June 10, 2002
Inside ■ Check Out This Library — p. 2 ■ Remembering With Dignity — p. 3 ■ Pack Your Value — p. 4
Prescription Drug Program — Page 3
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“From each, according to his ability; to each, according to his need.”
—Karl Marx
Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Mpls. MN Permit No. 4766
Volume 13, Number 6
SOURCES
RESOURCES
June 10, 2002
LEGISLATIVE SESSION 2002 “THE VERY SUCCESSFUL UNSUCCESSFUL YEAR” by Donna McNamara
M
ADA Rights & Responsibilities Conference D
isability advocates Judy Heumann and John Wodatch will be the featured speakers at the upcoming “Rights & Responsibilities Under the ADA and More” conference. This free, oneday seminar is being sponsored by a coalition of Minnesota disability organizations to provide education on the rights guaranteed by disability-specific laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the responsibilities each person has to maintain the integrity of these laws. The event will be held on Friday, July 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sullivan School and Communications Center at 3100 East 28th Street in Minneapolis. From recent Supreme Court decisions to individual lawsuits, the ADA has changed its shape from the original law that was passed 12 years ago. Many people are familiar with the rights guaranteed to them under such laws as the ADA, but few understand the responsibilities that accompany those rights. In celebration of the 12th anniversary of the ADA,
this conference offers an opportunity to learn legal do’s and don’ts, hear how recent changes affect individuals, and ask questions of the experts. The event’s first speaker, the Honorable Judy Heumann, is well-known for her active role in advocating for integration of people with disabilities into society through the effective implementation of public policy. As former Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, U.S. Department of Education, from 1993-2001, Heumann was responsible for national programs serving children, youth, and adults with disabilities in areas such as special education, disability research, vocational rehabilitation, and independent living. She has been integrally involved in the development and passage of numerous pieces of legislation, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1998. Currently the head of her own
consulting firm, Heumann & Associates, she works with various foundations, corporations, and other organizations to further their integration of disability issues into employment, education, grant programs, and other areas. Heumann is a frequent speaker and regularly interacts with the media as an internationally recognized leader and lifelong civil rights advocate. The afternoon speaker, John L. Wodatch, will offer insights into the U.S. Department of Justice system and how it determines which cases are best to undertake on behalf of the disability community. Wodatch is a civil rights attorney with over 25 years experience with the federal government, specializing in the rights of persons with disabilities. He is Chief of the Disability Rights Section in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, responsible for enforcement of titles I, II, and III of the ADA. He plays a key role in developing administration policy on the Conference - cont. on p. 9
any advocates left this year’s legislative session with mixed feelings. Given the projected $2.3 billion deficit, the biggest job facing advocates was preserving programs and staving off cuts. At the session’s end, most funding for disabilityrelated programs and services was intact. In fact, compared with other groups, disability programs did well. In that sense, the session was a success. But those who worked tirelessly on behalf of people with disabilities were barely able to preserve the status quo in many areas, prompting Joel Ulland of the MS Society to dub this “the very successful unsuccessful year.” In the March 10 issue of Access Press, we carried an article by Anne Henry of the Disability Law Center recapping progress through Phase I of the budget process. Below is a summary of some of the final outcomes of the session. Budget items will be covered first, followed by policy bills. Budget Items Many cost-saving proposals were put forward that would have eroded or eliminated funding for programs for people with disabilities. When all was said and done, the following programs remained intact. • Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD) withstood proposed changes by the Senate and governor, and remains the same. • The cost of living increase of 3% for home and community-based care,
including personal care assistants, was also preserved. The legislative intent is that at least 2% of these funds will go directly to employees in the form of wages and/or benefits. • The Medical Assistance (MA) income standard passed last year was not recommended for cuts during this session and will automatically increase on July 1, 2002. Individuals whose incomes are above the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) will have less of a “spend down.” This will result in people being able to keep more of their income each month while still qualifying for Medical Assistance benefits. For example, an individual who must now spend their income down to 70% of FPG, or $502/month, will be able to keep 75%, or $554/month, beginning July 1. In addition, the FPG will increase somewhat next spring—from $716/month for an individual to $739/month. • The prescription drug program established for people with disabilities was scheduled to take effect beginning July 1, 2002. Governor Ventura did not include funding for this new program in his budget this year, but it was included in the final budget passed by the legislature. The expansion of eligibility for the existing senior citizen program was not approved, but the scheduled program for people with disabilities—after much controversy—was left intact. See page 3 for a more detailed description of this important program. • The budget bill allows
people who receive b e n e f i t s under the Minnesota Family Investment Program to work less than the required hours if following treatment due to illness or disability.
The legislature did vote to pass some MA costs of nursing home care onto counties. This is an attempt to motivate counties to move people with disabilities out of nursing homes and into the community. Beginning January 1, 2003, counties will be required to pay 20% of the non-federal costs for this care for people with disabilities who are under age 65, receive MA, and have been in nursing homes longer than 90 days. In a Department of Commerce housekeeping bill, health plan companies will be able to increase their rates for insurance co-payments and deductibles. The increases are less than those sought by the health care industry (who lobbied for them throughout the session), due to the efforts of the Alliance for Consumer Protections. Industry representatives testified that they would not seek further increases for the next two years. Finally, health and human services spending will be cut by $96 million during the current biennium and $192 during the next. While the full implications of this are still not clear, there will be layoffs and other cost-saving measures that may affect the state’s ability to effectively oversee and administer programs. Access Press will continue to follow these Legislature - cont. on p. 8
June 10, 2002
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explain the financial contribution that could be made by the disability community, if only some of the disincentives for work were removed, helped get the MA-EPD passed. With the huge budget deficit this session, Rep. Goodno did everything possible to maintain funding for all the disability programs.
Tim Benjamin Editor
Rep. Kevin Goodno, from the Moorhead area, is resigning from the House of Representatives. Goodno has been a strong supporter of disability issues for the last 12 years. He is the chair of the Health and Human Services Finance Committee and is very well respected among his peers at the State
Capitol. Medical Assistance for Employed People with Disabilities (MA-EPD) may not have become law in Minnesota, or at least not as quickly as it did, without Rep. Goodno. He recognized that this program was good for all Minnesotans as well as all of the disability community. His strong lobbying effort to
*** Pete Feigal was unable to contribute his column on MI this month. We will miss it and are hoping Pete will be back writing soon. *** Derek VanderVeen offers us
his unique look at life as a new resident, with a disability, in the Twin Cities. In fact, Derek shares his story of life as a person with two minority labels. We thank him for his contribution and we look forward to hearing from him again.
Responsibilities conference on July 26. Two experts will be lecturing: Judy Heumann will speak on how the ADA is changing and John Wodatch will address Department of Justice involvement with the ADA. Besides all the information that will be available, this is a celebration and all of us with *** disabilities should be celThe Americans with Disabili- ebrating the freedom the ties Act (ADA) is one year ADA has given us. older—and hopefully one *** year wiser. The ADA is a very difficult law to understand as proven by the number of Donna McNamara collaboADA cases that have been rated with several of the heard by the Supreme Court. disability community lobbyOne way to increase your ists to give us a summary of knowledge about the ADA is what took place during a very to attend the Rights and long session.
