September 2001 Edition - Access Press by Access Press

Inside Courage Center Awards — p. 8 PowerHockeyTM Results — p. 13

Possible State Strike — Page 2

September 10, 2001

“The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can’t read them.”

—Mark Twain

Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Mpls. MN Permit No. 4766

Volume 12, Number 9

SOURCES

RESOURCES

September 10, 2001

SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNTS WOULD REDUCE BENEFITS by Jeff Nygaard

Legislative Review 2001 Part 2: Changes In Community Support by Anne L. Henry Editor’s Note: This is the second of a three-part series explaining the ins and outs of the various laws and policies put in place by the legislature as they came out of the 2001 session. This month’s Part 2 has to do with the community supports that allow people to get out and stay out of institutions and live independently in the community. The final installment will elaborate on all of the “other” provisions that don’t fit into the first two categories. Provider Cost-of-Living Increase: Health and Human Services providers in long-term care and community support services received a 3% cost-ofliving allowance (COLA) increase for each year of the biennium. Intermediate Care Facilities for persons with mental retardation or a related condition (ICF-MR) and Day Training and Habilitation programs were given a 3.5% increase each year.

Consumer Support Grant (CSG) Program The Consumer Support Grant program is a state-funded program which allows persons to “trade in” their Medical Assistance (MA) home care or other community support services funded by MA, and obtain a grant equal to the amount of state funds (currently, that is 49 percent, which is the amount of MA funds that are provided by the state) in their MA services. As part of their biennial budget, the Department of Human Services (DHS) proposed major changes to the state-funded Consumer Support Grant program and estimated millions of dollars in savings if those changes were adopted by the Legislature. The DHS Consumer Support Grant proposal was amended in several significant ways during the session. Projected savings from changing the CSG program were used to fund other initiatives in the Health and Human

Services budget, but the program will remain available to those who need it under the following circumstances: 1. DHS had proposed a limit of 200 persons for the CSG program. Rather than capping the program at 200, the Legislature changed the way individual grant amounts are determined. Beginning July 1, 2001, new persons will be limited to grants based on a formula using the statewide average use of personal care assistant (PCA) hours and the individual home care rating category assigned as part of a home care assessment. 2. Two-hundred “exception grants” will be available for distribution to persons with exceptional needs as determined by the county. These exception grants will be provided on a firstcome/first-serve basis by DHS based upon the date of county request. The Leg. Review - cont. on p. 9

our years ago, Access Press reported on the likely effects of “privatization” of Social Security on that program’s disability benefits (see “Social Security and Disability: What Privatization Means” August 1997). In that article, we pointed out that any plans to “privatize” Social Security— which means to take some of the money that currently goes into a pool that covers everybody and shift it into private accounts that belong to individuals—would necessarily involve deep cuts in the disability insurance benefits now paid by the program. That’s still true, and that’s the bad news. The good news is that many people are coming to understand that so-called privatization would be a bad deal for people with disabilities (and others) and are making their voices heard. Back in 1997, Access Press was one of the few places in the country that was talking about the likely effects of Social Security “reform” on disability benefits. Now many groups and organizations have done the math, and they are coming up with similar results. We predicted in our previous article that the debate about the privatization of Social Security would reach “a fever pitch in the next few years.” Four years later, we see that it has. This past May President George W. Bush appointed a “Commission to Strengthen Social Security,” and directly charged it with the job of coming up with a plan to partially privatize the Social Security program. So it seems like a good time to take a look at the issue once again.

More Than a Retirement Program Despite many people’s perception that Social Security is simply a government-run retirement program, it is far more than that, as readers of Access Press well know. Almost 15 percent of all Social Security recipientssome 6.7 million people-are collecting the program’s disability benefits because they were themselves disabled or were the children of disabled workers. Social Security’s disability coverage is the equivalent of a $203,000 policy in the private market. Such policies “are either unavailable in the private market or very expensive,” according to a recent report published by The Century Foundation and the Economic Policy Institute. In addition, more than 90 percent of the adult disabled children who receive Social Security benefits do not receive disability benefits, but receive survivors benefits, because they are dependents of deceased or retired workers, according to the federal government’s General Accounting Office (GAO). When we factor in survivors benefits, we see that Social Security is both a large disability and a large life insurance program. Program-wide, about a third of Social Security expenditures pay for survivorship and disability benefits. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays monthly benefits to workers who are no longer able to work due to a severe illness or impairment that is expected to result in death or to last at least 12 months. Benefits are based on the

disabled worker’s past earnings and are paid to the disabled worker and his or her dependent family members. There are racial, gender, and age factors to consider when thinking about the effects of privatization on Social Security’s disability and survivors benefits. African American workers as a group, for example, have lower lifetime wages, are more likely to hold high-risk jobs, and have a shorter life expectancy than EuropeanAmerican workers. As a result, African Americans are major beneficiaries of Social Security’s disability and survivors insurance programs. While African-Americans make up just 12% of the nation’s population, they constitute 18% of disability beneficiaries. Fifteen percent of the under-18 population is African American, yet they constitute 22.6% of all young survivorship beneficiaries and 20.8% of young disability beneficiaries. Many more women than men are dependent on their spouse’s income for much of their lives, and women live longer, on average, than men. This explains why women, who make up 52% of the population, constitute 72.3% of survivorship beneficiaries. And children under the age of 18—just 6% of the population—constitute 26.9% of survivorship beneficiaries and 22.1% of disability beneficiaries. The Basic Problem The basic problem with the concept of individual accounts in regard to disability and survivors benefits was SS - cont. on p. 10

September 10, 2001

Tim Benjamin & Jeff Nygaard Editors

Becklund Home Health Care, one of the largest home health care providers in Minnesota, and a long-time friend of Access Press, was sold last month. Founder and owner Rhoda Becklund sold the agency to a company called Intrepid U.S.A. Intrepid U.S.A. has been based in the Twin Cities since the early 90s. New Horizon and

Shamrock Health Care and several other businesses in 22 other states are owned by Intrepid. Rhoda Becklund will remain with the company in a capacity that is not certain as we go to press. In next month’s paper we will have further information on this major sale and what it might mean for the community.

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often a key time to meet with our elected officials, as they are usually learning on the job, and their understanding of the needs of the community is shaped by these early meetings, as well as the letters and calls that we send their way. Thank you, ACT!

A big thank you to Arc Minnesota for their article on this page that points out the likely effects of the upcoming state employees’ strike on people with disabilities. We can’t prepare ourselves if we don’t know what is coming at us, and Arc has supplied some *** important information for the community as the State gears More news on our front page up for a likely work stoppage. this month on the changes in state law brought about by the *** recent state legislative session. Thank you to Anne Advocating Change Together Henry and the folks at the sponsored a visit last month Disability Law Center for by first-term Congresswoman spelling out what some of Betty McCollum to meet with these changes mean to people the community. New Access in the community. While our Press staff member Laurie reports include quite a bit of Anderson reports on that visit detail, and this sometimes is on page 3. The first term is confusing to some readers, we

think it is important to put down in black and white exactly what was done to and for people with disabilities. The law is full of details, and each of those details has an effect on people’s lives. *** The National Courage Award was presented to Janet Reno on Aug. 25th at the annual Celebration of Courage; see page 8. Former Attorney General Reno eloquently accepted the award with a speech suggesting “Possibilities not Disabilities.” Ms. Reno delivered a very moving speech and granted Access Press an interview earlier that day, which I will elaborate on in our next month’s issue.

*** Needless to say, Access Press has been going through a difficult time of transition over the past few months. The work of transitioning to a new office, a new editor, and a new era without Charlie Smith at the helm has been difficult, to say the least! Now, we think it is time to invite our supporters over to our new office to meet the new crew and see the new office. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you, so mark October 11th on your calendars, since that’s the date for the Access Press open house – see page 9 for details on the event. See you there!

State Employee Strike May Affect Persons With Developmental Disabilities T

he American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE) are contemplating a labor strike starting around September 17th. Among others, AFSCME represents state employees who provide direct care assistance and other support services to persons with developmental disabilities who are being served by State Operated Services. Among others, MAPE represents employees of the Department of Human Services who supervise State Operated Service sites.

These State Operated Services, supervised by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, include fourperson homes and various sized day training and habilitation programs. According to the Department of Human Services, about 325 persons with developmental disabilities reside in its residential sites, and about 550 persons are enrolled in its day training and habilitation sites. These programs are located throughout the state. With a potential strike looming, the question arises about who will provide the direct care services to these individuals during a strike. Arc

Minnesota has been told that the Department is in the process of making contingency plans to continue services during a strike.

also requires the National Guard to be activated on or after September 6th for the purpose of receiving necessary advance training required by the strike continOn August 20th, the Governor gency plans. issued an executive order requiring the Department of People who have loved ones Human Services to submit a receiving services in these strike response plan to ensure settings are encouraged to ask essential care and services are questions soon about who will provided to people receiving provide services during the services from the State Oper- strike, their knowledge of your loved one, the staff-toated Services division. client ratio, and whether all The order requires the De- current services will be availpartment to immediately able. If you are uncomfortable implement appropriate train- with any of these answers, ing programs for personnel there are some options availtemporarily assigned to these able. sites. The Governor’s order First, talk to your county case manager about what alterna-

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tive services may be provided. These may include being served temporarily by another provider or by a family member. These options may require that your loved one be screened out of the State Operated Service and screened into another service. At the end of the strike they would be rescreened back into the State Operated Services.

Be aware that parents of adults with developmental disabilities and other family members can be paid to provide Personal Care Assistance services if a hardship is created. Hardships include such things as lost income due to a reduction of employment or a layoff. Hopefully, a strike won’t happen. If it does, feel free to contact Arc chapters for further advice. At this time, be aware of the possibility, and begin investigating the potential impact on your loved one and family. Q

If the expectation is that the family will provide the services, ask that in-home supports be provided. In-home supports can take many forms but usually include having a paid staff person come into Info for this article was the home to provide necessary provided by Arc Minnesota. services.

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A ACCESS PRESS Co-Founder/Publisher (1990-1996) ...................................................... Wm. A. Smith, Jr. Co-Founder/Publisher/Editor-in-Chief (1990-2001) ........................... Charles F. Smith Co-Editors ...................................................................... Tim Benjamin and Jeff Nygaard Cartoonist ......................................................................................................... Scott Adams Production .............................................................. Presentation Images, Ellen Houghton Editorial Assistants ........................... Donna McNamara and Laurie Eckblad Anderson ACCESS PRESS is a monthly tabloid newspaper published for persons with disabilities by Access Press, Ltd. Circulation is 11,000, distributed the 10th of each month through more than 200 locations statewide. Approximately 650 copies are mailed directly to political, business, institutional and civic leaders. Subscriptions are available for $15/yr. Editorial submissions and news releases on topics of interest to persons with disabilities, or persons serving those with disabilities, are welcomed. Paid advertising is available at rates ranging from $14 to $18/column inch, depending on size and frequency. Classified ads are $8.00, plus 35 cents/word over 20 words. Advertising and editorial deadlines are the 30th of the month preceding publication; special scheduling available for camera-ready art. ACCESS PRESS is available on tape. Call MN State Services for the Blind, 651-642-0500 or 800652-9000. Inquiries should be directed to: ACCESS PRESS • 1821 University Ave. W. • Suite 104S • St. Paul, Minnesota 55104 • (651) 644-2133 • Fax (651) 644-2136 • E-mail: access@mninter.net.

