November 2000 Issue by Access Press

Inside Courage Center Awards — p. 7

Volume 11, Number 11

Pelswick For Pres. — Page 6

SOURCES

November 10, 2000

“There never was a good war or a bad peace.” — Ben Franklin

RESOURCES

November 10, 2000

NEW HIRING GOALS

FOR STATE EMPLOYEES WITH DISABILITIES by John Tschida, Dir. of Public Policy & Research at Courage Center

he state of Minnesota has adopted new hiring goals for individuals with disabilities. The goal, expressed as a percentage of the state’s civil service workforce, was suspended last June by Julien Carter, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employee Relations. He said the data and methodology used to arrive at the 12.8 percent goal were not sound.

David Skilbrad, new Executive Director of the Minnesota State Council on Disability (See story on page 3).

Social Security Legislation Takes Effect by Ron Ausan

ocial Security disabled beneficiaries who are working or thinking about working should know that they can now work with less concern about losing their Medicare coverage. Starting October 1, they are now eligible for at least 93 months after the end of their trial work period, an additional 4½ years. This will mean many disabled beneficiaries may not have to decide between working and keeping the health care coverage they need to survive. The extended coverage should make it possible for them to make the transition to the workplace without risking the health care coverage they need.

When the extended Medicare

coverage runs out, beneficiaries will be able to purchase the coverage at a price substantially less than a private policy would cost, if one were available. The change is the first provision to become effective in the Ticket to Work and Work Incentive Improvement Act (TWWIIA) of 1999 signed by the President in December 1999. The act is one of the most substantial increases in work opportunities for disabled beneficiaries in recent years. It also expands coverage for Medicaid recipients, provides for increased vocational and rehabilitation assistance, established work incentives specialists in Social Security offices, and calls for community involvement in

helping disabled beneficiaries who wish to work. • Under the law, states may provide Medicaid coverage to people who are not too disabled to work even if their incomes are above 250 percent of the federal poverty level. People receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from Social Security should check with their state Medicaid offices for availability of the coverage in their areas. • Beginning January 1, disabled Social Security and SSI beneficiaries will receive a “ticket” they may use to obtain vocational rehabilitation and other employment support services SS - cont. on p. 4

“Our former disability hiring goal was not only out of compliance with state law, but was also based on data that did not provide state agencies with meaningful feedback on the success of their recruiting efforts,” Carter said. Minnesota requires the goal to be set using U.S. Census data “when available.” The previous 12.8 percent goal, which covered all state job classifications from managers to maintenance crews, resulted from a statewide telephone survey in the mid1990s. The new system, which uses a weighted formula based largely on U.S. Census data and the current number of individuals with disabilities in the state workforce, actually has eight different hiring goals ranging from 7.68 to 13.74 percent. The lowest total applies to paraprofessionals. The highest goal is for officials and administrators. In total, the state of MN now has 55,159 employees. Of those, 3,922, or 7.1 percent, identify as having a disability. A task force composed of state human resource officials and members of the disability community began meeting in August to develop new state hiring goals. Chaired by Carter, the group was frustrated by a lack of data on people with

disabilities. “I’m amazed at how much we don’t know about the working age population of people with disabilities,” said Margot Imdieke Cross, task force member and interim Director of the State Council on Disability. “These new hiring goals are relying largely on 1990 Census figures and I don’t believe these figures adequately represent our community. I am disappointed that the goals weren’t higher.” Carter agrees that good numbers on the size of the available workforce are hard to find. While the federal government uses several tools to count individuals with disabilities, none are specifically designed to measure employment status over time. Complicating matters, all use a different definition of disability. Many of these are far from the definition used by the Americans with Disabilities Act. National experts in the field of disability research agree this is problematic. “We don’t have good data, but in part this is because we’re asking the wrong questions,” said Andrew Imparato, president of the American Association of People with Disabilities. “We need to define disability based on an interaction with the environment and not on an inability to work.” Imparato spoke at the National Disability Statistics and Policy Forum held Oct. 16 in Washington D.C., where many presenters said better data is needed. The issue now for the Department of Employee Relations is finding more people with disabilities to meet the newly established goals. The state falls short of the target in each of

the eight job categories. People with disabilities in skilled craft positions, at 8.29 percent of the current workforce in those jobs, come closest to the goal of 8.9 percent. The greatest disparity is seen in the officials and administrators category, where 8.12 percent of current state employees hold these positions of authority. The goal says 13.74 percent of those jobs should be individuals with disabilities. “The bottom line is, the state of Minnesota’s commitment to hiring and retaining people with disabilities is not limited to the creation of a set of numbers on paper,” said Commissioner Carter. “We will continue to be diligent in action aimed at making state employment more accessible to people with disabilities.” Others in the disability community agree that the new hiring goal is just the beginning. “Now we need to look at recruiting strategies and creative ways to reach people with disabilities looking for work,” said Lolly Lijewski, of the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living. Carter has expressed a desire to reconvene the working group to develop new ideas for reaching potential employees with disabilities. All would agree with a statement recently released by Gov. Jesse Ventura, who said that by “taking advantage of creative options and eliminating employment barriers, Minnesota can make significant strides in allowing more people with disabilities to enter and move up in the labor market. We need to get more people working.” Q

November 10, 2000

Charlie Smith Editor

ast June the Commissioner of the Department of Employee Relations (DOER) eliminated the hiring goals at the State of Minnesota for people with disabilities (see page 1). If this had been any other minority group it would have been front-page news in the mainstream press and people would have been en-

raged. A group of advocates were very upset and contacted the commissioner asking for an explanation. A task force was formed to look into the issue. It appears the biggest problem is the lack of accurate numbers when it comes to people with disabilities in the state workforce.

Accurate statistics have been a problem in the disability community throughout history. The numbers have always been sketchy or difficult to read. Normally people rely on the U.S. census to tell them how many people are in a minority group, unfortunately people with disabilities have never been accurately counted in the census. The questions about disability have been very vague on the forms and many people do not want to identify as a person with the disability. We can only hope that when the 2000 census is interpreted the numbers will be more accurate. If not, I believe there should be a national research project. We need to know how many people with disabilities there are and a breakdown of how they are participating in our society.

David Skilbrad is the new Executive Director of the Minnesota State Council on Disabilities. (see page 3) The council can play an important role in the lives of people with disabilities in Minnesota. Over the past few years the Council has not been as active as it could have been. I would like to welcome Mr. Skilbrad to our community and hope he can get up to speed on many of the issues facing the disability community at the legislature. This isn’t an easy task; we will need to give him sometime to start building relationships with other state departments and the community.

A new cartoon debuted in October featuring a little boy in a wheelchair, Pelswick (see page 6). Although this may seem like a minor development for those of us who don’t watch cartoons, in reality this may have a huge impact on the children who do. It will start breaking down barriers of the attitudes young people have towards disability. If young children start to see the disability as just another way of living life, they may carry a new attitude towards disability into adulthood. Wouldn’t that be great? I’ve always felt that if we could change people’s attitudes towards disability, we would not be treated as second class citizens.

****

MN Closes Institution

100% Campaign

by Patricia Vick

by Joel Ulland

point was the 1974 U.S. District Court decision on the Welsch case named for a resident at Cambridge State Hospital. The decision called for changes in state hospitals, including sigThe transition began in the nificant reductions in the popuearly 1970’s, when advocates lation of people with DDs. for people with mental retardation and other DDs began lob- In the early 1980s, Minnesota bying for elimination of large embarked on a deliberate plan residential institutions in fa- to close state-run institutional vor of integrating individuals DD programs and return all into community life. A turning people with DDs to communitybased living situations. Because the plan had a major impact on clients with disabiliMINNESOTA STATE ties, their families, communities and state employees, the COUNCIL Department of Human Services ON DISABILITY entered into negotiations with major stakeholders to ensure that the transition to the community could be successfully accomplished for all involved parties.

his year, Minnesota completed its transfer of people with developmental disabilities (DDs) out of state institutions and into the community. The Department of Human Services will sponsor a public event marking this milestone at 3 pm Tuesday, Nov. 14, in the state capitol rotunda in St. Paul. After a program featuring Human Services Commissioner Michael O’Keefe and others, refresh-

ments will be served in the Capitol’s North Corridor. Minnesota is the most populous state to have completed such a transfer.

Legislative Roundtable and Training December 14, 2000

The Legislative Roundtable and Training will be anchored in Room 5, State Office Building. The program will be an interactive videoconference with, tentatively, seven locations in Greater Minnesota: Duluth, St. Cloud, Brainerd, Moorhead, Rochester, Mankato, and Marshall. For information or registration for this event call the Council on Disability office at (651) 296-6785 (V/TTY) or 1800-9458913 (V/TTY). 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

Although there is not an exact count of the number of people transferred out of institutions to the community, it is known there were 6,080 people with DD living in state institutions in 1965, the first year the state hospital population was broken down by types of disabilities. This year, the remaining 20 individuals residing at Fergus Falls Regional Treatment Center moved to homes in the community. Q

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.

