November 2001 Edition - Access Press by Access Press

November 10, 2001

Inside  News From Duluth — p. 9  Adult CP Clinic Opens — p. 3  State Council Award Winners — p. 3

Reader Profile: John Tschida — Page 8

“Either we must attain freedom for the whole world or there will be no world left for any of us.”

—Walter White

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

Volume 12, Number 11

SOURCES

RESOURCES

November 10, 2001

MCIL CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY 20 YEARS OF ADVOCACY, OUTREACH, AND SUCCESS by Amy Farrar

Dan Klint, Board Chair, and Executive Director David Hancox at the MCIL 20th Anniversary Celebration

After September 11, People With Disabilities Find Tough Going by Lolly Lijewski

he events of September 11 have changed lives, and people with disabilities are no exception. The challenges they faced before have been amplified by the loss of their homes, their mobility devices, access to public transportation, and the tools and services that enable them to live actively in the community. The stark reality of the impact of the disaster became apparent to advocates with the network of Centers For Independent Living in New York the day after the attack. Brad Williams, Executive Director of The New York Statewide Independent Living Council (NYSILC) says a myriad of problems faced people with disabilities on the day of and following the collapse of The World Trade Center (WTC.). Getting out was the first problem. There was no cohesive emergency plan for assisting people with disabilities to evacuate. Then there is the destruction of

some of the transportation and housing infrastructure near ground zero. In an emergency, people with disabilities do not have access to the same options as nondisabled people. Many current consumers have new needs for multiple services. Also, people with disabilities who never previously utilized independent living services now find their independence and employment in jeopardy. Furthermore, the injuries people experienced in the attack have resulted in an increase in the number of people with a disability. It is projected that at least 3,500 people who were treated and released have acquired a disability, yet when disaster workers were asked if any of the over eight thousand people treated were people with current or newly-acquired disabilities, the answer was “No.” The Red Cross and other agencies attending to victims

of the disaster are not prepared to meet the specific needs of people with disabilities. Most disaster-relief agencies ask victims to come to them, yet many of the Red Cross sites weren’t accessible. Under the circumstances, many people with disabilities weren’t able to comply. The Center For The Independence Of The Disabled In New York (CIDNY), located two miles from the WTC in Manhattan, has tripled their call volume since September 11. CIDNY has 11 paid staff, woefully inadequate to meet the growing need. The Three Phases Katinka Neuhof, Outreach and Training Specialist at CIDNY, says she knows of three deaths of people with disabilities either during or after the attack. But, beyond that, she says there have been three phases people have gone through during the past CIDNY - cont. on p. 13

“Nothing about us without us” is a saying that sprang from the disability rights movement in South Africa in the 1980s. It is a saying that encompasses much of the hard work that has been accomplished during the last 20 years, both within the disability rights movement, and by the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) in Saint Paul, a leader in the independent living movement. On October 24, MCIL celebrated its 20th anniversary. To understand the independent living movement, we need to backtrack to the 1960s, to the movement’s founder, Ed Roberts. Roberts was a polio survivor who was paralyzed from the neck down. He was the first person with a disability to attend the University of California at Berkeley. Robert’s determination not to be denied the education of his choice turned into a long history of activism that rubbed off on many people who came in contact with him. Roberts’ success at Berkeley attracted other disabled students, and together they created the first Center for Independent Living (CIL), which helped people with disabilities inside and outside the school become integrated into the surrounding community. None of this was without struggle. Roberts had to fight with the school’s officials just to gain entry to the school, because they said the school wasn’t accessible to people in wheelchairs. Once they did accept him, Roberts and the other students with disabilities initially had to live in a hospital on campus, until their efforts resulted in funding to make

the community more accessible through ramps and hydraulic lifts on transportation vehicles. Roberts was even denied a job by California’s Rehabilitation Services because he was considered “too disabled.” There were many other hurdles for Roberts to overcome. However, his hard work paid off when California Governor Jerry Brown offered him a job in his cabinet—as Commissioner of Rehabilitation Services! Roberts’ tenure in Brown’s cabinet led to the creation of the World Institute on Disability, a world public policy center. The Independent Living Movement is, in the words of David Hancox, MCIL’s executive director, “one of the last great civil rights movements.” Indeed, the fire fueling Roberts and other activists during his time was sparked by the concurrent civil and women’s rights movements, both of which had themes similar to those of the disability rights movement. Unlike the other two movements, however, the disability rights movement had something that is lending cohesion to the movement to this day: no boundaries. “Disability know no boundaries based on economics, age, or gender—it crosses all boundaries,” says Hancox. “At one time or another, it touches us all.” MCIL’s first director, Walt Seibert, described MCIL’s formative years, saying, “There was passion, and there was commitment. We were proving to the funding community that we were more than some program of the federal government. We

knew where we were going and how to get there. We had an extremely committed staff. It was not unlike the anti-war effort of the 1960s. We had a commitment to an ideal, without having it occur at the expense of anyone else.” Seibert is currently a major gift and planned-giving officer at Courage Foundation. The Origins of MCIL MCIL’s origins were as a grassroots movement among people with disabilities in the community. Those involved wanted to make available consumer-driven, community-based resources that would represent an alternative to the existing system and prevent unnecessary outof-home placements of people with disabilities. The goal was to help people with disabilities find their own voice, power, and advocacy. The center opened its doors in the spring of 1981. There are now 500 Centers For Independent Living (CILs) across the country, with eight in Minnesota—all independent nonprofit organizations. Ninety percent of MCIL’s board and 80 percent of its staff are people with disabilities. “Our board and staff believe people with disabilities need to be in the driver’s seat,” said Hancox. MCIL places no limitation on the type of disability the organization serves, and no age limit. It offers services that are consumer-driven. Referrals are another valuable service offered by MCIL. Hancox said his staff strives to partner with the community, not represent them, encouraging those who seek help to lead more selfdirected lives. MCIL - cont. on p. 12

November 10, 2001

❊❊❊❊❊

Tim Benjamin Editor

he Open House was an enormous success! Fifty people signed the guestbook and I know that there were many people that didn’t sign in. We have received letters and e-mail with congratulations and apologies for not attending. I was told that at one time there were 15 wheelchairs in the office of Access Press. It makes me very happy to

know that I can really have a gathering of my wheelchairusing peers within our office. That’s an example of the kind of access we want. We gave away coffee mugs, so if you were unable to attend, an AP mug is waiting for you at the office. Stop in and pick one up. I would love to have the opportunity to meet each and every one of Access Press’ supporters.

Congratulations to the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living. Their 20-year anniversary celebration was held at the Four Points Sheraton in St. Paul on October 24th. The 100 or so participants dined together before David Hancox gave a gift of roses to Jean Rieck and Betty Culver for exemplary service to him and to MCIL. The director of the Minnesota State Council on Disability, David Skilbred, keynoted the evening with a thought-provoking speech summarizing the accomplishments of MCIL, the state of the disability rights movement, and the trials that we will face in our community with a

recession looming over us. ❊❊❊❊❊

Lolly Lijewski interviewed the staff and director at The Center for the Independence of the Disabled in New York (CIDNY) in the wake of the September 11th attacks, and her article raises some interesting questions. Should each of us have our own evacuation plan that does not hinge on the help of others? How can we access the evacuation plans that already exist? Should there be a registry of individuals with disabilities and where they live? How do we keep this registry confidential? What would we gain or lose as individuals if we do register? How many rights will all

Americans have to give up to combat the terrorism? These are valid questions we should be asking ourselves. ❊❊❊❊❊

On page 9, Anne Roberts from People with Disabilities for Change in Duluth introduces the group to AP readers. This is the first group—of many, I hope— that has offered to keep us informed on what’s happening in disability communities in Greater Minnesota. We look forward to hearing more from People with Disabilities for Change and any other groups in Greater Minnesota that would like to introduce themselves.

In September we said that we would have more news on the sale of Becklund Home Health Care. After talking to lots of people and checking with clients and staff, it seems like the transition is going smoothly, but it’s really too early to tell exactly what this major sale will mean for former Becklund clients (and the rest of us). So, for the time being, we have put off our plans to file a report. We will “keep our ears to the track” as the health care marketplace continues to evolve. If a major company like Becklund couldn’t survive, what other changes may be coming? 

❊❊❊❊❊

Thanks To Our Contributors Access Press News: The Inside Story by Tim Benjamin

n addition to the paid staff of Access Press, many people in the community volunteer their time, energy, and talents to make each month’s issue possible. We would like to thank all of our “In-Kind” contributors. Many people volunteer to write articles for Access Press every year, on a wide range of topics. This year’s contributors include Sue Abderholden, Wendy Brower, Mike Chevrette, Dr. Claudelle Carruthers, Pat Danielson, Kathy Hagen, Anne Henry, Deb Holtz, Linda Larson, Susan O’Connor, Luke Pedersen, John Tschida, Joel Ulland, Joani Werner and the Social Security PASS Cadre, Sharon Van Winkel, and all the others

whom we may have forgotten. the members of the Minnesota Consortium of People with We always appreciate our Disabilities. regular columnists: Pete Feigal, Lolly Lijewski, Nicole Over the years, and especially Roberts, and John Schatzlein. during this time of transition, Thank you also to Jon Skaalen many people have contribof VSA arts for sending us the uted in many other ways. list of Accessible Perfor- Among them are Jaime Becker, Jeff Dahlin, Dawn mances each month. Doering, Marjorie Huebner, Access Press couldn’t be what Lynda Milne, Paul Monroe, it is without the ideas and Tara Pratt, Dennis Saari, advice offered by a wide Bridget Smith, and Harold range of advocates, activists, and Alice Kerner. and regular readers. Jeff Bangsberg, Donna Mc- If we missed your name we Namara, Linda Wolford, Tom apologize; please send us a Brick, Bob Brick, Chris Duff, note. We will recognize you Eric Stevens, Mary Kay in future issues. Look for a list Kennedy, and Rick Cardenas of In-Kind contributors every deserve special thanks, and month from now on. Thank there are many others. A you to all!  group thank-you is due to all

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ACCESS PRESS Co-Founder/Publisher (1990-1996) ...................................................... Wm. A. Smith, Jr. Co-Founder/Publisher/Editor-in-Chief (1990-2001) ........................... Charles F. Smith Board of Directors ...................... Bill Dessert, Margot Imdieke Cross, and Steve Kuntz Editor ............................................................................................................. Tim Benjamin Associate Editor ............................................................................................. Jeff Nygaard Cartoonist ......................................................................................................... Scott Adams Production .............................................................. Presentation Images, Ellen Houghton Editorial Assistant .................................................................... 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.

by Tim Benjamin

any of you know we’ve been working on a new database to help us better keep track of our evergrowing lists of subscribers, friends, and advertisers. Charlie Smith had been working with Jeff on this for some time before Charlie’s untimely death this past spring, and last month all our work finally started to be put into

action. We wish Charlie were matically print out a renewal here to see it! letter when subscriptions expire, which will make it much We now have new and easier to assure that no one improved invoices for our misses an issue. Of course, advertisers. The new layout, renewal letters for our Friends including much more infor- contributors will automatimation about each account, cally be generated as well. should make our billings The idea is to make our more accurate and problems record-keeping more accueasier to solve. The sub- rate, as well as to save staff scriber database will auto- time and allow us to spend more time on the important thing—putting out a highquality newspaper! As the new system gets up and running, there may be a few glitches. If you notice any errors or “funny stuff” that might be caused by the database, please call to let us know. Thanks to those of you who have already let us know that you got multiple copies of the paper in the mail last month—hopefully you only got ONE this month! Since 1996 we have devoted space in Access Press to the Friends who support the paper financially. To the left, there is an article thanking all the people who help the paper in other, just as important, ways. In future months we plan to include the names of these indispensable In Kind supporters as a regular feature. Let us know if your name belongs there and you don’t see it. For the past few months we have had sufficient advertising revenue to allow us to consistently put out a 16-page paper. That’s a good thing, as there is so much going on that we want to report on! As we get used to the increased space, you’ll notice a few changes in where you find regular features. The In AP News - cont. on p. 14