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free adapted bicycle and sports equipment fair called “Everybody Rides!” will be held at the Capitol View Conference Center in Little Canada, Minnesota on Saturday, Sept. 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event, sponsored by Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare and Courage Center, invites everyone to try out the latest adapted sports and recreation equipment for people with disabilities. Everybody Rides! will give attendees the opportunity to test ride an adapted bicycle, tricycle, or hand cycle. There will be chances to learn about adapted skis, adapted waterskiing equipment, and other adapted sports and recreation Rides - cont. on p. 4

September 10, 2001

Congresswoman McCollum IN BRIEF . . . . Disability Benefit Walk September 29 Meets The Community H by Laurie Eckblad Anderson

group of leaders and advocates from the disabled community gathered on August 8th to hear from 1stterm Fourth District Representative Betty McCol-lum about her first few months in Washington. The event was arranged by Advocating Change Together (ACT) and held in the Griggs Midway building in St. Paul. Those present were first introduced to Brad Robideau, McCollum’s newly-hired Home Office District Director. Robideau has Minnesota roots as well as 12 years of experience in Washington, including work for former vice-presidential candidate Joseph Lieberman. Attendees were encouraged to use Robideau as a contact person at the local office. When asked to give a summary of her first months in office, McCollum focused immediately on topics of interest to the audience. The congresswoman started by highlighting the general lack of accessibility in government office buildings. Although she considers herself fortunate to have an office on the first floor, she detailed her staff’s struggles to work within a small space and with inflexible desk furniture. McCollum proudly reported that the office arrangement is now a success in terms of accessibility, a point confirmed by long-time advocate Jeff Bangsberg and others who have visited the office.

Other key topics included the struggle to decide where scarce funds for medical research will do the most good, the risk that the federal Patients Bill of Rights now under consideration might weaken the superior system we have in Minnesota, and the senselessness of people feeling that they must resort to importing prescription drugs. McCollum also expressed some disillusionment with the inefficient workings of government and the lack of time (and care) spent on critical issues. For example, the federal tax rebate, while apparently welcomed by taxpayers, was accompanied by the government needlessly spending a large sum of money sending letters to remind Americans to be on the lookout for their rebates. Regarding the previouslymentioned Patients Bill of Rights, McCollum felt that the President’s lack of positive action was damaging. (Subsequent to the meeting, in an August 21st press release, McCollum expressed her displeasure with Bush’s decision to withdraw rights guaranteed by the Clinton administration, stating that the President has “weakened patient protections for Medicaid enrollees, our country’s neediest, and has created a possible loophole for states and managed care organizations to get around providing needed access to care.”)

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After McCollum’s update, there was a question-andanswer period. The congresswoman fielded questions on such topics as accessible housing, Medicare, TEFRA, and PCAs. The congresswoman’s response to the problem of keeping a high level of quality PCAs in the workforce stood out. Looking beyond the ongoing problems of the lack of benefits and low wages for PCAs, McCollum shared some innovative ideas on how to attract new workers to this field. She suggested getting 2-year commitments from pre-social work students or using Americorps volunteers to fill PCA positions. Another suggestion came from attendee Deb Tompkins, who advocated giving consumers the funds to pay PCAs directly, thus cutting out the middle-man. McCollum agreed that it would be better to let PCA users manage their own affairs in this way.

undreds will gather on Saturday, September 29, 2001 at Lake Calhoun for the 10th Annual “Made in the Shade Walk, Run and Roll,” a noncompetitive event that benefits people with disabilities in our community. People of all ages and abilities will circle Lake Calhoun to raise money for three disability agencies: Arc HennepinCarver, Community Involvement Programs, and Partner-

ship Resources, Inc. Registration tables will open at 9:30 a.m., with “shotgun” starts at 10:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Participants will enjoy music, prizes, T-shirts and a pizza lunch. “Made in the Shade” provides crucial funding for the programs and services of the benefitting agencies, which provide a wide variety of resources for people with mental retardation and devel-

opmental disabilities. Call Arc Hennepin-Carver at 952/ 920-0855 for a registration form or log onto www.made intheshade.org for more information. The registration fee is $25 per person, and participants are encouraged to raise additional pledges. All participants who raise pledges will be entered in a drawing for two Sun Country airline tickets.

Mental Health Conference Oct. 3 - 5 The Minnesota Association munity mental health issues teract”; and “An Integrated of Community Mental Health Programs, Inc., will hold its Annual Mental Health Conference October 3 - 5, 2001 at Madden’s Resort and Conference Center on Gull Lake near Brainerd, Minnesota. This year’s conference, “Communities of Health,” offers over 70 workshops on com-

affecting children, adults and Model for Treatment of Cofamilies. Occurring Disorders.” Three Pre-Conference Institutes offer more in-depth training, with presentations such as “Adolescent Transition to Independence”; “How Mental Health Systems and Welfare-to-Work Reform In-

For more information about the Annual Mental Health Conference or the Minnesota Association of Community Mental Health Programs, Inc., please call (651) 642-1903.

Free Planning Seminars Offered Opportunity Partners is spon- TBI Metro Services, Hub conservatorship, long-term

soring free planning seminars Shopping Center, 33 W. 66th health care, and more. The for people with disabilities St., Richfield, MN; 7-9 p.m., seminars are open to the and their families on Thurs- Gunderson Place, 9739 Utica public, and registration is day, Sept. 20. The seminars Road, Bloomington, MN. required. To register, call Throughout the meeting, the will be held at the following Topics to be discussed in- Jeanne Maurer at (952) 912crowd seemed to enjoy ad- times and locations: 2-4 p.m., clude wills, guardianship/ 2494. dressing McCollum as congresswoman (rather than representative) in order to celebrate the historical rarity of having a Minnesota woman in this position. As the gathering concluded, McCollum reiterated what she had stressed all along: that constituents should feel free to contact her St. Paul office with questions, concerns, and suggestions. 420 Summit Ave. She said that the daily volume of requests for her attention to Saint Paul, MN new legislation is huge and comes from many sources. Come to our annual Employer Recognition Lunch Her staff sorts and prioritizes sponsored by the Saint Paul Mayor’s Advisory all requests, and she emphasized that it is helpful if local Committee for People with Disabilities voters contact her office to provide feedback on the Call 651-266-8891 issues of importance to us. to reserve your table. The contact information is: Congresswoman Betty McCollum; 165 Western Ave. N; Optional $15 donation per person • Limited seating Suite 17; St. Paul, MN 55102 (651) 224-9191; (651) 2243056 (FAX); brad.robideau @mail.house. gov Q

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September 10, 2001

Hello Nicole:

Mental Illness/Brain Disorders

I Can’t Go On by Pete Feigal

t’s 4 a.m., I’m sitting in front of this buzzing box trying to write another column, trying to meet another deadline (appropriate name), trying to wring something clever or funny or inspirational or wise out of my empty heart and put it on this screaming, demanding, empty page. I’ve got a “golden oldies” station on the radio— seems appropriate—Roy Orbison singing “Only the Lonely.” Great. Thanks, Roy. I have nothing left. There’s nothing there. I can’t go on...

I’m at war with my own soul. My old buddy, the “Inner Tyrant,” is hanging around, kicking my shins. And here I am sharing with total strangers the worst of me, the “oh, woe is me” secrets and shame that we are all supposed to keep hidden in our deepest heart, the words we can only whisper down a well at midnight. One consumer told me that she thought I had become a “professional mentally ill person.” That she was ashamed of me, that I should do what she and “all the other mentally ill people do: keep I’m trying to write because private things private.” I can’t I’m awake, because I had one go on... of the bad dreams and I can’t get back to sleep. One more I recently heard from a time. Groucho said, “I’ve got consumer who told me that I insomnia, but I’m trying to had “sold my soul” and was sleep it off.” I’m at war with “damned and would go to my own body. Battling the hell” because I “work with MS and its side effects. With police forces, who are shooteach new hospital visit, with ing us; work with churches, each new “procedure” or who have denied and abanexam I have to face, I try to doned us; work with NAMI, “psych” myself up by trying to the National Alliance for the imagine it as a ball game or Mentally Ill, who are ‘in bed’ race. It works great right up with the drug companies who until the second I walk in the are conspiring to keep us door and smell that “hospital” sick.” I recently heard that a smell, that first whiff of few members of the Minnedisinfectant and despair. sota State board of NAMI have said that I had “sold my I’m at war with my dreams. soul” because I believed in Nightmares for 30 years: working co-operatively with post-traumatic screamers, the Mental Health Associa“monster-chasers,” lonely tion and other organizations ache-ers, pain dreams from with whom they disagreed. my MS. But the worst are the That they would never forgive “roller-skating dreams.” I me for publicly “stirring up dream I’m roller skating trouble” and organizing the around the lakes, the mega- NAMI affiliates around the mall, I never tire, I never fall, state to confront them on why I can outrun sports cars. Then two executive directors, the I suddenly wake up with a president of the board, and body that can’t make it to the four board members have all bathroom without a stick or a left in frustration and anger in walker to lean on. Scarier less than a year. I can’t go on. than Steven King. I can’t go on... Sun’s up. Another working day. The phone will start James Brown, the “Hardest ringing in earnest around 8 Workin’ Man in Show Busi- a.m. and because I don’t have ness,” is singing, ‘I feeeeeel a staff or office or budget, I nice. Sugar ‘n spice!’ Yeah, answer them all. Well, not all. right, James. I’m 46 years Sometimes not even some. old, and I’ve come to the Sometimes not any. Exhausrealization that the most tion and time have made me terrible thing that can happen do a kind of triage, taking the to a guy has happened to me: most important, and putting I’ve become invisible to the rest back to secondary teenage girls. Time, depres- status. The personal touch sion, gravity, and life have all and connections I used to be conspired to make me middle- able to maintain have disapaged and I’m not prepared. peared in 25 calls a day and I’m prepared for 22. Right 50+ speaking engagements a now I could do a great 22. I’m month. ‘Man, has He changed! sitting here this morning and Too big an ego to even call us all of a sudden I’m not young. back!’ I can’t go on... Not old, but all of a sudden not young. Time isn’t a thief, What’s on the agenda? Belike they say. It’s an sides the “incoming,” I have embezzler, up nights, jug- my own calls to make. Putting gling the books so you don’t together day-long workshops know it’s gone. Until all of a for Birmingham, Atlanta and sudden. I can’t go on... Chattanooga, and I’m running the schedule past the folks

down South today. A lot of stigma to break in Alabama. I’m finishing off the press releases for some week-long speaking engagements in Cloquet, Brainerd and Bemidji, and meeting with a psychiatrist to go over details for the eight police trainings we’re doing in September. A lot of stigma to break in Minnesota. I’m speaking this afternoon to a class of social workers at St. Thomas. Try to give them a sense of what MI is like from a personal point of view. Maybe fire them up about focusing on mental health as a career. I’m having coffee with a guy who’s trying to get his life back together after hitting bottom and has asked for my help. Yeah. And right now there’s this guy out the window working in his yard and this woman across the street who always chases her kid who always sprays their dog with the garden hose and they’re there every day like the sun. And I’m thinking isn’t it amazing how all of us can’t go on; isn’t it amazing how we all keep digging in the yard and spraying the dog with the garden hose and writing letters and getting new tabs for the car and making calls and we all can’t go on. The phone’s ringing and “Blue Suede Shoes” is playing. ‘Well, it’s one for the money, Two for the show, Three to get ready, Now go cat, go...’ Yeah, sure. But go where, Elvis? Go where? I can’t go on... I’ll go on.

