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Inside Demonstration Project For People With Disabilities — p. 3
Volume 11, Number 8
Leah Welch Remembered — Page 2
SOURCES
August 10, 2000
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“The work of the individual still remains the spark that moves mankind forward.” —Igor Sikorsky
RESOURCES
August 10, 2000
CHANGING HEALTH CARE Consumer Empowerment Is Key by John Tschida
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Ted Kennedy, Jr. addresses ADA/IDEA Celebration.
ADA/IDEA Celebration by Linda Larson
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romoting disability rights not only improves the lives of the 54 million Americans with disabilities, it improves the lives of everyone. As President Franklin Roosevelt (FDR) recognized more than 60 years ago in words now inscribed on the FDR Memorial in our nation’s capital: “No country, however rich, can afford the waste of its human resources.” “Now, therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United States of America ...do hereby proclaim July 2000 as Spirit of the ADA Month, 2000. I urge... all people to celebrate the contributions people with disabilities have made, and continue to make, to the progress and prosperity of our nation, and to renew our commitment to upholding the nondiscrimination principles of the ADA and IDEA.”
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Minnesota Governor Jesse
Ventura also proclaimed July 2000 to be ‘ADA and IDEA Month’ in the State of Minnesota. On July 26, 2000, hundreds of people gathered at the Anne Sullivan Center to Celebrate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and celebrate we did! The feel, the sound, even the smell reminded me of the annual hometown celebrations that take place during the summer all across the country with young and old and everyone in-between. There was music, dance, sports, theater, hotdogs, popcorn, my personal favorite, mini-donuts, and booths and more booths. No celebration can be complete without big star attractions. Yes, we had those, too. Commissioner Dr. Christine Jax and Lieutenant Gov. Mae Schunk were there, and the keynote address was deliv-
ered by Ted Kennedy, Jr. Everyone who gathered on that day had their own personal reasons to celebrate. All of us have been touched by the changes and challenges that the ADA and IDEA has brought into our lives. This reporter decided to rove, and ask anyone who would stop, “Why are you here? What are you celebrating today?” Here are a few of the responses. “There is more physical accessibility. Employers are more aware of employees with disabilities.” Kari “ADA and IDEA are the two most important pieces of legislation in recent history. They protect our civil rights. I came here today to pause, reflect, and look to the future. I feel the disability community will soon have an international conscience. We need ADA/IDEA - cont. on p. 6
here is a sea of change underway in today’s health care system and people with disabilities could be winners as a result. Yesterday’s passive patients have become today’s internet-savvy consumers, plugged in, well-informed, and demanding more from their doctors. We’re forcing a reluctant industry to respond to meet the needs of consumers with disabilities.
to their health problems. Increasingly, these solutions are what have traditionally been labeled “alternative” therapies. Today, these services, such as massage, acupuncture, and meditation, are called “complementary.” Often not covered by commercial insurance plans, people are paying out of pocket for these services, and are doing so in record numbers.
Over 200 members of the health care community gathered July 13 in Washington D.C. to discuss the changing role of the consumer in today’s health care system. Co-sponsored by the Minnesota-based Medtronic Foundation and Healtheon/Web MD, an internet company connecting physicians and consumers, the day-long “Patient Summit” brought together consumers, providers, advocates and policymakers.
“These treatment options recognize the needs of the whole person, not just an illness or condition,” said Dr. David Eisenberg, associate professor at Harvard Medical School and the new director of its Division for Research and Education in Complementary and Integrative Medical Therapies. Why have these therapies become so popular? Because traditional medicine has failed to meet the needs of a more demanding consumer.
The message delivered was a powerful one: Consumers are tired of a health care environment that doesn’t meet their needs. “Americans love their doctors and they love technology,” said Dr. Regina Herzlinger, professor of business administration at the Harvard Business School, “but they hate the lack of support and the inconvenience” found in today’s health care environment. A recent survey shows that public satisfaction rates for both managed care and health insurance companies have plummeted over the last three years, dipping to levels just above tobacco companies which rank dead last. As a result, individuals are looking elsewhere for answers
Historically, the $1 trillion health industry has not responded well to the needs of its customers. While the retail industry has shifted to superstores and websites offering one-stop shopping for a time-strapped buying public, health care has not. You can pick up a copy of Consumer Reports to compare the quality of cars, televisions, or toasters, but if you’re shopping for a doctor or an HMO, no such tool exists. “How come you can buy just about any product over the phone at midnight, but you have to lose half a day of work just to see a doctor for a minor illness?” Herzlinger asks in her book Market Driven Health Care. “Are we doomed to have an unsystematic health care system that keeps us waiting, provides all
too little information and support…and pays outrageous fees to those who deny us the services we have paid for and need?” The answer, she says, is no, and technology is playing a key role. The Internet is giving Americans unprecedented access to health information. Last year 70 million adults searched the World Wide Web for health information. These “cyberchondriacs” are coming to doctors’ appointments armed with online versions of medical journal articles and chat room advice, adding to the wave of consumer empowerment. Technology may help, but it won’t solve what ails the current health system. “The Internet will enhance the physician-patient relationship, said Jeff Arnold, CoChief Executive Officer of Healtheon/WebMD, “it will not replace it.” Arnold sees the Internet as a tool to connect consumers with the right health care provider, provide comparisons among therapies and professionals, and allow direct communication between the consumer and the health care team. And with that concept of ‘team’ is where the disability community enters the picture. Individuals with disabilities often have complex medical needs that are unmet in the current fragmented world of health care. We need a coordinated team of providers that treat not just our symptoms but our minds and spirits as well. As Medtronic President Bill George said, “We don’t have health insurance cover-
Summit - cont. on p. 7
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ebrate today, but continued to fight for our rights.” Ted Kennedy, Jr., the keynote speaker, talked about his own struggles with his disability, first accepting himself as a person with disability and then facing the discrimination as a person with disability. Mr. Kennedy concluded his speech by urging everyone to get involved, vote, to get to know your elected officials and share your thoughts and ideas.
Charlie Smith Editor
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he Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)/ IDEA celebration was a huge success (see page 1). The community and its supporters turned out in force. Literally hundreds of people came together to celebrate ADA and IDEA, there was a steady stream of people all day. It
proved to be a day where people with disabilities came to unite and celebrate the successes of these historic laws. The day was full of fun activities, with great entertainment and interesting speeches.
The organizing committee for the celebration did a fantastic job. It was a collaboration of disability and organizations with the lead being taken by the Minnesota State Council on Disabilities. It would be great if we can do a celebration A common thread of all the every year. We don’t have to speakers was one of “cel- wait for another milestone to
celebrate our community. * * * * Jeff Nygarrd has written an article explaining what happened to the Demonstration Project for People with Disabilities (DPPD) (see page 3). This is a complex story and is part one of a two-part series. The DPPD was a project the Department of Human Services started over five years ago. It was a time when managed care appeared to be a savior for escalating health-care costs. The plan was simple—put people with disabilities into managed care and save lots of money. The plan ended up being far more complicated than anyone expected and it failed.
* * * * Leah Welch was a super advocate and a grand lady. She knew the importance of political action and lobbied on all levels of government during her life. I first met Leah in the late 70’s when she had just started Independence Crossroads. I’ll never forget, she was sitting outside on the lawn with three or four people around her listening to her talk about living life independently. She was wearing one of her trademark hats, a big floppy straw one, which made her looked like she just came out of the deep South. Leah was offering free training for personal care attendants (PCA), referrals of PCA’s, and she held classes on how to hire, fire, and treat a PCA.
The PCA program had just started and she understood many people with disabilities would need help if they wanted to stay independent. I’ll never forget how she would sit patiently explaining the program and the responsibilities to both the new employer and the PCA. When a PCA came from one of Leah’s trainings, they had a basic understanding of how to work with a person with disability. She made sure the person understood that their new employer might have some limitations, but they need be treated with respect and dignity. Leah will be missed, but never forgotten. Her legacy of improving the lives of people with disabilities will live on.Q
Greenfield Receives Honor Leah’s Life: So Much To Celebrate by Denise Kolb, Guest Columnist
by Nathan Halvorson
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etiring State Representative Lee Greenfield of the 11th District (Minneapolis) was honored for his work with Minnesota’s nearly 1 million citizens living with a disability. On July 11, 2000, the Governor’s Advisory Council on Technology for People with Disabilities, the Minnesota System of Technology for Achieving Results (STAR) Program, and United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota (UCP) presented Rep. Green-field an
award for his achievements especially for people using assistive technology (AT) in their work, education, or community. Greenfield has been in the forefront of disability-related legislation during his tenure of 21 years as a House Representative. For instance, in 1997 he carried a report to the legislature urging to fund augmentative communications devices (AAC) not covered by Medi-
MINNESOTA STATE COUNCIL ON DISABILITY Come Join Us at the State Fair In the Education Building
August 24-September 4 “Getting a Grip” on Dignity • Equality Independence 121 E. 7 th Place • St. Paul, MN 55101 651-296-6785 V/TTY 1-800-945-8913 V/TTY; Fax: 651-296-5935 E-mail: council.disability@state.mn.us
cal Assistance. Also, Greenfield has chaired committees on home-based services and personal care attendants. Additionally, he helped fund a study which led to the development of the Minnesota Assistive Technology Loan Network (MATLN), a webbased database developed by STAR and UCP. MATLN serves as a valuable resource for organizations and individuals to find AT devices on affordable loan and exchange terms. Greenfield’s support of the STAR Program has helped ensure that required services and emerging technologies are increasingly available to consumers. As the organization responsible for providing Minnesota with federal funds for development of AT, the STAR Program offers the public a variety of grants, training sessions, and personal advocacy for people with disabilities in need of AT. Q Leah graduated from Hopkins High School with honors, as well as the MN School of Business. She served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and attended the McPhail School of Music. Leah was married and had 2 children, Donna and Jeri. In 1949 she was paralyzed from the neck down with polio. Her doctor thought she would live only two, possibly three years.