Increasing the Medical Assistance Income Standard for seniors and people with disabilities on Medical Assistance who are not working

magine being single, trying to pay for food, rent, clothes, heat and a car payment with $482 a month. If you say it can’t be done, you are both right and wrong. You’re wrong because a number of people with disabilities and seniors on Medical Assistance are trying to make ends meet on $482 per month. However, you are also right because many of these people are not succeeding in making ends meet and are forced to make difficult choices with no light at the end of the tunnel. A broad based coalition is being developed to help address the Medical Assistance (MA) Income Standard. The income standard is the amount of money that seniors and persons with disabilities who need Medical Assistance are allowed to have if they are unable to work. This income standard is grossly inadequate to pay even basic expenses and

must be raised. Approximately 8,600 people with disabilities and seniors are restricted to the MA spenddown option. To qualify, a person with a disability or a senior must impoverish themselves to qualify for MA in order to pay for their health care. Specifically, a person can only keep $482 a month of income (plus $20 for people receiving Social Security) and have less than $3,000 in assets. A married couple can keep $602 a month and $6,000 in assets.

Mark Hughes, co-chair of the St. Paul Advisory Committee of Disability, has moved his cable TV show to a regular broadcast channel. The show can now be seen on Channel 45, Saturday mornings at 9 AM (see page 11). It is shown once a month. We will start carrying Mark’s schedule in the paper so you can all stay tuned. **** Congratulations to Congresswoman Betty McCullom and Senator Mark Dayton. They will be great representatives for Minnesota and friends of the disability community. The re-count is still under way for President… I am keeping my fingers crossed for Al Gore to pull it out.

person. But in Minnesota, elderly and disabled persons are forced to live on $481 on month - over 30 percent below the federal poverty guideline. The federal poverty guideline for a married couple is $937 a month.

Proposal The 100% campaign proposes to: • Raise the income standard to 100 percent of poverty ($695) for a single adult and • Raise the asset limits to equal the current state prescription drug program limits of $10,000 for a single adult and 18,000 for a married couple. This Until the early 1990’s, the Minprovides uniformity between nesota Legislature made anthese state programs. nual inflationary adjustments to the income that a person may keep. However, when the The governor and the Departstate faced a budget shortfall, ment of Human Services are in the annual income adjustments the process of developing their ceased. In 1998, the legisla- budgets for the 2001 session ture made up some ground by and need to hear from consumincreasing the income limit from ers about the need to include $420 to $467 per month. The this in the budget. If you are 1999 legislature approved a interested in joining the 100% modest $14 per month increase campaign, please e-mail Joel that went into effect July 1st, Ulland at julland@mssociety. com or call (612) 335-7933 or 2000. (800) 582-5296 (v/tdd). Q The federal poverty guideline for a single adult is $695 per Handi Medical Supply 2505 University Avenue West St. Paul, Minnesota 55114 At Hwy. 280 & University Avenue

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by Charlie Smith, Editor avid Skilbrad was appointed Executive Director of the Minnesota State Council on Disability at the October 5 Council meeting. The Council members are appointed by the Governor and represent the entire state. Margot Imdieke Cross has been the interim director since July, when Clell Hemphill retired after ten years. The Council can play an important role in state government and the disability community. I had the opportunity speak to Mr. Skilbrad just before going to press. Why don’t you give our readers info on your background? Well, I have a little over 15 years of experience at the Minnesota State Senate. The last three years have been with Senator Moe. A dozen or so years prior to that, working for another state senator and in a research office here at the office of the Minnesota State Senate. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here in the senate, working with members and working with staff. I have also gotten to know a lot of folks like you who are active here at the capitol. What do you think has prepared you for the position of the executive director? I think my experience at the capitol is an experience where, to be successful, you need to be able to facilitate a lot of different individuals with different needs, perspectives and goals. To help them to come together to support an issue or to be opposed to an issue and find the common ground that unites a number of individuals into groups. I think that’s one thing that I can do, and do well, that will be helpful

for Minnesotans and, in par- that’s a good idea? ticular, citizens with disabilities in this state. It’s not only a good idea but it is required by statute. The statDo you feel it is important that ute for the council says it is a person with a disability part, that the duties and powholds a leadership position in ers of the council are “to adthe Council? vise state agencies.” So, I think that’s part of what was initially I believe it is important but it is conceived when the council not necessary. I have a minor was created. I would hope other case of cerebral palsy. That agencies would see the benefit experience will inform my think- from the council being a reing and decisions in this posi- source to them, that they overtion. I think it’s important that lap to this area. disabled people or people of minority or women have ac- Do you think its going to be cess to equal opportunities in difficult to build those relathe workplace, the education tionships between the departfield, the ability to enter and ments and the Council? succeed in politics, etc. But I don’t think it’s necessary to I am optimistic about being have the personal experience successful because I have met in order to represent someone a lot of staff in these agencies who has a different experience and most of these commissionthan ours. ers. They would see this as an opportunity. Having that relaShould the Council have bet- tionship with them will make it ter ties and relationships with more likely that the Council will other state departments? find success in this endeavor. I do believe so. That is one other asset that I bring to this position that will help facilitate building those relationships with state departments. I’m going to make greater efforts to coordinate or allow for contributions to the Council and its goals by these other agencies. I want to see where the overlaps occur across other agencies so that the Council can have a more dynamic relationship between agencies that have programs or divisions of interests in disabled issues and disabled citizens. It would be nice if Department of Human Service or Department of Economic Services would review proposed legislation with the Council before laws move through the legislature, so the Council could provide feedback as a bill is introduced. Do you think

IN BRIEF . . . .

Council Names New Director D

November 10, 2000

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New Advocacy Group In Eden Prairie Parents for Eden Prairie Spe- cial education, enable accep- Saturday of each month at cial Education (PEPSE) is made up of a group of parents of children with special needs, varying in age and ability, who receive special education services in Eden Prairie Schools. PEPSE was formed because we saw a need for an autonomous parent group to give a collaborative voice for children with special needs. Our goals are to proactively participate in spe-

tance and participation for our children, provide education and training for parent advocacy, support parents with a network for problem solving and resource sharing while educating our community on the unique needs, rights and gifts of children with special needs.

Immanuel Lutheran Church from 9 to 11am Potential topics include win-win IEP strategies, advocacy, community and leisure issues, understanding the Eden Prairie educational system, disability law, etc. For more information please call Shelly Brown (952)941-5370 or Jim Avery (952)941-7165.

Meetings will be held the first

New Braille Music Translator Goodfeel 2.0, a new computer lyrics and even handles non- through any Lime and program developed by the Dancing Dots Company, serves as a useful tool for musicians who work with braille musical scores. Goodfeel has been touted “fast and flexible,” allowing a person to braille parts of or an entire musical score in seconds. Also, this 32-bit windows application transcribes

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Social Security Benefits To Increase

Do you have a vision for the On October 18, Commissioner Workers (CPI-W) from the third sioner Apfel. “For the elderly, Kenneth S. Apfel announced quarter of one year to the third it guarantees that their founfuture of the council? that Social Security and Supple- quarter of the next, as deter- dation of retirement income will The details of my vision for the mental Security Income (SSI) mined by the Department of remain strong for as long as they live.” Social Security benfuture will come from the mem- benefits will increase 3.5 per- Labor. eficiaries will see this year’s 3.5 cent in 2001. This cost-of-livbers of the council and mem“The annual COLA is one of percent increase in January ing adjustment (COLA) is bers of disability organizations the most critically important 2001. SSI recipients will see the based on the rise in the Conwho have been working so hard features of the Social Security increase in payments received sumer Price Index for Urban for so long on these issues. I’m program,” stated Commison December 29, 2000. Wage Earners and Clerical going to look to people who have experience in the details and the issues for the past. My vision is that the council could Hennepin County National meeting at 7:30pm at Mount be talking about and answerbe a more active and support- Alliance for Mentally Ill Olivet Church, 50th and Knox in ing questions about mental illive player to the other organi- (NAMI) will meet on Fri. Nov. south Mpls. The speaker this ness in adolescents and teenzations that exist. We could 17. A support group meeting month is Dr. Elizabeth Reeve, agers. It is free and open to the support them in their legisla- begins at 6:30pm and main of Regions hospital, who will public. tive and other efforts. Likewise, I hope they could support the Council in areas that it might be most appropriate for he Metropolitan Council will hold two public forums in mid-December to gather information the Council to take a lead in. I from riders and other consumers on how well the Metro Mobility program is meeting their want to strengthen relation- transportation needs. ships with all of the active disability groups, state agencies, One of the forums will be out in the community, with the hope the location will make it easy for or state legislatures. Q people to come and participate.

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The first forum will be December 11 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at Opportunity Partners, 5500 Opportunity Court in Minnetonka. The second forum will be December 12 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Mears Park Centre, 230 E. 5th Street in downtown St. Paul. All interested persons are encouraged to attend the forums and offer comments. People may register in advance to speak by calling Dawn Hoffner at the Metropolitan Council at 651-6021447 or 651-221-9886 TTY. Riders may also wait and sign up to speak at the forums. Sign language interpreter services will be provided at the forums. Upon request, reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities will be provided if requested by December 1. The forums are designed so people can comment on how Metro Mobility is working for them and offer ideas for improvement. Metro Mobility staff members will be on hand to answer general questions and respond to comments.

