would be required to invest that money into some sort of approved stocks and bonds. At retirement, a worker would be able to draw out the funds, similar to a private pension. Mr. Bush’s speech lacked sufficient detail to be called a “plan,” but Mr. Bush nonetheless made a number of statements and assumptions that have far-reaching implications for the future of the nation’s largest and most popular government program. More Than a Retirement Plan There are fundamentally only two ways to deal with the proposed shortfall in funding for

Social Security: increase the money coming in (i.e., raise taxes), or decrease the money going out (i.e., cut benefits). Mr. Bush says, “The payroll tax must not be raised.” So he must be thinking about benefit cuts.

ably true if we are talking only about retirement benefits, although it seems unlikely given current stock valuations and economic projections. (We’ll talk about this in a future ACCESS PRESS article.) It will almost certainly not be true for the benefits paid to workers who die or become disabled and their dependents - some 14 million people. Disability or death can happen at any time, and the individual accounts of workers who die or become disabled while young will not have had sufficient time to accumulate much money. As former Social Security commissioner Robert Ball puts it, “For workers who are disabled while young the compulsory saving plan is just about useless.”

Mr. Bush, and virtually every commentator who talks about his proposal, speaks about Social Security as if it were no more than a retirement plan. The failure to mention benefits paid to the dependents of workers who die or become disabled - or the disabled workers themselves - may be due to the fact that a movement toward a system of private accounts would likely result in a significant reduction in Social Security Disability and Survivor’s benefits - and no politician likes to talk about Increasing the Rate of Return that. Mr. Bush and many commentators refer to the superior “rate Here’s why disability and sur- of return” that PRAs would vivors’ benefit cuts would be earn in comparison to the relikely: Absent a tax increase, turn on the Social Security any diversion of tax money Trust Fund. This is highly from the program into PRAs misleading. would necessarily involve cuts in the program’s benefits. Sup- Social Security always has porters claim that the funds been, and still is, a “pay-asprovided by a PRA will more you-go” system. That is, the than make up for a worker’s Social Security payroll taxes lost benefits. This is conceiv- that you pay this year go to

pay for benefits to people this year. The benefits you receive later will be paid by workers who will be working at that time. This is pretty standard for an insurance program, which is what the Social Security program was intended to be. Since Social Security is a pay-as-you-go program, there is no “rate of return” at all on most of the funds, since they are paid out immediately. The only thing earning any “rate of return” is the Trust Fund, which is a relatively small part of the program (about 80% of our current taxes go to pay current benefits) and which was set up explicitly to help pay for the retirement of the “baby boom” generation. While it may be possible to increase the rate of return on the Trust Fund, this would not and could not restore longterm balance to the system, since the majority of the money used to pay benefits come from current taxes, and are not in the Trust Fund. If one considers Social Security to be a program of social insurance, as it was designed to be, then the talk about a low “rate of return” makes as much sense as complaining of a low “rate of return” on your auto insurance because you have not had an accident. In fact, you get NO return on your insurance premiums if you don’t file a claim - that’s how insurance works - yet most people would consider this to be a good thing, not a “bad investment.” No one likes to pay insurance premiums, and no one likes to pay Social Security taxes. The difference is that private insurance premiums must pay for the necessary profits for stockholders plus overhead costs that average between 12

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and 14 percent. The overhead costs for the Social Security program, on the other hand, remain at a remarkably low level of less than 1 percent, with no profits involved. Making the Problem Worse Without any changes, Social Security benefits will be fully paid by current taxes until 2015, then benefits will be paid using interest on the Trust Fund until 2025, and the Trust Fund is expected to be exhausted in 2037, at which time we will fall back on current taxes (which will pay only about 70% of benefits at that time). Mr. Bush does not say how much of our tax money he wants to pull out of the program and put into PRAs, but the number most cited is 2 percentage points, which is roughly 16% of the 12.4 percent payroll tax. Under his plan, the above-mentioned schedule shortens considerably: Current taxes would fall short in 2005; interest income would only last until 2014; and the overall shortfall would occur in 2023. Add this to Mr. Bush’s statement that “the payroll tax must not be raised,” and we can see benefit cuts as an unavoidable consequence. Being a shrewd politician, Mr. Bush has not specified whose benefits will be cut, nor by how much. The Trust Fund Although Access Press has previously explained the nature of the Trust Fund (see “Social Security: Where’s the Money?” January 1999), it is worth repeating here. Since the Trust Fund was set up in 1984, the law has required that those funds be invested in the safest place possible. The safest place possible is U.S. Treasury Bonds. As with any “safe” investment, T-Bonds pay a lower rate of interest than more

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risky investments (since there is no need to entice people into taking a risk; the existence of different levels of risk is why interest rates are not all the same). Since so many millions of Americans are counting on their money being there whenever they might need it, the law chose to go with the safety of U.S. Bonds over the higher return that could be found elsewhere. As with any bonds, the bond-seller (in this case the U.S. Government) is free to spend the money raised by the selling of bonds any way it wants. This is completely irrelevant to the future of the Trust Fund, unless you think the U.S. Government is going to default on its bond obligations, which no investor believes. The wild claims that the government is “dipping into” or “raiding” the Trust Fund, or that the Trust Fund is “nothing but worthless I.O.U.s” thus reveal either a startling ignorance of the nature of bond investments or a desire to deceive the public, or both. The “Great Risk” Mr. Bush states that “without reform, younger workers face a great risk - a lifetime of paying taxes for benefits they may never receive.” This is a remarkable statement, considering that the Social Security administration has paid benefits on time and in full to hundreds of millions of people every month for 62 years. As for workers not receiving benefits in the future, that could only occur if 1) Congress eliminated the Social Security program, which doesn’t seem likely; 2) Congress decided to privatize the program (in which case some people would receive higher benefits and some lower benefits), which seems to be getting less unlikely every day; or 3) The United States government loses its ability to raise taxes or fails to make good on its promises to pay its debts. (If that happens, then all of our money will be worthless.) As far as the future, a payroll tax increase of less than one percentage point would fully fund the program at current levels for as far as we can project. And if we take into account even the pessimistic projections of future wage levels for American workers used by the Trustees, “the average before-tax wage in 2030 will be 34.8 percent higher than it is now,” according to economist Dean Baker. What this means, according to Baker, is that “even after raising taxes by enough to fully fund the program for seventy five years, workers [in 2030] would still enjoy an after-tax real wage that is more than 30 percent higher, on average, than work-

S.S. - cont. on p. 13

Book Review

John Trepp’s Lodge Magic by Pete Feigal

rguably, one of the most tragic aspects of the human condition is how those who have been wounded by sickness, disability, even grief and loss, believe that because of their wounds, they have been broken, damaged beyond repair and have no credibility, gifts, or anything of value to offer the world, and they feel useless and isolated. People with mental illness/ brain disorders seem to struggle with this issue most of all. Even with the medical breakthroughs showing that these are real, physical. brain disorders, they still come with a stigma, a myth, a lie, that, beyond the unbelievable suffering the diseases bring, there is the additional burden that the disease is not a real disease, that the fault lies with the person himself, that it is their inherent weakness, laziness and flaws of character that are responsible. John Trepp, in his first book “Lodge Magic” (Tasks Unlimited, $15.95) addresses these issues and many more, in a series of short stories about the courageous struggles of the mentally ill residents of the unique Minnesota group home program, called Lodges. Trepp is executive director of Tasks Unlimited, a Minneapolis-based program which sponsors 16 lodges in the Twin Cities area, providing homes for 80 people, a program which has become the nation’s flagship. The lodges, based on the Fairweather Lodge Model, stressing self-sufficency and reliance, give people with serious mental illness opportunities for employment, for making their own choices, to give each other mutual support, all with a minimum of supervision from professionals. Trepp is a natural storyteller and he shares with us, without force or pretension, the lives of the real people at Lilac, Hiawatha, and Diamond Lodges. People like Carl, the entrepreneur-extraordinare who could “…trade a baseball card for a jackknife for a fishing rod for an outboard that didn’t run for one that did for a snowmobile for a pickup truck. All in one day-” And Susie, the “Queen of Lilac Lodge,” a woman who understands that every word, every act, every relationship is a gift both for herself and the rest of the Lodge, so that even cleaning toilets becomes a chance for spiritual promise and grace. Trepp lets these colorful characters speak with honesty, not hiding their flaws or making them anything other than what they are: wonderful men and women who happen to have a terrible disease, but who are not their disease. I kept being

reminded of John Steinbeck’s cast from “Cannery Row” and “Sweet Thursday,”—characters who still impress after 70 years because of Steinbeck’s confidence to tell the truth about what was both ordinary and extraordinary in their lives. Lodge Magic’s residents are memorable by reminding us that we must all base our lives, not on our wounds, but on the things we love. Extra insights are gained from Trepp’s own lifetime of experience working in the mental health field. He explains in simple terms what most physicians are seldom able to do: what these physical, biochemical diseases are, what are the most effective treatments, what hope is possible. We learn how epidemic the disease is with I out of 4 families effected at any given time. Trepp also gives us a crash course in some of the more difficult aspects of having mental illness: the pain and fatigue of the illness, the prejudices, the inequities with health care, the ‘Catch-22’ situations that those with this most ‘politically incorrect’ of diseases face on a daily basis with hospitals, government, even mental health professionals. These are real stories, about how it was, how every day they were ignored, loved, abused, adored—the story of their lives. And it is immensely important that we hear their stories see how they are different to our stories, and how they arc much the same.

ful book for mental health consumers, family members or professionals. The spirit of courage of “people with debilitating diseases who have refused to be debilitated” is one that touches us universally and magically. Everyone has been wounded in one way or another, and because of our wounds, we have all been given knowledge and insights into the human condition that we potentially more valuable than anything we might have offered if our lives had been ‘normal.’ The men and women of the Lodges teach us that there is no such thing as ‘normal’ life, just ‘life,’ and all we can do is live it.

June 10, 2000

Accessible Arts Performances The following performances will be Audio Described (AD) for people who are blind or have low vision, or Interpreted in American Sign Language (ASL) for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Les Miserables ASL/AD Saturday, June 17, 2:00. Audio Describer: Rick Jacobson; ASL Interpreters: Mark Allen English & Laura Becker. Ordway Music Theatre, 345 Washington St., St. Paul, 651224-4222, TTY 651-282-3100 Faerie Home Companion II: All the Best from Lake Lesbionne ASL: Sat., June 17, 8:00 and Sun., June 18, 3:00. AD: Sun., June 18, 3:00 – Audio Describer: Mari Griffin. One Voice Mixed Chorus at Sundin Hall, Hamline University, St. Paul, 612-344-9663. Tickets $12 in advance at Amazon Books, 1612 Harmon Place, Minneapolis; $15 at the door

“... Some lodge members began life in a foster home or a reform school. 0thers began (as) star athletes, prep school socialites, medical students, All of them crashed to society’s bottom rung when stricken with (mental) illness ... but these are not stories of despair and tragedy; these are Minnesota Contemporary victory celebrations.” Q Music Ensemble AD: Fri.-Sat., June 23-24, 8:00. Audio Pete Feigal is a St. Paul writer, Describer: Mari Griffin. artist and speaker. He has Weisman Art Museum, U of lived for 30 years with major M, 333 E. River Rd, Mpls, free, depression and multiple scle- 612-625-9494 rosis He is President of the Hennepin County branch of NANG, (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill), serves as an advisor to the MN Psychiatric Society and is co-founder of Tilting At Windmills, one of the first theater programs for people whose lives have been touched by mental illness/ brain disorders.