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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he community lost one of its’ dearest recently when Leah Welch, a long-time advocate for people with disabilities, passed away early July 28, 2000. Leah had many passions—her family and friends, music, traveling, and her advocacy work—which were celebrated and revered at a memorial service held August 1 in Minneapolis, MN. The service held a very large presence of family, friends, and colleagues who shared their fondest memories, sang songs, cried, laughed, and prayed. It was a wonderful celebration of her life here with us. And it was not just a recollection, but an inspiration for all of us to continue to move forward. Leah was well known throughout the community for her determination and numerous accomplishments. She had a spirited and determined personal-
ity and sparked change in the areas of basic human rights and dignity’s past due to people with disabilities. As the founder of Independence Crossroads, Inc. in 1976, she set up free training for personal care assistants, offered consumer self-advocacy training, and provided for many consumer support groups. On the state and national levels, Leah worked diligently toward disability awareness, services, access, and independent living. If you had visited her office, you would have seen her walls full of the many awards and recognitions honoring her, including the numerous VIP photo-ops she partook in. She had a great ability to persevere, and even on July 26th she delivered a speech to the crowd at Sullivan School/Communication Center in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the
enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In her message, she emphasized the signing of the ADA and urged people to stay active. Leah lived a very full life ... full of spirit, full of people, full of activity, full of achievements ... she LOVED life. She has inspired us, we are in awe of her ... she will not be forgotten. Thank you Leah! Q
Leah’s Many Accomplishments She was, however, determined to see her children grow up, and on July 19, 1961 she married Wayne Johnsen and they enjoyed 39 years together. In 1984 due to breathing difficulties she was placed on a ventilator and predisone until her death. In 1996 she had a stroke that decreased her mobility and her ability to speak clearly. Speaking was her way to reach out to the community and was one more limitation for her to overcome. In 1976 Leah founded Independence Crossroads, the first center for independent living that serves people with dis-
abilities and their families throughout the state of Minnesota. Leah was always very proud of the agency and how far it has grown. She was the primary contributor in the structuring of the present PCA program in Minnesota. She had been active at the State and Federal level of legislation, working with Senators Wellstone, Berglin, Duren-berger and Representative Ramstad to continue the fight for better laws that affect the disability community. She attended the signing of the American with Disabilities Act signed by President George Bush in July 1990 and met with Mrs. Bush.
In 1994 she testified regarding health care and met with Senator Ted Kennedy and Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton. Everyone who met Leah never forgot her. She always made such an impression with her perseverance, strength and her ability to speak up for so many who could not. Leah lived her life fighting to stay alive, to live independently and to love life and all of its joy’s. She died as she wanted to, in her sleep, from old age, in her own bed. Leah will be missed but never forgotten. Q Written by Leah and Donna (7/00)
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Managed Health Care Demonstration Fails by Jeff Nygaard
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innesota has a long his tory of managed health care. Some people refer to Minnesota as the “birthplace of managed care.” However true this may be, “Minnesota’s managed care programs have historically excluded people with disabilities under age 65,” according to Kathleen Schuler, Minnesota Disabilities Health Options coordinator at the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). For the past five-plus years, the state of Minnesota has been trying to develop a program of managed care for people with disabilities. After countless meetings in various counties around the state and hundreds of thousands of dollars spent, the attempt has now been abandoned as unworkable. For now, the great majority of people with disabilities are served by Medical Assistance or Medicare, with a few people enrolled in a voluntary integrated care program. What happened? On June 14 , 2000, the DHS held a meeting to discuss the attempt at managed care, and to look at the current state of health care options for people with disabilities in Minnesota. Here is the ACCESS PRESS report on that meeting. Recent History A large majority of people with disabilities rely on public financing to pay for the costs of their health care. Many are eligible for Medicare, many rely on Medical Assistance (Medicaid), and some are eligible for both programs. Since 1985, the State of Minnesota has had in place a program called PMAP, or “Prepaid Medical Assistance Program,” which enrolls people on Medical Assistance (MA) or General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) in a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or a Community Integrated Service Network (CISN). At the beginning of the PMAP program, people with disabilities in three counties - Hennepin, Dakota, and Itasca - were included in the program, but after one year, Blue Cross Blue Shield Minnesota, the program’s HMO, dropped out of the project when they found they were losing money. After 1985, the only publicly-financed health care option for people with disabilities in Minnesota was for people to arrange their own care with independent providers and have it paid for by Medical Assistance or Medicare. The rising cost of health care under this model, known as “fee for service,” or FFS, led the State of Minnesota in the early 1990s to begin thinking about alternatives. To understand the motivation for the search for alternatives, it’s important to understand some of the numbers involved.
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While the Department of Human Services manages many programs throughout the state – from child support to food stamps to refugee assistance – Medical Assistance, the largest of the state’s three health care programs, accounts for a full 61 percent of the DHS budget. Currently, 8 percent of Minnesota’s population, or 366,000 people, are enrolled in the Medical Assistance program. While only 19 percent (68,000) of those enrolled are people with disabilities, this group represents 43 percent of the program’s expenditures. In the early ‘90s, as health care expenditures were escalating rapidly, the State revisited the idea of enrolling people with disabilities in managed care programs as a way of controlling costs. In 1994, planning began for what would be called the “Demonstration Project for People with Disabilities,” or DPPD. The idea was that, by enrolling people with disabilities in a few counties (called “implementation sites”) a model of a more efficient and functional “disability delivery system” would be demonstrated. So the DPPD began, with input from the State, from the counties involved, and from the people with disabilities who would be using the services. What Went Wrong? The two implementation sites included Olmsted county and Blue Earth, Sibley, and Freeborn counties conjoined together for another site. In late 1999 Olmsted County dropped out of the project. In March 2000 the remaining counties announced that they, too, were dropping out.
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IN BRIEF . . . . Made In The Shade Walk, Run and Roll The ninth annual “Made In the Shade Walk, Run and Roll” gives walkers, runners and wheelers the opportunity to take a spin around Lake Calhoun for the benefit of people with mental retardation and related disabilities. All proceeds benefit persons with disabilities through the programs and services of the co-
abilities. Some people mentioned a lack of clarity about the real goals of the project. During the course of the project, as potential problems were discussed or discovered, the goals and objectives of the project would be modified, leading some participants to think that the project did not have clear direction. One consumer who had been involved from the beginning stated that “People kept coming to meet- Broken Wing Outreach will ings saying, ‘Why are we do- hold an Appreciation Picnic— ing this? Why are we doing a evening of great food, fun and fellowship. The Picnic will this?’” take place at the Lake Nokomis Some community members who Community Center, 2401 E. participated in the DPPD process had the impression that th they were advising on a project that would end up being “the The Fifth Annual Patient/Famonly game in town.” They ily Workshop will be held at believed that, although it was Willmar Regional Treatment being called a “demonstration Center, Willmar, Minnesota, project,” it might end up actu- on Saturday, September 9, ally being the prototype for the 2000 from 8:45am - 2pm. There mandatory, universal program will be panel discussions on of the future. One advocate said, in explaining her reluctant participation in the consumers’ advisory group, that her thinking at the time was, Metropolitan Center for In“Maybe I want to do this so dependent Living (MCIL) has they don’t do it to us.” The a number of openings on its widely-shared suspicion that board of directors. Board memthe project was really a pilot bers are volunteers who that would eventually be ex- should have a good knowltended to the whole state made edge and understanding of the stakes considerably higher and the level of acceptable risk considerably lower. As one county worker said, “The idea On September 18th, 2000, Floyd of a mandatory managed care Anderson, MD, will discuss program scared the dickens out “Modern Advances of Psyof some of our stakeholders!” chiatry, What we could have for the mentally ill of MN/ Suspicions that the process What we don’t have now.” was intended to be more global Learn about new brain-imagthan stated worked to high- ing techniques and pressures light the sense of difference in that have contributed to an needs and capacities between incomplete system in Minneurban and rural counties. As sota. one worker in a rural Southern Minnesota county plaintively Also, MBBA offers a teen and stated, “We are not Hennepin young adult support group County, and we will never be for people who have a parent, Hennepin County.” sibling, or a friend affected by nd th State workers spoke of their mental illness on the 2 and 4 responsibility for the overall Tuesday of each month at 7
ordinating agencies. It will take place on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2000, at Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis. The registration booth and starting line will be located at Thomas Beach. The event is coordinated by Arc Hennepin County, Community Involvement Programs and Partnership Resources, Inc. Sponsors, participants,
donors and volunteers from throughout the community also contribute to the event’s success. To register or request more information, contact Arc Hennepin County (952-9200855) or the other coordinating agencies. Details are also available online at www.made intheshade.org.
Broken Wing Outreach Picnic
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Minnehaha Parkway on Friday, August 18th. The picnic will start at 5pm and go to 9pm. This will be the first Appreciation Picnic sponsored by Wings/Christian League for
the Handicapped. Please RSVP by August 16th, by calling Mark or Maynard at 612-866-0462.
Annual Patient/Family Workshop Schizophrenia, Medication and Mental Illness, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Spirituality and more. The cost will be $5 which includes lunch and materials. A grant is being sought to allow consumers to
attend free of charge. Contact Mary Jo Luce, at the Willmar Regional Treatment Center for more information (320231-5456).
MCIL Seeks Board Members disability pride and culture. The deadline is September 11. Minorities are encouraged to apply. New board members will be elected at the annual meeting Applications are available by on October 25th. calling MCIL at 651-646-8342. (voice) or 651-603-2001 (TTY)
MN Bio Brain Assoc. Upcoming Events
The June 14th DHS meeting, entitled “Integrated Care for People With Disabilities: Lessons Learned, Planning for the Future,” produced a myriad of theories as to the ultimate failure of the Demonstration Project for People with Dis- DPPD - cont. on p. 8
pm. Support group meetings at 7 pm. Call MBBA at 952-922also occur on the 1st and 4th 6916 for more information Monday nights of each month about all of these events.