Hello Nicole, My four year old just got his first set of power wheels. There’s been a real change in his confidence level and he’s gotten much more popular with the neighborhood kids. It brings tears to my eyes to see him being independent (and not to have to carry or push him everywhere he wants to go!) However, his independence has brought up some new family issues as he is now able to be quite naughty. Is it ever appropriate to use the ‘off’ switch on a power chair—as discipline—when a child is totally dependent on their chair being turned on? How about if the misbehavior relates to the use of the power chair? Like not being careful, running into things in the house, or driving over toes on purpose? I can’t just pick him up and put him where I want him to be (as I would be able to if he were not in a power chair). Sincerely, Mom in Shock Dear Mom, I was five the day I got my first power wheelchair. My mother told me not to put the chair into high speed and not to leave the building without her. However, when she got distracted finishing details with the wheelchair salesman, I promptly put my chair in high speed and took off out the door and down the sidewalk. For almost an hour, my mother circled the neighborhood frantically yelling my name out the van window until she found me, obliviously cruising the streets. I

was overjoyed with my and then re-engage the chair. newfound freedom—my mother was white as a ghost! It is vitally important that whenever the chair is off or It’s a huge adjustment when a disengaged you stay WITH child who was completely the child—just as you would mobility-dependent gains in- have to stay with an abledependence through the use bodied child in order to hold of a power chair. The ques- them still, or just as after tions you ask are important you’ve carried a child to because the way you choose where you want them to be, to discipline your child now you set them down. If your will have an enormous impact child leaves the spot he is on his sense of confidence and supposed to be, disengage the security throughout life. chair, push him back, reengage the chair and again ask For those of us who rely on a him to stay. It is never OK to power wheelchair, especially turn a child’s power chair and as children, the wheelchair then walk away for any quickly becomes a part of amount of time. The only way who we are, an extension of an able-bodied child would our bodies. When you are experience this type of helpconsidering when and how to less abandonment is if a discipline your son, try to parent tied them up. When think in terms of the wheel- leaving a child alone while chair as his other set of legs. their wheelchair is turned off You would not tie up a child’s means that during this time legs because they ran reck- alone the child cannot indelessly in the house, or even pendently move—it leaves because they kicked some- them as vulnerable and powone—likewise, you should erless as if they were tied up. not take away the use of a power wheelchair because of I think most parents wish their reckless or irresponsible driv- children had an OFF switch! ing. You might however, hold Turning off you son’s power an able-bodied child in one chair may sometimes be spot in order to gain control of necessary, but be sure that you the situation, or you might understand the significance of carry them to another room this act and that you never for a time-out . leave your son in a frightening, vulnerable or powerless For a child with a power chair, situation. There are certainly the emotionally equivalent ways for you to discipline experience might be that you your son while keeping him turn off their chair momen- empowered. Becoming aware tarily and talk to them to calm of the emotional experience them down or correct their your child is having is key to behavior. Instead of carrying fair and loving discipline. a child to a time-out , you might disengage their wheel- -- Nicole chair and push them into another room for a time-out

Question? Complaint? Comment? Write to Nicole: % Access Press, 1821 University Ave. W, #104 S; St. Paul, MN 55104; HelloNicoleAccess @yahoo.com

RIDES - Cont. from p. 2 equipment. In addition, infor-mation will be available about sports and recreation opportunities, including the many programs available from Courage Center and other community organizations.

physical education teachers, therapeutic recreation specialists, and other community-based professionals. All in attendance will be able to register for great door prizes and enjoy refreshments!

With the help of Gillette’s fitness testing and planning programs, which are tailored to children and teenagers with disabilities, attendees will be able to find out how they can improve their fitness levels. There will also be information provided about fundraising strategies to finance the cost of adapted sports and recreation equipment.

The Capitol View Conference Center is located at 70 W. County Road B2 in Little Canada. For more information contact Judy Miller at (651) 229-3905 or Sharon VanWinkel at (763) 520-0537.

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Disability Culture

September 10, 2001

Religion and Disability

Disabled And Living In London

Goodbye, Jay

by John McGann

by John Schatzlein

am John McGann from Dublin, Ireland. I study at the University of North London doing a degree in psychology and Irish studies. I came over on an internship for the summer to look at disability advocacy. My disability is cerebral palsy, which affects movement and, in my case, speech. I wanted to compare the American and British advocacy systems with the idea of becoming an advocate when I graduate. In the following paragraphs I discuss various aspects of living in London from a disabled person’s point of view. Areas covered include social services, transport, and accommodations. London is a spectacular city for most visitors. We have Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the West End’s shopping Mecca and Theatre land. There is no doubt that London—from a tourist’s point of view—is a very impressive place steeped in history, pageantry, and tradition. However, there is a different London if you live there and are disabled. SOCIAL SERVICES I use Home Helps a lot. The Local Department of Social Services provides these. I get 18 hours per week. This breaks down into 14 hours for food preparation, 2 for shopping and house cleaning, and 2 for laundry. Social Services also provides occupational therapists. They help me with finding better ways of doing everyday tasks, and authorize major changes in the apartment such as replacing the bath with a shower and redesigning my kitchen. Transport needs are also assessed by Social Services. I have a London Transport card, which allows me free trips on all public transport in the London area. A greater concession is my Taxicard.

This allows me to hail down a yellow ‘for hire’ light in front. Computercab, part of the Only Computercabs will have famous London black Cabs. a blue light immediately below the yellow light. This is TRANSPORT how I identify them at night. London is an interesting place There is a problem in that— from the point of view of since Taxicard holders only someone in a wheelchair. pay about $2.50 up to a meter London Underground (sub- reading of about $18.00, way) is notoriously inacces- there is very little in-centive sible. Out of 275 stations only for a driver to stop. (Each the stations on the new Jubilee London borough reim-burses Line extension are accessible. the driver the balance of the The Underground is the fare at the end of the month.) oldest in the world and so was A lot of people with disabilities never designed with disabled will use Dial-a-Ride rather people in mind. Three par- than Computer-cab. ticular problems are: a very big gap between train and One mode of transport that is platform; escalators; and the definitely 100% accessible is sheer number of people using the Dockland Light Railway, it, which makes it extremely which is limited to the uncomfortable for a wheel- financial center called Bank chair user. and the East End of London. The new tram system in The reason I don’t use it is the Croydon, which has just escalators. You must keep on opened, must also be totally the right-hand side. Since I accessible. All London disam left-handed, and my bal- abled and elderly people (65 ance is poor, I need to hold the and older) have free travel on banister, which means that all London public transport getting onto these escalators systems, is extremely hazardous for me. Many disabled people drive private cars. Most disabled Well over 90% of the famous people lease their cars through red double-decker buses are a scheme called “Motability.” not accessible to people who The mobility allowance which use wheelchairs. It will take at disabled people receive each least 15 years to renew the month is paid directly to the whole bus fleet. leasing companies. Every three years people get new All London taxicabs ten years cars through this scheme. old and newer are fully accessible. We have a Orange badge holders scheme (program) called (equivalent to the blue Taxicard, which a lot of disability parking placards) London disabled people use. can park in restricted areas This is where we can use and a parking bay is reserved certain black cabs at a near their home. subsidized rate. I can get a cab in one of two ways. My ACCOMMODATION usual way is by phone. I give There are mainly two types of my number and they know accommodation (housing): where to come. The second, private and council (public and more inconvenient, way housing). Council housing is is to hail a cab on the street. generally much cheaper than Trying to stop a Computercab private housing, but is if it’s among a few black cabs becoming scarce since the last can be challenging. government encouraged privatization. I live in a All black cabs have the council flat (public housing).

HOUSING AND PERSONAL CARE SERVICES Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI) offers subsidized one and two bedroom apartments for individuals with physical disabilities. We have housing in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, St. Cloud, Brainerd, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, Austin, Marshall, Willmar, and Duluth. The apartments are fully wheelchair accessible and each building has a central laundry room, large community room, secured entry and an on-site caretaker. ASI also offers shared personal care services 24 hours a day, at most locations, for adults with a physical disability and/or traumatic brain injury who qualify for Medical Assistance. For more information call (651) 645-7271 or (800) 466-7722. For services or housing call Cami, for employment as a personal care attendant call Al or Angie.

Accessible Space, Inc.

Because I get Income Support “Strive to make something of most of my rent gets paid yourself, then strive to make through housing benefit. the most of yourself.” Alexander Crummell Within the private sector there are several types of “It is through our names that housing. At the bottom end of we first place ourselves in the the market are bed and world.” Ralph Ellison breakfasts. These tend to be the poorest and the accom- “We can’t rely on anyone but modation is the worst. ourselves to define our existHousing Associations are ence, to shape the image of popular. They can be special- ourselves.” Spike Lee ized in that they can be for specific sectors of the “We wish to plead our own population. The place where I cause. Too long have others lived before had a lot of spoken for us.” John people who were in long-term Russwurm institutions. This was semisheltered where there were When I heard that Jay cleaners to service the Johnson died, I was certainly apartments. Other locations saddened. However, I also would have just elderly felt proud to know him and be residents and much more care a friend of his. Jay and I met would be provided. in the hospital in 1978, when I There are a lot of differences between disability services in the United States and Great Britain. The main difference is in how services are provided. With respect to health care, for example, the British National Health Service provides health care for everyone who needs it regardless of income. In the United States, on the other hand, you have to pay for health care if you do not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare. Public transit is free in London, whereas here disabled people must pay a limited fare. There is much more choice in public transit in London. There are a lot of housing options in London whereas here the options are limited. There is no ideal system. Both places have advantages and disadvantages. Q John McGann is interning in the Advocacy Department at The Metropolitan Center For Independent Living this summer and can be reached at (651) 603-2028 or via email at johnm@mcil-mn.org

was on staff at The University of Minnesota in the Spinal Cord Injury Program. He had come in as a new patient and I was part of the team that tried to support the days and efforts ahead. Even in those first days, there was a spirit about Jay that said, “I will not stay down and I will not be defeated.” He was a person that took a challenge and met it where it was, head on. Jay had an inner burning, which was to be involved in life fully, and to stay in the community. I know he also loved his family and what they together represented.

more public task of establishing, with others, the Independent Living Center in 1986. It stayed bright and burning to his end. His inner spirit said to work hard, play hard, commit hard, and respect others intensely for who they are. My exposure to the Jay I knew went through many bits of building. In the 70s it was about overcoming loss of function and working to better oneself. In the 80s it was about finding one’s inner being, about finding out about what I wanted to make of my inner self, through education, through loving relationships, through learning about what was around him in the greater community. And it was through giving to others. We have seen the outcome of those years. We have benefitted from those years, through our friendships with Jay and through the choices we had to struggle with as we were asked to put our efforts where our mouths were. I will miss the realness of Jay Johnson, but I will always remember the inner smile he brought to my face, as he was being Jay. He was true to his spirit, his commitments, his intensities, and his spirituality. Jay knew that we were all along for a ride in life. He knew that the road was curved, rough, steep and— because of him—smooth at times. He knew he would be more to the front of the bus, impacting its course. Alexander Crummell’s quote, “Strive to make something of yourself, then strive to make the most of yourself’ was accomplished by Jay. We also can learn from them both. Q

Each of the quotations at the beginning of this column made me think of Jay and the complex person he was. Each of them speaks to a part of Jay’s life and the spirituality within him. An inner spirituality was there for him after the sudden change in his physical function, after the commitment to his relation- John Schatzlein works in the ship, and after developments Catholic Charities Office for in his personal life. Thereaf- Persons with disAbilities. ter, he decided to take on the

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September 10, 2001

THE LATEST NEWS ON WORK INCENTIVES! The Minnesota Work Incentives Connection is once again hosting community meetings throughout Minnesota. The Connection helps people with disabilities determine how work affects their government benefits. Community meetings are free and open to anyone who’s interested. Each session will include up-to-date information on: >

How to Avoid Overpayments - Basic steps you can take to avoid being overpaid benefits.