*** The most recent number I’ve heard is 26—that is, 26 new legislators—and this number may be conservative. With this high turnover at the Capitol we should all be prepared to discuss the issues that concern us when our local politicians call or knock on our doors. Give yourself a little time to think about the issues and do some background research—to be ready to convert the new candidate to your philosophy. Electing a candidate who you’re comfortable talking with and who will listen to your concerns is a excellent way to effect social change. ■
Check Out This Library by René Perrance
D
id you ever wish you could easily find fulllength fiction, nonfiction books, and magazines? And that these books and magazines were delivered to your door? For free? The Minnesota Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (MLBPH) in Faribault is the place! This library has more than 75,000 full-length adult, young adult, and children’s books on audiocassette, and in braille and large print for eligible blind, and visually, physically, or reading-disabled individuals. The MLBPH collection is available only to people who are unable to easily use standard print resources. And all library materials are sent and returned postage free.
began in 1931 and came to Faribault in1933 to provide The MLBPH is the only NLS library materials to library in our state that loans eligible Minnesotans. the federally produced and distributed audiocassette and The MLBPH is part of the braille collections. The Na- Library Development and tional Library Service for the Services (LDS) agency of the Blind and Physically Handi- Department of Children, Famicapped (NLS)—a section of lies and Learning (CFL). the Library of Congress— LDS works closely with selects, produces, and distrib- Minnesota’s libraries, adminutes full-length books and isters federal library grants, magazines in alternative for- and speaks for library conmats for people with disabili- cerns during legislative sesAs part of LDS, ties. Annually, NLS produces sions. over 1300 books and 70 MLBPH mirrors Minnesota’s magazines. Using a national tradition and commitment to network of libraries for the strong library service. blind and physically handicapped, the NLS library Qualifying and Applying materials are loaned to eligible people. NLS also This library collection is for provides an adapted cassette people who are legally blind player designed for use with or visually handicapped (with the audiocassette collection. visual acuity of 20/200 or less This federal library service in the better eye with correcMLBPH Connections
Yello w Taxi ellow Try our Super Taxi Service in the Metro Area
Call 612-824-4444 On-Call Accessible Taxi Service at taxi rate OK’d for Metro Mobility overflow if denied Reservations up to a year in advance or On-Call
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.
tive lenses), physically disabled (unable to use standard printed materials as a result of physical limitations), or reading-disabled. The application form is short. Applications must be signed by a person qualified to determine your visual or physically limiting condition. Nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers, eye clinicians, and family physicians may sign the application. However, federal law requires that a reading-disabled individual must have a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy sign the application. The library must receive the application with the original certification signature on it. We cannot accept a faxed application.
tion Center, State Services for the Blind in St. Paul, is the Minnesota agency responsible for the care and distribution of the NLS equipment. The library staff works closely with the Communication Center staff regarding this aspect of library service.
same: OPAC. You can check for authors and titles in the catalog. Keyword searching is another option. The catalog will display the titles in the formats that we own: braille (BR), cassette (RC), large print (LP), flexible disc (FD), and rigid disc (RD). Flexible and rigid discs are phonoHow to Use MLBPH graph records. This collection is not active but you have The library cassette, braille, access to the titles. and large print collections include many of the same This library service adjusts to books you might find in a meet your needs. Some public library. We receive people listen to many books many nationally prominent and check out several titles at fiction and nonfiction au- a time. Others have less thors, current events titles, reading time available and biographies, history titles, order accordingly. All we ask mysteries, romances, and sci- is that our patrons read at least ence fiction titles. The one book or magazine from collection contains books for this library at least once a The application also requests lifelong learning, but not year, and that they read and information about your read- textbooks. return library materials within ing interests and offers a a six-week period. We have a choice of cassette machines You are encouraged to choose limited number of copies and and listening accessories. your own books from catalogs many requests to fill. Commercially produced cas- in large print, in braille, or on sette players will not play this cassette—or to ask for auAn Underused Service library’s cassettes as they thors and titles of your choice. have been adapted specifi- The library also has an on-line Statistically, 68,873 Minnecally for this library service— catalog accessible using a sotans qualify for this library six hours of narration have telnet address: telnet://lbph. service. We currently serve been condensed onto the lib.mn.us. The user name and about 11,000 patrons. Many cassette. The Communica- the password prompts are the people do know about the wonderful reading opportuniTHE MINNESOTA STATE COUNCIL ON DISABILITY ties we offer. MLBPH Library Director, Catherine EEP P O ATE Durivage, and I strongly believe that this library has SUBSCRIBE NOW FOR FREE much to offer and many more MINNESOTA DISABILITY E-MAIL people to serve. We invite ◆ Breaking Federal and State Disability News you to contact us about the ◆ Notice of Special Events library and ask you to share this information with friends To Subscribe, E-mail MSCOD at and family. council.disability@state.mn.us
K
U T D
!!
T HE C ONNECTOR N EWSLETTER A Quarterly Publication Featuring Disability Issues and Commentaries plus Special Issues on Legislative Activities For a Free Subscription, Contact MSCOD at 651-296-6785 V/TTY ◆ 1-800-945-8913 V/TTY
651-296-5935 FAX
MSCOD, YOUR SOURCE FOR INFORMATION, REFERRAL, TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ON ACCESS, EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, HEALTH CARE, HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION
Contacting the library is easy. Use our toll free number, 1800-722-0550, or e-mail us at: cfl.mlbph@state.mn.us. Our address is: Minnesota Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, 388 SE 6th Ave., Faribault, Minnesota 55021-6340. ■ René Perrance is the librarian at the Minnesota Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.