Brad Olson
METROPOLITAN CENTER for INDEPENDENT LIVING MCIL offers services for people with disabilities, their families and friends, service providers, and interested community members in the 7-county metro area. Information and Referral (Information hotline: 651-603-2039) Advocacy Independent Living Skills Training Individual Peer Support Deaf I.L. Services Personal Assistance Services (M.A. Subsidized) Ramp Project Transition Program ADA Information Meeting Rooms Computer Lab Resource Library Support Groups ...Chemical Dependency with Physical Disability GLBT with Disability Chemical Dependency with Traumatic Brain Injury
1600 U NIVERSITY A VE . W., S UITE 16, S T. P AUL , MN 55104-3825 651-646-8342 V OICE 651-603-2001 TTY 651-603-2006 F AX HTTP://WWW .MACIL.ORG/MCIL
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On Mental Illness
Best Days
Dear Nicole,
by Pete Fiegal
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n one hot Fourth of July morning in 1967, my dad read the entire Declaration of Independence with me. One of the things he helped me to understand was how monumental a moment this was in history. When Thomas Jefferson wrote this, and the rebellion’s leaders signed it and delivered it to the British, they were virtually guaranteeing a terrible war with the reigning heavy-weight “Superpower” of the 18th century, and they were all very likely going to be hanging from a gallows within the week. In those few hours that Jefferson had to write it, he knew what he was doing not only for the world, England, and the Colonies, but for himself. That’s why he used such far-reaching and momentous language to begin the Declaration: “When in the course of human events...” He knew he was at an historical and personal crossroads, made it happen, and recognized the event while it was taking place. A situation almost unique in history. My dad told me it was America’s Best Day, and I later read that Jefferson felt it was his Best Day, too. And by taking the time that morning to explain each section, making such an important part of my country’s
history understandable and accessible even to an impatient, obnoxious twelve-year old, my dad made that day one of my Best Days. It’s so rare when we catch glimpses of the consequences of our actions, see the impact that what we do and say has on ourselves and the rest of the world. That’s what creates the essential ingredient of Tragedy. From Sophocles to Shakespeare it’s the same, that combination of Time and Knowledge: “We learn too late” or “If I only knew then what I know now.” We all have times that we remember, benchmark days, anniversaries, moments that mean something to us. Some are days that we try to hold forever, by capturing them on film, or by telling the stories over and over until they become the modern “myths” of our lives. We try to store and save them for cold winters and the proverbial rainy days: when our child was born, our wedding day, the day our daughter got her Wings in the Navy or our son graduated from college, the day we first fell for someone, or hit a home run. Special moments of grace and love and happiness. Our
Renaissance
Best Days. We share our Best Days like special gifts with our loved ones and friends, even total strangers, because our Best Days make us feel all the positive, confident feelings about ourselves, all the things that make us who we like to be. A year ago, I had the honor of speaking to the residents and staff at a facility for people with serious and persistent mental illness/brain disorders. And one of the folks, an elderly man who, because of his struggle with schizophrenia, had lived there 40 of his 60 years, took me off to the side afterwards and told me the story of his Best Day. He told me with sparkling eyes how once, 20-some years ago, he was in a Super America store, and the woman behind the counter, a total stranger, was kind to him. That’s all. Nothing else. But for this man, that was enough. This is a man, closer to the end than the beginning, who has never owned a car, never had his own apartment, never made love to a woman, never had a job or gotten a paycheck and probably never would. But this man had such joy telling people about his Best Day. He brings
Hello Nicole:
I’m a parent of 2 children with disabilities and one (my youngest) without. I’m frustrated with the way I’m treated by the system when I try to get the support services my family needs and is entitled to by law. I find that the case workers assigned to help us receive the services instead act like it is their job to prevent us from getting these services and support! They seem to only want us to have the bare minimal amount of help possible and when I tell them my children need X, Y or Z in order to manage school they look at me like I am just trying to scam the system out of money. These out the story of his Best Day like a burning coal, cradles it lovingly in his hands, and, each time he tells it, he blows on the spark of whatever is his essence, whatever makes him “him,” and it’s been a key to why he’s still here on earth, why he can find joy when most of us would find only regret. We never know what our actions and words might do, what impact we have on others and the world. How we may be at personal crossroads, a historic moment in time when the world can change for us or for someone else. This man, a man whom society would judge to be useless and worthless, gave me the most valuable treasure I’ve ever received. More clearly than anyone had ever done before, he let me see life from a totally new perspective, making me realize that every word, every action, every gesture I make and thought I have, can truly, whether I know it or not, transform hell into heaven. And “If I only knew then what I know now” I would have been much kinder, much nicer to the people that I have met through the years. This knowledge — that simply being kind to a stranger buying a candy bar at a convenience store — can be as universe-changing as “When in the course of human events,” has been one of the greatest gifts of my life, and has become one of my best Best Days. Q
people think they know more about what my children need than then I do! How can I convince those who control IEP at school and PCA service allotment that I am not wasting the state’s money and that my family really needs these services to get by? Do you know others who experience workers with this attitude problem or is it just my bad luck? Are there any organizations that I could call for help in dealing with this? Sincerely, Fed Up Dear Fed Up,
The “attitude problem” you are talking about is a real issue for many of us in need of assistance from government programs. Yet, few and far between there will be a good worker who has this job because they genuinely want to help people in need. I had a caring worker at one point who let me read part of one of the books they use to determine eligibility for the different programs. What struck me about the way the book was written was that it was entirely mathematical. For example it never referred to people, but rather “units”. I think this euphemistic way of thinking is part of the problem with government workers. They are trained not to think of real human beings but rather in terms of simple formulas, categories of units and math. I remember my first experience with the insanity of the system when a social security worker looked at me (in my power wheelchair) and said without flinching that I was not eligible for any help because I was not disabled. For a minute there I thought I was cured!
they have the job of protecting all the “hard working” people from supporting more than they absolutely must. (Never-mind corporate welfare or tax breaks for the rich.) Of course, a worker’s job is determining eligibility for programs but the other part of their job should be to encourage those who need help to get all the help they can. Unfortunately, there are very few workers who take this part of their job to heart. Whenever we have to fight for the crumbs thrown to us it is frustrating. You are not alone in this. It sounds like you are an assertive person which is what it takes to get the help we need in spite of workers who don’t want to give it to us. Also remember there is an appeals process if you don’t get the help you think you are entitled to. A couple organizations that may be helpful to you are PACER Center 612-827-2966 and MCIL 651-646-8342. PACER is an organization set up to help advocate with parents of children with disabilities for special education support in mainstream schools. They offer consultations/advice, information, problem solving, and workshops on many relevant topics including learning to get the most of out the IEP process. MCIL has a support group for parents of children with disabilities that may be useful in getting new ideas, comradeship and support and offer a place to vent your frustration with others who understand.
I hope this helps a little. It certainly isn’t fair that we have to deal with uncompassionate people when our lives are alAnother contributor to this ready difficult and complicated bad attitude is societal - people enough. with disabilities are a devalued group in this society. In — Nicole general, people don’t want to Question? Complaint? help us but feel they must. So Comment? the “help” has to be carefully Write to Nicole: monitored because heaven % Access Press, 1821 forbid someone who does not University Ave. W,#185 N; “need” the help should get it! St. Paul, MN 55104; I imagine that the workers feel HelloNicoleAccess@yahoo.com
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.
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Disability Culture
Reflections: The Society For Disability Studies Conference by Lolly Lijewski
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he Society For Disability Studies (SDS) is an organization of academics and activists who are working to increase the quality, amount, and variety of research done on disability issues. It has been in existence for approximately thirteen years. In June, 2000, the SDS Annual Conference was in Chicago. I was fortunate enough to attend and would like to share some of my reflections. The theme of the conference was “Activism and the Academy.” The idea was to look at ways to integrate current research into activism and community organizing. The conference was broken into three tracks. I followed the main track on activism and the academy. Over the years I have felt a divide between activists and researchers in the disability community. As an activist, I have felt the tension between advocacy and the need for research to support that advocacy. This was a topic I have long wanted to see developed. I came away from the conference with mixed reactions. I was interested, being an activist who sees the value of working together with researchers and in using research to support public policy initiatives, in getting a sense of how this was being done in other parts of the United States and internationally. I came away somewhat disappointed. It did not appear to me that activists and academics are working very well together here in the States. The sessions given by Americans were flat
and without direction.
law. The report faults the Clinton administration for this However, I did come away with lack of resources. The adminhope. There was a panel of istration has been supportive men from England who spoke in word, but not in deed. about the projects they are working on and how they have Commissioner Miller, while integrated the two disciplines. defensive of his agency’s Each man had a different phi- record, had possibly the most losophy about how to do this important insight of the conwork, yet they all agreed this ference. He described how the partnership is critical for the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights disability rights movement to Act was different from the be advanced. It would seem passage of the ADA. Before we “Yanks,” have something the passage of the ‘64 Civil to learn from the “Brits.” Rights Act there was much discussion and dialogue for The ironic part of this confer- years before the passage of ence was that the most impres- the law about racism and its sive sessions to me were not impact on people of color and those focused on the theme. our society. People came to The sessions with the most understand, if not agree, with impact for me were two of the the reasons and the need for plenary sessions, one on the societal change to occur. Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and a breakout The ADA on the other hand session on Peter Singer, Chair was passed when the time was of the Philosophy Department right politically. The type of at Princeton University. public dialogue about disability issues had not happened The first plenary session was to the same depth and breadth given by a woman who con- as had happen 30 years besulted on the most recent fore. This means we are playprogress report on compliance ing catch up and are now doand enforcement of the ADA ing the education and dialogufor The National Council On ing that happened for people Disability (NCD). The other of color before the ‘64 Civil speaker in this session was Rights Act was passed. It also Paul Miller from The Equal accounts for some of the backEmployment Opportunity lash currently being experiCommission (EEOC). enced by people with disabilities with respect to compliNCD’s report is quite critical ance with the ADA. of the lack of collaboration and coordination exhibited by Then there was the breakout governmental agencies re- session on Peter Singer. Singer sponsible for enforcement of made his reputation in the ecolthe ADA. It also recognizes ogy movement. Most rethat a lack of resources have cently, he has been an outbeen directed to those agen- spoken advocate for the eucies making it difficult to im- thanasia of infants with dispossible for them to adequately abilities. As drastic as that enforce the provisions of the may sound, he bases his arguments on his definitions of
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self-awareness and quality of life. Singer argues that some animals such as domestic dogs and cats have more self-awareness than an infant with Downs Syndrome or spina-bifida. His theory is not limited to these diseases alone. As a result, he believes their quality of life can never reach that of a nondisabled child of the same age, nor does he believe that adults with disabilities can really be happy and experience a good quality of life. He sites a study, which finds that over 60 percent of adults with disabilities express dissatisfaction with their lives because of their disabilities. He does not consider the societal effects of living with a lack of community supports such as adequate and affordable accessible housing, good transportation, access to home and community based care, etc.