Changes in Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD) - What are they? When do they go into effect?

Expedited Reinstatement - Who qualifies for this new Social Security work incentive? What is it? Does it apply to you?

See a Benefits Analysis - You may have heard about it. Now see what it looks like.

What’s new at the Connection? MN Work Incentives Connection receives Benefits Planning, Assistance and Outreach grant!

Reasonable Accommodations: Buildings are wheelchair accessible. If you need an interpreter, materials in alternative format, or other reasonable accommodations, please let us know at least 2 weeks prior to the session so we can make arrangements TO ENSURE THERE IS ENOUGH ROOM FOR YOU, PLEASE RSVP: Twin Cities Metro: 651-642-0465 From Greater MN: 1-800-976-6728 and ask for the reservation line. Please leave your name, telephone number, session date, place where you’d like to attend, and the number of people for whom you are reserving space.

NORTHERN MN LOCATIONS Bemidji, Wednesday, October 3rd, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. MN WorkForce Center, Conference Room D

Crookston, Tuesday, October 2nd, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. MN WorkForce Center, Conference Room 102

Duluth, Wednesday, October 3rd, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. MN WorkForce Center, Room 608

Fergus Falls, Monday, October 1st, 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. MN WorkForce Center, Conference Room 3

Hibbing, Thursday, October 4th, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. MN WorkForce Center, Front Office Conference Room

Moorhead, Monday, October 1st, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Family Services Center, MN WorkForce Center, Rehab Services Conference Room

Thief River Falls, Tuesday, October 2nd, 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. MN WorkForce Center, Northland Community Center, Classroom

SOUTHERN MN LOCATIONS Faribault, Monday, October 15th, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. MN WorkForce Center, Medium Conference Room

Mankato, Tuesday, October 9th, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. MN WorkForce Center, Suite 1600C

Marshall, Wednesday, October 10th, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. MN WorkForce Center, Lyon County Courthouse

Rochester #1, Tuesday, October 16th, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. MN WorkForce Center

Rochester #2, Tuesday, October 16th, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. Southeast MN Center for Independent Living, Conf. Rm. 1

Winona, Wednesday, October 17th, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. MN WorkForce Center, Winona Technical College

CENTRAL MN LOCATIONS (including Twin Cities) St. Cloud, Thursday, September 27th, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. MN WorkForce Center, Conference Room 1

Willmar, Thursday, October 11th, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Kandiyohi Cty Health & Human Services Bldg, Multipurpose Rm

Blaine, Monday, October 22nd, 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. MN WorkForce Center, Anoka Human Svcs. Ctr., Room 202

Bloomington #1, Thursday, October 25th, 10:30 to Noon MN WorkForce Center, Rehab Services, Suite 200

Bloomington #2, Thursday, October 25th, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. MN WorkForce Center, Rehab Services, Suite 200

Brooklyn Park, Monday, October 29th, 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. MN WorkForce Center, Conference Room 2

Minneapolis, Tuesday, October 2nd, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. Century Plaza, Rehab Services, Across from Suite 20

North St. Paul, Tuesday, October 23rd, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. MN WorkForce Center, Conference Room A

St. Paul – Midway, Tuesday, October 2nd, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. West St. Paul, October 23rd 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. State Services for the Blind, Rooms A & B MN WorkForce Center, Room A

We look forward to seeing you!

Accessible Performances Kiss Me, Kate, 10/16-28 AD/ASL Sat., Oct. 27, 2:00 Ordway Ctr for the Performing Arts, St. Paul, 651-2244222, TTY 651-282-3100; The Odd Couple, by Neil www.ordway.org Simon, runs 9/14-30 * ASL Sat., Sept. 15, 7:30 - Lyric Dark of the Moon, 10/18 Arts Main Street Stage, 11/4 ASL/AD Saturday, Oct. Anoka, 763-422-1838; www. 27, 8:00 – Fargo-Moorhead lyricarts.org Community Theatre, Fargo, 701-235-6778, www.fargo Twin Cities Community web.com/fmct Gospel Choir ASL Sunday, Sept. 22, 5:00 silent auction, Macbeth, 10/18 - 11/4 ASL/ 7:00 benefit performance – At AD Sun., Oct. 28, 2:00 – Brooklyn Park Lutheran Fargo-Moorhead Community Church, 651-224-1718, $15, Theatre, 701-235-6778, www. $10 children. fargoweb.com/fmct Riverdance - runs 9/12-23 AD Sunday, Sept. 23, 1:00 Orpheum Theatre, 612-3735650 or 612-989-5151; www. state-orpheum.com or www. broadwayseries.com

Defending the Caveman, 10/17-28 AD/ASL Sun., Oct. 28, 3:00 - ASL; State Theatre, Mpls, 612-373-5650 or 612989-5151; www.stateorpheum.com

The Rink, 9/29 - 10/21 * AD Thurs., Oct. 4, 8:00 - * ASL Thurs., Oct. 11, 8:00 – Theater Latté Da , Mpls, 612343-3390; www.ticketworks. com

Merrily We Roll Along, Oct. 11 - 11/18 ASL Fri., Nov. 2, 7:30 – AD Sat., Nov. 3, 1:00 (tour 11:00) – Guthrie Lab, Mpls, 612-377-2224, TTY 612-377-6626; www.guthrie theater.org

Dragonwings, s 9/4 - 10/21 AD/ASL Friday, Oct. 5, 7:30 (school show Wed., Oct. 3, 10:30 am) – Children’s Theatre, Mpls, 612-874-0400; www. childrenstheatre.org

Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, 8/21 - 11/3 AD/ASL Friday, Nov. 2 at 7:30 (school show Wed., Oct. 31, 10:30 am) – Children’s Theatre Co., Mpls, 612-874-0400; www. The Transposed Heads, * childrenstheatre.org ASL Sat.-Sun., Oct. 6-7, Thurs.-Sun., Oct. 11-14, 8:00 The Substance of Fire, 10/ – Ragamala Dance Theatre at 27 - 11/18 * ASL/AD Sun., the Southern Theater, Mpls, Nov. 4, 2:00 - Minnesota 612-340-1725, www.khazana Jewish Theatre, St. Paul, 651.com/ragamala or www. 647-4315 southerntheater.org . . . Anne Frank “Through Henry & Ramona, 9/14 - 10/ the Eyes of a Friend” 11/6-7 14 ASL/AD Thurs., Oct. 11, ASL Wed., Nov. 7, 11:15 12:30, & Sun., Oct. 14, 2:00 - a.m. – Stephen B. Humphrey Stages Theatre Co., Mainstage Theater, St. John’s U, Theatre, Hopkins, 952-979- Collegeville, 320-363-5777 1111, www.stagestheatre.org, DA, – runs 9/22 - 10/21 ASL Fri., Oct. 12, 7:30; Thurs., Oct. 18, 7:30 – AD Sat., Oct. 13, 1:00 (tour 11:00); Fri., Oct. 19, 7:30 – Guthrie Theater, Mpls, 612-377-2224, TTY 612-377-6626; www. guthrietheater.org Ten November, - AD Sunday, Oct. 14, 2:00 - Theatre in the Round, Mpls, 612-3333010, www.theatreinthe round.org Tamarack, AD Thurs., Oct. 18, 7:30 - ASL Thurs., Oct. 25, 7:30 – Jungle Theater, Mpls, 612-822-7063; $8; www.jungletheater.com

“Artability At Apollo” Art Exhibit

The following performances will be Audio Described (AD) for people who are blind or have low vision, or Interpreted in American Sign Language (ASL) for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. MN Renaissance Festival runs 8/18 - 9/30 ASL Sat., Sept. 15 - ASL Interpreters available. 952-445-7361

September 10, 2001

Yentl, 10/19 - 11/11 ASL/AD Thurs., 11/8, 12:30, & Sun., 11/11, 2:30 - Stages Theatre Co., Hopkins, 952-979-1111, www.stagestheatre.org,

he fall season brings on a new time of reflection with Mother Nature showing her magnificent colors. At Apollo Resource Center, a community-based self-help center serving adults recovering from mental illness, the holding of a paintbrush, pen, or pencil can also provide beauty and talent to our surroundings.

The New American, 11/8-9 ASL Fri., Nov. 9, 11:15 a.m. – Stephen B. Humphrey Theater, St. John’s University, To support people striving for Collegeville, 320-363-5777 mental health through creativity and diminish the stigma of I Believe in Make Believe, mental illness, Apollo Re11/16-17 ASL/AD Saturday, source Center will host its 7th Nov. 16, 2:00 – FargoMoorhead Community Theatre, Fargo, 701-235-6778, www.fargoweb.com/fmct

Annual Art Exhibit, “ARTABILITY AT APOLLO,” on October 4-6, 2001. The exhibit will feature paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography, poetry, and music created by its members and the community. The event will include music, and is free to the public. According to Sunny Steinmetz, coordinator for this year’s exhibit, “This year’s will be extra special because over 30 artists will be involved. At Apollo, we provide our members oppor-

tunities for growth, independence and wellness in a welcoming, safe, and encouraging environment. This art exhibit is one of our favorite ways to share their successes.” The “Artibility at Apollo” exhibit will be showing at the Apollo Resource Center, 25 North Dale Street, St. Paul. The exhibit will be open from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on October 4 and 5, and from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m on October 6th. For more information, call 651227-6321. Q

Letter To The Editor . . .