June 10, 2002
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Prescription Drug Remembering With Dignity: Cambridge State Program For People With Disabilities Hospital Cemetery by Rachel Weddig
by Joel Ulland
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will stay a special place for I will change your name the community of Cam- Your new name shall be Confidence, joyfulness, overbridge.” coming one, A client from METO had a Faithfulness, friend of God, personal connection with the And one who seeks My face. placing of grave markers. “Personally, I know how Following the placing of the meaningless a number on a grave markers, community grave can be,” said METO members had a chance to say client Jeremy Walker. “Now I a few words. Cambridge can go visit my step aunt’s Mayor Marlys Palmer said grave in Faribault. Thank you the project should never be on behalf of all those buried forgotten. “As a community here without a voice. We are we need to remember . . . the real people; those who have vision of this should always lived in the past are real be remembered.” people.” Following community comPrior to the placing of the ments Chuck Sabin asked the grave markers, Barb and Eben audience to join hands and RWD is a coalition of Gillispie sang “I Will Change form a circle; he then led them disability rights and advocacy Your Name.” The lyrics are: in prayer. ■ organizations working across This article was adapted and Minnesota to replace all I will change your name unidentified grave markers in You shall no longer be called reprinted by permission of the state hospital cemeteries with Wounded, outcast, lonely or Isanti County News. named grave markers. With afraid. time and under the care of RWD, all of the approximately 350 graves in the Cambridge cemetery will have markers that include the name of the deceased, as well as the dates of birth and death. allace Bates, Benjamin Goodwin, and Alma Larson are the first three graves in the cemetery at Cambridge State Hospital to be marked by name. During a somber—yet joyful—ceremony on Wednesday, May 22, the three new grave markers were installed, replacing the old markers that merely listed initials and an identification number. “We’re here today to honor those who have lived and died in institutions,” said Remembering with Dignity (RWD) Cochair Carol Robinson. “We hope to continue this project forever; it means a lot to me.”
he Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities has been working for several years to have people with disabilities who are on Medicare included in the state prescription drug program. The program has served seniors since 1999, but people with disabilities who are under age 65 were not included until now. In 2000, the legislature agreed to expand the drug program beyond seniors but decided not to fund the expansion until July 1, 2002. Last winter, Governor Ventura proposed to stop this expansion of the drug program because of budget concerns. Thanks to the letters and phone calls from the disability community, the legislature did not support Ventura’s proposal and provided addi-
SSA TTY/TDD Service T
he Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that individuals who are deaf and hard-ofhearing may apply for benefits immediately when they call the SSA’s national toll free TTY/TDD number: 1800-325-0778.
Purple irises, which are a symbol of hope among those with mental illness, were planted near the graves and worn by members of RWD and others involved in the project. Minnesota Senator Twyla Ring had proposed legislation to help RWD receive state funding with their project. “Should the civic and church groups help pay for the names of those forgotten here? Perhaps, but in the meantime the state buried these people and should help....” In the 2001 legislative session, RWD received $250,000 to help buy grave markers, but hasn’t received the money yet. “We are here today . . . for a happy occasion at a cemetery—how often does that happen?” Ring said. “We will not forget; we will remember with dignity.” During the ceremony, speakers thanked everyone for their hard work and dedication to the project. “One thing that impresses me most about the project, is the number of people involved with the project,” said Mike Maus, Director of Minnesota Extended Treatment Options (METO). ”I have great faith that what’s happening today, will continue. . . I hope this
tional funding this year to resident for six months. help get the program off the · Not be living in a nursing ground. home. · Not have had prescription Effective July 1st, people who drug coverage within four qualify will pay $35 a months of applying. month—this amount includes · Not be enrolled in the premium and co-payMinnesotaCare. ment—and will have access · Be enrolled in, or applying to the prescription drugs that for, one of the following they need. Medicare supplement programs—Qualified Medicare To qualify, you must: Beneficiary (QMB) or Ser· Have an income of less than vice Limited Medicare Ben$906 per month for a single eficiary (SLMB)—which adult and $1,214 for a help enrollees pay their Medicare premiums. household of two. · Have liquid assets (other than home, car, burial You can contact your county funds, and so on) of social services agency for $10,000 or less for one more information about how person, $18,000 or less for to enroll. ■ a married couple (your spouse’s income and assets Joel Ulland is the Public count even if he or she isn’t Policy Manager for the Naapplying for the program). tional Multiple Sclerosis So· Have been a Minnesota ciety, Minnesota Chapter.
Planting a purple iris. From left: Twyla Ring, State Senator; Marlys Palmer, Mayor of Cambridge; Mike Maus, Director of METO; Gail Larsen, RWD member; Beth Blick, RWD supporter; Jim Fassett-Carman, RWD organizer.
“The Social Security Administration wants all Americans to have access to the services we provide,” said Social Security Commissioner Jo Anne Barnhart. “The agency will continue to develop and implement innovative technology that improves the services we deliver to the public.”
People who are deaf and hardof-hearing may file immediately for retirement, survivors, Medicare, and lump sum death benefits without an appointment. Callers may now dial the toll free number—Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.— and file a claim for benefits using a TTY/TDD machine, which enables them to communicate directly with a representative without the need for a local relay system. Before calling to file an immediate claim, individuals should have certain documents handy: their birth certificate, most recent W-2, SSA Service - cont. on p. 9
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June 10, 2002
Pack Your Value by Derek VanderVeen
I
t’s funny how, as we grow and find out more about this world and how we fit in, our perspectives change. My values are such a pale version of what they once were, despite my adolescent proclamations that I’d never change. I’m still relatively liberal in my politics, but even that word tends to change in meaning as we learn how the world works. I see things in such a different light now— the strengths and weaknesses of society. My father and I used to go round after round about such topics as the education system and the lack of discipline therein. My perspectives were drawn from a student’s point of view. Now I see more of what he was talking about as I grow further from the age-group of which I was once a part. I still don’t agree with a lot of his politics, but part of becoming an adult is learning to respect the opinions of others while holding fast to your own. He and my mom spent some time teaching in Seoul, Korea, which, I think, changed a lot of his ethics—seeing a very old culture and realizing how far we’ve come, yet how far we still have to go. I remember receiving a fax from him telling me all about a young man named Han, who’d been involved in a car accident that had rendered him physically handicapped, and how Korean society had pretty much written him off. Han is now an American citizen studying golf and learning to play one-handed. It’s an example of the accomplishments one can make if given a chance to learn to work with whatever complications he or she might be faced. I took particular interest in Han’s story, as told to me by my dad, because of my own, similar experience. The
summer of 1985 was tumultuous for my family, to say the least. In one infinitesimal second, everything changed … for all of us. Sometimes things happen and there are no apparent reasons for them. They can’t be explained or undone. All we can do is move forward within those changed parameters. A man decided to drink and drive. And I just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time on my bike. My life was nearly taken from me, and I was to change the life of everyone I touched from then on. I spent the first weeks of that summer in a coma and the rest, through Thanksgiving, in recovery. Intense, inpatient physical rehabilitation. Isn’t that ironic! He’s the alcoholic and I’m the one who spends a summer in rehab. I was eleven years old. And that, in itself, was a blessing. I was able to grow and develop through adolescence with my handicap, to which I attribute my easy adaptability now. I know what I can do. I know what I can’t do. And I know what I can try to do. We all have obstacles with which we deal every day. The limitations of my body (and there aren’t that many) are just my own personal obstacles. Don’t get me wrong. They’re still obstacles. It all focuses on my left extremities, nerve-damaged from the impact and injury to the rear, right cortex of my brain. The limp caused by my left leg is probably the most prominent, yet the least hindering. I know what it looks like, and it’s more severe when I’m tired, but I’m 100% mobile and if it looks weird to others then I suggest a lot of people look in the mirror before they step outside in the morning. My left hand isn’t able to open as well as my right and the fingers certainly aren’t as strong, but I can do enough with it to excel
Disability Culture
A Burgeoning Market Waiting To Be Tapped by John Tschida
N
ow that spring may have actually sprung, thoughts turn to the great outdoors and the few precious months when loons and sunsets can be enjoyed lakeside. As Minnesotans, we have a multitude of outdoor recreation options to choose from and for that we should be thankful.