November 10, 2001

New Adult CP Clinic Opens by John Barrett

hen most children take Adults with a Linroth, clinic manager. their first steps, they’re “Child’s Disability” “We’ll continue to grow to unaware of their parents’ Because cerebral palsy is meet the needs of the paexcitement. But when Marrie diagnosed and first treated in tients.” Bottelson took her first steps childhood, it’s often considat Gillette’s new Lifetime ered a “child’s disability.” Services Available Specialty Care Clinic this fall, Adults with the condition The clinic provides access to she giggled and said, “I can’t often find their medical needs a team of experienced spewait to tell my mother. She’s unmet. Studies have shown cialists, including physical going to fall out of her seat!” that, after adolescence, people medicine and rehabilitation Born with cerebral palsy, with cerebral palsy are less physicians, and a social worker Bottelson, 26, has used a likely to get medical care of specializing in adult issues. wheelchair for most of her any sort — and much less The clinic offers treatments life. As an for specialty mediadult, she occal needs, includcasionally ing muscle spasticsought treatment ity, as well as for her cerebral assessments to depalsy, but her termine if clients choices in spewould benefit from cialized health braces, splints, cuscare were limtom seating, comited and she munication defound the vices, and other therapy less than adaptive equipshe’d hoped for. ment. Michelle Lacy gets her brace checked by “I didn’t know an orthotist at the Lifetime Care Clinic where to go,” Because the clinic she explained. “But when I likely to get specialized medi- is located next to the Gillette heard that Gillette was open- cal care for their condition. Technology Center, the ing a clinic for adults with That’s especially troubling Center’s orthotists and seatcerebral palsy, I was excited.” because disabilities tend to ing specialists — who can In fact, Bottelson visited the accelerate the body’s natural create, mod-ify, and adjust clinic on October 4, 2001, its aging process. If adults with customized adaptive equipfirst day of business — and cerebral palsy aren’t seeing a ment and seating — are became the clinic’s first doctor who understands the readily available. patient. issues related to their condition — or if they’re not seeing Clients of the clinic also have Bottelson’s visit to the Life- a doctor at all — they risk access to social workers, and time Specialty Care Clinic developing serious health speech and language therabegan with an occupational complications. pists. Teenage clients can therapist, who discussed learn ways to successfully splints for Bottelson’s hands Meeting Special Needs negotiate the transition from and wrists, then worked on Gillette opened the Lifetime pediatricians to health-care expanding her range of mo- Specialty Care Clinic to give providers for adults. The tion. Next, the seat of Bot- adults with cerebral palsy the clinic also offers options for telson’s motorized wheel- specialized care they need. dealing with adult issues such chair was adjusted to make The clinic also links clients as choosing a career; becomher more comfortable and with primary-care providers ing self-supporting; handling prevent pressure sores. After who can supply ongoing dating, marriage, and chilher seating adjustment, health care in the clients’ own dren; managing pain; mainBottelson moved to the reha- communities. In addition, taining a healthy weight; bilitation gym for physical because many primary-care dealing with menstrual and therapy. Her physical thera- providers are unfamiliar with gastrointestinal or feeding pist, Laura Gueron, suggested the effects cerebral palsy can concerns; and coming to using a Rifton Pacer Gait have on other health condi- terms with grief and loss Trainer, a device that helps tions, the Lifetime Specialty issues related to disabilities. support people who have Care Clinic serves as a The Difference of difficulty walking. After resource when questions arise. Specialized Care taking her first steps — and Despite opening its doors less eventually walking the full than a month ago, the clinic is Most health-care facilities length of the corridor — already very busy. “The need have only a cursory underBottelson’s smile was as wide for this specialized care is standing of cerebral palsy, but obvious,” explained Ronna Gillette has been caring for as the hall itself. children with disabilities for more than 100 years. At the Lifetime The Lifetime Specialty Care Clinic is a pilot Specialty Care Clinic, project funded in part with a grant from Medtronic, clients can discuss their Inc. medical concerns with staff who have years of experience caring for Located at the Gillette Technology Center in New patients with cerebral Brighton, Minnesota the new clinic offers a multipalsy. They examine disciplinary team of specialists who are experitherapy, medicine, surenced in working with adults with disabilities. gery, and other options for managing medical issues and improving For more information about the Lifetime Specialty their lives. The clinic Care Clinic, call Ronna Linroth at (651) 634-1920. uses the knowledge and expertise that has To make an appointment, call Gillette New Patient gained Gillette a worldIntake at (651) 229-3944. renowned reputation for treating children, but its decor and faciliCheck out the clinic and other Gillette services at ties are geared toward www.gillettechildrens.com. adults. For instance, Clinic - cont. on p. 10

2001 State Council Award Winners Announced

he month of October was Minnesota Disability Employment and Awareness Month, as proclaimed by Governor Jesse Ventura. This celebration is traditionally observed in cooperation with the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)/ Department of Labor, formerly the President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities. ODEP provides training materials and national publicity materials for use by the media.

authored a book chronicling boards and actively promote his experiences with persons the recruitment, employment, with autism. and promotion of their employees with disabilities. Distinguished Service, Groups: People First and The Knights of Columbus

People First has distinguished itself for helping people with developmental disabilities to become actively involved in the Minnesota disability rights community. The organization has developed self-advocacy groups and training programs around the state through 20 chapters involving over 500 Each October, the Minnesota members. State Council on Disability selects (from a slate of indi- The Knights of Columbus viduals and organizations conduct the “Fall Classic” for nominated by the public) and Minnesota Special Olympics. recognizes those who have Over 800 participants with demonstrated outstanding ef- developmental disabilities forts as, or on behalf of, from throughout the state come to the metro area each persons with disabilities. November for the competi2001 winners, by category: tion. Over 350 Knights of Columbus volunteers coach the competition with the aid Distinguished Service, of an additional 600 volunIndividuals: Barry Hite and Daniel Reed teers. In addition, each April, Barry Hite is not only the lay Knights of Columbus volunpastor of Hilltop Chapel in teers raise over $275,000 by Palisade, MN, but also runs a handing out candies and small business in Emily, MN. accepting donations for agenHe has distinguished himself cies serving developmentally in service to his community as disabled persons. a player and coach of a national champion softball team. Employer of the Year, He also coaches youth baseOver 200 Employees: ball, and supports several Saint Paul Companies, Inc. programs for hunters with Saint Paul Companies, Inc. disabilities. Mr. Hite broke has developed partnerships his back in an accident over with several agencies that 20 years ago and is paralyzed provide training and placefrom the waist down. He and ment services for people with his wife, Bertie, are the disabilities. As a result of parents of two sons. these partnerships, the company has actively sought out Daniel Reed has recruited qualified applicants and probusinesses in the St. Paul area vided work experience and to employ people with autism. internships for them. The St. He has worked tirelessly to Paul Companies have prosecure transportation for his vided a positive work enviworkers with disabilities and ronment that includes adaptinitiated the purchase of ing work sites to the indiseveral 15-passenger vans to vidual needs of the candishuttle clients to and from dates. Company representatheir work. He has also tives serve on several agency

Employer of the Year, Under 200 Employees: The Hazelden Foundation Dietary Services Dept.

The Hazelden Foundation Dietary Services Department has, for the past 15 years, employed persons with disabilities referred to them by the Chisago Lakes Achievement Center. Management has demonstrated great flexibility in providing accommodations for CLAC workers. Legislator of the Year: Senator Julie Sabo

Senator Sabo demonstrated extraordinary leadership and determination in her efforts to pass the Visitability language through the Senate and conference committees this past legislative session. Housing, as we know it in Minnesota, will take on a new and more accessible face. Housing built in whole or part with public funding, funneled through the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, will be more accessible to a far greater range of individuals. Recreation: Wilderness Inquiry

Wilderness Inquiry provides outdoor adventure trips to people of all ages and abilities. In addition, they have a special program designed to meet the needs of families with children with a disability by providing adapted skills training to prepare them for outdoor adventures around the country. The staff demonstrates a “do whatever it takes” attitude toward providing accommodations for people who need them to ensure that everyone participates fully and has a great time. 

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November 10, 2001

Habitat For Humanity Builds Accessible Home O

n Thursday, October 18, Courage Center and Habitat for Humanity held a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the first Habitat for Humanity home incorporating assistive technology. Habitat has built accessible homes in the past, but incorporating assistive technology such as aids for daily living, environmental controls, or mobility devices represents a major advancement in meeting the needs of homeowners with disabilities.

Stevens. “Our partnership with Habitat for Humanity is a perfect way to advance the needs of people with disabilities and educate the larger community about the lack of appropriate housing for the disability community. Accessible housing—housing in which people with disabilities can enter and navigate easily—is only part of the need. Assistive technology provides people with disabilities lifestyle-enhancing tools to accomplish everyday tasks on their own such as cooking “Courage Center’s goal is to meals, getting ready for a help people with disabilities special event, or relaxing with live as independently as friends on a deck.” possible,” said Courage Center Executive Director Eric Habitat for Humanity, excited

about this new partnership, views this pilot project as an opportunity for its organization to learn more about accessible housing and to possibly pioneer a new development in Habitat housing. Courage Center is providing technical expertise and guidance on design, assistive technology, and information about meeting the independent living needs of people with disabilities.

Humanity Executive Director Stephen Seidel. “And we feel that the disability community’s housing needs are underserved. Many families living with disabilities find it very difficult to find decent, affordable housing. This partnership will not only provide access to better housing for people with disabilities, but will shine a light on the need for more funding for housing of this nature.”

“Habitat’s mission is to eliminate poverty housing—inadequate or inappropriate housing that is run down, poorly maintained, transitional, or too costly—throughout the Twin Cities,” said Habitat for

Courage Center has also engaged Jane A. Hampton, founder and president of nationally recognized Accessibility Design—a Minnesota-based firm specializing in residential and commercial

design for people with disabilities—to consult on this project. Hampton’s universal design concept focuses on providing barrier-free homes, buildings, and products to accommodate people of all abilities. The future homeowners of the Habitat home, Scott Dehn and Lisa Baron, both have cerebral palsy and are long-time clients and volunteers at Courage Center. Dehn is a staff accountant at St. Paul Companies and Baron tutors 4th and 5th graders in math and reading through the AmeriCorps program at Jenny Lind Elementary in Minneapolis.

“We never thought we’d have a home of our own,” said Dehn. “Much less one with all the bells and whistles that will allow us to be truly independent.” The groundbreaking ceremony included remarks by Stevens, Seidel, representatives from United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota, future homeowners Scott Dehn and Lisa Baron, and a blessing of the project by Dehn’s and Baron’s pastor and priest.  Information for this article was provided by Courage Center and Habitat for Humanity.

More On NAMI . . . [Editor’s Note: Pete Feigal’s Mental Illness/Brain Disorders column of September brought a letter of response last month from the president of National Alliance for the Mentally Ill - Minnesota (NAMI-MN). This month we publish two responses to that letter, one from a NAMI member and one from Mr. Feigal. Look for more on this controversy in future issues of Access Press.]

keeps on keeping on, committed to making a difference. Such are not the words of a man who feels he’s sold his soul!

conference) suggests that NAMI-MN is not acting in integrity with the organization and the individuals it purports to represent.

Dear President Zwack,

A concern that your letter raises is the telling comment, “we believed in some issues that weren’t supported by all and chose to pursue them independently.” Was the last legislative session a banner year for mental illness issues? Yes! Did NAMI-MN contribute to that success? Yes. Did NAMI-MN accurately represent the interests of its statewide constituency? No!

I suggest that you carefully reread Mr. Feigal’s article, “I Can’t Go On.” He never said that he feels he’s lost his soul but, rather, that others have suggested to him that he’s sold out and sold his soul. Sadly, you seem to have missed his primary message that, despite profound personal and professional challenges and frustrations, he

This point is one of the key concerns brought by the affiliates to the Board last June and, in fact, is the fulcrum on which many of the affiliates’ concerns hinge. “Choosing” to dedicate the time and resources of NAMIMN to an agenda that was dead last on the affiliates’ priority list (surveyed and rated at last fall’s State

Your letter raises another concern. In “I Can’t Go On,” the author writes of his extensive commitment of personal time to advocate and educate on mental illness. He writes of feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and alone in his work and, had you looked at the many published calendars detailing his extensive speaking schedule on behalf of NAMI and mental illness (over 160 bookings nationwide from September to November alone) you would certainly understand why. Rather than criticizing his article, I would have hoped that our state NAMI organization would be addressing the questions this scenario raises: Where is our state organization in terms of providing help and support for the president of its largest affiliate?!!! What is NAMI-MN doing to

Open Letter to President Zwack

The friendly corner drugstore is not a thing of the past!

augment, encourage, and sup- Hennepin NAMI Newsletter, port the work that’s being NAMI Member, Family To done in the field? Where is Family Facilitator NAMI-MN’s speakers’ bureau? When and where does it Pete Feigal’s Response offer speakers’ training? In Joe Zwack’s editorial last Is NAMI-MN strong and month responding to my “I vibrant? From the perspec- Can’t Go On” column of tive of the affiliates, it doesn’t September, Mr. Zwack writes: look like it, when we see a “It is unfortunate that Pete new Executive Director— Feigal feels he had lost his again, an exiting Assistant soul because he believed in Executive Director—no per- working cooperatively with manent staffing, desperate the Mental Health Associapleas for money, and the tion...”. Mr. Zwack missed leadership claiming to be the point of my article. I don’t “establishing NAMI-MN as feel that I’ve lost my soul by the powerful voice on mental working with these other illness” while it prefers to organizations. On the conpursue personal agendas in- trary, confronting the Board is dependently of its member- one of the most soul-enrichship and the mental health ing things I’ve ever done for community at large. NAMI or this cause, and the dozens of positive responses Change is indeed needed - I’ve gotten from NAMI mempositive, responsive change. bers and other mental health A move away from personal organizations only reinforce agendas and issues to func- this. tioning with integrity as a When he addresses the mass professional organization. exodus of our best people in Laurie E. Brandt, Editor of frustration from the State Board and office as, “There have always been changes with state organizations and Boards of Directors.” My response is: Losing the President of the Board, two

Executive Directors, our assistant ED, at least four members of the Board, and our consumer supervisor all in a year isn’t normal change, it’s a hemorrhage. As for the membership of NAMI-MN asking for accountability and answers to these and many more issues, Mr. Zwack wrote, “It is appropriate for affiliates to ask about any concerns and to help foster positive changes.” In July, members of affiliates from around the state “asked about concerns.” At that meeting the Board refused to answer our questions or to even acknowledge our issues; so while they seem to think it’s “appropriate” for us to ask about our concerns, it seems they don’t think it appropriate to actually answer those questions. I am constantly re-inspired by the positive changes I see every day, but also by realizing the enormity of the task in front of us, which is sometimes, unfortunately, made tougher by trouble within our own ranks. Either way, I makes me see again and again that I can, will, and must go on. 