A Christmas Carol, 11/16 12/30 ASL Tues., Nov. 20, 10:30 am; Thurs., Dec. 6, 10:30 am; Sat., Dec. 8, 1:00; Tues., Dec. 11, 7:30; Tues., Dec. 18, 1:00 - AD/ASL Sat., Dec. 8, 1:00 (tour 11:00); Tues., Dec. 11, 7:30 - Guthrie Theater, Mpls, 612-377-2224 or 1-877-44STAGE, TTY 612-377-6626; accessible tickets $15 on public sale Sept. 4, www.guthrietheater. org

magine your next Metro Mobility ride. The driver puts your chair on the lift, takes a drag off his cigarette, and blows a carcinogenic cloud of smoke in your face. Enraged? You bet! Farfetched? Not really. The smoke in question is not from the driver’s cigarette but from the tail pipe of the bus. And it’s just as lethal. Recent studies have linked diesel exhaust to a host of health problems, including lung cancer. In fact, no fewer than nine health organizations have corroborated the link.

with exposure. To the casual rider the risk may be minimal. To the driver, who operates the lift many times a day, the risk is likely greater. But probably the greatest risk is to those who spend much of their day sitting outside their public housing complexes where bus after bus loads and unloads passengers and where busses congregate, the rapid idle of their engines spewing out great volumes of exhaust.

* Performances with an asIs this necessary? Not at all. terisk are eligible for ReThe lift can be operated duced Admission Prices without the engine running. through Access to Theatre. Metro Mobility may not like For info contact VSA arts of it, and your service provider MN, mn@vsarts.org. (612) 332-3888 or statewide (800) How serious is the problem? may not like it (they claim it Predictably, risk increases shortens battery life). But, 801-3883 (voice/TTY).

Martha Hage & Sam Jasmine’s RADIO SHOW Disabled & Proud, It’s Not An Oxymoron Special Show on Tuesday October 2nd, featuring Tim Benjamin, the new editor of Access Press! Find out about all the big changes at Access Press over the past six months.

hey, which is more important, battery life or human life? I therefore suggest the following: When crowding or wind conditions are such as to create a likelihood of exhaust inhalation the bus be shut off when operating the lift. If the driver does not do so the passenger should request it. If Metro Mobility and your service provider adore their passengers and employees as much as they say they do, their concern for our health should trump minor, and possibly imaginary, concerns for their bottom line. For further information on the link between cancer (as well as other health problems) and diesel exhaust readers may wish to check out the following web sites: www.pca.state.mn.us/hot/legislature/reports/2001/air quality.html (See especially appendices B and E) www.pubmed.gov (Type in the words “diesel and cancer” in the box labeled “for” and hit “Go”. Sandy Beitsch St. Paul

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September 10, 2001

Mike Chevrette

LEGISLATIVE REVIEW - Cont. from p. 1 exception grants will be limited to the average authorization provided for persons in each home care rating category, but not reduced by the statewide average utilization percentage as in number 1 above. The 200 exception grants include those individuals who are “grandfathered in” at current grant amounts described in number 3 below. 3. All persons who had consumer support grants before July 1st 2001 can continue at the grant amount in effect on June 30, 2001. As these individuals leave the CSG program, those grants will be available for distribution as “exception grants” in number 2 above. 4. The CSG program is required to be offered to all Minnesotans by July 1, 2002. Counties will no longer be able to block participation by refusing to offer the program. Targeted Case Management

tal disabilities who are not receiving waiver funding was sought by counties to fill a gap in funding. This third type of case management for vulnerable adults is funded with county funds used to match federal Medicaid funds. The new type of case management and funding is effective January 1, 2002 Personal Care Assistant (PCA) Services

6. Shared PCA services can be supervised by the recipient or responsible party or a qualified professional. 7. The fiscal agent option for PCA services is renamed the “Fiscal Intermediary Option.” MA Home Care Changes to Private Duty Nursing (PDN)

increased July 1, 2001 an prevent hospitalization of average of 8.5% in addition the recipient, and to the 3% provider COLA describe above. 3. The recipient is eligible for MA home care or waivered 3. Up to nine skilled nurse services, and hardship crivisits are now available teria are met, including that without prior authorization the parent, spouse or legal (previous limit was five guardian resigns from a job visits). Also, DHS or the to provide nursing, goes public health nurse may from full time to part time, authorize up to two skilled takes a leave without pay, nurse visits per day. or because of labor conditions and special needs the Private Duty Nursing individual is unable to Services Provided by obtain needed private duty Parents, Spouses, or Legal nursing services. Guardians, Hardship Criteria 4. The family member nurse may not be paid for more A new section of law allows than 50% of the total payment for “extraordinary approved nursing hours, or 8 hours a day— whichever is less—up to a maximum of 40 hours per week.

A number of changes have been made to the MA home care statute which affect Several important changes nursing supervision and prioccurred effective July 1, vate duty nursing: 2001 for personal care assistant services. 1. Complex and regular private duty nursing care are 1. Language limiting PCA (or defined and became effecPrivate Duty Nursing) services outside the home to circumstances in which “the recipient’s health and safety would The board and staff of Access Press be jeopardized” has been deleted. invite you to help us christen our new office This means that and welcome Tim Benjamin, our new editor. there should be no question about where in the community PCA or PDN services can be delivered.

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Thursday, October 11 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served

Three new types of targeted case management have been added to the Medical Assis- 2. A legal guardian is allowed to protance benefit set: vide personal care services if granted 1. Targeted case management a hardship waiver. for persons under 65 in This option would nursing homes who want to relocate to community serhave been elimivices. This type of case nated on July 1, just behind the front security desk management can only be 2001, but the sunprovided by a county or an set date was reentity under contract with moved so that tive July 1, 2001. Complex services” that require “spethe county unless the county non-corporate legal guardcare is private duty nursing cialized nursing skill” and are does not provide a case ians of adults can continue manager within 20 days provided to recipients who provided by nurses who are to be paid as PCAs. after a written request from are ventilator-dependent or parents of minor children, a nursing home resident. If 3. Instrumental activities of would meet criteria for spouses or legal guardians a county fails to provide a daily living are now alinpatient hospital ICU level under hardship conditions case manager to a person in of care and regular PDN including: lowed as PCA activities. a nursing home, a private care is provided to all These additional activities agency can provide “reloothers eligible for nursing 1. The services are not legally will not result in any added cation targeted case manrequired to be provided by services. These definitions hours of PCA service. agement.” Relocation tarapply to both RNs and parents, spouses or legal Instrumental activities of geted case management is LPNs. guardians, daily living include “meal effective July 1, 2001 and is planning and preparation, available for only six months managing finances, shop- 2. Private Duty Nurse rates 2. Services are necessary to to help an individual move ping for food, clothing and out of a nursing home. other essential items, performing essential house2. Home care targeted case hold chores, communicamanagement which can be tion by telephone and other provided by a private or a media, and getting around Celebrating 30 Yrs Of public entity based upon and participating in the RENTAL • SALES the person’s choice. Home community.” SERVICE • REPAIR care targeted case management is ongoing whereas 4. All services provided by a targeted case management PCA must relate to activifor persons in nursing ties of daily living, healthhomes is only provided for related functions, behavior six months while the person intervention and redirecmoves out of the nursing tion. home and into community services (#1 above). Home 5. Health-related tasks percare targeted case manageformed by a PCA must be IN-HOME ASSESSMENTS TO DETERMINE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT NEEDS ment only becomes effecunder the supervision of (952) tive January 1, 2003. either a qualified profesST PAUL (651) 641-1917 8:30 - 6:00 M-TH · 8:30 - 5:00 FRI sional or a physician. Nurse 8564 EXCELSIOR BLVD HOPKINS 3. Targeted case management supervision is no longer FREE DELIVERY AND SET UP · MINIMUM ORDER APPLIES MPLS - ST. PAUL & ALL SUBURBS for vulnerable adults and required. persons with developmen-

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September 10, 2001

face assessment must occur within 20 working days. At the face-to-face assessment, information about home and community-based options must be provided to the individual. If the individual chooses home and community-based services, a relocation plan must be completed within 20 working days of the visit. Individuals living in nursing homes who are under 65 years of age must receive a face-to-face assessment with information about alternatives at least once every 12 months, unless the person indicates in writing that they do not want annual assessments, in which case a faceto-face assessment must occur once every 36 months.

The Commissioner is allowed to pay county agencies for the face-to-face assessments for 5. Criminal back- individuals who are under 65 ground checks years of age, eligible for are required. Medical Assistance, and considering nursing home placeChanges to ment. Pre-admission Screening for Changes to Home and Individuals Community Waiver for Under 65 Years Persons with TBI of Age Considered for Nursing DHS is required to amend the Home Placement Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) waiver to include persons Changes require with acquired or degenerative that individuals un- disease diagnosis where cogder 65 years of age nitive impairment is present. admitted to nursing Multiple Sclerosis is given as facilities must be an example of one of the screened prior to conditions to be newly covadmission. If an ered under the TBI waiver. individual under 65 DHS will have to submit the is admitted to an change for federal approval, nursing facility with only a so the effective date is telephone screening, they must uncertain. Q receive a face-to-face assessment within 20 working days. Correction: Due to an editing If the individual is under 21 error in last month’s Legislayears of age, the Commis- tive Review article, the date sioner of Human Services reported as the effective date must approve the admission for the change in the “Asset before the individual is admit- Protection During Illness” ted to a nursing facility. If a component of the MA-EPD person is admitted on an program was incorrect. The emergency basis, the county correct effective date for that must be notified on the next change is November 1, 2001. working day and the face-to-

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SS - Cont. from p. 1 stated clearly in a 1999 report from the Leadership Council of Aging Organizations, which said, “Today, workers who become disabled or die can rely on Social Security for a basic income for themselves and/or their families. This is true even for younger workers who have not had many years to pay into the system. But if Social Security were replaced with a private accounts plan, workers who face death or disability would be forced to rely primarily on their own investments for income. If they are young and have not had sufficient time to accumulate funds in their personal accounts, they could be putting their families in serious jeopardy.” In January 2001, the GAO released a report entitled “Social Security Reform: Potential Effects on SSA’s Disability Programs and Beneficiaries.” That report, prepared at the request of Iowa Senator Tom Harkin, looked at five different proposals to “reform” Social Security, including four proposals that would include significant aspects of the “individual accounts” approach favored by President Bush. As the GAO pointed out, in each case “the reform proposals would reduce insurance benefits while creating individual accounts, with the expectation that the income from an individual account would largely offset reductions in the insurance benefits.” The report found that not to be the case, however, saying, “In our estimates, the income from the individual account was not sufficient to compensate for the decline in the insurance benefits that disabled beneficiaries would receive.” These were their findings despite the fact that, throughout their investigation, the GAO assumed an “optimal set of conditions for disabled beneficiaries.” In other words, even the GAO’s “best case” scenario shows a reduction in disability benefits under the