Pequot and over to Fergus, depending on the year. I loved those weeks of catching frogs, swimming, and fishing with my grandfather.
Looking back, not a single one of those resorts was disability friendly. I never once recall encountering a fellow camper or resort-mate Going outside and going to with a disability—mobility the lake are as Minnesotan as impairment or otherwise. hot dish and “you betcha.” The same weather that drives Today, those with disabilities us to cocoon for a majority of have more options. And the year pulls us outward to while some segments of the the elements between Memo- hospitality industry have been rial Day and Labor Day. And slow to realize the untapped the presence or absence of a market of disability dollars, disability makes no difference there are plenty of choices for when it comes to the desire to food, fun, and lodging. participate in summertime recreation. The Wall Street Journal has tagged it “handicapitalism”: During my childhood, my the targeting of potential family always enjoyed a good customers with discretionary stretch of time “up north” at dollars who happen to have the cabin. We didn’t own, we disabilities. Some proprietors rented—crisscrossing from within our borders realize Brainerd to Alexandria, up to there’s more to this market than medical supplies and We buy in life and be very good at my support hose. job. Probably the most clothes, cars, homes, and debilitating of my residual deodorant, too. How much? injuries is my speech impair- Nationwide, those discretionment, which doctors have ary dollars for people with labeled dysarthria, which is disabilities total $176 billion, … well, I don’t exactly know according to the Society for the specs of the condition. I Accessible Travel and Hospijust know, perfectionist that I tality. That, my friends, is a lot am, that if there was one thing of deodorant. I could change about me it’d be to restore my voice. But Of course, people with dislooking at the big picture, my abilities don’t exist in a speech impairment has been vacuum. We have spouses, the cause for many a humor- children, and extended famious situation in past dealings lies. And, of course, there are with friends, as they’ve re- spouses and children and sponded to what they thought extended families who have I’d said with something which disabilities as well. Each of had absolutely nothing to do these bodies is a mouth to feed, a body to clothe, and a with what I’d actually said. potential paying customer. My best friend once said to “Corporate America can’t me: “I am once again afford to ignore or stereotype saddened at the ignorance and this market,” Fortune magaprejudice of the mass of zine wrote in 1998. And society that perceives a [dis- while we aren’t being ignored, there are segments of Value - cont. on p. 6
the industry that have been a Unfortunately, no single mite slow on the uptake. guidebook exists to let people know how disability friendly The state of Minnesota (with the state’s tourism hot spots the assistance of Wilderness really are. Instead, a crazy Inquiry, a Minneapolis-based quilt of websites, from the nonprofit dedicated to getting State Tourism Office, to the all people, regardless of Minnesota Resort Associaability, to experience the tion, to Hospitality Minnesota natural world) has done an carry snippets of information. admirable job making its state But there’s no common reparks and programming more porting system and very little accessible to all types of detail as to how those with a disabilities. variety of disabilities may encounter them. Rather than But there’s always room for complain about it, Chevrette improvement. In a 2001 founded Access For All, a survey conducted by Wilder- nonprofit dedicated to putting ness Inquiry, many organiza- good information in the hands tions that host or plan outdoor of people with disabilities. recreation activities need a His organization isn’t about little help to better serve the blame, but about informed disability community. One- choices. “Whether a tourist third of those surveyed do site is accessible or not, nothing to facilitate participa- people should be able to find tion for the disabled. One in that out and plan accordfive have no idea how many ingly,” he says. He’s right. customers with disabilities they serve. And a full 50 Chevrette mailed 10,000 surpercent believe they have a veys statewide to get his guide very small customer base up and running at www.access composed of those with minnesota.org. To date he’s disabilities. gotten 250 responses. “It’s just the beginning,” he said. Facilities that are unfriendly “Many businesses still don’t to those with disabilities— see the huge potential for this either in topography, door- market.” way width, alternative formats, or employee attitudes— But positive signs are out will not see repeat customers there. Fifteen miles east of with disabilities. Word of Waubun, Minnesota, Rainmouth spreads like wildfire bow Resort sits on the shores throughout this segment of the of Little Bemidji Lake. There, population. The gems are the owners built eight cotrooted out and bouquets are tages in the 1940s. One by thrown. The duds are vilified one, they’re replacing those and subject to brickbats. The musty one-bedroom, inaccesproblem lies in the duds who sible shells with beautiful are content in their failure to three-bedroom, two-bath cabaccommodate. ins with ramps, decks, roll-in showers, and low countertops. So how do we know where the The lodge and restaurant are five-star outdoor hot spots are ramped, as is the game room, located so those of us with and the trails, and the laundry disabilities can enjoy the room. The owners say they great outdoors? did it for business reasons. We, the untapped market, That’s a question Mike need to thank them—and urge Chevrette wanted to answer. others to follow their lead. ■
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June 10, 2002
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Spirituality and Disability
Learning With Technology
Spring Renewal
by Jeni Mundl
by John Schatzlein
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ccording to the U.S. Department of Education, more than 2.8 million school-age children receive special education services as students with learning disabilities (LD). For many people, these learning challenges do not end in school but continue into adulthood and the workplace. LD affects the ability to interpret information heard and seen and/or the ability to link information from different portions of the brain. It may cause limitations in spoken and written language, coordination, self-control, concentration, learning style, and attention. Today there are many assistive technology (AT) devices available that may improve a person’s success in school and on the job.
A noisy environment can also be distracting for many learners. By using an FM listening aid (the listener wears a headset and the speaker wears a microphone), the information is delivered directly to the person with LD and reduces noise by buffering it through the foam in the headset. Reading Resources A computer screen reader specifically designed for LD may be useful. These programs will read text, menus, dialog boxes, and mouse movements to the user. Some may magnify information to reduce the amount of material on the screen. This allows the individual to be more focused in creating written expression, reading web pages, reviewing work, and operating the computer.
Mathematics For those who have difficulties with math, a talking calculator may be beneficial. These calculators come in a variety of basic and scientific models, depending on the level of functions being performed. These calculators offer other helpful options such as large buttons, computer software programs, the ability to graph financial programs, and alarms to keep users on task, tell the time, and remind an individual that they have another appointment or class. Listening and Note-Taking Digital tape recorders allow the user to record information such as lectures, To Do lists, and notes. The benefit of digital recording over a standard tape recorder is that the information can be organized into different folders. In addition, many models are able to dump the information onto a computer.
materials through State Services for the Blind and MLBPH (see article on page 2). In addition, Barnes & Noble has a large selection of such books to purchase. Composing Text A person with LD will need to learn to use word processing features such as spelling and grammar check. These features are invaluable and once mastered, the learner will benefit from the word processor in additional ways such as neatness and organization. Word Prediction is a program that attempts to guess what an individual wants. When the typist types the letter T, the most common T words appear on the screen. If the desired word is on the list, the computer user presses a second key and the word is finished. Many individuals with LD may know the first letter of a word but not how to spell the word exactly. Some word prediction programs will read the words on the list if the individual is unable to recognize the word.
