April 10, 2002
Directory of Organizations — Page 8
Inside ■ Bioethics — p. 3 ■ Buck Humphrey — p. 3 ■ Anita Silvers’ Lecture — p. 6
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“I am what I am, so take me as I am!”
—J. W. von Goethe
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Volume 13, Number 4
SOURCES
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April 10, 2002
LEGISLATIVE WATCH MENTAL HEALTH UPDATE by Sue Abderholden
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he House and Senate, which worked so quickly on round one of the budget cuts, have come to an impasse as they try to complete round two. Their self-imposed deadline of completing their work by Easter was missed.
Redistricting And Beyond by Joel Ulland
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f you have been reading the news in the past month, you have been hearing a term that comes around once every ten years: redistricting. Many politicians believe that their political fortunes can be won or lost based on where the lines of their district begin and end. But if you’re not a politician, lobbyist, or someone who closely follows politics, why should you care about new lines on a map? The reason is simple. The new lines on the redistricting map mean there could be a major shift in who controls the power at the State Capitol and who is setting disability policy for years to come. Because of the new map, your current legislator—prior to redistricting—may not even be on the ballot this November. Instead, you might be represented by another legislator who used to serve in a neighboring district. Find out what your new legislative district looks like and who may be representing you next year. Other Potential Changes in the Legislature There are 17 state House
districts that don’t have an incumbent running and nine state Senate districts without an incumbent. This means there could be up to 26 new legislators at the Capitol next year. There could be even more new representatives and senators based on the retirement of current legislators and, of course, if an incumbent loses the election in November. No matter how many new legislators are in the halls of the Capitol next spring, the vast majority of them will have little or no expertise on disability issues. These newly elected officials will need to be educated about the wide variety of issues that people with disabilities face on a daily basis. Now is the Time to Act Why wait until after the election to start discussing disability issues? Many of these candidates will be door-knocking from now until the election and may visit you at your home. Take the opportunity to educate candidates about disability issues and what the government does—and does not
do—for you. Many legislators have a general rule: if they hear from five of their constituents about a single issue, they pay attention and often see what they can do on that issue. If many people with disabilities start talking to candidates and current legislators about important disability issues, imagine the impact we can have! Whether or not you are affected by redistricting or other changes detailed above, get involved in the election process in whatever way you can. Most importantly, please vote at the primary election in September and the general election in November. If you are unsure of what legislative district you are in, contact the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Election Division and they will be able to tell you. The phone number is 651-215-1440. ■ Joel Ulland is the Public Policy Manager for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, MN Chapter.
For mental health advocates, such as The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill in Minnesota (NAMI-MN), the first round was a disaster. The Children’s Mental Health collaboratives lost 100% of their wraparound dollars— and dollars for new collaboratives for the next fiscal year. This means that the approximately 4200 children (and their families) that received services under this program last year will be left without adequate family supports. The Regional Treatment Centers (RTCs) also saw their budgets cut by $8 million, which will result in about 700 people being denied services. In round two, the Senate restored the wraparound dollars, and $5 million to the RTCs. They also excluded funds for state-operated services for the Department of Corrections and the Department of Human Services from contract reductions— and excluded employees at state correctional facilities and state-operated services from the hiring freeze. The Senate is also requiring prepaid health plans to pass on the increase they received last year to mental health service providers and made one-time funding shifts for Mental Health Grants, Community Support Grants, and Group Residential Housing grants. These funds will be delayed by about six months. The only concern is if counties will pass on that delay to the nonprofits pro-
viding these services. Most of the nonprofits do not have reserves to absorb the delay in funding. The House cut $2 million by eliminating the Commissioner positions in the 27 state departments and creating 8 secretarial positions instead. $20 million in general cuts were made including implementing a state hiring freeze and a moratorium on consultant contracts. $61.6 million dollars were cut from the Health and Human Services budget. To meet this target, the House greatly restricted General Assistance (GA) to six months every two years and Emergency General Assistance to once every eighteen months, which saves $696,000. General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) was consolidated into MN Care for a savings of $37.3 million. Additionally, they shifted budget reserve money from the state-operated services accounts to the general fund saving $7.75 million. NAMI and other mental health and poverty advocates are very concerned about the cuts to GAMC since 34% of people on this program have a mental illness and 50% are mentally ill and/or chemically dependent. The department estimates that 7,000 people will be without insurance. People who are leaving an RTC or are newly diagnosed and have lost a job tend to go on GAMC. They are usually waiting to go on another program like SSI/ SSDI and MA. Some of the differences between GAMC and Minnesota Care are that MN Care has premiums ($4) and prescription co-payments ($7), and you must be without insurance for four months before you are eligible. GAMC is an entitlement but MN Care is not.
This means that when funding is low, they can restrict MN Care and the first people kicked off will be single adults with no dependents. New Bills Special education advocates are working on language that would essentially require education programs in care and treatment facilities to conform to state and federal education laws (including special education). Students must begin receiving educational services within three days of entering a facility. They also must have access to the same hours of educational instruction as other students living in the district unless their treatment plans preclude that. This was adopted onto the Children Families and Learning (CFL) bill in the Senate policy and finance committees. Action on the CFL bill in the House was not completed, and we don’t know what the House is going to do. The language is also included in a bill authored by Senator Linda Berglin. The Bonding Bill contains funding for the 218 supportive housing beds on the Minneapolis VA campus and the 125 beds at the St. Cloud VA campus. Half of the beds are to be used by veterans. Also, HF 97 (Greiling)/ Chapter 221 was passed and signed into law. It would change the language in statute to people first language when referring to people with mental illness. A Timely Case NAMI-MN joins the Mental Health and Somali communities in mourning the death of Abu Kassim Jeilani. This Legislative - cont. on p. 6
April 10, 2002
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Tim Benjamin Editor
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’ve heard from several subscribers that their papers are arriving at their doorsteps much later than in the past. The only answer the post office gives us is
Press is now on-line. For the time being, you can find the complete edition of Access Press at www.accesspress.org. We are all very excited about this new option and hope it will offer us many new opportunities. If you find the website is not accessible or have some ideas on how to improve the page, please write to us at our mailing address or send us an e-mail message. Thank you—and hope you enjoy the paper onthat since September 11, all line. bulk mail has been slowed down. On hearing this we **** have decided to announce some news a little earlier than The topic of stem cell repreviously planned. Access search is a very hot issue
globally. The subject of research in general has often divided the disability community. We should work to close the divide on this and other important topics. We must all educate ourselves on the ethics of these issues and be open to discussion. There are many questions to be answered—and each answer will probably create more questions. On page 3, Dr. Steve Miles, professor of bioethics at the University of Minnesota, has offered a sampling of his expertise in this area. In the future, he is willing to discuss—in writing for now—questions from our AP readers. This is an exciting
prospect; we’ll keep you to a new district, make posted. certain that representative knows your concerns. **** Thanks, Joel—for an understandable summary. Joel Ulland from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, **** Minnesota Chapter, has given us a quick summary of I was fortunate in the last redistricting. Joel points out month to have spent some the importance of making time with two influential sure that if your representa- men: Buck Humphrey and tive or senator has changed, it Mike Ervin. Both will is your responsibility to make continue to have a role in the sure your new legislator is disability community and informed about your con- have interesting perspeccerns. Let’s all make sure that tives on life, careers, and any new legislator walking possibilities. Read about the halls of the Capitol next them on pages 2 and 3. ■ session knows our issues. And, if you have been moved
Behing The Scenes of The History Of Bowling by Tim Benjamin
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he History of Bowling finds Chuck, a quadriplegic, going back to college after spending almost half his life just watching TV. In a physical education class, he meets Lou, who has been hiding her epilepsy for most of her life. They are thrown together when their PE teacher makes them work on a joint project. Soon Chuck and Lou fall in love, but not without the accompanying squabbles—and some interference from Chuck’s roommate, a deaf and blind scoundrel. During its run at the Mixed Blood Theatre, I saw this play and found it to be hilarious. A couple of weeks later, I got to meet the two men most closely associated with the play. My
afternoon with Mike Ervin, playwright of The History of Bowling, and Bob Ness, the lead actor in the play, was filled with laughter, loud talk, sarcasm—and above all— some deep thought on the subject of people, like ourselves, with disabilities. A friend of Ervin’s, who has epilepsy, inspired the play; she told him the story of how she tried to get out of physical education class in high school and ended up having to write essays about each sport the class participated in. Ervin said, “It didn’t just come to me: Aha! This is a play. But I thought it said something about the silly nonsense that we as people with disabilities have to put up with sometimes.” He went on about a
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Daily Living and The Plucky and Spunky Show—that he felt were fairly successful and have been seen in a few places, “if Alaska is considered a place”. He feels that The History of Bowling has made a pretty good round. The reviews haven’t always been good, he laughed, saying, “Cincinnati gave it the worst reviews I’ve ever had on anything.” The Twin Cities were very nice to The History of Bowling. Ervin likes the fact that you can get a room full of 100 or so people and they are all laughing at this kind of unconventional sarcasm. He went on to explain that the laughter hopefully means they’re understanding the sarcastic, unErvin said that he has written clear humor in the play. Ness other plays—Activities of interjected, “Good reviews bring more people that otherwise wouldn’t come to see a play about an epileptic, quadriplegic, and a blind/deaf man.” In Chicago, Ness knew there were a lot of walk-in folks. It played at a theater where he worked and there were a lot of people that they didn’t recognize. He found that pretty exciting. group in Chicago, called the Apostolic of the Handicapped, that takes people with disabilities to a Catholic church once a month on a Saturday night. They have a special service just for the handicapped—and then don’t see them again for another month. It seems these kind of things turn out to be more for the members of Apostolic of the Handicapped than for the people with disabilities. Ervin continues, “It’s like ‘You’re going to go have fun with us now, damn it!’ or ‘You can be friends with the cripples from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.’” After many years of musing, Ervin put all this together and The History of Bowling was born.