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November 10, 2000

On Mental Illness

Religion and Disability

It Takes A Village

Shaking It Off & Stepping Up!

by Pete Fiegal

ob and Becky Barnes are two of the most beloved members at Hennepin County National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. They always have a kind work or remarkable insight to add to anything that happens there, and their presence always adds immeasurably to any event. Their insights have come at a hard price, though, as they’ve watched and experienced the suffering of their young son, Jon, with mental illness. But they’ve not let their hearts be hardened by their pain, on the contrary, they’ve become active professional and personally in helping and teaching others struggling with this most terrible of illnesses and their families. But this Fall, they’ve experienced the most devastating loss a mother and father can face, when Jon lost his life to his illness. I asked Becky, herself a senior social worker with Hennepin County Mental Health, if she would allow me to publish part of her insights to perhaps awaken or reawaken a sense of action within us.

“Our community is grieving the loss of one of its children and in their shock many people have asked “How could this have happened?” The paradox is that none of us are to blame and yet all of us are to blame. I wonder if America’s educational system is truly open to all of our children: when it is easier to practice “no tolerance” for mistakes, instead of practicing the mercy and compassion kids need from adult role models. When problems at school are blamed on “uninvolved” and “uncaring” parents but parents who come to school to discuss issues that arise are defined as “harassing” the teacher and escorted to the principle’s office. I wonder if the American dream is big enough for our kids: when we look down upon those who aren’t the right color, don’t have enough athletic ability, come from less than ‘whole’ families, aren’t in with the “in crowd,” don’t care about the things adults think they “should” to be responsible adults, or have unacknowl-

ACT adv

edged disabilities. I wonder if our faith communities love those with mental illness enough; when we’re more concerned with building programs and church brunches than we are about ministering to the hurting souls among us. When we get caught up in judgments of who and who will not inherit God’s kingdom instead of spreading the good news that God’s grace is sufficient for us all. I wonder if our justice system is fair to those with mental illness; when our solution to reduction of the number of beds in our state hospitals is to spend the most money in our country’s history on jails to punish those with mental illness or chemical dependency who may find themselves in contact with the law. I wonder if the best economic times in years are shared with our troubled youth; when the cost of an apartment is more than the total of a person’s Social Security check. When we spend more on research for tooth decay than we do on brain diseases that affect at least 1 in 4 families among us. When the media eagerly publicizes events for cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, but not mental illness, although more hospital beds are used for mental health than all the rest combined. I wonder how much our health care system is responsible for premature deaths; when it takes nearly 3 months to get in to see a therapist for people newly released from treatment centers. When we practice “brief therapy” even in our state hospitals although we know clinically that the best deterrent to suicide is to be in a long term relationship with an empathic therapist, coupled with medication. When families have to

METROPOLITAN CENTER for INDEPENDENT LIVING

Jonathan Lee Barnes lost his life to mental illness at the age of 20 years and 4 months. Jon’s dad lost the bass in his quartet and soccer pal. Jon’s sister lost her confidant for what it is like to live in the world with a mental illness and the baby brother who could always beat them at basketball, cribbage, and now carry a cross and Jon’s name tattooed on their right arm. Jon’s cocker spaniel lost her playmate and sits at the top of the stairs waiting for him to come home. I lost my son with sky blue eyes and dimpled grin who was always ready with a neck massage and a hug when I came home tired from work and for whom I loved to make wild rice soup and gingerbread cookies. The time to prevent suicide is not when people appear in crisis in our emergency rooms. It’s in the day to day actions of the systems we’ve created. I feared Jon’s life might be ending and began telling him I loved him each and every time I left him. I have no doubt that Jon knew the depth of his family’s love for him. So most importantly, parents, hug your kids and never miss an opportunity to tell them how very precious they are to all of us. Without some changes made in our society, it could be the last time that you can.

by Sr. Jo Lambert

hile researching for an article on Spirituality for Access Press, I came across one in the fall issue of Lift Magazine, “Extending Hand of Mercy” published by, EleosThe Cara Network, Inc. It spoke of the need to have belief in our inner resources. These resources, I believe, are gifts that God has placed in all of us. When we look to these resources we find solutions that give us the strength to succeed no matter what the obstacles.

a shovel load of dirt landed on his back… HE SHOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP! This he did, blow after blow. “Shake it off and step up…shake it off and step up…shake it off and step up!” He repeated to himself to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or how distressing the situation seemed the old mule fought “panic” and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP!

Shake It Off and Step Up! by Ernestine Peak

It wasn’t long before the old mule, battered and exThis parable is told of a farmer hausted, STEPPED TRIUMwho owned an old mule. The PHANTLY OVER THE mule fell into the farmer’s well. WALL OF THAT WELL! The farmer heard the mule “braying” or whatever mules What seemed like it would bury do when they fall into wells. him, actually helped him…all After carefully assessing the because of the manner in which situation, the farmer sympa- he handled his adversity. thized with the mule, but decided that neither mule nor the THAT’S LIFE! If we face our well was worth the trouble of problems and respond to them saving. positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or Instead, he called his neigh- self-pity… THE ADVERSIbors together and told them TIES THAT COME ALONG what had happened and en- TO BURY US USUALLY listed them to help haul dirt to HAVE WITHIN THEM THE bury the old mule in the well VERY REAL POTENTIAL and put him out of his misery. TO BENEFIT US! Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and “Never be afraid to try, somehis neighbors continued shov- thing new. Remember, amaeling and the dirt hit his back a teurs built the Ark. And prothought struck him. It suddenly fessionals built the Titanic.” dawned on him that every time Q

SS - Cont. from p. 1 from an approved provider of their choice. The program will be phased-in nationally over a three-year period.

It takes a village to raise a child. God forgive us all.” Becky Other provisions of the law make it easier for beneficiaries to Larson Barnes, MSW, LICSW get back on the rolls if their work-attempt fails and, as a result, postpones disability reviews while a person is using the ticket. Q

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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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by Lolly Lijewski Part II: The Changing Scene ways someone it can count on. With a guide dog, when I say “I’ve always believed in liv- forward, I’m at that point actuing life in the possibility.” ally asking the dog, go forward Mary Sue Dobbin if you can…” She continues, “A blind handler doesn’t alHow Do They Do That? ways have the right informaIt’s a common refrain uttered tion, so at times they’re going by amazed passers-by as they to accidentally think they know observe a blind person and what’s right and the dog is their dog guide smoothly navi- going to have to be very assergating through a crowd or tive to say you are wrong!” across a busy street. These This process is repeated over dynamic duos have been a part and over through the second of the American landscape for half of training. Eventually the over seventy-one years. dog learns that sometimes it has to disobey, and make Training a dog to guide takes choices. “The balance to this approximately four months. “A is the handler still has to be the guide dog is an actual travel alpha in the relationship.” This aid,” explains Michele Pouliot, process has been tweaked and Director of Training for Guide refined over the past 71 years. Dogs For The Blind in San Raffael, California. “The dog is The Changing Picture responsible that the person The population served by traveling is on a safe travel line guide dog schools is beginaway from obstacles on the ning to change. Medical adleft, obstacles on the right, vances in prevention and treatoverhead obstacles, and ob- ment of eye diseases has stacles in front. The dog has a brought a decrease in the numresponsibility during its work, ber of younger applicants for every moment of travel,” she dog guides. While Macular says. Degeneration, an eye disease which effects the central viDogs are being trained to do so sion of an individual, seems to many different types of work be on the increase in older these days. When asked how Americans, the current pool of guide work is different from “retrains,” people who are curwhat service dogs do, Pouliot rently dog guide handlers, is says that guide dogs have to aging. By 2030, 20 percent of make choices. Dogs learn the American population will through experience. She ex- be over 65. Currently, 52 perplains the complexities of the cent of Americans over 65 have work this way. “The dog has to a disability. Because of the look ahead, size up a situation, sheer growth in the senior and take the initiative to guide population, this number is exthe handler through or around pected to double by 2025. the situation without any direction from its handler.” An- What this means for guide dog other difference between guide schools is that many of their work and service work is that graduates may develop addithe “Service dog is being tional disabilities. The schools trained to always respond an have already begun to make exact way to a given com- changes in their training roumand,” explains Pouliot. This tines. Pouliot says most of the is sometimes referred to as clas- changes made by Guide Dogs sical conditioning. For The Blind has their training program have come as a result Guide dogs receive this same of the needs of their graduates. kind of training for the first half of their training experience, The Future Is Now “But half way through train- Mary Sue Dobbin, 55, and ing, for a guide dog things Maureen Pranghoffer, 46, are change,” Pouliot continues. both graduates of Guide Dogs “That’s when the concept of For The Blind. Both women are intelligent disobedience is in- totally blind and have develtroduced. The dog starts learn- oped secondary disabilities. ing that the handler is not al- Dobbin has been a dog guide

handler for 21 years and Pranghoffer for 16 years. Dobbin has Fibro Myalgia and two types of arthritis, one of which affects her spine. She is working with her third dog. She was always very active. She was the first blind Montessori teacher in the country and opened her own school. She would walk to and from school, which was a total of three miles a day. The chronic pain she deals with now allows her to walk only about six blocks at a time. She says, “It’s not really productive walking because I’m so tired when I’m done.” She continues, “I’ve had to scale back my life. I’ve changed churches because of the steps, and I haven’t been able to do my own banking for two years.” This has sent her into a deep depression. Her lack of mobility has been emotionally immobilizing as well. She says, “It has created a real drain on my energy.” While she has medication to help her cope with the pain, she says, “You get to the point where you don’t even want to go out because of all of the issues. How far can I walk if we have to park far away? Can I handle the steps at this place?” Pranghoffer has been a functional quadriplegic since she was injured in an automobile accident in 1996. She ran a program to teach people how to be Ham radio operators. She is active in her church and has her own home transcription business. “I really miss guiding,” she says. Pranghoffer was a six-time dog guide handler before her accident. Now she has to be accompanied anywhere she goes by a personal care attendant. She was trained in using a white cane with her power wheel chair through a local rehab center. “Still, it’s not the same as having a dog,” she explains. Q