Through Optical Character Recognition (OCR), a person is able to take printed information and scan it into a computer. Afterwards, the information can be read to the individual through a screen reader or a specialized scanning program such as Kurzweil. Another computer tool with both reading and composing As mentioned in an earlier AT applications is a talking dicarticle, a portable reading pen tionary which speaks the allows the user to move over word, its definition, and its words in a book. Afterwards, synonyms. Some models the words appear on the pen’s incorporate spell check and display unit and can be read to the ability to add new words. the individual. In addition, information can be stored or Organizers and Prompters transferred to a computer, definitions can be read, and The talking dictionaries mensimilar words can be identi- tioned above also have adfied. By pressing buttons, the vanced models that include user is able to scroll through clocks, To Do lists, and the words scanned. appointment books. Also worth mentioning again are books on tape, which are useful for those unable to read or read in a timely fashion. Persons with reading challenges are able to get such
Beyond that, personal digital assistants (PDA) are becoming the rage in the business world. These handheld devices are basically computers. With them, the user can work
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on word processing tasks, spreadsheets, scheduling, To Do lists, calculator functions, and more. Newer models are able to download programs off of the Internet. A synchronized program will update the computer such that information is the same on both the computer and the PDA systems. This makes the device portable and easy to use anywhere. The Motivator is a product that is used to remind individuals to keep working. The device can be programmed to sound an alarm or speak at delivered intervals. This assists the user in keeping on task and not daydreaming or becoming distracted. With the Pocket Coach, steps to a procedure or project can be programmed to tell the individual what to do next when completing portions of a job.
S
pring is the time to start anew. It is a time for all of us to see, smell, and perhaps feel, all the growth around us. So much of the growth is obvious: the leaves on the trees, the smell of the lilacs and other flowers, and the sound of the rain as it nourishes the plant life. Other growth, such as that of the human soul, is more indirect. Spring is beautiful because it also provides opportunities for the renewal of ecological units in the natural world. We as individuals, much like these plants, have the opportunity for renewal in our own lives and the spirit that is within us. For many, the activities of growth and life around us during this time trigger a sense of review as well as a focus on new growth in our own lives. As I look forward, I cannot avoid the media and the troubles in the world, nationally and locally: the continued wasting of life in Israel and Palestine, Africa, the Philippines, and many other parts of the world—
WatchMinder is a reminder device to assist people with ADD, ADHD, LD, and other conditions. It can be programmed as a medication prompt or be used to assist in weight loss, smoking cessation, behavioral modification, and non-medical applications. nosed with LD or not, AT devices available today can AT and Other Strategies help those with learning challenges become successful In conjunction with technol- at school and work. This ogy, there are specific teach- article has covered only a few ing strategies that can help examples of devices for each people with learning disabili- category given. Each ties. These include frequent individual’s needs will be breaks, shorter assignments, different and the exploration focusing on quality not quan- into what devices work best tity, repetition, computer pro- may take time. Over the grams, group activities, and years, the needs of the person individualized attention. An- will change as he or she other factor used to improve transitions from school to the potential of the LD work. With AT, it is exciting students is awareness of to see the progress made by learning styles such as verbal persons with LD as well as the learners, social learners, audi- independence gained. ■ tory learners, visual numeric learners, and so on. Jeni Mundl is the Assistive Technology Specialist at Whether you have been diag- Courage Center.
including the United States. Nationally, I also cannot avoid the troubles of my faith community, the Catholic Church, and the direct negative impacts of clerical misbehavior on so many lives. And even more are affected less directly. Past advice given about counseling and its effects on long-term behaviors, and today’s message of no return to the environments of temptation, may lead to more openness and honesty, hopefully renewing our spirits and inner beings. We must not bury our heads in the sands of life. It will hopefully make us more willing to share responsibility and increase our diligence to look out for others—to refuse to allow manipulation, abuse, degradation, misuse of relationships, and the selfishness of one’s own desires. Recently, focus has been on the clergy taking advantage of positions of respect and power. We must all focus on our positions, the power we have, and how we will renew our commitment to respecting those we come in contact with. We must renew our respect of human beings at every corner of our journey in life. Only then can we continue to reduce racism, chauvinism, prejudices, and the destruction of lives and spirits around us. Take the time to really look around—to see, hear, smell, and feel the greatness of life around us. At the same time, see the realness of the lessthan-desirable elements. Choose to reenergize yourself. Choose to make a difference in the community where you live. Choose to assist others in their efforts to change the wrongs. We can only control our own choices. Choose to care. ■
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June 10, 2002
VALUE - Cont. from p. 4 ability] negatively … I interact with people with a fundamental belief that every individual has the capacity to achieve [his or her] greatest aspirations.” That’s one of the most beautiful, eloquent quotes I have heard to date. And it was one of the things that made me fall in love with him. Mostly because it was directed toward me after sharing with him the events of my accident nearly two decades ago, and the frustrations I’ve had to deal with during the course of my lifelong recovery since. And I guess the majority of my mature perspectives have arisen from living and growing with my disability.
father raising a set of fraternal twins, and he’s more physically challenged every day than I am. So the term “handicapped” suits me just fine.
No. I don’t like that word, regardless of its current political correctness. I think of myself as a Handicapped American. The word “disability” has, in my opinion, very negative connotations. It implies an inability to effectively function in society, and I am nothing if not a productive citizen. Even the term “physically challenged” doesn’t work, because of it’s very basic meaning. I mean, my brother, who is perfectly fine physically, is a single
putting my family through the hell of that summer. But when I turned 22 and came out of the closet—even though I knew long before then that I was gay—I couldn’t help but think: what more could I put them through? Generally, being gay isn’t such a big deal in today’s society anymore, given the popularity of shows like Melrose Place and Will & Grace—which portray and glamorize openly gay characters interacting with heterosexual friends—as well as the
My family and I have gained, grown, and learned much from my accident and its aftermath, and have become a stronger family unit as a result, but I guess there’s always been this small twinge of guilt on my behalf for
“In one infinitesimal second, everything changed … for all of us.”