Access Press Co-Founder/Publisher (1990-1996) ....................................................... Wm. A. Smith, Jr. Co-Founder/Publisher/Editor-in-Chief (1990-2001) ............................ Charles F. Smith Board of Directors ............. Margot Imdieke Cross, Mary Kay Kennedy, Steve Kuntz, Lolly Lijewski, Bridget Smith, Joani Werner, and Linda Wolford Editor .............................................................................................................. Tim Benjamin Editorial Assistant ..................................................................... Laurie Eckblad Anderson Associate ........................................................................................................... Jeff Nygaard Cartoonist .......................................................................................................... Scott Adams Production ........................................................... Ellen Houghton at Presentation Images Access Press is a monthly tabloid newspaper published for persons with disabilities by Access Press, Ltd. Circulation is 11,000, distributed the 10th of each month through more than 200 locations statewide. Approximately 650 copies are mailed directly to political, business, institutional, and civic leaders. Subscriptions are available for $15/yr. Editorial submissions and news releases on topics of interest to persons with disabilities, or persons serving those with disabilities, are welcomed. Paid advertising is available at rates ranging from $14 to $18/column inch, depending on size and frequency. Classified ads are $8.00, plus 35 cents/word over 20 words. Advertising and editorial deadlines are the last day of the month preceding publication. Access Press is available on disk. Call MN State Services for the Blind, 651-642-0500 or 800-652-9000. Inquiries should be directed to: Access Press • 1821 University Ave. W. • Suite 104S • St. Paul, Minnesota 55104 • (651) 644-2133 • Fax (651) 644-2136 • E-mail: access@mninter.net.
Ervin went on to talk about Victory Gardens in Chicago; they are well-known for their productions of works by local playwrights. In the mid-90s, the Victory Gardens started their Access Project to make their four theaters accessible—not just wheelchairaccessible, but accessible in every way: audio description, sign language, and captioning for older folks who are hardof-hearing and don’t know sign language. The text of each play is projected over the stage like it is in operas. Ervin stated, “The actors hate it because the audience can see when the actors have missed lines.”
lar project is just starting to bring people to the surface; there are about four or five people around the country who are getting some things done fairly regularly. Ervin said, “More plays written by people with disabilities will create more characters for actors with disabilities”. He maintains that he writes about disability in all his writing: journalistically, plays, whatever. Ervin writes about disability issues because he wants to; he doesn’t feel pigeonholed. He said, “It’s what I know, and it’s what I do best”. There are all kinds of important stories to be told; he doesn’t think he will ever run out of them. Ervin had one professional writer read The History of Bowling. The pro said, “It is a good play, but why don’t you write about something not disability-related and show your real range.” Ervin disagrees and thinks that he can show his range within this subject matter—and don’t they say to write about what you know?
The playwright also mentioned Vickie Lewis, who has run The Other Voices Project in Los Angeles for about 15 years. She has helped bring along many playwrights. He said, “Actually, I owe her a lot; she helped me with a The History of Bowling and deserves some of the credit.” John Belluso is Lewis’ codirector and has written a few plays himself that have been very successful. This particu- There is hope that in the future there will be many more THE MINNESOTA STATE COUNCIL ON DISABILITY opportunities for persons with disabilities to work in the EEP P O ATE theater: as playwrights and actors, in production, and in SUBSCRIBE NOW FOR FREE many other areas. Ness has MINNESOTA DISABILITY E-MAIL been working in the theater ◆ Breaking Federal and State Disability News since shortly after his acci◆ Notice of Special Events dent. Prior to that time, he played guitar and keyboards To Subscribe, E-mail MSCOD at in a band. The theater has disability@state.mn.us given him an opportunity to T HE C ONNECTOR N EWSLETTER express himself, but there just aren’t enough jobs for actors A Quarterly Publication Featuring with disabilities. Ness is now Disability Issues and Commentaries plus 36, but Chuck, the character Special Issues on Legislative Activities he plays in The History of For a Free Subscription, Contact MSCOD at Bowling, is 32. He joked, “I 651-296-6785 V/TTY ◆ 1-800-945-8913 V/TTY cannot play 32 forever!” and added that he “wanted to run 651-296-5935 FAX for Senate, just for the MSCOD, YOUR SOURCE FOR INFORMATION, benefits. My platform would REFERRAL, TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE be ‘Elect Bob Ness, he needs the benefits.’” ■ ON ACCESS, EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, HEALTH
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April 10, 2002
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Buck Humphrey Commentary The Effects Of A Cure On Visits Access The Disability Community Press by Steve Miles, M.D.
by Tim Benjamin
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uck Humphrey announced his candidacy for Minnesota Secretary of State in early December. Recently, he came to the Access Press office to ask our help. He is very concerned about the barriers to people with disabilities at our local polling places. Humphrey wants to make sure voting is accessible to all people with disabilities: “The ability to express ourselves freely in our state elections is a right, not a privilege. Minnesotans with disabilities expect that when they go to the polls to express themselves that machines, election judges, system errors, or any other barrier will not disenfranchise them.” People with disabilities have a voice and that voice can make a big impact on our state and federal elections—but not if our polling places are not accessible to every citizen. Humphrey has encouraged me to ask the readers of Access Press to express their needs concerning accessible voting to him. He was eager to explore a number of options: absentee balloting under any circumstances, touch-screen voting, and online voting. Humphrey is honestly concerned with the
disability community and our ability to vote. He has promised me that he will make it his goal to make a ballot available to every eligible citizen with a disability who wants to cast his or her vote. Pledging to bring renewed energy and enthusiasm to the office of Secretary of State, Humphrey has a bachelor of arts degree from the American University in Washington D.C. and a master’s degree in public administration from Hamline University. He has been involved in agricultural banking and has represented farming issues in Washington. He served as policy aide to the Minneapolis Mayor and was chief adviser on public works, transportation, regulatory services, and labor relations issues. Humphrey stated that if elected, “The office of Secretary of State…will be managed in the most efficient, cost-effective, and citizenfriendly manner.” ■ To provide Humphrey with input regarding accessible voting, contact him via info@buckhumphrey.org or visit http://buckhumphrey. org/ for more information on his campaign.
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he Center of Bioethics at the University gets many inquiries. Some are mysterious: “Do you think that abortion should be made illegal if scientists perfect the artificial womb because women will be able to give up an unwanted fetus?” Some are personal: “My mother is dying and on life support, what should I do?” Some are political: “Who was President Bush trying to please with his stem cell policy?” Some are moving, puzzling, and thought-provoking: “Do you think that people with spinal cord injuries should oppose stem cell research on repairing the spinal cord in order to preserve the sense of dignity and community that has developed among many persons with such injuries?” The question is interesting in three respects. First, the fact that it can be asked at all is a measure of the success and public presence of persons with these injuries. Second, there are few precedents for asking this type of question. (One example is the concern that the artificial cochlea reinforces prejudice against the deaf and would harm the vibrant community of persons who have created and who flourish with American Sign
Language.) Finally, the question asks each of us to identify the real threats to persons with disabilities. People with cord injuries have come a great distance since “ugly laws” (see box below) banned them from appearing in public. My uncle was Sister Kenny’s first patient in Minneapolis. When he walked out of the hospital on crutches and into the practice of law, it was more than front-page news—it was an assertion that people with disabilities should live full and fulfilling lives. Since then, his path has been broadened with new wheelchairs, electric doors that are wide enough for wheelchairs, ramps, curb cuts, buses with wheelchair lifts, parking spaces, and adapted housing. Each year, powerful and confident wheelchair racers lead the Twin Cities Marathon. People with spinal injuries are friends, political activists, students, teachers, and colleagues. This new public community generates more support, stronger advocacy, deeper friendships, and greater opportunities. Stem cell technology does have the potential for repairing some acute spinal cord injuries. However, it will not
HHS Approves Prescription Drug Demonstration Projects H
HS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced, on April 1, the approval of innovative projects in Minnesota and Georgia designed to make prescription drugs less costly and more readily available to safety-net patients. The projects involve groups of community health centers that will buy and distribute prescription medications to their patients at reduced costs. In the Minnesota project, three health centers in Minneapolis/St. Paul—Southside Community Health Services, West Side Community Health Services, and Model Cities Health Center—have joined forces to create a prescription drug purchasing and distribution system called the Neighborhood Pharmaceutical Care Network. The network will provide less expensive prescriptions for the centers’ more than 13, 000 uninsured patients.
“These projects in the Twin Cities and in Columbus, GA, reflect our commitment to provide those most in need with access to affordable prescription drugs,” Secretary Thompson said. “These
networks will be able to purchase drugs in larger quantities and pass the savings on to the people that they serve—many of whom do not have any health coverage.”
More information about the alternative method demonstration projects is available at www.hrsa.gov/odpp/new. htm. ■
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repair all disabilities. It is unlikely that it will work for ALS or MS or some diffuse injuries that are part of cerebral palsy. So, the question stands: will this advance for some undermine a community that has benefitted so many?
abilities to pursue our larger common agenda. After all, a person whose cord is healed remains vulnerable, as any of us are, to chronic lung disease, mental illness, and the full host of disabling conditions that the larger community faces.
I think this question points to the need for solidarity among persons with all disabilities for a common agenda for access to affordable health care based on need, including home care and attendants; the removal of barriers; and efforts to end discrimination in the larger society. It also points to the need for persons who are not now disabled to join in this broader agenda.
But, does stem cell research threaten the community of persons with spinal cord injuries itself? I do not think so. This new technique will not work for everyone. It will not completely end disability for many of those who are benefitted. It will be costly and much work will have to be done to assure that this technology is made available to all who need it. The community will continue to If stem cell research for spinal exist and work will remain to cord injuries is a threat, it is a be done on the agenda of threat because it diminishes a living with a disability. ■ broader solidarity. These new healing technologies are a Steve Miles, M.D., is with the threat if the cord-injured Center of Bioethics, Departpersons who benefit from ment of Medicine, University them fail to use their new of Minnesota Medical School.
An example of an “ugly law”: No person who is diseased, maimed, mutilated or in any way deformed so as to be an unsightly or disgusting object or improper person is to be allowed in or on the public ways or other public places in this city, shall therein or thereon expose himself to public view, under a penalty of not less than one dollar nor more than fifty dollars for each offense. —Chicago ordinance
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April 10, 2002
Mental Illness/Brain Disorders
Religion and Disability
Vincent’s Ear
Your Inner Dancer
by Pete Feigal
by Sister Jo Lambert
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he paints her eyes as black as night, now. She pulls those shades down tight. There’s a smile when the pain comes. The pain gonna make everything alright. —“She Talks To Angels” by The Black Crows
show for your life is simply your life, sometimes scars are all you have. You can either cry or laugh, hide them, or show them off with fierce pride. They can be “Heidelberg dueling scars,” or additional marks of stigma.