President’s preferred approach 4%). to Social Security “reform.” • About one-third of disabled workers are poor or near This problem (which the poor compared with only Leadership Council points 13% of others aged 18-64. out “is a critical issue which has been largely ignored by (Some other sub-groups in the proponents of privatization”) population who have very has been noted and duly high proportions of poor or reported in many other studies near poor, according to the done by a variety of organiza- Social Security Administrations over the past few years. tion, include: “black nonHispanics,” at 51%, “persons The details of exactly how under age 40,” at 43%, and benefits are reduced are fully “non-married women,” at explained in the GAO report, 51%.) and include such techniques as changing the indexing This problem—the lowering formulas for setting benefits, of benefits to those who need reducing the inflation adjust- them the most—is fundament, and changing the ben- mental and unavoidable under efit computation period. an individual accounts plan, but there is another problem Other, Related, Problems with the idea that goes beyond The risk of individual ac- arithmetic and is worth counts lowering the value of thinking about. disability benefits would fall hardest on those with low The American Social Security incomes, for two reasons. system as we know it, like First of all, the current system most Social Security systems redistributes income from the around the world, is based on richer to the poorer by use of a the principle of social formula which replaces a insurance. That is, everyone higher percentage of lost shares the costs (by way of wages for low-income work- paying taxes) in order to ers than for high income support a program that protects workers. This redistributive anyone who may suffer a loss effect would be completely of income due to death, lost with individual accounts. disability, or retirement. This Secondly, low-income work- is the “social” in Social ers would have less money in Security. Furthermore, each paycheck than high- everyone who pays in is income workers so, logically, guaranteed to receive benefits they would have less money that are related to their lost to take out and put into their wages. This is the “security” private accounts. This would in Social Security. affect disabled workers disproportionately since, as the All of the plans to set up Social Security Administra- personal accounts attack this tion (SSA) points out, “The principle by taking money out overall poverty rate for dis- of the common pool and abled workers is much higher putting it into the hands of than that for others aged 18- individuals. Thus, it is 64.” Here are some other guaranteed that, rather than facts from the SSA: providing security for all, a • Among families of disabled system of individual accounts workers, the overall poverty would produce not only rate is 18% compared with “winners” but also “losers.” 9% for others aged 18-64. This is because each worker • A higher proportion of would receive benefits only disabled workers are from their own investments, considered “near poor,” the value of which could be with income between affected for better or worse by poverty and 125% of any number of factors that poverty, than others aged have nothing to do with need. 18-64 (14% compared with These factors include luck,

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September 10, 2001

DES Workforce Reorganization Meetings Planned I

n a couple of different articles in the May 2001 issue of Access Press, we reported on the planned reorganization of some state agencies and the possibly significant effects this might have on programs that serve people with disabilities. A transition team of 12 people has been appointed, and has begun holding meetings, which are open to the public. Interested citizens are encouraged to attend these meetings, as this is your opportunity to speak directly to the WorkForce Development

Transition Team, which will couraged, no formal public report to the Governor and to testimony will be received. Input into the transition prothe Legislature. cess will be accomplished Upcoming transition team fact-finding issue groups, elecmeetings will be held on the tronic feedback via the transifollowing days (all meetings tion web site, and through run from 1:00 until 4:00 issues brought by individual p.m.): Tuesday, September members of the Transition 18th; Monday, October 1st; Team. Thursday, October 18; Wednesday, October 31; For more information on the Wednesday, November 14; meetings, including location Monday, November 19; and and agenda, visit the web site Thursday, November 29th. created specially for the DES While comments from ob- Reorganization issue, located servers may be heard at these at www.mntransition.org. Q meetings and discussion en-

Social Security Information Sources The best single source to begin to learn the basics about Social Security is the site of The Century Foundation’s “Social Security Network” web site, found at www.soc sec.org/. They have a primer called “The Basics: Social Security Reform,” which is excellent. For information specifically on the effects of introducing individual savings accounts into the Social Security system, there are three web sites that have good information on the issue: 1. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities published a report in Dec. 1998 entitled good connections, experience with investments, education, and a variety of other factors. President Bush has ordered that the President’s Commission to Strengthen Social Security “must include individually controlled, voluntary personal retirement accounts.” The Commission has thus been instructed to begin to replace “Social Security” with a new system that is neither social nor secure. Each member of the

“Social Security Plans That Reduce Social Security Retirement Benefits Substantially Are Likely to Cut Disability and Survivors Benefits as Well by Kathy Larin and Robert Greenstein. Find it at: www.cbpp.org/12-1598soc sec.htm 2. The Century Foundation has an “Issue Brief” entitled, “Who’s at Risk? How Privatizing Social Security Would Penalize Eight Groups of Americans,” published on May 15, 2000. Find that brief summary at www.socsec.org/ facts/Issue_Briefs/eight _groups.htm

3. In January 2001 the General Accounting Office issued Report #GAO-01-35, “Social Security Reform: Potential Effects on SSA’s Disability Programs and Beneficiaries.” Go to the GAO site at www. gao.gov/reports.htm For a more general response to the recent Presidential Commission report, look at a report entitled “Perspectives on the Draft Interim Report of the President’s Commission to Strengthen Social Security,” released on July 23rd by the Economic Policy Institute and the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Find it at www.cbpp.org/7-23-01soc sec-sum.htm

for recipients of Social Security Disability Insurance. Readers may want to contact their elected representatives, and the President, and tell I have provided a lot of them what you think about (possibly confusing) statistics that. Q in this report on Social Security “reform,” but the For those who want more bottom line should not be at information than is contained all confusing to readers of in this article, addresses for Access Press: Any plan to some excellent Social “save” or “fix” Social Security Security-related web sites that includes individual appears in the sidebar accounts will reduce benefits accompanying this article. President’s “bipartisan” Commission agrees with this approach to “reforming” the system.

Diamond Hill Townhomes We are currently accepting applications for our waiting list at Diamond Hill Townhomes, a great property located near the Mpls. International Airport. We have two and three bedroom townhomes that are HUD subsidized and rent is 30% of the total household's adjusted gross income. We have a large number of mobility impaired accessible units and we are scheduling appointments for persons in need of a mobility impaired accessible unit immediately. To schedule an appointment please call (612) 726-9341

September 10, 2001

Reader Profile

Mike Chevrette: Access For All by Amy Farrar

udd Jacobson was an extremely successful entrepreneur and business leader, and a quadriplegic as a result of a diving accident. So when an award was created in 1992 in Jacobson’s name, it was created to honor people like Jacobson, and people like Mike Chevrette, who received the award from Courage Center on August 25.

for people with hearing difficulties, Braille at elevators, and the amount of space in individual rooms. Although it will initially focus on the Twin Cities metro area, Chevrette’s goal is to include the entire state in the guide.

“You’d be amazed at how many definitions there are for the words ‘wheelchair accessible’,” said Chevrette. “There Chevrette, also a quadriplegic are a thousand definitions.” from a diving accident in 1979, is in the process of But let’s back up. creating an accessibility travel guide. The guide, which will It was a bright fall day in be the first Minnesota Travel Minnesota in 1999 when Guide for Persons with Dis- Chevrette unexpectedly found abilities, will be provided as a his calling in life. He was on web-based tool that will be his way to a restaurant in released in a printed version Calhoun Square in Minneapolis with a friend when he some time next year. realized he wasn’t sure if the The guide will outline the restaurant could accommoaccessibility of lodging facili- date his needs. Suddenly, he ties, restaurants, parks, the- was struck with the idea of aters, museums, art galleries, creating an accessibility travel historical sites, and other guide for people with disabiliestablishments and places ties. throughout the state. It will include information on a “There was a need for an inrange of features essential to depth resource for people making such places fully with all kinds of handicaps— accessible, such as accessible mobility, visual, and hearing parking spots, accessible door impairments,” said Chevrette. widths, appropriate bathroom Thus was born the idea for the layouts, fire alarms and phones Minnesota Travel Guide for

Persons with Disabilities. The project will make it possible for disabled people to go to the web site (http:// www.accessguides.org/ ) to see if a specific restaurant, theater, museum, hotel, or other establishment can accommodate their needs. Information on the web site will be stored in a database that will allow people to search by certain criteria. The criteria, said Chevrette, will be very similar to what the Minnesota office of tourism has on their web site. It was in November of 1999 that Chevrette told Deluxe Corporation, where he had been employed as a computer programmer, that he would be leaving to start his own business. Instead of letting him go, Deluxe offered to back the project, paying Chevrette to work full-time on it. Last year, Deluxe split into two companies, Deluxe and Efunds, which represented the electronic funds component of Deluxe. Chevrette now works for Efunds, which has picked up the cost of the project.

humor for all who know him,” said Gus Blanchard, CEO of Efunds. Chevrette got to know Blanchard while serving on the Corporate Diversity Council at Deluxe. “In the face of more challenge than most of us will ever face, he brightens the world of all those who come in contact with him,” said Blanchard. “His outlook is always positive; his desire to help others genuine and always evident.” In the research Chevrette has conducted so far, he said he found that although there were places where people could find some information, “there really was no centralized place you could go to find it.”

Chevrette is currently in the process of sending out thousands of surveys to every facility he can list in the guide. So far he said he hasn’t received any negative feedback from the surveys he’s collected. “Companies that are accessible and fill out the surveys are opening themselves up to a huge, untapped market,” he said. Chevrette illustrated this by telling the “Mike is a role model of story of a trip he took to grace, courage, and good Disney World with six family

members. He said every hotel, restaurant, and transportation company that accommodated his needs made money off seven people, not just one. “Most people with disabilities don’t travel alone,” he said. The travel guide is part of Access For All, a nonprofit organization Chevrette started to provide information on accessibility to persons with disabilities and mature travelers. The organization, Chevrette emphasized, is not an advocacy organization, but is educational in scope, with the goal of providing complete and accurate information to people with disabilities who want to travel in Minnesota. The entire $5,000 award Chevrette received this month will go to Access For All, with approximately $1,000 going toward continued development of the web site. Chevrette will be working with Urban Planet, an Internet solutions company, to fully develop the travel site. Urban Planet ExploreMin developed nesota.com, and there will be links between the two sites for added convenience.