Same Time Next Year ASL/ AD: Sat., June 24, 7:30 – Audio Describer: Cynthia Hamre; Interpreters: Susan Nelson & Mary Holte. Nine Mile Creek Theatre, Bloomington Education Center, 8900 Portland, 612-948-8746

Ten Tall Soldiers AD/ASLL: Sun., July 16, 2:00; Thurs., July 27, 12:30 — Audio Describer: Mari Griffin. Stages Theatre Co., 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, 612-979-1111

Gun-Shy by Richard Dresser ASL: Saturday, July 22, 8:00. The Effect of Gamma Rays on Rochester Civic Theatre, 220 Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds E. Center St., Rochester, 507AD: Sunday, June 25, 2:00 – 282-8481 Audio Describer: Mari Griffin. Theatre in the Round Players, Cinderella Stories AD: 245 Cedar Ave., Minneapolis, Saturday, July 22, 2:00 – Audio Describer: Mari Griffin. ASL: 612-333-3010 Sunday, July 30, 2:00 – ASL Joseph and the Amazing Interpreter: Kara Huntington. Technicolor Dreamcoat ASL: SteppingStone Theatre, at Sunday, June 25, 2:00. Cross Landmark Center, 75 W. 5th St., Community Players at Osseo St. Paul, 651-225-9265 Senior High School, 317 2nd Ave. NW, 612-391-ARTS Impossible Marriage by Beth Henley AD: Sunday, July 30, Much Ado about Nothing by 2:00 – Audio Describer: Mari Shakespeare. ASL: Saturday, Griffin. Theatre in the Round July 1, 8:00. Rochester Civic Players, 245 Cedar Ave., Theatre, 220 E. Center St., Minneapolis, 612-333-3010 Rochester, 507-282-8481 * Selected performances are Born Yesterday AD/ASL: eligible for Reduced Admission Saturday, July 8, 8:00 — Audio Prices through Access to Describer: Rick Jacobson; ASL Theatre. For more information Interpreters: Anthony Verdeja contact VSA arts of MN, 612& … Park Square Theater, 20 332-3888 (voice/TTY) W. 7th Place, St. Paul, 651-2917005

This isn’t this just an insight-

TCF Adv

June 10, 2000

Reader Profile

Kathy Hagen, Attorney/Activist by Nicole Roberts

athy Hagen is an attorney working on civil rights cases at the Disability Law Center in Minneapolis. Kathy is 50 years old and lives in a house in South Minneapolis with her partner of 20 years. She has been totally blind for most of her life. Access Press: At what age did your disability really start to affect your life? Kathy Hagen: I think I’ve really been affected by my disability in one way or another throughout my entire life.

AP: Can you think of one moment or time period when your disability and all it’s implications suddenly hit you?

I wasn’t raised at home. At home I was special and they paid a lot of attention to me, but when I went off to school suddenly I was just one of KH: I grew up as a blind per- many. son back at a time when they still sent blind people to AP: Was the school generally schools for the blind, in an a bad experience in life? institutional setting. I went to grade school and high school KH: Well it was and it wasn’t. in that setting. So I would say It was at the South Dakota entering school at the age of School for the Blind. I got refive was when my disability ally good academic training first began really affecting my that has stood me very well life. I realized then that I wasn’t throughout life. I learned going to live at home anymore, Braille right away from a blind and things were very different teacher who read Braille herfor me because I was blind and self. People today who are blind are put in a regular public school and they really don’t have that opportunity at all. They learn Braille from a person who has just learned enough Braille to teach them and who doesn’t necessarily think Braille is a very useful way to read – which, of course, it is if you’re proficient. So I was very proficient at skills in school, and we had good teachers in the academic sense.

AP: Did being in the school make you feel really segregated, not just from your family but from the rest of society? KH: Yes, we felt very different from the rest of the world. I certainly thought when I graduated from high school that I didn’t want to have any connection with people who are disabled because I just wanted to be like everybody else.

The Celebration

I think part of it is, when you’re a teenager, you don’t want to be different - and we were considered very different. Whenever we were sent out into the town people treated us like we were the odd ones.

July 26, 2000 Mark Your Calendar

At the school we had a choir and they would send us on chorus trips. The Lion’s Club in various towns would have us come and sing to the towns people and then they’d give money to the school - they’d send the collections plate around, and we’re in high school! It was so humiliating, things like that were just awful. People would come in to do things for us to take us places, you know, to do some goodie-goodie thing for the poor blind kids. I became pretty

is coming next month!!!

I think the bad part of it is being raised away from your family so that you don’t really belong to your family; your family goes on without you.

cynical because of the way that I meant the school for people were. I turned into a blind kids was selling them. So brat actually. they’d all buy them; I mean, I sold hundreds of them. These AP: Tell me about one of the people all thought they were bratty things you did. sending the school for blind kids to Minneapolis and they KH: When I was in high school weren’t; they were sending they let me take a college prep the public school kids. English class in the public school. In that class we were I was totally satisfied with misselling zip code directories to leading them because I just raise money to go to Minne- hated those people that went apolis to the Guthrie Theater through the school on visits. for the weekend. Pretty quick They just made me sick going I realized that, because I was around saying, “Oh it’s wonblind, I had an edge on selling derful that blind kids can do these things. So, when visi- anything. It’s so wonderful tors came to the school for the they can get out of bed.” blind, we were supposed to have our rooms cleaned up so AP: When did you start being these people could come in a disability rights activist? and look. I cleaned up my room so nothing was out except the KH: When I graduated from zip code directories, which I high school, I really wanted sat right in the middle of my nothing to do with blind people room. or disabled people in general. So for several years I generally When these visitors would tried not to relate to people come in my room they’d look with disabilities. I basically around and say, “Oh how won- passed. Well, I can’t say I derful it is that a blind person passed because it’s very apcan clean up her room! How parent that I’m blind and it’s wonderful she is!” but then not anything I can hide, but I they’d say, “Wait, what’s tried very hard to pass as a that?” And I’d say, “What’s “normal” person. what?” (I’d play stupid). And they’d say, “Well, what are AP: How did you get from not these books over here?” And wanting to be associated with I’d say, “Oh we’re selling zip people with disabilities to becode directories so we can go ing so involved in the moveto Minneapolis.” Of course, I ment? knew full well that they thought Profile - cont. on p. 9

GLBT Pride/Twin Cities Festival

Saturday & Sunday

June 24th & June 25th

10 AM - 9:30 PM 12 PM - 6PM Parade @ 11AM

Audio description available at all stages for all performances. Audio tours of the GLBT History Pavilion are available by appointment. (Check in at an information booth.) All stages are ASL interpreted during all performances. Information booths are also staffed with an ASL interpreter, and one is available for interpreting at locations other than the stage. There are many parking spaces on the perimeter of the park that will be hooded blue for disability parking. There will also be parking in the lot across the street from the Walker / Guthrie, with a lift equipped shuttle to the park and parade. ADA compliant satellite restrooms will be available throughout the park. The Pride Guide, and menus for all food/ beverage vendors are available in Braille. (Visit an information booth.)

Need More info? Call 612-566-7683 or TTY 612-503-0404

PROFILE - Cont. from p.8 KH: At one point I went to the University of Kansas to study music therapy. At that time there was this whole issue going on there, where they were going to put up a monument to a man with multiple disabilities who basically had been a beggar selling pencils in the middle of the street in Lawrence, Kansas throughout his life. This man was like the little town mascot and he had recently died. They wanted to put up this monument to him because he had apparently said throughout his life, “Remember me, I’m the little man who sold pencils on the street corner.” That was going to be the inscription on the monument. When I came to Lawrence I read in the student paper about this monument they were going to put up. I thought, “Clearly they just haven’t thought about this. This is something we can take care of right now.” I wrote to the student paper and said why they shouldn’t do this. Then I went out and found all these people with disabilities on campus and we tried to organize, and essentially what happened was that people got really angry with us. I mean it actually hit the Associated Press and we got letters from all over the place, even the military base in Guam.

saying, “What’s the matter with you people? They just want to honor this poor little man who was a beggar and now you want to keep them from doing that. What’s the matter with you people?” I even got threats; I got a call that said, “If you want to make trouble, don’t stay in Lawrence.” I was just shocked. I had no idea that sticking up for your rights and dealing with disabilities could get you in that kind of a situation. Eventually they did put up this little monument. It’s very small and most people will probably never see it. It’s much smaller than I think it would’ve been had we not made such a noise about it. They did put it up, though; the townspeople just didn’t care what we thought. They were very hostile; they were not pleased with us at all.

I guess it was that single experience that led me toward actually looking for ways to become more active in the community. It was clear to me then that, Number One: I couldn’t hide that I had a disability and, Number Two: there were people out there who were going to be very upset with me if I wasn’t grateful for crumbs. So I figured that I’d better try to connect with other people who felt like I did about disPeople from all over wrote us ability rights.

AP: What do you do for fun? tered have not been caused necessarily by my blindness KH: I’m in a women’s chorus at all but by people’s reaction called Calliope. It’s named af- to what they think I can or ter a Greek goddess of music. can’t do. I sing second alto. I’m also very much into reading, par- AP: Who is the most admiticularly murder mysteries. I rable person or persons love to go to concerts, theater, you’ve ever met? go out to dinner, walk around the lakes. My partner and I do KH: I would have to say it’s yoga on Sat. mornings, and we some of the people with dishave a class that we go to. abilities I’ve met here in Minneapolis . One person who AP: Do you feel you’ve been stands out as always fighting able to do what you wanted to and pushing forward for the in life, or do you think your rights of people with disabilidisability has held you back? ties is Margot Imdieke. I’ve known Margot now for maybe KH: Mostly I’d say I’ve been 20 years and she would be a able to do what I want to do, person that I highly esteem. perhaps doing things differently, but doing them. The AP: What are your future problems that I’ve encoun- plans or goals?

June 10, 2000 KH: Whether it’s as an attorney or in some other way, what I’m mainly interested in is making people with disabilities as independent as possible. If I moved away from doing litigation, it would be toward a project that was set up specifically to make people independent in some way. For example, a project that was set up to help people learn how to manage their money so that then they could go on and live independently - that’s the kind of thing I could imagine doing if I wasn’t doing law. I know whatever I do, it will be geared towards helping people who want to be independent.

closing words of wisdom? KH: Go after what you want and find support people who will help you get there. Don’t assume you can’t do something just because you have a disability. Q This is the second in a series of profiles designed to share personal accounts of how other people with disabilities are doing in the community. It is our hope that by sharing our personal stories we may be a source of strength to one another. Let us know what you think or if you know someone you would like us to interview!