I’ve ridden rocket bikes and Harleys for 30 years, but I don’t have tattoos. I have scars. Scars are tattoos with a story—and I used to love my scars, my wounds, my “deathdefying” stories. Sometimes when you spend your formative years with depression and bipolar, you don’t have the same victories or rites of passage into adulthood that others do. There aren’t graduations, scholarships, or awards for chronic mental illness. What I had for medals and honors were scars—“war wounds” that proved I had survived traumatic situations.
When I was wounded in some way, had an accident or operation, I could point to my bandages or casts and tell people, “This is where I hurt. This is what gives me pain.” With my multiple sclerosis people can see my limp, my cane, my walker, and understand that I’ve been injured or ill. With depression, sometimes there aren’t visible signs of your suffering—no physical manifestation of your inner wounds. It’s hard to show someone a broken heart; a fractured self-image; the huge, aching hole of loneliness. There aren’t the words to describe them—no way to show that kind of disabling wound. Anyone who’s suffered grief and despair knows that wounds of the flesh are much easier to bear than wounds of the spirit.
have to admit that most of my wounds were self-inflicted. I would deliberately put myself in harm’s way. I would go into a corner faster than I should; I’d take extra chances that were foolhardy. I’d make bets with luck that eventually I would lose. My reputation at one point was that of a daredevil—someone who had no fear, who would risk everything for almost no stakes. It wasn’t that I was brave, I just hurt so much inside I didn’t give a rip. Sometimes I was so numb with inner pain that I could barely feel the world around me—not even my own body. I remember going out in a January blizzard wearing jeans and a T-shirt. I remember tears freezing on my face as I cried from being able to feel the terrible, wonderful cold. I remember picking myself off the street after a bike crash and questioning how I could have been so foolish, and then answering myself that I’d rather feel bad than feel nothing at all.
Shakespeare captured it in his famous Crispian’s Day speech of Henry V, just before the battle of Agincourt: “Then he will strip his sleeve and show his scars, and say, ‘These wounds I had on Crispian’s Self-harm is a tough, touchy Day.’” When all you have to If I look honestly at my past, I issue with folks who struggle with MI. One of the symptoms of these diseases is that your self-esteem and sense of worth are destroyed. In addition to this suffering is Celebrating 30 Yrs Of the stigma, the mark of RENTAL • SALES SERVICE • REPAIR disgrace that still follows MI. The judgment that you are weak, lazy, and flawed of character.
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There are many ways we inflict self-harm on ourselves: starving or gorging. Cutting, hitting, or burning. Chasing away the people that love us and courting the people that don’t. We put ourselves into dangerous situations. We abuse substances. We isolate. We give up the things we love. We sabotage our
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id you know that, to humans, dance is innate? You don’t agree? I see—you think that you have to be a Ginger Rogers or Fred Astaire to be able to dance, right? Wrong! Dance is defined in the dictionary as, “rhythmic movement, ordinarily to music, to move the body.” How do you define body? How do you define dancing? Do you see it as a trained or controlled physical movement? Do you see it as expression in a physical way? Do you see it as exercise for your body? In each of these, the physical body is the dancer—but try to see it as movement for your inner body. We all have a hidden dancer inside just waiting for us to allow it to come out. Are you able to see the inner dancer? Now can you see it as a way to express or free your spirit? Never thought of dance as spiritual expression before? Actually, dance is a very old form of spiritual
romances or work situations. We listen to our “inner tyrants” and believe we are unlovable people and we’d better reject others before they reject us. Sometimes we mistakenly believe that self-harm is a way to get control over our lives. When we’re lonely and in desperation, when the pain is so great, we fool ourselves by saying: “Well, at least I can control my body and my life. I have the ultimate power because I can injure or destroy myself.” Like some kind of twisted emotional safety valve, we think we can checkmate our inner pain by our willingness to damage or destroy ourselves.
expression or prayer. All cultures have had dance in their history and development, used either spiritually or socially. Dance can be found in biblical writings dating back to the Old Testament: “...and David danced before the Lord....” (2 Samuel 6:16) and “Let them praise his name in the festive dance....” (Psalm 149:3)
of your being. This inner dancer has the ability to lead you. Dance as a spiritual expression is freeing—a way to journey through the universe within and find your place in the universe. Because the movement does not have to be in the outside world, but is a movement inside you, you decide on the dance. If your only physical movement is in your eyes, they are the connection with the dancer inside and they express your inner dance. Your expression of your inner journey is always personal and holy. Each time you focus on the spiritual side of your personhood, you grow and become more of whom you are meant to be. What does your inner dancer look like? Search out your inner dancer and let it be a guide to your spirit—and share it with others. ■
Many disciplines use a form of movement to free the inner person and open the spiritual side. The dancer inside is there—this may not be a “prima ballerina” or a Gene Kelly, but each has to bring it out according to whom you are. You decide what your dancer looks like. The body of the dancer in you is what is important. To be able to express in movement in the spirit rather than in what body parts move or don’t move is what is important. The focus of the dance is on the inside— the rhythmic movement is Sister Jo Lambert is affiliated inside and can go to the center with Catholic Charities.
When my heart was so lost in pain and shame, I even believed that my pain, my blood, was a way of cleansing myself—a form of penance. But that path led nowhere either. No matter what I did, or how bad I hurt, or how much blood was spilt, I would ask the sky: “Is that enough? Have I paid enough to be loved now? What more do you want? Can I go home now? Can I have a life now?” But it was a lie, and it never was enough. Could never be enough. The Dutch artist, Vincent van Gogh is famous for many reasons. His style of painting changed the whole landscape of art over the last century, but he was considered a failure
during his lifetime, and sold only one of his paintings. After his death, he was acclaimed as a genius—and seven years ago, one of his paintings went to an anonymous collector for 26 million dollars. He is known for his wonderful letters to his beloved brother, Theo. And he is known because of his mental illness, his stay in a mental hospital, his suicide, and his self-mutilation. Many remember him as the guy that cut off his own ear. There are many stories and myths around that incident: that he was trying to impress a prostitute; that he was angry at his friend, the artist Paul Gauguin; that he was simply out of his head. I think it was because he was desperate for love. He needed and hurt so deeply that he wounded himself as a way to distract himself from his breaking heart. His passion and capacity for love was in every picture he painted, every letter he wrote. He needed to be loved, but even more, he needed to give love. Vincent’s huge heart needed more outlets than his painting and his brother. He needed friends, a wife, children—he needed people to give his enormous love to. And he needed to be loved, to be accepted, to be good at something, to feel special in some way. He needed people to rely on him, to confide in him, to believe in him. He Feigal - cont. on p. 10
April 10, 2002
Disability Culture
The Dome Strikes Out by John Tschida
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orget the budget battle at the Capitol for a moment and let’s focus on a public policy debate that really matters: getting a new baseball stadium for the Minnesota Twins. This isn’t about rich owners, overpaid players, or even new taxes. It’s about the lack of accessible seating, in both quantity and location, and a ticketing system that prevents friends and families from enjoying a game together. Finished in 1981, the HHH Metrodome is a pre-ADA relic, with exactly four wheelchair-accessible seats in each upper deck section. In the lower bowl there are just two locations for wheelchairs when the stadium is configured for baseball. Half the Planet, a national nonprofit organization supporting the application of technology to promote the values of the ADA, rates all the Major League ballparks. They give the Hump a “single” with a “home run” being the best rating. I say the Dome strikes out looking. Its problems are legion and as with houses, bathrooms, and retailers, retrofitting is expensive. Want a seat in the front row behind home plate? Forget it. Even if you scored such a ticket from a scalper, you’d need attendants to haul you down the steep concrete stairs. You can get a Twins ticket in the top price category, but that only buys you the back row in the spendy seat section, 27 rows from the action.
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The Space Shuttle And Assistive Technology by Jeri Mundl
nation began to burst like popcorn in the 1990s, fueled by public dollars and team owner hunger for increased revenue. Most are better than their bulldozed predecessors. Some consulted the disability community when building; some didn’t. Predictably, lawsuits followed. The poorly named Coalition of Accessibility emerged to fight accessibility standards. This group, composed of major sports facilities, teams, and leagues throughout the United States, demanded the accessible seating mandate be halved, to .5 percent. They lost. Their beef, argued before a federal panel charged with implementing the ADA regulations, is that the accessible seats go unused, that there are too many of them, and as a result, arena operators lose money. Based on their statistics, accessible seating requests would have to rise 1300 percent to fill the 1 percent of seats that stadiums have set aside for the disabled. And herein lies the rub: these same venues—and by extension, their super-sized partner in crime, Ticketmaster— strictly limit companion ticket sales to a single ticket per chair user.
next to friends, coworkers, whatever. But Anthony happens to use a wheelchair, so Ticketmaster said no dice. They told Anthony he could have only one friend or family member accompany him. So Anthony took his plight to a local reporter. Ticketmaster (saying it was only following instructions from the Tacoma Dome) blinked after media inquiries, but the story still ended up on the MSNBC website. With the exception of certain high-demand events that logically call for limiting the number of tickets purchased, no able-bodied fan has their social circle shrunk to a single individual on game day. And it really is that simple. These public events are as much about socialization and fraternization with those close to us as they are about the action on the playing field. Ironically, those close to use are not allowed to be close to us unless they also have a disability. It’s a double hit to be relegated to the nosebleed section and be permitted only one buddy next to us while we’re there. This isn’t about reasonable accommodation, it’s about equity. Sadly, there’s nothing technically wrong with the current arrangement. It meets the letter of the law, but certainly not the spirit. Particularly insulting is that the very policies limiting our social circle are framed as tools to ensure access to the greatest number of people in wheelchairs.
This policy, implemented according to the stadium lobby to maximize the number of wheelchair users at each event, prevents guys like me Of course, the Dome is not and Anthony Zyskowski from alone. Aging arenas and accompanying friends and stadiums from coast to coast family to social events. The stadium folks can’t have are decidedly unfriendly for it both ways. They can’t the mobility-impaired. Pas- Anthony is a 15-year-old kid shrink the number of allegsage of the ADA didn’t solve from Kent, Washington, who edly unused accessible seats the problem, but it did help, just wanted to sit with his while promoting policies that requiring that 1 percent of family last month at a pro discourage us from buying arena seats be marked for wrestling event in suburban them. Instead, why not build those with disabilities. Newly Seattle. That’s what most removable seating into the built stadiums around the people do at such events—sit architectural plan, as they’ve
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s millions around the world watched, a Minnesotan piloted the space shuttle in March. The technology used to launch the astronauts into space, perform five space walks, enhance the Hubble Telescope, and return to earth is amazing to most of us. However, the number of hightech developments within the disability community over the past few years is just as phenomenal.
used in an automobile. Not only does the phone allow me to dial and answer hands-free, it also has a built-in phone book.
