March 10, 2002
Inside ■ ACT Seminar— p. 2 ■ Supreme Court — p. 3
MR Awareness — Page 3
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“To be a revolutionary you have to be a human being. You have to care about people who have no power.”
■ Simple Answers — p. 5
—Jane Fonda Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Mpls. MN Permit No. 4766
Volume 13, Number 3
SOURCES
RESOURCES
March 10, 2002
NEWS FROM THE STATE CAPITOL STATE BUDGET DEFICIT GROWS WORSE by Anne L. Henry
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n Monday, February 25, 2002, we learned that the state budget deficit of $1.95 billion had grown to $2.3 billion. In addition, the structural deficit for the next biennium, 2004/2005, had increased by $677 million since the November 2001 forecast.
NAMI-MN Celebrates 25th Anniversary
The Legislature and the governor have proposed different solutions to this very serious budget deficit. Minnesota is required by the state constitution to have a balanced budget. Therefore, deficit spending is not allowed and, if the Legislature fails to act, the governor must cut spending himself.
by Karen Trudell and Sue Abderholden
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wenty-five years ago, a small group of people— who met largely around each other’s kitchen tables—tried to convince the legislature to fund a state pilot project for community mental health treatment. This “kitchen table coalition” was propelled to action because there were no community services to support their family members when they were discharged from a state hospital. This group later became the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill in Minnesota (NAMI-MN). NAMI-MN is unique in the mental health community because of the strong involvement of both persons with mental illness (biological brain disorders) and their family members. Over the past 25 years, NAMI-MN has provided education programs, recovery programs, support groups, anti-stigma
campaigns, and—of course— continued to advocate for programs that help people with mental illness live in the community. And NAMIMN is clearly gearing up for the next 25 years. It has hired a new executive director, Sue Abderholden; a new program director, Shelley White; and has increased its board to 25 members. Past Progress and Future Concerns NAMI-MN has stayed true to its roots by working to effect positive changes in the mental health system. Early issues addressed by the grassroots organization included the lack of: transitional services for individuals leaving state hospitals, crisis services, and community-based services. Last year, NAMI members worked with the Mental Health Legislative Network to pass the
Mental Health Act of 2001. This ambitious law will overhaul the existing mental health system and appropriates nearly 33 million in funding for the next two years. Much is left to be done. Mental health services are poorly funded and there are long waiting lists. NAMIMN believes people should receive services when they need them, where they need them, and for as long as they need them. The issues of homelessness, insurance discrimination, affordable supportive housing, employment, and supporting families in their role as caregivers remain high on the list for future action. In addition, NAMI-MN is also concerned about the service system for children and those who reside in the corrections system. NAMI-MN - cont. on p. 6
The governor’s veto of the House and Senate budget deal was overridden by the House and Senate at the end of February. Thus, a significant portion of the budget deficit for the current biennium was taken care of by using all revenues, and by cutting state agencies and programs. However, there is still a budget gap of $439 million facing the Legislature. Since the first budget deal used all of the reserves and significantly cut state government, it appears that the two options remaining are to further cut programs— including programs affecting persons with disabilities— and to raise taxes. Redistricting will change some legislators’ districts and this is an election year, so raising taxes will be very difficult. However, unless a lot of unused funds can be found, it seems unlikely that the Legislature can protect essential programs and services for per-
sons with disabilities without raising taxes to cover the deficit for this biennium and next. Minnesota is experiencing a recession with significant job loss, which translates into less income taxes and less spending, which means less sales tax. The decline in tax collections due to the recession combined with tax cuts passed less than a year ago point to the fact that the deficit is almost entirely due to taking in less revenue, not spending more than had been projected on state services. The permanent tax cuts enacted last session reduced tax revenue by $759 million for the current biennium. This and other tax cuts and rebates, enacted not even a year ago, now seem unaffordable in the face of Minnesota’s significant budget deficit. Therefore, it makes sense for legislators and the governor to consider proposals to raise taxes. The governor has proposed raising taxes to produce $397 million for the current biennium. The tax increases proposed by the governor include a 5-cent gas tax increase, which would then be indexed for inflation starting in 2003; an increase in the cigarette tax by 29 cents a pack; an expansion of the sales tax for services (legal services, motor vehicle repairs, interstate phone service) and some goods (newspapers and magazines, institutional meals); and miscellaneous other tax increases. At press time, both the Senate DFL and governor support
tax increases to close the budget gap. Cuts in the recently passed House Senate Budget Bill affecting Health and Human Services include: a delay in new persons with developmental disabilities getting waiver funding (a cut of $4.2 million per year); a reduction in Intermediate Care Facilities/Mental Retardation funding ($2.5 million per year); cuts in State Operated Services (Residential Treatment Centers) funding ($8 million per year), requiring counties to pay 20% of the cost of nursing homes for those under 65 who stay longer than 90 days ($3 million per year); a reduction in Community Social Services Act grants ($4.7 million per year); and a reduction in Children’s Mental Health Collaboratives ($2.2 million per year). Many important programs were not cut in this first budget bill including Prescription Drug Program eligibility for persons with disabilities (which begins July 1, 2002), Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities, and many state grant programs. Because the deficit has grown larger, more cuts are likely unless more unused money is found or taxes are raised to cover the budget gap. It is likely that programs and services for persons with disabilities will be considered for further cuts as the Legislature moves to balance the budget. Stay tuned. ■ Anne L. Henry is an attorney with the Minnesota Disability Law Center.
March 10, 2002
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increases there will have to be deeper cuts in many of the services that will affect the Minnesotans with disabilities that are least able to survive any cuts and maintain their independence.
Tim Benjamin
Anne Henry details the budget situation on the front page.
Editor
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he big news again this month is the budget. And as we go to press, the ramifications of the budget passed are still unclear. Roger Moe said “tax increases may be inevitable.” One senator I spoke to said that she would not support more cuts and even though she is up for re-election she will vote to increase taxes. I
think this time the governor may be right: there needs to be a combination of less spending and increased taxes. Much that can be cut, has been—and I’m anxious to see how and where they’ll increase revenue. I think the public realizes the amount of money needed to balance the budget will require tax increases. Without revenue
Twenty-five years is certainly a milestone! The “kitchen table coalition”—as NAMIMN was initially called—has much to be proud of, as you’ll see on page 1 with their list of accomplishments. NAMIMN has brought on new leadership and with this new guidance the impressive list will continue to grow. Congratulations to all the members of NAMI-MN that have
kept the mission of the Supreme Court case with a “kitchen table coalition” alive. more positive outcome. She also explains how many *** employers put clauses into the application process that take March is Awareness Month away your civil rights—or in for Mental Retardation and, this case, take away your right of course, the goal is to bring to arbitration in civil court. more familiarity to the issues that face persons *** with mental retardation. The Arc Hennepin-Carver As she has “been writing for chapter has given us a glimpse Access Press every month into the history of mental since its inception,” Nicole retardation awareness in the has decided to take a leave of Twin Cities and beyond from absence from her column, 1946 to 1997. After you read “Hello Nicole.” During her the article on page 3, you’ll break, of as yet undetermined see they have much to be length, she will devote herself proud of, and like other to other writing projects. We disability groups are pushing wish her well and will keep in the right direction for more you posted on her return. self-determination. *** *** Beginning this month, John Kathy Hagen details an ADA Tschida will be adding his
“Common Vision” Yields Immediate Results ary Kay Kennedy and Rick Cardenas, directors of Advocating Change Together (ACT), showed their knowledge about, and confidence in, educating individuals on how to become selfadvocates at their recent Common Vision seminar. Cardenas and Kennedy explained that, in reality, most disabilities test the commitment of our society to the concepts of individual liberty and self-determination. Most people with disabilities require more support to take responsibility and maintain control of their lives, and all too often the potential for independence is unrealized.
draw on the participants’ experiences, thoughts, and dreams—and encourage the participants to take action, via self-advocacy, to change society and legislation to improve their lives. Selfadvocacy encourages people to feel good about who they are, to live life fully, to think for themselves, and to work collectively for social change.
Wonderful examples of how the seminar’s teaching philosophies draw out these thoughts in individuals are these two impromptu poems, written and then read by the authors to the group after viewing a video. (The video, part of the “history of disabiliACT’s training techniques ties” section of the seminar,
by Tom Kelley
FREEDOM showed institutionalized life in America in the early part of “I am me!” I’m OK Because that’s me the last century.) Even though I’m handicapped, “I’m OK.” The Poems Because I’m Free that’s me. I’m a loving caring human Can’t you hear them being crying, lying in their beds! Can’t you see them starving “Just like You,” Yes, I’m just like you, because they’re underfed! my loving and caring is no different, Yet still you hear the doctors ‘cause I’m Handicapped. bragging of success. I’m OK, I’m Free ‘cause that’s me Yet, behind all the bragging, Let the Disability Freedom can’t you hear the children Ring— gagging, crying, dying, ‘Cause I’m OK, “You’re starved of food, OK—‘cause that’s me.” starved of love, I’m going to live—‘cause I’m starved of knowledge, Free... denied choice, By Dennis Anderson and denied life! By Katie Van Kampen For more information on Common Vision, call ACT at 651-641-0297.
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*** Jeni Mundl reminds us of the devices and services around us that we don’t think of as assistive technology. She explains how it’s not always complex, stateof-the-art innovations that make up the technology we use to make our lives easier every day. ■
Lobby Day
by Tim Benjamin
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thoughts to the culture column. For March he takes on a issue that has polarized the disability community. Many of us have difficulties with the issue of cure vs. care. John brings the debate to the table and offers his insightful views. This is a topic that needs more discussion within our community. We should all think it over and try to understand the opposing view.