AP: Can you leave us with any

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June 10, 2000

Minnesota Life College An Alternative For People WIth Learning Disabilities

ave you ever known anyone who was diagnosed with a learning disability…but who seemed to have difficulty with more than just math and reading? Have you known someone who had extraordinary trouble getting organized, managing money, keeping a job, or maintaining friendships? Minnesota Life College (MLC) is a college-like apartment living program for young people who face some of the above issues and who need an intermediate level of support. They are not able to manage traditional college programs, and yet they do not need the extensive, continuing, and constant support which is provided those with more severe disabilities. One mother said, “When our daughter was in a regular college, it was ‘sink or swim;’ here at MCL there are life-preservers.”

within 1000 miles of Minneapolis. As she observed her son and his peers, Beverly, as former public health nurse, had a revelation: these students had problems similar to those of many welfare clients she had served back in the 60s—before the term “Learning Disabilities” had even been coined—and she started to view them as a population at risk for everything negative in the poverty cycle because they end up unemployed or underemployed.

“As a parent, I envisioned young adults with learning disabilities having the same opportunities that we take for granted with our other children: to be part of a collegelike community, to have several years to mature and to learn social and independent living skills, to discover their abilities and strengths, to participate in meaningful job exploration, to focus on physiAbout ten years ago, Beverly cal and emotional wellness, and Roe Hatlen (the founders and to have fun and make lifeof MCL) researched post-sec- long friends.” Beverly said ondary programs all over the country to find an appropriate Thus, MCL was born. It incorone for their son. He ultimately porated as a nonprofit in 1995 attended two on the east coast, and, after a year of planning by and all the while Beverly won- its expert Board of Directors, dered why there was nothing opened its doors to students

Core Phase: During the initial one- to two-year period, students are assessed in academics, independent living skills, and vocational aptitudes and interests—and then helped in developing Individual Determination Plans (IDPs) which Students must be 18 years of build on skills and abilities. age or older and have a documented diagnosis of a learn- MCL believes in helping stuing disability or related condi- dents create new behaviors tion such as ADD. Again, through the development of MLC was designed to fill an positive habits—in everything unmet need and to serve young from fitness and nutrition, to adults who typically have not practicing good decision-making, to role-playing self- advobeen eligible for services. cacy in relationships or on the The hallmark characteristic of job. these young adults is ‘no friends.’ One mother said, “We MLC’s accountability is unenrolled our daughter at MLC paralleled: there is objective for the friendships! I will never tracking of the hundreds of forget seeing her run from tasks that have been deemed apartment to apartment where necessary for independent livshe had friends…it was the ing, and students cannot move on until they have demonbiggest thrill of my life.” strated they can apply the The student apartments, learning of those tasks in their classrooms, student center, real lives. and offices are located in Richfield, Minnesota within Transition Phase: During this walking distance of bus lines, year, students remain “camshopping, jobs, parks, and rec- pus” residents while focusing reation. Students move on direct employment or postthrough three phases of the secondary experiences and program at their own pace— demonstrating the proficiencies necessary to live and work generally for three years: independently. They continue as active participants in school classes, activities, and recreation and receive support and instruction from staff. in the fall of 1996. Now in its fourth year, MLC has 17 students, five graduates…and the word is getting out; it is averaging several calls a day from interested parents and professionals.

Way to go Access Press Ten years of great reporting You have kept our riders infomed about the issues and empowered them in the process.

to this niche of students before MCL opened its doors. Student graduates and their parents are able to select and purchase services such as job coaching, career exploration, recreation and social activities, and case management for as long as they are needed. The major start-up funding has been provided by Buffets, Inc. (Old Country Buffet and HomeTown Buffet Restaurants) and the Hatlen Foundation. Other Founding Partners—businesses and individuals—have made significant gifts which have provided for operating costs. Staff-intensive programs are expensive to run and MCL actively seeks state, county, school district and grant monies to ensure accessibility to financially disadvantaged families. Each student must pay tuition, board and room costs, but families may apply for scholarship help if they are financially eligible.

Also, parents are cautioned not to sign away their children’s rights to further education. State and Federal laws entitle young adults to additional services and funding until the age of 22 if they complete high school with unmet transition goals and do not accept official diplomas. Such students may participate Outreach Phase: This is an in graduation ceremonies and option that was not available accept unofficial diplomas

Thank you to Access Press and our Consumer Workgroup and voluntary pilot participants for all you have taught us. Together we will create a health care delivery system that meets the needs of persons with physical disabilities.

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Last June, E. and A. were among those in the first graduating class at MLC. As part of his MLC training, E. attended a technical training course and is now happily employed as a Laboratory Technician. By graduation, E. had already received a pay raise and was contemplating a move to an even more challenging position. A. worked diligently and earned a position as Mail Clerk with a large downtown firm. Since starting her new job, she has received promotions and pay raises. Both E. and A. have met their career goals, which included jobs with full benefits. This enables them to live independently, while still staying connected to MLC through the Outreach Program. These two students believe MLC has made a big difference in their lives. Another student says, “I’m learning ways to be independent. I hope to not always be dependent on others. I’m learning how to do things, handle problems and get around. MLC has taught me how to get along with my roommates and others. Living in the apartments really helps me to understand what it’s like to be on my own.” The student-to-staff ratio is presently 2:1. The Executive Director, Steve Schumacher, has 15 years experience in the Vocational Rehabilitation field and a Master’s in Nonprofit Administration. Other staff include a licensed psychologist, a licensed learning disabilities teacher, and licensed, experienced staff from other related disciplines. For more information, call the Executive Director, Steve Schumacher, at (612) 269-4008, or e-mail him at sschumacher @gofast.net. MLC’s website is Mnlifecollege.org. Q

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

without losing their rights. One-third of MLC students receive school district support under these conditions.

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June 10, 2000

Welfare Reform Working For The Most by Mark Wilde New Program to Help stamp grants, along with medi- were working at an increased Recipients with Disabilities cal assistance and childcare.) level. While the largest category of recipients were still any parents participa- The new program puts an em- unemployed and on MFIP, ting in the Minnesota phasis on employment and lim- nearly as many were employed Family Investment Program its individuals to 60 months of and on MFIP, according to the (MFIP) are finding employment total lifetime benefits. When it study. and moving off of public as- was first enacted, advocates sistance, according to a report for low-income people were Those that were still on MFIP, recently released by the MN concerned that many would but holding down jobs were Department of Human Ser- get left behind, but so far the confident they could eventuvices. But some groups, in- program seems to be working ally reduce their dependency cluding people with disabili- for most people. on public assistance. 86 perties, are still struggling to becent of the employed were very come self-sufficient. Longitudinal Study Finds sure they would be able to Many Successes keep a job for six months and MFIP replaced Aid to Families Over the course of the six- 49 percent were very sure they with Dependent Children month study 24% of the par- would be able to move up to a (AFDC) as the federally man- ticipants had left MFIP, ac- higher paying job, according dated welfare program in Jan. cording to the February 2000, to the study. 1998. It provides food stamp Minnesota Family Investment and cash assistance to indi- Program Longitudinal Study. One of the main barriers to viduals with dependent chil- A majority of those people finding employment for those dren who are not able to inde- gave increased income as one still unemployed and on pubpendently support themselves. of the main reasons for leaving lic assistance was disability. the welfare rolls. “Twenty percent of the unem(In MN, a single parent with ployed said they had an ongoone child can expect to receive Even those individuals who ing disability that they thought $629 a month in cash and food had not left public assistance prevented them from work-

CULTURE - Cont. from p. 5 saw it as a challenge. As Bandit and I found our rhythm, I experienced sheer joy. Darting and weaving, through a crowd with him was like a dance. He had a faster pace then Kallah. He pranced along. His pull was light to moderate. He had initiative but was responsive to commands and responsible in his work, He was very social, an extreme extravert. He loved his work. Bandit was my guide and companion for four years. A month after his sixth birthday, he was diagnosed with Chronic Active Hepatitis, a progressive disease, and I made the painful decision to put him to sleep.

Thanks to many years of experience, I determined while still at the school that her pull was too strong for me, and I would have to do more physical handling with her than I was able. After consulting with my instructors, half way through class, we made the decision together to switch dogs. Because of the investment in the partnership made by both human and canine, this decision is never taken lightly. Next, I welcomed Fiesta, my fifth dog and fourth black Lab. She has a slow pace, a light pull, and a sweet temperament. Fiesta reveals more and more little bits of her surprising self as we go on together. This means I still don’t know exactly who I have to work with. This partnership is a work in progress.

Moving on to my next canine partnership was difficult. While I grieved for Bandit, I am a confirmed Seeing Eye dog handler and, for as long as I am able there will be a harness The concrete things that dog handle in my hand. guide handlers can look for in a match are: pace, gait, pull, Haiku, a tiny black Lab initiative, temperament, sensibounced into my life. She was tivity, willfulness, intelligence, dog number four and was 46 adaptability, desire to please, pounds of energy and mis- self-confidence, and guide chief. She was smart and feisty. work skills. It is our challenge I admired her spirit. as handlers to be as clear as

possible about the qualities we desire in a good match and communicate them accurately and clearly to our instructor. Even certainty and clarity do not ensure success. We humans need to bring qualities and skills to each new match too. First we must come to the relationship with a willingness to learn new handling skills and strategies. Each dog requires slightly different skills. The skills or techniques which worked with our first dog may not work with our fourth dog. Comparison is a useful human device. It gives us a measuring stick with which to mark our progress as handlers. If it is over used, it can block our ability to be open and learn. In addition, the field of dog training is fluid and ever changing. For instance, the tuff physical handling required more than a decade ago is being replaced with more subtle techniques that challenge dogs cognitive decision making abilities. To keep up with this challenge, and to insure their students with the best possible guides, The Seeing Eye has its own breeding

ing,” according to the report. tance to work, giving them the personal attention and access Other barriers such as lack of to resources they may not get transportation, child care avail- in a regular program. ability and child care costs, were cited by the study par- Based on a team approach, the ticipants as reasons for remain- RS counselors work with the ing unemployed, but disabil- consumer and the MFIP emity is still a major area of con- ployment counselor to develop and implement a coordicern. nated Employment Plan. The Some advocates say as many counselor acts as an additional as 80 percent of people still support for that person to idenreceiving public assistance tify and overcome their barrihave some sort of disability ers to employment. that has often gone undiagnosed and untreated. A new One of the most important program hopes to help those components of the new propeople make a successful tran- gram is its emphasis on assessment. For example, one of sition form welfare to work. the first people served was Rehabilitation Services Fo- almost banned from an Emcuses on Removing Barriers. ployment and Training proRun by the MN Depart. of Eco- gram because of her unruly nomic Security, the Welfare to behavior. Her rehabilitation Work Services unit of Reha- counselor encouraged her to bilitation Services (RS) assists obtain a psychological evaluwelfare recipients to make the ation to learn more about hertransition from public assis- self. It was discovered that she was eligible for Social Security benefits based on a cognitive disability.

counselors and their clients. According to the rules of the program, individuals who are receiving public assistance need to be in an approved activity for a certain number of hours each week.