Another mobility aid is the Argo 6X6 Vanguard, an amphibious all-terrain vehicle. Thanks to its hand controls, it can be used by persons with lower extremity disabilities. This six-wheel drive vehicle may be driven directly from land onto water—or through deep snow or Mobility mud, and over marshland and The advancements in wheel- bushland. chair technology are good Hearing examples of this phenomenon. Most wheelchairs now have as many options as you Another exciting technology, can get when purchasing a available to the deaf and hardluxury car. Today the user of-hearing community, is the gets not only basic mobility, cochlear implant. This is but can also add options such essentially an artificial inner as environmental controls, ear intended to take over the tilt-in-space positioning (to job of the cochlea, the snailrecline in a variety of posi- shaped organ that translates tions), communication aids, sound energy into nerve varying speed, and sit/stand impulses and sends those capabilities. The most recent impulses to the brain for development is a wheelchair processing. Researchers hope that can actually walk up that cochlear implants will stairs. Recently, I wired a return hearing to people who voice-activated cell phone have total hearing loss, even into my wheelchair batteries to those with congenital through technology normally conditions. done on a limited basis at Camden Yards in Baltimore and elsewhere. Modular seating allows for more accessible locations and integrated seating choices, not just at the end of the row where you get trampled by the mid-inning bathroom crowd every 20 minutes. America is all about baseball and apple pie. Today I can enjoy that pie with as many non-disabled friends as I want. Hopefully, in the near future, I can say the same is true for a ball game. ■ John Tschida is the Senior Director of Public Affairs & Research at Courage Center.
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The iCommunicator is another assistive technology aid for the deaf designed to enable individuals with hearing disabilities to communicate with hearing individuals without an interpreter. This complete computer-based system converts speech to text, speech to sign language, speech to computer-generated voice, and text to computer-generated voice— all in real time. The system offers an 8,000-word sign language vocabulary. Vision For people with visual impairments, new technology offers talking maps with Global Positioning System (GPS) locators. Atlas Speaks (and Strider) is a voice output electronic mobility aid for persons with visual disabilities. Atlas Speaks is a talking map for a personal computer that lets users learn about the physical layout of a neighborhood, city, or state. It lets users figure out the best path from point A to point B using cross streets, landmarks, and local points of interest. When the user is ready to go, he or Technology - cont. on p. 10
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April 10, 2002
LEGISLATIVE - From p. 1 was a tragedy that could have been prevented. In this particular situation, there were police on hand who had received mental health crisis training. But this wasn’t enough. When the system fails so that a death results, we must look carefully at what happened to prevent it from recurring in the future. NAMIMN believes that the legislature and policy-makers must look to: 1. Ensuring an ample supply of mental health services and providers by providing adequate reimbursement and by making mental health services entitlement programs rather than grantfunded programs. 2. Requiring statewide training of law enforcement and other emergency response teams on mental illness and appropriate interventions. 3. Building the linguistic and cultural capacity of our mental health system to meet the needs of all Minnesotans. 4. Providing options for early intervention and treatment. 5. Developing Mental Health Response Units that can assist first responders in assessing and addressing or de-escalating the situation.
this list is being addressed by the legislature—that being early intervention and treatment. We applaud Representative Mindy Greiling and Senator Berglin for their work on this issue. This bill (HF 2735/SF 2457) would make technical amendments to the commitment act by deleting the word “imminent” from the section of the bill relating to police and crisis team response and by making it clear that a person can be committed to a community hospital. This bill also requires the Department of Human Services to report back to the legislature on the unmet needs of children and adults with mental illness, and on strategies to address the unmet needs. The bill has passed the Senate by a vote of 57 to 4. It is awaiting a vote on the House floor. NAMI-MN believes that we must have a system that provides early intervention so that mental health professionals, not police, provide the first response to people with mental illness. The first round cuts and the proposed second round of cuts push us even farther away from this goal. ■
Sue Abderholden is the Executive Director of the NaNAMI-MN is pleased today tional Alliance for the Menthat at least one of the items on tally Ill in Minnesota.
A health care program designed by and for people with disabilities. If you have MA and a physical disability, call us for more information.
651-641-0887
A REVOLUTIONARY APPROACH FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Genetic Discrimination & People With Disabilities: Free Public Presentation At St. Catherine’s by Anita Ho
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very week, we hear headline stories about genomics, or the systematic generation of genetic information about living things. What is the hype all about? Why are people so excited about various genetic technologies such as gene therapy, or pre-implantation genetic diagnosis of embryos? Have these technologies improved the lives of people with disabilities? Or have they made people with disabilities more vulnerable to discrimination? The College of St. Catherine will sponsor a free public presentation dealing with these issues in May.
Summer Seminar on “Justice, Equality, and the Challenge of Disability” with Eva Kittay, a philosophy professor at the State University of New York at Stony Brook and a mother of a daughter with a serious disability.
In her talk, Professor Silvers will question some of the social justice implications of various genetic technologies. For example, why the hoopla about genomics? The hype about The Human Genome Project, cloning, and various gene therapies shows how many believe that such technologies are the best remedy for disabilities. To many This much-anticipated event people, genomics promises will take place from 11:45 unparalleled benefits for puba.m. to 1:15 p.m. on Thurs- lic health. day, May 9, at the Jeanne d’Arc Auditorium on the college’s St. Paul campus. The guest speaker will be Dr. Anita Silvers, Professor of Philosophy at San Francisco State University and Fellow in Genomics, Ethics and Society at the Center for Biomedical Ethics at Stanford University. She will give a hen the nation celpublic presentation entitled ebrates Earth Day on “Preserving the Promise of April 22, people who shop Genomics for Public Health: and donate at Arc’s Value Genetic Knowledge and So- Village Thrift Stores can take cial Justice.” pride in knowing that they’re benefitting the environment A nationally renowned scholar as well as supporting Arc in biomedical ethics and Hennepin-Carver and its work disability studies, Professor in the community. Silvers has a lifetime of experience living as a self- Recycling is a year-round supporting person with a activity at Arc’s Value Vilserious disability. She has lage, but the environment published many books and becomes the center of attenarticles on topics such as tion when the Earth Day Shop genetic discrimination, bioet- opens. The shop runs from hics, distribution of health April 8-30 and features a care resources, and social special selection of merchanjustice. This summer, she will dise related to the environcodirect a National Endow- ment, nature, animals, recyment for the Humanities
However, we cannot ignore various ethical issues surrounding the use of genetic information. Francis Collin and Craig Venter, two pioneer scientists who helped crack the human genome, are concerned about the use of genetic information. Their worries are echoed by statesmen such as Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, who have warned that new genetic knowledge may pose enormous threats to individuals. Although these scientists and statesmen agree on the importance of creating strong protections against genetic discrimination, the public has failed to do so. Who, or what, is to blame for this failure? In her presentation, Dr. Silvers will examine various policies
Information and Referral (Information hotline: 651-603-2039) Advocacy Independent Living Skills Training Individual Peer Support Deaf I.L. Services Personal Assistance Services (M.A. Subsidized) Ramp Project Transition Program ADA Information Meeting Rooms Computer Lab Resource Library Support Groups ...Chemical Dependency with Physical Disability GLBT with Disability Chemical Dependency with Traumatic Brain Injury
The College of St. Catherine St. Paul campus is located at 2004 Randolph Avenue. An ASL interpreter will be present at this event. For more information and other disability accommodations, please e-mail Anita Ho at atho@stkate.edu or call 651690-6801.
Arc’s Earth Day Shop Features EnvironmentFriendly Goods
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cling, and more. Items open at all three of Arc’s include gifts, toys, fashions, Value Village locations: books, and crafts. • Richfield: 6528 Penn Ave. S.; 612-861-9550 Arc’s Value Village plays a • New Hope: 2751 Winnetka major role in the community Ave. N.; 763-544-0006 as a recycler. The stores • Brooklyn Center: 6330 collect donated items from Brooklyn Blvd.; 763-5033534 local individuals and businesses and resell them. In 2001, the stores resold and Members of the community recycled more than one and a can support Arc’s Value half million items. They also Village in its recycling efforts sold and recycled more than by shopping, donating new one million pounds of tex- and gently used clothing and tiles. Instead of going to household items, and volundumps and landfills, those teering. items are now back in For more information, call circulation in other uses. Arc Hennepin-Carver at 952The Earth Day Shop will be 920-0855. ■ Handi Medical Supply 2505 University Avenue West St. Paul, Minnesota 55114 At Hwy. 280 & University Avenue
METROPOLITAN CENTER for INDEPENDENT LIVING MCIL offers services for people with disabilities, their families and friends, service providers, and interested community members in the 7-county metro area.
on privacy protection, disability discrimination legislation, and special genetic protection legislation. She will explain why some of these policies are inadequate in protecting people with disabilities from discrimination. She will argue that we should instead adopt a civil rights approach in protecting people from discrimination. ■
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April 10, 2002
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Accessible Performances IN BRIEF . . . .
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.
Flaming Film Festival; ASL 5/1-6; Intermedia Arts; Mpls.; 612-871-4444; www.intermedia arts.org. Screening of Crip Shots by John Killacky, featuring five queer artists with disabilities, plus 3-minute short films. Death of a Salesman; ASL Thurs., 5/2, 7:30; College of Saint Benedict; 320-363-5777; www.csbsju.edu/finearts. Sweet Potato Pie and Such!; runs 5/2-3; ASL Fri., 5/3, 11:15 a.m.; St. John’s University; 320-363-5777. I Don’t Have to Show You No Stinking Badges; runs 4/26-5/19; ASL Fri., 5/3, 8:00; AD Fri., 5/10, 8:00; Mixed Blood Theatre; Mpls.; 612-338-6131; performed in English or Spanish on alternating nights; www.mixedblood.com. The son of the king and queen of Hollywood bit parts drops out of law school to challenge stereotypes in Tinseltown.