When asked what he thought the biggest obstacle for people with disabilities is, Chevrette said, “There are a lot of barriers you have to break down. If you can get people to know you rather than your disability, you’re breaking down the societal barrier of people’s attitudes towards persons with disabilities. Your life at any time can be difficult or easy; it’s a matter of how you adapt. You have to see the good in every situation.” Access For All is recognized as a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation, and the organization has received support in the form of donations and in-kind contributions from Deluxe, Efunds, and Carlson Companies. Chevrette hopes to raise $300,000 over the next two years. In addition, the organization needs volunteers to send out surveys and questionnaires, conduct on-site surveys, and help enter information into the database. Chevrette can be contacted at (651) 787-2790, or mike.chev rette@efunds.com. Q

GET MORE OUT OF YOUR MEDICARE. If you’re eligible for Medicare, UCare for Seniors can provide additional health care benefits designed to fit your needs and your budget. There are two different levels of coverage to choose from. Both options provide generous benefits, including free eye, hearing and physical exams, worldwide emergency and urgent care coverage and more. For an affordable monthly plan premium, you receive 100% coverage on many services that you might otherwise have to pay for out of your own pocket. That’s one reason why thousands of Minnesotans have chosen UCare for Seniors. Maybe you should, too. Free Information Packet. Call 612-676-3500 Toll Free 1-877-523-1518 Hearing Impaired 612-676-6810 UCare Minnesota is a Medicare+Choice organization with a Medicare contract. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. You must use plan providers. Anyone eligible for Medicare living in the following UCare for Seniors service area may apply: Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington, and select zip codes in Mille Lacs (55371, 56330, 56363, 56313, 56353) and Wright (55328, 55390, 55349, 55363, 55373, 55358, 55313, 55376, 55341, 55301, 55362, 55380, 55320 )

September 10, 2001

PowerHockeyTM Tourney Results

People With Disabilities Work Expense Help

by Luke Pedersen

by the St. Paul PASS Cadre

he world’s best wheelchair hockey teams and players came to Minnesota last month for the first ever PowerHockey™ World Cup. The event took place Sunday, August 5th through Thursday, August 9th, 2001 at Augsburg College in Minneapolis. It kicked off with the Opening Ceremonies emceed by Wally Shaver, with special guest Tod Leiweke, President of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild, and culminated with the Toronto Rock’s 4-2 victory over the Calgary Selects in the championship game. The Toronto Rock’s Michelle Duboulay was named Championship Game MVP, and the Minnesota Stars Chris Kram was named Tournament MVP (voted on by coaches of each team).

overtime, the game went to a shootout. Finland put home its third shot to seal the victory. The Saints finished roundrobin play at 1-3. They opened the playoff round by losing 3-0 to Australia’s Power Roos. The Saints rebounded to win their next game 3-2 against the SW Ontario Canucks. After a 2-2 overtime tie, the game went to a shootout. The Saints outscored the Canucks and advanced to the 9th-10th place game. The Saints beat the Michigan Mustangs 2-0 for 9th place. The PowerHockey™ World Cup was hosted by the U.S. EWHA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a quality hockey program for persons requiring the use of an electric (power) wheelchair during daily life. The U.S. EWHA was founded by members of Minnesota’s first organized PowerHockey™ team.

from a game-playing standf you have a disability, point, but also in providing working can be expensive. excellent accommodations Seeing eye dogs, wheelchairs, and organization. I think we modified cars, special commore than accomplished this.” puters, and other specialized work equipment are part of PowerHockey™ is a sport the cost of holding a job. specifically designed for These are extra expenses that power wheelchair users. This many people with disabilities segment of the disabled receiving Social Security or community is very under- Supplemental Security Inserved when it comes to come (SSI) disability benefits available athletic oppor- simply can’t afford. tunities. The Special Olympics and Paralympic programs do Social Security has special not serve these athletes. The rules that can take the “extra” potential market for Power- out of those work expenses. Hockey™ is the same as, if Money you spend for impairnot greater than, markets for ment-related work expenses those very successful national/ is not counted when we figure inter-national programs, quite out whether your earnings are possibly making it the world’s high enough to be considered next big disabled sports substantial. This means you movement. can purchase a motorized wheelchair, modifications to For more information about your car or van, or a special the PowerHockey™ World computer without affecting Cup, or the U.S. EWHA and your monthly benefits. its programs, you may visit: www.powerhockey.com or As long as the items or call (763)-535-4736. Q services are necessary for you to do your job, you pay for them out-of-pocket, and they are related to your impairment, the cost of these

The PowerHockey™ World Cup was the largest powerwheelchair sporting event in U.S. history. It was also the first PowerHockey™ tournament to have participating teams from Australia, Canada, Europe and the U.S. Eleven teams competed for a chance “The tournament proved to be to capture the PowerHockey™ a tremendous success,” said Craig McClellan, U.S. EWHA Cup. President. “It was our goal to Teams included the Minne- create a venue that would sota Stars (USA), St. Paul surpass anything ourselves, or Saints (USA), Michigan Mus- any of the visiting teams, had tangs (USA), Power Roos ever participated in. Not just (Australia), Calgary Selects (Canada), SW Ontario Canucks (Canada), Toronto Rock (Canada), Finnish National Team (Finland), Referral fee if you, or someone you Nording Bulls (Germany), know, is looking for office space!! Rocky’s Rolling Wheels (Germany), and Thunder Roma Principals and Brokers welcome (Italy). E & E has class B office easy access via major highThe state of Minnesota was space available for lease in way systems. There is a well represented, having two S. St. Paul. Office sizes large meeting/conference teams —the Minnesota Stars range from 500 to 50,000 room, an auditorium comand the St. Paul Saints—in the sq ft, ($8-$12 per sq ft). We plete with film/sound booth, competition. The Stars, the will pay you $1 per sq ft for spacious lobby and recepfirst organized electric wheel- names and phone num- tion area with high quality chair (PowerHockey™) team bers of persons or compa- architecture inside and out. in the United States, was nies needing office space We also have high speed established in 1993. The if they sign a least to rent internet access available Saints are in their first year of space. The building is lo- starting at $100 per month. existence, and are the second cated 5 minutes from Also, plenty of on-site parking. PowerHockey™ traveling downtown St. Paul with team in Minnesota. Most of the Stars and Saints team members play on various 1185 N. Concord St., South St. Paul teams in the U.S. Electric Wheelchair Hockey Association’s (U.S. EWHA) Minnesota Division.

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expenses may not count toward your monthly earned income. For example, transportation expenses are deductible as are the cost of a personal attendant if the care will assist you with working. That means that you could earn over the “substantial” earnings amount ($740 per month for a disability other than blindness and $1,240 a month for individuals who are blind) and still continue to receive a Social Security disability payment. There are different work rules for persons receiving SSI. The “substantial” earnings limits mentioned above do not apply under the SSI program. Instead, your SSI benefits are reduced as your earnings increase, until they are completely reduced. But impairment-related work expenses can reduce the amount of countable income and in effect increase your continuing SSI eligibility and payment amount.

benefit from impairment-related work expenses when developing a Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS). Under a PASS, you can save money in order to go to school, get specialized training, or start a business. When writing a PASS, you must itemize the expenses you will need to attain a specific goal. You may be able to deduct the cost of work expenses such as transportation equipment and certain services. Special rules apply for individuals who are blind. Most of your work expenses may be deducted from your income even if they are not related to your disability. For example, special clothes or equipment needed to work can be deducted.

For more info visit our work web site at www.ssa.gov/ work. Or you can call our tollfree number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the booklet, Working While Disabled? How We However, persons receiving Can Help. Q SSI disability payments can

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The Stars finished roundrobin play with a record of 31-1, and advanced to the semifinals by beating Thunder Roma 4-0, in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, the Stars lost 2-1 to the eventual champion Toronto Rock. The Stars played Team Finland for third place, losing 2-1. After a 1-1 tie through

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September 10, 2001

CLASSIFIEDS

Access To Employment

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Employment ads are $14 per col. inch; Sept. 28 is the s deadline for the Oct. 10 issue. Mail to: ACCESS PRESS ad e 5 r 1821 University Ave. • #104S • St. Paul, MN 55104 Mo p. 1 FAX 651-644-2136 • E-mail: access@mninter.net on

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ASST. EDITOR FOR CUSTOMIZED TESTS AGS, a leading publisher of tests and instructional materials, is seeking to fill an Assistant Editor position in Assessment Services. This person will perform copy editing and content editing for test development projects and will work with design and production staff in planning and creating experimental and final components. The Assistant Editor is responsible for the accuracy and integrity of all product components, which must meet contractors’ unique requirements exactly. The position requires the highest possible level of proofreading accuracy and exacting attention to detail. The candidate will also function as an assistant project manager and provide logistical support for shipping of test materials. The ideal candidate will perform well in a dynamic and intellectually demanding team environment. Two years’ editing experience is preferred; experience in test publishing is a plus. This is currently a temporary position. Please check www.agsnet.com for information about AGS. Interested applicants may forward resume and salary requirements to: AGS - JH; 4201 Woodland Rd; Circle Pines, MN 55014, fax to 763-3552078, or email to jobs@agsnet.com. EOE

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s Employment ads are $14 per col. inch; Sept. 28 is the deadline for the ad e r Oct. 10 issue. Mail to: ACCESS PRESS • 1821 University Ave. • #104S o . 14 St. Paul, MN 55104• FAX 651-644-2136 • E-mail: access@mninter.net Mon p

AGS, a publisher of tests and instructional materials, has an opening for an Associate Director of Product Development. The successful candidate will develop test products. Duties will include working with a staff of test developers and managing the test development and publication process, providing input into long-range development plans, and generating recommendations for acquisitions. Candidates must have training or experience in research & development, strong oral and written communication skills, and a strong team orientation. A doctoral degree in educational psychology or a related field, or a master’s degree with willingness to obtain a doctorate is required. Please check us out on the web at www.agsnet.com.

Interested applicants may forward salary history to: AGS JH, 4201 Woodland Rd, Circle Pines MN 55014, fax to 763-355-2078 or email to jobs@agsnetnet.com. AGS is an equal opportunity emWe offer a professional work ployer. environment, competitive wages and an excellent benOFFICE MANAGER efits package, including a discounted bus program - Central Community HousMetropass. For additional ing Trust of Minneapolis information about Faegre & (CCHT), a nationally recogBenson, visit our web site at nized, nonprofit provider of www.faegre.com. Please send quality affordable housing in resume and salary history to dntn Mpls is seeking a bright, Human Resources: passionate, flexible person to join our team as our office FAEGRE & BENSON LLP manager. 2200 Wells Fargo Center Responsibilities: Keep the 90 South Seventh Street office running – manage Minneapolis, MN 55402 equipment, supplies, mainteFax: 612-766-1763 nance, etc. Supervise E-Mail: HR@Faegre.com receptionist(s). Genl organiEqual opportunity Employer zational support functions – coord. staff meetings and SENIOR CIVIL events, contact lists, reference ENGINEER library, archived file storage, SRF Consulting Group, Inc. a other info sources. locally owned, growing and well-established transporta- Qualifications: Min 3 yrs tion and engineering firm, admin experience, with min 1 seeks a Senior Civil Engineer. yr office management, 2 yrs Requirements include a BS in supervisory experience. MS Civil Engineering with 4+ Office literate. Organized. years experience and a PE. Thorough. Accurate. ProacProject management experi- tive in foreseeing and heading ence preferred. Strong writ- off problems before they arise. Quality-oriented. Imten and verbal skills a must. provement-focused. No nonIn addition to varied and sense, take charge person who exciting work in a positive finds creative solutions and atmosphere, SRF offers com- makes them happen. petitive salary and benefits, 401(k) & profit sharing. If Competitive salary and benyou want a career with strong efits. Mail/fax your resume growth potential in one of and cover letter with salary ENR’s Top 500 design firms, history/reqs to: CCHT, 1625 send your resume to SRF Park Ave., Mpls, MN 55404. Consulting Groups, Inc., Fax 612.341.4208. Visit us at One Carlson Pkwy. N., www.ccht.org. #150, Plymouth, MN 55447; fax to 763-475-2429, or e- People of color and people mail to hr@srfconsulting. with disabilities strongly com; EOE encouraged to apply. EOE