“Defense, Defense, Defense” was the rally cry at the 2002 Disability Lobby Day. On Tuesday, February 26, 112 members of the disability community went to the Minnesota State Capitol to put pressure on legislators to protect the gains that were made during the last session. As the state faces a deficit of over $2 billion, Lobby Day participants met with legislators to remind them that services and initiatives previously passed were both vital and appreciated, and that in the future, Congress should consider accessible and affordable housing a top priority. Sponsored by the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL), the National Multiple Sclerosis SocietyMinnesota Chapter, and Courage Center, Lobby Day participants started with an education session at Bandana Square in Saint Paul. Advo-
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cates from the Department of Human Services (DHS), MCIL, the Minnesota HomeCare Association, the State Council on Disability, and Courage Center spoke as partners in the common cause of empowering the disability community through legislative action. “The Department of Human Services wants to be a part of a solution in ensuring that Minnesotans with disabilities lead more active lives,” said Laura Doyle, Deputy Director, Community Supports for Minnesotans with Disabilities, DHS. Speakers briefed the group on issues such as transit funding, personal care assistant compensation, and affordable and accessible housing options. Lobby Day participants also received suggestions and training on how to effectively bring their issues to state legislators. “Whether we are talking about improving housing, access to prescription drugs, or work incentives, increasing community integration is at the heart of all of the issues we are asking lawmakers to consider,” said John Tschida, Courage’s Senior Director of Public Affairs and Research. After lunch, the participants got a chance to turn their training into action and went to the Capitol for their scheduled appointments with Senate and House representatives. They arrived just as the House was debating whether or not to override the governor’s recent veto of the budget plan. Because the House was in Lobby Day - cont. on p. 7
March 10, 2002
March Is Mental Retardation Awareness Month A
rc Hennepin-Carver is newborn screening and thyjoining Arc chapters roid hormone replacement across the nation in observing therapy; National Mental Retardation • 1,000 cases of mental retarAwareness Month in March. dation by use of anti-Rh The goal of this observance is immune globulin to prevent to draw attention to the issues Rh disease and severe jaunfacing people with mental dice in newborn infants; retardation (and their fami- • 5,000 cases of mental retarlies) and reach the public with dation caused by haemoArc’s message of inclusion philus influenzae type b for people with mental retar(Hib), a bacterial disease dation. that can cause meningitis and brain damage, by using An Introduction to the Hib vaccine; Mental Retardation • 4,000 cases of mental retardation due to measles enAn individual is considered to cephalitis by using measles have mental retardation based vaccine; and on three criteria: • untold numbers of cases • Intellectual functioning (IQ) caused by rubella during must be below 70-75. pregnancy by using rubella • Significant limitations must vaccine. exist in two or more adaptive skill areas. These are Other interventions have rethe daily skills needed to duced the chance of mental live, work, and play in the retardation. Removing lead community. They include from the environment reduces communication, self-care, brain damage in children. home living, social skills, Preventive actions such as leisure, health and safety, child safety seats and bicycle self-direction, functional helmets reduce head trauma. academics (reading, writ- Early intervention programs ing, basic math), commu- with high-risk infants and nity use, and work. children have shown remark• The condition is present able results in reducing the from childhood (defined as predicted incidence of subage 18 or less). normal intellectual functioning. The effects vary considerably. About 87% of people In addition, early comprehenwith mental retardation are sive prenatal care and prevenmildly affected and only a tive measures prior to and little slower than average in during pregnancy increase a learning new information and woman’s chances of preventskills. The remaining 13% ing mental retardation in her have serious limitations in children. functioning. However, with early intervention, a funcReview of Milestones tional education, and appropriate supports, all people National Mental Retardation with mental retardation can Awareness Month is a time to lead satisfying lives in the recognize and celebrate the community. improvements that have been made in the lives of people Mental retardation can be with mental retardation and caused by any condition related developmental diswhich impairs development abilities, and the role that Arc of the brain before birth, has played in that progress. during birth, or in the childhood years. Several hundred 1946-1947 causes have been discovered, At a holiday party in 1946, a but the cause remains un- group of parents agreed to known in about one-third of come together and work on the people affected. Down behalf of children with mental syndrome, fetal alcohol syn- retardation. Reuben Lindh drome, and fragile X are three was elected chairman of the diagnoses involving mental group. The first meeting was retardation that have identified causes. During the past 30 years, significant advances in research have prevented many cases of mental retardation. Every year in the United States, we prevent: • 250 cases of mental retardation due to phenylketonuria (PKU), a hereditary metabolic disease, by newborn screening and dietary treatment; • 1,000 cases of mental retardation due to congenital hypothyroidism through
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EEOC vs. Wafflehouse Inc.
held at his home in Minneapo- capped Act Amendments of by Kathleen Hagen lis on July 2, 1947. 1986, which mandated a new preschool program for threehe Supreme Court issued arbitrator will be chosen to 1950 to five-year-olds and early a decision in another hear the dispute and make a The first convention of the intervention services for in- case, just five days after its decision which, most of the National Association of Par- fants and toddlers from birth decision in Williams vs. time, cannot be successfully ents and Friends of Mentally through age three. Toyota, which was discussed challenged in court. AppliRetarded Children was held in the February Access Press. cants for employment signing September 28 through Octo1988 The Wafflehouse case pro- that provision are agreeing, in ber 1 at the Radisson Hotel in “A Status Report on Waiting vides somewhat better news essence, not to sue their Minneapolis. Lists for Community Ser- for persons with disabilities. employers should something vices,” prepared by The Arc, The issue in this case involved go wrong. Applicants are, of 1956-1961 revealed more than 139,000 whether or not the Equal course, willing to sign such Federal support for mental children and adults on waiting Employment Opportunity agreements because they retardation services and re- lists for community services Commission (EEOC) is pro- wouldn’t get the job othersearch increased from $14 across the country. hibited from seeking damages wise. Mr. Baker followed the million to $94 million. for disability discrimination same course. After Mr. 1990 on behalf of an employee, Baker’s termination, he filed 1969 The Arc joined other disabil- when that employee had a charge with EEOC. EEOC The Arc’s Governmental Af- ity organizations in celebrat- signed—as a condition of investigated and found that fairs office opened in Wash- ing passage of the Americans becoming employed—an Baker had been discriminated ington, D.C., to increase with Disabilities Act. agreement to bring any dis- against and that Wafflehouse Arc’s visibility in the capital putes to an arbitrator for had discriminatory employand influence federal policy 1993 resolution. The Supreme ment practices. EEOC filed regarding people with mental The Arc stepped up its efforts Court said that the EEOC had suit against Wafflehouse. retardation. to reduce the incidence of the authority to seek monetary EEOC asked for specific fetal alcohol syndrome by damages and injunctive relief monetary damages for Baker, 1971-1972 expanding information and (such as changes in policies) including back pay, reinstateNational and state offices of advertising that advised preg- for such an employee. ment, compensatory damThe Arc began to join court nant women to abstain from ages, and punitive damages. suits to defend the rights of alcohol. Eric Baker was hired as a grill citizens with mental retardaoperator by Wafflehouse Inc. Wafflehouse petitioned the tion living in state institutions 1997 It is unclear from this decision District Court, under the and to ensure their right to The Arc is on the cutting edge whether or not the Respon- Federal Arbitration Act, to education. Advocacy intensi- of a growing self-determina- dent knew of his disability at stay EEOC’s action, require fied to strengthen individuals’ tion movement, with several hire, but in any event Mr. Baker to arbitrate the claim, rights to be served by commu- model projects aimed at Baker had a seizure at work or dismiss EEOC’s claim nity-based residential ser- creating opportunities for per- approximately 15 days after altogether. EEOC, the Revices. sonal choice, growth and his hire and was fired subse- spondent argued, should be decision-making among indi- quent to that time. Baker’s limited to only filing for 1974 viduals with mental retarda- application for employment injunctive relief (such as Reflecting a growing service tion. included a provision often changes in policy that would to adults as well as children, found these days on employ- effectuate the public interest) the Association for Retarded More Information ment applications: it indicates not advocate for the specific Children changed its name to that by signing the application private interests, including the National Association for You can contact Arc Hennepin- for employment you are monetary damages, for Eric Retarded Citizens. Carver at 952/920-0855 or agreeing that, if hired, any Baker. The District Court via www.archennepincarver. disputes that occur will be found that EEOC could go 1975 org or info@archennepin. settled through binding arbi- ahead with the lawsuit despite After much hard work by Arc org. You can also get a wide tration. This means that an EEOC - cont. on p. 9 members to secure a public variety of information from education for all children, the national headquarters of regardless of their disability, The Arc at 301/565-3842 or Congress passed the Educa- via www.thearc.org or info tion of All Handicapped @thearc.org. ■ Children Act. Adapted and reprinted 1979 with permission from Arc March became Mental Retar- Hennepin-Carver’s Arc dation Awareness Month. Times newsletter, Volume 48, No. 1, Winter 2002. 1986 It was a banner year for key legislative victories with 11 major laws enacted by Congress and signed by President Reagan. Among them was the National Handicap Housing Institute, Inc. Education of the Handi-
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March 10, 2002
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Mental Illness/Brain Disorders
Disability Culture
It Don’t Mean Nothin’
Scientific Research Debate
by Pete Feigal
by John Tschida
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he toughest question I’ve ever been asked at one of my speaking engagements came when I spoke for some at-risk inner city teenagers that had been taken out of the mainstream because of mental illness or behavior problems. After I had told some of my own story, one student said to me: “I’m poor, I’m black, I’m uneducated, I’m mentally ill, my family doesn’t want me, so a gang is my family. I could be killed tomorrow. I could be killed in the next ten seconds. So what difference does it make what I do? Or who I do it to? Nothing means nothing.” Uncle Dave was one of my motorcycle friends from years ago. He was one of the wisest mentors I’ve known, who told me the difference between an outlaw and a criminal. “A criminal only feels right when he’s doing wrong. But an
outlaw only does wrong when he feels it’s right.” Dave had been a squad leader in Vietnam, and he told me about the terror of war. About having your closest friends blasted to pieces right in front of you. Of the horror of having to kill other humans.
Don’t Mean Nothin’.