Art Show Highlights Artists’ Abilities
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rtists from across the United States, as well as international locations, have submitted artwork for the Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute’s 39th Annual International Art Show by Artists Midas & the Golden Touch and other with Disabilities. This event stories; runs 4/24-5/12; AD/ASL Sat., 5/11, has been a tradition since 7:30; Howard Conn Fine Arts Center; Mpls.; 1963. www.youthperformanceco.com; 612-623The public is invited to the 9080. gala grand opening on ThursDancing at Lughnasa; runs 4/24-5/25; ASL/ day, April 25 from 5-8 p.m. on AD Sat., 5/11, 8:00; Park Square Theatre; St. the second floor of Sister Paul; 651-291-7005; www.parksquaretheatre. org. This story of five unmarried sisters celebrates the Irish heart and spirit. N AHEAD (Minnesota Association of How I Learned to Drive; runs 4/12-7/6; ASL Higher Education and DisSun., 5/12, 2:00; Commonweal Theatre; ability) will award two $500 Lanesboro; 507-467-2525, 800-657-7025; scholarships to students, with www.commonwealtheatre.org. For mature a documented disability, in audiences, this play shows a young woman good standing at a Minnesota with an abused past taking a gutsy and college or university. High heartfelt journey of forgiveness. school seniors planning to Wonderful Tennessee; runs 5/3-25; ASL Fri., 5/10, 8:00; Rochester Repertory Theatre; 507-289-1737; www.rochesterrep.org. Three couples celebrate a birthday in Ireland and embark on a pilgrimage to unravel their innermost secrets.
Kenny Rehabilitation Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, located at 28th and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis. Admission and parking are free. Regular exhibit and sale hours extend through May 22, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
lery—will serve as judges for the show. Work will be judged in six categories: graphic, photography, watercolor, mixed media, oils and acrylics, and sculpture. Many local organizations and individuals have contributed with donations in the form of encouragement awards to help individuals pursue their art.
A panel of professional curators—featuring Robyne For more information on the Robinson , KMSP-TV anchor show, call Kathy Schultz at and owner of flatland gal- 612-863-4463. ■
Seventh Annual MN AHEAD Scholarship
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Sisters of Swing; runs 4/13-5/25; AD Sat., 5/ 4, 8:00 (discussion follows); ASL Thurs., 5/9, 10:00 a.m., Sat., May 11, 8:00 (discussion follows); Great American History Theatre; St. Anansi, the Trickster Spider; runs 5/3-19; Paul; 651-292-4323; www.historytheatre.com. ASL Sun., 5/12, 2:00; AD Tues., 5/14, 11:00; SteppingStone Theatre; St. Paul; 651-225The story of the Andrews Sisters from MN. 9265; www.steppingstonetheatre.org. Gypsy; runs 4/25-5/19; AD Sat., 5/4, 7:30; ASL Fri., 5/10, 7:30; Bloomington Civic The Boxcar Children in The Yellow House Theatre; 612-825-7667; www.bloomington Mystery; runs 4/19-5/19; ASL/AD Thurs., 5/ civictheatre.com. Based on the memoirs of 16, 12:30, & Sun., 5/19, 2:00; Stages Theatre burlesque star Gypsy Rose Lee, driven by her Co.; Hopkins; 952-979-1111; www.stages domineering mother into a career as a stripper. theatre.org. The Alden children explore strange goings-on in an old house. Calliope with Rhiannon; ASL Sat., 5/4, 8:00; College of Saint Catherine; St. Paul; A Night at the Black Pig; runs 4/26-5/19; 612-285-5835; www.calliopewomenschorus. AD Sun., 5/19, 2:00; Theatre in the Round Mpls.; 612-333-3010; org; tickets 651-989-5151 or www.ticket Players; master.com. Rhiannon performs her potent www.theatrein theround.org. Berlin boheblend of jazz, world music, improvisation, and mians gather for the birthday of August Strindberg, who watches them perform storytelling. scenes from his troubled life. May Day Parade and Festival; AD/ASL Sun., 5/5, 1:00 to sunset; parade along All My Sons; runs 5/11-6/9; ASL Fri., 5/31, Bloomington Ave. S. and festival in Powder- 7:30 & Thurs., 6/6, 7:30; AD Sat., 6/1, 1:00 horn Park; Mpls.; 612-721-2535; www.hobt. (tour 11:00) & Fri., June 7, 7:30; Guthrie Theater; Mpls.; 612-377-2224 or 1-877org. 44STAGE, TTY 612-377-6626; Forty Years and Still Modern; runs May 3- www.guthrie theater.org. 4 and 9-11; ASL Thurs., 5/9, noon (Young People’s Mini-Concert) & Sat., 5/11, 8:00; For updates by phone, call VSA arts of Minnesota at 612-332-3888 or statewide Hauser Dance; Mpls.; 612-871-9077. 800-801-3883 (voice/TTY). Alice in Wonderland; 4/23-6/15; AD/ASL Fri., 5/10, 7:30 (school show Wed., 5/8, 10:30 am); Children’s Theatre Co.; Mpls.; 612-8740400; www.childrenstheatre.org.
HOUSING AND PERSONAL CARE SERVICES Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI) offers subsidized one and two bedroom apartments for individuals with physical disabilities. We have housing in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, St. Cloud, Brainerd, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, Austin, Marshall, Willmar, and Duluth. The apartments are fully wheelchair accessible and each building has a central laundry room, large community room, secured entry and an on-site caretaker. ASI also offers shared personal care services 24 hours a day, at most locations, for adults with a physical disability and/or traumatic brain injury who qualify for Medical Assistance. For more information call (651) 645-7271 or (800) 466-7722. For services or housing call Cami, for employment as a personal care attendant call Al or Angie.
Accessible Space, Inc.
attend college in the fall are also eligible. The scholarship funds may be used for payment of tuition, books, or supplies at any technical or community college, or any four-year post-secondary institution in Minnesota.
Complete applications must be received or faxed by May 17, 2002. Contact the Minnesota State Council on Disability at 651-296-6785 or 800-945-8913 for application materials. ■
Emerging Artist Grants Available
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innesotans with dis- • taking a class to improve their artistic and/or techniabilities who are develcal skills in an arts discioping skills in an art form are pline; eligible to apply for Emerging Artist Grants sponsored by • attending a workshop on business or marketing skills VSA arts of Minnesota. In its to make their efforts more ninth year, the program offers profitable; ten $200 grants to help individuals age 13 or older to • purchasing materials to allow them to continue their further develop their artistic efforts in the arts. abilities through such activities as:
Criteria for Emerging Artist Grants will be minimally competitive. Selection is made randomly from qualifying applications. Previous winners are not eligible.
Grant applications must be postmarked or delivered no later than Friday, April 26, 2002. For an application, contact VSA arts of Minnesota, 612-332-3888 or 1-800801-3883 (both voice/TTY) in greater Minnesota; e-mail jon.mn@vsarts.org; or go to the web: http://mn.vsarts.org. Disabled & Proud, It’s Not An Oxymoron For an alternative format, specify: audiotape, Braille, 4/16: Clara Schmidt-Gonzalez & Kevin Sullivan—Accessible Taxis large print, e-mail, or PC 4/23: John May, Humanware—Talking GPS diskette. After normal busi4/30: Rachel Parker & Lolly Lijewski—Block E Theaters ness hours, deaf callers can 5/7: Phil Philmore, Philmore Productions—Internet by Phone use the Minnesota Relay KFAI • Every Tues. • 7:30 p.m. Service to leave a message. ■
Martha Hage & Sam Jasmine’s RADIO SHOW
106.7 FM — St. Paul • 90.3 FM — Mpls
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April 10, 2002
Directory of Organizations for Persons with Disabilities Editor’s Note: Please let us know if there are any errors in your listing or if you would prefer your organization be in a different category. Thank you! ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS ACT-UP MN, Robert Halfhill, 612-870-8026 Advocating Change Together, Kathy Sanders, 651-641-0297 ARC - Anoka/Ramsey Co.s, Marianne Reich, 763-783-4958 ARC - Hennepin/Carver County, 952-920-0855, archennepincarver.org ARC - MN, Bob Brick, 651-523-0823, 1-800-582-5256, mail@arcminnesota.com ARC - Suburban, Marianne Reich, 952-890-3057 ARRM, Bruce Nelson, 651-291-1086 Justice for All, 202-488-7684, Justin and Yoshiko Dart MN Consortium for Citizens With Disabilities, Tom Brick, 651-296-3478 MN Developmental Achievement Ctr Assoc, 651-647-9200 North Suburban Consumer Advocates for the Handicapped (NSCAH), Jesse Ellingworth, 763-783-4708, 763-7834724 TTY Ombudsman for Mental Health & Mental Retardation, 651296-3848, 1-800-657-3506, www.ombudmhmr.state.mn.us. BRAIN INJURY SERVICES A Chance to Grow, Bob DeBour, 612-521-2266, newvisions @mail.actg.org Brain Injury Assoc. of MN, Stephanie Weiss Lake, 612-3782742, 800-669-6442, info@braininjurymn.org Traumatic Brain Injury-TBI Metro Services, 612-869-3995 COMMUNITY-LIVING SERVICES Community Bridge Consortium, Pat Svendsen, 651-748-7437 V/TTY, psvendse@isd622.k12.mn.us Community Involvement Programs, 612-362-4400 Help Yourself, Sara Meyer, 651-646-3662 Henn. Co. Lib. Homebound Serv., Becky Mobarry, 952-8478850 Metro Ctr. for Independent Living, 651-646-8342 V, 651603-2001 TTY SE MN Ctr for Independent Living (SEMCIL), 507-285-1815, 507-285-0616 TTY SILC-Statewide Independent Living Council, Bill Bauer, 651296-5085 V, 651-297-2705 TTY So. MN Independent Living Enterprises & Serv. (SMILES), Alan Augustin, 507-345-7139 West Henn. Commu. Services, Mary Perkins, 952-988-4177 EDUCATION ORGANIZATIONS Adaptive Recreation & Learning Exchange, Kristen Abel, 612-861-9361 V/TTY, kabel@ci.richfield.mn.us Adult Basic Ed/Special Needs, Betty Sims, 651-290-4729 Center for Learning & Adaptive Student Serv. (CLASS), Robert Doljanac, 612-330-1648, class@augsburg.edu Fraser Community Services, Diane Cross, 612-861-1688, diane@fraser.org Learning Disabilities Program (Family Services of St. Paul), Jan Parkman, 651-767-8321 Learning Exchange, Lynn Dennis, 952-885-8531, TTY 952885-8590 MELD (MN Early Learning Design), 612-332-7563 V/TTY, info@meld.org Mpls. Community and Technical College, Office for Students w/ Disabilities, Melissa Newman, 612-341-7000 V/TTY MN Higher Education Services Office, Sarah Beth Mueller, 651-6420533 PACER Center, Inc., Pat Bill, 952-838-9000 V/TTY, tbill @pacer.org Parent Support Network (EBD/ADD/ADHD/LD), 763-7834949 POHI District Consultants-Mpls. Public Schools, Jim Thomas- Anwatin Coord., 612-668-2450 Project Compass, Adult Disability Program - Winona Comm. Educ., Helen Newell, 507-454-9450 Voice/TTY, hnewell@isd861.luminet.net Reuben Lindh Learning Center, 612-721-5111 GOVERNMENT SERVICES Dakota Co. Social Services, 952-891-7400, www.co.dakota .mn.us Division for Persons w/Developmental Disabilities, 651-2822086 Mpls. Advisory Commitee for People with Disabilities, Margot Imdieke Cross, 651-296-6785, elizabeth.held @ci.minneapolis.mn.us