Hello Nicole:

Disability Culture

Fur And Steel: A Place Of Hope

November 10, 2000

Hello Nicole, I really can’t understand why a guy would want to be with someone like me if they can be with someone able bodied. I like this one guy (a friend of mine) and even though I would like it to go further with him, I would feel uncomfortable with it. I care about him enough to want him to be with someone better than this. I’m sick a lot, can’t do a lot of things for myself, am in a wheelchair, can’t go out a lot and quite frankly I don’t have the body of Britney Spears! These are my problems and I don’t think it would be fair for him to have to deal with them. I recently broke off my friendship with this guy because some other friends told me he was starting to like me. It’s easier that way, then he is free to decide and go with another able bodied girl. I want to do what is better for my friend. What do you think? Sincerely, Disabled Woman Dear Woman, It’s hard for any of us to have faith in our ability to be a worthy lover because we are so confused about what true love is and what it takes to be happy and fulfilled in a relationship. Everything we see on television, in advertisements, at the movies — leads us toward an empty, materialistic and very false idea of love. If we don’t live up to the beauty and personality standards set in magazines we think we are defective and unworthy of love. This unrealistic expectation causes so much pain that almost no one in our society feels good about themselves.

that getting hurt in a relationship is inevitable because we are so sure of our inadequacy. It is a form of self protection therefore to stay out of relationships — or to enter into relationships with people we don’t really care about so that when they do reject or criticize us, it hurts a little less. But having a truly loving intimate relationship is something we all crave, need and deserve. It is part of being a human being. In our confused society, where most marriages end in divorce, true love is a scarcity. Most of us need to learn what is important in a relationship, to see beyond the superficial, physical attributes of a person to find love. Eventually we learn that love is a feeling of deep trust, unconditional support and honesty, a feeling that each partner is OK and can mutually reveal their inner selves without rejection. We learn that love is a matter of the heart and has nothing to do with physical ability or “beauty”.

makes things more complex, it does not effect your ability to love and be loved. In my experience, having the body of Britney Spears is not the asset it seems. Often people with “great” bodies have a lot of relationships only to find themselves inconsolably alone and insecure. The reason is that these relationships and the person’s self esteem have been based on physical attributes that have nothing to do with love, trust, intimacy or self worth. Their whole path toward happiness is wrong. On the other hand, having a disability forces us to look past superficiality for the meaning and purpose of love, and points us toward the truth of our self worth. It challenges us and our partner to be more honest and less selfish. The feelings of insecurity you have are no different from what all us feel, only the details are different. When you are ready to try a relationship it might help to start building trust by talking about what makes you uncomfortable. Tell him your fears. Explain your special circumstances. Expand your friendship. By opening to each other this way you both can start to learn and appreciate what is truly important in life and love.

In breaking off your relationship with this man you have not set him free or done him any favors. Giving him freedom would mean letting him make a choice about who he wants to be with — all you have done so far is taken away one of his choices — you. It makes sense that you feel un- — Nicole comfortable in a relationship, Question? Complaint? you are different and by comComment? paring your differences with Write to Nicole: our social “ideals” you have % Access Press, 1821 come to believe that you are University Ave. W,#185 N; fundamentally inadequate, a St. Paul, MN 55104; less-than human being. Yet, while your disability certainly HelloNicoleAccess@yahoo.com

When we feel bad it takes a tremendous amount of courage to enter an intimate relationship. We are so afraid of getting hurt and proving ourselves right in believing we are unlovable. Further, we think

Part. III will appear in the Dec. issue of Access Press

Independence Crossroads Open Support Groups: · Muscular Dystrophy · Post-Polio · Cerebral Palsy · Vision Loss

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New Support Groups to Start Soon: Home Care Services Available 24 hours per day Specializing in the care of Children • Adults • Elderly We provide Personal Care Assistants • Home Health Aides • Homemakers • Live-in Caregivers • Nursing Our Rehabilitative Services include: Physical/ Occupational/Speech/Respiratory Therapies PCA Provider Organization MA/Waiver/Medicare Certified

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Please call Rob Olson, (612) 713-0849 for more information and to sign up. These groups are free of charge and are open to anyone in the public.

November 10, 2000

Hennepin County CareS Pelswick For President About Better Health Care Callahan Creates Hero In Wheelchair by Nathan Halvorson

by Mark Brooks

he Hennepin County CareS (HCCS) planning team continues to work with Medical Assistance (MA) consumers and their representatives to help create a better health care delivery management system. The team, which has been supporting various County departments in the examination, evaluation, and implementation of health care delivery initiatives and systems for persons with disabilities, is learning a great deal about the health care needs of these people.

who are having difficulty accessing services, have questions about health care bills, or need advice on the managed health care complaint process. Specific duties performed by a Managed Health Care Advocate include, but are not limited to: monitoring the health plans to ensure they are providing the MA covered services required by contract; providing general information and resources to clients concerning the various health plans and MA; and acting as a liaison between the client and the Department of Human Services Managed Health Care (DHS), medical providers, Advocacy in Hennepin County health plans and other County departments that have contact One of those needs is educa- with MA clients. tion about available resources to answer questions about According to Judy Seguin, an health plans, the Prepaid Medi- EA Supervisor, the Managed cal Assistance Program Health Care Advocates not (PMAP), and MA. In Henne- only assist people who are pin County, such a resource covered by one of the PMAP exists in the Economic Assis- health plans, but can also protance (EA) Department. EA’s vide information regarding serManaged Health Care Advo- vices covered by Medical Ascates function as a “watch- sistance to MA fee-for-service dog” for MA/PMAP clients clients as well. The Managed

Health Care Unit works with ONLINE INTERPRETERS INC. when providing service to non-English speaking persons. Individuals who are having service delivery problems such as too long a wait to see a doctor, billing problems, or need advice on the managed care complaint process, should call the Advocacy Hotline at (612) 879-3663. For general information about health plan choices and enrollment or services covered under MA feefor-service, contact the Managed Health Care Information Line at (612) 596-7258.

“Vote for Pelswick! Boo-ya!!” booms Gram Gram as she cyclones around the junior high school lunchroom on her motor scooter, tossing pieces of gum at the students. This mayhem is her way of supporting her grandson’s run for class president. Though, he really doesn’t want to win, because (here, at least) that would mean having to wear a prune outfit to all the classes to promote National Prune Week!

Wacky ideas like these abound in the world of Pelswick, the newest, off-the-wall, and groundbreaking cartoon which premiered October 24 on Nickelodeon. While Pel’s speedy grandma and her, well, innovative campaign strategies explain new and off-the-wall, the When asked for any final animated series breaks ground thoughts about its Managed as the first cartoon centered on Care Advocate services, EA’s a character with a disability. Seguin simply stated she wants to “encourage people to use The hero of the show, Pelswick the service”. If you have ques- Eggert, uses a wheelchair. This tions about PMAP or MA fee gutsy, common-sense 13 yearfor service, you should feel old smiles through the toughfree to use this County re- est dilemmas with a gifted sense source. Q of wit. For example, in the first episode, he escapes the agony of becoming class president by gaining 99 percent of the student vote, then persuading

them to elect Boyd Scullarzo, the bully who nominated Pel in the first place! John Callahan, the creator of the cartoon, in a talk with Access Press explains the importance of Pelswick’s witty approach to life. When asked about the character, he replies, “I want viewers to remember that Pelswick has a knack for seeing things the way they really are. People should remember that he uses his wit to deal with his environment. He’s very witty and very resourceful. I think that the spirit that he has is memorable.” A passenger in a car accident at the age of 21, the artist also faces quadraplegia. He continues, saying that a sense of humor has helped him in his own life. “I found cartooning very therapeutic to sort out my world—to use humor to deal with the difficulties of my life. It puts things in perspective. More of a realistic perspective, a lighter perspective.”

Pelswick’s world includes a buddy named Goon who flosses his nose with spaghetti and Mr. Jimmy (voice of Scream’s David Arquette) who serves as Pel’s mentor and uses stories about pimples to relay truths to the toon’s hero. Many of these characters, like Pel’s best friend, Ace, have evolved into zany adaptations of people Callahan knew in his own youth. The idea that Pelswick is about someone who uses a wheelchair takes second stage to the idea that this is a cartoon about a smart, funny, cool kid. Even from the opening credits—he zooms across the wires of a suspension bridge, his friends perched on the wheels of his chair—it is clear that he is re-

It’s this light perspective that lifts any Pelswick viewer. Aside from characters like Gram Gram and Boyd, the bully who looks a bit like a bowling pin, Pelswick - cont. on p. 9

Speech Disabled and Need Help Using the Telephone? Now there’s FREE 24-hour assistance for speech disabled people from The Minnesota Relay.