growing number of shows with gay undertones like “Oz” on HBO. But couple the two minority labels (handicapped and homosexual) and you have a situation that more than doubles in difficulty … unless, of course, you blow off both labels and anyone who has issues with either of them. I’ve taken great steps to integrate each part of me into a charismatic personality that works. Even so, the gay community has a tendency to be focused on youth, beauty, and perfection. I can’t walk into a bar without stares and automatic judgments being made on me. It’s one of the reasons I don’t revel in the gay lifestyle. Well, that and it just isn’t my style to begin with. I guess I used to believe that to be who I am I had to be part of the bars, the drinking, the loud music. And for a while I did jump into it, headfirst. But I think there’s a period in every young gay man’s life when he comes to a fork in the road. If every gay man were being honest with himself and those around him, he’d tell you that he wants to find happiness with that one, perfect guy and live ever after in blissful
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monogamy. And had society been more accepting of us years ago, things might be different than they are today. But since homosexuals have been, until very recently, pretty much forced to conceal their true selves and confine their lifestyle to places which were designed specifically for them, the community has become a veritable underworld, as mysterious and culturally disreputable as the Mafia (read the book The Evening Crowd At Kirmser’s by Ricardo J. Brown). And the bitter irony of it is, it’s those people who, without knowing anything about it, choose to ignore and even deny its existence, and who claim to be experts and know everything about the “wrongness” of it—it is they who condemn us by perpetuating the dark rumors of the seediness and corruptive atmosphere. Because of this condemnation and ostracism, many who belong to this tabooed culture have become what those on the outside have accused them of being, simply because they’ve had no other choice. And if you think about the parallels between being gay and being handicapped, you’ll start to understand me a little bit more, and why I work so hard to render both aspects nonexistent, perhaps ironically, by showing them off as badges I wear.
ible—this lifestyle, and those who had become a part of it. Night after night I saw the same men, mostly middleaged to older, enter the arena of the bar. These men had been players in their prime. And as a result, they’d fallen prey to the vacuum. And that’s really what my world is: a vacuum. And as much as I may dispute my part in that world, there are moments when the call of each community sings in my heart and I can’t help but feel proud of my lifestyle. In a twisted way, I feel fortunate to have grown up in this era of deadly STDs such as the HIV virus and AIDS. My generation has been conditioned to be more careful. To date more and sleep around less. Casual sex still occurs more in this community than in the so-
“And if you think about the parallels between being gay and being handicapped, you’ll start to understand me a little bit more...”
cially accepted straight community, but condoms and other prophylactics have become as en vogue as abstinence. It’s sad that it took a rancorous plague like AIDS to force us to come to our senses, but that’s the way life goes. Still, I’ve worked hard I used to find it so contempt- to build up and maintain my
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own reputation, such as it is. I felt the pull of the black hole early on and looking back I see how close I came to falling into its unfathomable darkness. But I had a good enough head on my shoulders to resist it. Not that there’s anything wrong with living that way, if it fits who you are. I just didn’t feel like it fit me. And I’ve never regretted whatever decision I made that brought me to where I am now. But, like I said, the older I get, the more I find out how life works. And since moving to Minneapolis over a year ago, I’ve pretty much figured out that I can be me without attaching any labels to myself. The open-mindedness of this city is still mind-boggling. I can walk, hand in hand, with my boyfriend here and not feel persecuted simply by existing. There’s a niche for us all here, and those niches form together to make one big group, collectively called the community. A place where we can be ourselves and fit in. Our individuality is the trait that conforms all of us. “Minnesota Nice” is laughed at but there’s a lot of truth to the term. I’ve found only warm, friendly people during my time here—willing to take time and listen, learning from me, teaching to me, talking with me. The friends I’ve made have accepted me, not because of or in spite of my sexuality or my handicap, but because I’m me! And those friends are the greatest thing in the world to me. Because I’m guarded with myself and wary of rejection and discrimination, I don’t give my friendship easily—so friendships with me are true. My mom always told me that, of my brothers and me, when I fall in love it’d be the real thing. And she was right. The man that I’m with now is completely flipped for me, both because of and despite my physical handicap. Still, life is lived in your head. It’s all about your attitude. The power to be happy is within us, no matter what our physical or financial state is. To find true peace, we need look no further than within our own selves. That’s my secret. I not only value myself, but I think I’m a valuable person to know. And I think everybody has a value in this world. I try to treat anyone with the value they might bring to my life, but it’s up to each individual to carry their value with them. Life’s a trip, so pack your value. ■ Derek VanderVeen is employed full-time, and is an aspiring author with an educational background in psychology.
June 10, 2002
New Quality Design Commission Members
IN BRIEF . . . . Fingersteps Music Class On July 2, 2002, the first ment, the Fingersteps Com- perform as part of a new CD Fingersteps class for children with physical disabilities begins at the St. Paul (MN) Conservatory of Music. This unique program for children, ages 5-10, will premier a new “adaptive” musical instru-
position and Performance Workstation: a MIDI controller that enables people with physical challenges to make music.
release. They will be joined by top jazz artists. If you would like more information, contact: Dan Moffatt, dan @waterviewpublishing.com, (952) 922-3902.
All students will compose and
Friendship Ventures Openings Friendship Ventures, a nonprofit agency based in Annandale, still needs camp counselors, travel leaders, and other staff to support its summer programs for kids and adults with mental and physical disabilities. Volunteer and paid positions are available at Eden Wood Center in Eden Prairie and at Camp Friendship in Annandale. Short-term posi-
tions are also available with Ventures Travel, a service for adults with disabilities that offers vacations throughout the United States. “It’s a summer experience like no other,” says Catt Barbre, Director of Volunteer Services for Friendship Ventures. Individuals ages fourteen and
older—along with college students, retirees, teachers, or anyone interested in working with persons with disabilities—are encouraged to apply. Daily, weekend, and weeklong opportunities are available. For more information, visit our website at www.friend shipventures.org, or contact Catt Barbre at 1800-450-8376 or cbarbre@ friendshipventures.org.
UCPM Charity Golf Tournament
F
ifteen Minnesotans have been named to a new Quality Design Commission established by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) to oversee the quality of various programs and services for people with disabilities and long-term illnesses. Two project design teams have also been named— one to provide consumer and stakeholder input in the development of new models for consumer-driven personal care assistance services and another to provide an information, referral and assistance system for people with disabilities. The commission and project design teams have been established under a federal Real Choice Systems grant provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The Quality Design Commission’s first meeting is June 10. Project design team meeting dates will be announced later.
