May 2002 Edition - Access Press

May 10, 2002

Inside ■ Grant Conference — p. 3 ■ Outstate Reports — p. 6

Sports — Page 7

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“He who has done his best for his own time has lived for all times.”

—Johann von Schiller

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

Volume 13, Number 5

SOURCES

RESOURCES

May 10, 2002

WHEELCHAIR-ACCESSIBLE TAXICABS

by Tim Benjamin

F

or many in the disability community, being spontaneous on a Friday night used to mean having a pizza delivered rather than eating the frozen one out of the refrigerator. Calling a friend and making impromptu “plans” was not an option.

Now it can be, because there is an alternative to calling 24 hours ahead of time to plan a ride for every occasion: wheelchair-accessible taxis.

Thanks to years of advocacy by many dedicated members of the disability community, county commissioners, and state legislators, spontaneity can play a larger role in the lives of people with disabilities.

History In 1976, the Metro Transit Commission (MTC) initiated para-transit services for persons with disabilities in Minneapolis. By 1986, the program had grown to cover 980 square miles of the St. Paul/Minneapolis metropoli-

tan area. By that time the program was no longer being run by the MTC—it had been decentralized and preapproved contractors were providing the service.

The program cost had increased from 1.7 million to 5.6 million. In 1993, Metro Mobility collapsed due to a lack of experienced drivers and unreliability of ride arrivals. The governor called in the National Guard to keep the buses running.

A New Era On April 10th at Courage Center, our new option was unveiled: 12 brand-new minivans pulled into the parking lot and dropped off wheelchair users. Ted Mondale, Metropolitan Council Chairman and overseer of Metro Mobility, was introduced by Eric Stevens, CEO of Courage Center, to cut the ribbon for this new fleet. Mondale said, “We’re very proud to be part of this.

It will make a huge difference

in the disability community.”

Several other dignitaries and advocates echoed these sentiments.

These vans will operate as regular taxicabs but fulfill all ADA regulations and are fully equipped for occupancy by one wheelchair user and 4 to 6 companions.

Consumers will have access to these vans anytime at regular taxicab rates: $2.00 base fare and $1.60 per mile, with no added fees. A customer will be able to call and expect a taxi within two hours—and most times much sooner. There are about 30 more vans from three different cab companies—Rainbow Taxi, Yellow Taxi (see ad on page 2), and Airport Taxi—that will soon hit the streets.

Metro Mobility Enhancements In 2001, the Metro Mobility fleet was increased by approximately 10 percent and

incentives were put in place to increase the benefit for private vendors such as the three taxi companies mentioned above. The state has increased funding by 11 percent for the 2002-2003 biennium for Metro Mobility. The new cabs will also enhance Metro Mobility services. If an eligible user is denied services or a Metro Mobility vehicle is not available, he or she can request a

voucher that will allow reimbursement for up to $16 of the taxi ride.

This means more flexibility for Metro Mobility, which will improve their ability to provide more scheduled transportation. The largest percentage of Metro Mobility trips are for medical appointments; going to work ranks second.

With this new option, maybe going to work

will move up into the first place spot. In turn, working can improve quality of life, increase tax revenue, and maybe break down some of the stereotypes of people with disabilities not being productive citizens. We all know having reliable transportation can be the key to finding and maintaining a good job. And we’ve just made a big step in that direction. ■

To Clone Or Not To Clone

by John Tschida

S

hould the cloning of human embryos to aid in the development of medical therapies be permitted? For two leading stem cell researchers, Dr. Catherine Verfaillie and Dr. Austin Smith, the answer is an emphatic “yes.” Verfaillie, director of the University of Minnesota Stem Cell Institute, and Smith, director of the Centre for Genome Research at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, addressed this and other controversial subjects during a recent speech at the University of Minnesota.

Smith acknowledged that cloning is a hot-button issue, but called the furor “more emotional than logical,” noting there is often a failure to distinguish between therapeutic and reproductive cloning. While he called the latter “irresponsible,” many countries in Europe are moving toward the production of embryonic stem cells for therapeutic purposes. The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to ban both types of cloning. President Bush has indicated he would sign the proposal should it reach his desk. “Scientists

have always been accused of playing God,” Smith said, adding that the job of science is to use the natural world to improve people’s lives. “We don’t want to clone Saddam Hussein. We want to help sick people.”

Recent discoveries in the area of stem cell research have brought much attention to the U of M. Verfaillie and her colleagues announced last year that adult stem cells have demonstrated the potential to differentiate into other types of cells. “Your discovery will fundamentally

change the way people think about this subject,” Smith said. “Adult stem cells are not as restrictive as we thought.” The goal with both embryonic and adult cells is to purify or “coach” them into becoming other types of cells. Neural cells would be ideal, said Smith.

“We are nowhere near where we need to be” for clinical application, he said. “We need purification technology” to target the cells for development. “The challenges are not insignificant, but they are approachable.”

Ironically, little attention has been paid to another source of stem cells that faces no limits or prohibitions: aborted fetuses between 8-12 weeks gestation. Dr. Carol Tauer, senior scholar at the Minnesota Center for Health Care Ethics, said virtually no public debate has occurred in this area. “Much of the energy has been focused on the creation and destruction of embryos for research purposes,” she said. Last August, President Bush limited the use of federal funds for embryonic stem cell research to the 64 lines of

cells that have already been developed.

Pro-life organizations and politicians have seized on Verfaillie’s adult stem cell discovery to say there is no need to focus on embryonic research. Both Verfaillie and Smith said it was too early to limit any efforts in this budding field. Both agree that embryonic cells must be compared to adult stem cells and studied. “It is too early to cry victory for one type of cell,” Verfaillie said. She is now recruiting two embryStem Cells - cont. on p. 8

May 10, 2002

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issue, attended a lecture at the U of M given by two renowned scholars in stem cell research. On the front page, Tschida offers Access Press readers a report on the lecture: the professors’ views, the government’s view, and a few of his own insights. There are still questions that have no answers and there are still ethical issues that may never be resolved.

Tim Benjamin Editor

W

hat a month! We have had blistering 90-degree weather, days in the 70s that were ripe for barbecuing, several snowstorms in which more than a couple inches of snow accumulated, and lightning storms. Our legislators and

governor are still in a quandary over how to settle our budget crisis. Only in Minnesota!

The stem cell research debate continues. On March 26, John Tschida, trying to further his own knowledge of the

visits, movies, the theater, restaurants, sports events, the fair, the zoo. And now, with reliable transportation, real paying jobs will be much more accessible to many more people. How will all of these new environments accommodate people with disabilities with money?

When the disability community is allowed to earn and spend money, then the nondisabled community will recognize our Accessible taxicabs have hit assets and make things more the streets of St. Paul and disability-friendly.

Minneapolis. Think of the doors that will be opened, and A letter to the editor concernthe money that will be spent, ing civil rights was sent in this when the disability commu- month by Kathy Hagen, an nity has a real ability to be attorney from The Disability spontaneous: dating, mall Law Center. Hagen explains

the case of a deaf individual who was denied an ASL interpreter by a neurosurgeon.

When he filed a complaint, the Minneapolis Civil Rights Department and Civil Rights Commission dropped the ball.

Hagen has some good ideas about how to prevent such failures in the future. It’s a very interesting case—well worth reading.

the 2002 Paralympic Winter Games in Utah. Goaltender Manuel Guerra, from Minnesota, earned the tournament’s Most Valuable Goalie award. Access Press takes a closer look at these incredible accomplishments on page 7.

We confess that we have missed a couple of months of outstate reports. To redeem ourselves, we’ve included two this month on page 6. One is from the north and the other is from the south.

Deb Sunderman, a Paralympic wheelchair basketball player and coach from Minnesota has won an Ann Bancroft Award. These are given to women who overcome obstacles and act as role models. April marked the first anniAlso, the U.S. Sledge Hockey versary of Charlie’s death.

Team won the Gold Medal at We all miss him. ■

People First Of Minnesota Is Building Strength

by Christen Opsal

P

eople First of Minnesota, a statewide self-advocacy organization, received a $40,000 grant from the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities earlier this year.

The grassroots organization, started in 1991, supports selfadvocacy groups statewide (that are led locally by people with developmental disabilities), hosts conferences and meetings on the topic of selfadvocacy, and collaborates with other organizations to carry out these activities.

This new grant will allow People First of Minnesota to continue to expand, educate, and collaborate—and strengthen itself as an independent organization.

Over the past eleven years, People First of Minnesota has helped to found more than 20 local self-advocacy groups around the state, in such places as New Ulm, Willmar, and the Chisago Lakes area.