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November 10, 2001

Accessible Performances The following performances will be Audio Described (AD) for people who are blind or have low vision, or Interpreted in American Sign Language (ASL) for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

The Primary English Class; 10/24 – 12/2; * AD Friday, 11/16, 8:00; Mixed Blood Theatre,Mpls.; 612-338-6131; $11; www.mixed blood.com; Set in an ESL class for adults, this play is filled with charming humor. I Believe in Make Believe; runs 11/16-17; ASL/AD Saturday, 11/17, 2:00; FargoMoorhead Community Theatre, Fargo; 701-235-6778; www.fargoweb.com/fmct Travels with My Aunt; 10/ 26 – 11/18; AD Sunday, Nov. 18, 2:00; Theatre in the Round Players, Mpls.; 612333-3010; www.theatrein theround.org; This adaptation has four men play 24 characters in a story about a meek soul dragged into the incredible world of his flamboyant aunt. Driving Miss Daisy; runs 11/ 9-18; * ASL Sun., 11/18, 2:00; Central MN Community Theater at the Black Box, St. Cloud; 320-259-5463; www.paramountarts.org or www.cmct. org Folk Singer John McCutcheon; ASL Sunday, Nov. 18, 2:00 & 4:00; Baumgaertner Auditorium, University of St.

Thomas, St. Paul; 651-6959000, TTY 651-642-0354, or 800-723-2122; or www.mac grove.org

ASL Sat., 12/1, 2:00; Ordway McKnight Theatre, St. Paul; 651-224-4222, TTY 651282-3100; www.ordway.org; World premiere of an eccenThe Sad Misadventures of tric bingo parlor that sings. Patty, Patty’s Dad, Patty’s Friend Jen and a Bunch of The Nightingale adapted by Other People by Allison Judy Cooper Lyle; runs 11/30 Moore; 11/9 – 12/2; * ASL – 12/9; * ASL Sun., 12/2, Sun., 11/18, 2:00; Cheap 3:00; * AD Fri., 12/7, 7:30; Theatre at the Playwrights’ The Urban Spectrum Theatre Center; www.pwcenter.org; Co. at Central City Theatre, Mpls.; 612-870-6583; Patty Mpls.; 612-869-5080, #3; A reunites with her estranged nightingale sings for the father, who has aphasia after a Emperor & is replaced by a massive stroke. She struggles mechanical bird. to forgive him for his past neglect, to resist getting even A Christmas Carole Peterwith him when he is helpless, sen; runs 12/1-30; * AD and to use the superpowers of Thurs., Dec. 6, 8:00; * ASL her best friend Jen. Thurs., Dec. 13, 8:00; Theater Latté Da at Loring Playhouse, La Befana; runs 11/20 – 12/ Mpls.; 612-343-3390; www. 23; * ASL Wed., 11/21, 10:00 ticketworks.com; This a.m., Sat., 12/1, 2:00; * AD hilariousyule season musical Fri., 12/7, 10:00 a.m., Sun., reflection with the Carolettes 12/9, 2:00; In the Heart of the looks at holiday kitsch, nosBeast Puppet & Mask The- talgia, memories and rituals atre; 612-721-2535; www. that shape a family. hobt.org; Puppets of all sizes create the Italian legend of an A Christmas Carol; runs 11/ old woman who goes in 16 - 12/30; AD/ASL Sat., 12/ search of the Holy Child, only 8, 1:00 (tour 11:00), Tues., to discover that holiness lives 12/11, 7:30; Guthrie Theater, in the hearts of all people. Mpls.; 612-377-2224 or 1877-44STAGE, TTY 612Bingo by Michael Heitzman, 377-6626; accessible tickets David Holcenberg & Ilene $15 on public sale Sept. 4; Reid; runs 9/18 – 12/9; AD/ www.guthrietheater.org

The Christmas Schooner; AD Sat., 12/8, 8:00; ASL Wed., 12/12, 10:00 a.m., Sat., 12/15, 8:00; Great American History Theatre, St. Paul; 651-292-4323; www.history theatre.com; This critically acclaimed musical tells the true story of a Lake Michigan shipping captain whose crew risk their lives to share the Holiday spirit. Discussion follows performances. The Velveteen Rabbit by Barnes Boffey & Paul Pilchir; runs 11/30 – 12/16; AD/ASL Sun., 12/9, 2:00; Youth Performance Company at Howard Conn Fine Arts Center, Mpls.; www.youthperformanceco. com; 612-623-9080; Tickets $8, $7 for age 14 & under; This musical captures the separate worlds of a toy closet and a nursery. Mamma Mia; opens 11/9; AD/ASL Sun., 12/9, 2:00; Orpheum Theatre, Mpls.; 612373-5650 or 612-989-5151; www. state-orpheum.com The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson; runs 11/30 – 12/21; ASL Sun., Dec. 9, 2:00; AD Tues., Dec. 11, 11:00; SteppingStone Theatre, Landmark Center, St. Paul; 651-225-9265; www.

steppingstonetheatre.org

Thurs., 12/20, 12:30, & Sun., 12/23, 2:00; Stages Theatre A Christmas Story by Jean Co., Mainstage Theatre, Shepherd & Phillip Grecian; Hopkins; 952-979-1111; runs 12/6-16; ASL/AD Sun., www.stagestheatre.org Dec. 9, 2:00; Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre, Fargo; Molly’s Delicious by Craig 701-235-6778; www.fargo Wright; runs 11/16 – 1/6; AD web.com/fmct Thurs., 12/27, 7:30; Jungle Theater, Mpls.; 612-822A Christmas Carol adapted 7063; $8; www.jungletheater. from Charles Dickens; runs com; In an old-fashioned 12/7-22; * ASL Sun., 12/9, romantic tale set in an apple 2:00; Central MN Commu- orchard, a headstrong and nity Theater at the Paramount pregnant niece, yearning for Theatre, St. Cloud; 320-259- the return of her child’s father, 5463; www.paramountarts.org is reluctantly charmed by a or www.cmct.org mortician’s son. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas; runs 11/14 –1/5; AD/ASL Fri., 12/14, 7:30 (school show Wed., 12/ 12, 10:30 am); Children’s Theatre Co., Mpls.; 612-8740400; www.childrenstheatre. org

The Prince and the Pauper; 2/19 – 1/1; AD/ASL Sat., 12/ 29, 2:00; Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, St. Paul; 651-224-4222, TTY 651282-3100; www.ordway.org

* Performances with an asterisk are eligible for Reduced AdmisOliver! based on Charles sion Prices through Access to Dickens’ novel; runs 11/29 – Theatre. When you call a box office, confirm the date and time 12/23; ASL Sat., 12/15, 7:00; of the Audio Described or ASLRochester Civic Theatre.; interpreted performance, and 507-282-8481; www.roch the ticket price.

civictheatre.org For info, contact VSA arts of

A Little Princess adapted Minnesota at 612-332-3888 or from Frances Hodgson statewide 800-801-3883 (voice/ Burnett by Randy Latimer, TTY). music by Leanna Kirchoff; runs 11/16 – 12/28; ASL/AD

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 )

November 10, 2001

Mental Illness/Brain Disorders

Religion and Disability

“So, What Do You Say To Someone With Mental Illness?”

Our Refuge

by Pete Feigal

Psalm 46: “God is our refuge and our strength An ever-present help in distress. Therefore we fear not, Though the earth be shaken And mountains plunge into the depths of the sea; Though its waters rage and foam And the mountains quake at its urging, The Lord of hosts is with us; Our stronghold is the God of Jacob.”

s much as it might sound like it, this is not the beginning of a bad Norwegian joke. This is one of the most frequently asked questions I run into. People sincerely want to know what to say or not to say to a co-worker, a friend, a neighbor, or a loved one fighting this terrible disease – how to comfort them and not offend them. I sometimes kid them goodnaturedly and reply, “Well, you’re doing pretty well talking to me, and I’m someone with mental illness.” And they usually smile and shrug and say, “You know, you’re right.” Sometimes it’s relatively relaxed like that, but sometimes it’s not that easy to know what to say or how to say it. One of the toughest obstacles I faced in my own struggle with mental illness was people who knew about my illness simply not talking to me. Not a situation conducive to intimacy or overcoming isolation.

have taken me out behind the school and beat the monkey feathers out of me on a daily basis, that I could have fought. That I could have lived with. But silence, even if it’s from loving, kind people, is still silence. And I felt alone, unloved, isolated, shamed, judged.

Sometimes people said things to me that, even though they were trying to be helpful, felt like daggers in my heart. “Pick yourself up by your bootstraps.” “I have tough days too, but you don’t see me moping around.” “Stop feeling sorry for yourself.” “What if you had a REAL disease?” And my “favorite”: “God never gives you any more than you can handle.” That from a hospital chaplain after one of my best friends on the ward took his life and I found his body. I remember replying to the chaplain, “Does this mean that if I were a weaker person, then John would still be alive?” I got Thirty years ago, when I was silence to that, too. first hospitalized as a teenager, I spent many months in a For the most part, what you closed ward in another city. I say to a person with mental was worried that when I illness is the same as what returned home people would you’d say to a person with be unkind to me. I imagined MS, or cancer, or diabetes, or them calling me “loony,” with no disease at all. That’s “psycho,” “crazy,” etc. What not to say that if a person with actually happened was much schizophrenia is acting or worse. The people from my talking in a scary way that you small hometown are truly can’t offer him assistance. Or wonderful people and no one say in a kindly and tactful way was mean to me. But because that he is acting in a way that’s there was little or no informa- scaring or confusing you. tion available thirty years ago You are not doing anyone a in a small, rural, farming favor by not telling them that town, people didn’t under- what they’re doing is making stand the disease. They were them more isolated and alone, worried that they might say more socially disconnected. something that would hurt me, offend me, or perhaps I have a friend, Tim Fuzzey, make me worse. So many of who’s a pastor at one of the them didn’t say anything at largest Lutheran churches in all. That kind of silence is the the city. He’s one of those hardest thing in the world to rare people that always make fight. If my classmates would you feel good after you’ve

seen him, even for 30 seconds. A couple of months ago I was speaking at his church, doing PR for a mental health event we were organizing for the following week. I started talking with a young person who was battling depression and a traumatic brain injury, trying to sell her on coming to the event. The combination of these two tough ingredients had made this young woman hard to talk to or deal with. Her point of view, understandably, was pretty negative. With good reason, she saw the world from an adversarial position, and her losses, pains, and physical troubles had become her main focus. While I was talking with her, Pastor Fuzzey came up beside her, nudged her elbow with playful familiarity and said, “Hi. How’s my friend today?” She visibly brightened when she saw her old friend, and started telling him the symptoms she was dealing with. Tim listened intently, but then added, “And my day is better, because you’re here and I get to see you.” Every time she started focusing on her troubles, he listened respectfully, expressed sympathy for her pain, offered tactics for some troubles, and then tried to temper her complaints with positive ideas. And it worked. She talked less and less negatively as they conversed, and she saw some bright spots in her day and life. And when Pastor Fuzzey had to go, it was with the promise that they’d see each other again soon, and you could actually see the new lightness in her step. Next week when we ran the mental health event, this young woman surprised me by showing up. But it was soon clear that she wasn’t

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there to hear me. She was there for her friend Tim. She was there because he talked with her as a real person, with affection and with respect, and he was someone who said and believed nice things about her. Someone who didn’t judge her. Someone who made her feel good about “The Lord of hosts is with us.” Wasn’t that Jesus’ promise herself. before He left this earth, that He would remain with us? But at the same time, the Apostles gathered in the upper room to pray, Sometimes we’re afraid that if to discern, to discuss together the significance of recent events. we are nice to someone who’s With the Spirit, with Jesus’ teachings at heart, they left that lonely, their need will make room with courage and conviction to follow their call. them cling to us, and overwhelm and drown us. Tim’s There have been many earth-shaking events. Yet the Lord is kindness, appropriateness, and ever present in the distress. The psalm goes on: friendship – combined with a wonderful, healthy boundary “...God will help it at the break of dawn – is a crucial key, I believe, to Though nations are in turmoil, why this young woman comes kingdoms totter, his voice resounds, to this church and finds the earth melts away, happiness there. And her joy the Lord of Hosts is with us; and friendship, I believe, is a Our stronghold is the God of Jacob.” crucial key to why Tim also comes to this church and finds With the strength of God’s word, let’s fortify ourselves to bring happiness there. peace to ourselves, our families, and to our world. So what do you say to a person “Peace be with you” was Jesus’ resurrection greeting. Let it be with mental illness? How our prayer as these days unfold. Help us Lord to bring peace about starting with: “Hi. to our world.  How’s my friend today?”  Barb Kaufman CSJ is Coordinator of Spiritual Care at Health East Care Center - Marian of St. Paul.