Dave said that this is what many of them did to harden their hearts so that they could survive that inferno. When you could be killed by a sniper or booby trap or mortar shell at any second, when your life had that little value, then what He told me how they hard- difference did it make if you ened themselves to the hell of were cruel or cold or unkind? their experience: the graveyard humor, the swearing and Many of us who battle mental tough grunt lingo they’d illness know about horror and speak, the crudeness and despair from the war within coldness they approached our own hearts. The cruelest each day with. The drugs lie, the greatest stigma that and booze. And the saying comes with mental illness, is they all used, the mantra the one that says that because that came out of that war: you have mental illness you It Don’t Mean Nothin’. are forever broken, toxic, and Whatever happened: It have nothing to give to the Don’t Mean Nothin’. If your world. This feeling of being best friend stepped on a mine: broken is one that I focus on It Don’t Mean Nothin’. If more than any other in my you got a “Dear John” letter, speaking and writing, and for or killed a dozen people, or me it is more terrible than the had your own leg shot off: It loneliness, the sadness, the poverty, the fear, and the pain that came with 30 years of depression.
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uch debate has occurred in recent years on the issue of scientific research and its impact on the disability community. Christopher Reeve, Michael J. Fox, and a host of minor celebrities have put a human face on disability, while also bringing the sticky wicket of research to the forefront. The recent announcement of Minnesota’s own Paul Wellstone makes this a subject worth revisiting. The most common watercooler conversations I’ve overheard have been of the “cure” versus “care” variety. In almost all cases, the specific facts of this situation quickly disappear, and instead a philosophical battle erupts. The volume of these exchanges tends to escalate quickly, with verbal punches thrown and dodged. Each participant carries with them the weight of their personal experience with disability that has helped cement their view on the subject. In many ways it reminds me of several debates I’ve witnessed at the Capitol over the years involving the politics of abortion: much talking, little listening, no resolution, and many assumptions made by each participant about the person Delta, or on a suburban street in St. Paul. We all would face trouble, and we could either harden our hearts or else break our hearts open and use our precious time to make some kind of difference. I tried to answer the teenager the best I could. I told him that he did face tough enemies and was battling great odds. That it was true that he could be killed at any time. But that was the nature of life itself. Things can change in a microsecond. You could be killed in an auto accident, get MS or cancer, be struck by a Mental Illness - cont. on p. 9
on the other side of the cal and sociological gets philosophical divide. complicated. As a community we have embraced mediBut unlike the abortion de- cine and technology to bate, there is middle ground in complement our physical the care vs. cure contest, and selves—using wheelchairs, the linchpin is scientific prescriptions, and catheters research. not only to stay healthy, but as a means to improved commuFifty years ago, folks like nity integration. These admyself with spinal cord inju- vances are as much about ries faced a grim prognosis, overall quality of life as they where a simple bladder infec- are about individual health tion often marked the line status. between life and death. Forget Olmstead, curb cuts, and The invention of motorized community integration for the wheelchairs created a reduced moment—people with many dependence on others. So did disabilities, both acquired and the development of hand congenital, were simply fight- controls for automobiles. Aning to stay alive. The chief tidepressants have not only problem was biological. Sci- become mainstream but fodence wasn’t equipped to deal der for late-night talk show with the likes of guys like me. hosts. Each of these advances empowers the individual. It’s Fast-forward to today, where not about overcoming disabilI’m the picture of health, ity or denying its existence. following successful spinal It’s about successful adaptafusion surgery and an ongoing tion and integration with the cocktail of pharmaceuticals, world. It’s about personal assistive technology, and control. medical supplies. I am not sick, but the margin between Many people with disabilities sickness and health is thinner require personal care attenbecause of my dependence on dants, home health aides, or these tools, which have a some form of help to live direct impact on my health successfully. There has been status as a person with a a recognition that indepenphysical disability. dent living often requires the assistance of others, and that All of us living today with interdependence is a more disabilities have to recognize accurate term. We have that modern medicine plays demanded that consumer conan essential role in our trol be maximized in these everyday lives. Over time, relationships. We have done these incremental advances the same in our interactions have saved and lengthened with the health care industry, countless lives. This isn’t insisting that we control about fixing people, or the decisions about our health elimination of a shared cul- services. Shouldn’t we also ture forged by those whose embrace scientific research human vessels fail to meet a efforts that would shrink our sociological standard of nor- dependence on others? Or mal. It’s about medical and lengthen our life span? Or scientific improvements that increase the quality of our enable independence and di- lives as we age, our muscles rectly contribute to an im- weaken, and medical compliproved quality of life. cations become more frequent? And here is where the intersection between biologi- We have embraced technology as a replacement for human functioning, following a continuum from a pair of crutches to a ventilator. We have accepted that increasing and increasingly advanced technology is required as our physical limitations increase. We have demanded from politicians and the bureaucratic agencies that deliver services to our community at all levels of government that power be vested in the individual receiving services. Why aren’t we demanding the same of the research community? What greater control can there be than control over our own bodies? ■ John Tschida is the Senior Director of Public Affairs & Research at Courage Center.
March 10, 2002
Don’t Forget The Simple Answers
Religion and Disability
by Jeni Mundl
by John Schatzlein
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id you know that American Sign Language (ASL) is considered assistive technology? Very few people are aware of this fact. Generally, when people hear the phrase, “assistive technology,” they usually think of complex, sophisticated engineering solutions for people with disabilities. In reality, assistive technology (AT) includes a wide range of highand low-tech devices and techniques applicable to a large number of individuals. In many cases, the simple answers, which are largely available and more affordable in today’s digital world, can be the most beneficial. Low-tech mobility aids and accessible architecture are some of the most basic AT devices and have been around for quite some time. A few of the most commonly known examples include: • Walkers (with options including wheels, brakes, a platform for seating, adjustable height, and collapsibility). • Canes (single point, or quad—with four feet for more balance. The wider the feet are spread apart, the more stability they provide.) • Lower extremity orthotics, including ankle-foot orthoses (short leg braces) and knee-ankle-foot orthoses (long leg braces). • Ramps (typically a one-inch rise for each horizontal foot). • Curb cuts. Despite their apparent simplicity, there are significant academic research findings— such as the decreases in accidents and medical costs— to support the engineering aspects of these devices. Many can attest to the fact that these low-tech AT aids have significantly improved the lives of individuals with disabilities.
out worrying about taking notes or spelling correctly. A calculator can help in budgeting tasks or when completing numerical homework. Books on tape are available at no cost to individuals with reading disabilities—even without vision issues—through State Services for the Blind. Barnes and Noble and local libraries also have large selections. Physical Disabilities Solutions for persons with physical disabilities range from home automation to school adaptations. It is amazing how a person able to operate a computer, remote, or switch can automate their home for less than $500. An X10 unit is a box that plugs into an outlet; an appliance is then plugged into the box. A house code is set by turning a switch; this house code is then transmitted to the receiver and allows the user to control it in a multitude of ways— by remote, switch, computer, or voice. Check your local Radio Shack or Smart Home on the Internet for product descriptions and pictures. The cost of these items has come down significantly in recent years. For example, voice recognition ten years ago was considered high-tech and cost $10,000. Today, the user can pick up a program at CompUSA or Best Buy for less than $200, a low-tech price. Computer head pointing (the program and corresponding device) cost $1500 two years ago. Today, for example, RJ Cooper has the TrackIR for $300.
caller ID. There are many more items for home, work, and school that are worth exploring and available through Dynamic Living, MaxiAids, and Independent Living Aids. Hearing Disabilities ASL is not the only AT method of communication between people with hearing disabilities and the hearing world. Digital pagers and cell phones with text output are examples of newly developed products. The Internet also provides assistance to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. E-mail and instant chatting have greatly improved the ability of individuals to give and receive information. ICQ (instant messaging) on the Internet allows two individuals with computers to talk exclusively without an interpreter. The latest exciting development is that the Minnesota Relay System is now available by dialing 711. This allows the hearing individual to talk on a regular telephone with somebody who has a communication issue (such as speech that is difficult to understand or a hearing impairment). After dialing 711, an interpreter will relay conversation back and forth between a TTY and standard telephone. While there is a trend in our communities and our media to publicize and encourage development of sophisticated inventions and devices, traditional or simple AT tools may be not only less expensive but also more reliable. Since the use of AT is mandated in the ADA and special education under IDEA, both high-tech and low-tech options should be considered when identifying “reasonable accommodations”. Sometimes the simple AT tools offer the best solutions. ■
Vision Disabilities It seems that everything “talks” today, including items such as watches, thermometers, computers, and ATM machines. Recently, I purchased a variety of talking items, each of which cost less than $20. The items were a Timex, a calendar, a multi- Jeni Mundl is the Assistive In this growing field, there are purpose timer, an indoor/ Technology Specialist at boundless tools and tech- outdoor thermometer, and Courage Center. niques to utilize. The list below demonstrates only the tip of the iceberg to help you think about and further explore the world of AT. Learning Disabilities Tools for people with learning disabilities can be as simple as highlighters, colorcoded files or drawers, different paper color or background color on a computer screen; tape recorders; calculators; or books on tape. Color helps in focusing on critical information, as well as in the organization of information. Tape recorder use during a lecture makes it easier to concentrate on listening with-
Coming Together O
ver the last couple of months, two celebrations have made me revisit my efforts at understanding the true meaning of inclusion and its role in serving others. For the first time, I responded to the opportunity to learn about and share in the Chinese New Year celebration taking place at a Vietnamese restaurant in St. Paul. This experience brought attention to my lack of understanding of the significance of this cultural event for my friends from the greater Asian community. I learned again of the importance of coming together, of taking the time to listen and share cultural experiences. Through this experience I saw the welcome they gave to me—the acceptance of me, not as a person with a disability, but rather as a person who was there to celebrate with them. Through the sharing of this cultural experience, I had the opportunity to learn more about inclusion as a value. The second experience occurred throughout February. While sharing in the celebration of African culture and contributions, I have had the opportunity to become more involved with facing the issues of racism. Sharing cultural contributions and values led to discussion and the breaking of bread. These events led to a better understanding of fears, anxieties, feelings of distrust, and the
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continued need for partnership through inclusion. I learned more about religious or spiritual teachings that, in fact, are not that different from my Christian values. I was reminded of how we must respect our differences, while moving forward with our struggles to see our similarities and what we have in common. A friend of mine from Somalia talked about remembering that people learn to hate. We share that hate by not allowing inclusion to
occur. We share in the reduction of the value of a person by not standing up for the value of that person. An individual’s value and worth is a reflection of our own. When I feel valued, I can convey value to another. As a person with a strong sense of worth, I see worth in others. Serving others is a response to the value we place on them as individuals. Inclusion is the outcome of valuing all. Serving and caring for each other through inclusion is within us all. ■
Disability Culture Rap AWARD WINNER Superfest XX-Best of Festival Award, Spirit Award • London Disability Film Festival • U.S. International Film and Video Festival- Silver Screen Award • Margaret Mead Film and Video Festival • Real to Reel Documentary Film and Video Festival • Contemporary Issues Film Festival, Portugal • KynnysKINO Finland Film Festival • U.S.A. Film Festival • Columbus International Film & Video Festival- Silver Chris Award • Philadelphia International Film Festival • Silver Award • TASHPositive Image Award • Doxa Documentary Film Festival For more information, contact
Advocating Change Together at 1-800-641-0059 or www.selfadvocacy.com.