Today—in addition to supporting these groups by providing them with information on issues of current interest to people with developmental disabilities and ways to structure an effective self-advocacy group—the organization sponsors statewide and regional conferences to encourage collaboration among the many local self-advocacy groups. Regional self-advocacy meetings, which are new for the organization, will allow People First of Minne-

sota to encourage local selfadvocacy groups to take action to make their communities better places to live for people with developmental or other disabilities.

In all of its activities, People First of Minnesota collaborates with organizations that share its mission of supporting people with developmental disabilities to take greater control of their lives and have a stronger voice in their communities. Such collaborators include Arc Minnesota, local Arc chapters, provider organizations such as MBW Company of New Ulm, the Research and Training Center on Community Living at the University of Minnesota, and

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Advocating Change Together workshop participants will (ACT). learn about the meaning of self-advocacy, the larger selfPeople First of Minnesota advocacy movement, and how intends to use their new grant to create positive change on a money in the following ways: local level using a group advocacy model. ImmediInitiating Groups ately after each workshop, Where They Don’t Exist People First of Minnesota will follow up with particiAs part of this new grant, pants to provide the material representatives from People and technical assistance necFirst of Minnesota and ACT essary to start and sustain selfwill co-teach ACT’s Com- advocacy groups in their mon Vision leadership devel- communities. This support opment curriculum at work- will include teaching the shops to be held this summer groups how to find funding, in Hibbing and Thief River recruit members, and hold Falls.

These sites were effective meetings. chosen since they are located in areas of Minnesota where Providing Public self-advocacy groups don’t Speaking Opportunities currently exist. In the past, People First of Minnesota has People with developmental worked with ACT to sponsor disabilities are often in the self-advocacy events on is- best position to share ideas sues of interest to people with about self-advocacy and leaddisabilities, such as ACT”s ership with their peers and “Remembering with Dignity” others. As the second activity campaign. of this grant, People First of Minnesota will develop mateThrough the Common Vision rials to help persons with curriculum and other training developmental disabilities in materials to be developed, presenting their personal per-

THE MINNESOTA STATE COUNCIL ON DISABILITY

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.

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spectives on leadership, recruiting persons interested in doing such presentations, and arranging public speaking opportunities at self-advocacy conferences and regional meetings. The materials to be developed will help speakers to cultivate effective public speaking skills, and encourage them to talk about leadership in the context of a group advocacy model focused on creating positive change for persons with disabilities at a community level.

Collaborating with Other Organizations Finally, members of the Board of Directors of People First of Minnesota will work to create relationships with at least five cross-disability and/ or cross-cultural organizations that have the capacity to support people with developmental disabilities to gain a stronger voice in the community. Building these relationships may include board members sharing information with other organizations, attending events, or initiating work on collaborative projects to address issues of common interest. In building these relationships, People First of Minnesota is interested in crossing cultural and other barriers to reach persons with developmental and other disabilities who have not yet been involved in the selfadvocacy movement.

Any questions and/or thoughts?

Contact John Smith of People First of Minnesota at (612) 624-0219 or smith144@umn.edu. ■ Christen Opsal is an Editorial Assistant at the Institute on Community Integration, University of Minnesota.

May 10, 2002

Systems Change Grant Conference

by Karen Pederson

I

n an ongoing effort to have Minnesotans with disabilities involved in ensuring the quality of services they receive, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) asked two consumers to attend the second annual Systems Change Grant Conference sponsored by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). In late March, Mike Chevrette, Lolly Lijewski, and I represented Minnesota at the conference in Baltimore, Maryland. The grants, totaling $3.2 million, were awarded to Minnesota in October and are being administered by the DHS Community Quality Initiatives (CQI) team who will create a consumer-driven quality assurance system and will pilot a program that will increase consumer-driven personal care assistance services.

Lolly Lijewski, a proponent for people with disabilities for over 20 years who currently serves as the Advocacy Manager at the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living, was asked to attend the conference due to the significant role she plays in supporting systems change for people with disabilities.

As a consumer who is blind, Lijewski experiences the challenges of transportation and housing issues firsthand. She also played a key role in providing input to CQI in the development of the systems change grants.

Mike Chevrette, who became a quadriplegic as a result of a diving accident in 1979, uses personal assistance services and was asked to attend conference sessions related to consumer-driven personal assistance services. In addition, he is the director of Access for All, a nonprofit organization focusing on publishing an

accessibility travel guide for from, conference sessions can people with disabilities. be found at http://www. conwal.com/CMS. The conference “Fulfilling the Promise of Community Chevrette expressed his apLiving” brought together over preciation for the opportunity 500 participants from 40 to attend the conference and states and Guam for two full brought back a significant days of sessions and work- amount of information relatshops highlighting federal ing to personal assistance policies and innovative pro- services. Lijewski said, “I grams implemented by states was honored to be asked to for creating community living attend the conference on for people of all ages living behalf of the CQI at DHS. It with disabilities. The opening was a good experience and I plenary session speaker was came out with lots of valuable Bobby Silverstein from the information. I learned that Center for the Study and while Minnesota has a long Advancement of Disability way to go where affordable Policy. Silverstein set the accessible housing is contone for the conference by cerned, there is much support presenting an emerging dis- through advocacy networks in ability policy framework to other states to help Minnesota support community-based sys- advocates move the issues tems change initiatives. The forward.” goals of the new disability framework included equality My conference experience of opportunity, full participa- was enhanced through the tion, independent living, and roundtable discussion groups economic self-sufficiency. which provided opportunities for networking with others HHS Deputy Secretary Claude who are working on similar Allen announced that his topics. In addition, it was a department had just delivered valuable experience to attend to President Bush the report the conference with Chevrette “Delivering on the Promise: and Lijewski. We spent a lot Compilation of Individual of time disFederal Agency Reports of cussing the inActions to Eliminate Barriers formation from and Promote Community Liv- the conference, ing.” The report outlines which gave me more than 400 specific solu- insights about tions that nine federal agen- the importance cies can implement to support of bringing tocommunity living for people gether conwith disabilities and is a part sumers, policyof the larger New Freedom makers and Initiative to reduce barriers to other stakecommunity integration for holders to learn people with disabilities. from each other. AccomConcurrent conference work- p a n y i n g shop sessions were held on Lijewski and a variety of topics includ- Chevrette was ing housing, employment, also a good quality assurance, assistive lesson about technology, and support for the challenges family caregivers. A com- of traveling plete listing of, and materials Conference - cont. on p. 9

Letter To The Editor I have sent the following letter made for Matejka for 1/14/00 to Mayor Rybak as well as at Ahlberg’s downtown Minother Minneapolis officials. neapolis office, Metropolitan Neurosurgery. Between 12/ I am an attorney with a focus 30/99 and 1/4/00, Matejka in the practice of law involv- called Ahlberg’s office at ing persons with disabilities least three times indicating facing discrimination. I also that he would need an ASL spent one year as a commis- interpreter for the appointsioner on the Minneapolis ment to evaluate whether or Civil Rights Commission not he would need brain (MCRC). I know that the surgery. On all three occaemployees of the Civil Rights sions, Ahlberg’s office told Department (MCRD) and the him that they did not provide commissioners who serve are interpreters and that people hard-working, well-inten- who needed them usually tioned people who believe in provided their own or brought protecting Minneapolis resi- a family member. Beyond dents.

I know that the that, they would write things commissioners, particularly, down for him. Matejka was worked very hard for little unwilling to accept this arcompensation to make the rangement, and his HMO city a better place. However, I scheduled an appointment was surprised and disap- with another neurosurgeon, pointed regarding the follow- where he got an interpreter ing recent decision made by (without any questions asked) the MCRC. and where he, fortunately, learned he would not need Allen Matejka is deaf and surgery. uses ASL interpreters for communication. At age 38, Matejka filed a charge with he had a seizure for the first the MCRD in March, 2000. time in his life on 12/20/99. In October, 2000, the MCRD After running tests, the emer- found Probable Cause to gency room physician spoke believe that he had been with Dr. Daniel Ahlberg, the discriminated against by neurosurgeon on call, who Ahlberg’s clinic. After atrecommended that Matejka tempting conciliation, the be placed on medications and MCRD referred the case to be evaluated at Ahlberg’s the MCRC for a hearing. In office. An appointment was October, 2001, the Respon-

dent (Ahlberg) asked the MCRC to dismiss the case, arguing that the Minneapolis Ordinance did not provide an affirmative obligation to the Respondent to provide reasonable accommodation, including interpreters for the Complainant. The MCRC agreed and dismissed the case arguing that Minneapolis “lacked jurisdiction” to decide the issue because “reasonable accommodation” was not covered in the public accommodations provisions of the Ordinance. The notice of dismissal sent to Matejka did not explain that he had 45 days to appeal this determination to the Court of Appeals.