“She just was not able to understand what they were asking her to do at the Workforce Center, all the forms and instructions,” her counselor said. “She compensated for her disability through aggression, and it just wasn’t working until we got her properly assessed.”

For more information about Rehabilitation Services’ Welfare to Work services, contact Allan Lunz, Rehabilitation Area Manager (612) 821-4421. To get a copy of the longitudinal study visit the Department of Human Services web site at www.dhs.state.mn.us. Q

programs. They attempt to breed into their dogs traits that will make them more suitable for guide work.

Next comes the commitment to the relationship. This is crucial. If the dog guide handler doesn’t commit to spend the time, energy, and effort re- So far, the hourly requirement quired to build and strengthen for the MFIP program has been the bond, and work through the biggest challenge for RS the challenges, the match will likely fail.

These activities can include job search, housing search or employment. Most people are required to do at least 30 hours a week. The evaluation process associated with the RS program takes time, however. Setting up appointments and waiting for doctor’s results, often does not give participants enough hours to meet the requirements. Yet, counselors in the program realize this assessment is essential to help people learn how they can accommodate for their disability, become self-advocates, and succeed in their personal goals. It’s a difficult balancing act, but they are committed to working with the rules of the existing MFIP program.

Mark Wilde is a long time advocate for people with disabilities, and currently works as an MFIP job counselor.

Finally, the emotional investment made by the handler is critical. It’s what drives the handler to give his/her all to create a successful match. It is also the biggest risk a handler takes in entering into the human canine bond. Each handler brings his or her own personal life issues and experiences to a relationship with a working dog. Our task is to be as self aware as we are able and to use that information to learn, grow and fulfill our potential while assisting our canine partners to do the same. Q

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June 10, 2000

Tilting At Windmills(Not Your Average Theatre Program) by Nathan Halvorson

hile at lunch in a restaurant, a mother and daughter have a conversation, looking to reconnect after some time apart. The older woman’s words jump and stop. Her face is tense and her talk—cautious, erratic, and uncertain. She seems troubled. The daughter, though, takes hold of her mom’s hand and traces the lines on it, asserts herself to their waiter, and suggests that they drink chardonet with lunch, even if it is only the afternoon. Before long and before any wine, the two women are laughing together over mom’s old ambitions to become a professional yodel-

ler. Through the daughter’s confidence and spontaneity, the mother’s nervousness vanishes. The afternoon finds a level of ease. One wouldn’t guess that, in this scene from Tilting at Windmills’ current theater production “Not Waving…,” the daughter was returning from an institution, committed there because of her attempted suicide and struggle with bipolar disorder. This play on expectations, though, exemplifies the aims of the Tilting at Windmills Theater and Art Program. As cofounder Melanie Groves explains, “We wanted to do

something that shows the you are going to get knocked positive side of mental ill- into the ground, but those arms ness.” can also fling you into the stars,” said Pete Feigal, coFormed in 1998 as an outlet of founder of Windmills and dicreative expression for people rector of “Not Waving….” who have mental illnesses, The giants he describes here Tilting At Windmills concen- can be fierce; the group is comtrates on the stigma around mitted to tilting against them. mental illness and seeks to impress upon people the posi- The healing process is another tive aspects of this disease. reason that Tilting at WindThe group’s name recalls mills got its start. Both coscenes of Cervantes’ Don founders Groves and Feigal Quixote standing up to giant have spent years involved in windmills—an image that sur- their own struggles with demises the challenge these advocates face. “Fighting those giants—racism, stigma, any oppressive force—often times

Congratulations ON 10 YEARS OF SER VICE SERVICE The paper has been a force for change in the community. We are delighted to be associated with you. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!

pression. While recovering, Groves joined an arts organization for people with developmental disabilities. The group had an upcoming show on mental illness and asked her for some informa- experience with depression. tion about the disease. Melanie contributed “Angels of Mad- At the time, Pete, who copes ness,” the story of her own Windmills - cont. on p. 14

Tilting At Windmills Presents A New Play

"Not Waving..." Cedar Riverside People's Center June 8th though July 1st Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30, $12 Sundays at 2 p.m, $10 Tickets available through Ticket Works 612 617-343-3390

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Group ticket: Contact Melanie Groves 612 617-9509 An open panal discussion will follow each performace, chaired by actors and mental health professionals. Sponsored by People Inccorporated.

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June 10, 2000

S.S. - From p. 6 DECADE - Cont. from p. 1 ers get at present.” Of course, these numbers assume that we rely solely on a payroll tax increase to address the shortfall. In fact, there are numerous other adjustments we could make that would reduce the funding gap, and thus the size of any proposed payroll tax rate increase. The obvious example is to lift the ceiling on taxable wages (currently any wages above $76,200 are exempt from Social Security taxes.) Another example is to partially fund the program with income taxes rather than payroll taxes, which is what candidate Al Gore (indirectly) proposes, and which we’ll talk about in a future article. “Saving” Social Security? In his May 15th speech, Mr. Bush stated that “Social Security is the single most successful government program in American history” and that “When I am elected, this generation and this president will save Social Security.” Yet, ironically, his idea to “carve out” some of the program’s tax revenues to fund private accounts may pose the greatest threat to the program since the 1964 presidential campaign, in which Barry Goldwater suggested making the program voluntary. To allay fears about the risks involved in his proposal, Mr. Bush states that “personal accounts are not a substitute for Social Security,” and that under his proposal “the safety net remains strong.” The problem here is that Social Security was not designed as a meanstested “safety net,” but rather as a universal program of social insurance. His wording suggests either a misunderstanding on Mr. Bush’s part of the character of Social Security or a desire to change that character. Mr. Bush’s choice to define Social Security as a “safety net” rather than a universal system into which every worker pays and from which every worker is eligible to draw benefits is another threat to the program. By equating Social Security with the already-demonized “welfare” system, the effect - intended or not - will likely be to weaken political support for this immensely popular program. Since the Social Security program is projected to be fully funded for almost another four decades, and since a relatively minor tax increase - about $7 a month for the average household - could fully address the projected shortfall, it is arguable whether “we are nearing Social Security’s greatest test,” as Mr. Bush claims. Crisis or not, by placing the issue in the forefront of the presidential campaign Mr. Bush has opened the door to perhaps

to advancing the rights of people with disabilities. I see more advocates and organizations working together to achieve goals which in the past may have been only dreams. A good example of this, is the Consortium for Citizens with disabilities (CCD). This group was formed in 1994 when there was a direct threat to people with disabilities and health care. The CCD has become a the most interesting and important presidential campaign in recent memory. Q Jeff Nygaard publishes a weekly newsletter on politics called Nygaard Notes, in which he discusses Social Security - and many other things - at much greater length. E-mail subscriptions are free; paper subscriptions are $25/year, which covers printing and postage. To subscribe, send a check to Nygaard Notes at P.O. Box 14354, Minneapolis, MN 55414, or visit the Nygaard Notes website at www.free speech.orgnygaard_notes.

very respected and powerful force for people with disabilities. Today, people with disabilities are now at the table when issues are being discussed not just reacting to plans which have been prepared. A whole host of the state agencies, legislators, and even the Governor ask for advice from this group before taking any action. Community support has always been the key to Access Press’s success. Upon the sudden death of my father in January 1996, the support I received from the community was overwhelming. A small group of community activists came to me and asked “What can we do to ensure that Access Press continues?” It was at that time that I found out Access Press was in the financial trouble, so the answer was “Raise some funds.” With that request The Friends of Access Press began raising needed cash to keep the paper going in the short run. Luther Grandquest called from the Disability Law Center offering support and asked if there was

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anything he could do. If Access Press was going to survive, it needed to become a 501(C)3 nonprofit so the donations from the friends could be tax-deductible and Access Press could apply for grants from foundations. Luther’s response was wonderful, he said “I’ll find a law firm to do it on a pro-bono basis; we need to keep Access Press alive”. He did just that, he found us Tracy Kockendofer an attorney at Ryder Bennett Egan & Arundel. Tracy did a great job preparing the legal documents and advising me through the process. In December of 1997, Access Press was granted its nonprofit status. Within four months of receiving our nonprofit status we received our first grant from the Headwaters Fund. Now three years later, with the a grant from the Medtronics Foundation, the ongoing support by the Friends of Access Press and from disability organizations the paper is financially stable for the first time in its history. The readers of the paper should also be credited for its success, without them there wouldn’t be a tenth anniversary.

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P Hennepin County CareS Asks For Community Input On MDHO June 10, 2000

he Planning Team went into the community again to ask potential enrollees about the seven Philosophies of Care Statements in the MDHO (Minnesota Disability Health Options) request for proposals (RFP) from the State. MDHO is a State pilot project offering a voluntary managed health care delivery system for MA recipients ages 18-64, with physical disabilities, living in the Metro Area. Two sessions were held in April, one on April 4, 2000 at the Seward Square Apartment community room and one on April 12, 2000 at the Team office building in Minneapolis. Community members provided excellent feedback. The sessions focused on getting responses to the following seven

MDHO philosophies of care. to independent living care. Also, all aspects of an enrollee’s life, including the 1. Holistic Focus. 2. Enrollee Self-Determination. “mind, body and spirit” of the person be considered. At3. Disability Competence. tendees indicated the enrollee 4. ADA Accessible. 5. Integrated Service Coordi- needs to be part of the planning process, and heard with nation. respect, as an expert on his or 6. Independent Living. 7. Choice and Flexibility in her own health needs. Home Care Services. One message from consumers Several consumers from the was to ‘make it real.’ Early physical disabilities commu- preventive measures could nity attended the Seward save huge expenses ‘down the Square forum. Most consum- road.’ Holding providers acers in attendance had greater countable for competent dithan 5 years of experience in rect care services would be the the current fee-for-service backbone of this plan. They Medical Assistance (MA) suggested that currently some system. These consumers providers meet the minimum asked that the team consider requirements of the ADA but issues across all living situa- still do not make their services tions, from nursing home care accessible. Education of pro-

WINDMILLS - Cont. from p. 12 and schools, and they toured with MS as well as depression, was speaking extensively in the community about mental health issues. He helped guide the discussions that followed shows of “Angels of Madness.” He had mentioned to Melanie his plans to start a theater company for people with mental illness and, with her spark in acting rekindled, she worked with him to develop the project. Before Tilting at Windmills became a reality, though, Feigal looked to community ties to get the program off the ground. As a member of People Inc.’s advisory staff, he suggested that Tilting at Windmills produce a show sponsorsored by the resource center as a way of

getting the word out about the midwest with the show. People’s inc. Melanie laughs, “It became the play that wouldn’t die!” In January 1999, this idea came to life in “Faith Healer,” a play Since this successful debut, by Brian Friel. Word spread Windmills has expanded its and soon people arrived from base. Whereas “Faith Healer” as far away as Madison and involved three actors, “Not Duluth for the play and dis- Waving…” includes the talcussion. Some would even ents of eight—all who have take a free admission to stand had their lives touched by for two hours in the balconies mental illness. Also, they now for the sold-out shows. After- supplement the play/discuswards, between 75 and 95 per- sion program with additional cent of the audience would workshops on depression and stay for discussions that some- chronic illness. For example, times lasted up to 2.5 hours. they recently finished up a busy day which included After the play had completed seven different speeches beits stand, calls continued to fore it was over. In addition, flood Tilting at Windmills. Windmills has increased their “Faith Healer” was requested work with other mental illness at churches, jails, hospitals organizations. The group, for instance, gave the ‘26th St. Artists’ (a mental health arts program directed by Pat

If you are a consumer or a provider and know health care can and must be done better, we need to hear from you.

viders, staff, and others will change the attitude of these organizations. Also, consumers felt that a service coordination role would be very helpful for ensuring self-determination. This service was viewed as the most important tool to integrate care, allowing the most flexible system of service delivery and the most choices of care. Four advocates from the physical disability community were in attendance at the focus group held at the Planning Team’s office. These advocates have extensive experience in the health care arena, both in the provision of services and the policy rule-making processes.