HOUSING AND PERSONAL CARE SERVICES Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI) offers subsidized one and two bedroom apartments for individuals with physical disabilities. We have housing in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, St. Cloud, Brainerd, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, Austin, Marshall, Willmar, and Duluth.
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For more information call (651) 645-7271 or (800) 466-7722. For services or housing call Cami, for employment as a personal care attendant call Al or Angie.
Accessible Space, Inc.
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March 10, 2002
Commentary
NAMI-MN - Cont. from p. 1 Services Provided by NAMI-MN Through its state office and 23 local affiliates, NAMIMN offers a wide variety of supports and services. These include: individual advocacy, The Mental Health Advocate newsletter, a book and video library, a speakers bureau, family support groups, the NAMI-MN website, and the NAMI-MN Education Awareness Project—which combats the stigma of mental illness through the use of billboards. Supportive programs include: BRIDGES, a 15-week course and ongoing support group for people diagnosed with mental illness; “In Our Voice: Living with Mental Illness,” innovative presentations by individuals about their own recoveries; and The Familyto-Family Education Program, a 12-week course for families of individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. (These classes focus on schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, clinical depression, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder—and cover current clinical treatment options.)
NAMI-MN’s plans for the future include expanding education and outreach efforts. These include: • Kidshops—workshops for children and teens who have a sibling or parent with a mental illness. • Peer-to-Peer—a nine-week experiential course on recovery for people with a serious mental illness. • Visions for Tomorrow—an educational program for primary direct caregivers of children and adolescents with mental illness. • Puppet Show—Iris the Dragon teaches children about mental illness and mental health. • A Speakers Series offered six times a year to provide information on mental illness and the mental health system. All of NAMI-MN’s programs are free of charge. Because trained consumers and family members are used extensively to run many of the programs, volunteers are always welcome.
Wellstone And MS Cause to Celebrate For any organization, achieving 25 years is an accomplishment. For NAMI, it is a reason to celebrate as well. The treatment of mental illness has changed a great deal and the stigma has lessened. Our celebration, to be held on April 5, will include a live and silent auction, dinner, and a program. Auction items will include sports memorabilia (a bat signed by Harmon Killebrew, a shirt signed by Daunte Culpepper), art, getaway weekends (Cayman Islands, Northern Minnesota), theater tickets, and restaurant certificates. In addition, there will be 25 specialty baskets created to honor each year of NAMI-MN’s advocacy. Music will be provided by the Suzuki program from MacPhail Center for the Arts. Tickets are $50 per person. For more information about the celebration, or NAMIMN and its local chapter affiliates, please call 651645-2948 (toll-free 1-888473-0237). Or visit NAMIMN’s website at www.nami. org/namimn. ■
by Rick Cardenas and Cathy Urbain
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very interesting thing happened on Sunday, February 24, 2002. Channel 4 broke into its regular programming with a bulletin that Senator Wellstone had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. We saw Wellstone on his couch at home, with his wife on one side and his physician on the other. Senator Wellstone’s limp the last six years had been assumed to be the result of competitive wrestling in his youth and a “bad back.” This was the public notice that, in reality, the cause of his limp has been multiple sclerosis. It is interesting to speculate whether Wellstone will now be described as a person with a disability—whereas before February 24, he was another
person with a limp from a bad back. Although he may have gained status within the disability community, he has also gained a stigma that labels him less a person in mainstream culture. Even the way he is being described by the media—“this will make him more human”—is only the beginning of the lessening of Senator Wellstone. And like it or not, the media has a strong effect on how we think. Senator Wellstone has publicly entered a minority community. Publicly is the key word, because disability is defined so much by the attitudes of the majority. Will his new status as an individual with a disability provide him a platform to change negative attitudes, and allow him to
bring forth federal legislation to improve the civil and human rights of people with disabilities? What percentage of his time will come to be required to address the fallout from being in the minority group of people with disabilities? Wellstone has seen society’s demeaning of the term “liberal,” and has lived with his Jewish heritage and the disdain for intellectuals. Now, in addition, he will have to learn how to address the cost of being in the community of those with disabilities. It will be informative to watch how much time and energy he will now have to spend addressing subtle questions, from colleagues and the public, about his abilities. ■
Through The Looking Glass’ Nationwide Project T
hrough the Looking Glass (TLG) is conducting a nationwide project to learn more about families in which a parent with a disability is raising a teen (11-17 years old). The National Institute on Disability Research and Rehabilitation, part of the Department of Education, funds this project. TLG, National Resource Center for Parents with Disabilities, is a community-based nonprofit organization. The staff is comprised of various specialists who have diverse cultural backgrounds—and nearly 80% of the 40 staff members are disabled, parents of dis-
abled children, or members of families with disabilities.
disabilities who are raising teens age 11-17. Your teen can also fill out a survey and receive $5 in return.
Disability can involve physical, visual, systemic, hearing, cognitive, learning, develop- • Surveys are available in a mental, and mental health variety of formats: On-line issues. TLG is conducting and printable at our website, research because there are in Spanish, over the phone, over 10 million families in and in a version specific to which one or both parents deaf parents. have a disability, yet relatively little is known about the • Local families (San Franexperiences of these families. cisco Bay area) can particiThe parent and the teenager pate in 12 weeks of solutionare both welcome to particifocused family therapy in pate in the following ways: their own home. • Participate in a national • Deaf parents can participate in a face-to-face interview survey of parents with in ASL if you live in or near one of the following cities: San Francisco, Seattle, Santa Fe, New York, Kansas City, or Washington, D.C.
The friendly corner drugstore is not a thing of the past!
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• Teens of parents with disabilities can participate in our hosted Teen Bulletin Board (www.lookingglass. org)
We accept all insurance, including Health Partners. Free prescription delivery.
• Parents can attend the Through the Looking Glass Conference on Parents with Disabilities—May 2-4, 2002, in Oakland, CA.
Speciality gift items and greeting cards.
3400 University Ave. SE, Mpls. 612-379-7232 • M-F 8-7 Sat. 8-6 ¼ mile west of Hwy. 280 Across from KSTP
For more information or a survey, call Nancy Freed at (510) 848-1112 ext. 174, tollfree (800) 644-2666, or TTY (800) 804-1616. Obtain a survey by email tlg@looking glass.org or via www.looking glass.org. ■
March 10, 2002
Get The Facts On Assisted Living
The Role Of Advocacy by Jenny Kempfert
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dvocacy in the disability accountable if they know arena is about using that there is someone else problem-solving skills to proout there watching what tect the rights of, and to they are doing. improve services and quality of life for, people with • Educator—Informing the disabilities. It is about person of his/her rights and working with people to supresponsibilities in a given port them in ways that are situation. responsive to how they define their own needs. • Listener—Giving an individual the chance to share There are a number of concerns or triumphs, or to different roles that an advojust talk things over. cate can take to support an individual, including the fol- • Voice—Making sure that lowing: the individual’s point of view is expressed and • Interpreter—Translating heard. bureaucratic language into terms that are easier for the • Sleuth—Tracking down inperson to understand, or formation or resources that any method of making will benefit the individual. information more accessible to the person. • Ally—Standing by the person’s side, no matter • Mentor—Sharing knowlwhat happens. edge and experience as an equal, rather than in the role • Problem-solver—Assisting of an “expert.” the person in identifying the choices available and in • Witness—Simply being making decisions. present for the person, whether at a meeting or • Boat-rocker—Sometimes one-to-one, can sometimes advocates need to “rock the be a huge emotional supboat” in order to make sure port. Officials and practithat positive things can tioners may also be more happen.
While there are professional advocates, you do not have to be a professional to do advocacy. Effective advocacy can be done by anyone who can combine knowledge of rights and responsibilities, problem-solving skills, persistence, and respect toward the person you are supporting. Good advocacy is not about doing things for an individual; it is a partnership between two people that teaches a person with a disability how to do things for himself/herself. Ultimately, an advocate should be helping the individual build confidence and skills in order to be able to selfadvocate in the future. In many situations, a person with a disability who has already “been there” can be the best advocate for another individual experiencing the same problem, and can be a terrific role model in self-advocacy. ■ Jenny Kempfert is the Associate Administrator for Arc Northland in Duluth. Arc staff can be reached at (218) 726-4725 or 1-800-317-6475.