Planning

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Planning for a bright future. PARALEGAL REAL ESTATE Gray Plant Mooty, a 130+ attorney downtown Minneapolis law firm, is seeking a paralegal with 5+ years of commercial & residential real estate experience, including substantial in-depth survey and title review. The candidate must have knowledge of procedures for recording documents, Torrens registration proceedings, and possess transaction experience. Must be client-oriented, demonstrate excellent organizational skills, be detail-oriented, and have extensive writing and editing experience. Paralegal certificate desired. 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; fax to 612333-0066; or e-mail to Anne. Weinauer@gpmlaw.com. Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer Litigation LEGAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Faegre & Benson LLP is seeking a litigation legal administrative assistant. Qualified candidates will have 3-6 years litigation/administrative experience; excellent organizational and communication skills; proficient word processing/computer skills; keyboarding at 70+ wpm; and a team-oriented flexible work style. We offer competitive wages and an excellent benefit package, including generous paid time off, Firm-paid sick child care service, emergency back-up child care services, retirement savings plans, transportation discounts, etc. To learn more about our current job opportunities and for additional information about Faegre & Benson, visit our web site at: www.faegre.com. For consideration, please send resume and salary history to Human Resources: FAEGRE & BENSON LLP 2200 Wells Fargo Center 90 South Seventh Street Minneapolis, MN 55402 Fax: 612-766-1763 E-Mail: HR@Faegre.com

It takes forethought and perseverance to meet the challenges of a fast-growing, industrially diverse area. Dakota County, one of Minnesota’s most innovative and progressive county governments, is seeking a Senior Planner to join our Community Services Planning Department in West St. Paul and work with human services program staff and administrators to develop plans, policies and procedures for a broad range of community services. SENIOR PLANNER Hiring Range $43,900 - $58,200/year

September 10, 2001 LEGAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Are you looking to work evenings (3:45 - 9:45 p.m.)? Great opportunity below! Faegre & Benson LLP, a leading Minnesota law firm, has an opening for an evening legal administrative assistant in its Corporate-Finance practice group. This position offers an interesting and fastpaced opportunity in a professional work environment. Ideal candidates will have at least 3 years legal secretarial experience or strong administrative background; excellent organizational and communication skills; proficient word processing skills; keyboarding at 60+ wpm; and a teamoriented, flexible work style. Faegre & Benson LLP offers competitive wages and an excellent benefits package, including a discounted bus program-Metropass. For additional information about Faegre & Benson, visit our web site at www.faegre.com. Please send resume and salary history to Human Resources:

You’ll work with a wide variety of county and community-based agencies and staff to carry out an effective planning process and produce quality documents, conduct studies, needs assessments, and special projects, analyze FAEGRE & BENSON LLP trends, research data, and 2200 Wells Fargo Center prepare proposals and bud90 South Seventh Street gets in response to grant Minneapolis, MN 55402 announcements You’ll also Fax: 612-766-1763 represent Dakota County at E-Mail: HR@Faegre.com public meetings. Qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in human services, public administration, or a related field plus 4 years experience in planning and program development, and knowledge of basic principles and concepts of project planning and management. A Master’s degree in a related field is preferred. Applications may be obtained by visiting our Career Opportunities web site at www .co.dakota.mn.us or by calling 651.438.4280 or TDD 651.438.4618 for hearing impaired. Applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. on September 21, 2001 and may be sent to: Dakota County Employee Relations Department, 1590 Highway 55, Hastings, MN 55033. EOE/Smoke Free Environment. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

Human Resources MANAGER COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Faegre & Benson LLP, a leading Minnesota law firm, has a newly created position reporting to the Director of Human Resources. Ideal candidates will have at least 5-7 years of comprehensive compensation and benefits management experience including a demonstrated track record in the design, development, implementation, communication and administration of compensation, health and welfare benefits and retirement programs. A degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or closely related field is required, along with a strong background in all HR disciplines; legal and regulatory requirements; project management; and software application. Candidates must have excellent interpersonal communication skills; be creative and well organized; work hands-on; possess strong decision making and analytical skills; and have an excellent attention to detail.

Faegre & Benson LLP offers competitive wages and an excellent benefits package, including a discounted bus program-Metropass. For additional information about Faegre & Benson, visit our web site at www.faegre.com. Equal Opportunity Employer Please send resume and salary EDUCATION SPECIAL- history and requirements to IST Ed Law Proj. of So. MN Human Resources: Reg. Legal Serv. Seeks Ed. Sp. to work w/low income FAEGRE & BENSON LLP students and families in East 2200 Wells Fargo Center 90 South Seventh Street Metro area. Ed. bkgd. pref.; Minneapolis, MN 55402 Exp. w/inner city low income Fax: 612-766-1763 families; bilingual speaking E-Mail: HR@Faegre.com pref; Begin imm.; Salary DOE; Excel. Ben. Pkg. Resumes to: M.L. Giese, Equal Opportunity Employer SMRLS, 46 E.4th St., Ste. 700; St. Paul, MN 55101. AA/EEO

Ramsey County Ramsey County invites you to join us in building a better community through public service in the following fields: • • • • • • • •

Administrative, Management and Technical Services Building and Facility Services Clerical and Secretarial Services Community and Social Services Court, Legal and Law Enforcement Services Property Records/Revenue Services Public Works and Transportation Services Parks and Recreation Services Contact our Job Hotline for a recorded list of current job openings at:

(651) 266-2666 Ramsey County Human Resource 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

Equal Opportunity Employer

September 10, 2001

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SPONSORS OF ACCESS PRESS: Thanks to the following sponsors for supporting ACCESS PRESS this year. ------------------------------------- BASIC SPONSOR ------------------------------------Margaret Beier Carlyn Bryngelson John Hartson Beth Jensen Debra Johnson Rosanne Kramnicz Steven McKeever Kathleen M. Miller Cindy Moore Jane & Albert Olson Carla Reichenberg Paul W. Taylor Kelli N-E Wysocki ------------------------------------- FRIEND SPONSOR ------------------------------------Lynda Adams Mary Andresen Steven Anderson Marisa Bennett Patrick Bilbrey Mike & Karen Bjorgan Sandi Lane & Monte Blair Susan Blaylock Maynard Bostrom Bob Brick Wendy Brower Carlyn Bryngelson Susan Bulger Deah Cain Carol Jo Cochran Lynne Corneli Marty Cushing Justin & Yoshiko Dart Jolene Davis LeRoy deBoom Barbara Droher Neil Doughty Craig Dunn Mel & Georgia Duncan Peg & Joe Figliuzzi Mary Frank-Wawokiyawin Candace & David Gislason Tom Gode Rep. Kevin Goodno Nadine & Andy Groven Patricia Guerrero John Hoffman Bradley J. Holmes Ellen & Skip Houghton Judy Hunt Cindy & Gregory Johnson Deb Johnson Ericka Johnson Linnea Johnson Hoff Barb Kane Mary Kay Kennedy Diah Kinion Tracy Kochendorfer Beth Knutson-Kolodzne Eugene Kook Sherry Lampman Sue Lasoff Bruce Larson David Larson Linda Larson John Marty Dorothy McCoy Kelly Matter Desiree Menuey Kathy Moran Paul Mueller Jim & Cindy Musselman Bill & Joan Overby Mary & Henry Pattridge Richard Peterson Margery Pilhofer Robert J. Geldert & Roberta Pinkosh Dwight & Chris Porter Barbara Proehl Virginia Puzak Julee Quarve-Peterson Kelly Rathcke Kim Rezek Brian Rogers Patricia L. Rogers Fern Rogstad Stuart Rosen James Ross Ginger Rudberg Patricia Rydeen Arthur Sauter Elizabeth Smith Adele Spavin Diane Sprague Gerry & Barb Tollakson Caryl Wattman Teri Welcher Curt Wiehle David Wood Accommodating Care, Inc. Accord Health Care Services All Temporaries, Inc Alliance for the Mentally Ill of MN Arc of Anoka/Ramsey Cty Arc Suburban Arc Minnesota Assistive Speech Technology Research Labs Axis Healthcare 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 Home Health Care JQ-P, Inc. Kaposia MBW Company Metro Mobility Service Center Staff MN Bio Brain Assoc. NAMI New Dimensions Northeast Contemporary Services Resource S.M.I.L.E.S. ------------------------------------- IN HONOR ------------------------------------Anne Henry by Karen Adamson Cecelia Bilbrey-Baer by Patrick J. Bilbrey Jaehn Clare by Candice Warne Charlie Smith by Tom & Mimi Fogarty Kyle by Joe & JoAnn Zwack College of Saint Catherine’s Occupational Therapy Masters Program by Steven Anderson U of M Occupational Therapy Education Program by Erica Stern

------------------------------------- IN MEMORY------------------------------------Troy Fahlenkamp & 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 Charlie Smith by Lee Ann Erickson Charlie Smith by Barbara Kane Charlie Smith by Sister Kenny Institute Ruth Riggs by Corbin Kidder Bill & Renee Smith by Helen Thompson Bill Smith by Kathy & Paul West Linda Wolford in memory of Tony Lebahn ------------------------------------- BRONZE SPONSOR ------------------------------------Sue Abderholden Steve Alarik Anonymous Susan Asplund John Baker David Baldwin Kathleen Ball Jeff Bangsberg Jill Bedow Janet Berndt Bill Blom Anita Boucher Tom Brick Deb Bryan Rick Cardenas Michael & Janice Chevrette Margot Imdieke Cross Stephanie Cunningham Robert Gregory Diane Greig Luther Granquist Doris Groven Lori Guzman Martha Hage Roger A. Hoffman Dianna Krogstad Linda Lattin LoRene Leikind Lolly Lijewski Joel McGuiggan Christopher Meyer Cliff Miller Jim Morse Bill Niederloh William O’Dowd Manley Olson Louise Pattridge Catherine Reid & Liddy Rich Ann Roscoe Rick & Debbie Ryan Patricia Siebert Barb Smith John Smith Peter & Pamela Stanfiel Mary Jane Steinhagen Erica Stern Eric & Caroline Stevens J. Quinn Tierney Helen Thompson Candace Warne 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 MN Developmental Achievement Ctr Assoc. (MnDACA) Pat Siebert, MN Dis. Law Ctr. National Results Council New Ways United Cerebral Palsy of MN ------------------------------------- SILVER SPONSOR ------------------------------------Karen Adamson Jamie Becker Scott Beers Robert E. Buuck LeAnne & Larry Dahl Chris Duff Catherine Eilers M. Therese Gockenbach Paula Goldberg Judy Haaversen David & Susan Houghton Ronna Linroth Lynn Noren Michael Otubushin RISE Inc. Dean Doering & Lisa Scribner Kevin Sullivan Kathy West Kay Willshire Arc Hennepin County Help Yourself Job Placement & Development Division, MN Rehab Assn Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Network Mpls. Advisory Committee Pacer Center St. Paul Mayors Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities Twin City Transportation Vinland Center ------------------------------------- GOLD SPONSOR ------------------------------------Scott Beers Shirley Larson Margaret Perryman Bridget & Diane Smith In Home Personal Care, Inc. MILS ------------------------------------- DIAMOND SPONSOR ------------------------------------Case Management Systems, Inc. Rapit Print ------------------------------------- BENEFACTOR SPONSOR ------------------------------------Medtronic Foundation