REHABILITATION CENTERS Courage Center, 763-588-0811, www.courage.org. Functional Industries, Don Tribyl, 763-682-4336 Kaposia, Inc., Cindy Amadick, 651-224-6974, camadick @kaposia.com Lifetrack Resouces, 651-227-8471, TTY 651-227-8471 Metro Work Center, Inc., 612-729-7381, mwc@onvoy mail.com Midwest Special Services, Lyth Hartz, 651-778-1000 North Memorial Rehabilitation Services, North Memorial Medical Center, 763-520-5690 Opportunity Partners, 952-938-5511, 952-930-4293 TTY Owobopte, Inc., 651-686-0405 Rehabilitation Centers, MRCI - Burnsville, 952-894-4680 MRCI - Carver/Scott 952-445-6811 HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS MRCI - Chaska, 952-448-2234 Children’s United Hospital, 651-220-8000 MRCI - Fairmont, 507-238-4388 Gillette Children’s Hospital, Lynn Carpentier, 651-229-3845 MRCI - Industrial Operations, 507-386-5600, Health Psychology Clinic, U of M, 612-624-9646 mrci@mnic.net Methodist Hosp. Ctr. for Senior Services, 952-993-5041 MRCI - Lakeville, 952-898-5025 Methodist Hosp. Parkinson Center, 952-993-5495 MRCI - New Ulm, 507-233-2700 Methodist Hosp. Stroke Supp. Grp., 952-993-6789 Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, Karen Boyer 612-596-6105 RESIDENTIAL SERVICES Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, Access and Referral Department, 612-863-4457, www.sisterkennyinstitute.com Accessible Space, Inc., Stephen Vanderschaaf, 651-6457271, www.accessiblespace.org Altern. for People with Autism, Inc, Mike Amon, 763-5605330, afpwa@mr.net HEARING IMPAIRMENT SERVICES Deaf Blind Services MN, Jean Greener, 612-362-8454 V/ Anoka Metro Reg. Treatment Ctr., Judith Krohn, 763-7124000 TTY, info@dbfm.org Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services Metro, Marie Koehler, 651- Homeward Bound, Inc., 763-566-7860 Nat’l Handicap Housing Inst., Inc., Mike Bjerkesett, 651-639297-1313 TTY,651-297-1316 9799, nhhi74@aol.com MN Assoc. of Deaf Citizens, Inc., Douglas Bahl, 763-757The Phoenix Residence, Darlene M. Scott, 651-227-7655 5998 TTY MN Commission Serving Deaf & Hard of Hearing People, RESOURCE CENTERS 651-297-7305 TTY MN Relay Service, 1-800-627-3529, sprint.trscustserv@mail. Access for All, Mike Chevrette, 651-481-4062 sprint.com ALS Assoc. (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), 612-672-0484 Self Help for Hard of Hearing (SHHH), Leslie Cotter, 651- Alzheimer’s Association, John Kemp, 952-830-0512 772-4931 V/TTY Am. Behcet’s Disease Assoc., 1-800-723-4238 Sight & Hearing Association, 651-645-2546 American Cancer Soc.- MN Div., 612-925-2772, 1-800-2272345 LEGAL SERVICES Am. Cancer Soc. (Ramsey Co.), 651-644-1224 Legal Advocacy for Persons with Dev. Disabilities, 612-332- Amer. Diabetes Assoc., Lee Johnson, 763-593-5333 1441, mnlegalservices.org Amer. Heart Assoc., Betty Young, 952-835-3300, Legal Aid Society of Mpls, Laurie Moser, 612-332-1441 www.americanheart.org MN Disability Law Ctr., 612-332-1441 American Lung Assoc., 651-227-8014, 1-800-642-5864 (in MN), info@alamn.org MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES Apollo Resource Center, Leah, 651-227-6321 Alliance for Mentally Ill - Wash. Co., Bob Rafferty, 651-439- Arthritis Foundation, Deb Dressely, 651-644-4108 3800 Catholic Charities, Program for People with Disabilities, John Alliance for Mentally Ill of MN, 651-645-2948 Schatzlein, 651-222-3001 Centre for Mental Health Solutions, Tamera, 952-922-6916, Chemical Injury Resource Assn., 651-647-0944 www.tcfmhs.org Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Association of Minnesota, 651Henn. Co. Mental Health Ctr., Joel Pribnow, 612-348-4947 644-4975 Mental Health Association, 612-331-6840, 1-800-862-1799, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Molly Boyum, 651-631-3290, www.MentalHealthMN.org minn@cff.org Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Network, 651-637-2800, Disability Institute, Wendy Brower, 952-935-9343 1-800-383-2007, csnmt@uslink.net Down Syndrome Assn. Of MN, 651-603-0720, Mental Health Law Project, Pat Siebert, 612-332-1441 dsam@mm.com MN Assoc. for Child. Mental Health, 651-644-7333, 1-800- Duluth Consumer & Family Regional Resource Center, 218528-4511, dsaxhaug@macmh.org 728-3531 MN Depressive & Manic Depressive Assoc., 612-379-7933 East Suburban Resources, Sue Schmidt, 651-351-0190 or Pilot City Mental Health Center, Sy Gross, 612-348-4622 MRS 800-627-3529 ELCA Committee on Disabilities, Linda Larson, 612-788RECREATIONAL SERVICES 8064 Access Outdoors/Wilderness Inquiry, Mike Passo, 612-676- Epilepsy Found., John Thompson, 651-646-8675, 800-7799416, 800-728-0719 V/TTY, www.accessoutdoors.org or 0777, infoefmn@mr.net www.wildernessinquiry.org Hemophilia Foundation of MN, 763-323-7406 Achilles Track Club-Uptown, Kay Christianson, 612-822- Independence Crossroads, Rob Olson, 612-854-8004, 7872 info@independencecrossroads.org Boy Scouting for People w/ Spec. Needs, Jan Bovee, 651-224- Indian Family Service, Maggie Spears, 612-348-5788 1891 KDWB Variety Family Center, Elizabeth Latts, 612-626Camp for Child. & Teens w/ Epilepsy, Deborah McNally, 6513087 www.allaboutkids.umn.edu League of Women Voters, 651-224-5445, office@lwvmn.org 646-8675, 1-800-779-0777 Camp Winnebago, Kathy Geely, 507-724-2351, campwinn Leukemia Society of America, MN Chapter, 952-545-3309 Lupus Foundation of America, MN Chapter, 612-375-1131, @means.net mnlupus@aol.com Capable Partners, Jonathan Leslie, 763-542-8156 Lyme Disease Coalition, Linn Olivier, 651-64-7239, Ski for Light, 612-827-3232 lymenet_mn@yahoo.com US Electric Wheelchair Hockey Association, Craig McClellan, Lyme Disease Network of MN, Linn Olivier, 651-644-7239 763-535-4736 Directory - cont. on p. 9 GOVERNMENT SERVICES continued MN Children with Special Health Needs, 651-215-8956, 1800-728-5420 V/TTY MN Dept. of Human Services, Traumatic Brain Injury Program, 651-582-1938 MN Gov. Council On Dev. Disabilities, Deborah Tompkins, 651-296-4018 V, 651-296-9962 TTY MN State Council on Disability, 651-296-6785 MN State Services for the Blind, 651-642-0500, 800-6529000 St. Paul Advisory Commitee for People w/Disabilities, Roger Schwagmeyer, 651-266-8891 Social Security, St. Paul PASS Cadre, 651-290-0304
April 10, 2002
9
DIRECTORY- Cont. from p. 8 RESOURCE CENTERS continued MN AIDS Proj., Lorraine Teel, 612-870-7773, 612-870-0700 MN Resource Center, Kim Feller, 612-752-8102 MN Stroke Association, 800-647-4123, www.strokemn.org Muscular Dystrophy Assoc., Christina Van Vooren, 952-8325517 (Mpls. district), 952-832-5716 (St. Paul district) National Ataxia Foundation, Donna Gruetzmacher, 763-5530020, naf@ataxia.org Nat’l. Multiple Sclerosis Society, MN Chapter, Jill Retzer, 612-335-7900, 1-800-582-5296 V/TTY, jretzer@mssociety. com People, Inc. Epilepsy Services, Anne Barnwell, 612-3389035, www.orgsites.com/mn/epilepsy Spina Bifida Assoc. of MN, Lisa Schaffee, 651-222-6395 Stroke Center, N. Memorial Medical Center, 763-520-5900 Twin Cities Autism Society, 651-647-1083 United Cerebral Palsy of MN, JoAnn Erbes, 651-646-7588, 1800-328-4827, ext.1437, ucpmn@isd.net SERVICE DOGS Hearing and Service Dogs of MN, Alan Peters, 612-729-5986 V, 612-729-5914 TTY, hsdm@bitstream.net Helping Paws Of MN, 952-988-9359, helpingpaws@ens.net SOCIAL SERVICES Capella Management Group, Gerald Glomb, 651-641-0041 NW Henn Human Services Council, 763-493-2802 V/TTY SUPPORT American Syringomyelia Alliance Project Inc. (ASAP), 1800-ASAP-282, www.asap4sm.org Brain Injury Support Group, North Memorial Medical Center, Susan Keeney, 763-520-5090 Emotions Anonymous, 651-647-9712, eaisc@mtn.org Gay and Lesbian Helpline, 612-822-8661 V/TTY Spinal Cord Support Group, North Memorial Medical Center, Twyla Misselhorn, 763-520-1449