LOBBY DAY - Cont. from p. 2 session, many Lobby Day participants had to pull their lawmakers right off the floor by passing a note through the proceedings. “I was nervous about asking my representative to leave session to discuss my concerns, but she was very receptive,” said one participant. Those who had meetings with senators went to their offices to ask for support on particular issues. As they had learned from the morning training, participants thanked lawmakers for the gains made in the 2001 session, and stressed the importance of keeping these gains. Many shared their personal experiences so that disability issues “came alive” for their lawmakers. After appointments with legislators, many participants gathered around monitors in the Rotunda, anxiously awaiting the results of the override vote. When it was determined the override failed, a powerful—if mixed—reaction swept through the Capitol. Though Tuesday’s vote was disappointing, the veto was overturned on the following day.
While the final outcome was welcomed, the true success of Lobby Day was in giving more people with disabilities the training and opportunity to be directly involved in the legislative process. It also gave lawmakers the opportunity to hear from individuals who are affected by the laws that they pass. Lobby Day was one activity in a week of events that also brought advocates from the Minnesota Brain Injury Association,
Arc Minnesota, the United Cerebral Palsy Association, and the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill to the Capitol on behalf of Minnesotans with disabilities. As one participant stated, “This is an exciting day to be at the Capitol.” ■ Tom Kelley is a Research and Policy Assistant at Courage Center.
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ssisted living is the fastest growing type of housing for seniors in America. Assisted living facilities (ALFs) promise to help maintain a resident’s independence in a homelike setting, while providing supervision, assistance, and health care service on an asneeded basis. Minnesota presently has over 650 ALFs registered with the state’s Department of Health. While many residents are very happy with their ALFs, there have also been complaints about some not providing adequate supervision and care, or staff not having enough training. Laurie Hanson, the supervising attorney of the Seniors Law Project in Minneapolis, says “It’s essential for seniors to know their rights and for them to choose carefully to find the ALF that’s right for their individual needs and goals.”
that a nurse is available to 3. Location, location, locastaff by telephone. Or, the tion. Consider the proximbrochure may say that the ity of the facility to those facility provides a “7 to 1 who will visit you; the resident-to-staff ratio.” The closer the facility, the more future tenant may believe this likely that visits will be number means one care promore frequent. vider for every seven residents, while the facility means 4. Walk and talk. Talk with one employee (including residents. What do they kitchen, administrative, and like or dislike about the janitorial staff) for every facility? Talk with staff. seven residents. There are Are they friendly and knowllaws that ALF residents can edgeable? Eat a meal. Is use if their care is substandard the food good? Walk or if an ALF makes false or around the facility. Do you misleading claims. Residents like its location and outmay want to call their lawyer, ward appearance? Contheir local Legal Aid office, or sider making an unanthe state ombudsman for nounced visit to the facility. long-term care. 5. Read the fine print. Ask for In choosing the right ALF for a copy of the contract and a you, the Seniors Law Project written statement of their recommends considering the resident agreement outlinfollowing factors: ing—at a minimum—services, prices, extra charges, 1. What do you need? First, admission and discharge conduct an accurate and criteria, staffing, and house honest assessment of your rules. Take these materials According to Ms. Hanson, physical, financial, and home and read them carecomplaints about assisted livlifestyle needs. What fully. Ask for clarification ing facilities sometimes inservices do you need? How about anything you don’t volve differences between will you pay and what can understand. If necessary, what the ALF’s marketing you afford? What type of speak to an advocate for materials say and the services atmosphere do you prefer? seniors who can help you actually provided. For exunderstand the material. ample, a brochure may tell the 2. Know what is out there. applicant that the facility Visit as many facilities as 6. Do they fix the problems? provides “nursing care 24 you can to get a sense of the Ask to read the licensing hours a day.” The applicant choices. Which ones have inspection report. If the may assume that a registered what you need and appeal facility had deficiencies, nurse is on-site at all times, to you? have they been corrected? when the facility really means Call the Long Term Care Ombudsman program and ask about the nature of Did you have a stroke more complaints about the facilthan 6 months ago? ity and how they were Does your weak arm work a little bit, resolved. In the Twin Cities area, call (952) 854and you’d like it to work better? 7360. Elsewhere, call There will be a research project at the (800) 657-3591. ■
Occupational Therapy Department at the College of St. Catherine this summer using constraint-induced movement. This treatment is designed to improve both the movement and use of your weaker arm. Call Nancy Flinn @ 651-690-6956.
Information provided by the Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis, Southside Office.
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March 10, 2002
Aretha Franklin At PACER Benefit T he legendary Aretha Franklin, “Queen of Soul,” headlines the 20th annual PACER Center Benefit on Saturday, April 27. The PACER Benefit is the first major event to be held in the new Minneapolis Convention Center theater, which features stadium seating throughout.
Franklin has scored dozens of smash hits and is an international superstar. Time magazine named her “one of the most influential people of the last century.” The Wall Street Journal called her “the most powerful singer alive” and VH1 said she is “the greatest woman in rock ‘n’ roll.” Franklin, who began her music career with a church solo at age 12, defined the Golden Age of Soul and continues to find new ways to inspire and amaze. Her highly personal, gospel-inspired sound has brought her status as one of the greats of American music. She has won virtually every award there is to win, including l5 Grammys and a Lifetime Achievement Award. She is
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 Art of Employment: Careers in the Arts for People with Disabilities; Mon. & Tues., 3/25 & 3/26; ASL & AD available upon request by registrants at McNamara Alumni Center, U of M, Mpls.; $40 individuals, $80 organization representatives; includes meals & resources. To register or for brochure, call VSA arts of MN, 612-332-3888 or 800-801PACER Benefit tickets, rang- 3883 (V/TTY). A two-day forum to create more opportunities ing from $50 to $525, include in the arts—visual, performance, written word, media, and arts a silent auction and a live administration—for people with disabilities. auction—in addition to Franklin’s performance. The New York Musical Shorts; runs 3/28 – 4/21; AD/ASL silent auction includes jew- Thurs., 4/4, 7:30; Theater Latté Da at Loring Playhouse, elry, photographic equipment, Mpls.; 612-343-3390; www.ticketworks.com. An eclectic vacation getaways, and more. evening of new works by emerging composers and lyricists The live auction will feature, from the Big Apple. among other items, a 2002 BMW Z-3 Roadster. Those Ah, Wilderness!; AD/ASL Fri. 4/5, 7:30; Guthrie Theater who buy tickets worth $135 or touring show at MN State University at Moorhead; 218-236more may attend a patron 2271. party after the performance. A pre-benefit gourmet dinner Best Little Whorehouse in Texas; AD/ASL Sun., 4/7, 2:00; is also available with a Orpheum Theatre, Mpls.; 612-373-5650, TTY 612-373-5655; separate ticket. For more www.state-orpheum.com. information, call PACER at Tappin’ at the Maxx; 3/5-4/14; AD/ASL Sat., 4/13, 2:00; 952-838-9000. Ordway McKnight Theatre, Proceeds from the event help families make decisions St. Paul; 651-224-4222, TTY support the programs of about education, vocational 651-282-3100; www.ordway. PACER Center. PACER training, employment, and org. provides training and infor- other services for their child mation for Minnesota fami- or young adult with a disabil- Office Hour; runs 4/5-13; ASL/AD Sat., 4/13, 8:30; lies of children and young ity. Fargo-Moorhead Community adults with all disabilities: physical, mental, learning, For more information about Theatre; 701-235-6778; www. and emotional. PACER the benefit or PACER ser- fmct.org. offers publications, work- vices, call or visit the website shops, and other resources to at www.pacer.org. ■ the youngest recipient in the history of the Kennedy Center Honors as well as the first woman elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The Canterbury Tales; runs 3/30-4/28; ASL Fri., 4/19, 7:30 & Thurs., 4/25, 7:30; AD Sat., 4/20, 1:00 (tour 11:00) & Fri., 4/26, 7:30; Guthrie Theater, Mpls.; 612-377-2224 or 1-87744STAGE, TTY 612-377-6626; accessible tickets $15; www.guthrietheater.org. Amelia Bedelia & the Baby & Other Story Books; runs 4/ 16-19; ASL Fri., 4/19, 11:15 a.m.; St. John’s University, Collegeville; 320-363-5777. Singin’ in the Rain; runs 4/19-28; ASL Sun., 4/21, 2:00; Central MN Community Theater at the Paramount Theatre, St. Cloud; 320-259-5463; www.paramountarts.org or www. cmct.org. Norman Rockwell’s 322 Saturday Evening Post Covers; runs 3/2-5/26; ASL Sun., 4/21, 2:00-3:00; MN Museum of American Art, Landmark Ctr., St. Paul; 651-292-4395; www.mmaa.org; $5 adults, $3 for seniors & children 5-12, free for MMAA members and children 4 and under. An ASLinterpreted public tour will start at the second floor visitor services desk (north end of Landmark Ctr.). Aretha Franklin; ASL Sat., 4/27, 8:00; Silent Auction at 6:00; PACER Center Benefit at the Mpls. Convention Ctr.; 952-838-9000 v/tty; www.pacer.org; tickets $50+. Blast; runs 4/23-28; AD/ASL Sun., 4/28, 2:00; Orpheum Theatre, Mpls.; 612-373-5650 or 612-989-5151; www.stateorpheum.com. Ramona Quimby; runs 4/18-28; ASL/AD Sun., 4/28, 2:00; Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre; 701-235-6778; www.fmct.org. Listings are also posted on the Web at: mn.vsarts.org or www.mact.net. ■
What if you could coordinate all of your health care and support services with a single source? Now you can. UCare Complete is designed by and for people with disabilities. It connects you with health coordinators who can help you with dentist appointments, doctor visits, home-based services and more. You can take advantage of UCare Complete if: you're a person with a physical disability, are eligible for Medical Assistance with or without Medicare, live in Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka or Dakota Counties and are between 18 and 64. For a free information packet call 612-676-3500 or toll free 1-877-523-1518. Hearing Impaired 612-676-6810 or toll free 1-800-688-2534. Or visit our web site at ucare.org.
Health care that starts with you.