Young) t-shirts and supplies to help artists in this program to get back on track, and give them the confidence to pursue the arts again. Plus, the group has just been asked by American Express to speak to all 8,000 of their employees on the topic of Mental Illness. Tilting at Windmills has become the number one speakers’ bureau on Mental Illness in the country and will work to continue this expansion. For Melanie and Pete, the choice of the arts as a way of discussing mental illness is a natural one. ‘Disenfranchised’ groups, in some way shut out from the resources, social mobility and opportunity in a given society, have constantly relied on the arts to claim representation and to find a voice. The arts depend on a person’s immediate resources, their in-

Again, the service coordinator role was identified as a major benefit to this population. Potential enrollees were identified as having great difficulty navigating the current MA system, and they frequently “fall through the cracks”. Improving the competence of providers and making someone responsible for overall care plans would improve the system. Further, making the consumer an equal partner in the care plan was viewed as essential to success. Much discussion was around the current shortage of direct health care staff. The group of advocates sees this as a larger issue than financial disincentives. They see the historical ‘micro-management’ of the services directly relat-

ing to a loss of full-time employees and benefits. ADA issues were also discussed. The group felt that although providers may meet the letter of the law, they still have significant barriers to care. They felt that the service coordinator would need to have sensibility, education, and training in an interactional versus medical model of care, with disability “hands-on” experience.

nate gifts, and that becomes an essential way for these ‘disenfranchised’ creators (some of which include Beethoven, Cervantes and Michael Angelo) to communicate their strengths to others. Their voice is heard.

Tilting At Windmills finds that drama and the arts—both rich with legacies from mentally-ill minds—are the ideal mediums to remind people that, as Feigal states, “People with disabilities are seen as flawed and broken and handicapped. They’re not. People with disabilities are the ultimate problem solvers because we have to find new ways to get through…We have to listen more carefully and watch more closely and we really learn to see the world in a different way and look within ourselves and that’s what gives us insights to the arts.”

Melanie elaborates, “Arts are something that really have power to give joy and to bring joy not only to you, but to bring it outside of the self and share it with others.” Additionally, the arts are instrumental in the recovery process for anyone with mental illnesses. She continues, “If you don’t have something that brings joy into your life, why are you going to want to live?” Through arts, people with mental illnesses impact others with not only their abilities and talents, but they also help themselves—focusing their efforts on something that brings them joy.

If you would like more information regarding the MDHO planning process, call Joanne Rafferty at (612) 348-7327, or Ingrid McKay at (612) 3473520, or TTY (612) 596-6758. Q This column is a paid insertion by the Hennepin County CareS Planning Team.

The arts put ‘disability’ into a light of ability, joy and great talent. Those interested have the opportunity to see Tilting at Windmills do so with their current production, “Not Waving…” by Gen LeRoy, at the Cedar Riverside People’s Center, June 8-July 1, 2000. Q

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WRAP UP - Cont. from p. 1 Info on Special Ed Personnel and we are grateful for the was provided by Sue Aber- legislative support for the unit. holden form Pacer Center. Ombudsman for Corrections: Mental Health Issues The House eliminated this ofMental Health Civil Commit- fice in the Judiciary Bill that ment Law Changes: This bill, was rolled into the Omnibus as originally introduced, would Bill. The Senate made no have greatly expanded the cri- changes to the office. In the teria for mental health commit- Conference Committee, the ment. After the authors intro- office was retained, but the duced a delete-all amendment, funding was cut from $400,000 the bill passed in a very modi- to $300,000, which will present fied manner. The bill, as passed major challenges to the by the Legislature and signed office’s ability to investigate by the Governor, allowed fami- allegations within Minnelies to consent for the admis- sota’s correctional facilities sion of a 16 and 17 year old and jails. child into a facility that provides mental health treatment. Local Intervention Grants for The other new provision that Self-Sufficiency: The Legiswas included in the law was a lature provided 75 million dolrequirement that a health care lars over the next three years provider inform a requesting to provide additional supports person that the provider would and services for people with request a patient’s authoriza- significant barriers to employtion to provide information ment and are covered by the about the patient and his or Minnesota Family Investment her treatment. The requested Plan (MFIP). MFIP is the welpatient could, as before, de- fare program that replaced cide whether she or he desired AFDC and has a sixty-month to release such information to benefit level. As some of the the requesting party. participants move closer to the benefit limit, the Legislature is Mental Health Counseling for looking for tools to help them Farmers & Farm Workers: overcome significant barriers The Legislature appropriated to employment. This provi$250,000 to enable farmers to sion is an attempt to help adreceive mental health coun- dress these concerns. Many seling in a setting that may be of the people moving toward more “friendly” to them. the 60 month limit are persons with mental health and/or Marriage and Family Thera- chemical dependency issues. pists Covered under MA: The Session saw passage of a mea- The information provided sure that will allow MA to above was provided by Tom cover marriage and family Johnson form NAMI – MN therapy session that were provided outside a community mental health center. Family Support Grant HF2670/SF 2566 Supportive Housing and Man- Family Support grant program, aged Care Pilot: The passage which is a program, designed of this measure provides three to assist families so they can million dollars over three years continue to raise their child to provide housing and exten- with disabilities in their home. sive supports for low income People on this program receive individuals who are in danger a monthly cash grant to pay of being homeless and live for services not covered by with mental illness, AIDS, or medical assistance. If a family chemical dependency. The is on this program it cannot Pilot will provide housing, case receive waived services. Some management, health care, and people have turned down employment supports for resi- waiver slots because they’ve dents. used this grant to pay for home or vehicle modifications and Mental Health Treatment at need the monthly grant to make Red Wing Youth Correctional ongoing payments. Facility: Funding was provided in the bonding bill to This bill past. It has been establish a mental health unit amended since introduction. in the young offender program The Final language requires at Red Wing Correctional fa- DHS to set aside funds within cility. This was a critical need existing appropriations so a

"Thank you Access Press for ten years of vital service to our commuity." Sharon Sayles Belton Mayor of Minneapolis

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one time grant can be awarded to pay off or pay down loans for services for home or vehicle modifications that would have been covered by the waiver, if the family had a DD waiver slot. Funds would be available if the family is offered a waiver slot but may decline due to the outstanding loan. Public Guardianship This bill requires DHS to develop specific legislative recommendations for the 2001 legislative session regarding the transfer of public guardianship responsibilities. Currently the commissioner is responsible for this function for about 4700 state wards that have developmental disabilities. The commissioner delegates the task to counties who most often delegate it to the person’s casemanager. The casemanager is in a delicate situation because she must always consider the ward’s best interest, while reporting to a county that wants her to control costs. This bill HF 2671\SF 2567 has passed. Information provided by Bob Brick of ARC. Common Vision Advocating Change Together’s workshop leadership program failed to make through this session. Information provided by Rick Cardinas of ACT. Expanding the Senior Prescription Drug Program Several disability organizations sought to include people with disabilities who are under 65 and on Medicare into the Senior Prescription Drug Program. When the program was created, only people over 65 and on Medicare qualified. The goal of this years legislation was to make this program fair for everyone on Medicare.

islators made decisions that were good news and bad news. The good news is that people with disabilities were included into the Senior Drug Program. The bad news is that people with disabilities won’t actually be included until July 1, 2002 and only people who make about $700 or less will qualify. The start date and financial eligibility requirements for this program are clearly a disappointment to many people in the disability community. This issue will be brought before the legislature again next year to try to move up the effective date and expand the financial eligibility requirements.

June 10, 2000

were debated this session. One bill would have provided a person the right to sue their Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) if they didn’t receive the care they were entitled too. The other bill included stronger provisions relating to continuity of care and access to specialty care. Both bills died in the House of Representatives. The information above was proided by Joal Ullan from the Muiltple Sclerosis Minnesota Chapter.

SSDI recipients who lost jobs were denied re-employment benefits available to other unemployed individuals. Advocates viewed this as contrary to the intent and direction of recently passed work incentive legislation at both the state and federal level. Due to quick and diligent efforts of the Disability Institute and the Minnesota Disability Law Center and legislators Senator Linda Berglin, Senator Jerry Janisich and Rep. Kevin Goodno, the Legislature restored the right of SSDI recipients working under SSA approved plans to reemployment benefits upon loss of employment. The department of economic security supported the change.

Re-employment Benefits The Legislature restored eligiSales Tax Rebate bility for working SSDI RecipiLast year, while many Min- ents to re-employment bennesotan’s enjoyed receiving a efits (a.k.a. unemployment sales tax rebate last summer, compensation). The law is retroactive to Ausome people with disabilities who depend on Social Secu- Just one year earlier, Depart- gust 1999 and persons wishrity for their income were left ment of Economic Security ing more information or who out. Lawmakers have made (D.E.S.) legislation resulted in were denied benefits and wish changes to this years rebate SSDI recipients who work in to reinstate their claims should so that, hopefully, everyone accordance with approved S. contact Charles Hartfiel at 651will be included and receive S. A. work guidelines to be 296-6520. Q some rebate in August. ineligible for reemployment benefits upon loss of employ- The information above was Medical Assistance ment. In the past year, several provided by Scott Rostron Income Standard A bill was introduced that would have allowed people on Medical Assistance (MA) to retain the inflationary adjustto ments that Social Security provides. In order to qualify for Medical Assistance, people with disabilities who are not Thank you for your continuing working are not allowed to efforts to increase awareness and keep more than $467 a month. effect change. Keep up the good The standard will be increased work, you are an important part of by $17 on July 1, 2000. This standard, well below the fedour community. eral poverty guidelines, leaves little money for food, rent, utilities and other monthly expenses. The additional funding sought would have proThe residents and staff of vided an automatic inflationAccessible Space, Inc. ary increase each year for people on Medical Assistance. However, this bill died in the final budget negotiations.