If you want to give Speech-to-Speech a try, simply have ready the number of the person you wish to call, then dial 1-877-627-3848. Your call will be answered by a Communication Assistant who understands your unique speaking difference and will revoice what you say to the person you are calling. To schedule an in-home or over-the-phone demonstration and training call:

MRS Consumer Relations 651-602-9005 (metro) 1-800-657-3775 (outstate) You can also visit our Speech-to-Speech website at www.dpsv.state.mn.us/docs/telecomm/speech2s.htm

November 10, 2000

Courage Center Adv

November 10, 2000

Letter to the Editor

Self Help For People Who Are Hard Of Hearing by Torie Carlson

ho says having a hearing loss doesn’t make you a disabled person? Of course it does. It falls into the same category as being a crippled. With a hearing loss you must also get that hardware (hearing aids) so that you can communicate with your family, and friends colleagues. Yes, those hearing aids are to the hard of hearing just as those crutches are to the crippled. We can’t live without them. The Self Help for Hard of Hearing People is a support advocate group that meets on the third Saturday of each month from Sept to May at Courage Center in Golden Valley. The main purpose of the group is to help the hard of hearing to cope with their hearing loss.

The other purpose of the group is to make the public more aware of the needs of the hard of hearing. Some of the issues that the group has been involved in are: captioning of the severe weather warning on the various TV channels, insurance coverage for hearing aids, cochlear implants, and hospitals doing an early screening on the new born babies. New issues are popping up every day that need to be acted upon. The issue of health insurance providers has been a battle in every state. It seems that the doctors never declared a hearing loss as a medical problem and also the hard of hearing have never asked for coverage of their hearing aids from their company insurance

Residence For People With Disabilities Closes W

hat was once one of the largest residential sites in Hennepin County for adults with developmental disabilities closed its doors at the end of June. Clara Doerr Residence and Lindley Hall, run by Opportunity Partners, was home to hundreds of adults with disabilities for nearly 30 years. Its closure marked the end of an era in residential services.

programs. The good news now is that Rhode Island has just passed a bill that requires all health providers to cover for hearing aids. If Rhode Island can do it, why can’t MN? For those of you that have just read this; please write or call your MN house of representatives right away and ask them to support the HR bill: #HR 846 The closure of the Minneapolis dormitory-style residence held over from last year. marked the final step in an 18It has been so unfair. Yes, I month process to move 100 mean unfair to the hard of hear- people out of Clara Doerring for all these years. The Lindley Hall and into four-percrippled get everything paid son residences and apartfor, but the hard of hearing has ments. More than 500 people never gotten anything from the lived in the residences over its health insurance providers, 28-year history. many have never even paid for the hearing exam. It is issues Opportunity Partners has like that, where the members of opened 14 homes throughout the Self Help for Hard of Hear- the Twin Cities in the last year ing People play a very impor- to replace the larger facility. tant role in the battle of issues Through the entire process, that constantly confront the resident choice has been the hard of hearing. So if you are driving factor. Choices about hard of hearing, please come roommates, and proximity to and join us the third Saturday family, jobs and transportation of each month from 9:30a.m. to have all been considered. noon. Q

The Saint Paul Mayor’s Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities

Steve Hunt moved out of Lindley Hall to one of Opportunity Partners’ new residences last fall. Since the move, Steve has learned to cook and send emails, and he is enjoying his new garden. “Life is better because I live here,” Hunt said. Milford Greenwood worked in the Clara Doerr-Lindley Hall cafeteria since the building opened. “I miss the people,” he said. “It’s hard to leave a place when you work there so long. It’s time to move on.” As Clara Doerr-Lindley Hall employees left the building for the last time, a flood of emotions swept over them. “When you look at Clara Doerr-Lindley Hall, you think of all the good things it did for so many people for so many years,” said David Volz, Program Coordinator, who worked at Clara DoerrLindley Hall for 21 years. “That is what is so hard to leave behind.”

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Rehabilitative Services Your business or organization could be on this list. Call us next year when you see our ad in Access Press announcing the Committee’s 2001 recognition event. The Saint Paul Mayor’s Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities is a volunteer citizen’s committee that advises the mayor and city departments on issues which affect people with disabilities. In 1999, the National Organization on Disabilities awarded the committee First Place in its category for mentoring and educating employers who hire people with disabilities.

The closing process began in 1998, when Opportunity Partners signed an agreement with Hennepin County and the Minnesota Department of Human Services to close Clara DoerrLindley Hall by Jan. 1, 2001. The agreement was in accordance with a Department of Human Services mandate that people with developmental disabilities receive residential services in small, communitybased settings. The Clara Doerr-Lindley Hall property, which was being leased from the WCA Foundation, has been sold to Minnesota Teen Challenge. Opportunity Partners vacated it at the end of June.

Clara Doerr Residence opened in 1972 when Opportunity Partners (then called Opportunity Volz said he’s excited for the Workshop) began leasing opportunities ahead for the space from the WCA Foundaresidents. “They can take the tion (the former Women’s Christian Association of Minneapolis). Eight years later, based on the success of the Clara Doerr program, the adjoining Lindley Hall opened. Over the years, the residences provided housing and daily living skills training to hundreds of adults with developmental disabilities.

on October 26, 2000, recognized the following businesses and organizations for hiring persons with a disability and for encouraging their success in the workplace: Access to Employment • Access Press • Accurate Component Sales, Inc. • ADA Minnesota • ARC Minnesota • Bon Appetit • Colonial Craft • Community Connections Partnership • Gabe’s by the Park • Hamline University/ARAMARK • Highland Catholic School • Hubbard Broadcasting • K-MART • Lutheran Social Services • Macalester College • Merrick, Inc. • Metropolitan Center for Independent Living • Midway Training Services • Northeast Contemporary Services • Paulsen and Company • Papa John’s Pizza • Nekton/Hinton Home • Saint Mary’s Home • Saint Paul Board of Education • Saint Paul Public Schools • Science Museum of Minnesota • Social Security Administration • Sun Country Airlines • Thomas Allen, Inc. • Twin Cities Autism Society

knowledge they learned at Clara Doerr-Lindley Hall and channel it into their personal dreams.”

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Clara Doerr-Lindley Hall offered a range of activities and programs to prepare residents for eventual moves to Opportunity Partners’ group homes or its Semi-Independent Living (SILS) program. Clara Doerr Residence featured instructional programs to develop daily living skills, such as how to plan meals, use public transportation and stay safe in the community. Lindley Hall offered a natural progression between a more structured environment and a transition to apartment living: how to manage and budget money, schedule medical appointments, and basic apartment maintenance. “I think the best thing we did was teach people to use resources in the community and integrate people to community life,” Volz said. Paul Jaeger, Opportunity Partners’ Vice President for Residential Services, said staff had mixed feelings about the closure. “I think the feeling right now is somewhere between sadness and euphoria. Overall, we’re pleased the process has come to a successful conclusion.” Q

November 10, 2000 P Accessible Performances PELSWICK- Cont. from p. 6

American Sign Language “The Big Hoover”; AD: Fri, (ASL) or Audio Descrip. (AD) Dec. 1, 8pm; ASL: Sat, Dec. 2, 8pm; Outward Spiral Theatre, “Romeo & Juliet”; * ASL Sun, Mpls., 612-343-3390 Nov. 12, 2pm; Moorhead Community Theatre; 501-235-6778 “Fires in the Mirror”; ASL; Sat, Dec. 2, 8pm; U of M The“City Rhapsody; * AD; Sun, atre, Mpls, 612-624-2345 Nov. 19, 2pm; In the Heart of the Beast, Mpls, 612-721-2535 “Christmas in Swede Hollow”; AD; Sat, 12/2, 8:00; ASL “Beauty and the Beast”; AD/ Fri, 12/5, 10am; Sat., 12/9, 8pm; ASL; Sun., Nov. 12, 1pm; Great Am History Theatre, St. Orpheum Theatre, 612-373- Paul, 651-292-4323 5650 or 989-5151 “A Christmas Carol”; ASL/ “Thrown by Angels”; * AD; AD Sat., 12/9, 1pm; Tues., 12/ Sun, Nov. 12, 7pm Red Eye, 12, 7:30; Guthrie Theater; 612Mpls., 612-870-0309; $10/$8; 377-2224, TTY 612-377-6626 “Stop Kiss”; * AD; Mon., Nov. 13, 8pm; Eye of the Storm Theatre Mpls; 612-728-5859, $8 “Turandot”; * AD; Fri, Nov, 17, 7:30pm; MN Opera, Ordway, St. Paul, 612-333-6669 “The Advent. of Hercu-lina”; * AD; Fri, Nov, 17, 8pm; Southern Theater, Mpls., 612-3401725

“A Little House Christmas”; ASL/ADSun., Dec. 10, 2pm, & Thurs., Dec. 14, 12:30; Stages Theatre, Hopkins, 952-979-1111 “The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe”; AD/ASL; Wed., Dec. 13, 10pm; Fri., Dec. 15, 7:30pm; Children’s Theatre Co., 612-874-0400 “Laughter on the 23 rd Floor”; AD, Thurs., Dec 14, 7:30pm; ASL, Thurs., Dec 21, 7:30pm; Jungle Theater, Mpls, 612-822-7063

spected, even admired by his peers. He is able to do things that not everybody else can do, but he is not portrayed as a superhero. Instead, he’s realistic. When he moves out of bed and directly into his wheelchair, for example, the scene occurs with a matter-of-fact dignity. Just like any kid, Pelswick has his own set of strengths and challenges, and his own routine before school in the morning!