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November 10, 2001

Disability Culture

Hello Nicole:

Flying: What To Expect by Lolly Lijewski [Editor’s note: Per the author, most of the changes highlighted in this article are driven by the FAA. However, some changes – as noted – may be unique to Northwest Airlines or the MinneapolisSt. Paul airport. As the author suggests, it is best to check with specific carriers via e-mail or by phone if you have any particular questions.]

ravel for people with disabilities was not easy before September 11, and things are just a bit more challenging now. If you will be traveling by air any time soon, here are some things to keep in mind. If you need assistance with getting checked in, getting to the gate, and/or boarding, arrive at the airport two hours in advance for domestic flights, and allow two and a half hours for international flights. While some curbside check-in may be available, confirm its availability by calling your chosen airline or going to their website before departing. You may also be able to get wheelchair assistance at curbside, but check with the airline first. Unattended vehicles parked curbside will be towed at the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport.

Dear Nicole, ticket counter for a pass which will permit an individual (family member, friend, etc.) to assist you beyond security to your departure gate. The airlines do provide wheelchair assistance upon request. If you are diabetic and need to bring syringes aboard, you will still be permitted to do so. Aerosols, in the form of inhalers, are still permitted on board the aircraft. Carry any medication you will need with you on board; while documentation for medication isn’t required, it is advisable to bring a doctor’s prescription and have medication clearly marked in case security personnel have questions. Oxygen is still provided upon request. If you require metal utensils to facilitate eating, you will not be able to bring them on board, and only plastic utensils will be provided by the airline. Flight attendants may assist in the opening of packages and cutting of food, but are not required to assist an individual with a disability in eating. In fact, most inflight food service has been discontinued by Northwest Airlines for flights under two hours. If you need food during a flight, it’s best to bring your own.

When going through security, expect to be searched even if you are a wheelchair user. Security personnel will use a wand and possibly a pat down search to facilitate the process. Policies have not changed with respect to service animals. However, you should carry documentation with you for the service animal at all times when traveling.

At any checkpoint, people with disabilities will be subject to the same degree of security search as non-disabled persons. However, no person with a disability will be required to undergo any greater level of security clearance than a non-disabled person. Auxiliary aids and appliances such as note takers for the blind, nebulizers, and so on, will be checked and If you need assistance getting examined accordingly. to the gate, you can ask at the

Any individual who has a metal joint replacement, cochlear implant, or a pacemaker should alert the security personnel before going through the metal detector. A hand wand search can be provided, or if a person with a disability wishes a private security screening, it can be arranged upon request. To do this, contact the airline you are using in advance of your trip and make the request. The following information pertains particularly to Northwest Airlines: if you are not able to stand for a long period of time, check with an airline employee at the ticketing counter or with staff wearing the red jackets; explain and they will assist you. Also, if you have additional concerns at the airport, Complaint Resolution Officials (CROs) are trained to resolve any questions or concerns that may arise. To find a CRO, ask any Northwest employee. If you are traveling in the near future, we’d like to hear about any unusual experiences you may encounter. While increased security is important at this time, maintaining respectful treatment and personal dignity are equally important. New and inexperienced personnel may be staffing security checkpoints in particular, and you may encounter inconsistencies. It’s helpful to report these incidents to the airlines so they can further train security staff.  Lolly Lijewski is the Manager of the Advocacy Department at The Metropolitan Center For Independent Living. She can be reached at (651) 6032022, voice, and (651) 6032001, TTY.

be seen as acceptable. When our source of shame is our I am alone most of the time. I speaking ability, hiding it can have low self-esteem, and I’m lead to devastating isolation. shy in public. Also, I’m afraid to speak much because my Likewise, lowered self-esspeech is slurred, and some teem is very common for people can’t understand me . anyone with a disability, It makes me depressed and I especially when we feel don’t know what to do. I like isolated. It makes sense that to meet people on the Internet we have trouble accepting our but I don’t like to tell them worthiness and adequacy since about my disability. When we have always been some of they want to talk on the phone, the most devalued and outcast the relationship usually ends. members of society. I think it would be great if you could Sincerely, find a support group or Alone sincere counselor to talk to. I think this would help, not only because it sounds like you Dear Alone, need a person to share your challenges with, but because It is really understandable that talking might help give you your difficulty communicat- some encouragement by valiing with others would lead to dating your ability to commufeelings of depression and nicate. frustration. Humans are very socially-oriented and all of us Also, it may help to get need companionship and love together with other people in order to feel happy. I who have communication certainly don’t have any disabilities and learn how simple answers, but I will others cope with these issues. present some ideas you might There is a group in the Twin consider. Cities called Help Yourself, Inc. (651-646-3662) that speFirst, I urge you to carefully cializes in communication and objectively examine your disabilities. Their monthly speech. Is your main barrier meetings are open to the that you are truly difficult to public and focus on helping understand, or is your main members find ways to combarrier shame over speech municate, whether that means that is only somewhat difficult acquiring assistive communito understand? I think it’s cation devices, or building important to remember that confidence through various we are our own worst critics. methods. Help Yourself is a Often we think that others are very social group and memjudging us, but usually our bers share their experiences feelings of being judged are of having a communication way out of proportion to what disability. I think that hearing other people actually think their stories may help you feel and feel about us. A very less alone. normal response to this feeling of being judged is to want The Internet has become a to hide our source of shame, popular way for people with but the more we hide our disabilities to circumvent “defects” the more we believe many social barriers. Howwe must hide them in order to ever, building a friendship

over the Internet can be problematic because it allows us to hide important aspects of ourselves. While it’s not necessary to tell everyone about your disability, for a friendship to have a better chance of moving from virtual reality to real life, you should help people understand your disability before they encounter it. By using cyberspace to communicate, you can slowly and gradually introduce your disability and allow others to become familiar with it. So much of the aversion to disability is based on fear of the unknown, that simply talking about it and answering questions does a lot to ease people’s minds and would probably help your friends feel more comfortable communicating with you on the telephone. No matter how serious a communication disability is, we all have the ability to communicate if we allow ourselves to find our own way. I know people with minor speaking disabilities who rarely say a word because they are ashamed and think no one wants to take the time to understand them. On the other hand, I know people with very significant speaking disabilities who are comfortable with their disabilities and spend half the day talking on the phone! A large part of living with a disability is learning how to be OK with our differences so that we can allow ourselves to be ourselves without shame. If we can be OK with our own way of doing things, we can live our lives fully – “imperfections” and all. – Nicole

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

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November 10, 2001

John Tschida: Husband, Father, Advocate by Nicole Roberts This is the fourth in a series of profiles designed to share personal accounts of how people with disabilities are doing in the community. In this profile, I talked with John Tschida. John works at Courage Center as the Senior Director of Public Affairs and Research. Born and raised in St. Paul, John currently resides there with his wife and three children. Access Press: Can you describe your disability?

JT: Although I had fantastic insurance as a state employee and really didn’t pay any medical out of pocket, we quickly realized that if we were going to stay in our house, we were going to have to do some major remodeling. In hindsight, we probably would have moved if we had to do it all over again. But at the time we loved our neighborhood. We loved the school that the kids were in and wanted to stay in the house. So we added twelve feet onto the back of the house and added an accessible bathroom. We also redid the kitchen. One of my favorite things to do is to cook. I do all the cooking in our house. It’s relaxing, and it’s something the kids and I can enjoy together.

John Tschida: I have a spinal cord injury: C 5,6. I broke my neck on September 9, 1993. I was riding my bicycle to work. I don’t have a memory of the accident—I’m not sure if I hit a bad patch of gravel or if there was a car that bumped me—but I went over the handle bars, hit a lamppost, AP: It strikes me that you and that was it. really haven’t been disabled very long, and yet you are AP: Did you have the same doing so much advocacy job before and after the work. accident? JT: After my accident, I got JT: I did. When I broke my frustrated seeing things at the neck, I had been working for capitol that weren’t happenthe House of Representatives ing to benefit people with for over three years -- I edited disabilities. Instead of just a session weekly magazine. A writing about the issues, I few days after my accident, wanted to get my hands dirty my boss came to visit me in and make a difference. Growthe hospital and said, “Your ing up in a large Catholic job is here. We’ll hold it for family, guilt was certainly you, and you can ease back part of my mother’s parenting into it whenever you’re able.” toolbox, and she always used Also, the people at the to tell us to whom much is legislature held a silent auc- given, much is expected. I tion for me and raised knew the legislative process, I $12,000 . We had donations knew a bunch of people who from the Minnesota Twins, worked in the legislature... if other teams, and restaurants. guys like me aren’t going to A buddy of mine wrote to the advocate, who’s going to do Grateful Dead and got a it? couple of autographed pictures. AP: How do you like your job at Courage Center? AP: What did they raise all this money for? JT: I love my job. I do the

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lobbying for Courage at the capitol and also work closely with the Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities to represent the broader disability community. There is also a research component to my job. Courage does a great job of compiling information. Unfortunately, we need to do a better job of using that information to prove to others that our programs are working, in terms of examining outcomes. For example, three years after people go through the residence, are they more likely to have jobs and be living in the community, or are they down with a pressure sore because they’re not taking care of themselves? We know people who go through the residence are doing better. We need to use our data to prove it. I’ve worked at Courage since July of 1999. It was Courage Center and family that brought us back from Washington D.C., where we were for two years. I had a fellowship to go to Georgetown University to get my master’s in public policy, focusing on health care. I also worked at the National Rehabilitation Hospital Research Center which focuses on health issues for people with disabilities. I was looking at medical assistance and managed care programs. I had a chance to study a couple programs around the country and heard about the AXIS Health Care project here in Minnesota (owned by Courage and Sister Kenny). That is exactly what I was studying about and they were actually doing it the right way, so I’m also very involved with that.

relationships as well. My wife and I had a very strong marriage prior to my accident. We are very open and we fight well -- we don’t store things up -we deal with problems and move on. Also, we both come from very large and close-knit extended families which means we have a strong support network to compensate for what I can’t do because of my disability.

John Tschida

JT: When I talk to somebody outside the disability community and say that I feel lucky after I’ve broken my neck, they don’t get it. But people in the disability community understand. I had a real head start on life by the time I broke my neck. I already had a good job, and was married with two kids. The joke I always use talking to school groups is: “Before I broke my neck, I had a used minivan, a good job, a wife and two kids; today, I’ve got a new minivan, a better job, a wife and three kids.”... I feel very fortunate when I look at the people coming through Courage and see many of them are so young. They’re just starting to think about their future and going through all the dating garbage which is hard enough when you just have acne to worry about, let alone a disability. AP: It’s unfortunately common for people, when they become disabled, to have their marriages disintegrate. How did you get through that time and how has your marriage changed?

JT: Acquiring a disability AP: To what do you attribute doesn’t change your personyour great ability to adjust to ality -- what it does is magnify life with a disability? it -- and I think that’s true of

AP: Was your accident hard for them?