By the time Matejka came to my office, that time period had passed, and he had no further legal recourse regarding this matter.

Matejka waited for two years for justice from the MCRD and MCRC, and ultimately did not get it. I find it alarming that even one commissioner, not to mention possibly the whole MCRC, finds that a respondent public accommodation has no affirmative obligation to provide an interpreter. While the public accommodations provisions in the Ordinance are Letter - cont. on p. 10

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May 10, 2002

Mental Illness/Brain Disorders

Disability Culture

Holy Relics

The Fight For Nursing Home Alternatives

by Pete Feigal

I

have a small, burnt-wood pirate’s chest that I got when I was about ten. In my younger days, it was where I used to put all my “treasures.”

Last year, I rediscovered it— buried in a storage box. It hadn’t been seen or thought about for 22 years. When I wiped the dust off and opened its metal clasp, I felt like Indiana Jones discovering the Ark of the Covenant.

Inside were little things that I had saved during my adolescence and early adulthood: agates, small fossils, foreign coins.

A wristwatch I received from my parents for my confirmation. An Arapaho arrowhead that I’d found in Colorado on a family vacation; an arrowhead, that as I later found out, had been planted by my dad. A photo of my grandma and grandpa, both gone on now. Tiny miniature sports cars, playing pieces to a racing game I had played with over and over again. A Hot Wheels “Boss Hoss” Mustang, all chrome and black, that I had sent Mattel two dollars for—a fortune at eleven. A long correspondence from my dad, who seldom writes letters, telling me how much he had enjoyed a play that I had been in at UMD. A tiger’s eye ring in the shape of a knight, a gift from a girl I had known in the hospital. The shattered valve

cover from the wreck of my population 2200—to politely friend Greg’s motorcycle. get away. The communication, probably plus the ten, Precious treasures, artifacts endeared me to him; or maybe from other times and places. he was just lonely. He told me Pieces of this complex puzzle about his life and about God. that’s me. Many emotions and memories came back He’d been caught in an when I held these wonderful artillery barrage in France in things. They opened dusty ‘44 while on patrol, and was old doors to other reminis- left for dead in a field. He cences. Playing tag on the hill came to in the night and with childhood friends, my crawled back to the American huge sandbox, site of many a lines, forever shaken. In heroic dirt-clod battle. I WWI, it was called shell remembered the stuffed toy shock, and in WWII, it was dog I loved, called “Poochie,” battle fatigue—or “lack of a toy that I threw away in my moral fiber,” as the Brits twenties while in a terrible, called it.

Post-traumatic self-destructive depression. stress is what we call it now.

And my real dog, “Josie,” a Even though he had been black and white spaniel I shipped back to the States, he loved, who would walk me to never made it home. He the end of my driveway every stayed in veterans’ hospitals school day at 8:00, and wait for the next 30 years. A part of there for me until 3:30. him never got out of that Sometimes, even after thirty- French field. two years, I still look for her when I come home.

Now he was on the streets of Duluth. When we parted, he The least-treasured item in the gave me a little gold cross that very back of the box was a he said was a holy relic, tiny, cheap-metal cross that an valuable beyond price—and old man had given me. Jimmy to be nice, I humored the was a mentally ill homeless wacky old guy, and thanked man that I met in Duluth when him for it. I threw it into the I was attending college there back of that box, and it had in ‘76. I gave him ten bucks, lain there forgotten for the and he talked to me for about next twenty-six years. forty minutes. This was my first personal contact with a Last fall, I spent a week on the street person and it took that North Shore giving mental long for me, a young guy from health workshops. On some Pine Island, Minnesota— downtime, I visited the UMD theater where I had been a drama student, browsed at a bookstore, and spent an hour on the shore watching the lake.

Honoring and Naming

Remembering With Dignity has events planned in Cambridge and St. Peter. The presentations and ceremonies are to bring the community together for a memorial and to reflect on the need for people with disabilities to direct the changes necessary to make society more accessible and inclusive.

In Cambridge: Keynote address by Pete Feigal; Tuesday, May 21, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.; at location to be announced. Cemetery dedication, placing of named markers, and planting of flowers; Wednesday, May 22, Noon – 1:00 p.m.; State Cemetery, Cambridge.

In St. Peter: Cemetery dedication, placing of named markers; Friday, May 24, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.; St. Peter Regional Treatment Center. Performance of “Rodonna’s Story” by People First of New Ulm; May 24, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Church of St. Peter.

It is the goal of the Dignity Project to organize people with disabilities to ensure full integration in community life and to prevent a return to institutionalization.

All the events are free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Jim at Remembering With Dignity 651-641-0297 or rwd@selfadvocacy.org

ORGANIZE WITH US!

Sitting on the familiar old rocks brought back many more memories and I thought of Jimmy and his cross again.

He’d told me that the reason the cross was so precious was because God had touched it, making it a holy relic. He told me that the reason he was no longer in the VA hospital was because he wanted to be in nature again, to feel the sun Relics - cont. on p. 8

by John Tschida

W

hen Robert Frost wrote “home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in,” I don’t think he had nursing homes in mind. But for close to 3,000 Minnesotans with disabilities, under the age of 65, home is a nursing home—and a lack of community housing options and supports have led them there.

The nursing home has long been the tar baby of housing for the disabled: Get too close and you just might get stuck.

Getting away from a nursing home is difficult, and often requires the assistance of many others in order to pry loose from its clutches. Historically, the greater your reliance on others for activities of daily living, the greater the likelihood you called an institutional setting home.

Today in Minnesota, a majority of nursing home residents with disabilities, under 65, have mental health issues, mobility impairments, or both—and lack familial support. Nearly half have never married. Another 25 percent are divorced. The absence of a support system and the restrictive living situation are not coincidental.

But the restrictive nature of the housing environment shouldn’t increase with the needs of the individual with a disability. This old-world “continuum” model of housing says those with mild disabilities live more independently. Those with severe disabilities don’t. This is exactly what the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1999 Olmstead decision sought to end.

The state of Minnesota knows this and has done good things to aid in the community integration effort. The Department of Human Services

wants 1,300 individuals with disabilities out of nursing homes by 2004, and they’ve initiated and passed legislation to help make it happen. A $600,000 grant received by the Minnesota Association of Centers for Independent Living will support this effort.

als with disabilities should be limited because of one’s limited economic resources.

For those requiring significant assistance for personal needs, and without family members to help, “the costs of meeting such extensive needs may mean that sufficient public support is available Minnesota is not alone in only in settings such as facing this challenge. Forty assisted living facilities or states have assembled official nursing homes,” he said. plans in response to the Olmstead decision, according This flies in the face of the to a recently released report supportive housing model by the National Conference of endorsed by the disability State Legislatures.

Most community and the U.S. states cited a lack of afford- Supreme Court. This model, able and accessible housing outlined beautifully in a as a major barrier to serving recent report by the Center for more people in the commu- Healthcare Strategies, brings nity. services to the individual in a community setting. It enThe good news is that housing dorses scattered site apfor the non-elderly disability proaches: small housing units community is being incorpo- integrated into the commurated into high-level state nity—in contrast to the highpolicy discussions addressing rise apartment approach. It’s long-term care needs. The about empowering individufuture costs for these services als of all disabilities to are astronomical and the state improve quality of life, rather and federal government pick than placing categories of up a majority of the tab. This individuals within prescribed has the attention of policy- settings based on their level of makers in Washington, which dependence. should concern everyone in the disability community.

What the supportive housing philosophy can’t do on its David Walker, Comptroller own is battle the supply side General of the United States, problem of affordable houstold a U.S. Senate panel ing with services. For this, we March 21 that spending on need the integrated efforts of long-term care totaled $137 advocates, private interests, billion in the year 2000. In and the buy-in of multiple constant dollars (today’s state agencies. Those funding value/before inflation), it is housing projects need to expected to quadruple by better understand the current 2050. He also said that the programs aiding those who cost of caring for the average are poor and disabled. Those senior in a nursing home is funding human services profour times greater than those grams and services for the receiving paid care at home. disabled need to better underThis is a good plug for the stand the current barriers and cost-effectiveness of the com- disincentives for increasing munity integration philoso- the stock of accessible and phy. affordable housing with supports. Section 8 vouchers But Walker also asked if the alone at the federal level housing choices of individu- Culture - cont. on p. 8

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May 10, 2002

Spirituality and Disability

5

Assistive Technology Adds Fun To Summer

Remember Me: An Easter Blessing

by Jeni Mundl

by Linda Larson

I

was at Simpsonwood Retreat Center in Atlanta, Georgia, right before Holy Week. I can’t think of a better place to reflect on whom the “me” in “Remember Me” is.

We remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This is one “me.”

gious leadership among persons with disabilities. “If the theology doesn’t work for disability, it won’t work elsewhere,” stated Reverend Nancy Eiesland, the keynote speaker from the Chandler School of Theology, Emory University. We begin by claiming disability as an outcome of living. Reverend Eiesland went on to say that all of us must “also then claim the whole canopy of disability. There must all be an authority of disability voice.

Our first efforts must be in listening to the calls for justice from persons with disabilities.” Any time believers gather together, it is another “me” in “Remember Me.”

This was a gathering of persons I am privileged to call friends. It was the annual meeting of the National Council of Churches (NCC) Committee on Disabilities. These friends are another “me” to remember. After September 11, we had to postpone this meeting and reconvene months later.

Therefore, another “me” is all those who died on September 11, including those who died because they could not get out due to a disability.

Addressing PovertyAnd now there is yet another Related Disability “me”: those who became disabled on September 11.

Reverend Eiesland brought up the needs and concerns of Our committee’s mission was impoverished countries. This to address these goals: ex- was a true “aha” moment for panding the ecumenical table me and for our committee. I (to ensure that all are wel- now see clearly that to address come), addressing poverty- the issues above is to address related disability, making ac- poverty. Reverend Eiesland commodations, and fighting also spoke of disability as a discrimination. To begin any global concern.

From religious work with integrity, U.N.E.S.C.O. comes the staone must first pray for tistic that 90% of children guidance and then listen even with disabilities die before when it is painful. We began age 21. 91% of children with by having a safe place to share mental disabilities die before personal stories and celebra- age 5. Malnutrition in the tions. Out of this, we were Sudan—not because of crop able to focus on answering failure, but as a tool of war— needs. disables 100 million people a year. Land mines in AfghaniExpanding the stan exist in the ratio of 1 mine Ecumenical Table per 2 people or 110 million mines. In Angola, there are We worshiped together, mod- 1.5 mines per person, and in eling the belief that any who Egypt, 23 million mines. ask are welcomed.

We 1,200 persons are disabled focused on inclusive worship weekly due to land mines. All and growing together in faith. of these individuals are part of There is a need to be the “me” in “Remember Me.” intentional in nurturing reli-

Making Accommodations In the United States, the Committee on Disability is asking the entire NCC to ensure that all housing done by the NCC and Habitat for Humanity has universal design. The Committee on Disability will also have a position paper calling for a commitment from Christian employers to hire qualified persons with disabilities. Making such improvements is another way to remember.

A

switch-operated squirt gun. Beach wheelchairs.

Adapted water skis. What do summer, creativity, and a little bit of assistive technology (AT) add up to? A lot of fun!

When you hear the phrase “assistive technology” you probably think first of big, expensive, news-making devices—like a computer that talks or a wheelchair that climbs stairs. But any toy can become an AT device through a switch and a simple battery adapter. Switches come in Fighting Discrimination many types and can be worked using any movement: Our committee is made up of a nod of the head, the touch of people from racially different a finger, the blink of an eye, backgrounds. We also met and even a breath. with a diverse group of individuals from the Atlanta By the Water and In It area. We plan to expand our membership to be even more In Minnesota, summer and inclusive by extending an water sports are a natural invitation to a persons who combo. Did you know that are from varied cultures and many beaches now offer who reflect a range of special wheelchairs that make disabilities.

Here is yet it easier to cross the sand? another “me” in “Remember There are also adaptive sailMe.” Promoting diversity ing devices (such as harmeans being able to be open nesses, special supports for to a variety of views and to holding the helm, life preservfind value in everyone’s ers, and boat lifts), water skis presence. We must allow you sit on, special paddles for ourselves to speak the truth kayaking, and beach balls that and to agree to disagree. beep. And the next time someone tells you to go fly a According to Reverend kite, go right ahead! There Eiesland, this means “to be are devices—ground latches, willing to struggle together, special holding devices, autoand to do things wrong; to matic string reels—available teach one another and use to make this breezy activity failure as a learning experi- possible for people of difference. Owning the struggle, ent abilities. not peace, is what it means to be together.” ■ Sports Linda Larson is the representative for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on the National Council of Churches Committee on Disabilities.

Many people with disabilities can enjoy a hand cycle or twoperson bicycle. So join your friends and family the next time they go on a bike ride.

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ogy features such as beeping softballs, summer sports are no longer off limits if you have physical limitations.

Learn a new sport or join a team through your local school district, organizations like Courage Center, and other groups. You might discover a new hobby or sport you’ll come to love for a lifetime.

Camping Camping is another summer activity available to people with disabilities. Campers and RVs can be adapted with ramps or motorized lifts.

Several state and national parks have designated camping sites for accessibility, which may include extra pavement, a larger area, and wheelchair-accessible picnic tables. The national parks also offer a Golden Pass, giving free entrance into any park. Most destinations will offer a written guide on accessibility. For example, when you enter the park, the person in the booth has special maps showing wheel-

chair-accessible paths and buildings, the grade of the terrain, and special car access not normally available to able-bodied visitors. There may also be accessible transportation vehicles for tours.

If you are a nature lover, don’t forget that many organizations offer camping sessions for children and adults with physical disabilities.

For example, Courage Center’s camps in Maple Lake and near Lake Itasca offer specialty sessions, such as College Preview Camp and Augmentative Communications Camp. Other organizations, such as the MS Society, also offer sessions where campers of all ages can meet new friends and enjoy the great outdoors.

The bottom line: Technology is fun! Try out some of these ideas and enjoy the summer.

After all, winter isn’t far away. ■ Jeni Mundl is the Assistive Technology Specialist at Courage Center.

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May 10, 2002

Access North: An Internet Community

by Jon Kauppi

M

ore than 13 years ago, The Center for Independent Living of Northeastern Minnesota (CILNM) opened its doors to serve people with disabilities, their families, and the communities in which they live. Our recently developed Internet community is probably the most ambitious program that we have undertaken since we opened our doors.

The major barrier to us in providing services is, of course, funding. It costs money to staff the center and to allow for travel over the 24% of the state of Minnesota that we cover. We are hopeful that funding will come from increases in state and federal funding to CILs since there is no substitute for face-to-face interaction in service provision. In the meantime, we are determined to be proactive and to not have more people waiting for service than is absolutely unavoidable. Access North is an Internet community designed to utilize technology to take the

transportation barriers out of our service delivery and allow us to reach people with disabilities whom we have, until now, been unable to reach.

CILNM services are available to consumers with Internet access who visit the Access North website (www.access north.net) and click on “Internet Community.” There consumers find support groups, an e-mail exchange, a connection to peer support partners, and the provision of technical support.

These services provide advocacy and information to people with disabilities and their families enabling them to access assistive technology and other services to enhance their lives. Disability chat communities are being established, with specific chat rooms as requested by the patrons of the Internet community. Some chat rooms may be for adaptation information and advocacy assistance—or they may be disNorth - cont. on p. 8

Southeastern MN Center For Independent Living

by Jeff Vert

T

he Southeastern Minnesota Center for Independent Living (SEMCIL), based in Rochester, was founded in 1981.

We serve eleven counties in the southeastern section of Minnesota. Our agency is comprised of three entities: Personal Care Assistance Services, United Home Healthcare Choices, Inc., and Independent Living Services.

CILs exist to promote and encourage independence among individuals with disabilities. We do that by providing four core services to our consumers. These are: peer support, advocacy, independent living skills training, and information and referral.

One of our most effective methods of offering independent living services is through workshops. Over the past several years we have offered a variety of workshops, such as: •Grief Therapy •Stress Management •Self-Esteem •Cooking and Nutrition •Exercise •Social Security Benefits and Work Incentives

The main objective in scheduling our workshops is always to educate our consumers and provide them with the tools to increase their independence.

For example, Social Security staff person Jim Czechowicz has led workshops regarding work incentives such as the PASS plan, which teaches consumers how to access funding for items like an accessible van or computer software that will help facilitate their employment. Our staff worked with local mental health professionals to present strategies to cope with emotional issues; one of our workshops focused on the realization that many individuals with disabilities have not gone through the grieving process in relation to their illness or disability. We also have invited professionals from the Mayo Clinic to provide occupational/physical therapy in-services to our consumers.