My final reflection on this year’s SDS conference is that I went to listen for threads of what the next “model” of disability after the “Interactional” model might be. I came away with the conclusion that many people have good ideas, but nothing has come to the point of a community consensus yet. The only point of agreement is
that we do need to be thinking and talking about what comes next. In future columns I will write more about this subject. Lolly Lijewski is the Advocacy Manager at the Metropolitan Center For Independent Living. She can be reached at (651) 603-2022.
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Metro State Adv
Members of the panel who had spoken about their experiences of attempting to engage Singer in dialogue had one common theme. Up until now, many disability activists felt Singer was a “detached, somewhat cold theoretician.” Instead the conclusion of the panel is that Singer, in fact, is very calculating in the way he puts his views out to the public. He is clever, although some of the scholars found his scholarship to be “a little sloppy,” meaning that they found holes in his arguments. The panelists agreed that Singer is not the only philosopher saying these things about people with disabilities, and while that in itself is dangerous, he is the most mainstream and thus he warrants our attention.
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ADA/IDEA - Cont. from p. 1 to support and mentor one another globally. I believe aging will be a key issue for the future.” Margot Imdieke
No celebration would be complete without an awards ceremony. We had ours; Very Special Arts/ Minnesota (VSA/MN) gave out three very “The ADA has helped us to special awards (see page 9). form non-profit organizations Thank you VSA/MN for proso that we can develop teams moting disability culture in all
Tim Benjamin and other participants at the Celebration. for wheelchair sports. We travel nationally and internationally. The ADA insures us that the facilities we play in and our transportation are accessible.” Kurt Greniger, member of the Minnesota Blaze Wheelchair basketball team, a softball player, and a marathoner. “The ADA and IDEA have given persons with disabilities dignity and pride.” Sibling of a person with a disability.
its diversity. The biggest thrill of the day was, of course, the speakers: Commissioner Jax and Ted Kennedy, Jr., who gave messages inspiring us all. Commissioner Jax discussed some very hopeful statistics on special education: 65 percent of students in special education are in regular classrooms and less than 8 percent are in a separate setting. This is the best percentage in the nation.
Minnesota is doing something right! The one thing that needs to be addressed is the fact that the federal government gives out unfunded mandates and only provides 1/6th of the 40 percent funding that it legally must provide for special education. This takes away from the general funding for education. If the federal government would live up to its 40 percent obligation, the State of Minnesota would have $250 million a year to benefit special education. We all need to work on this and ask our government to live up to its obligation.
planned this memorial. In doing so, it ignored the impact disability had on FDR’s life. Disability is to be celebrated as those things which make us unique.
The newest Harris poll reveals that there is still a 70 percent unemployment rate among persons with disabilities. 40 percent of students with disabilities drop out of high school. Persons with disabilities are three times more likely to live below the poverty line. My message to you is to use your political power. Register to vote. We need to establish the same voting block as our The speech by Ted Kennedy, seniors have so effectively Jr., was an inspiring message done. that will not be forgotten any time soon. The following are When I first lost my leg at the key points Mr. Kennedy age of 12, I was ashamed and touched on. embarrassed about the way I looked especially when it came “Persons with disabilities de- to removing my leg for swimserve and are entitled to the ming. I was told ‘You shouldn’t same respect, access, and op- let it bother you.’ I will never portunities as any other citi- say those words to anyone. I zen of this country. We must felt the impact of isolation. I remember that we have politi- had no one to talk to and I cal power. We are a majority at suffered loss of self-esteem. 54 million strong. Today as we We must be mentors and role gather at this celebration, models for the next generaPresident Clinton is making a tion. speech at the FDR memorial. We are outraged that the com- Subtle discrimination is as mission was trying to cover up powerful as overt discriminaFDR’s disability when it tion. We must develop strat-
Speech Disabled and Need Help Using the Telephone?
egies to combat discrimination found in the legal system, in the media, and politically. Our most powerful weapon is for us to be self-advocates and tell our stories. Discrimination is society’s problem. Due to our status as a minority with special constitutional protections, we must make society preserve these protections. Persons with physical and hidden disabilities need to stand together. One challenge we face is that legally a lot of discrimination is settled out of court. We can’t build common law on this. Another challenge is the two images the media still portrays. Disability is either a poster child
depicts what life with disability is truly about. ADAPT has shown us what we can do if we all stand together to ensure access to public transportation. ACT UP and the Christian Coalition stood together to ensure the value and dignity in each human being. (Baby Jane Doe. A doctor was found to be in violation of section 504 when he withheld esophageal surgery to Baby Jane Doe based on her disability.) There has been tremendous progress and also much frustration. Physical access is good. Employment has not
Anne Roberts, Margot Imdieke-Cross, Joan Willshire, and Dorothy Balen at the ADA/IDEA Celebration. image of misery and something is wrong, or it is an inspirational “Super Hero” image of overcoming. Neither image
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worked, although the Work Incentives Program will help. We still need more affordable, accessible housing. With better community-based care and a good housing stock, the future for persons with disabilities and for our country looks brighter.” Mr. Kennedy’s speech ended with a standing ovation. We have much to celebrate. We’ve accomplished a lot. Celebrating has helped to renew us. Now the work continues. Thank you to the collaboration of disability organizations and all the volunteers who planned this day. This reporter especially extends a thank you for all who took time out to recognize the anniversaries of the two most historic pieces of legislation that have been passed in recent history.
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SUMMIT - Cont. from p. 1 age in this country. We have disease insurance.” The health system today treats our conditions and the symptoms stemming from our diagnosis or type of disability. It doesn’t give us access to the preventive tools and complementary options necessary to keep us well and living as independently as possible. In short, the disabled community needs integrated care that will incorporate the best of traditional medicine, complementary treatments, and the
promises of technology. Integrative care empowers and gives voice to the consumer. It recognizes the need to treat the whole person, not just the occasional problems. While much improvement is needed, there is progress being made. More and more health plans are paying for complementary services. HealthPartners, one of Minnesota’s largest insurers, has launched a large Web-based information system to allow consumers to better under-
Public Apology “When will justice come? When those who are not injured are as indignant as those who are!” (Tolstoi) On behalf of The ADA and IDEA Celebration Planning Committee, we would like to express our apologies to those who are visually impaired or blind for the lack of available alternative format materials at the celebration on Wednesday, July 26. We commit our energies and efforts to ensure this does not happen again.
stand their benefits and options. The Los Angeles Times recently reported that 22 of the nation’s largest insurance companies, insuring over 100 million Americans, combined to launch a set of initiatives to make their services more consumer-friendly. That the nation’s leading biotechnology firm would host such a conference is also an encouraging sign. In the world of health care, consumers are moving from the back seat to the driver’s seat. And, if we continue to raise our voices to demand better services, health care for all of us, disabled and non-disabled alike, can only get better. Q
ADA/IDEA Celebration THANK YOU !!
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hank you to all of the participants, performers, speakers, school staff, vendors, committee members and especially the wonderful volunteers who made for a successful ADA/IDEA Celebration on July 26, 2000!
Without you, the event would not have been such a fantastic success!