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Fry also added that the show really amused her 13 year-old daughter and her friends. “The humor is classic Callahan. The girls ‘EWW!!’ed at all the right moments. They thought it was really funny.”

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In addition, over 75 newspapers carry comics by the nationally syndicated cartoonist. He has seven collections of cartoons and has written several books such as The King of Things and the Cranberry Clown for children and his autobiography, Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far On Foot! which made it to the New York Times Best Seller list. Callahan resides in Portland, Oregon and, in 1991, he received the Freedom of Expression Award: the ACLU Foundation of Oregon’s highest honor. Q

“Pelswick,” she explains, “is about someone making his way with a strong identity as a kid. He is a kid first, a wheelchairrider second.”

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Nickelodeon, Tuesdays at 8pm. Callahan also discussed developing the cartoon into a feature film.

“Hopefully people will see…he just wants to be treated normally. It’s important that people see him as a regular kid.” Callahan goes further to say, “Pelswick is a show for everyone. Hopefully people will see The Pelswick series will air on that it’s just a plain funny and entertaining show.”

“Absurd Person Singular”; AD; Sun, Dec. 17, 2pm; Theatre in the Round Players, Mpls, University Dance Theatre; 612-333-3010 ASL; Sat, Dec. 9, 8pm; U of M, Rarig Ctr, Mpls, 612-624-2345 * Selected performances are eligible for Reduced Admis“Annie”; AD/ASL; Sun, Dec. sion Prices through Access to 10, 2pm; Howard Conn Fine Theatre. For more informaArts Ctr, Mpls., 612-623-9080 tion call VSA arts of MN at Response to the first episode 612-332-3888 or statewide has been encouraging. A local “A Crummond Christmas”; 800-801-3883 (voice/TTY) member of the disability comASL; Sun., Dec. 10, 2pm; Commonweal Theatre, Lanesboro, 507-467-2525, 800-657-7025

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munity, Melanie Fry mentions that she was “delighted to see an image of an active, wisecracking, and appropriate teenager who happened to use a wheelchair.”

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Senior Mental Health Bill Introduced O

n October 25, 2000, Sena tor Paul Wellstone introduced the Medicare Health Modernization Act, the first bill of its kind, to improve the delivery of mental health services through the Medicare health care system. Despite major scientific breakthroughs in the understanding of mental illness, mental health services in the Medicare system have remained virtually unchanged since it was enacted by Congress in 1965. The Wellstone legislation would increase access to mental health services for all Medicare recipients.

in community studies showing symptoms of depression. All too often, depression among the elderly is untreated or inappropriately treated, and this disease and other illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, late-life schizophrenia, can lead to severe impairment or death. A broad coalition of advocacy groups, including American Counseling Association, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, the National Mental Health Association, the American Psychological Association, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, and the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, support Wellstone’s legislation. In addition, the U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher recently recognized the urgency of improvements in treatment of mental illness under Medicare. Q

“As we work to improve mental health care access for all Americans, we must focus especially on the needs of the ever-growing population of older Americans. We urgently need to bring… mental health care to those in need,” Wellstone said. “In order to receive mental health care, seniors must pay, out of their own pockets, one-half the cost Administrative of a visit to their mental health PARALEGAL specialist. That is an extremely LITIGATION unfair burden to place on the elderly.” Major Mpls Law firm is seeking an experienced litigation The Wellstone Medicare paralegal to work with a Mental Health Bill well-defined team of lawyers • Reduces the co-payment serving the needs of a national for mental health services agri-business litigation pracfrom 50 percent to 20 per- tice. Responsibilities would cent, on par with all other include assisting with investihealth care services un- gation, discovery, witness interview, document control and der Medicare. exhibit preparation. We are • Adds coverage for inten- seeking someone with the abilsive residential and home ity and desire to handle a high health care for mental ill- level of responsibility in a practice that involves many naness under Medicare. tional, closely collaborative • Increases the number of client relationships. Strong mental health provider knowledge and experience in groups under Medicare. the use of technology for litigation support, document manThough often not recognized, agement and trial preparation mental health problems among is essential, along with excelthe elderly are widespread and lent communication and life-threatening. Americans 65 client-services skills. Availyears and older have the high- ability for travel is required. est rate of suicide of any popu- Paralegal certificate and/or a lation. Major depression is also 4-yr college degree is preferred. strikingly prevalent among We offer a professional work older people, with between 8 environment, competitive and 20 percent of older people 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:

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November 10, 2000

Faegre & Benson LLP 2200 Wells Fargo Center 90 South Seventh Street Minneapolis, MN 55402 Fax: (612) 336-3846 E-mail: HR@faegre.com Web site: www.faegre.com Equal Opportunity Employer

Access To Employment Employment ads are $14 per col. inch; Nov 30 is the deadline for the Dec 10 issue. adv.s Mail to: ACCESS PRESS • 1821 University Ave. • #185N • St. Paul, MN 55104 More ge 11 FAX 651-644-2136 • E-mail: access@mninter.net on pa TELECOMMUNICATIONS ANALYST The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has an immediate opening for a Public Utilities Rates Analyst on its telecommunications team. The successful candidate will analyze filings and policy issues regarding incumbent and competitive telecommunications companies in Minnesota, Candidates should possess a bachelor or advanced degree in a relevant field such as business administration, finance, economics, public policy, law or telecommunications. Previous experience in telecommunications or regulatory activities is a plus. The salary range for the position starts at $35,000 with a higher salary level with experience. The Commission also offers a generous benefits package and career development opportunities in the telecommunications industry. More information about the Public Utilities Rates Analyst position may be obtained at www.doer.state.mn.us. Send resume to: William Janisch, Personnel Director, 200 Metro Square Building, 121 7th Place East, St. Paul, Mn. 55101. A job application packet will be mailed to candidates upon receipt of resume. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity.

Legal LOOKING FOR A CHANGE? LOOK NO FURTHER!Faegre & Benson LLP, Minnesota’s second largest law firm, has openings for LEGAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS in our Corporate-Finance practice group and our Legal Administrative Floater Group. These positions offer interesting and satisfying work opportunities in a professional work environment. Candidates should have at least 2 years legal secretary experience; excellent organizational and communication skills; proficient word processing skills; keyboarding at 70+ wpm; and a team-oriented, flexible work style. Faegre & Benson LLP offers competitive wages and an excellent benefits package. For additional career opportunities with Faegre & Benson, visit our web site at www.faegre .com. Please submit 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 Web Site: www.faegre.com Equal Opportunity Employers Legal CASE ASSISTANT

Gray Plant Mooty, a downtown Mpls. law, firm, has the following open positions: PARALEGAL–INTELLECTUALPROPERTY Intellectual property paralegal to assist attorneys with U.S. and international patent and trademark registration prosecution and related docketing. Position involves direct client contact. Must have minimum of 1-2 years of patent or trademark experience. SECRETARY–ENTRY LEVELLEGAL Secretary to assist for our intellectual property area. Legal experience preferred, but not required. We offer a professional work environment educational opportunities, a culture emphasizing, work/life balance, competitive salaries & benefits (including medical, dental, profit sharing and 401k). Send resume with cover letter to HR, Gray Plant Mooty, 3400 City Ctr; 33 S. 6th St., Mpls, MN 55402 Or fax to: 333-0066. Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer

Faegre & Benson LLP, a leading downtown Mpls. law firm, has an opening for a case assistant in our Litigation Support Services department. Responsibilities include: document coding, reproduction of documents, number stamping, preparing materials for depositions & trials, along with working on various special projects. Ideal candidates will have previous clerical experience; excellent communication skills; proficient computer skills; strong attention to detail and a team-oriented, flexible work style. Faegre & Benson LLP offers competitive wages and an excellent benefit 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 LITIGATION

Hennepin Technical College MnSCUPROGRAM SUPERVISOR 2 Minnesota’s second largest (Director of Admissions and law firm is seeking an experiEnrollment Management) enced litigation Paralegal to assist a well-defined team of HTC is interested in securing a lawyers working in drug and highly energetic and profesmedical device litigation. Re- sional individual to plan, disponsibilities include: investi- rect, and supervise its admisgation, research, discovery, sions/recruitment and enrolltrial support and management ment management activities. of documents and databases. This position is responsible Candidates should have 3+ for delivery or coordination of years of litigation Paralegal new student recruitment, adexperience strong knowledge mission processes special reof litigation support software, cruitment events, and retenexcellent communication and tion programming for the colclient-service skills. We prefer lege. Interested candidates a 4-year degree and/or a Para- should possess: A four-year legal certificate. Medical degree in education, business/ knowledge a plus. sales, or hurnan services along with highly developed human Faegre & Benson offers com- relations skills, sensitivity to petitive wages and an excel- all members of the college comlent benefits package; includ- munity and the ability to proing generous paid time-off, mote the mission and goals of Firm-paid sick child care ser- the college, knowledge of the vice, ChildrenFirst - an emer- student development process, gency back-up child care ser- highly developed marketing vice, retirement savings plans, and recruitment skills, a team transportation discounts in- oriented management style and cluding the Metropass, and the ability to plan, identify, and much more. To learn more about solve problems, and the knowlour current job opportunities edge of enrollment manageand for additional information ment processes and methods. about Faegre & Benson, visit Preferred qualifications include our web site at www.faegre. three years of increasingly recom. For consideration, please sponsible experience in an adsend your resume and salary missions office in a two- or history to Human Resources: four- year institution of higher education. A letter of interest FAEGRE & BENSON LLP that addresses the applicant’s 2200 Wells Fargo Center qualifications and enthusiasm 90 South Seventh Street for the position should be preMinneapolis, MN 55402 pared along with the names, Fax: 612-336-3846 addresses, phone numbers and Internet: HR@Faegre.com email addresses of three proWeb Site: www.faegre.com fessional references. Send the Equal Opportunity Employer above information by November 13, 2000 to Darren Hoff, RECEPTIONIST Personnel Officer, Human $18,834-$23,539 (depending Resources, Hennepin Techon exper) nical College, 9000 Brookplus full benefits lyn Blvd., Brooklyn Park, MN 55445. HTC Is the largest Exper wking in a team environ- public technical college in the ment, possess strong interper- state with an approximate ansonal skills, have a creative nual headcount of 12,000 stuedge & have a wking knowl- dents and has campuses in edge of Windows & word pro- Eden Prairie, Brooklyn Park and cessing. Exper wking w/diverse Hopkins. HTC is an AA/EOE cultures helpful. Apply in per- employer and educator. son, LNB, 1925 Nicollet, Mpls, M-Th, 9-4 pm. Agency applic required. EOE

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November 10, 2000 EMPLOYMENT ADS ARE $14 A COL. INCH; NOV 30 IS THE DEADLINE FOR THE DEC 10 ISSUE.