There are very tangible outcomes that we have witnessed after offering these workshops. People have left with new knowledge and skills and

have applied them to improve their lives. Our consumers have written PASS plans, signed up for MA-EPD (Medical Assistance for Employed People with Disabilities), found employment, and worked their way to independence.

In general, we have discovered that there are many benefits to providing Independent Living Training sessions in a group setting. For example, we have found that individuals with disabilities often serve as positive role models and support for each other when they meet as a group. When we held our exercise class for individuals with disabilities, we found that some were inspired to exercise because they saw one of their peers, who had less mobility, exercising. In our cooking class, one of our consumers has very limited movement in her hands and had been extremely reluctant to try to increase her independence. Through the encouragement of her peers in the cooking workshop, she has been participating

and is learning new skills.

Another benefit I see coming from our workshops is that some of our offerings are scheduled in the greater community. This is a benefit in two ways.

First, it integrates people with disabilities into the larger community. When we schedule an exercise class at the YMCA, our consumers not only get the opportunity to exercise, but they might also be inspired to take advantage of other services the facility offers. The second benefit is that community workshops encourage disability awareness in the public. I believe the more that we integrate individuals with disabilities into the community, the easier it will be to influence public opinion regarding issues important to the disability community. ■ Jeff Vert is an Independent Living Coordinator at SEMCIL and can be reached by phone, 507-285-3932, or via e-mail, jeffv@semcil.org.

What if you could coordinate all of your health care and support services with a single source? Now you can. UCare Complete is designed by and for people with disabilities. It connects you with health coordinators who can help you with dentist appointments, doctor visits, home-based services and more. You can take advantage of UCare Complete if: you're a person with a physical disability, are eligible for Medical Assistance with or without Medicare, live in Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka or Dakota Counties and are between 18 and 64. For a free information packet call 612-676-3500 or toll free 1-877-523-1518. Hearing Impaired 612-676-6810 or toll free 1-800-688-2534. Or visit our web site at ucare.org.

Health care that starts with you.

May 10, 2002

Sunderman Is 2002 Ann Bancroft Award Winner

7

Hockey News

by Luke Pedersen

by Gail Shore

O

n April 24, Deb Sunderman was recognized for her leadership and achievement at the sixth annual Ann Bancroft Awards honoring girls and women for their accomplishments and support of others. Sunderman has been recognized locally, nationally, and internationally for her work on the basketball court. However, her influence reaches far beyond her personal success in wheelchair basketball. Her dedication to excellence has paved the way for hundreds of women with disabilities, allowing them to achieve goals they had only dreamt about.

As a teacher, she has also used her experience and positive attitude to impact hundreds of elementary students in the Prior Lake/Savage School District.

While in grade school, Sunderman began to experience problems with her hip, limiting her participation in the sports she enjoyed and in which she excelled. By the age of 13, her hip degeneration had become severe enough to warrant major corrective surgery. Despite her physical limitations, she persevered throughout high school, even helping take her basketball team to the state championships in 1975.

Sunderman went on to play for Mankato State University, but after two seasons, the pain and further hip degeneration became too severe for her to continue. She was devastated when her doctors told her to give up basketball and take up piano.

changed in 1986 when she was introduced to wheelchair basketball, an emerging sport that was an option for her because she could no longer play in the traditional way.

Because she was an accomplished, talented, and competitive athlete, she caught on quickly and began to set goals: to be the best at her new sport and to play on the USA Paralympic team.

Sunderman joined the Courage Center’s Rolling Gophers and soon became the leading scorer. More importantly, she used her basketball experience to teach team members to work toward their personal best on the court.

Her determination set the standard for all the members of the team. Sunderman’s leadership helped the team win several national championships. Her enthusiasm to share wheelchair basketball with other disabled women helped her team develop into one of the largest and most successful programs in the country. It wasn’t long before her teammates asked her to coach as well as play.

The team changed its name to the Rolling Timberwolves. In 1988, only two years after beginning to play wheelchair basketball, Sunderman led the team to what would be the first of many appearances on the medal podium. That year the team took the Gold Medal at the Paralympics in Seoul, South Korea. Then came the Gold Medal at the 1990 World Championships in France, and the Silver Medal at the 1992 Paralympics in While Sunderman’s disability Barcelona, Spain. does not require her to use a wheelchair in all aspects of Following these achievements, her daily life, she is limited to Sunderman set a new goal for what she can do physically, herself: to become the first especially in sports. Her life woman to coach an interna-

tional women’s wheelchair basketball team. At the 1994 World Championships in England, as assistant coach, she helped lead the team to the Silver Medal. In 1996, Sunderman became the first woman to serve as head coach of a U.S. women’s team; they won the Bronze Medal at the Paralympics in Atlanta. She reached her goal in 1998 and became the first woman to coach an international wheelchair basketball team, winning the Silver Medal at the World Championships in Australia.

Sunderman is a role model on and off the court as a great player and mentor, but also as a woman who is fully employed—a challenge facing many persons with disabilities. Her awards have not just come from her victories on the court. She has been named Teacher of the Year (three times) at Five Hawks Elementary School and has received the Elementary Teacher of the Year award in the Prior Lake/Savage School District.

Sunderman has received the Wilma Rudolph Courage Award from the March of Dimes. She has also been honored by Mankato State University with its Humanitarian Award and was inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

Whether she is in the classroom or on the court, Sunderman has motivated adults and kids alike to look beyond adversity and face their challenges head on. By her example, she encourages them to reach for their dreams, work hard, and never give up. ■

Team USA Wins First Sledge Hockey Gold

On March 15 at the VIII Paralympic Winter Games, with a record crowd of 8,317 in attendance at the E-Center (Utah), the 2002 U.S. Sledge Hockey team made history by winning its first Gold Medal.

Team USA played a hardfought game against Norway, the defending 1998 Paralympic champions. This was the first medal game ever for Team USA. They were expected to end up in the 5th place game, but outscored their opponents 22 to 3 to finish the preliminary rounds with a perfect 5-0 record—as the only undefeated team in Guerra was named the the tournament. tournament’s Most Valuable Goalie and was also named to “I believed we could win the the All-Star Team. Guerra Gold. I had no doubt we stopped 58 of 62 shots in 5 could do it, but it would take games.

Sylvester Flis several things to fall in place,” (Franklin Park, IL) was named said Team USA goaltender the tournament’s Most ValuManuel Guerra (Plymouth, able Defensive Player and MN). “I knew going in we was also named to the were a much better team than tournament’s All-Star Team, seeded 6th and I felt the as left defenseman. [hump] we needed to get over was Norway’s experience and “I’ve been in a shoot-out size.” many times before; of course, never in one of this magniTeam USA outshot Norway tude,” said Guerra. “I really 12 to 2 but only led 2-1 after didn’t have time to think the first period. Team USA’s about it until it was all over.

Matt Coppens scored 0:12 We joked about it not coming into the second period. Nor- to this, as the Bronze Medal way answered right back by game did, but that’s hockey.” scoring in less than a minute.

The remaining 14 minutes of For more Paralympic coverthe second period proved to age and results visit: www. paralympics2002.com.

women. They exemplify the spirit of explorer and educator—Ann Bancroft—whose leadership, and personal and historic achievements, have inspired all people to take on new challenges. For more The Ann Bancroft Awards information on the awards, celebrate and encourage the call (763) 541-9363 or visit achievements of girls and www.annbancroftfoundation.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.

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be a defensive battle, ending with Team USA leading 3-2.

Norway tied the score at 2:46 in the third period. Neither team was able to put home the game-clinching goal and regulation time expired with a 3-3 tie. After a scoreless ten minute overtime, the game went to penalty shots. When the smoke cleared Team USA had scored 3 of 5 shots and Guerra had stopped 3 of 5 shots. Team USA won by the official score of 4-3, receiving the decisive point for having won on penalty shots. Joe Howard (Brockton, MA), Team USA’s captain, was awarded game MVP honors.

New EWHA Season Begins In May, the Minnesota Division of the United States Electric Wheelchair Hockey Association (U.S. EWHA), will begin its sixth regular season. Five teams, including the newly formed Hibbing Rolling Rangers, will com-

pete for the state PowerHockey™ title. Twotime defending champions, the Blaze, will look to go for their third straight title.

PowerHockey™ is specifically for persons requiring the use of an electric (power) wheelchair during daily life.

Power wheelchair users have commonly been excluded from competitive sports because most people believe they are just too physically weak.

PowerHockey™ proves them wrong. Games are played Saturday afternoons at the Courage Center gymnasium in Golden Valley, Minnesota. If you enjoy sports, PowerHockey™ is a great opportunity to be a part of a team and experience competitive/recreational athletics.