March 10, 2002
MENTAL ILLNESS -
Book Review
Cont. from p. 4
A Walk For Sunshine
727 flown by terrorists. That we all face the same things, one way or another—some sooner, some later. I told him what Uncle Dave had told me, the secret he took out of that terrible war: that if it’s true that we could be killed or maimed or lose everything and everyone we love in an instant, and we never know when, then maybe the answer is the exact opposite—maybe EVERYTHING means something. Every word we speak might be our last, so it is precious beyond price. Every word we write is in some way an “epitaph” so it should be true, kind, or necessary. Every person we meet might be the last, so we should reach
out to them with kindness.
by Laurie Eckblad Anderson I told that teenager that because he knew about being poor, and abandoned, and unwanted, that he could be the best person in the world to reach out to others that are suffering. His curse could become a gift down the road, and with a leap of faith. I don’t know if I reached him or touched him in any way. But maybe a seed was planted, and someday, maybe twenty years down his road, he might find some comfort in his struggle. It’s what I hope. It’s what Uncle Dave gave to me. ■
EEOC - Cont. from p. 3 the arbitration clause in Baker’s contract, and that it could seek monetary damages for Baker. Wafflehouse appealed this decision to the Court of Appeals. The Court of Appeals stated that EEOC had the statutory authority to seek a remedy for Baker. The Appeals Court held that EEOC could go ahead because it was not a party to the arbitration clause in Baker’s contract. However, the Appeals Court held that EEOC could only seek injunctive relief and was precluded from seeking monetary damages because, when balancing the interests of the ADA against the Federal Arbitration Act, the latter act favors enforcement of private arbitration agreements and therefore outweighs EEOC’s right to proceed in federal court when the agency is primarily seeking damages for a private party. EEOC appealed this decision to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court, by a majority of six justices to three, reversed the decision of the Court of Appeals. The
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Court held that EEOC was not precluded from seeking monetary damages for Baker. This is because the EEOC controls its own case. The EEOC has statutory authority to bring a lawsuit to effect changes in discriminatory practices. The EEOC is not a party to the arbitration agreement between Baker and Wafflehouse. Baker does not have to consent for EEOC to bring suit on his behalf, and the EEOC controls the determination of what relief it will seek. Finally, the EEOC has exclusive jurisdiction of Title I ADA claims for 180 days before a Plaintiff can even consider filing a lawsuit in District Court. The Court did advise that a Plaintiff’s conduct can limit remedies available to EEOC. If a Plaintiff settles a lawsuit, EEOC will be limited in the remedies it can seek. If a Plaintiff turns down an appropriate job offer, the award of back pay sought by EEOC can be limited. An irony in this case is that the dissent, which restated arguments made by the Court of Appeals, was authored by Justice Clarence Thomas. Readers will re-
This is the true story of Jeff Alt’s fulfillment of a dream to walk the entire 2,160 miles of the Appalachian Trail (AT)— from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. During his preparations for the trip, Alt decided to make his hike a fund-raiser for the residence where his brother, who has cerebral palsy, lives. This said, the book seems to have three purposes: to champion people with disabilities, to give tips on raising funds for charity, and to chronicle the challenging hike. Alt has more success with some of these goals than with others. The Disability Connection Alt obviously has great love for his brother, Aaron, who was moved from the family residence into a care facility— ultimately the Sunshine Home—at age 12, when frequent bouts of sickness and other difficulties made it a strain for his family to continue to care for him. In Chapter 2, Alt states: “As I began to prepare for my journey, I wondered which would be the bigger challenge: a healthy person walking 2,160 miles through rugged mountain terrain or not being able to live your dreams due to physical and mental disabilities. Aaron would never let on that he has had a
member that Justice Thomas, during the Reagan Administration in the early 1980s, served as Director of the EEOC.
rough life. He is always laughing and smiling as if he is up to something. Who knows? He may be living a better life than most of us by not having all of the daily stress of paying bills, taking tests, and accounting for himself. He does not communicate verbally or with any adaptive devices, which leaves his thoughts, dreams, and aspirations a mystery. I assumed walking the AT would be a big challenge, but it would still be much easier than having to use a wheelchair.”
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
The Hike Itself For someone whose idea of roughing it is having to use an outhouse, I cannot seem to get enough of Appalachian Trail stories. (My introduction to the AT was Bill Bryson’s superb A Walk in the Woods, to which Alt’s publicists ambitiously compare this book.) Perhaps I get a vicarious thrill reading about people who accomplish what I will, most likely, never even attempt. At any rate, the story of the hike’s challenges, dangers, and successes is what made me keep coming back—willingly—to the book.
hiker creepy enough to make you suspect him in the 1996 killings of two women on the AT in Virginia. Of course, the tough times are balanced by the good. Alt describes “trail magic,” the often unexpected delights (a warm meal, a ride into a trail town to check for a supply box sent by mail, a free bed for a night) that seem to appear when a hiker needs them most. These respites— from blisters, ravenous insects, and the parasites found in unfiltered water—are what keep the hikers going.
Access Press readers—who I could go on and on about the are living their dreams, both fascinating aspects of trail in and out of wheelchairs— life—or you could give Alt’s will no doubt have an opinion (or Bryson’s) book a try. about this view of disability. Perhaps the fact that Alt This excerpt certainly caught completed his hike—and my attention and left me believing that this is a well- Those hiking the AT have a Bryson did not—might meant, but naive aspect of the culture unto themselves. For influence which you choose book. months, these hikers live with to read. ■ intensely different priorities Charitable Fund-raising than the rest of us. Alt Additional Information: Jeff An outgrowth of the last describes everything from his Alt’s A Walk for Sunshine is point, Alt’s tips on how to hike preparation—including published by Dreams Shared raise money for a beloved training on a treadmill with 50 Publications. It is 288 pages charity are moderately helpful, pounds of sand in his in trade paperback format, though brief. Some are backpack—to the dangers of with a 4-page color insert and woven throughout the book, fickle weather and encounters a trail map highlighting the but most are detailed in his with wildlife—from mice to start of each chapter. It sells Post Script entitled “Walking moose. Imagine waking up in for $1495 and its ISBN is: 0the Extra Mile.” Some of a shelter to find a skunk curled 9679482-0-7. Visit the website these tips (Plan Ahead, up on the sleeping bag you are at www.awalkforsunshine. Request Sponsorship from in—or running across another com. Equipment Suppliers) would be practical whether one was We are:
may actually pursue and/or litigate a few hundred in any given year. Thus, persons with disabilities who can benefit from this holding are few, but any victory in this This case offers a small conservative climate is welvictory for Plaintiffs. EEOC’s come. ■ intervention in, or litigation of, employment cases is Kathleen Hagen is a Staff actually quite rare. Of the Attorney at the Minnesota thousands of EEOC com- Disability Law Center. plaints filed each year, EEOC
Diamond Hill Townhomes
hiking for charity or not. However, each gets only a paragraph of description. At best, reading this book would plant some fund-raising seeds.
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PCA Choice Provider Employer of Record Fiscal Agent
PCA CLIENTS Crystal Care PCA, Inc. EOE
Providing Services to PCA Clients Across the State
Call Nancy or Sally Today:
(612) 861-4272 (612) 861-4272
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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
March 10, 2002
10
IN BRIEF . . . . Affordable And Accessible Housing
Invitation To Join The Quality Design Commission
T
he Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) was one of 37 states awarded Systems Change Grants for Community Living. Included in these grants will be an ongoing Quality Design Commission that will be the keystone in assuring consumer involvement in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of grant activities and ongoing quality assurance projects within the Community Quality Initiatives Division. A steering committee of public and private partners from the aging and disability
bursement of expenses. The department is encouraging the participation of people from communities of color, tribal nations, people with severe disabilities, and people with Applications for commission low income. membership are being accepted through April 15, For more information on the 2001. The steering commit- grants or on applying for tee will select 15 commission commission membership, members from the applicants. please contact Karen LangenMore than half will be people feld at 651-582-1864 (voice) with disabilities or long-term or 711 MN Relay Service, or illness. Members of the e-mail at karen. langenfeld@ commission will meet eight state.mn.us. ■ times per year and eligible members will receive reimcommunities helped to establish the commission charge and objectives to assure that the commission is consumerdirected.
Harvest Moon “Create And Cultivate” Art Camps
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ur camps are holistically-designed, fun, educational, and respectful to children and their families. We offer a safe and nurturing atmosphere for children, ages 6 to 11, to explore their creativity and gain new skills in the arts.
residence will be the Deaf Art Club. Using American Sign Language (ASL), artists who are deaf or hard-of-hearing will teach the children how to sculpt using clay. They also will teach them how to sing in ASL.
The unique environment we’ve created for children— built on the themes of art, nature, and agriculture—is welcoming and accessible to those who are deaf, hard-ofhearing, or blind. In fact, our July Art Camp artists-in-
In addition to the daily art lesson, the artists-in-residence will explore some of the beliefs that may be stopping children from taking risks. The artists will gently challenge the children to think about things that they want to do, but may consider impos-
sible. The artists will ask the children to share things that they are doing that are brave and inspiring. By the end of the camp session, we want the children to learn that there are no limits to what they are capable of doing—if they set their minds to it.
T
he National Handicap Housing Institute (NHHI) and Accessible Space Incorporated (ASI) are constructing a 21-unit apartment building in Bloomington, Minnesota designed for occupancy by very low-income persons with mobility impairments. Garfield Commons will be located at 9450 Garfield Avenue. The development will have 15 one-bedroom and 6 two-bedroom apartments in a two-story wood frame fully-sprinkled building. Special design features for occupants with physical disabilities will include large accessible bathrooms with wheel-in showers, grab bars,
open vanities, and handheld showers. Other features include: spacious accessible kitchens with wall ovens, countertop ranges, pantry storage, and accessible cabinetry; trash chutes; fire sprinklers; lever door handles; automatic power entry doors; large accessible laundry; large multi-purpose community room; and generously landscaped grounds with a large patio/BBQ area.