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

PAY STARTS AT $10 $11/HR FOR A DESIGNATED COORDINATOR OR QMRP Daytime hours Monday Friday Join Rise and make a difference! For 30 years, Rise has been assisting individuals with disabilities achieve high levels of vocational independence and community belonging. Rise provides a complete benefit package including health, dental, disability, life, holiday, vacation, sick, and 401K. Rise is currently accepting applications for the following positions.

WATER/SEWERUTILITY MANAGER

PCL CONSTRUCTION SERVICES,INC.

The City of Minnetonka is recruiting for the full-time position of Water/Sewer Utility Manager. This position is responsible for the daily operation and maintenance of the City’s water and sewer utility systems including providing work direction and general supervision to employees; developing work schedules and assignments; assuring proper equipment operation and maintaining an adequate supply of repair parts; assuring the reliable operation of the water and sewer systems and assuring the systems meet current and future standards and demands. Minimum job requirements include: valid Class B commercial drivers license at time of application; Class B certification in water and wastewater field, five years experience in a municipal water/sewer utility department; two years supervisory experience. Vocational training and/ or degree in water/sewer utility repair and maintenance preferred.

Minneapolis Lifestyle Center (Block E) 6th and Hennepin Minneapolis, MN

SENSORY SUPPORT SPECIALIST Assist individuals with disabilities and sensory impairments in developing positive and productive work skills. Degree and exp with positive pro- Salary range: $45,602 - $50,669, gramming approaches pre- with excellent fringe benefits. ferred. ASL skills and exp with deaf community a plus. This position is subject to Federal Regulations on CDL Drug Rise Inc. and Alcohol Testing. Heather Rozeboom 8406 Sunset Rd. NE A city application form must Spring Lk Park, MN 55432 be submitted. To obtain an (763) 786-8334 (v) application, call the JobLine at (763) 783-2821 (tty) (952)939-8212or www.ci.minne www.rise.org tonka.mn.us. Application Jobs@Rise.org deadline is November 17,2000. Equal Opportunity Employer CITYOFMINNETONKA

TPT/Twin Cities Public Television SYSTEMS SUPPORT SPECIALIST

A full-time Systems Support Specialist position exists in our Information Services department. This position provides specialty support for end users, systems training, technical writing, and systems documentation. The successful candidate will be experienced in database technologies, Windows NT/9X, MS Office, and have a passion for learning. In addition, strong interpersonal, organization, and communication skills are necessary. Minimum requirements are a 2 year technical certification or degree or equivalent, and 1-3 years of technical support experience. A competitive salary and benefit package is provided. Send your resume, cover letter and salary requirements to: Box 372-1; TPT/Twin Cities Public Television; 172 E. 4th St.; St. Paul, MN 55101 by no later than November 15, 2000. EEO/AAP

14600 MINNETONKA BLVD. MINNETONKA, MN 55345 An Affirmative Action Employer

Plans Available: November 9, 2000 Bid Date: November 30, 2000 2:00 PM CST Project: Downtown Minneapolis Block ‘E’ Development 505,000 sf parking and building Owner - McCaffery Interests and MCDA Arch - Antounovich Associates PCL encourages all small and underutilized businesses to submit bids for this project. We also expect that all bidding subcontractors expand every good faith effort to achieve maximum participation. Plans are available at: Metropolitan Council, Minneapolis Builders Exchange, St. Paul Builders Exchange, F.W. Dodge, Construction Bulletin, and for viewing at PCL’s Burnsville Office. From Bid Package No. 2, we are receiving bids on the following scopes of work only:

SRF Consulting Group, Inc. has Social Services the following positions open: MENTAL HEALTH STAFF SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER Senior Planner with 5-10 years of experience in land use and community planning. Bachelor’s degree in planning required; Master’s degree desirable. Excellent communication skills and knowledge of rede- Rise Housing, Inc. a progresvelopment, urban design, zon- sive non-profit community ing and related issues is neces- based mental health services sary. agency is seeking a full-time mental health staff working ENVIRONMENTAL with families and some single PLANNER adults to resolve housing probEnvironmental planner with 2-5 lems and to provide individuyears of related experience. alized highest quality case Experience in preparing NEPA/ management services. Our MEPA documentation and team, serving the Anoka some knowledge of transpor- County community is seeking tation is desirable. Bachelor’s a highly motivated, principled, degree required. Strong verbal self starter to join us in providand written communication ing comprehensive rehabilitaskills a must. tive services for persons living with psychiatric illness who BOOKKEEPER may also struggle with chemiFull-time bookkeeper to assist cal health, domestic violence, with billing, data entry, filing, survivor or sexual abuse iscopying, supplies and ac- sues. This is not a residential counts payable. The ideal can- program. didate will have 1-3 years related experience, including A qualified candidate will have 10-key calculator skill and a a bachelor’s degree in human strong working knowledge of services, preferably in social Lotus 123, MS Word, Excel, work and two years experience and Access. providing mental health services. Experience with transiWe are a fast growing, locally tional housing, rental subsiowned, and well established dies and fair housing issues a transportation planning and plus. Familiarity with poverty design firm. In addition to var- issues, public benefits and ied and exciting work in a posi- housing will be very helpful. tive atmosphere, we offer com- Interest and commitment in petitive salary and benefits, working with families is very 401 (k)/profit sharing, vacation important. Driver’s license reand sick leave. Send your required. Applicants with expesume to SRF Consulting rience and comfort with advoGroup, Inc., One Carlson cacy roles and responsibilities Pkwy. N., #150, Plymouth, MN will find this position an espe55447; fax to 763-475-2429, or cially good match. e-mail to hr@srfconsulting. com; EOE. Excellent benefits and great working environment. Salary range based on experience and qualifications, Please send resume to:

adv.s More ge 10 on pa

HOSPITALITY SERVICES ASSISTANT Faegre & Benson LLP, Minnesota’s second largest law firm, has an immediate opening for a Hospitality Services Assistant. This position will assist in ordering food for meetings; setting up various functions & meetings; maintaining log books of food orders & inventory, along with numerous other duties. Candidates should have at least 1 year administrative experience; strong computer skills & attention to detail; ability to communciate successfully with many different personalities; and a team-oriented work style. We offer a competitive salary and an outstanding benefits package, including a discounted bus program— Metropass. 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 Web Site: www.faegre.com Equal Opportunity Employer

Administrative COMMUNITY ISSUES COORDINATOR A law-related prof assn seeks a person to work part-time on PCL Construction Services, public education programs (asInc. sisting director with high Attn: Bart Bodway school mock trial and summer 12200 Nicollet Ave. South high-school intern programs, Burnsville, MN 55337 etc.); public relations activi612-882-9600 ties writing/sending press reFAX: 612-882-9900 leases, preparing/mailing meeting notices, etc.); and convenAn Equal Opportunity tion exhibitors (sending proEmployer motional materials, handling M/F/V/H on-site set-up issues, maintaining database, etc.) Successful candidate must have at least 2 years of related exp; type Rise Mental Health approx 50 wpm; be familiar and Housing Services Ramsey County invites you to join us in building a better MSOffice97 software; and be a Attn: Rebecca Fink community through public service in the following fields: detail- and service-oriented 8406 Sunset Road • Administrative, Management and Technical Services Spring Lake Park, MN 55432 team player. Average 22.5 flexible hours weekly. Please send • Building and Facility Services www.rise.org resume and wage requirement • Clerical and Secretarial Services Equal Opportunity • Community and Social Services to Dir of Administration, MN Employer • Court, Legal and Law Enforcement Services State Bar Assn, 600 Nicollet • Property Records/Revenue Services Mall, #380, Minneapolis, MN • Public Works and Transportation Services 55402. EOE

Caissons, reinforcing steel, ready-mix, concrete work and structural steel

Ramsey County

FILE ROOM CLERK Gray Plant Mooty, a downtown Mpls. law firm, is seeking a file room clerk. Duties include maintenance of client files on and off-site, coordinating transfer to and pick-up from off-site storage, and data entry. Will also back-up all areas of facilities dept. including hospitality and mailroom. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. Accurate typing speed of 35+ wpm. We offer competitive salaries & benefits (including medical, dental, profit sharing and 401k). Send resume to HR, Gray Plant Mooty, 3400 City Ctr.; 33 S. 6th St., Mpls, MN 55402, or fax to: 612-333-0066. Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer

• Parks and Recreation Services

Contact our Job Hotline for a recorded list of current job openings at:

Mark Huges’

(651) 266-2666

Disability Viewpoints

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

Nov 18 : 9AM A show about the East African Deaf Connection and the Shriner Drum and Bugle Corp. Dec 16 : 9AM A show about the accessibility and progress of the Light Rail Transit System.