A major goal of the U.S. EWHA is to help leagues such as the Minnesota Division develop throughout the country. Volunteers serve an important role in helping these leagues prosper. Local leagues need volunteer referees, goal judges, stats keepers, and general helpers. If you are interested in volunteering or playing in the Minnesota Division, please contact the U.S. EWHA by phone, 763-535-4736, or by e-mail: info@powerhockey. com. ■

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May 10, 2002

RELICS - STEM CELLS - Cont. from p. 1 Cont. from p. 4

onic stem cell researchers to the Stem Cell and the wind. He told me that Institute at the U of M. God had made those things, too.

What does this mean for the disability commuAnd looking at Lake Superior nity? Stem cell research and the sky and the rocks, holds tremendous promremembering all of these ise to check the progress wonderful and terrible things of and potentially reand people that my life had verse the effects of been graced with, I lifted my many diseases and Pepsi to toast the sunny slopes chronic conditions. The of long ago. ethical implications of both the methods and It was then that I suddenly application of the rerealized what “wacky” old search have been called Jimmy had been trying to tell as boundless as the me: the cross he gave me was potential for clinical touched by grace, it was a improvements. holy relic. Since everything had come from God’s hands— Among the first to the sun, the wind, the lake, my benefit from the redogs, my dad, Jimmy’s search will be those cross—then everything was with Parkinson’s disprecious, everything was holy ease, said Smith, who and valuable beyond price. predicts we are five to The entire world was a relic. 10 years away from clinical trials. Since the I took off my shoes and threw condition stems from a spethem into the waves, so that I cific gene abnormality, its might not walk shod on holy therapeutic solution is more ground. ■ easily identifiable. Diabetes, on the other hand, is more complicated, resulting in mulPlease patronize your tiple challenges to the body’s Access Press Advertisers immunological system.

— and tell them where Treatments for ALS will be you heard about them.

They bring you your paper. similarly difficult. Other “single gene” diseases, such

CULTURE - Cont. from p. 4 sion when public dollars are tight. But until we tackle this as a community with the same energy we have brought to work incentive programs and consumer directed health care, our success will be limited.

And the thousands of working age people with disabilities The challenges are great, still in nursing homes? They particularly in times of reces- are waiting for us to act. ■ won’t do it. Neither will increased Group Residential Housing dollars from state policy-makers. We need an integrated approach that is more comprehensive and more accountable than the current fragmented system.

NORTH - Cont. from p. 6 community went on-line in early 2001 and continues to grow; feedback indicates the site is accessed locally, across the nation, and around the globe. For example, CILNM staff has provided information and referral services to individuals and service proA tremendous number of viders in numerous states, the local resources—such as United Kingdom, and the county government, state Ukraine—to mention a few. workforce centers, local housing authorities, and many Please visit www.accessnorth. nonprofit organizations serv- net and let CILNM staff know ing people with disabilities— how we can improve our site are available on the Internet to to better meet your needs. family members, caregivers, The CILNM main office is in and service providers. The Hibbing; the phone number is coordination, collaboration, 218-262-6675 Voice/TTY. and sharing of resources The branch office is in enables the users to better Duluth; the phone number is participate in their communi- 218-726-4896 Voice/TTY. ■ ties and connect to others— Jon Kauppi is the Community preventing social isolation.

Education Coordinator at the The Access North Internet CILNM in Hibbing. ability-specific, dealing with such topics as fibromyalgia, chronic pain, spinal cord injury, brain injury, and so on.

Some chat rooms exist solely for socializing. Others will be created as the need arises or as requested.

as hemophilia, will also see efforts,” Smith said, “but benefits early on, said Smith. quality of life will be improved…not just for the While neither directly ad- affected individual, but for dressed the disability commu- the family and other supportnity in their comments, Smith ers as well.” ■ was asked if stem cell research could lead us to a John Tschida is the Senior therapeutic fountain of youth. Director of Public Affairs and “People will not live forever Research at Courage Center. or stop aging as a result of my

Congratulations

TIM BENJAMIN Thank you for 12 issues of

We also appreciate the contributions of the past year’s staff: Jeff Nygaard, Nathan Halvorson, Donna McNamara, and Laurie Eckblad Anderson Kudos from: Accessible Space, ACT, Arc Minnesota, Jeff Bangsberg, Tom Brick, Rick Cardenas, Catholic Charities – Office for Disabilities, NAMI – MN, Remembering with Dignity, David Shea, and Mark Sherman

May 10, 2002

9

Accessible Performances

IN BRIEF . . . .

Employment Services For The Deaf

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.

A demonstration project at interpreter and captioning usually be accommodated three Minnesota WorkForce Centers—Brainerd, St. Cloud, and Rochester—is improving access to employment-related services for people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Video Remote Interpreting and Captioning connects these consumers with sign language

service providers from an established pool in the Twin Cities metro area. Consumers can take advantage of this technology by scheduling a job interview or other appointment at one of these WorkForce Centers. Walk-in requests for such services can

within eight to 24 hours.

For more info, contact Rubin Latz: 651-297-8269 voice; 651-296-9141 tty; 651-2975159 fax; rubin.latz@state. mn.us.

Courage Center Seeks Award Nominations The annual Phillips award prize. This award is spon- neur and business leader, who honors the contributions of individuals with disabilities who have achieved financial and vocational independence through employment. Winners are honored for their professional success, leadership skills, and their contributions to their community— and receive a $1,500 cash

sored by the Rose and Jay had a spinal cord injury.

Phillips Family Foundation.

Both awards will be presented The annual Judd Jacobson at the 2002 Celebration of award recognizes the ventures Courage Gala this fall. Please of entrepreneurs with disabili- contact Tom Kelley at 763ties and carries a substantial 520-0675 for a nomination financial prize. The award’s form. Applications are due namesake and benefactor was August 1. a very successful entrepre-

May Is Mental Health Month Become a Mental Health Volunteer with Hennepin County. The time commitment involves sharing a simple activity for a couple of hours

every other week. Help a person cope with mental illness by offering compassion, understanding, and friendship.

For more info, contact Jackie Connolly at 612-348-2875 or Jackie.Connolly@co.hennepin. mn.us.

Wings Wheel-A-Thon Wings, a ministry of and for The event will take place at To volunteer, participate, or adults with physical disabili- Lake Harriet in Minneapolis make a donation, contact ties, is holding its 14th annual on Saturday, June 8 between Mark or Maynard at 612-86610:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

0462, ext. 130.

Walk and Roll Fund-raiser.

CONFERENCE - Cont. from p. 3 with a disability. Our experiences included locating a veterinarian for a sick guide dog and taking four different modes of transportation in one afternoon!

In addition to sponsoring Chevrette and Lijewski’s attendance at the conference, CQI has involved consumers and other stakeholders since the very beginning of the grant-writing process. The

CQI steering committee recently met to recommend members for a Quality Design Commission that is part of the Real Choice Systems Change Grant. CQI is in the process of making the final selections.

Work groups will also be convened on the topics of: consumer-driven personal care assistance, information referral and assistance, and assistive technology. The commission will consist of 15

stakeholders, at least eight of whom will be consumers.

These commission members will be involved in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of quality assurance processes at the Department of Human Services. ■ Karen Pederson is the Evaluation Coordinator with Community Quality Initiatives at the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

Diamond Hill Townhomes We are currently accepting applications for our waiting list at Diamond Hill Townhomes, a great property located near the Mpls. International Airport.

We have two and three bedroom townhomes that are HUD subsidized and rent is 30% of the total household's adjusted gross income.

We have a large number of mobility impaired accessible units and we are scheduling appointments for persons in need of a mobility impaired accessible unit immediately.

To schedule an appointment please call (612) 726-9341

The BI Show: An Exhibi- • Landscapes AD Sun., 6/2 at tion of Sexuality and Race; 1:00.

5/10-25; ASL 5/15 & 5/22, • Los Pleneros ASL Sun., 6/2 7:30; AD 5/15, 7:30; Pillsbury at 3:30.

House Theatre; Mpls.; 612- • Chinese Golden Dragon 825-0459, *$7 tickets to Acrobats; AD Sun., 6/2 at ASL/AD patrons.

4:00.

• World Parties; ASL Sat., The Men of Out Loud! and 6/1 & Sun., 6/2.

Their Friends Are… Misbehavin’; ASL Sat., 5/ The Blue Room; 4/19-6/16; 18, 8:00; TC Gay Men’s AD Thurs., 6/6, 7:30; Jungle Chorus at Ted Mann Concert Theater; Mpls.; 612-822Hall; Mpls.; 612-624-2345, 7063; www.jungletheater. info: 612-339-7664; www. com. tcgmc.org.