Financing was made available from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), The City of Bloomington’s Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA), the Hennepin County Consortium, the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines through U.S. Bancorp. HUD will also provide rent subsidies for very low-income residents.
Available within “wheeling distance” of the site are a grocery, a pharmacy, restaurants, churches, a library, banking, transportation, emergency services, a post office, and medical services.
Initial occupancy is scheduled for April 2002. Persons with mobility impairments who are interested in Garfield Commons should contact NHHI at 651-639-9799. ■
1st Annual National Junior Varsity Wheelchair Basketball Tournament
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n March 22, Courage Minnesota won the bid to host Come watch the action. SupCenter’s junior varsity this first national JV basket- port your home team. Learn team, the Lightning, will line ball tournament, and North the rules of the game. And see up at center court for the jump Hennepin Community Col- some of the hottest and most ball. This will signal the lege in Brooklyn Park will be exciting basketball the game beginning of a weekend of the venue for all the action. has to offer. For tournament competitive wheelchair bas- Sixteen teams from around information, call Dianne at ketball games, with some of the country will vie for the 763-520-0473. ■ Registration is on a first- the country’s best junior right to take home the come, first-served basis. For varsity athletes participating. championship trophy. more information, please call Ann Rinkenberger at 651Patronize your Access Press Advertisers. 433-4358, visit www.hmcf. org, or e-mail hmcf@mailcity. Let them know where you heard about them. com. ■
They bring you your paper.
Professional Directory DISABILITY BASICS CONSULTING INC. Ron Lynaugh • Creating/delivering presentations on issues affecting the disabled • Educating clients to successfully interact/work w/disabled • Serving as a group home advocate for change • Leading support/mentoring groups for the disabled
P.O. Box 65266 St. Paul, MN 55165-0266
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R.C. SALES AND MFG., INC. 14726 Wake Street NE · Ham Lake, MN 55304 · (763) 786-6504
www.rcsalesmfg.com
Phone (651) 735-2253 Fax (651) 735-3374
Access for All The Minnesota Travel Guide for Persons with Disabilities www.accessminnesota.org 1050 W. County Rd. F • Shoreview, MN 55126 Office: (651) 481-4062 • Fax: (651) 787-2790 mike.chevrette@efunds.com
March 10, 2002
Classifieds 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 FOR RENT Lewis Park Apartments: Barrier free housing with wheelchair user in mind. Section 8 subsidized. Oneand two bedroom units. For more information on availability call (651) 488-9923. St. Paul, MN Equal Opportunity Housing.
1993 “Vibo” Pontoon Boat. 24 ft w/2/3 Canopy. Wheelchair Widened Doors-Small fold-down ramp on front entrance. Less than 130 Hours use on 40 Horse Force Motor. Elec. Start, Power Tiller, Fish depth finder, Live well. Asking $4500. Previous owners wheelchair users. Holmes-Greenway Housing: Contact: J. Schatzlein 952One and two bedroom apart- 881-2129 or 651-215-2216. ments designed for physically handicapped persons. Conve- Completely accessible home nient SE Minneapolis loca- for sale in desirable Linden tion. Call (612) 378-0331 for Hills neighborhood near Lake availability information. Equal Harriet. 2BR, 1BA, fam rm, Opportunity Housing. laundry, kitchen, porch & deck on main level with 3-ft. doors, Seward Square Apartments: railings. 1BR upstairs, walkout We are currently accepting basement. $269.9 Call 612applications for our waiting 928-9671. list at Seward Square Apartments in Minneapolis. Seward MISCELLANEOUS Square is barrier-free housing and is federally subsidized. “Words of Love” is a CD by For an application, please call Snoopi Botten, a musician (612) 338-2680. Equal Op- with cerebral palsy who portunity Housing. writes and performs inspirational songs using a synthetic FOR SALE speech system. To order, call (612) 872-7233 or visit Top of the line #245 Rascal Snoopi’s website at http:// scooter complete with canopy hometown.aol.com/dectalk/ and trunk lifter. Like new. myhomepage/index.html. $4225 or best offer. 763-7842672.
Brain Injury Association Members Travel To Capitol Hill S ome of the 94,000 Minnesotans who live with disabilities resulting from brain injury will be in Washington, D.C. in March to share stories about the issues and impacts of brain injury with federal legislators. The trip to the nation’s capital will include the opportunity to participate in one of two public policy conferences, both of which will provide an introduction to the legislative process, an update on current legislation and committee information, and tips on how to get one’s message across to legislators.
work together to help persons with brain injury.” The impact of brain injury varies among individuals. Emotional effects may include anxiety, confusion, anger, depression, and mood swings. Physical issues may include fatigue, difficulty balancing, or blurred vision. Memory loss and problems with concentration and judgment are other possible effects.
“Society recognizes the need for services for persons with developmental disabilities, but largely is unaware that per“Every day, 55 Minnesotans sons with brain injury will experience a brain injury,” benefit from similar sersaid Tom Gode, executive vices,” Gode said. director of the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota. According to the National “But many people, including Institutes of Health, the averlegislators, don’t fully know age lifetime cost of care for a what brain injury is, how it person with severe traumatic can impact individuals and brain injury ranges from their families, and how we can $600,000 to $1.9 million.
Access To Employment
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TRAFFIC ENGINEER
Traffic Engineer wanted to Employment ads are $14 per col. inch; March 29 is the deadline for the design signals, perform opApril 10 issue. Mail to: ACCESS PRESS • 1821 University Ave. • #104S erational analysis, traffic simuSt. Paul, MN 55104• FAX 651-644-2136 • E-mail: access@mninter.net lation, signal timing and other INSIDE SALES FAMILY SERVICES Central Community traffic engineering functions. REPRESENTATIVE FACILITATOR Housing Trust (CCHT), a Requirements include a B.S. nationally-recognized, AGS, a leading publisher of in Civil Engineering, 2-5 The Children’s Mental Health nonprofit provider of educational and assessment years traffic engineering exCollaborative of Steele County quality affordable housing products is seeking an Inside perience and excellent verbal is seeking a full-time family is seeking bright, Sales Rep. to be based in and written communication services facilitator to work passionate and flexible Circle Pines. This position skills. PE and/or project with students and families. people to join our team. will be responsible for selling, management experience a This position involves helpservicing and maintaining plus. Familiarity with operaing children and families find PROJECT MANAGER, customer accounts for astional analysis and traffic resources and services that Housing Development signed territory in accordance simulation software, and curwill assist them in daily Responsibilities: Managing with planned goals and profit rent local signal design pracfunctioning. This position the development of housing objectives. Some travel is tices preferred. requires a minimum of a projects; identifying potential required. To qualify you must bachelors degree in the be- housing projects; hiring conhavioral sciences and experi- tractors; overseeing design have a Bachelor’s Degree and SRF Consulting Group, Inc. is ence in working with families and bidding process and 2 yrs. successful telephone a fast growing, locally owned, sales experience. Educa- and well-established civil enand children. Knowledge of construction. tional sales or background is gineering, transportation and the wrap around process Qualifications: Detail-oriented preferred. planning firm. In addition to would be beneficial. Please person with 3 years of varied and exciting work in a send resume to: Children’s experience in real estate Compensation includes compositive atmosphere, SRF Mental Health Collabora- development or related field; petitive base salary plus offers competitive salary and tive of Steele County, 610 solid finance and construction generous commission plan, benefits, 401(k) & profit Florence Ave., Owatonna, skills; as well as strong organgreat benefit program includsharing. If you want a career izational and computer skills. MN 55060. EEO/AA ing health, dental, and 401K. with strong growth potential ACCOUNTING Please check us out on the in one of ENR’s Top 500 ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER ASSISTANT, Front Desk web at www.agsnet.com. In- design firms, send your reResponsibilities: Phones, mail, terested applicants may for- sume to SRF Consulting American Guidance Service faxing, typing, meeting and ward resume to: AGS - JH; Group, Inc., One Carlson is a leading publisher of special event coordination. 4201 Woodland Rd; Circle Pkwy. N., #150, Plymouth, educational assessment and Special projects and assign- Pines, MN 55014, fax to 651- MN 55447; fax to 763-475instructional materials. AGS ments as required. 297-7225 or email to jobs 2429, or e-mail to hr@srf is seeking a professional to Qualifications: Well-orga- @agsnet.com. EOE consulting.com; EOE. join our finance department at nized, friendly, articulate, our Shoreview location in the knowledge of MS Office, able AUGMENTATIVE COMMUNICATION COORDINAnewly developed Rice Creek to prioritize work. TOR responsible for AAC program. Must be familiar with Business Park. Responsibilihuman services programs for people with communication ties include managing general EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT disabilities; able to coordinate a variety of activities and accounting, financial reportto the President attentive to details. Good verbal and written communication ing, budgeting and forecast- Responsibilities: Adminisskills a must. Understanding of File Maker or database ing processes, cash manage- trative support to the Presisoftware helpful. Part-time flexible schedule. Independent ment and income tax report- dent and board of directors; mobility required. Bachelor’s degree or experience in speech ing. Qualified candidates assist with fund development language, education, special education, social services must have a B.A. in account- responsibilities, community preferred. Knowledge about AAC equipment required. Apply ing with 5-7 years of account- relations, scheduling; take to MATLN, UCP of Minnesota, 1821 University Avenue ing, financial reporting and and transcribe meeting minWest, Suite 219 So, St Paul, MN 55104. AA/EEOC supervisory experience and utes. excellent communication and Qualifications: Experienced, V.P./TREASURER interpersonal skills. Public well-organized, professional, National General Contractor looking for a motivated accounting experience pre- excellent verbal and written individual with 7-10 years experience to manage all financial ferred. Please check www. communication skills, able to aspects of a growing company. Ideal candidate must have agsnet.com for information multi-task, solid command of integrity, creativity, team leadership and excellent communiabout AGS. MS Office and other com- cation skills. Computer skills and construction knowledge is a Centrally located just north of the downtowns, AGS offers a competitive salary and benefits package. If you would like to work in a friendly, team-oriented environment, send BOTH RESUME AND SALARY REQUIREMENTS to our Corporate mailing address at AGS - JH, 4201 Woodland Road, Circle Pines, MN 550141796 or fax to (651) 287-7225 or email to jobs@agsnet.com. AGS is an equal opportunity employer.
puter programs.
must within an organization committed to safety, learning and continuous improvement. Resume to Adolfson & Peterson, CCHT offers a professional, PO Box 9377, Minneapolis, MN 55440 mission-driven environment with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefit package. Visit us at www.ccht.org.