JT: My accident was their first day of kindergarten, so they were five. It wasn’t easy on anyone, but to them I was just Dad, whether I was standing or sitting. My kids like to hang on the back of my wheelchair -- my daughter climbs up on my lap all the time. We go roller-blading; Dad throws it into second gear and we fly down the street and hope we don’t hit any cracks in the sidewalk. In many ways, I think my sons acThere’s also a pretty cepted my disability long bright line with before I did. caregiving in our relaThey sound very tionship. Some people AP: can pull it off, but for us adaptable. combining the husband /wife relationship with the client/ JT: Yes, but it’s not all caregiver relationship doesn’t peaches and cream. I had work at all. I think that’s what visions of myself coaching the we struggled with the most baseball team and throwing right after my accident—you the ball with them in the back come out of the hospital after yard, etc.... It still hurts not to two months of therapy and be able to do that, and there’s you hit the real world and it’s a sadness on their part that it’s sink or swim. Nobody told not Dad out there doing that me how to hire PCAs; they stuff with them. We talk once give you the number for in a while about things that we MCIL and kick you out the used to do as a family. The door. That was a real struggle summer before I broke my for us. There were a whole lot neck we were camping just of tears and therapy ses- about every weekend. We did sions—a lot of things that state parks and went off the needed to be worked through. beaten path, took a lot of trails But the bottom line was we with the kids on our backs. asked the question of each And now we still go camping other: “Are you with me in but we go with grandma and this?” Disability is a team grandpa, because grandpa can effort, it doesn’t just affect toss me on the inflatable air one person. It has a huge mattress so I don’t get ripple effect, but my wife is a pressure sores—my wife can’t very strong woman and that’s do that herself. We find another reason why I’m lucky. accessible trails at Lake Itasca now and do that instead, so AP: Tell me about your kids. it’s different. We still have a great time, but there are JT: I have twin boys who are certainly “remember when...” 12, and I have a 3-year-old moments—for them more so daughter that we adopted than for me. from Vietnam. My kids are great kids. I hear other AP: Did you decide to adopt parents mean mouth their kids your third child because of in their pre-teen behaviors but your disability? we are very fortunate. Our sons are very protective, very JT: Adoption was something doting, very helpful boys -- we talked about before the and they love their sister to disability. My wife had very strong feelings about a daughdeath. ter, and I had a very strong AP: Do you think your feelings about no more than disability has affected your three children. sons’ personalities? AP: Did you have any trouble JT: Yes. At school they adopting? interact well with kids with disabilities and other kids JT: There is certainly widewho may be perceived by spread discrimination in other others as being outcasts. I countries against people with think they’re more sensitive, disabilities. In fact, not just caring, and empathetic. disabilities; one Korean proThey’ve got an understanding gram has height and weight of what other people go charts that you need to fit into through because of what our or they think you’re unfit to be family has gone through. Part a parent. We interviewed of that is my disability, but with a woman from Ecuador, part of it is also the work that I who was very polite and do and the work that my wife personable, but we got a letter does -- she works at the Center in the mail a few weeks after we spoke with her saying that for Victims of Torture. Tschida - cont. on p. 9

November 10, 2001

A Salute To Minnesota Life Insurance What’s Happening F Up North? ollowing separate but parallel paths, St. Paul natives Wally Kelsey and LaVonne Baxton – both hearing impaired – grew up in the city, attended technical college, and sought fulfilling and rewarding employment. Now they are successfully pursuing their careers at Minnesota Life Insurance Company, which provides financial security for individuals and businesses in the form of insurance, pensions, and investments.

Graduating from St. Paul high schools – Kelsey hails from Johnson and Baxton from Como Park – they both completed office procedure and business courses at St. Paul Technical College. Born with nerve deafness and a 40 percent hearing loss, Baxton earned a certificate of office procedures from the college’s School for the Deaf. Kelsey, who has only 20 percent of his hearing in his right ear, and cerebral palsy, also attended Century College. “A counselor at the Minnesota Disabilities Association suggested that I apply at Minnesota Life,” recalls Kelsey, who was then delivering the Pioneer Press plus working at a bakery. Hired by Minnesota Life as a messen-

ger in 1992, Kelsey subsequently was promoted to rotary clerk in one of the company’s filing departments, where he files, retrieves, and copies microfiche records of individual insurance policies. Looking for a place “where I would be appreciated,” Baxton also started as a rotary clerk in 1999, after a friend at Minnesota Life encouraged her to apply.

had,” beamed Kelsey. Baxton agreed, “Tom listens and really cares about us as people and doing a good job.”

reasons I came to Minnesota Life was because of the health care coverage. I also like the profit sharing plan.”

Iago’s department – which employs ten full-time and nine part-time associates – includes one other hearing impaired associate who came from Lifeworks, a nonprofit organization that finds employment opportunities for people with disabilities. In the last two years, Minnesota Life has received two Employer of the Year awards – one from Lifeworks and the other from the state agency Minnesota Association of People in Supported Employment – for its continuing employment of adults with disabilities. The company received these awards because it offers full employment whereas most other companies only offer hourly pay without benefits.

“We’re always looking for people like Wally and LaVonne with the necessary skills who want to grow with us,” says Kathleen L. Pinkett, second vice president, Human Resources Planning. “Associates have great opportunities to build their career with a company that provides challenge and stability.”

Kelsey and Baxton have a special high volume control feature on the telephone so they can hear it ring. The caller’s voice is also amplified. “Sometimes, I can’t understand a customer because the volume control isn’t just right, so then I ask the person to repeat their comment,” said Kelsey. Baxton added, “Once in a while, someone may be speaking to me while I’m on the elevator or just walking and I am not aware of it. That can be frustrating, but after people Baxton and Kelsey compliknow you, things are fine.” mented the company’s comprehensive benefits including Their supervisor, Tom Iago, medical and dental coverage, complimented Kelsey and profit sharing, a retirement Baxton, saying, “The phone savings plan, tuition reimrings all day long. Wally and bursement, life insurance, LaVonne do very well repre- disability coverage, and a senting us and working with paid vacation. “I really apour customers.” Baxton and preciate the great family Kelsey also commended Iago. health care plan,” said Baxton. “Tom is the best boss I ever Kelsey added, “One of the

TSCHIDA - Cont. from p. 8 their government would not be adopting to any “cripples.” A number of countries don’t even pretend to be nice, they just don’t adopt to people with disabilities.

through Target with my daughter on my lap. It surprises me because I so rarely feel different. Which is not to say that I don’t consider myself disabled. I’m just doing my shopping! When I catch someone looking at me goofy -- there’s a part of me that gets angry. Fortunately, I do think that’s rare. I get a lot of smiles, and a bit of people overextending themselves wanting to help – I don’t know if they’re just being nice or if they think I can’t handle it. A lot of people are very surprised when I say I have three kids, including a 3-year-old.

statements or words of advice you would like to share?

JT: The disability community is very broad and I would not presume to give anybody advice. What I think is that there needs to be an honest The Vietnam program, on the and open debate within the other hand, was very cooperadisability community about tive and embracing of the our differences. The commudisability. We also liked it nity is not monolithic, and our because they weren’t just differences are important. interested in placing kids in There is a huge difference families; there was a very between having an acquired strong social service compodisability, a congenital disnent to the program. They ability, a developmental disreally do whatever they can to ability, or mental illness, and keep Vietnamese families some folks don’t want to talk together so that poverty isn’t about this. But I think that it the reason to put a child up for AP: Do you have any closing could be healthy and helpful adoption. The mother of our daughter was a 35-year-old single woman from a rural st community and attitudes toward women there are much like those of the 1940s and 1950s in the United States. Being a single mother is not socially acceptable; it is shameful. She came to the city, had her baby in the hospital, and disappeared. My daughter, Phoenix, was seven months old when she joined our family.

Effective September 1 , we’re fully operational and accepting referrals. If you have Medicaid and a physical disability, call us for more information.

AP: Do you ever feel shunned by society for being a parent with a disability? JT: I’m always surprised when I catch someone staring at me while I’m wheeling

651-641-0887

A REVOLUTIONARY APPROACH FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

by Anne Roberts

eople with Disabilities for Change (PDC), based in Duluth, is a grassroots advocacy group of people dedicated to making our community a better place to live. We do so by educating businesses regarding the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and by advocating for compliance. PDC works in concert with both state and local organizations to effect positive change.

“Employing people with mental or physical disabilities is a win-win situation,” says Julie Carufel, manager, Employee Relations. “The associate gains employment and experience while the company fills We are people with all kinds a business need and enriches of disabilities and other conits diverse population.”  cerned individuals. Our first president was excited about a Information for this article new federal law (the ADA) was supplied by Minnesota which would make achieving State Senator Chuck Wiger, access easily within reach! who is an employee of We all discovered quickly Minnesota Life Insurance that, with no one to enforce it, Company. For more infor- accomplishing compliance mation about career opportu- was tough. nities at Minnesota Life, contact Human Resources at We adopted this mission 651.665.3439, the Jobs statement: “People with DisHotline at 651.665.7934, or abilities for Change is a group visit their web site at www. dedicated to assisting people minnesotamutual.com. with disabilities. Businesses which may be in violation of the access requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act are made aware of the problem and of the need for for the advocacy community compliance with the federal and for people with disabili- law. The goal in doing so is to ties in general to discuss our provide persons with disabilidifferences. It could also be ties respect, dignity, and the very educational for the able- quality of life afforded all bodied community. It’s individuals.” always beneath the surface and it’s something that makes Some things we’ve encourpeople uncomfortable to talk aged local businesses to do: about, but it will make us stronger. We tend to talk A restaurant repaired its within our circles, but there’s outdoor ramp so it was a a lot that we can learn from smooth path of travel. each other and a lot of similarities that we have. And A shopping mall put vandifferences are okay—it can accessible handicapped parkbe helpful to acknowledge ing spots in their newlystriped parking lot. them. 

A medical office building installed four new ADAcompliant elevators. Work in progress by People with Disabilities for Change: We’ve been meeting regularly with city officials regarding: accessibility improvements being made in the City Hall building, curb cut requests, the Public Library’s needed access changes, and many other subjects. We’re currently working with over twenty businesses to help them achieve compliance. We write letters to businesses, call them, and make personal contact. Members of our group meet monthly to discuss access needs in our community and review our current advocacy efforts. Members are encouraged to fill out complaint forms to let our letter-writer know about the concern. We also offer technical assistance about ADA compliance. Our group is affiliated with the Center for Independent Living of Northeastern Minnesota and with North Country Independent Living in Superior, Wisconsin. 

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November 10, 2001

IN BRIEF . . . . Attention: Former OTC Workers Were you employed as a MDLC, filed a lawsuit to years and have not notified worker in the extended employment program of one of the four Opportunity Training Centers at the time they closed in October, 1996? If so, you may be a member of the class for which the MN Disability Law Center,

recover sick and vacation pay. The Stearns County Court has approved a settlement of this class action. The MDLC is now trying to locate workers who may be owed money under this settlement. If you have moved in the past four

Grants Awarded To Improve Services To People With Disabilities

the MDLC of your new address, or if you have not received correspondence from the MDLC in the past six s reported in last month’s months, please call: Kathleen Access Press, the MinHagen, Staff Attorney, at 1nesota Department of Human 800-292-4150, ext. 253, or Services (DHS) has been (612) 332-1441, ext. 253. awarded $3.2 million in federal grant money to improve community-based serable accommodations, and vice delivery systems for other details, please contact people with disabilities and Minnesota Work Incentives chronic illnesses. ThirtyConnection at (651) 632- seven states were awarded 5113, (651) 632-5110 TTY, one of three Systems Change or 1-800-976-6728 in Greater Grants for Community LivMinnesota. These trainings ing. Minnesota was one of always sell out, so register only three states to receive early! two grants; both grant amounts are the maximum amount awarded in the categories.

Social Security Work Incentives Training Minnesota Work Incentives Connection will be presenting two upcoming Social Security training sessions. “Social Security Basic Training”addresses the differences between SSDI and SSI and will be held on November 27. “Subsidy Training” addresses how to identify and develop

subsidy and how to write a subsidy verification letter; this session will be held on December 11. Both sessions are being held at the Anoka County Human Services Center in Blaine (1201 - 89th Ave. NE). For information on cost, reason-

Mediation For Deaf Community Workshop People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind (plus those who care about them), and members of the legal community, are encouraged to participate in a half-day seminar titled “Mediation: A Better Way to Solve Conflicts.” Featuring presenta-

tions, role-playing activities, and mediation resources, the seminar is sponsored by the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Metro Office. Sign language interpreters will be provided.

November 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., in the auditorium of the William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul (875 Summit Avenue). Call 651297-1316 (voice), 651-2971313 (TTY), or e-mail dhhs. metro@state.mn.us for more The workshop will be held on information.

consumer-driven quality assurance system. Included will be an ongoing quality design commission – with more than half of its membership made up of consumers – to provide continual design, direction, and evaluation of project strategies. The grant will also pay for improving and updating State information resources and organizing three regional information, referral, and assistance networks in Minnesota for consumers, advocates, providers, and agencies.