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MHFA Accessibile Loan Wellstone Pushes T For MHETA he Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA), together with Fannie Mae, announce the implementation of an accessible home mortgage program to better meet the needs of family members who have a disability. The new program will provide assistance to households looking to build a new home, purchase/remodel an existing home, or refinance and remodel a current home.

home typically cannot exceed the property market value, a gap arises between the cost of adding accessibility features and the value of the house on the market.

Applicants for this fund can have a gross annual income up to $78,890. The maximum combined loan the program can provide is $160,000. Fannie Mae will provide first mortgage financing up to 95% of a property’s Fannie Mae will provide financing for the market value. When MHFA’s appraisal gap primary loan on the house and, where needed, financing is needed, the combined loan packMHFA will provide the second mortgage loan age cannot surpass 125% of market value. to fill the “appraisal gap.” The appraisal gap results when including accessibility features To qualify for the Accessibility Home Fund, a costs money but doesn’t increase the property borrower, or a member of the borrower’s housevalue of the home. Since a primary loan on a hold, must have a permanent physical condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Applicants will need to submit certification from a doctor that describes how the individual’s disability meets the program’s requirements. The property being purchased or refinanced/remodeled must be the primary residence of the borrower(s) and household member with a disability. Initially, this program is only available in the metropolitan Twin Cities area. For info/question on accessibility modifications under the program, contact Barb Collins at the MN Housing Finance Agency, 400 Sibley St., #300, St. Paul, MN 55101 or 651-297-3122. Q

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“We all have known someone with a serious mental illness, within our families or circle of friends.” Senator Paul Well-stone stood before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on May 18 and made this appeal to people’s immediate, familiar lives as he advocated for disablity rights. Specifically, the senator’s testimony focused on the Mental Health Equitable Treatment Act (MHETA, S. 796), a legislative proposal which he introduced last April with the help of Republican Senator Pete Domenici. “This bill goes a long way toward our bipartisan goal: That mental illness be treated like any other disease in health care coverage. It is a big step forward in ending the suffering of those with mental illness who have been unfairly discriminated against in their health care coverage. We must make treatment for this illness as available and as routine as treatment for any other disease,” said Wellstone. If passed, this bill will expand on the mental health care rights that were included with the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 (MHPA). The MHETA will erase the September 30, 2001 sunset provision established for the MHPA and also, it will ensure that private health insurance companies may not put limits on the number of covered hospital days and outpa-

tient visits for all mental illnesses. These limits could prevent a person with mental illness from receiving all of the necessary care that their conditions may require. In addition, private health insurers would equalize the costs for patients with mental illnesses and those without mental illnesses. The cost disparity between these two groups for copayments, deductibles, hospital and outpatient visits would decrease greatly as a result of the Wellstone-Domenici bill. Q

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P NOTICE: REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS SAINT PAUL PUBLIC HOUSING AGENCY SECTION 8 PROJECT-BASED RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The Saint Paul Public Housing Agency (PHA) announces the availability 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 will make available 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 OSHA 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 accepting all applications through the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) SuperRFP process, scheduled for release May 30,2000. You can obtain more information and an application and guidebook by contacting the MHFA Multi-Family 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 65 1-298-5079. Applications are due to MHFA no later than 4:00 p.m. on July 20,2000.

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Employment ads are $14 per col. inch; June 30 is the deadline for the July 10 issue. Mail to: ACCESS PRESS • 1821 University Ave. • #185N • St. Paul, MN 55104 • FAX 651-644-2136 • E-mail: access@wavetech.net More adv.s on pages 18 & 19 Television

TWIN CITIES PUBLIC TELEVISION Exciting, new full-time television production opportunities are currently available for a new education series called Learning Park. Producer (Box 343-0) Requires 3 - 5 years of television production experience plus a college degree. Involves applying seasoned creative skills to produce complex programs or segments. Associate Producer (Box 342-0) Requires 1 -3 years of television production experience plus a college degree. Involves providing creative assistance to a producer and/or some actual light producing. Production Assistant (Box 341-0) entry _A level V television production position requiring a college degree and minimal job related experience. The PA provides show assistance in a number of support areas, and contributes at the creative level. Send your resume and cover letter to TPT/Twin Cities Public Television; 172 E. 4 th St.; St. Paul, MN 55101 by no later than May 31, 2000 and specify which of the three (3) positions you are interested in by indicating the listed Box Number. A competitive salary and benefit package is provied. EEO/AAP TPT/Twin Cities Public Television Part-Time ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT A temporary, part-time administrative support position exists in our fundraising department. This position requires skills in coordinating, communicating, organizing, computer operation (Word, Filemaker and Excel), customer service, proofreading and general office support. A high school diploma and 6 months to 1 year of general administrative office experience are required. Send your resume and cover letter to: Box 346-0; TPT/Twin Cities Public Television; 172 E. 4 th St.; St. Paul, MN 55 101 by no later than June 6, 2000. A. competitive salary is provided. EEO/AAP

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EMPLOYMENT ADS ARE $14 A COL. INCH; JUNE 19 30 IS THE DEADLINE FOR THE JULY 10 ISSUE. dvs re A es 17 & o M pag Mail to: ACCESS PRESS • 1821 University Ave. • #185N • St. Paul, MN 55104 • Fax 651-644-2136 • E-mail: access@wavetech.net on U of M Extension Service SENIOR TRAFFIC ENGINEER Northland Community and EXTENSION EDUCATOR POSITION Technical College in Thief SRF Consulting Group, Inc., a fast growing, locally owned, and River Falls, Minnesota is curPipestone County, Pipestone MN, up to 70%-time first year; well established civil engineering, transportation, and planning rently accepting applications second year and beyond will be 50% (minimum) up to 70% firm, seeks a Traffic Engineer to manage traffic signal and for several full-time instruc(maximum). Youth and Family Development focus. roadway lighting design projects, and perform operational tional vacancies as follows: analysis. Requirements include 5+ years experience and a Requires: bachelor’s degree,- acceptance into a graduate pro- Minnesota PE or the potential to obtain one, Must have project 1) Cosmetology gram or academic, achievement at a level qualifying the appli- management experience and good written/verbal skills. 2) Office and Administrative cant for admission to graduate study. Effective communication, In addition to varied and exciting work in a positive atmosphere, Support team work, collaboration skills, ability to express enthusiasm SRF offers: 3) Computer Information Sysand use innovation in relating to youth and adults, and ability • Competitive salary tems to manage multiple tasks concurrently. 4) Aviation Maintenance (3) • Pay for all hours worked • Excellent insurance, incl. medical, dental, life, and disability 5) Human Services/PsycholPrefer: Degree in a field of study which, when combined with • 401 (k) & profit sharing a Vacation and sick leave ogy relevant work experience, projects a well-rounded knowledge of 6) Cosmetology (half-time) family and/or youth development. Master’s degree. Work If you want to be part of one of ENR’s Top 500 design firms, send 7) Specialty Crops (Apply by experience or volunteer experience in a field related to family or your resume to SRF Consulting Group, Inc., One Carlson June 9) child development. Skills/abilities: teaching methods; educa- Pkwy. N., # 150, Plymouth, MN 55447; fax to 763-475-2429, or tional program needs assessment, organization, development, e-mail to www.srfconsulting.com; EOE. A complete vacancy andesign, delivery and evaluation of educational programs; netnouncement is available either working; work with the media; supervisory skills; work with THE BPL JOINT VENTURE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING by calling voice (218) 681-08 DEVELOPMENT economically and/or culturally diverse audiences; computer 10 TTY (218) 681-0990 or on Hiawatha Corridor user, volunteer management; applied research; leadership; and the Northland web site at www. Light Rail Transit Project Key leadership position for northland.cc.mn.us basic grant writing. nationally recognized, awardMinneapolis, MN winning affordable housing Application procedure: Deadline for receipt of applications: June 22, 2000. To apply: call developer. Lead and direct Bid Date: Tuesday, June 27, for application forms, 612-624-3717, or check web site: http:/ 400-800 units of housing de- A letter of application, resume, 2000, 2:00 PM CST /www.extension. unm.edu/units/director/positions.html/ The velopment for Central Com- copy of transcripts and names U of M is an equal opportunity educator and employer. munity Housing Trust over of three professional referProject: $258,000,000 CNA/HHA the next 5 years. ences should be forwarded to Owner - MN Department of Becky Holthusen, Director of Wanted CNA/HHA to do priYou must bring energy & com- Human Resources, Northland Minnesota Housing Trarsportation vate Home Care St. Paul and Finance Agency Designer - Parsons Brinkerhoff mitment, 7+ years of develop- Community and Technical Suburbs. Full or Part-time We are a State Agency comment experience and leader- College, 1101 Highway One Schedules Available - Must mitted to meeting Minneso- The BPL Joint Venture encour- ship, and skills in finance, East, Thief River Falls, MN have Transportation. Call (651) tans’ needs for decent, safe, ages all targeted group busi- analysis, communication, plan56701 by June 23, 2000. 489-4656. affordable homes and stron- nesses (TGB’s) to submit bids ning, organization, design/ ger communities. We are for this project. We also ex- construction, computer techAffirmative Action/Equal If you have any questions, searching for motivated self- pect that all bidding subcon- nology, as well as overall Opportunity Employer and please call me at (651) starters who can work effec- tractors expend every good knowledge/experience in real Educator 489-4656. Helen Dioniso- tively in a fast-paced and team- faith effort to achieve maxi- estate. poulos, Manager oriented environment in our mum participation by TGB’s. CIVIL ENGINEERING CCHT offers a high-quality, Legal Information Systems Division. TECHNICIAN We have exciting opportuni- Plans are available through professional, mission-driven PARALEGAL ties in the following positions: PCL Construction Services, environment with a very com- SRF Consulting Group, Inc., a CORPORATE-FINANCE Oracle Database Administra- Inc.’s local office in Burnsville, petitive salary and comprehen- fast growing, locally owned, sive benefit package. Web site: and well established civil entor Network-Server Analyst MN. www.ccht.org. Faegre & Benson LLP, Server-Workstation Analyst gineering, transportation, and Minnesota’s second largest For further information and a Hiawatha Corridor planning firm, seeks a Civil law firm is seeking a motivated, State application for employ- Light Rail Transit Package Mail or fax your resume & Technician to perform high cover letter indicating salary level civil and surveying tasks. team-oriented paralegal to ment, please call 651/296work in one of our largest prac- 8177 (leave name/address), fax Track work, utility relocation, requirements, to - DHD Posi- Will be involved in all aspects tice areas. As a paralegal in the 651/296-8032 or TDD (hearing system electrical, bridge con- tion, CCHT, 505 East Grant from preliminary planning to Corporate-Finance group, you impaired individuals only, struction, earthwork, utilities, Street, Minneapolis, MN final design, with some indewill assist with: M & A trans- please) 651/297-2361. Located foundation drainage, paving, 55404-1474. Fax 612.341.4208. pendent design work. Requireactions, 34’ Act filings, forma- downtown Saint Paul, the MN fencing, site signs, landscapments include 4+ years experition of new corporations and Housing Finance Agency is ing, concrete work, post- People of color and people ence and a two year civil techwith disabilities strongly maintenance of corporate an equal opportunity em- tensioned slabs, precast, manology degree. Must have encouraged to apply. EOE records. We prefer a 4-year ployer. sonry, structural and miscellaMicrostation experience, Exdegree and/or paralegal cerneous steel, finish & rough ACCOUNTING/ perience with Geopak desired. tificate, two-four years appliOUTREACH/LEGAL carpentry, waterproofing, ADMINISTRATION cable experience, service oriADVOCATE built-up roofing, metal, wall SRF offers a competitive comentation, excellent communipanels, doors and hardware, SRF Consulting Group, Inc., a pensation package, including: cation skills and strong skills Legal Aid’s Housing Discrimi- overhead doors, glass and fast growing, locally owned, • Competitive salary in computer software applica- nation Law Project seeks glazing, carpet and VCT, and well established civil en- • Excellent insurance, incl. tions. VISTA volunteer (att. or acoustical ceilings, painting, gineering, transportation and medical dental, life, and non-atty) for 1- position con- building specialties, equip- planning firm, seeks a detail disability We offer a rewarding and pro- ducting outreach, education ment, elevators, mechanical oriented, well-organized indi- • 401(k) & profit sharing fessional working environ- and advocacy for equal hous- and electrical. vidual. Responsibilities in- • In-house Training ment, and a competitive salary ing opportunity among new clude assisting with contract • Vacation and sick leave with excellent benefits, includ- immigrant communities. Exper The BPL Joint Venture preparation, 401 (k)/profit shar- • Exciting and varied work ing a discounted bus program- w\new immigrant communiC/O PCL Construction ing administration, invoicing Metropass. For additional in- ties, relevant languages a +. Services, Inc. and payroll processing. Prefer If you want to be part of one of formation about our law firm, VISTAs receive stipend, hlth Attn: Jeff Krick 5+ years experience in related Engineering News Record’s visit our web site at www. ins, travel & training expenses. 12200 Nicollet Ave. South areas. Need MS Word, Excel, Top 500 design firms send your faegre.com. Please submit re- To apply, get VISTA app & Burnsville, MN 5533 7 Lotus 1-2-3, and strong com- resume to SRF Consulting sume and salary history to job desc. from: MN Housing 952-992-9600 munication skills. Group, Inc. One Carlson Partnership, 1821 University Human Resources: FAX: 952-882-9900 Pkwy. N., #150., Plymouth, FAEGRE & BENSON LLP Ave W, #S-137, St. Paul, MN We offer a positive work envi- MN 55447, fax to 55104, www.mhponline.or or 2200 Norwest Center An Equal Opportunity ronment, competitive pay and 763-475-2429, or email to www. call Mescal Urich, HDLP, 612/ 90 South Seventh Street Employer benefits. Send your resume to srfconsulting.com; EOE. 827-3774. Apps accepted Minneapolis, MN 55402 M/F/V/H SRF Consulting Group, Inc., until position filled. Fax: (612) 336-3846 One Carlson Pkwy N., #150, Web site: www.faegre.corn Plymouth, MN 55447; fax to E-mail: HRfaegre.com 763-475-2429, or e-mail to Equal Opportunity Employer www.srfconsulting.com; EOE.