Ramsey County
Please direct responses to: Human Resources Employment CCHT 1625 Park Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55404 E-Mail: ccht@ccht.org Fax: 612-341-4208 People of color and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. EOE.
These figures do not include lost earnings of the person ATTORNEY who is injured and his/her caregiver, or costs incurred by So. Mn Regional Legal Services seeks atty. to work in the social services systems. Fair Housing Law Proj. MN Complete details on the con- lic. req. with at least 2 yrs. ferences are available at prac. exp. pref’d. Salary www.braininjurymn.org or DOE. Resumes to: M. Luisa by calling Shannon Robins at Giese; SMRLS; 46 E. 4th St. the Brain Injury Association - Ste. 700; St. Paul, MN of Minnesota at 612-378- 55101. EO/AAE. 2742 or 1-800-669-6442. ■
Ramsey County invites you to join us in building a better community through public service in the following fields: • • • • • • • •
Administrative, Management and Technical Services Building and Facility Services Clerical and Secretarial Services Community and Social Services Court, Legal and Law Enforcement Services Property Records/Revenue Services Public Works and Transportation Services Parks and Recreation Services Contact our Job Hotline for a recorded list of current job openings at:
(651) 266-2666 Ramsey County Human Resource Dept. 430 RCGC West 50 West Kellogg Boulevard Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102 (651) 266-2700 or (651) 266-2728 (TDD) You may also view a list of current job openings and other useful Information, or download application materials, on internet at: www.co.ramsey.mn.us
March 10, 2002
12
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THE FRIENDS OF ACCESS PRESS Thanks to the following sponsors for supporting Access Press this year. ------------------------------------- BASIC SPONSOR ------------------------------------Margaret Beier Patricia Guerrero John Hartson Beth Jensen Debra Johnson Rosanne Kramnicz Steven McKeever Kathleen M. Miller Cindy Moore Jane & Albert Olson Carla Reichenberg Paul W. Taylor Kelli N-E Wysocki ----------------------------------- FRIEND SPONSOR ($25 and above) ----------------------------------Lynda Adams Mary Andresen Steven Anderson Marisa Bennett Patrick Bilbrey Mike & Karen Bjorgan Susan Blaylock Maynard Bostrom Bob Brick Carlyn Bryngelson Deah Cain Carol Jo Cochran Lynne Corneli Marty Cushing Justin & Yoshiko Dart Jolene Davis LeRoy deBoom Barbara Droher Neil Doughty Craig Dunn & Candy Hart Mel & Georgia Duncan Will & Mary Englund Peg & Joe Figliuzzi Mary Frank-Wawokiyawin Candace & David Gislason Tom Gode Rep. Kevin Goodno John Hoffman Bradley J. Holmes Judy Hunt Cindy & Greg Johnson Deb Johnson Ericka Johnson The Joyce Family Linnea Johnson Hoff Roger A. Hoffman Barb Kane Mary Kay Kennedy Diah Kinion Beth Knutson-Kolodzne Eugene Kook Sherry Lampman Sue Lasoff Bruce Larson David Larson Linda Larson John Marty Dorothy McCoy Kelly Matter Desiree Menuey Kathy Moran Paul Mueller David & Judona Musselman Jim & Cindy Musselman Joe Musselman Bill & Joan Overby Mary & Henry Pattridge Richard Peterson Margery Pilhofer Robert J. Geldert & Roberta Pinkosh Dwight & Chris Porter Barbara Proehl Virginia Puzak Julee Quarve-Peterson Kelly Rathcke Kim Rezek Brian Rogers Patricia L. Rogers Stuart Rosen James Ross Scott Rostron Ginger Rudberg Patricia Rydeen Arthur Sauter Elizabeth Smith Adele Spavin Diane Sprague Gerry & Barb Tollakson Caryl Wattman Teri Welcher Curt Wiehle David Wood Accommodating Care, Inc. Accord Health Care Services All Temporaries, Inc Alliance for the Mentally Ill of MN Arc of Anoka/Ramsey Cty Arc Suburban Arc Minnesota Assistive Speech Technology Research Labs Axis Healthcare Best Care Blue Sky Designs, Inc. Brain Injury Assn. of MN Consumer Council of The Alliance for the Mentally Ill Disabled Dealer East Suburban Resources Franciscan Sisters of St. Paul Forensic Alliance of Mentally Ill Fraser Community Services Home Health Care JQ-P, Inc. Kaposia MBW Company Metro Mobility Service Center Staff MN Bio Brain Assoc. NAMI Northeast Contemporary Services Resource S.M.I.L.E.S. United Cerebral Palsy of MN
---------------------------------- BRONZE SPONSOR ($75 and above) ---------------------------------Sue Abderholden Steve Alarik Anonymous Susan Asplund David Baldwin Kathleen Ball Jill Bedow Janet Berndt Michael Bjerkesett Sandi Lane & Monte Blair Bill Blom Tom Brick Wendy Brower Deb Bryan Susan Bulger Rick Cardenas Mike & Jan Chevrette Margot Imdieke Cross Stephanie Cunningham Robert Gregory Diane Greig Luther Granquist Martha Hage Ellen & Skip Houghton Dianna Krogstad Linda Lattin LoRene Leikind Lolly Lijewski Joel McGuiggan Christopher Meyer Cliff Miller Jim Morse William O’Dowd & George Zilligen Ann & Manley Olson Louise Pattridge Catherine Reid & Liddy Rich Ann Roscoe Rick & Debbie Ryan Patricia Siebert Barb Smith John Smith Peter & Pamela Stanfiel Mary Jane Steinhagen Erica Stern Eric & Caroline Stevens J. Quinn Tierney Helen Thompson Candace Warne Jerry Wood Joe & JoAnn Zwack Dept. of Occupat’l Therapy-U of M Div.MN Rehab. Assoc Job Placement & Dvlpmt Equity Services-St. Paul FastServ Merrick Companies Minnesota Work Incentives Connection Pat Siebert, MN Dis. Law Ctr. National Results Council New Dimensions Home Health Care New Ways ---------------------------------- SILVER SPONSOR ($150 and above) ---------------------------------Karen Adamson Jamie Becker Scott Beers Robert E. Buuck LeAnne & Larry Dahl Chris Duff Catherine Eilers M. Therese Gockenbach Paula Goldberg Doris & John Groven Lori Guzman Judy Haaversen David & Susan Houghton Ronna Linroth Lynn Noren Michael Otubushin RISE Inc. Dean Doering & Lisa Scribner Kevin Sullivan Kay Willshire Arc Hennepin County Help Yourself Job Placement & Development Division, MN Rehab Assn Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Network MILS Mpls. Advisory Committee MN Developmental Achievement Ctr Assoc. (MnDACA) Pacer Center St. Paul Mayors Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities Twin City Transportation Vinland Center ----------------------------------- GOLD SPONSOR ($350 and above) ----------------------------------Scott Beers Shirley Larson Margaret Perryman Bridget & Diane Smith In Home Personal Care, Inc. -------------------------------- DIAMOND SPONSOR ($500 and above) -------------------------------Case Management Systems, Inc. Rapit Print ------------------------------- BENEFACTOR SPONSOR ($1000 and above) ---------------------------HECUA Medtronic Foundation
------------------------------------- IN MEMORY------------------------------------Charlie Smith by Anita Boucher & Jeff Bangsberg ------------------------------------- IN HONOR ------------------------------------Bill & Renee Smith by Becky J. Bugbee-Tong Troy Fahlenkamp & Valerie Birosh by David Dreier Anne Henry by Karen Adamson Cecelia Bilbrey-Baer by Patrick J. Bilbrey Mabel Heuer by Dawn Doering Charlie Smith by Lee Ann Erickson Charlie Smith by Andrew Groven Charlie Smith by Tom & Mimi Fogarty Charlie by Fern Rogstad Bill Smith by Joe & Peg Figliuzzi Jaehn Clare by Candice Warne Kyle by Joe & JoAnn Zwack John Hardy by Martha Hardy Miss Irene MacKaloney by Roger Hoffman Charlie Smith by Barbara Kane Ruth Riggs by Corbin Kidder College of Saint Catherine’s Occupational Therapy Masters Program by Steven Anderson Charlie Smith by Tracy Kochendorfer Charlie Smith, our cousin, by Henry Pattridge & family U of M Occupational Therapy Education Program by Erica Stern Uncle Bill & Aunt Renee Smith by Mary & Henry Pattridge Charlie Smith by Sister Kenny Institute Bill & Renee Smith by Helen Thompson Bill, Renee, & Charlie Smith by Kathy & Paul West Charlie Smith by Linda Wolford Tony Lebahn by Linda Wolford ------------------------------- In Kind (time & services) ---------------------------Sue Abderholden Hyder Aziz Patricia Bill Bob Brick Rick Cardenas Pete Feigal Kathy Hagen Anne L. Henry Anita Ho Tom Kelley Jenny Kempfert Lynda Milne Jeni Mundl Deb Olson Jan Pedersen Nicole Roberts John Schatzlein Jon Skaalen Karen Trudell John Tschida Cathy Urbain Disability Health Options Committee Members Disability Law Center Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Nanosystems St. Paul Social Security PASS Cadre
Your help is crucial if Access Press is to continue being the voice for people with disabilities. Your tax deductible gift entitles you to a one year complimentary subscription. Please mail your donation to Access Press, 1821 University Avenue West, Suite 104S, St. Paul, MN 55104. Thank you.