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DPPD - Cont. from p. 3 provision of health care on the state-wide level. Counties spoke of their need for the autonomy that would free them to experiment in creative ways. These two needs seemed to many to be another source of conflict. The areas of expertise of the county workers and the representatives of the managed care organizations were very different, which caused some communication failures when they would sit down together. “We have been managing care for years and years,” county workers would say, wondering if their experience was being valued and respected. HMO representatives wondered if the county workers had sufficient business experience to design a plan that could survive in the marketplace. They, too, wondered if their particular skills were being appreciated. Several people pointed out that they thought the project may have been too ambitious. Some thought that the project was trying to anticipate every potential problem that might ever occur, which made the planning process “a very, very long road,” according to one participant. This suspicion was reinforced by Jim Verdier, policy analyst for Center for Health Care Strategies at Princeton University, who pointed out that other states have run into
trouble by trying to “over-engineer” the development of similar projects. “Those systems,” says Verdier, “have met a ‘death by a thousand plans.’” In addition to the lack of clearlyunderstood goals, rural/urban tensions, state/county tensions, differing areas and levels of expertise, and overly ambitious goals, some participants in the process wondered if there was something wrong with the very premise upon which the project was based. They questioned the whole idea of “managed care” for people with disabilities. Why Managed Care? According to Verdier, “Back in 1995-96-97, there was a burst of enthusiasm for risk-based managed care. The idea was that money could be saved.” During the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, promises of cost savings had already prompted the government to move millions of senior citizens from the traditional fee-for-service Medicare program into Medicare managed care systems. Those earlier promises of cost savings now appear to have been overly optimistic, as indicated by last month’s announcement by the HMO industry that nearly 1 million, or almost one-sixth of the total, of elderly and disabled Medicare HMO enrollees are being
dropped from their managed care plans and forced back into the traditional fee-for-service system. Karen M. Ignagni, president of the American Association of Health Plans, says that HMOs are pulling out of Medicare because they are “underpaid” by the federal government. Critics say that the plans’ early promises were unrealistic to begin with. For whatever reason, the promised cost savings are not as great as hoped, leading to disenchantment and finger pointing by both the government and the health plans. And the problem is not limited to Medicare HMOs. Verdier, who has done extensive research on managed care for people with disabilities throughout the United States, points out that, in recent years,“Commercial managed care organizations appear to be losing interest in Medicaid.” “Let’s face it: ‘Managed care’ still has a bad name,” says Anne Henry of the Minnesota Disability Law Project. And it was clear in the course of the meeting that the bad reputation that health maintenance, or “managed care,” organizations have acquired over the years was a complicating factor in the DPPD process. Even Kathy Lamp of UCare Minnesota, a managed care organization which has been involved in the DPPD process, admitted
that “[In the beginning] managed care was seen as part of the problem, not necessarily part of the solution.” But what became clear as the June 14th meeting went on is that different people have very different things in mind when they use the term “managed care.” As Pam Parker, Integrated Demonstrations coordinator at the Department of Human Services, put it, “There’s a whole spectrum of things that people mean when they say ‘managed care.’” The importance of this point was borne out in numerous subsequent interviews carried out by ACCESS PRESS. The negative response to the term “managed care” likely comes from the widely-circulated stories in recent years telling about hard-hearted HMOs and their attempts to save money by depriving their members of needed health care. True or not, the public perception of the managed care system has declined as a result of the beating it has taken in the local and national media. When many state and county officials use the term “managed care,” however, they are referring to something different entirely. They use the term in a more literal way, to designate a system in which all of the different components of “care” received by an individual are “managed” so as to be more
efficient and effective. Their primary intention in using the term “managed care” is to contrast this new vision with the traditional confusing and fragmented fee-for-service health care system, which might be called “un-managed care” or “poorly-managed care.” In making this distinction, Verdier observes that “‘Care coordination’ may be a better term than ‘managed care.’ For most people, fee-for-service is very hard to navigate and coordinate, and that is the main benefit that managed care offers: care coordination.” In addition to the classic capitated, risk-based, corporate HMO that has the (deserved or not) bad reputation among many citizens, there are other approaches to providing needed care coordination. One approach is a public Primary Care Case Management (PCCM) model, in which a physician or other agent agrees to “manage” the care being provided. Alternatively, a county or other public entity could simply agree to provide strong case management to enrolled beneficiaries. Minnesota also has a small number of selfdetermination (sometimes called “cash and counseling”) projects in place, in which an individual receives a pre-arranged sum of money from the government and is assisted in coordinating their own care
package. All of these approaches could be referred to as “managed care,” although the differences among them are obvious. Although the DPPD itself did not result in putting any programs in place, there were many positive comments about the June 14th meeting itself. Joel Ulland of the Multiple Sclerosis Society echoed the comments of many when he said “It was refreshing to have a meeting like that, with everyone in the room. I did come away thinking that it was handled pretty well.” Now that the idea of a mandatory managed care approach to providing health care for people with disabilities in Minnesota has been set aside, at least for now, many advocates are wondering, “What’s next?” In next month’s Access Press we will look at the positive aspects of the DPPD experiment, some of the issues that are facing us, and prospects for the future. Q Jeff Nygaard publishes a free weekly newsletter called Nygaard Notes. If you have comments on this article, or wish to subscribe to Nygaard Notes, contact Jeff at nygaard notes@mn.com or P.O. Box 14354, Minneapolis, MN 55414.
STEWARDSHIP Statewide Public Forums on Vocational Rehabilitation Services in Minnesota You are invited to participate in the stewardship of Minnesota’s Vocational Rehabilitation Program. August/September 2000 You will be asked for specific advice regarding possible rules and policies which will guide the VR Program’s use of its resources in the year 2000 and beyond.
1:00 1:30 - 4:00 4:15 - 5:30
Gather Briefing / facilitated discussion / public input “Open mike” – Participants may speak for the record on any VR related topic at their discretion.
Public Forums on VR in Minnesota empower VR consumers and other stakeholders with the information needed to participate effectively in public discussion about the state’s employment programs for persons with disabilities.
Greater Minnesota DULUTH Wed. Aug. 23, 2000 Holiday Inn Hotel 200 W. 1st St.
BEMIDJI Tues. Aug. 29, 2000 Commu. Services Center MN WorkForce Center 616 America Ave. N.W.
FERGUS FALLS Wed. Aug. 30, 2000 Ottertail Power Co. 216 So. Cascade
WILLMAR Wed. Sept. 6, 2000 Kandiyohi Co. Health & Human Services Bldg. WorkForce Center 1900 Hwy. 294 NE
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ROCHESTER Wed. Sept. 20, 2000 Heintz Center Rochester Community & Technical College 1926 College View Rd. SE
MANKATO Thurs. Sept. 21, 2000 Blue Earth County Library 100 E. Main St.
Twin Cities Metro Area MAPLEWOOD Thurs. Sept. 14, 2000 Maplewood Commu. Center 2100 White Bear Ave. BROOKLYN CENTER Tues. Sept. 26, 2000 Brookdale–Hennepin Area Public Library 6125 Shingle Creek Parkway
Sign language interpreters will be present at all locations. CRC credit / Attendance certificates available. For information, directions, or to request a reasonable accomodation CONTACT: Steve Serkland VOICE: 1 (800) 328-9095, ext. 6-7869 or (651) 296-7869 TTY: 1 (800) 657-3973 or (651) 296-3900 E-MAIL: steve.serkland@state.mn.us Sponsored by the State Rehabilitation Council and MDES-Rehabilitation Services
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Art Review
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by Nathan Halvorson
The artwork and statements belong to Mark Veblen, an artist whose drawings and paintings are now on display at the Inside Out Gallery in Minneapolis. While Veblen may face certain challenges from schizophrenia, he doesn’t dwell on this disability label. Instead he spends time involved in his passion for art. Through creating, viewing, absorbing and discussing art, Veblen experiences complete freedom and pride in his work.
Veblen’s art shares the room with large-scale paintings of the Mississippi River by artist Mike Kramer. Kramer’s paintings, some standing 7 feet tall, are characterized by linear shapes which capture the colors and action of the river and bring a sense of motion to the paintings. Like the river itself, these paintings go where they want to, with a few of them flowing onto both sides of a canvas. Kramer recreates numerous possibilities with the river and will continue to explore it as a subject, for it “is always changing.”
Executive Director Jeanne Calvit has seen Kramer flourish within the program. She describes him as someone who rarely talks (which is partially due to a tumor-related mental illness) and she was happy to find him shaking hands and talking to people at the opening reception for the Veblen/ Kramer exhibit. She beams, “He would never had done that even a year ago.” Jayne finds similar value in knowing Mark Veblen, “For me, the reward is listening to Mark talk The bright, energetic abstracts about his work today. I get and poetic landscapes in the inspired to go back to the stucollection of Veblen’s art re- dio and paint.” flect this freedom he finds through art. Two notable land- The Inside Out Gallery is open scapes include dramatic pro- Fridays and Saturdays from files of a single person peering 12-5pm and will display the art pensively over the land, where of Veblen and Kramer through the amoebic shapes in his ab- September 23, 2000. It is the stracts freely evolve. Accord- only gallery in Minneapolis ing to Veblen, the abstracts which features “Outsider are testaments to the artistic Art”—or art created “indepenprocess itself in which the art dently of the academic and takes on a life other than what commercial art world,” accordis intended. Another unique ing to Inside Out. Calvit, Jayne, quality of Veblen’s work, as and Veblen agree that “Outgallery employee Andrea sider Art” impacts its viewer Jayne points out, is that all of with an honest, raw, innate, the pieces include a horizon — and experimental approach to a theme that unites the differ- creativity. ent works and brings to each of them a warm, home-like qual- The gallery is one of many ity. areas housed at the Interact
Center (612-339-5145), a center with studios for both visual and performing arts. Here “people with disabilities” have the opportunity to shed that label and redefine themselves as “artists.” The only center of its kind in the Midwest, Interact provides these artists with the space, supplies and mentoring helpful in pursuing art. The program involves over 40 artists who visit Interact daily to create and receive income for their creativity. Currently, Interact is seeking to expand its connections with other organizations, is discussing the opening of another center, and wants to ensure that the center continues as a high-quality resource for art in Minneapolis. Interact is a place where people such as Kramer and Veblen take an active role in their community and foster a sense of accomplishment. Veblen expresses the fulfillment he finds at the center and through his art, “I love the feeling of creativity. When it hits you…you just can’t say enough about it or do it enough. It really can be a rarified or pure feeling that you get and you think, ‘This says something about me.’”
our Minnesota individu als and one arts organization have been chosen to receive the fourth annual Arts Access Awards from VSA arts of Minnesota. Recognizing accomplishments and efforts in making the arts accessible to people with disabilities, the “Jaehny” Awards will be presented on Wednesday, July 26, 2000, at 4pm at a statewide event, Celebrating Disability Rights, at Anne Sullivan School & Communication Center, 3100 E. 28th Street, in south Minneapolis. Arts Access Award recipients include: Active & Visible Minnesota Artist with a Disability - Pete Feigal, St. Paul, and Wendy Harbour, Minneapolis Individuals or Organizations Actively Promoting Access to the Arts for People with Disabilities - Steven Schmidt, Rochester; Mari Griffin, Minneapolis; Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, St. Paul. The “Jaehny” (pronounced Janey) Award is named in honor of Jaehn Clare, one of the founders of VSA arts of Minnesota and a former activist in the Twin Cities’ theater and disability communities.
This year’s “Jaehny” was created by Circle Pines sculptor Joy Purchase, an arts instructor at Interact Center for the Visual & Performing Arts in Minneapolis. Her works have been displayed at the Sister Kenny International Art Exhibit for the past two years.
stories and poetry by deaf children and adults.