SUPPORT continued VISION IMPAIRMENT SERVICES continued Spinal Cord Injuries Help Line, Roger Hoffman, 651-464- United Blind of MN, Inc., 763-391-3699 7559 Vision Loss Resources, 612-871-2222 Volunteer Braille Services & Large Print, 763-971-5231 TECHNOLOGY Closing the Gap, MaryAnn Harty, 1-507-248-3294, VISUAL/PERFORMING ARTS info@closingthegap.com Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, 612-3395145 V, 612-339-6465 TTY, interactcenter@aol.com TRANSPORTATION VSA MN, 612-332-3888 V/TTY, info.mn@vsarts.org Metro Mobility, 651-602-1111, 651-221-0014 TTY VOCATIONAL SERVICES U of M AFFILIATED PROGRAMS AccessAbility, Inc., Darren Mack, 612-331-5958, Institute on Community Integration, Vicki Gaylord, pub dmack@accessibility.org lications@icimail.coled.umn.edu, 612-624-4512 Access to Employment, Lori Sterner, 763-543-6980V/TTY U of M Disability Services, 612-626-1333 V/TTY, web Goodwill Industries/Easter Seal, Lynette Bergstrom, 651-646master@disserv.stu.umn.edu 2591 V, goodwilleasterseals.org U of M Disabled Stud Cultural Ctr, 612-624-2602, 612-626- Hennepin County Vocational Services Program, Shanna 7003 TTY Melton, 612-348-8370, shanna.melton@co.hennepin. mn.us VISION IMPAIRMENT SERVICES Lifeworks Services, Susan Sczcukowski, 651-365-3732, Am. Council of Blind Services, James Olsen, 612-332-3242 sks@lifeworks.org BLIND, Inc., Joyce Scanlan, 612-872-0100 Midway Training Services, Barbara Kale, 651-641-0709 Candle in the Window, Kathy Szinnyey, 1-502-895-0866 Minnesota AgrAbility Project/Rural Rehab Technology, Beth Deaf Blind Services MN, Jean Greener, 612-362-8454 V/ Zabel, 507-354-5380, rrt@newulmtel.net TTY, info@dbfm.org MN Work Incentives Connection, 651-632-5113 or 1-800Sight & Hearing Association, 651-645-2546 976-6728 (voice), 651-632-5110 (TTY) State Services for the Blind: Rehab Services Branch, 651-296-5616 or 800-328-9095, 651Aids & Devices (The STORE), Duane Troff, 651-642-0777 296-3900 TTY Audiotape Transcription Services, Ellie Sevdy, 651-642- Rise, Inc., 763-786-8334, bdepoint@rise.org 0849 TSE, Inc., Phil Saari, 651-489-2595 Braille Transcription Services, Mary Archer, 651-642-0852 Vinland Center, Carol Jackson, 763-479-3555 V/TTY, Employment Services, Joe Pattison, 651-642-0515 vinland @vinlandcenter.org Radio Talking Book and Dial-In News, Stuart Holland, 651- Wings, Debbie Atterberry, 612-752-8844, djatterberry 642-0503 @juno.com Self-Sufficiency Services, Linda Lingen, 651-642-0504
If your organization would like to be included in the Directory of Organizations, contact Access Press at Suite 104S, 1821 University Ave. W. St. Paul, MN 55104 • 651-644-2133 • access@mninter.net
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April 10, 2002
TECHNOLOGY - Cont. from p. 5 she can transfer route information from Atlas Speaks into a Braille ‘n’ Speak, and print it on a Braille printer or enter it into a personal tape recorder.
Learning The Reading Pen II was particularly designed for people with reading or learning disabilities, such as dyslexia. It provides a definition of a scanned word or line of text, as well as reading both the word and definition aloud using its miniaturized text-tospeech technology. Individual words are enlarged on the display, and words may be spelled out, or broken into syllables. Because of its complete portability, this pocket-sized reading technology can be used where and when needed.
equally exciting. Some of the devices being discussed involve biofeedback and even mind control (with sensors placed on the head, eye movements, brain waves, temperature changes, and other indicators of brain activity are used to work a switch, mouse, and more). As we’ve observed in the progress with the space program, the development of new technology takes a team of engineers, physicists, researchers, astronauts, and many more to safely man a space shuttle. Most of all, it takes a vision for the future. That same vision is being used to develop technology that will give people with disabilities the ability to reach new frontiers. ■
Strider is the Atlas Speaks’ map access system that can be taken with the user as an orientation tool. Strider’s components—a GPS receiver, an earphone, and a handy keypad—fit into a carrying case. Strider can direct the user on a path plotted ahead of time, help determine the course while walking, or keep one informed of the current location. The Strider carrying case can be worn over a shoulder, or in a backpack, The Future for easy access to the keypad. Atlas Speaks and Strider can What does the future hold for be purchased separately. high-tech devices? There are Jeni Mundl is the Assistive many other technologies still Technology Specialist at in development that will be Courage Center.
FEIGAL - Cont. from p. 4 needed exactly what you and I out to others—when I’ve need. connected in some little way, then the noise, the pain in my We can’t take any kind of head and heart, lessens. When moral high ground and say, I can find outlets for my love, “Well, I didn’t hurt anyone it relieves some of that terrible else, I only hurt myself.” pressure that builds inside of Whenever we hurt anyone, we me. Giving and receiving love do damage to the world, to is the most important element nature, to everyone. When I of living. It may be a cliche, would be injured or hurt in but it’s true that I’ve found any way, my family and that the way to have friends is friends suffered more than I by being a friend. I’ve found did. What’s worked for me in love by freely giving love, not these moments is when I’ve keeping score, not measuring taken a chance and reached on a blackboard tit-for-tat.
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS ON PROPOSED SERVICE REDUCTIONS IN REGULAR PUBLIC TRANSIT ROUTES The Metropolitan Council will hold a series of public hearings on proposed service reductions in regular public transit routes operated by Metro Transit and Metropolitan Transportation Services. Since many of the proposed service reductions involve major portions of routes or entire routes, Metropolitan Council policy and federal guidelines require that public review and input be considered before the proposed major changes in route service are adopted and implemented. The service changes are in response to budget reductions mandated by the 2002 session of the Minnesota Legislature. The public hearings will be held from April 29 through May 2, 2002, and will be followed by a ten-day open comment period before the public input is summarized and reported. Implementation of major service changes will be scheduled for September and December, 2002, following Metropolitan Council adoption of recommendations, and as resource, planning, and contractual constraints allow. The public hearings will be held: Monday, April 29, 2002 • 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Metropolitan Council Chambers • 230 East 5th Street, St. Paul Monday, April 29, 2002 • 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Metropolitan Council Chambers • 230 East 5th Street, St. Paul Tuesday, April 30, 2002 • 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Robbinsdale City Hall Council Chambers • 4100 Lakeview Avenue North, Robbinsdale Wednesday, May 1, 2002 • 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Minneapolis Public Library Auditorium • 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis Thursday, May 2, 2002 • 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Bloomington City Hall Council Chambers • 2215 W. Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington
All interested persons are encouraged to attend a hearing and offer comments. People may register in advance to speak by calling Data Center at 651-602-1140 or 651-291-0904 (TTY). Upon request, the Council will provide reasonable accommodations to persons with But by simply loving. I have disabilities. to break those old familiar habits of self-harm. I have to Comments, which must be received by Sunday, May 12, 2002, may also be submitted as stop seeing pain as the cost for follows: being alive. I have to stop • Send written comments to Bruce Howard at Metropolitan Council, 230 East Fifth St., St. Paul, MN 55101 seeing love and kindness as a • Fax comments to Bruce Howard at 651-602-1464 form of payment so that • Record comments to the Public Comment Line at 651-602-1500 others will love me in return. I • E-mail comments to data.center@metc.state.mn.us have to understand that my • Send TTY comments to attention of Bruce Howard at 651-291-0904. need to give love is equally important as my need to receive love. Then maybe Copies of the public hearing draft proposal of the Service Reductions in Regular Public Transit some of those old scars and Routes will be available no later than April 19, 2002. They may be picked up at the St. Paul wounds can begin to heal. ■ Transit Store, 101 East 5th St., Firstar Center Skyway Level; Downtown Minneapolis Transit Store, 719 Marquette Ave.; Mall of America Transit Store, 60 E. Broadway, Bloomington; Metropolitan Council Data Center, 230 East Fifth St., St. Paul or by calling 651-602-1140 or on the web at www.metrocouncil.org.
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
A GREA T RESOURCE! GREAT
DirectAbility.com DirectAbility is a comprehensive, ever-expanding, award-winning, Internet directory devoted to disability-related products, services, resources and information throughout the state. Online at www.directability.com.
KEEP YOUR LOVED ONES AT HOME LET “SPECIAL CARE OF MINNESOTA” SHOW YOU HOW PCA’s & Home Healthcare Workers We provide state licensed, supervised, dedicated, reliable, well-educated workers. Enjoy the comforts of your home with a companion from our well-trained workers. Live-ins available. Short or long-term. On Call 24 Hours, 7 days a week.
Phone: 763-572-0149
INDEPENDENCE CROSSROADS, INC. Serving people with disabilities since 1976. In-Home Counseling
Community Support Groups
Information & Referral
Advocacy
Public Education
NO FEE REQUIRED www.independencecrossroads.org 8932 Old Cedar Ave. So., Bloomington, MN 55425 Office (952) 854-8004 Fax (952) 854-7842
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
April 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 SERVICES FOR HIRE
FOR SALE
Farrar Writing & Editing: Specializing in disability, medical, and environmental writing and editing for nonprofits, businesses, and individuals—15+ years experience. (952) 472-6874; http: //www2.bitstream.net/farcor
89 Ford full-sized van. Liftequipped, floor cut down, power doors, 6-way power seats, low miles, dual tanks, fully-loaded, excellent condition. $8500. 612-378-5246 or 612-978-2487 (cell).
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. Contact: J. Schatzlein 952881-2129 or 651-215-2216.