Silver Follies 2002; runs Flint Hills International 5/29-6/9; ASL/AD Sun., 6/9, Children’s Festival; 6/1-6/2; 2:00; Fargo-Moorhead ComOrdway Center for the Per- munity Theatre; 701-235forming Arts; St. Paul; 651- 6778; www.fmct.org.

224-4222, TTY, 651-2823100; www.ordway.org.

Rumors; runs 6/6-16; ASL • Martha; ASL Sun., 6/2 at Sun., 6/9, 2:00; Paramount 12:30; AD Sat., 6/1 at 11:30 Theatre; St. Cloud; 320-259a.m.

5463; www.paramount • Wimp, ASL Sun., 6/2 at arts.org or www.cmct.org.

2:30; AD Sat., 6/1 at 1:00.

• Dreaming Beauty, ASL The Nuns; runs 5/15-6/30; Sun., 6/2 at 2:00; AD Sat., AD Sun., 6/16, 7:00; Theatre 6/1 at 3:00. de la Jeune Lune; Mpls.; 612• Circo Comedia, AD Sun., 333-6200; www.jeunelune.

6/2 at 11:00 a.m. org.

Visiting Mr. Green; runs 6/5-7/6; ASL/AD Sat., 6/22, 8:00; Park Square Theatre; St. Paul; 651-291-7005; www. parksquaretheatre.org.

Anything Goes; 6/11-30; AD/ASL Sat., 6/29, 2:00; Ordway Center for the Performing Arts; St. Paul; 651224-4222, TTY 651-2823100; www.ordway.org.

The King and I; runs 6/2130; ASL Sat., 6/29, 7:00; Staring Lake Amphitheater; Eden Prairie; 952-949-8453, TTY 952-949-8399.

Oliver!; runs 6/21-30; ASL Sun., 6/30, 2:00; Osseo Senior High School; 763-3912787; www.crossplayers.org.

The Importance of Being Earnest; runs 5/31-6/30; AD Sun., 6/30, 2:00; Theatre in the Round; Mpls.; 612-3333010; www.theatreinthe round.org. ■ For updates by phone, call VSA arts of Minnesota at 612-332-3888 or statewide 800-801-3883 (voice/TTY).

10

May 10, 2002

LETTER - Cont. from p. 3 extremely weak and do not specifically mention “reasonable accommodation,” I believe that a commissioner could have argued that denying Matejka an interpreter specifically discriminated against him and made it impossible to get services.

If the MCRC is truly convinced that the public accommodations provisions of the Ordinance do not require affirmative provision of access of services, then I think the MCRD and MCRC should take the following steps.

1. The MCRD should either: accept no more disability discrimination charges involving public accommodation where lack of access or lack of reasonable accommodation is being alleged, or should advise persons filing charges with them if there are differences in remedy between what the local commission and what other laws can offer. All local commissions, including the MCRD and MCRC, already have this obligation as set out in the Minnesota Human Rights Act at Minnesota Statutes Section 363.116.

Therefore, in cases such as Matejka’s, the MCRD should be referring people to the state Human Rights Department (HRD) and to the Department of Justice, and advising people that they have a right to seek private legal counsel.

2. The MCRD and MCRC should dismiss all pending charges in that area as

Classifieds

“lacking jurisdiction to inoffice could have attempted vestigate” before the time to get payment for that Reach 11,000 Active, Interested Readers with ACCESS PRESS Classifieds. runs out for complainants service from the deaf to file a charge with the person’s insurer, the doctor $8 up to 20 words, 35¢/word thereafter. Must be prepaid.

HRD. Complainants may could not make the person Mail with check to: not file charges concurpay extra, including an rently with the MCRD and interpreter fee, to get his ACCESS PRESS, 1821 University Ave W, #104S, St. Paul, MN 55104, the HRD. If the MCRD (651) 644-2133 services. This would be dismisses a charge as “No true even if the interpreter’s Holmes-Greenway Housing: Exceptional Property for MISCELLANEOUS Probable Cause to Believe services cost more than the Custom built Discrimination Occurred,” fee. In this case, it is very “Words of Love” is a CD by One and two bedroom apart- $394,000. a complainant cannot refile unlikely that the Snoopi Botten, a musician ments designed for physically handicap accessible home! the charge with the HRD. interpreter’s fee would have with cerebral palsy who handicapped persons. Conve- 6.91 acres, pole building, But if a charge is dismissed come near what the doctor writes and performs inspira- nient SE Minneapolis loca- 3100 sq. foot rambler! Bowithin one year of the time received as payment for his tional songs using a synthetic tion. Call (612) 378-0331 for nus: seller to leave stair elespeech system. To order, call availability information. Equal vator ramp! 1-800-808-1613, the event occurred, and services. ext. 32245, or 763-856-4194.

(612) 872-7233 or visit Opportunity Housing.

Minneapolis claims it “lacked jurisdiction to in- 4. The MCRC should include Snoopi’s website at http:// vestigate,” the HRD of the language in their dismissal hometown.aol.com/dectalk/ Seward Square Apartments: Home with elevator, comWe are currently accepting pletely handicap accessible. state would accept the reminding parties that dis- myhomepage/index.html. applications for our waiting Built in 1992 with 4 BRs, 3 charge and investigate it. In missals can be appealed to list at Seward Square Apart- baths, elevator to all 3 levels, FOR RENT Matejka’s case, if the charge the Court of Appeals within 33XX E. 25th St. Minneapo- ments in Minneapolis. Seward walk-out basement to private had been dismissed prior to 45 days. lis. Especially for wheelchair. Square is barrier-free housing backyard located on a quiet, 1/4/01, exactly one year from the last day he tried to 5. The MCRD and the MCRC 1 level, 1 bedroom house. and is federally subsidized. wooded cul-de-sac in Lino get Ahlberg to provide an should seek to amend the $700+utilities. Available May For an application, please call Lakes bordering on White (612) 338-2680. Equal Op- Bear Lake. Close to freeway interpreter, he could have Civil Rights Ordinance to 1st. 320-543-3636. access. $259,900. Mike portunity Housing. filed his charge with the include stronger language Burth (612) 812-0965 or HRD. regarding the protections in Lewis Park Apartments: www.mikeburth.com. Real REAL ESTATE general for persons with Barrier free housing with 3. When the MCRD and disabilities, but particularly wheelchair user in mind. Brainerd home with wheel- Estate Masters MCRC dismissed such in the public accommoda- Section 8 subsidized. One- chair ramp—3 BR/2 BA in and two bedroom units. For great neighborhood near charges as “lacking juristions provisions. more information on avail- parks. Many extra features diction” they should include an admonition that, 6. Finally, I believe that the ability call (651) 488-9923. including hot tub. $119,000. had the Complainant sought MCRD and MCRC should St. Paul, MN Equal Opportu- 218-829-7979. relief under state or federal receive frequent training on nity Housing. laws, the Respondent might disability issues in the law have been found liable for and concerns of persons monetary and injunctive with disabilities. damages. This would alert the Respondent that he I hope that the city of should look at his policies Minneapolis takes this issue before getting more com- seriously and works on reDisabled & Proud, It’s Not An Oxymoron plaints or lawsuits. State solving problems which curand federal law both present rently exist for persons with May 14: Guest TBA - Light Rail strong case law requiring a disabilities.

May 21: Dennis Bartlett - Freedom Box (Internet Access) public accommodation to June 4: Katheryn Bakke - Pianist and Artist of the Month provide an interpreter. Sincerely, While under state and Kathleen R. Hagen federal laws the doctor’s Staff Attorney KFAI • Every Tues. • 7:30 p.m. • 106.7 FM — St. Paul • 90.3 FM — Mpls MN Disability Law Center

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May 10, 2002

CIVIL ENGINEERING FIELD TECHNICIANS

Access To Employment Employment ads are $14 per col. inch; May 31 is the deadline for the June 10 issue.

Mail to: ACCESS PRESS • 1821 University Ave. • #104S • St. Paul, MN 55104• FAX 651-644-2136 • E-mail: access@mninter.net RECEPTIONIST/ CLERICAL Fast-paced, customer focused Diversity consulting and products company seeking reliable, skilled receptionist. Duties include: operating a multiline telephone system; providing general clerical skills, overall office support.

Require six months related experience and skills in Microsoft Office environment.

Convenient neardowntown location. Hours are 8:00-5:00 M-F. Resumes must be in before May 22, 2002. To submit a resume, send fax/email to: Human Resources ProGroup, Inc Fax: 612-379-7048 Email: jobs@progroupinc.com No calls please.