As managing director of Rochester Civic Music and chair of the Minnesota Presenters Network, Steven Schmidt has acted as a vocal advocate of the letter & spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act This year’s Jaehny recipients (ADA) by promoting access to all have done much to promote the arts for all Minnesotans. the inclusion of people with disabilities in the world of the Mari Griffin has been Minnesota’s leading promoter arts. of Audio Description – a way Pete Feigal, an actor and artist of assisting the viewing of living with multiple sclerosis performances by patrons who and mental illness, has focused are blind or of low vision. his energies in the past few years to present the issues Under the leadership of and champion opportunities Carolyn Bye, the Metropolifor people with mental illness tan Regional Arts Council through the Tilting at Wind- has taken a strong role in edumills Theatre company, which cating small and mid-size arts has involved more than 100 groups from the seven-county people with mental illness in metro area about providing its two critically acclaimed pro- access to the arts for ALL their ductions and through its constituents. speakers bureau. For more information regardWendy Harbour has won the ing the award, recipients, or SASE Jerome Fellowship, other VSA arts of Minnesota given poetry readings, had an services, activities and proessay included in a book about grams, contact Craig Dunn at disabled women and parenting 612-332-3888 (V or TTY) in the and written original music for metro area or 1-800-801-3883 One Voice Mixed Chorus. She (V or TTY) in Greater Minnealso helped organize a Signs of sota. Q Halloween event featuring
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PUBLIC HEARING
he Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) and the Minnesota Department of Economic Security -Independent Living Section (MDES) are conducting a statewide public hearing for comments regarding the proposed plan for the redistribution of State and Federal (Title VII Part C) Independent Living funds, as well as the development of new Centers for Independent Living, and the corresponding amendments to the State Plan for Independent Living.
When and Where: August 17, 2000 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Minnesota Department of Economic Security (lower level conference room), 390 North Robert Street, St. Paul.
Summary: The Minnesota SILC and MDES, with input from Minnesota’s Centers for Independent Living, have revised the current State Plan to better facilitate the Federally-mandated expansion of the State’s IL network. The new plan proposes to equally distribute Federal IL dollars to eligible agencies, adopts criteria for the distribution of new State IL dollars, establishes minimum and base-funding levels for eligible agencies, and sets priorities for the opening of new Centers for Independent Living. (Copies of the proposed plan will be mailed upon request, and will be available at the public hearing site.)
For More Information, or to Submit Comments by Telephone, Contact: William Bauer at (800) 328-9095 (toll free), or (651) 296-3900 (tty), or (651) 296-5085 (voice).
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Five Summer Arts Access Awards Announded
Inside Out Gallery Has New Show “I have schizophrenia.” The artist’s words sink quickly into the backdrop of conversation and he returns to sharing his ideas about Fauvism, expressionism, Matisse, and the different emotive effects of abstractism and realism. After an hour of discussing such topics with intelligent command, this artist intently focuses on the artwork surrounding the room over all else. It is what is important. Soon after mentioning his schizophrenia, he resolves, “Creativity isn’t hampered by just about anything.”
August 10, 2000
How to Participate: In person, or submit comments in writing, by telephone or e-mail prior to August 17,2000.
Submit Comments via E-mail to: wbauer@ngwmail.des.state.mn.us Mail Comments to: William Bauer, IL Section, Minnesota Department of Economic Security, 390 North Robert Street, St. Paul, MN 55101
Who Should Participate: Consumers of IL services, people with disabilities and/or ASL Interpreters and/or Formatted Materials Shall be family members of people with disabilities, CIL staff, IL-VR Counselors, staff Provided at the Hearing Site Upon Request. members of other organizations providing services to people with disabilities.
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August 10, 2000
Access To Employment
EMPLOYMENT ADS ARE $14 A COL. INCH; AUG 31 IS THE DEADLINE FOR THE SEPT 10 ISSUE.
Mail to: ACCESS PRESS • 1821 University Ave. • #185N • St. Paul, MN 55104 • Fax 651-644-2136 • E-mail: access@wavetech.net Legal
CIVIL ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN
TRADEMARK LEGAL SECRETARIES Gray Plant Mooty, a downtown Mpls. Law firm, is seeking to fill the following positions:
Faegre & Benson LLP, a downtown Mpls. law firm, has various career opportunities for legal secretaries in its Intellectual Property practice group. These positions offer interesting and satisfying work opportunities in a professional work environment. Candidates should have 3+ years secretarial experience, preferably in a law firm; trademark experience preferred; litigation a plus, but not required; excellent organizational and communications skills; proficient word processing/computer skills; keyboarding at 70+ wpm; and a team-orientated, flexible work style. Faegre & Benson LLP offers competitive wages and an excellent benefits package, including a discounted bus program--Metropass. For additional information about Faegre & Benson, visit our web site at www.faegre.com. Please send resume and salary history to Human Resources:
PARALEGAL— INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY Experienced intellectual property paralegal to assist attorneys with U.S. and international trademark registration prosecution. Position involves significant direct client contact. Must have 5-years of trademark registration prosecution experience.
SRF Consulting Group, Inc., a fast growing, locally owned, and well-established civil engineering, transportation, and planning firm, seeks a technician to perform AutoCad design and drafting tasks. Will be involved in all aspects from preliminary planning to final design, with some independent design work. Requirements include a two year civil technology degree. Experience with Microstation and Geopak a plus.
SRF offers a competitive compensation package, including: • Exciting and varied work • Competitive salary • Excellent insurance, incl. medical, dental, life, and disability • 401 (k) & profit sharing • Training • Vacation and sick leave If you want to be part of one of Engineering News Record’s Top 500 design firms, send your resume to SRF Consulting Group, Inc., One Carlson N., #150, Plymouth MN FAEGRE & BENSON LLP 55447; fax to 763-475-2429 or 2200 Wells Fargo Center email to www.srfconsulting. 90 South Seventh Street com; EOE. Minneapolis, MN 55402 Fax: (612) 336-3846 ATTORNEY: So. MN Reg. E-mail; HR@Faegre.com Legal Services seeks Atty. to Web site: www,faegre.com work in St. Paul on housing
LIBRARY CLERK Responsibilities include filing, opening mail, fulfilling copy and subscription requests, case pulls, maintaining library database, reshelving books, and general mainetenance of library facility. We offer a professional work environment, a culture emphasizing work/life balance, & excellent salaries & benefits (including medical, dental, profit sharing and 401k). Send resume & letter to: HR, Gray Plant Mooty, 3400 City Center, 33 S. 6th St., Mpls, MN 55402, or fax to: 612-333-0066.
Equal Opportunity and Affircases. Salary DOE. Resumes mative Action Employer Equal Opportunity Employer to: M.L. Giese; SMRLS; 46 E. 401 St, - Ste. 700; St. Paul, MN 55101. EO/AAE
Alexandra House, Inc., domestic violence services for women and families has the following employment opportunity:
PRINCIPAL PLANNER The City of Minnetonka has a full-time employment opportunity for a Principal Planner. The Principal Planner reports to the Department Director and is responsible for supervising the associate planner and intern and advising the Planning Director in the preparation and coordination of all planning projects for the City. Duties include research and preparation of staff reports, land use and zoning studies, comprehensive plan, and serving as staff liaison to the Planning Commission. Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree (a Master’s degree is preferred) and at least 5 years experience in a responsible planning position. Knowledge of working in a suburban environment is desirable. Position involves considerable interaction with the Commission members, elected officials, and citizens.
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY This position is accountable for performing executive clerical support to the Executive Director and deals with extremely confidential material and information requiring considerable discretion. Confidentiality, strong prioritization skills, good judgement, flexibility and the ability to interface with all levels of management, boards of directors and outside contacts are critical to this position. Qualifications include a mininmum of 3 years of executive secretarial experience including Windows and Office 97 computer skills, excellent communication and organizational skills, ability to prioritize and handle a variety of tasks with strict deadlines, be self directed and the ability to work some evenings and Salary ranges based on qualiweekend hours. fications: $51,360- $57,100 or Fulltime position. $53,300 - $59,200; with excellent fringe benefits. Applications will be accepted until position is filled. To obtain an application and position profile, contact the Send cover letter and resume Job Line at (952) 939-8212. to: Application deadline is AuPat Prinzevalle gust 25, 2000. Executive Director CITYOFMINNETONKA Alexandra House, Inc. 14600 Minnetonka Blvd P.O. Box 49039 Minnetonka, MN 55345 Blaine, MN 55449-0039 EQUALOPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
An Affirmative Action Employer
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RETAIL SALES ASSOCIATES (EO20095) The Electric Odyssey retail store is searching for 2 Full Time and 8 Part-Time Retail Sales Associates at Ridgedale and Southdale Malls in Minneapolis, MN. Job Duties: You will sell products in a unique leading edge electrical product environment. You will interact with customers to determine their’ wants/needs and to ensure they are made aware of products; provide demonstrations; assist with product handling; assist with store layout; and, cashier functions. Exclnt. communication and intrprsnl. skills req. Experience: Pref. to candidates with prev. retail experience. Special Requirements: Exclnt. interpersonal skills. PC skills desired. Lifting frequently up to 25 lbs, occasionally up to 40 lbs. Salary: Start at $8.50 per hour. Salary based upon experience. Benefits for full-time positions. Submit applications by mail or fax to the Electric Odyssey’s parent company and corporate office: Minnesota Power, c/o Employment (EO20095), 30 West Superior Street, Duluth, MN 558O2; fax: 218-723-3944. Apps. are available at Electric Odyssey Stores and Mall Offices located in the Duluth, Ridgedale or Southdale Malls or by request at 218-722-5642, extension 3608 or e-mail: mpem ployment@mnpower.com..
Professional Directory M.A.T. METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSIT, INC.
www.mainlevelliving.com
SPECIAL TRANSPORTATION PROVIDER
For ALL your buying and selling needs. Providing you with the services you’ve come to expect & deserve!
Mn D.O.T. Certified Transportation Specialist
Lynn Kadlubowski, Broker/Realtor Independent Diversified
612-379-4107 MA, U-CARE Minnesota, Private Insurance - Pay
REAL ESTATE SERVICES, INC.