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) is seeking candidates to fill the position of Director of Finance. This position is responsible for fiscal matters of the Agency. The primary emphasis of the position is investing and financial reporting. MHFA staff consists of approximately 175 persons, including professional staff members who have responsibilities in the fields of finance, law, mortgage underwriting, architecture, construction inspection and housing management. The Director of Finance reports to the Deputy Commissioner to confer on and comply with the Agency’s financial and municipal market reporting requirements. The Director of Finance is also responsible for implementing available options for structuring Agency financing. Close cooperation is also necessary with the financial advisor, bond counsel, underwriters, certified public accounting firm, rating agencies, and investment community. This position is responsible for managing a division staff of 20 professionals. The Director of Finance has direct interaction with the Agency’s Board of Directors and must also work closely with the Agency’s senior management staff. The Director of Finance is a member of the Agency’s mortgage credit committee and information technology steering committee. A Certified Public Accountant and/or MBA is preferred. Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or business. The successful candidate will have a high degree of technical, financial, and accounting competence gained through at least four-six years of progressively responsible positions in the public or private sector. Auditing experience of financial services clients preferred. The present salary range for this position is $64,519-91,997. Additional information is available on request. Please contact the MHFA Human Resources office at 651/2968177, or Fax 651/296-8032, or the TDD (hearing impaired individuals only, please) 651/ 297-2361 for an application. Applications/resumes will be accepted until a sufficient number have been received. MHFA’s address is: 400 Sibley Street, #300, St. Paul, MN 55101-1998. The Housing Finance Agency, located downtown St. Paul, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Access To Employment

June 10, 2000

EMPLOYMENT ADS ARE $14 A COL. INCH; JUNE 30 IS THE DEADLINE

FOR THE JULY 10 ISSUE.

Mail to: ACCESS PRESS • 1821 University Ave. • #185N • St. Paul, MN 55104 • Fax 651-644-2136 • E-mail: access@wavetech.net ACCOUNTS PAYABLE ASSISTANT

The HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES practice group of the 126-attorney Minneapolis law firm of Gray, Plant, Mooty, Mooty & Bennett, P.A., the oldest continuing law practice in Minneapolis, has an immediate opening for an attorney with 4 to 7 years of experience in healthcare related legal matters. This position requires a strong background in healthcare regulation, including fraud and abuse, Stark, compliance and reimbursement. Applicants should have excellent academic law school credentials, excellent research and writing skills, and strong interpersonal skills. Successful candidates must be interested in working in a team environment. We provide competitive compensation and benefits and will consider candidates interested. in contract positions, flexible schedules and/or partnership track positions. If interested, fax or send cover letter, resume, law school transcript and writing sample to: Linda M. Spotts, Recruiting Manager Gray, Plant, Mooty, Mooty & Bennett, P.A. 3400 City Center 33 South Sixth Street Minneapolis, MN 55402-3796 Fax: (612)333-0066 or by e-mail at linda.spotts@ gpmlaw.com. All applications held in confidence.

Faegre & Benson, Minnesota’s second largest law firm, is seeking candidates for an Accounts Payable Assistant. Responsibilities include: general ledger coding and processing of invoices for daily check runs; communications with vendors and office personnel regarding inquiries; and reconciling vendor statements to open invoices. Candidates should have a 2-year Accounting degree; 2 yrs. experience in a high volume, detail oriented, accounts payable position; strong 10-key skills; ability to perform well under tight deadlines; excellent analytical and communication skills; and a team-oriented work style. We offer competitive wages and an excellent benefits package; including a discounted bus programMetropass. For additional information about our law firm, visit our web site at www. faegre.com. Please send your resume and salary history to Human Resources: FAEGRE & BENSON LLP 2200 Norwest Center 90 South Seventh Street Minneapolis, MN 55402 Fax: (612) 336-3846 E-Mail: HR@Faegre.com Web Site: www.faegre.com Equal Opportunity Employer MANAGEMENT PHARMACY PROGRAM MANAGER

UCare MN seeks a Pharmacy Program Mgr. to implement AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY pharmacy mgmt strategies and AND AFFIRMATIVE assist with administering pharACTION EMPLOYER macy benefits-to members. ATTORNEY Advanced degree preferred. Western MN Legal Services BS in Pharmacy with experiseeks atty. for general civil ence and 14N licensure. 3-5 caseload with a significant fo- years pharm utilization/data cus on family law. M/B li- mgmt experience. Managed censed/willing take next bar. care/mgmt experience preStarting salary: $28,000 - 33,578, ferred. Submit resume with D.O.E. Good benefits, incl. full salary requirements to jobs family hlth ins. Start: 9/l/00, @ucare.org or to: Resume, ref & writing sample UCare MN by 7/1/00 (apps, accepted until P.O. Box 52 position filled): Margaret Mpls, MN 55440-0052 Lauinger, WMLS, P.O. Fax: 612-676-6501 B o x 1866, Willmar, MN www.ucare.org 56201-1866. EOE. EOE

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MAIL TO: ACCESS PRESS; 1821 University Ave. W., #185N, St. Paul, MN 55104. (651) 644-2133

KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT Work Product Coordinator Faegre & Benson LLP, Minnesota’s second largest law firm, is seeking applicants for a Work Product Coordinator. This person reports to our Intranet Manager and coordinates development and maintenance of the Firm’s work product databases and other knowledge to sharing systems. Responsibilities will include inter-action with attorneys, Intranet Manager and the Director of Library Services to develop procedures and processes for conversion of legal documents into our knowledge management systems. We are looking for candidates who have a Bachelor’s degree; 2+ years of applicable experience, preferably with legal documents; excellent communication and marketing skills; strong computer software skills including document management systems and full-text databases; and a basic understanding of Internet technology. We offer a competitive salary, and an excellent benefits package. For additional information about our law firm visit our web site at www. faegre.com. Please send your resume and salary history to Human Resources:

The BUSINESS LAW department of the 126-attorney Minneapolis law firm of Gray, Plant, Mooty, Mooty & Bennett, P.A., the oldest continuing law practice in Minneapolis, has an immediate opening for a business associate attorney. Applicants should have excellent academic law school credentials, strong written and oral presentation skills and demonstrated motivation and personal initiative. We provide a team-oriented working environment and competitive compensation and benefits. Applicants should have three to six years of experience in sophisticated transactional documentation including business organizations, financings, acquisitions and divestitures, and various other contractual relationships and in general business and commercial consultation. Experience representing corporations in connection with registered public offerings and Exchange Act reporting obligations is desirable. If interested, fax or send cover letter, resume and law school transcript to:

8 &1 vs 7 d 1 A s e re Mo on pag

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT INSTITUTE ON COMMUNITY INTEGRATION College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota POSITION AND APPOINTMENT: A graduate research assistantship at 50% time is available starting August 31, 2000 through May 26, 2001. Salary is based upon a nine-month academic graduate assistantship with a base salary of $20,092 or $12.88 per hour; actual salary is $9,750.00 at .50 FTE. The graduate student who fills this position will assist as needed with SSI and Transition projects focused on youth with disabilities. The research assistant will be assigned to a project based on a match of interests and skills with the particular project. Responsibilities may include any of the following: - Assisting in the design, development, and implementation of research projects, Including data collection and data analysis - Providing writing and research support for different project publications and research activities - Assisting with the coordination and organization of local training, workshop, and conference events - Maintaining and updating informational materials required for project technical assistance activities - Interacting and corresponding with project partners, advisors, and community members statewide and nationally REQUIRED SKILLS - Graduate student in Educational Psychology Education Administration, or related field - Excellent communication and organizational skills - Experience in basic quantitative and qualitative research techniques - General computer skills DESIRED SKILLS - Ability to work independently and take initiative on certain project activities - Experience in working with people with disabilities - Good editing and writing skills would be a plus - Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel & Power Point, Netscape, Internet knowledge and search experience - Familiarity with University library search systems (Lumina, First Search)