United Cerebral Palsy of winning foursome. Registra- sports memorabilia to limouMinnesota (UCPM) is excited to announce their 6th annual Charity Golf Tournament. A favorite among golfers, this tournament is scheduled for Tuesday, July 23 at Oak Glen Golf Course in Stillwater. The tournament features great hole-in-one prizes, which in the past have included a trip and a 2-year vehicle lease. Other prizes are awarded for the longest putt and drive, shot closest to the pin, and
tion begins at 11:00 a.m. with tee times starting at 12:55 p.m. At only $100, this tournament is meant to include families, business people, and even college students. The registration fee includes your cart and a place at the award dinner at 5:30 p.m. Once again there will be a silent auction featuring items ranging from autographed
Wagon Train’s 25th Year Courage Center’s Wagon with this caravan at a variety Train, a covered wagon caravan that has raised over $1.5 million for Camp Courage in its 24 years, will soon kick off its silver anniversary ride in Elk River, Minnesota. From June 14 through June 21, the public is invited to celebrate
sine rides. Bidding starts at Quality Design Commission 11:00 a.m. and closes at 7:00 members include: Jeff Bangsberg, Minnesota HomeCare p.m., just after the dinner. Association; Alex Bartolic, For more information, please Hennepin County; Connie contact Abby at 651-646- Lee Berg, Red Lake; Sylvia 7588 or ucpmn.isd.net. Carty, St. Paul; Alma Curry, UCPM is looking forward to a Minnesota Council of Blacks successful and prosperous on Aging; Kathy Denmangolf tournament and certainly Wilke, Stillwater; Nancy hopes that you will be a part of Dmohoski, St. Paul; Carol Flesner, Southwestern Center it. for Independent Living; Iris Freeman, Alzheimer’s Association; Christopher Harmon, St. Paul; Michael Neumann, Indigenous People’s Task Force; Kenneth Rogers, Minneapolis; Pat Siebert, Minneride. These volunteer riders sota Disability Law Center; raise funds by securing sponJeffrey Skwarek, Governor’s sors and pledges to provide Council on Developmental camp experiences for chilDisabilities; and Joan dren with physical disabiliWillshire, State Council on ties. Disability.
of events, as riders, horses, and covered wagons make their way to their destination of Camp Courage, near Maple Lake, Minnesota. Over 150 riders from Minnesota and western Wisconsin are ex- Visit www.courage.org for The Personal Care Assispected for the anniversary more information. tance Project Design Team includes: Jeff Bangsberg, Minnesota HomeCare Association; LeAnne Dahl, St. Handi Medical Supply 2505 University Avenue West St. Paul, Minnesota 55114 At Hwy. 280 & University Avenue
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Paul; Sandra Foy, Ramsey County; Gordon Grimm, Center City; Eva Hansen, Metropolitan Center for Independent Living; Ann Kranz, University of Minnesota School of Social Work; and Melvin Reinke, Ortonville. The Information, Referral and Assistance Project Design Team includes: Caroline Allshouse, PACER Center; Alex Bartolic, Hennepin County; Bob Brick, Arc Minnesota; Ann Partridge, Independent Lifestyles Inc., Saint Cloud Center for Independent Living; Miriam Reibold, National Consumer Coalition of Organizations on Aging; John Schatzlein, Catholic Charities; and Donna Wallace, Disability Basics. The Quality Design Commission and project design teams reflect the people served by DHS and their advocates and service providers, including people who have been traditionally underserved or underrepresented. Members were chosen from across Minnesota, including tribal and urban American Indians,
other people of color, and people with the most severe disabilities. More than half of the commission members have a disability. The Commission also includes family members of people with disabilities, and representatives from advocacy and community organizations, service provider organizations, and county agencies. Areas of experience represented include those of people who are blind, deafblind, deaf and hard-ofhearing; people with physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, traumatic brain injury, and mental illness; people who are aging; and people who have HIV/AIDS or another chronic illness. For more information on the Quality Design Commission, meeting times, and activities, contact Karen Langenfeld at 651-582-1941 (voice), 651582-1808 (fax), 711 (Minnesota Relay Service), karen .langenfeld@state.mn.us, or at Minnesota Department of Human Services, 444 Lafayette Road N., St. Paul, MN 55155-3872. ■
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June 10, 2002
LEGISLATURE - Cont. from p. 1 developments and provide specific information about readers with periodic updates. employees upon written request by future employers. Policy Bills This includes “all acts of violence, theft, harassment or In addition to the budget illegal conduct documented negotiations described above, in the personnel record which a number of policy bills were resulted in disciplinary action passed that will have a direct or resignation.” According to or indirect effect on persons Jeff Bangsberg, Government with disabilities. They are Relations Director, Minnesota summarized below. HomeCare Association, “For some time, employers have Access to education: been reluctant to provide Advocates worked throughout specific information about the session to ensure that employee performance. This students who reside in licensed bill provides a framework for care and treatment facilities employers to share appropriate will now have access to a six- and relevant information about hour school day. It is an employee with a common for many students in prospective employer. The these facilities to receive only law still provides remedies for 1-2 hours of education per employees who are given day. When they leave the poor references if they are facility, they are often unwarranted.” academically behind their peers in the local school Criminal district, and are in need of background checks: remedial services. Advocates also worked with key legislators and the Reference checks: Attorney General’s office in Guidelines were established an effort to close loopholes in for long-term care providers the criminal background check who are asked to provide process for care providers. reference information for Current law excludes certain employees. A goal of this bill people convicted of “crimes is to protect vulnerable citizens against persons” (including from inadequate or assault and criminal sexual inappropriate care by long- conduct) from working with term care employees. Under children and vulnerable adults. the new guidelines, current or But the Department of Human former employers may provide Services (DHS) has had the
authority to “set aside” these guidelines in certain cases, and approve individuals for employment without notifying the prospective employer that an exception was made. New legislation adds 13 “crimes against persons” (including murder, assault, kidnapping, and felony level harassment) to the list of crimes that would disqualify someone from working with children and vulnerable adults. DHS retains authority to grant “set asides” to people who appeal the disqualification. However, if DHS chooses to “set aside” the guidelines for an individual seeking employment, they must notify the potential employer of the employee’s criminal record and the reason for the “set aside.” Mental health treatment: People who live in areas of Minnesota that border other states may receive care in those states when the facility is closer to their home than the nearest Minnesota facility— and Minnesota will fund the care as if provided within the state. Parent/guardian notification: Licensed programs serving persons with developmental
disabilities will be required to notify parents and guardians when an individual is the victim of physical aggression or sexual assault by another client or program participant. In addition, when a maltreatment report is filed, the program must notify parents, guardians, and county case managers. The final provision of this bill requires that vulnerability to abuse be included in a person’s abuse prevention plan.