KSTC TV, Ch 45

November 10, 2000

CLASSIFIEDS Reach 11,000 Active, Interested Readers with ACCESS PRESS Classifieds. $8 up to 20 words, 35¢/word thereafter. Mail with check to: ACCESS PRESS, 1821 University Ave W, #185N, St. Paul, MN 55104; (651) 644-2133 FOR SALE Scooters For Sale. Amigo legend XL (2 new batteries), Pride Sundancer. Both excellent condition. Asking $1,200 each. Call Alden at (612) 789-4130. Invacare Arrow black wheelchair and Invacare hospital bed with power head and legs. Good condition. (612) 553-0294. 2 Amigo Scooters Rear wheel drive deluxe $500.00. Front wheel drive $200.00. Call (651) 457-1230. 1994 Plymouth Grand Voyager minivan, Crow River lift, raised roof, 61,000 miles, $14,000. Call (651) 628-9368 (evening) or (651) 634-7235 (day). 1995 Chevy 20 White conversion van, automatic, power windows, pw. locks, pw. doors, pw. lift, EZ locks. LOW MILES 23M. $17,000. (952) 835-7676.

Hoyer Lift with manual hydraulic pump, mesh commode sling with head support, $400. Call (651) 628-9368 (evening) or (651) 6347235 (day).

Part-time PCA needed to help an adult quad on weekend mornings and potential travel. Call Mike at (763) 571-0875.

“Words of Love” is a CD by Snoopi Botten, a musician with cerebral palsy who writes and performs inspirational songs using a synthetic speech system. To order, call (612) 872-4772 or visit Snoopi’s website at http:// hometown.aol.corri/dectalk/ myhomepage/.

Jan Snook’s, Helpful Hints Computer Guidebook is simple and understandable. Hard covered book covers Word, Excel, and tips for the Internet. Jsnook1234@ aol.com (612)378-2610 $19.00 FOR RENT Shipping. Lewis Park Apartments: Barrier free housing with wheelchair user Oron Griffitt Carpentry: Decks, in mind. Section 8 subsidized. OneMISCELLANEOUS Carpet Cleaning—2 average Remodeling, Home Repair, Base- and two bedroom units. For more sized rooms for $55. Also avail- ment Finishing. Additions, Ramps, information on availability call able: furnace, ductwork and fire- and Accessibility. Free Estimates. (651) 488-9923. St. Paul, MN Equal Opportunity Housing. place cleaning services. Call (612) Call Rob (612) 636-2846. 823-3805 or (612) 721-5105. Omni Frame, Inc., custom pic- Seward Square Apartments: We For Reliable, dependable and ture framing. Make your pictures are currently accepting applicapunctual nurses, TMA, CNA/ stand out with quality mats and tions for our waiting list at Seward PCA, call Charleston & Charlmars frames. Randall J. Almquist Square Apartments in Minneapoat Workers Availability Home (612)788-4330. lis. Seward Square is barrier-free Health Care at (651) 291-8754. housing and is federally subsiWheelchairs: Quickie2 manual 16”—$500, Action manual child—$200, Quickie P200 electric 18” gel cushion—$1500. Call (651) 628-9368 (evening), (651) 634-7235 (day).

dized. For an application, please designed for physically handicall (612) 338-2680. Equal Op- capped persons. Convenient SE portunity Housing. Minneapolis location. Call (612) 378-0331 for availability inforHolmes-Greenway Housing mation. Equal Opportunity HousOne and two bedroom apartments ing.

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SPONSORS OF ACCESS PRESS: Thanks to the following sponsors for supporting ACCESS PRESS this year. ------------------------------------- BASIC SPONSOR ------------------------------------Beverly Ammons Margaret Beier M. Cotcamp Jerry Dempsey Patricia Guerrero Beth Jensen Debra Johnson Ericka Johnson Mary Kay Kennedy Rosanne Kramnicz Steven McKeever Kathleen M. Miller Cindy Moore Jane & Albert Olson Carla Reichenberg Ramona Sherer Paul W. Taylor Kelli N-E Wysocki ------------------------------------- FRIEND SPONSOR ------------------------------------Sue Aberhold Mary Andresen David Baldwin Kathy Ball Marisa Bennett Mike & Karen Bjorgan Susan Blaylock Maynard Bostrom Bob Brick Wendy Brower Carlyn Bryngelson Susan Bulger Deah Cain Lynne Corneli Stephanie Cunningham Marty Cushing Jolene Davis LeRoy deBoom Neil Doughty Craig Dunn Mel Duncan Lee Ann Erickson Robert J. Geldert Candace/David Gislason Tom Gode Rep. Kevin Goodno Nadine & Andy Groven Ken Hennessey John Hoffman Bradley J. Holmes Ellen & Skip Houghton Judy Hunt Beth Jensen Cindy & Gregory Johnson Deb Johnson Ericka Johnson Linnea Johnson Hoff Barb Kane Corbin Kidder Janet and Bill King Beth Knutson-Kolodzne Ann Kranz Sherry Lampman Sue Lasoff David Larson Linda Larson Linda Lattin Dorothy McCoy Kathy Moran William O’Dowd Amy Olmscheid Margery Pilhofer Dwight & Chris Porter Barbara Proehl Virginia Puzak Julee Quarvee Peterson Stuart Rosen Ginger Rudberg Mary E. Rupert Patricia Rydeen Elizabeth Smith Adele Spavin Helen Thompson Gerry and Barb Tollakson Cathleen Urbain Caryl Wattman Mary Frank-Wawokiyawin Teri Welcher Curt Wiehle David Wood Accord Health Care Services All Temporaries, Inc Alliance for the Mentally Ill of MN Arc of Anoka/Ramsey Cty Arc Suburban Arc Minnesota Best Care Blue Sky Designs, Inc. Brain Injury Assn. of MN Consumer Council of The Alliance for the Mentally Ill Disabled Dealer East Suburban Resources Equity Services-St. Paul Franciscan Sisters of St. Paul Forensic Alliance of Mentally Ill Fraser Community Services Goodwill/Easter Seals Rochester Equipment Loan Home Health Care Kaposia MBW Company Metro Mobility Service Center Staff MN Bio Brain AssociationMN Developmental Achievement Center Assoc. (MnDACA) NAMI New Dimensions Northeast Contemporary Services Resource S.M.I.L.E.S. United Cerebral Palsy of MN

------------------------------------- BRONZE SPONSOR ------------------------------------Steve Alarik Anonymous Susan Asplund David Baldwin Jeff Bangsberg Jill Bedow Janet Berndt Bill Blom Anita Boucher Tom Brick Rick Cardenas Michael and Janice Chevrett Margot Imdieke Cross Chris Duff Robert Gregory Doris Groven Roger A. Hoffman Dianna Krogstad LoRene Leikind Lolly Lijewski Christopher Meyer Cliff Miller Bill Niederloh Michael Otubushin Louise Pattridge Catherine Reid & Liddy Rich Rick Ryan John Smith Peter & Pamela Stanfiel Mary Jane Steinhagen Erica Stern Eric and Caroline Stevens J. Quinn Tierney Linda Wolford Jerrold Wood Joe & JoAnn Zwack Dept. of Occupat’l Therapy-U of M Div. MN Rehab. Assoc Job Placement & Dvlpmt FastServ Minnesota Work Incentives Connection Merrick Companies Pat Siebert, MN Dis. Law Ctr. National Results Council New Ways ------------------------------------- SILVER SPONSOR ------------------------------------Scott Beers Robert E. Buuck Catherine Eilers M. Therese Gockenbach Martha Hage Judy Haaversen David and Susan Houghton Michael Otubushin Dean Doering & Lisa Scribner Arc Hennepin County Help Yourself Job Placement and Development Division, MN Rehab Assn Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Network Mpls. Advisory Committee St. Paul Mayors Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities Twin City Transportation Vinland Center ------------------------------------- GOLD SPONSOR ------------------------------------Shirley Larson Ronna Linroth Margaret Perryman Bridget & Diane Smith ------------------------------------- DIAMOND SPONSOR ------------------------------------Rapit Print ------------------------------------- BENEFACTOR SPONSOR -------------------------------------

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------------------------------------- IN MEMORY------------------------------------Troy Fahlenkamp and Valerie Birosh by David Dreier Mabel Heuer by Dawn Doering Miss Irene MacKaloney by Roger Hoffman Bill & Renee Smith by Becky J. Bugbee-Tong Bill Smith by Joe & Peg Figliuzzi Uncle Bill & Aunt Renee Smith by Mary & Henry Pattridge Bill & Renee Smith by Helen Thompson Bill Smith by Kathy & Paul West