ADA Event

F

rom recent Supreme Court decisions to individual lawsuits, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has changed in form from the original law passed nearly 12 years ago. Many people with disabilities are familiar with the rights guaranteed to them under the ADA, but few understand the responsibilities that go with it.

To educate people about ADA changes and their responsibilities in maintaining this law, fourteen disability organizations from across the state of Minnesota are sponsoring a conference. “Rights and Responsibilities Under the ADA” will be held on Friday, July 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Sullivan School and Communications Center at 3100 East 28th Street in Minneapolis. The conference will feature nationally renowned speakers: Judy Heumann, former Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services, and John Wodatch, Director of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. The event also features morning and afternoon workshops on topics such as Filing an Action, Starting Work, Using Personal Care Assistants, and Self-Advocacy Skills.

Admission to the conference is free, but registration is required. For more information, contact ADA-MN at 651-603-2015. ■

DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE

Development

EVENING PROJECT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

HENNEPIN COUNTY COMPAS, Community Pro- LIBRARY FOUNDATION We are seeking a highly selfgrams in the Arts, the state’s EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR motivated Project Support premier community art orgaSpecialist to work from 12:00 nization, has an immediate The Library Foundation of p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with an opening for an organized, Hennepin County, a growing energized team of individuals energetic individual to join presence on the local Twin supporting 750 users on a MS Cities philanthropic scene, Windows 2000 network. This our development team. seeks a dynamic individual to position offers an opportunity build on a growing reputation to work on leading edge Responsibilities: Fund-raising from individuals for excellence. The Found- technology including W2K and small businesses, data- ation’s purpose is to provide server, SMS, IIS, Windows base management, volunteer additional financial support to 2000 Professional, MS Office and donor event planning, one of the area’s most heavily Suites, Intranets and videopublic speaking, administra- used educational/cultural in- conferencing. You will contive support for workplace stitutions. Position reports to tribute to all of these areas, the Library Director and with the primary focus on giving campaigns. serves as the principal staff supporting end users. We are liaison to the Board of the seeking individuals highly Qualifications: Excellent written and verbal Library Foundation. Major knowledgeable in PC hardskills, word processing and assignments within the first ware and software usage, database management experi- year will include: hands-on installation, configuration and ence, development or market- fund-raising activities; devel- troubleshooting; and intering experience, volunteer co- opment of annual, planned ested in advancing their ordinating, ability to work giving and membership cam- career and working in a effectively and cooperatively paigns; research to determine dynamic environment. We with a wide variety of people. the feasibility of creating a support education for multimillion dollar endow- Microsoft certification and 30 hrs./wk., good benefits, ment for library materials; are interested in candidates salary range: $20,500 - general coordination of an art either already on that track or $24,000. Complete job de- initiative in multiple loca- who have completed their scription available 651-292- tions, designed to bring public MSCE certification. Two to art into library spaces; and three years experience is 3249. other special projects. The required along with a 4-year Send cover ltr. & resume by Foundation’s Executive Di- degree in computer science or rector has access to the full related discipline. Experi6/3/02 to: range of organizational sup- ence with SMS administraLynne Beck port available in one of the tion and Windows Scripting COMPAS nation’s premier public li- Host is highly desirable. This 304 Landmark Center braries (public information position also participates in a 75 West 5th St. unit, programming office, a weekend on-call rotation St. Paul, MN 55102 corps of dedicated volunteers, schedule.

SENIOR STRUCTURAL etc.)

We offer a professional enviENGINEER The nationally recognized ronment, competitive wages Structural Engineer wanted to Hennepin County Library and an excellent benefits design and prepare construc- serves approximately 735,000 package, including a distion plans for bridge and residents of suburban Minne- counted bus program parking structure projects. apolis through 26 locations, a Metropass. For more inforThe ideal candidate will have comprehensive Web site mation about Faegre & Benson a B.S. in Civil Engineering (www.hclib.org), and an ex- or two apply on-line, visit our with a structural emphasis, 3- tensive network of outreach website www.faegre.com.

6 years direct experience, and services. The Library has a You may also send your a PE license in Minnesota or workforce of over 600 (480 resume and salary history to the ability to attain one. FTEs) and an annual operat- Faegre & Benson LLP, Project management and Auto ing budget in excess of $34 ATTN: Human Resources, 2200 Wells Fargo Center, CAD/Microstation experience million.

90 South Seventh Street, preferred. Excellent commuPosition requires a graduate Minneapolis, MN 55402. nication skills a must. degree and 4 years of experi- Fax: 612-766-1763. Email: SRF Consulting Group, Inc. is ence or an undergraduate HR@ faegre.com EOE a locally owned and well- degree and 5 years of at least established civil engineering, mid-level experience in a transportation and planning medium to large development firm. In addition to varied and office with direct fund-raising exciting work in a positive experience. The salary range atmosphere, SRF offers com- is $51,756-$76,524 annually. petitive salary and benefits, INTERIM EXECUTIVE 401(k) & profit sharing. If Please apply online at http:// DIRECTOR you are looking for a career www.co.hennepin.mn.us/jobs/ with strong growth potential jobs.htm. Applications will This position at Disability in one of ENR’s Top 500 be accepted through June 3, Awareness Ministries, Inc. design firms, send your re- 2002. For further information is a PT temp position from sume to SRF Consulting contact Sandra Thoma 952- 7/1/02-12/31/02. Application Group, Inc., One Carlson 847-8591, sandra.thoma deadline is 5/20/02.

Pkwy. N., #150, Plymouth, @co.hennepin.mn.us or Tom MN 55447; fax to 763-475- O’Neill 952-847-8596, tom For more info contact: Rev. 2429, or email to hr@ .o’neill@co.hennepin.mn.us. Suzanne Mades, Exec. Dir.; srfconsulting.com; EOE. 952-431-6240; smades@ AN AFFIRMATIVE qwest.net.

ACTION/ EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

11

ACADEMIC ADVISOR Metropolitan State invites applications for an academic advisor in the College of Professional Studies for psychology, human services, and pre-social work students.

Qualifications: bachelor’s degree; three years of higher education experience in academic support or student services (a master’s degree may substitute for two years’ experience); knowledge of the practices and procedures regarding student advising and retention; understanding of general education requirements; demonstrated experience in serving a diverse student body; excellent communication skills and computer literacy skills. Application deadline is May 20. For complete description of position and qualifications, go to http://db.metrostate.edu/ jobs.asp or call (651) 7727707, TTY users (651) 7727687. AA/EEO

PSYCHOLOGIST/ SOCIAL WORKER South Central Human Relations Center, a well established comprehensive community mental health center, is accepting resumes for the position of therapist with our clinic staff. Applicants must have a minimum of a master’s degree and licensure as an L.I.C.S.W., L.P., or L.M.F.T. Work in a dynamic growing community with easy access to the metro area. Send resume to Personnel Director, South Central Human Relations Center, Inc., 610 Florence Avenue, Owatonna, MN 55060. EEO/AA

SRF Consulting Group, Inc. has the following full-time permanent positions open in our In-Construction Services Group: SURVEY CREW CHIEF Crew Chief wanted to lead two and three person survey crews for right of way, design and in-construction surveys for highway/municipal/roadway projects. Two-year civil technology degree and 5 plus years supervisory experience in construction surveying required.

SURVEY TECHNICIAN Entry-level survey technician needed to act as second person on two and three person crews. Duties include right of way, design and inconstruction surveys for highway/municipal/roadway projects. Must have a twoyear degree in civil technology.

CONSTRUCTION INSPECTOR Construction Inspector wanted for construction observation.

The ideal candidate will have 2-5 years experience in observation and documentation of roadway & utility construction, good communication and organized record keeping skills. Mn/DOT Certification a plus.

We are a locally owned and well-established civil engineering, transportation and planning firm. In addition to varied and exciting work in a positive atmosphere, SRF offers competitive salary and benefits, 401(k) & profit sharing. Send your resume to SRF Consulting Group, Inc., One Carlson Pkwy. N., #150, Plymouth, MN 55447; fax to 763-475-2429, or email to hr@srfconsulting. com; EOE.

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

May 10, 2002

12

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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

Pete Feigal

-------------------–------------------------------------- IN KIND (time & services)----------------------------------------------------• Kathy Hagen • Jon Kauppi • Linda Larson • Craig McClellan • Lynda Milne • Jeni Mundl • Deb Olson • Christen Opsal • Luke Pedersen • Karen Pederson John Schatzlein • Gail Shore • Jon Skaalen • John Tschida • Jeff Vert • Disability Health Options Committee Members • Disability Law Center Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities • St. Paul Social Security PASS Cadre

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