“These funds will greatly further our outreach to people with disabilities, especially in under-served populations, and our work with other divisions within Continuing Care to improve quality of services statewide,” said Deb Holtz, director of the Community Another $900,000 was Quality Initiatives division awarded to the Pathways to that applied for, and will Choice—Minnesota’s Con- administer, the grants. sumer Directed Personal Assistance Program grant pro- The Community Quality Iniposal. The money will be tiatives division will celebrate used to increase consumer the grant awards and provide control of personal care more information about its attendant (PCA) services and goals and opportunities for address the worker shortage consumer and stakeholder in this area. Participants in involvement at an open house one of three consumer-initi- on Wednesday, December 5 ated partnership and support from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the networks (CIPS) to be devel- DHS offices (2284 Highcrest oped will have an opportunity Road, Roseville). Ethnic cuito access each other’s natural sine will be served. For more supports (such as family, information, or to request friends, and neighbors) to accommodations, call 651provide PCA services, and 634-5099.  will be offered opportunities

“These grants will allow states to make meaningful changes in the lives of persons with disabilities,” said U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson in announcing the awards in September. “They will also allow children and adults with disabilities to live more independent lives with the freeYAI/National Institute for throughout the United States tion, Staff Training, Technol- dom to make choices about People with Disabilities will and abroad. More than 150 ogy, Transitional Services, their services.” hold its 23rd Annual Interna- seminars and workshops will and Workforce Issues. tional Conference on devel- focus on critical issues in the DHS was awarded $2.3 milopmental and learning dis- field of mental retardation For more information about lion for its Pathways to abilities on April 29-May 2, and developmental/learning the conference or to request a Choice—Minnesota’s System 2002 at the Crowne Plaza disabilities, including: Advo- brochure, please call Abbe Change Initiative grant proManhattan Hotel, 1605 Broad- cacy/Self-Advocacy, Chal- Wittenberg at 212-273-6193 posal, designed to create a way, in New York City. A lenging Behaviors, Day Pro- or Kenn Jones at 212-273post-conference workshop grams, Early Childhood, Em- 6255. You may also fax your will be held on Friday, May 3. ployment Training and Place- request to 212-629-4113. If ment, Family Support Ser- you would like to receive The five-day conference, vices, Health Care, Inclusion, conference information via e“Making a Difference in Management, Recreation and mail, please e-mail your by the St. Paul Social Security PASS Cadre Developmental Disabilities,” Leisure, Residential Services, request to awittenberg@yai. will feature more than 300 Sexuality, Social Work and org. Look for the website at ormer beneficiaries with law provides more opportuniprominent speakers from Disabilities, Special Educa- www.yai.org in early 2002. disabilities who are un- ties for Americans with disable to continue working abilities to participate in the because of their disability workforce and lessen their have five years during which dependence on public benCounties and adoption agen- waiting to be adopted. They’re or psychological help as they they may request immediate efits. cies are looking for families to looking for families who can grow older. November is reinstatement of Social Secuadopt children in the state’s provide a safe, loving, nurtur- Adoption Month. For more rity or Supplemental Security To take advantage of this foster care system. Though ing home for children, most of information, contact your Income (SSI) benefits without provision, beneficiaries must families adopted more than whom are 6 to 18 years old, county social service agency filing a new disability appli- be unable to work because of 600 children under state are sibling groups who need or the Minnesota Adoption their medical condition. They cation. guardianship last year, more to remain together, and are in Resource Network at (612) must file the request for than 600 others are still need of educational, medical, 861-7115. We believe that this expedited reinstatement of their benefits reinstatement of benefits is a with Social Security within 60 welcome change in the law. months from the month their METROPOLITAN CENTER The fear of failure and risk of prior disability benefits termifor INDEPENDENT LIVING losing benefits for a pro- nated. longed period has kept many MCIL offers services for people with disabilities, their families people from trying to work People who take advantage of and friends, service providers, and interested community members even when they wanted to. In this new law will receive in the 7-county metro area. addition, this provision of the temporary benefits – as well

Int’l Conference On Disabilities

for cooperative training, support, respite, service management, and group insurance policies. Training on reducing administrative costs to allow consumers to pay higher salaries to PCAs will be included.

New Work Rule From SSA F

More Adoptive Families Needed

Information and Referral (Information hotline: 651-603-2039) Advocacy Independent Living Skills Training Individual Peer Support Deaf I.L. Services Personal Assistance Services (M.A. Subsidized) Ramp Project Transition Program ADA Information Meeting Rooms Computer Lab Resource Library Support Groups ...Chemical Dependency with Physical Disability GLBT with Disability Chemical Dependency with Traumatic Brain Injury

1600 U NIVERSITY A VE . W., S UITE 16, S T. P AUL , MN 55104-3825 651-646-8342 V OICE 651-603-2001 TTY 651-603-2006 F AX HTTP:// WWW . MCIL-MN.ORG

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as Medicare or Medicaid – for up to six months while Social Security evaluates their medical condition. If the medical evaluation is unfavorable, generally the temporary benefits will not have to be paid back. If the medical evaluation is favorable, their benefits will be continued. For more information, call 1800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800325-0778) and ask for the publication, Working While Disabled – How We Can Help. You should also visit our work website at www. ssa.gov/work. 

CP CLINIC - Cont. from p. 3 the clinic features examination chairs that recline, tilt, and support adults, making medical tests and procedures more comfortable and effective.

they treated me and pushed me to do more than I’ve ever been able to do before.” For Bottelson and the 13,000 children and adults with cerebral palsy in Minnesota, the Lifetime Specialty Care “It’s a great place to go for Clinic offers new hope for a people with cerebral palsy,” healthy future.  said Bottelson. “I like how

November 10, 2001

Try Downhill Skiing: It’s A Blast! L

ike it or not, if you live in Minnesota, Wisconsin, or North Dakota, winters are typically long, cold, and white. This gives many of us more reason to get fired up, get outside, and take advantage of the winter activities Courage Center and Courage Duluth offer. For more than 20 years, Courage Center has partnered with people with disabilities in accessing the beautiful slopes at Hyland Ski and Snowboard Area in Bloomington; Welch Village near Red Wing; Trollhaugen in Dresser, Wisconsin; Spirit Mountain in Duluth; and Buena Vista in Bemidji. From beginner hills, like Hyland in Bloomington, to the fantastic terrain of Spirit Mountain in Duluth, skiers with any physical disability or vision impairment can participate in downhill skiing all winter long.

Courage Duluth and Courage Center offer a variety of options where children as young as four and adults as young as 90 can learn to ski. The most user-friendly and sophisticated adaptive ski equipment is on-hand to try. Individualized lessons taught

by trained volunteer instructors ensure that skiers have a fun and safe experience. With adaptive equipment, Courage skiers and volunteer ski instructors hit the slopes early in the season and ski

Anoka Parents File Class Action Suit O

n September 6, 2001, through mid-March at the five seven families residing different ski areas. Last year more than 135 skiers and 225 in the Independent School volunteers enjoyed the slopes. District (ISD) AnokaHennepin filed the first class Courage ski instructors help action lawsuit in Minnesota determine the method of against a public school disskiing that will make your trict and the State of Minnedownhill experience success- sota on behalf of their ful. (See the box disabled children. The case, detailing adap- known as Reinholdson v. tive skiing tech- State of Minnesota, et al, was niques.) Volun- filed in U.S. Federal District teers are avail- Court and alleges that the able, if needed, to Anoka-Hennepin School Disassist you at the trict and the State of Minnesota have denied them an chairlift. education as required. Due to Join in the fun on the September 11 tragedies, the slopes this the parents waited until Octowinter, as a stu- ber 10 to bring this announcedent or a volun- ment to the public. teer.  The Individuals with DisabiliFor more infor- ties Education Act (IDEA) is mation, call the a federal law that mandates Courage Alpine special education and related Ski phone line at services to eligible disabled 763-520-0495. To find out children. There are also more about skiing at Spirit Minnesota laws requiring such The State of Mountain, contact Eric services. Larson at 218-726-4762 or Minnesota’s Department of call Spirit Mountain directly Children, Families and Learning (MDCFL) is the state at 218-624-8516. agency responsible to ensure such services are provided.

Now there’s no reason for you to miss out on winter fun. Courage Center’s Alpine Ski Program offers you a variety of ways to enjoy the wonderful slopes of our winter season. Stand-up Skiing: Several pieces of adaptive equipment are available. For example, ski bras keep the tips of your skis from crossing or spreading too far. Outriggers are like ski poles, with small skis on the end for balance. Tethers are long straps attached to you and controlled by the volunteer to help you with speed, turns, and stops. A walker on skis can help with balance.

The Anoka-Hennepin School District receives federal and state special education funding for over 5000 children in special education and related services. The parents contend that their children are being deprived of the services to which they are entitled because the Anoka-Hennepin School District is not complying with the law and the State of Minnesota is not taking action to ensure the District does comply with the law. A recent internal study of the Anoka-Hennepin School District’s special education

Supplemental Staffing for Skilled Nursing & Assisted Living Facilities 24 Hours — 7 Days/Week

Bi-skiing: Using a bi-ski, you sit in a bucket-like seat that has two skis underneath. You either hold the outriggers or have them fixed to the bi-ski. You usually use a tether with a volunteer who helps control your movement.

Visually impaired: You and your volunteer instructor wear bright orange vests, which identify you to other skiers. Your instructor guides you with verbal directions. 

Minnesota, like all other states in the United States, was found to be out of compliance with the IDEA in a January 2000 report released by the National Council on Disability (NCD). In reporting to then-President Clinton, the NCD found that despite 25 years of funding, the majority of states and school districts are not complying with the federal law. Although the State of Minnesota was no exception,until now, no parents have challenged the statewide noncompliance problems.

Minnesota Professional Nursing Services And Home Care

Choose the Technique that Works Best for You

Mono-skiing: The mono-ski is designed for the more advanced skier and can be operated independently. Similar to the bi-ski, this highly maneuverable piece of equipment has a bucket-like seat and one ski underneath. However, the skier holds the outriggers and uses the chairlift independently.

• • • • •

Personal Care Attendants Home Health Aides Trained Medical Assistants – TMA Nursing Assistants Registered – NAR Nurses: RN, LPN

612-627-9524

ATTENTION ALL BIDDERS! Penn-Co Construction, Inc. is bidding the M.A.C. R4 Humphrey Finishes as a general contractor, and would like to solicit your bid for your scope of work. Minority Targeted Group Businesses (TGB) will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids for Divisions 2 through 16. Bids are due November 13, 2001 at 2:00 P.M. CDT. Penn-Co Construction’s phone 651/687-0648, Fax 651/687-0947. Thank you in advance for your efforts.

program supports the parents’ claims. The study, released late this summer, made 53 recommendations for improvement in the program, especially concerning staff development and ensuring that administrators and staff are given training to work effectively with children with disabilities. The parents involved have filed various complaints and administrative hearings against the ISD 11 over the past couple of years to attempt to obtain certain basic services for their children. The children involved have a variety of disabilities, including autism, Down Syndrome, medical problems, dyslexia, and other learning disabilities. They have encountered numerous problems: Some parents have settled their differences with the ISD 11 without litigation, only to find a few weeks later that the ISD 11 was not complying with their agreements. One family, whose child needed a $600 device to help her communicate, has watched in amazement as the ISD 11 spent over $70,000 to fight providing the device. Two of the named families have seen the district spend thousands of dollars in attorney fees in an effort to refuse to provide their children with desperately needed reading services. One child, with both physical and other disabilities, was denied properly trained aides to help him succeed in regular education classes. Another child was 17 years old before her parent was even told about the child’s rights. The child was at home and went without any education for nearly a year. In 1999, the MDCFL warned the district that it had received more complaints about the district than any other in Minnesota and found that the ISD had a “non-compliant corrupt” process for the delivery of special education services. It urged the ISD 11 to consider replacing its Special Education Director, Susan Butler. Butler, who remains employed as the director, is named individually in the lawsuit. Information on this lawsuit was provided by the Kerr Law Offices in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. They, along with the Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia, are representing the families involved. 

November 10, 2001

MCIL - Cont. from p. 1 When asked what he thinks the Center’s most successful accomplishments have been over the last 20 years, Hancox said, “We’ve been very successful at raising the general profile of people with disabilities, and at raising awareness that people with disabilities have a right to be in control of their own lives.” He said the center has also been very successful with other partners in the community at raising the debate on a multitude of issues, including education, employment, transportation, housing, and general services. MCIL’s offers a wide range of programs and services, including: independent living skills training; peer support networks (one-on-one mentor-ship); information and referral; individual systemic advocacy (work to promote public policy change); a ramp project, which installs lowcost modular-designed ramps to people’s homes and coordinates with contractors; a personal care attendant program; a transition program for youth ages 14-22 (e.g., individual living skills); ADA technical assistance; and outreach to specific groups (e.g., Latino/Chicano, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender disabled people). Hancox said MCIL will continue to expand its abilities to meet the growing consumer demands for individual advocacy and direct service. He said it will also continue to assist individuals in their efforts to move out of nursing home settings, and it will work to expand its PCA program (one the few in the state that is consumerdriven). MCIL is also working with the seven other CILs in Minnesota to achieve a statewide network of centers and services, and he said the organization hopes to see a second center in the metro area in the near future.

ports to establish a more useful, meaningful, and stateof-the-art technology lab for consumer education and individual use,” said Hancox.

receive consistent and nondiscriminatory treatment when traveling by air, followed by the Federal Fair Housing Act, passed in 1988.

Part of a Movement When he thinks of the overall disability movement over the last 20 years, Hancox said he feels the de-institutionalization movement has been the greatest achievement. Prior to the 1960s, many people with disabilities were confined to institutions run by people who had little knowledge or understanding of disabilities, were lumped together with criminals and other “undesirables” (and classified within ignorant terminology that only served to perpetuate stereotypes and falsehoods about them), and were often grossly mistreated and abused.