Linda M. Spotts, Recruiting Manager GRAY, PLANT, MOOTY, MOOTY & BENNETT, P.A. FAEGRE & BENSON LLP 3400 City Center 2200 Norwest Center 33 South Sixth Street 90 South Seventh Street Minneapolis, MN APPLICATION PROCEDURE Minneapolis, MN 55402 55402-3796 Please send cover letter and resume by June 30, 2000, to: Fax: (612) 336-3846 fax:(612)333-0066 Ellie J. Emanuel, Ph.D. E-Mail: HR@Faegre.com or by e-mail at: Iinda.spotts Institute on Community Integration Web Site: www.faegre.com @gpmlaw.com. All applica103 UTech Center 1313 SE 5 Str tions held in confidence. Equal Opportunity Employer Minneapolis MN 55414 (612) 627-4135 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY DEPUTY DIRECTOR AND AFFIRMATIVE The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator ACTION EMPLOYER Mid-MN Legal Assistance and employer. Applications from people of diverse cultural seeks dep. dir. for its Willmar COMP. TECH. SP. background or diversely abled welcome. office. Supervise day-to-day operations of office which rep- So. MN Reg. Legal Services resents diverse pop. including seeks a temp, Comp. Tech. low-income persons, seniors, Specialist to work in St. Paul family farmers and disabled area offices. Minimum 2 yrs. of persons, including fast-grow- software troubleshooting exp. ing Hispanic community, in full req’d. Salary DOE. Resumes Ramsey County Invites you to join us in building a better community through public service in the following fields: range of civil legal probs. Lim- to: M. Giese; SMRLS; 46 E. 4th ited specialization encouraged. St., Ste. 700; St. Paul, MN • Administrative, Management and Technical Services Repres. includes service work, 55101. EO/AAE • Building and Facility Services complex lit., legis. advocacy & • Clerical and Secretarial Services comm. ed. Real concern for • Community and Social Services needs/rights low-income. 4 yrs. • Court, Legal and Law Enforcement Services • Property Records/Revenue Services leg. serv. or sim. exper. req. • Public Works and Transportation Services Start Sal: $38,574 - $49,646, • Parks and Recreation Services DOE, fully-pd fam. hlth. ins., LEGALSECRETARY liberal vac. Start: As close to 8/ Contact our Job Hotline for a recorded list 1 /00 as poss. Resumes: Jerof current job openings at: Gray Plant Mooty, is a downst emy Lane, MMLA, 430 1 town Minneapolis law firm is Ave N, #300, Mpls, MN seeking experienced litigation 55401-1780 EOE. legal secretaries. We offer an PARALEGAL attractive work environment, Ramsey County Personnel Dept. competitive salaries and an 430 RCGC West So. MN Reg. Legal Services outstanding benefits package. 50 West Kellogg Boulevard seeks PT paralegal to work in Send resume w/cover letter to: Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102 its Prior Lake office on family HR, Gray Plant Mooty, 3400 (651) 266-2700 or (651) 266-2728 (TDD) law cases; Eng./Span. pref’d. City Center; 33 S 6th St., Mpls, You may also view a list of current job openings Salary DOE. Resumes to: Paul MN 55402 or fax to: 333-0066. and other useful Information, or download Onkka; SMRLS; 16174 Main application materials, on internet at: Ave,; Prior Lake, MN 56372. Equal Opportunity and www.co.ramsey.mn.us EO/AAE Affirmative Action Employer

Ramsey County

(651) 266-2666

June 10, 2000

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 ***1992 Ford Econoline Conversion Van equipped with everything!*** TV-VCRCOLD A/C-New wheelchair lift $13,500BOPLEASECALL763425-9494 OR 612-383-1525

Black Invacare Storm wheelchair with brand-new joystick, engines, forks, and wheels. 18” seat. $750 or BO. Will deliver chair if in twin cities or nearby. Call (612) 727-1287.

Stand-Alone. $500. E & J Wheelchair with removable arms and feet. $100. Call 651636-0013. 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.

Uni-lift, simple electric, plat- Prone Stander, like new form is 26x36. Like new condi- $1,100.00. For information call tion. $400/offer, call Deb @ 763-553-0811 after 5pm. (651) 459-2466. 1989 Ford E-150 Conversion Hoyer Lift—$875.00, used Van. Swing out lift and hand only once. Call 763-553-0811 controls. Remote start. Extended bed, rear heat & AC. Pride electric-lift easy chair- Privacy package. Oak trim. recliner. Color—ocean blue. 159,000 maintained miles. Lewis Park Apartments: BarUsed very little, like new. $4,200. Call 651-636-0013. rier free housing with wheel$500.00/bo. Call (612) 869-7849.

chair 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. MISCELLANEOUS Gary Reyzer’s Lawn Service. We do big jobs or little jobs. In business for 20 years. Serving Coon Rapids, Forest Lake and the North side of St. Paul. Average yard, 100-150', is $40. (763) 755-2613

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SPONSORS OF ACCESS PRESS: Thanks to the following sponsors for supporting ACCESS PRESS this year. ------------------------------------- BASIC SPONSOR ------------------------------------------------------------------------- BRONZE SPONSOR ------------------------------------Beverly Ammons Margaret Beier M. Cotcamp Susan Asplund David Baldwin Jeff Bangsberg Janet Berndt Bill Blom Jerry Dempsey Patricia Guerrero Beth Jensen Jill Bedow Rick Cardenas Michael and Janice Chevrette Debra Johnson Ericka Johnson Rosanne Kramnicz Tom Brick Chris Duff M. Therese Gockenbach Steven McKeever Kathleen M. Miller Jane & Albert Olson Margot Imdieke Cross Luther Granquist Robert Gregory Doris Groven Carla Reichenberg Ramona Sherer Paul W. Taylor Roger A. Hoffman Dianna Krogstad Lolly Lijewski Kelli N-E Wysocki Matt Liveringhouse Paul & Corrine McNamara Christopher Meyer Bill Niederloh Manley & Ann Olson Louise Pattridge ------------------------------------- FRIEND SPONSOR ------------------------------------Catherine Reid & Liddy Rich Rick & Debbie Ryan John Smith Sue Aberhold Lynda Adams Cheryl A. Anderson Peter & Pamela Stanfiel Mary Jane Steinhagen Erica Stern David Baldwin Kathy Ball Marisa Bennett Eric and Caroline Stevens J. Quinn Tierney Julie Wegscheid Mike & Karen Bjorgan Susan Blaylock Maynard Bostrom Linda Wolford Jerrold Wood Joe & JoAnn Zwack Anita Boucher Bob Brick Wendy Brower AC Transportation Bridgeton Healthways Co. Dept. of Occupat’l Therapy-U of M Carlyn Bryngelson Susan Bulger Deah Cain Div. MN Rehab. Assoc Job Placement & Dvlpmt FastServ Lynne Corneli Stephanie Cunningham Marty Cushing Merrick Companies Pat Siebert, MN Dis. Law Ctr. National Results Council Jolene Davis LeRoy deBoom Neil Doughty Mel Duncan Craig Dunn Lee Ann Erickson ------------------------------------- SILVER SPONSOR ------------------------------------Tom & Mimi Fogarty Dr. Robert A. Ganz Robert J. Geldert Karen Adamson Scott Beers Robert E. Buuck Candace/David Gislason Tom Gode Rep. Kevin Goodno Catherine Eilers Martha Hage Judy Haaversen Robert Gregory Nadine & Andy Groven Ken Hennessey David and Susan Houghton Dean Doering & Lisa Scribner Anne Henry John Hoffman Bradley J. Holmes Arc Hennepin County Help Yourself Ellen & Skip Houghton Judy Hunt Beth Jensen Job Placement and Development Division, MN Rehab Assn Cindy & Gregory Johnson Deb Johnson Ericka Johnson Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Network Mpls. Advisory Committee Linnea Johnson Hoff Barb Kane Corbin Kidder Twin City Transportation Vinland Center Janet and Bill King Tracy Kochendorfer Beth Knutson-Kolodzne ------------------------------------- GOLD SPONSOR ------------------------------------Ann Kranz Sherry Lampman Sue Lasoff Shirley Larson Ronna Linroth Margaret Perryman David Larson Linda Larson Linda Lattin MATRIX Advocare Network LoRene Leikind Donna Liveringhouse Dorothy McCoy Cliff Miller Kathy Moran William O’Dowd ------------------------------------- DIAMOND SPONSOR ------------------------------------Amy Olmscheid Dwight & Chris Porter Barbara Proehl Chris Berndt Rapit Print Virginia Puzak Julee Quarvee Peterson Stuart Rosen Ginger Rudberg Mary E. Rupert Patricia Rydeen ------------------------------------- BENEFACTOR SPONSOR ------------------------------------Art Sauter Elizabeth Smith Adele Spavin Deluxe Corporation Handicabs Diane Sprague Helen Thompson Gerry and Barb Tollakson Cathleen Urbain Caryl Wattman Mary Frank-Wawokiyawin ------------------------------------- IN HONOR ------------------------------------Teri Welcher David Wood Anne Henry by Karen Adamson Cecelia Bilbrey-Baer by Patrick J. Bilbrey Accord Health Care Services All Temporaries, Inc Alliance for the Mentally Ill of MN Kyle by Joe & JoAnn Zwack U of M Occupational Therapy Education Program by Erica Stern Arc of Anoka/Ramsey Cty Arc Suburban Arc Minnesota Work Incentive law by LeAnne & Larry Dahl Best Care Brain Injury Assn. of MN Consumer Council of The Alliance for the Mentally Ill Disabled Dealer ------------------------------------- IN MEMORY------------------------------------East Suburban Resources Equity Services-St. Paul Franciscan Sisters of St. Paul Troy Fahlenkamp and Valerie Birosh by David Dreier Michael Graf by E. Alexandra Gray Forensic Alliance of Mentally Ill Fraser Community Services Mabel Heuer by Dawn Doering Bill & Renee Smith by Becky J. Bugbee-Tong Goodwill/Easter Seals Rochester Equipment Loan Home Health Care Bill and Renee Smith by Henry and Mary Pattridge Bill Smith by Joe & Peg Figliuzzi Kaposia MBW Company Metro Mobility Service Center Staff Uncle Bill & Aunt Renee Smith by Mary & Henry PattridgeBill & Renee Smith by Helen Thompson MN Bio Brain AssociationMN Developmental Achievement Center Assoc. (MnDACA) NAMI Bill Smith by Kathy & Paul West New Dimensions New Ways Northeast Contemporary Services Resource S.M.I.L.E.S. United Cerebral Palsy of MN ------------------------------------- FOUNDATION SPONSOR ------------------------------------The Medtronic Foundation