612/861-2345office 612/861-7295 fax lynsazsold@citilink.com
PNL
Lori L. Guzmán
SERVICES Conversion Raised Tops Raised Doors
Lift Installation Lift Repair Drop Floor
300 2nd St. S.E. Mpls., MN 55414 (near St. Anthony Main)
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5777 - 125th Street West Apple Valley MN 55124-8390 Fax 612-953-6135 Tel 612-953-4424 email: llguzman@aol.com
612-672-9342
Computerized Desktop publishing: Brochures Catalogs Direct Mailings Flyers Newsletters Newspapers Project Mgmt Resumes Scanning ... & more!
Ellen Houghton
Attorney at Law
•
612-404-9981
A GREA T RESOURCE! GREAT
Dir ectAbility.com DirectAbility is a comprehensive, ever-expanding, award-winning, Internet directory devoted to disability-related products, services, resources and information throughout the state. Online at www.directability.com.
INDEPENDENCE CROSSROADS, INC. Serving people with disabilities since 1976. In-Home Counseling
Community Support Groups
Information & Referral
Advocacy
Public Education
NO FEE REQUIRED www.independencecrossroads.org 8932 Old Cedar Ave. So., Bloomington, MN 55425 Office (952) 854-8004 Fax (952) 854-7842
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Access To Employment
August 10, 2000 EMPLOYMENT ADS ARE $14 A COL. INCH; AUG 31 IS THE DEADLINE FOR THE AEPT 10 ISSUE.
Mail to: ACCESS PRESS • 1821 University Ave. • #185N • St. Paul, MN 55104 • Fax 651-644-2136 • E-mail: access@wavetech.net EXTENSION EDUCATOR, Youth and Family Development, Stevens County, Morris, MN. Required: A bachelor’s degree in education, youth development, family consumer science, family social science, social work, human ecology, or another related field of study is required; an undergraduate academic record qualifying the applicant for admission to graduate school or concurrent admission to graduate school; the ability to assess the need for, develop, design, deliver, evaluate and report results of educational programs; skills in leading, organizing, and collaborating; the ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently, function in team relationships, relate to youth and adults, and work with economically and culturally diverse audiences; good competency in verbal and written communications, word processing and database management, preparation of print and radio media materials; program budget management.
LEGAL SECRETARY Business Litigation Faegre & Benson LLP is seeking a legal secretary in our Business Litigation practice group. Qualified candidates will have 3-6 years litigation/ admistrative experience; excellent organizational and communication skills; proficient word processing/computer skills; keyboarding at 70+ wpm; and team-orientated flexible work style. We offer competitive wages and an excellent benefits package, including a discounted bus program – Metropass. For additional information about Faegre & Benson, visit our web site at www.faegre.com. Please submit resume and salary history to Human Resources:
Faegre & Benson, Minnesota’s second largest law firm, has exciting opportunities for experienced Administrative Assistants in our Firm’s Library and Litigation Support Services departments. Successful candidates should have 2 years secretarial/administrative experience; proficient word processing, spreadsheet and database skills; keyboarding at 50+ wpm; strong organizational skills; ability to communicate and work well with a variety of people; and a service-oriented work style. We offer a professional work environment, competitive wages and an excellent benefits package. For additional information about our law firm, FAEGRE & BENSON LLP visit our web site at 2200 Wells Fargo Center www.faegre.com. Please send 90 South Seventh Street your resume and salary hisMinneapolis, MN 55402 tory to Human Resources: Fax: (612) 336-3846 E-mail: HR@Faegre.com FAEGRE & BENSON LLP Web site: www.faegre.com 2200 Wells Fargo Center 90 South Seventh Street Equal Opportunity Employer Minneapolis, MN 55402 Fax: 612/336-3846 E-mail: HR@faegre.com Website: www.faegre.com Administrative
Preferred: A master’s degree; work or volunteer experience in a field related to youth and family development; enthusiLIBRARY asm, creativity, and a positive ADMINISTRATIVE attitude; grant writing skills ASSISTANT and abilities related to supporting, training, and super- Faegre & Benson, a major vising volunteers or staff. Minneapolis law firm, has an exciting opportunity for a LiDeadline for materials; Sep- brary Administrative Assistember 15, 2000. tant. This person will report directly to the Director of LiTo obtain a complete position brary Services. Responsibiliannouncement & application ties include: providing genmaterials, download applica- eral administrative support for tion and description from Web Library Services; preparing page at correspondence; processing www.extension.umn.edu/ budget reports; maintaining units/director/positions.html spreadsheets; organizing mailor call Extension HR at (612) ings; handling all telephone 624-3717. The U of MN is an contact with our staff; proequal opportunity educator cessing invoices & timeand employer. sheets; along with various other duties. Successful canJOB OPPORTUNITIES didates should have 2 years secretarial/administrative experience; word processing, St. Paul-based glass and glaz- spreadsheet and database ing contractor is seeking moti- exp.; keyboarding at 50+ wpm; vated individuals to fill skilled strong organizational skills; and unskilled union positions. ability to communicate and Equal opportunity employer. work well with a variety of people; and service-oriented Please submit application/re- work style. We offer a professume to: sional work environment, competitive wages and an excelHuman Resources lent benefits package. For ad3121 40th Ave NW ditional information about our PO Box 6658 law firm, visit our web site at Rochester, MN 55903 www.faegre.com. Please send your resume and salary hisSALESREPRESENTATIVE tory to Human Resources: FAEGRE & BENSON LLP ACCESS PRESS is seeking an 2200 Wells Fargo Center ad/sales representative to sell 90 South Seventh Street ad space in our paper. Com- Minneapolis, MN 55402 Fax: (612) 336-3846 mission plus stipend. Experience preferred. Send resume E-mail: HR@Faegre.com to ACCESS PRESS, 1821 Web site: www.faegre.com University Ave W. #185-N, Equal Opportunity Employer St. Paul MN, 55104.
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ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Equal Opportunity Employer Human Resources LEGAL PERSONNEL ASSISTANT The Legal Personnel department coordinates and manages attorney recruiting and lawyer personnel matters in our Firm. Responsibilities in this position include: typing correspondence; entering resumes into a database; preparing interview and orientation packages; scheduling interviews; updating our web site; and assisting Legal Personnel staff in a variety of tasks related to the recruiting process. Successful candidates should have 2 years administrative experience, with a college degree preferred; word processing, spreadsheet and database exp.; keyboarding at 50+ wpm; strong organizational skills; ability to communicate and work well with a variety of people; and a service-oriented work style. We offer a professional work environment, competitive wages 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: FAEGRE & BENSON LLP 2200 Wells Fargo Center 90 South Seventh Street Minneapolis, MN 55402 Fax: 612/336-3846 E-mail: HR@faegre.com Website: www.faegre.com Equal Opportunity Employer
Paralegal IMMIGRATION PARALEGAL Attention Liberal Arts Majors: Have you considered a career in law? If you have excellent writing and research skills and are looking for an exciting career opportunity in International and Immigration Law, we may have just the job you’ve been looking for. Faegre & Benson, Minnesota’s 2nd largest law firm, is seeking applicants for a Paralegal position in our Immigration Law Group. You will work with attorneys and have extensive interaction with multi-national corporate clients; research and draft petitions and prepare government filings on behalf of leading international scientists, business executives and highly skilled professional workers. We are seeking candidates with a B.A. or M.A. in Liberal Arts with a strong academic record and strong computer software skills. Interest and experience in International Affairs and foreign languages a plus. Must have demonstrated abilities in writing and research. For additional. information about Faegre & Benson, visit our web site at www.faegrre.com. Send resume and writing samples to Human Resources: FAEGRE & BENSON LLP 2200 Wells Fargo Center 90 South Seventh Street Minneapolis, MN 55402 Fax: 612/336-3846 e-mail: HR@faegre.com website: www.faegre.com Equal Opportunity Employer INFORMATION AND REFERRAL SPECIALIST Get a great job that has a casual work environment, competitive salary, and benefits. You need knowledge of the human service system including social security and local, regional, state, and federal programs designed for people with disabilities. You will be responsible to manage an adaptive loaner program so knowledge of common adaptive equipment used by persons with disabilities is beneficial. Assist in the editing of a multistate, international, newsletter. Knowledge of Quark Xpress, Access, and Microsoft Word helpful. People with disabilities urged to apply. Submit a letter of application, three letters of reference and a resume to Options, Att. Randy at 318 3 ST NW, East Grand Forks, MN 56721. Inquires should be addressed to Randy at (218) 773-6100. Closing date August 14, 2000
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Alexandra House, Inc., PRESIDENT AND CHIEF domestic violence services EXECUTIVE OFFICER for women and families has the following employ- Point 2 Point Communicament opportunities: tions, Inc., a for-profit subsidiary of TPT/Twin Cities PubOUTREACH ADVOCATE lic Television is seeking a Provide direct advocacy ser- President and Chief Executive vices and community educa- Officer. This is an exciting tion to battered women and opportunity for an individual their families in community who can bring strong busisettings. Fulltime position. ness and entrepreneurial skills to lead a growing enterprise WOMEN’S ADVOCATE that provides communications Provide direct advocacy ser- solutions to businesses. The vices and community educa- portfolio of services provided tion to battered women and by P2P includes webcasting, their families in a residential satellite distribution, televisetting. Fulltime position. sion and video production. Clients include 3M, Medtronic, FAMILY ADVOCATE United Health Group, NorthProvide direct advocacy ser- west Airlines, and GMAC. P2P vices and community educa- has had four straight years of tion to battered women and double-digit sales growth and their families in a residential profitability. setting. Fulltime position. The successful candidate will Applications will be accepted have at least ten years of expeuntil positions are filled. rience in senior management, with emphasis in marketing and Send cover letter and resume sales. Experience in video proto: duction, new media, as well as Colleen Schmitt MBA preferred. Direct Services Manager Alexandra House, Inc. Apply immediately - position P.O. Box 49039 open until filled. Please send Blaine, MN 55449-0039 cover letter, resume, and salary expectations to: EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Charlotte Mardell Human Resources Executive Director ATTORNEYS TPT/Twin Cities Public Television Legal Aid Society seeks full 172 E. Fourth Street time immigration attorney to St. Paul, MN 55101 work with immigrants from Africa and Southeast Asia An Equal Opportunity under 1-yr grant. Diverse ecoEmployer/AAP nomic, social, or relevant cultural exp. a plus. Prior immigration, pov.law exper/clinic Please patronize your work a +. App must be licensed Access Press or willing to take next bar. Sal. Advertisers — and $28,000-$32,033 DOE; exel. benes. Start 9/1/00. Resume, tell them where you cover letter w/ref to: Pam heard about them. Cunningham, LAS, 430 1st They bring Ave N, #300, Mpls, MN you your paper. 55401-1780. EOE.