Holmes-Greenway Housing: One and two bedroom apartments designed for physically handicapped persons. Convenient SE Minneapolis location. Call (612) 378-0331 for availability information. Equal Opportunity Housing.
MISCELLANEOUS
PROGRAM ASSISTANT
STATISTICAL ASSISTANT/RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Access To Employment
Employment ads are $14 per col. inch; April 30 is the deadline for the May 10 issue. Mail to: ACCESS PRESS • 1821 University Ave. • #104S • St. Paul, MN 55104• FAX 651-644-2136 • E-mail: access@mninter.net LEGAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT - PT & FT Are you looking for an exciting, new opportunity this spring? Apply now! Faegre & Benson LLP, a leading Minnesota law firm, has openings—one full-time day and one part-time evening (3:45-9:45 p.m., Mon.-Fri.)— for legal administrative assistants in its CorporateFinance practice group. These positions offer interesting and fast paced opportunities in a professional work environment. Ideal candidates will have at least 3 years legal secretarial experience or a strong administrative background; excellent organizational and communication skills; proficient word processing skills; keyboarding at 60+ wpm; and a teamoriented, flexible work style. Faegre & Benson LLP offers competitive wages and an excellent benefits package, including a discounted bus program-Metropass. For additional information about the Firm or to apply for this position, visit our web site at www.faegre.com. Please send resume, salary history, and shift preference to Human Resources at: 2200 Wells Fargo Center, 90 S. 7th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402. Fax: 612-766-1763. Email: HR@faegre.com. EOE
Central Community Housing Trust (CCHT), a nationally-recognized, nonprofit provider of quality affordable bousing is seeking bright, passionate and flexible people to join our team. MANAGER, ASSET MANAGEMENT Responsibilities: Managing a department that oversees the contracted property management companies who meet our objective to maintain and preserve quality affordable housing; budget preparation and on-going analysis of financials; compliance reporting to our funders, particularly for subsidized housing; capital planning; funding research and grant writing. Qualifications: Five+ years of education or experience in property management/real estate; excellent computer skills; strong financial analysis; and communication skills. You should be self-directed, detail-oriented and excel at problem solving.
“Words of Love” is a CD by Snoopi Botten, a musician with cerebral palsy who Human Resources writes and performs inspiraEmployment tional songs using a synthetic CCHT speech system. To order, call 1625 Park Avenue (612) 872-7233 or visit Minneapolis, MN 55404 Seward Square Apartments: Snoopi’s website at http:// E-Mail: ccht@ccht.org We are currently accepting hometown.aol.com/dectalk/ Fax: 612-341-4208 applications for our waiting myhomepage/index.html. list at Seward Square ApartPeople of color and people ments in Minneapolis. Seward with disabilities are strongly Square is barrier-free housing encouraged to apply. EO and is federally subsidized. For an application, please call LANDSCAPE (612) 338-2680. Equal OpFAEGRE & BENSON LLP ARCHITECTURE/ portunity Housing. SITE ENGINEERING LANDSCAPE TECHNICIAN ARCHITECT
Human service organization has an immediate opening for a part-time evening and weekend position assisting adults with epilepsy living in semiindependent apartments in the Cedar Riverside area. High school diploma and one year of Human Service experience required, B.S. degree, medical cert. training, and understanding of traumatic brain injuries and mental illness desired. Good communication skills a plus.
AGS, a leading publisher of tests and instructional materials, seeks two assistants for transcribing, coding/scoring, data entry, and checking accuracy of data. Experience in data entry; strong communication and numerical skills required. Some basic statistics/math knowledge, keyboard speed and accuracy desirable. Please check us on the web at www.agsnet.com.
Landscape Architect wanted to prepare site and urban design plans within a creative, team-oriented studio. Requires a degree in landscape architecture from an accredited school and 1-3 years experience with strong CAD and freehand graphics skills. Excellent verbal and written skills a must.
CAD technician wanted to assist in the preparation of landscape architecture and site engineering plans. Must have a 2-year technical degree in computer-aided drafting and a background in either landscape architecture or civil engineering. Strong communication and teamwork skills required.
SRF Consulting Group, Inc. is SRF Consulting Group, Inc. is a fast growing, locally owned, a fast growing, locally owned, and well-established land- and well-established landscape architect, planning and scape architect, planning and engineering firm. In addition engineering firm. In addition to varied and exciting work in to varied and exciting work in Interested applicants may for- a positive atmosphere, SRF a positive atmosphere, SRF Please indicate Job Code ward resume and salary his- offers competitive salary and offers competitive salary and #AP0408 on resume. tory to: benefits, 401(k) & profit benefits, 401(k) & profit AGS-JH sharing. Send your resume to sharing. Send your resume to www.peopleincorporated.org 4201 Woodland Road SRF Consulting Group, Inc., SRF Consulting Group, Inc., Circle Pines, MN 55014 One Carlson Pkwy. N., One Carlson Pkwy. N., Send resume to: fax to 651-287-7225 or #150, Plymouth, MN 55447; #150, Plymouth, MN 55447; email to jobs @agsnet.com. fax to 763-475-2429, or e- fax to 763-475-2429, or ePEOPLE mail to hr@srfconsulting. mail to hr@srfconsulting. INCORPORATED EOE com; EOE. com; EOE. Attn: Human Resources 317 York Avenue TEACHERS - SUMMER MN CERTIFIED St. Paul, MN 55101 June 17 thru August 23 • $15.40/hr Fax 651-774-0606 EEO/AA
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Various schedules. Team plan, implement & evaluate project-based learning activities. Students mostly 14-16 years old in school/work prog. MN teaching license & exper with diverse populations required. Apply in person at LNB, 1925 Nicollet Ave, Mpls, Mon-Th, 94 p.m. Agency application required. Deadline: 4 p.m., 4/12 (or until filled). EOE
HARDWARE SPECIALIST Faegre & Benson, LLP, a leading law firm, has a new opportunity in our downtown Mpls. office. As a Hardware Specialist in our Information Services department, you will inventory, setup, install, troubleshoot, maintain and repair all end-user computer equipment, including desktop PCs, laptops, printers, A/V and videoconference equipment. Candidates should have completed a minimum of a certification program in microcomputer systems or two years of post-high school education and have two years experience working on computer hardware. Prior experience with PCs and laptops in a Windows environment, network hardware and interface cards, printers, presentation devices, audio/visual and videoconferencing equipment, Microsoft Office (especially PowerPoint), Ghost, and other diagnostic software and hardware is desirable. Must have the physical capability to consistently lift 50-90 lbs. without assistance.
MARKETING MANAGER Faegre & Benson, a leading Minnesota law firm, has an exciting opportunity in our award-winning Marketing Department. Reporting to our Director of Marketing and Public Relations, this newlycreated position will be responsible for managing the Firm’s external sponsorships, managing our library of legal practice descriptions and working with lawyers to develop new practice materials, and providing support for group and individual targeted marketing activities. You will also have an opportunity to edit and develop written material for the Firm’s publication, Trends, as well as our web site and media relations program. Our ideal candidate will have a B.A. degree in Marketing, Communications, English or related field, 3-5 years experience in marketing, a thorough understanding of marketing principles (preferably in a professional services environment), excellent business and technical writing skills and attention to detail. We offer a professional work environment, competitive wages and excellent benefits. For additional information about the Firm or to apply for this position, visit our web site at www.faegre.com or send resume and salary history to:
Faegre & Benson LLP offers a professional work environment, competitive wages and an excellent benefits package, including a discounted bus program-Metropass. For more information about Faegre Benson or to apply on-line, visit our website www.faegre. com. You may also send your FAEGRE & BENSON LLP resume and salary history to Human Resources Faegre & Benson LLP, 2200 Wells Fargo Center ATTN: Human Resources, 90 S. 7th Street 2200 Wells Fargo Center, Minneapolis, MN 55402. 90 South Seventh Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402. Fax: 612-766-1763 Fax: 612-766-2763. Email: Email: HR@faegre.com. HR@ faegre.com. EOE EOE FAEGRE & BENSON
FAEGRE & BENSON LLP
Ramsey County Ramsey County invites you to join us in building a better community through public service in the following fields: • • • • • • • •
Administrative, Management and Technical Services Building and Facility Services Clerical and Secretarial Services Community and Social Services Court, Legal and Law Enforcement Services Property Records/Revenue Services Public Works and Transportation Services Parks and Recreation Services Contact our Job Hotline for a recorded list of current job openings at:
(651) 266-2666 Ramsey County Human Resource Dept. 430 RCGC West 50 West Kellogg Boulevard Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102 (651) 266-2700 or (651) 266-2728 (TDD) You may also view a list of current job openings and other useful Information, or download application materials, on internet at: www.co.ramsey.mn.us
April 10, 2002
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-------------------–------------------------------------- IN HONOR----------------------------------------------------Anne Henry by Karen Adamson • Cecelia Bilbrey-Baer by Patrick J. Bilbrey • Charlie Smith by Tom & Mimi Fogarty • Charlie by Fern Rogstad • Jaehn Clare by Candice Warne Kyle by Joe & JoAnn Zwack • College of Saint Catherine’s Occupational Therapy Masters Program by Steven Anderson • U of M Occupational Therapy Education Program by Erica Stern -------------------–------------------------------------- IN MEMORY----------------------------------------------------Charlie Smith by Anita Boucher & Jeff Bangsberg • Grandma & Grandpa Laughlin, Shamma & Frank Haas, & Fred Benjamin Jr. by Phyllis & Fred Benjamin III Bill & Renee Smith by Becky J. Bugbee-Tong • Troy Fahlenkamp & Valerie Birosh by David Dreier • Mabel Heuer by Dawn Doering • Charlie Smith by Lee Ann Erickson Bill Smith by Joe & Peg Figliuzzi • Charlie Smith by Andrew Groven • John Hardy by Martha Hardy • Miss Irene MacKaloney by Roger Hoffman Charlie Smith by Barbara Kane • Ruth Riggs by Corbin Kidder • Charlie Smith by Tracy Kochendorfer • Charlie Smith, our cousin, by Henry Pattridge & family 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 • Bob Brick • Pete Feigal • Anita Ho • Sister Jo Lambert • Steve Miles • Lynda Milne • Jeni Mundl • Deb Olson • John Schatzlein • Jon Skaalen John Tschida • Joel Ulland • Disability Health Options Committee Members • Disability Law Center • Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities St. Paul Social Security PASS Cadre
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