It wasn’t until 1990 that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed into law. According to Hancox, there is still the misperception that the ADA is a “quota bill of special rights. This is a major piece of civil rights legislation,” he said. “It has evidenced a true collaborative approach to disabilities. This legislation has tremendous power.”

A combination of increased life expectancies, new legislation, and activism slowly chipped away at the belief that people with disabilities had to be separated from the rest of society. The Supreme Court’s 1999 Olmsted Decision is helping to remove people with disabilities from institutions and integrate them back into the community. Nevertheless, said Lolly Lijewski, an advocate at MCIL, “Minnesota has done a lot of work on health care, but we don’t have the housing available to get people out of nursing homes.” She said many organizations are now coming together to advocate for this.

One piece of new legislation that made an enormous difference in the lives of children with disabilities was the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA),passed in 1975, which assured the right of disabled children to receive an education in the least restrictive environment possible (i.e., with other children without disabilities). Other significant laws that have passed include the Air Carriers Access Act , which “Additionally, we are cur- passed in 1986 and assured rently seeking funding sup- that people with disabilities

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hen Minnesotans who use wheelchairs plan to visit the nation’s capital, they will not be able to visit any of the city’s spectacular tourist sites via taxicab. People are only allowed to use taxicabs that provide service within the District, none of which are wheelchair-accessible.

none of the District’s taxicabs are wheelchair-accessible. I was shocked and angry,” Brower said. Initially, the Memorial did not show FDR’s disability. As part of a nationwide, grassroots effort in 1997, The Disability Institute prompted the Minnesota Legislature to pass a resolution in support of adding a fourth statue depicting FDR’s physical disability. Eventually, another statue was added. It shows FDR seated in a wheelchair.

The Disability Institute’s Executive Director, Wendy S. Brower, recently tried to reserve an accessible taxicab so she could go to Franklin Lijewski, who has written a D. Roosevelt Memorial. “I column in this newspaper asked the hotel’s concierge to Recent tragic events make it about disability culture for order a cab. He told me that even more compelling to visit four years, got involved with MCIL by volunteering to train vided the foundation from support state efforts to impeople on ADA-related is- which the action was taken, prove employment options sues. She explained that with the group being repre- for people with disabilities, within the ADA, there were sented by two law firms: one and creates authority for each “phase-ins”, wherein differ- from Minneapolis and the state to develop a Medicaid ent portions of the regulations other from Saint Paul. Al- buy-in program. This prowere phased in during the though MCIL wasn’t directly gram allows people with 1990s. Lijewski’s job was to involved in the lawsuit, it Medicaid to go to work while help organizations that had to provided some much needed still maintaining their bencomply with the regulations behind-the-scenes work, like efits; it also allows them to understand when they would documenting complaints keep their personal care need to comply with the new through a hotline, and letting attendants. Previously to this, the group use the Center for anyone with a disability who rules. went to work would risk press conferences. losing their long-term care Far beyond her volunteer role, Lijewski became a class The suit was settled in 1994, benefits. Minnesota’s Medirepresentative in a 1993 class without ever going to court. cal Assistance for Employed action lawsuit against the The provider that had been Persons with Disabilities Twin Cities’ paratransit sys- brought in from out of town (MA-EPD) act essentially did tem, called Metro Mobility. left, because it couldn’t honor the same thing, and was She explained that after people the contract, said Lijewski. passed before the national from out of town were The Regional Transit Board law. brought in to run a Regional was dissolved by the LegislaTransit Board (which no ture, with Metro Mobility’s Speaking about the ADA, longer exists), the paratransit management being handed MCIL Director Hancox said system “fell apart in days. over to the Metropolitan the difficulty in enforcing that landmark civil rights law is These people didn’t know the Council. evidence of how far society area or the disability community. I waited five hours for Lijewski applied to MCIL for has to go when it comes to the my ride the first day. People an advocacy position doing incredible obstacles faced by got left behind. Someone with systems and public policy people with disabilities, in Alzheimer’s got lost by a work in 1995. Since then, she housing, employment (the driver.” She said National says one of the most signifi- unemployment rate for people Guard members were placed cant pieces of legislation has with disabilities is currently on each van, which helped been the Ticket to Work and about 70%; 45-48% of these Work Incentives Improve- people have college degrees), stabilize the system. ment Act of 1999. This act and other areas. “The disabil“As a result of this, the provides grant money to ity community is singularly community came together and we filed a class action suit,” Lijewski said. She points out that MCIL pro-

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DC’s Un-Accessible Taxis the FDR Memorial. At another time, FDR led the citizens of the United States through depression and war. And he did it all from his wheelchair. According to Brower, “I can’t think of a better way to shatter stereotypes about disabilities than showing FDR in a wheelchair.” Brower wonders how he would feel knowing that fellow wheelchair-users couldn’t visit his memorial; what would he say to the world? 

the largest minority community in the country, at 52 million,” said Hancox. “That’s one-fifth of the population! If we are ever able to harness the power behind the numbers, we’ll rule!” An overview of the disability rights movement, especially the one that has been locally grown, wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Charlie Smith, this paper’s former editor. As David Hancox said during MCIL’s anniversary dinner, Charlie’s contributions to the disability community are too numerous to be listed. Charlie was an MCIL board member and he was included in the organization’s annual report with a quote from Jesse Ventura. Governor Ventura, who acknowledged how Charlie had committed his life to advancing the civil rights movement of people with disabilities and founded Access Press, said Charlie had “lived by example, with integrity, quiet power, and humor.” These are the qualities that many say are the driving forces behind real change. 

November 10, 2001

CIDNY - Cont. from p. 1 few weeks. First, in the initial days following September 11, many people with disabilities who live in the subsidized housing in Battery Park (near the WTC) had problems evacuating. Many buildings lost power and some disabled residents stayed in their apartments waiting for someone to come and rescue them. People were afraid to open their windows because of the toxic fumes and asbestos released by the collapse, and were afraid to go out in the hallways of their buildings because there was no electricity. One example was an 86year-old woman who is postpolio. She waited with no electricity and little food in her refrigerator through the first 24 hours. Finally, she opened her window and hollered for anyone who could hear. A fireman at ground zero saw her and came with four of his colleagues to take her out of the building. She did what she could, says Neuhof. People with disabilities have been told when something happens to stay in place. They need to learn to take more responsibility.

adding, “They say, ‘No one came looking for me, no one called.’” The group members have begun setting up their own registry to help keep in touch and keep track of people in case something else happens. Neuhof says the third phase, the long-term impact, is just beginning to become apparent. People who had respiratory conditions before are finding them exacerbated by all of the chemicals in the air. “You can still smell the smoky, chalky odor at night,” Neuhof says, adding, “Some people are having to be hospitalized as a result.” Then there are those who are newly disabled with injuries from falls, burns, blows to the head, amputations; for these people, the long-term impact is yet to be seen. A Double Whammy Williams says people with disabilities have been given a double whammy. First the attack on the WTC and now, “Governor Pataki wants to cut the budget for the network of New York CILs by $1 million this legislative session,” at a time when the need for service is increasing.

NYSILC’s Williams seconds this: Lesson one, be involved There is another concern in your community’s emer- expressed by Barbara Knowlen, an advocate who lived in gency evacuation plan. Minnesota before moving to Checking in is a theme that New York two years ago. pervades the second phase. Based on her experience with People with disabilities de- the Minnesota and North pend on routine, and their Dakota floods, she noted, “I daily routines have been am concerned that standard severely disrupted Attendant ‘helping’ agencies will not care was interrupted in some consider the independence of cases because of disruptions people with disabilities and in transportation or due to will place individuals in roads being blocked to any- nursing homes as an expedione but emergency workers. ent solution.” She adds, Interruptions also occurred “Even though the floods were when some people needing nowhere near the magnitude attendant care were relocated of the WTC disaster, it took the Independent Living Cento temporary housing. ters in the Grand Forks and Neuhof facilitates a support Fargo areas over two years to group for people who have find all the people relocated to survived and are dealing with institutions and nursing homes the aftermath. They feel a across the country.” sense of isolation, she says,

In the days following the attack, organizations and individuals across the country reached out to help. The Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association sent medical supplies and contacted other organizations for contributions as well. An organization in Illinois, called Seeds of Hope, made buttons with flags and ribbons on them. They sold the buttons and made $1500. When they called CIDNY and said they wanted to contribute the money to a family, Neuhof had just the right one. “A mother and her 16-year-old daughter who has spina bifida were forced to leave their home in Battery Park. They were given vouchers by the Red Cross to find alternative housing,” she explains. They also have a dog, which made it difficult to find a hotel. Finally, they found one, but the room cost $150 per night. CIDNY connected Seeds of Hope with this family. “They have continued to communicate and even more than the money, the family says they appreciate the organization’s members sending cards and letters and calling to check in,” says Neuhof. In the wake of the events of September 11, the intensity of life in New York for people with disabilities has stayed at a high level. “We aren’t just living this disaster every day, we’re working it too,” says Neuhof. She says the staff at CIDNY are taking care of themselves as well. They’ve formed a peer support group and have brought in a therapist to assist the staff in dealing with their own issues resulting from the attack.  If you wish to contribute to CIDNY, call (212) 674-2300 or write The Center For The Independence Of the Disabled in New York (CIDNY) at 841 Broadway, Suite 205, New York, NY, 10003.

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

New 711 Phone Service: Telecommunications Relay Services O

n October 1, our country began a new era of telephone access. That is the day the familiar calling shortcuts of 911 and 411 were joined by 711, the new threedigit number for access to all Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). It’s fast, functional, and free. TRS facilitates telephone conversations between people who do and those who do not have hearing or speech disabilities. In one type of TRS, a text telephone (TTY) user calls a voice telephone user through a TRS provider (or relay center). There a communications assistant places the call to the voice user, and then relays the conversation by transcribing spoken content for the TTY user and reading text aloud for the voice user.

disabilities. Both voice and TRS users will be able to initiate a call from any telephone, anywhere in the United States, without having to remember and dial a seven or ten-digit access number. There are currently over 100 separate numbers nationwide for accessing relay services. Being able to dial the same three digits nationwide to access TRS, instead of having to be familiar with each state’s unique access number, makes TRS much more accessible in our mobile society. Under the new rules adopted last year by the FCC, 711 TRS dialing must be provided by all telecommunications carriers in the United States, including wireline, wireless, and pay phone providers. The FCC rule also encourages all PBX suppliers to configure their systems for 711 access to TRS.

711 is good news for everyone, not just persons with In addition, to ensure the

efficient, effective, and successful use of 711 access to TRS, the FCC requires carriers and relay providers, in cooperation with the states, to engage in on-going and comprehensive education and outreach programs to publicize the availability of 711 access. If consumers find that they are unable to get 711 TRS access after October 1, they should contact the FCC’s Consumer Center at 1-888-CALL-FCC (voice) or 1-888-TELL-FCC (TTY), or by e-mail at access@fcc.gov. 

To Reach Thousands of Active and Interested Readers: Call Access Press at 651/644-2133

November 10, 2001

Courage Seeks Art By Children For Calendar C

ourage Cards & Gifts invites artists with disabilities, ages 3-18, to submit works for consideration for the 2003 Child Art Calendar. Courage is interested in colorful images related to the theme of: My Community. In creating artwork, children should consider the different seasons of the year and the people, places, activities, and celebrations that make up their community. Courage Cards & Gifts is looking for bright, colorful art that tells a story about the artist and his or her community. Paint and color markers are the most desired mediums

because they are vivid in color and reproduce well. If selected, winning artists will be awarded a licensing fee of $100 and will be given national exposure through the distribution of catalogs and promotional pieces, the Internet, and radio and print advertising. Over two years ago, Lauren Fayerman of Wellington, Florida submitted a watercolor painting of a flag for Courage Cards & Gifts’ Child Art Search. Her painting was chosen for the 1999 Art Calendar for the month of July. Since then, Lauren, who has Down Syndrome, has won numerous national awards for

this artwork. After the events of September 11, her painting was remembered by the Cards & Gifts staff who decided to use Lauren’s painting as the image on the new America Collection.

Happy Holidays At Arc’s Value Village H

oliday shopping at the Merry Thriftmassm Shop at Arc’s Value Villagesm Thrift Stores makes it easy to spread the spirit of giving to the entire community while finding everything you need to “deck the halls” in holiday The 2003 Child Art Calendar style. will be a featured product of Courage Cards & Gifts, sold The Merry Thriftmas Shop to benefit the programs and features bargain prices on services of Courage. Entries thousands of seasonal items, will be accepted through including holiday decoraJanuary 4, 2002. For a copy tions, ornaments, linens, crafts, of the Child Art Calendar toys, fashions, accessories, Guidelines, call Courage at and more. New items will The Merry 763-520-0211 or send a arrive daily. request via e-mail to artsearch Thriftmas Shop will be open from November 5 through @courage.org  December 31, 2001.