Ramsey County Ramsey County invites you to join us in building a better community through public service in the following fields: • • • • • • • •
Administrative, Management and Technical Services Building and Facility Services Clerical and Secretarial Services Community and Social Services Court, Legal and Law Enforcement Services Property Records/Revenue Services Public Works and Transportation Services Parks and Recreation Services Contact our Job Hotline for a recorded list of current job openings at:
(651) 266-2666 Ramsey County Personnel Dept. 430 RCGC West 50 West Kellogg Boulevard Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102 (651) 266-2700 or (651) 266-2728 (TDD) You may also view a list of current job openings and other useful Information, or download application materials, on internet at: www.co.ramsey.mn.us
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August 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 RENT Seward Square Apartments: We are currently accepting applications for our waiting list at Seward Square Apartments in Minneapolis. Seward Square is barrier-free housing and is federally subsidized. For an application, please call (612) 338-2680. Equal Opportunity Housing. Lewis Park Apartments: Barrier free housing with wheelchair user in mind. Section 8 subsidized. One- and twobedroom units. For more information on availability call (651) 488-9923. St. Paul, MN Equal Opportunity Housing.
FOR SALE 1986 Ford Econoline Conversion Van. Manual wheel chair ramp, lowered floor, 96,000 miles. Runs great. New brakes, some rust. $2,450.00 Ron 612-521-4643.
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. INVACARE wheelchair in very good condition, made specifically for tall person, EVENTS October, 26-28, Women’s narrow seat, high back, black, health and Wellness Expo, leather arms. 612-473-3430. Minneapolis Convention Center. 250+Exhibitors, 3 Uni-lift, simple electric, platSpeakers/Entertainment Stages form is 26x36. Like new and MORE! www.Health condition. $400/offer, call Deb Expos.com, 24 hour hotline at (651) 459-2466. (952) 953-1130; Exhibitor Information (952) 924-0643.
4 Wheel Scooter 1999 Celebrity Pride XL-Top of the line, like new, Guaranteed. $1,750.00/BO. Lift avail. Paul 763-420-7742. 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 Jan Snook’s “Helpful Hints Computer Guidebook” is simple and understandable. Hardcover book covers Word, Excel, and tips for the Internet.JSnook1234@aol.com (612)378-2610 $17.00 Shipping.
THE FRIENDS OF ACCESS PRESS The Friends of ACCESS PRESS are vital to the papers success. We need your continued support to keep publishing. Your gift entitles you to a one year complimentary subscription to ACCESS PRESS.
Sponsorship levels: Basic (low income) . $5.00 Friend ......... .$25.00 & up Bronze ......... $75.00 & up
Silver .............. .$150.00 & up Gold ................ .$350.00 & up Diamond .......... $500.00 & up
Benefactor ... $1,000.00 & up
ACCESS PRESS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Checks should be made out to ACCESS PRESS. Your contribution is tax deductible. Please mail your sponsorship to ACCESS PRESS, 1821 University Avenue West, Suite 185N, St. Paul, MN 55104. Your help is crucial if ACCESS PRESS is to continue being the voice for people with disabilities! Thank you.
SPONSORS OF ACCESS PRESS: Thanks to the following sponsors for supporting ACCESS PRESS this year. ------------------------------------- BASIC SPONSOR ------------------------------------------------------------------- BRONZE SPONSOR (Continued) ------------------------------Beverly Ammons Margaret Beier M. Cotcamp Margot Imdieke Cross Chris Duff Luther Granquist Jerry Dempsey Patricia Guerrero Beth Jensen Robert Gregory Doris Groven Roger A. Hoffman Debra Johnson Ericka Johnson Rosanne Kramnicz Dianna Krogstad LoRene Leikind Lolly Lijewski Steven McKeever Kathleen M. Miller Cindy Moore Matt Liveringhouse Paul & Corrine McNamara Christopher Meyer Jane & Albert Olson Carla Reichenberg Ramona Sherer Bill Niederloh Manley & Ann Olson Michael Otubushin Paul W. Taylor Kelli N-E Wysocki Louise Pattridge Catherine Reid & Liddy Rich Rick & Debbie Ryan John Smith Peter & Pamela Stanfiel Mary Jane Steinhagen ------------------------------------- FRIEND SPONSOR ------------------------------------Erica Stern Eric and Caroline Stevens J. Quinn Tierney Sue Aberhold Lynda Adams Cheryl A. Anderson Julie Wegscheid Linda Wolford Jerrold Wood David Baldwin Kathy Ball Marisa Bennett Joe & JoAnn Zwack Mike & Karen Bjorgan Susan Blaylock Maynard Bostrom AC Transportation Bridgeton Healthways Co. Dept. of Occupat’l Therapy-U of M Bob Brick Wendy Brower Carlyn Bryngelson Div. MN Rehab. Assoc Job Placement & Dvlpmt FastServ Susan Bulger Deah Cain Lynne Corneli Minnesota Work Incentives Connection Merrick Companies Stephanie Cunningham Marty Cushing Jolene Davis Pat Siebert, MN Dis. Law Ctr. National Results Council New Ways LeRoy deBoom Neil Doughty Mel Duncan Craig Dunn Lee Ann Erickson Tom & Mimi Fogarty ------------------------------------- SILVER SPONSOR ------------------------------------Dr. Robert A. Ganz Robert J. Geldert Candace/David Gislason Scott Beers Robert E. Buuck Catherine Eilers Tom Gode Rep. Kevin Goodno Robert Gregory M. Therese Gockenbach David Grosvenor Martha Hage Nadine & Andy Groven Ken Hennessey Anne Henry Judy Haaversen David and Susan Houghton Dean Doering & Lisa Scribner John Hoffman Bradley J. Holmes Ellen & Skip Houghton Arc Hennepin County Help Yourself Judy Hunt Beth Jensen Cindy & Gregory Johnson Job Placement and Development Division, MN Rehab Assn Deb Johnson Ericka Johnson Linnea Johnson Hoff Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Network Mpls. Advisory Committee Barb Kane Corbin Kidder Janet and Bill King St. Paul Mayors Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities Twin City Transportation Beth Knutson-Kolodzne Ann Kranz Sherry Lampman Vinland Center Sue Lasoff David Larson Linda Larson Linda Lattin Donna Liveringhouse Dorothy McCoy ------------------------------------- GOLD SPONSOR ------------------------------------Cliff Miller Kathy Moran William O’Dowd Shirley Larson Ronna Linroth Margaret Perryman Amy Olmscheid Dwight & Chris Porter Barbara Proehl Bridget & Diane Smith MATRIX Advocare Network Virginia Puzak Julee Quarvee Peterson Mary Rapson Stuart Rosen Ginger Rudberg Mary E. Rupert ------------------------------------- DIAMOND SPONSOR ------------------------------------Patricia Rydeen Art Sauter Elizabeth Smith Chris Berndt Rapit Print Adele Spavin Helen Thompson Gerry and Barb Tollakson Cathleen Urbain Caryl Wattman Mary Frank-Wawokiyawin ------------------------------------- BENEFACTOR SPONSOR ------------------------------------Teri Welcher David Wood Deluxe Corporation Handicabs Accord Health Care Services All Temporaries, Inc Alliance for the Mentally Ill of MN Arc of Anoka/Ramsey Cty Arc Suburban Arc Minnesota ------------------------------------- IN HONOR ------------------------------------Best Care Brain Injury Assn. of MN Anne Henry by Karen Adamson Cecelia Bilbrey-Baer by Patrick J. Bilbrey Consumer Council of The Alliance for the Mentally Ill Disabled Dealer “The good work the paper does!” by Diane Sprague Kyle by Joe & JoAnn Zwack East Suburban Resources Equity Services-St. Paul Franciscan Sisters of St. Paul Work Incentive law by LeAnne & Larry Dahl Forensic Alliance of Mentally Ill Fraser Community Services U of M Occupational Therapy Education Program by Erica Stern Goodwill/Easter Seals Rochester Equipment Loan Home Health Care Kaposia MBW Company Metro Mobility Service Center Staff ------------------------------------- IN MEMORY------------------------------------MN Bio Brain AssociationMN Developmental Achievement Center Assoc. (MnDACA) NAMI Troy Fahlenkamp and Valerie Birosh by David Dreier Michael Graf by E. Alexandra Gray New Dimensions Northeast Contemporary Services Resource Mabel Heuer by Dawn Doering Miss Irene MacKaloney by Roger Hoffman S.M.I.L.E.S. United Cerebral Palsy of MN Bill & Renee Smith by Becky J. Bugbee-Tong Bill Smith by Joe & Peg Figliuzzi Uncle Bill & Aunt Renee Smith by Mary & Henry Pattridge ------------------------------------- BRONZE SPONSOR ------------------------------------Bill & Renee Smith by Helen Thompson Bill Smith by Kathy & Paul West Steve Alarik Anonymous Susan Asplund David Baldwin Jeff Bangsberg Jill Bedow ------------------------------------- FOUNDATION SPONSOR ------------------------------------Janet Berndt Bill Blom Anita Boucher The Medtronic Foundation Tom Brick Rick Cardenas Michael and Janice Chevrette
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