All items for sale at Arc’s Value Village are donated by local residents and businesses. Proceeds benefit people with mental retardation and related disabilities, and their families, through the programs and services of Arc Hennepin-Carver.

• Value Village Richfield 6528 Penn Ave. S.; 612/ 861-9550 Another great way to share the spirit of giving is to volunteer at Arc’s Value Village. Volunteers help prepare merchandise for sale at the Merry Thriftmas Shop. No special skills are needed - all it takes is two hours of your time and an interest in helping others in the community. Call Arc’s director of volunteer services for more information. 

The Merry Thriftmas Shop will be open at all three Value Village stores: • Value Village Brooklyn Center - 6330 Brooklyn Blvd.; 763/503-3534 • Value Village New Hope 2751 Winnetka Ave. N.; Contact Arc Hennepin-Carver 763/544-0006 at 952/920-0855 or TTY 952/ 920-0977.

Work Incentives Reschedules Meetings AP NEWS- Cont. from p. 2

he Work Incentives Regional Community meetings that were postponed in October have now been rescheduled. Meetings rescheduled for dates after this issue goes to press, and those as yet unfilled, are: Faribault; Tuesday, November 13; 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Willmar; Monday, November 19; 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Minneapolis – Downtown; Friday, November 30; 10:30 to noon.

Hibbing; Tuesday, Decem- and “What’s New at the information, please use the following numbers: Twin Citber 4; 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. Connection.” ies, 651-642-0465 or 651Duluth; Wednesday, Decem- The sessions are free of 632-5113; Greater Minneber 5; 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. charge and the buildings are sota, 1-800-976-6728 (ask for wheelchair accessible. If you the reservation line); TTY, Marshall; Monday, Decem- need an interpreter, materials 651-632-5110; and Minneber 10; 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. in alternative format, or other sota Relay, 1-800-627-3529. reasonable accommodations, You will need to give your Each meeting will include a please request them at least name, phone number, the presentation and discussion two weeks prior to the session city and date, and the number attending.  of the following topics: “How session. to Avoid Overpayments”, “Expedited Reinstatement”, Even if you were previously “Changes in Medical Assis- registered for a meeting that tance for Employed Persons was canceled, you will need to with Disabilities (MA-EPD)”, sign up for the new date. To “See a Benefit Analysis (BA)”, sign up, and get location

Brief section, anchored on page 3 for a number of years, will now be found on the first page after the center section (page 10 in a 16-pager, page 8 if we decide to go with 12 pages). We want to reserve space on page 3 for “breaking” news and other “almostfront-page” articles. Our regular columns have been moved a couple pages back as well, from pages 4-5 to pages 6-7, just before the center section.

couple months he has slowly taken on less and less responsibility and left the responsibilities to Laurie and me. Jeff and I have decided he has fulfilled his promise to Charlie as interim editor and tutor. Now he has made a promise to me—he will continue, with shortened hours, as a parttime editorial adviser, bookkeeper, data consultant, and all-around “super-assistant” for a few more months. Believe it or not, Jeff is Jeff Nygaard has been an looking forward to his new enormous help to Access role.  Press and me. Over the last

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November 10, 2001 CIVIL ENGINEERS SRF Consulting Group, Inc., a locally owned, growing and well-established transportation and engineering firm, has the following positions open in our highway/municipal group.

Access To Employment Employment ads are $14 per col. inch; Nov 30 is the deadline for the Dec 10 issue. Mail to: ACCESS PRESS • 1821 University Ave. • #104S St. Paul, MN 55104• FAX 651-644-2136 • E-mail: access@mninter.net POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Civil Engineer - Entry Level Entry-level Civil Engineer to assist with the preliminary and final design of highway/ municipal roadway and utility projects. Must have a BS in Civil Engineering and strong communication skills. Civil design experience a plus. Civil Engineer Civil Engineer wanted to prepare and design plans for highway/municipal roadway and utility projects. Requirements include a BS in Civil Engineering with 1-4 years design experience, autocad and/or microstation experience, and excellent written and verbal skills. Senior Civil Engineer Licensed Civil Engineer to manage highway/municipal projects. Requirements include a BS in Civil Engineering with 5+ years transportation or municipal design experience and strong written and verbal skills. Project management experience desired. In addition to varied and exciting work in a positive atmosphere, SRF offers competitive salary and benefits, 401(k) & profit sharing. If you want a career with strong growth potential in one of ENR’s Top 500 design firms, send your resume to SRF Consulting Group, Inc., One Carlson Pkwy. N., #150, Plymouth, MN 55447; fax to 763-475-2429, or e-mail to hr@srfconsulting.com; EOE.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services was awarded a Medicaid Infrastructure Grant from the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Systems (formerly HCFA) through funding appropriations in the Ticket to Work And Work Incentive Improvement Act of 1999. The goal of this initiative is to support people with disabilities in securing and sustaining competitive employment in integrated settings. Federal grant monies have been awarded to states to successfully modify their health care delivery systems to meet the needs of people with disabilities who want to work. DHS is currently recruiting for the following four positions to implement this initiative: ELIGIBILITY POLICY CONSULTANT, PROJECT SPECIALIST, PROGRAM POLICY CONSULTANT, AND PROJECT EVALUATOR. Interested candidates should contact MaryAlice Mowry at 651-634-2058 or at maryalice.mowry@state.mn. us for qualifications, complete position descriptions, and how to apply by Nov. 19th. The Minnesota Department of Human Services does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, creed, religion, or veteran status in employment. The Minnesota Department of Human Services takes affirmative action to increase ethnic, cultural, and gender diversity; to employ qualified disabled individuals; and to provide equal opportunity to all employees.

Ramsey County

ASSOCIATE VICE PROVOST Office for Multicultural and Academic Affairs University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus

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

Faegre & Benson LLP, Minnesota’s second largest law firm, is seeking applicants for an Immigration Clerk for the Minneapolis office. Responsibilities include assisting the Immigration Practice group with billing, opening and closing files, maintaining client status charts, and general clerical support. Applicants should have a 2 year accounting or business degree; and 2 yrs. exp. in a high volume, detail oriented, billing position (law firm experience preferred); ability to perform well under tight deadlines; excellent analytical and communication skills; and a team-oriented work style. We offer a competitive salary, and an excellent benefits package. For additional information about our law firm, visit our web site at www.faegre.com. Please send your resume and salary history to Human Resources:

Centex Multi-Family Communities, L.P. is the multifamily development arm of Centex Development Company, L.P., an affiliate of Centex Corporation. Established in 1950 in Dallas, Texas, Centex Corporation is a Fortune 500 Company and the nation’s premier company in construction-related business. Centex Multi-Family Communities, L.P. has an immediate opening for an Assistant Project Manager in the Twin Cities Area. The ideal candidate should have experience in the development and construction of multi-family projects with a strong knowledge of finance, entitlement, marketing, and property management. This individual will assist the Project Manager in the selection of sites, the entitlement process, the selection of design consultants, the feasibility process, the selection of general contractors, and any other matters directed by the Project Manager. Experience in working with municipalities and/or governmental agencies, as well as neighboring communities, with respect to housing developments is preferable. Salary commensurate with experience. Please submit resume to: Centex MultiFamily Communities, L.P., c/o Kelly & Fawcett, P.A., 2350 U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray Plaza, 444 Cedar Street, St. Paul, MN 55101,or fax to (651) 223-8019. Applications must be submitted to the above address by Friday, November 16, 2001 at 5:00 p.m. Centex Multi-Family Communities, L.P. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Legal PARALEGAL — TRUSTS AND ESTATES Faegre & Benson LLP, one of Minnesota’s leading law firms, is seeking applicants for a paralegal in our Trusts and Estates practice group. This position assists lawyers and other paralegals with a variety of matters, including maintaining probate estates on a daily basis; collecting and transferring estate and trust assets; preparing accountings of estate and trust administrations; and preparing federal and state estate tax, fiduciary income tax, and gift returns. Our ideal candidate will have a 4-year degree and/or paralegal certificate and previous relevant experience. We will also consider recent graduates with an interest in probate who possess mathematical aptitude, a strong accounting background and experience with computer spreadsheet applications. Our ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, possess excellent communication & analytical skills, be able to work independently and exercise good judgment. Faegre & Benson LLP offers competitive, wages and an excellent benefits package, including a discounted bus programMetropass. For additional information about Faegre & Benson, visit our web site at www.faegre.com. Please send resume, salary history, writing sample and transcripts 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 Equal Opportunity Employer

Reach 11,000 Active, Interested Readers with ACCESS PRESS Classifieds. $8 up to 20 words, 35¢/word thereafter. Must be prepaid. Mail with check to: ACCESS PRESS, 1821 University Ave W, #104S, St. Paul, MN 55104, (651) 644-2133

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FOR SALE One-level, one-bedroom house designed for wheel• Administrative, Management and Technical Services chair. Fenced yard. 33xx E. • Building and Facility Services 25th St., Mpls. Call Bill at • Clerical and Secretarial Services (320) 543-1069. Community and Social Services Court, Legal and Law Enforcement Services Property Records/Revenue Services Public Works and Transportation Services Parks and Recreation Services

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The University of Minnesota invites applications and nominations for the position of Associate Vice Provost of the Office for Multicultural and Academic Affairs. The Associate Vice Provost has primary responsibility for enhancing and supporting the multicultural community for faculty, staff and students based on race, ethnicity, gender, disability, and sexual orientation and identification. Complete position description available at www.oma. umn.edu. Qualifications include advanced degree, knowledge and experience regarding issues of diversity and multiculturalism in higher education. Ph.D. and ten+ years of experience preferred. Applications and nominations will be reviewed beginning Nov. 30, 2001 but will be FAEGRE & BENSON LLP accepted until position is 2200 Wells Fargo Center 90 South Seventh Street filled. The Search Committee Minneapolis, MN 55402 will not contact references Fax: 612-766-1763 before notifying candidates. E-Mail: HR@Faegre.com Send letter, resume, and name/address of four refer- Equal Opportunity Employer ences to: ATTORNEY Dean Steven Rosenstone Search Committee Chair, Mid-Minnesota Legal AssisOffice of the Vice Presitance seeks full-time atty to dent for Campus Life, work in St. Cloud office. Atty 110 Morrill Hall, will work with victims of 100 Church Street S.E., domestic violence. Sal: Mpls., MN 55455. $30,000, excel benes, including fully paid family-health. The University of Minnesota Resume: Ann Cofell, is an equal opportunity SCALS, P.O. Box 886, St. educator and employer. Cloud, MN 56302. EOE.

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

• • • • •

Accounting

ASSISTANT PROJECT MANAGER Centex Multi-Family Communities, L.P.

Wheelchair Vans available. All have been dealer serviced and maintained, and properly cared for. Tires are close-tonew.

1994 Ford Econoline Waldock conversion. Braun lift, set up for 2 wheelchairs. All power. 235,000 miles. $7,000. Contact Jim at 763-712-8197. 1992 Ford Econoline conversion van. Handicap accessible-driveable. Crow River lift. Excellent condition. No rust, a must see. Call Judy or leave message, 651-464-1768.

1994 Ford Econoline Waldock conversion. Braun lift, set up 1993 “Vibo” Pontoon Boat. for 1 wheelchair. All power. 24 ft w/2/3 Canopy. Wheel141,800 miles. $10,000. chair Widened Doors-Small fold-down ramp on front 1992 Ford Econoline Waldock entrance. Less than 130 conversion. Ramp, set up for Hours use on 40 Horse Force 1 or 2 wheelchairs. Leather Motor. Elec. Start, Power interior, TV, VCR, Step Tiller, Fish depth finder, Live Bumper. All Power. 210,000 well. Asking $4500. Previmiles. $6000. ous owners wheelchair users. Contact: J.Schatzlein 952881-2129 or 651-215-2216.

FOR RENT Stonehouse Square Apartments, 215 NE BROADWAY ST., MPLS., 1 BDRM Section 8 Rental Apartments. 4 units designed for physically handicapped persons. Occupants pay 30% of their income as rent. Now accepting applications for the waiting list. CALL 612-3783945 Mon-Thurs, 2 pm - 6 pm Friday 9 am - 1 pm

ments designed for physically handicapped persons. Convenient SE Minneapolis location. Call (612) 378-0331 for availability information. Equal Opportunity Housing.

Seward Square Apartments: We are currently accepting applications for our waiting list at Seward Square Apartments in Minneapolis. Seward Square is barrier-free housing and is federally subsidized. Lewis Park Apartments: For an application, please call Barrier free housing with (612) 338-2680. Equal Opwheelchair user in mind. portunity Housing. Section 8 subsidized. Oneand two bedroom units. For MISCELLANEOUS more information on avail- Charlie Smith’s cats are in ability call (651) 488-9923. desperate need of a home – St. Paul, MN Equal Opportu- two female cats, very friendly nity Housing. and in good health. Would like to keep them together but Holmes-Greenway Housing will split them up if necessary. One and two bedroom apart- For info call 612-970-4048

November 10, 2001

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