Consider Hiring People With Disabilities I
f you never considered hiring someone with a disability, you’ve overlooked a valuable resource. Many Social Security disability beneficiaries want to work and we provide support with our cash benefit and employment support programs to help future employees get the Changes to the services and health benefits Vulnerable Adults Act: The Vulnerable Adults Act they need to make a successwas amended to prohibit any ful transition into the sexual contact between a workforce. You can make the para-transit driver and passenger, when the passenger Informed consent changes: is protected by the Vulnerable Current law provides that Adults Act. The new language school districts must receive makes this kind of contact a informed consent from parents form of criminal sexual or guardians prior to billing conduct. public or private health care plans for school-based health Hospital admissions: care services provided to Currently, a peace or health special education students as officer may transport someone part of an Individual Education to a treatment facility if the Plan (IEP). This law remains person is in imminent danger unchanged for families with of injuring her/himself or private health insurance or a others. The new law omits the combination of private and word “imminent,” making it public coverage. Families easier for people to be with health care through hospitalized. This same bill public programs such as defines inpatient units of MinnesotaCare and MA, will community hospitals as only receive notification of a community-based services. school’s intention to bill for
difference by hiring a deserving, hard-working person. At 21, Jason was shot in the head. As a result, he experiences severe seizures and memory loss. But Director of Engineering, Greg Collerd, knew firsthand what a help Jason had been in maintaining the Laguna Beach hotel that employs both of them. Through rehabilitation, Hiring - cont. on p. 10 school-based health services. The families will retain the right to give informed consent before a school may release education records for insurance purposes. As this has been only a brief summary of some of the bills passed this session, please visit these websites—http:// www.leg.state.mn.us/ or http://www.budget. state.mn.us/budget/ or http:/ /www.mncn.org/bp/—for more complete information. Jeff Bangsberg, Bob Brick, Anne Henry, and Joel Ulland contributed to this article.
June 10, 2002
Grant For Employment Training M
pared to a nationwide rate of 52 percent.”
“Minnesota has consistently led the nation with the largest number of people with disabilities in the workforce, and this grant will enable WorkForce Centers to build on that strength,” said Wilson. “In fact, 67 percent of people with disabilities are employed in Minnesota, com-
This competitive work incentive grant will pay for interactive web-based training videos that will provide information on many issues that people with disabilities face as they seek and hold employment. Some of the videos will provide customer service training to WorkForce Center staff as they work with people with disabilities. Other content will be directed at employers and will focus on: viewing people with disabilities as credible job candidates, how to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and other ways to
innesota Department of Economic Security Commissioner Earl Wilson announced May 23 that the department has received a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to improve training services and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
CONFERENCE - Cont. from p. 1
ADA, and is the chief author of the Department of Justice’s ADA regulations and of the accommodate a person with a federal regulations impledisability in the workplace. menting section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The completed videos will be available on the MDES/ Beyond the information preWorkForce Center website at sented by the two speakers, www.mnwfc.org. The goal of attendees can learn more the project is to enable throughout the day about their WorkForce Center staff and rights and responsibilities employers to become more with a variety of morning and familiar with the services that afternoon workshops on topare available and how to ics such as self-advocacy, appropriately interact with filing actions, starting to people with disabilities. Ulti- work, personal care attendant mately, this should increase issues, building access, and employment opportunities as service animals. A display well as the number of people fair of disability organizawith disabilities who are tions and business vendors successful in unsubsidized will offer conference attendemployment. ■
ees additional information on is free, but registration by July community resources. 12 is appreciated. If you have questions regarding the conSponsoring organizations in- ference, contact Cindy at clude Access for All, Access ADA MN at 651-603-2015, Press, ADA MN, Courage 1-888-845-4595 (toll free), Center, Disability Law Cen- 651-603-2001 (TTY), or ter, Goodwill/Easter Seals, cindyt@mcil-mn.org. If you Great Lakes Disability and are a business or nonprofit Business Technical Assis- organization interested in extance Center, Metropolitan hibiting at the conference, Center for Independent Liv- contact Abby at 651-646ing, Minnesota Department of 7588 or e-mail pmn@isd.net. Human Services, Minnesota State Council on Disability, This information in this arNational Multiple Sclerosis ticle was compiled by Deb Society-Minnesota Chapter, Olson, who is the Public Northwest Airlines, United Relations and Media ManCerebral Palsy of Minnesota, ager at Courage Center, and and VSA arts of Minnesota. a member of the planning committee for this conferAdmission to the conference ence.
SSA SERVICE- Cont. from p. 3 military service DD214, and SSA also needs certain docubank account information. ments, such as the person’s birth certificate and proof of The paperwork completed by citizenship or residency, to TTY/TDD during the initial establish eligibility for bencontact will be mailed to the efits. An applicant can either applicant for review and a mail or take these items to signature. The applicant may Social Security. return the printed claim by mail or in person to his or her For more information about local Social Security office. the SSA and its programs, Along with the signed form, visit Social Security Online—
www.ssa.gov—or call 1-800772-1213. As mentioned above, people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call our toll free TTY number: 1-800325-0778. ■ This information was provided by the SSA St. Paul PASS Cadre.
John Wodatch
Judy Heumann
Registration Form-Rights and Responsibilities Please return form by July 12 to: ADA MN c/o MCIL, 1600 University Ave. West #16, St. Paul, MN 55104 Or fax to: 651-603-2006
Name___________________________________________________________________
Friday, July 26, 2002 9 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Sullivan School and Communications Center 3100 East 28th St., Minneapolis, MN
Address______________________________________________________________
Many people are aware of their rights as provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) but few realize they also have responsibilities to maintain the integrity of the law. Learn ADA do’s and don’ts, hear how recent changes affect you and ask questions of the experts at this one day conference. Admission is free
Phone #(_____)_______________________________________________
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:
9:00 a.m.-Registration and Exhibit Hall open 9:30 a.m.- Keynote –How the ADA is changing as a result of current legislation: an insiders perspective -Judy Heumann, Former Assistant Secretary for U.S. Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services. 10:30 a.m.-Break - Exhibit Hall is open. 10:45 a.m.- Morning Concurrent Workshops (3) • Working With Personal Care Attendants • Self Advocacy-what to do, how to do it and is it appropriate? • Q & A with Judy Heumann Noon -Lunch on your own - food vendors may be on-site. Exhibit Hall is open. 1:15 p.m.-Afternoon Concurrent Workshops (4) • Service Animals • Gaining Legal Protections • How to Start Working • Building Access -What’s Required? 2:45 p.m.-Break - Exhibit Hall is open 3:05 p.m.-Your Rights and Responsibilities and how the DOJ decide which cases to take on to best benefit the disability community-John Wodatch, Director of Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice.
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City__________________________________________________________________ State______________________________Zip___________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________ Rank your top two choices for A.M. workshops*: __ PCAs __ Self Advocacy __ Q & A with Judy Heumann Rank your top two choices for P.M. workshops*: __ Service Animals __ Gaining Legal Protections __ How to Start Working __ Building Access and what’s required Please indicate if you need any of the following: Large Print Computer Disc Braille Interpreter (specify)________________ Tape Other (specify)____________________
You may not get your first choice of workshops due to space limitations. If you have questions regarding the conference, contact Cindy at ADA MN at 651-603-2015, 1-888-845-4595 (toll free), (TTY 651-603-2001) or cindyt@mcil-mn.org. If you are a business or non-profit organization interested in exhibiting at the conference, contact Abby at 651-646-7588 or e-mail pmn@isd.net.
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June 10, 2002
Accessible Performances The following performances will be Audio Described (AD) for people who are blind or have low vision, or interpreted in American Sign Language (ASL) for people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.
Misfits Traveling Minstrel Show; 6/13-29; ASL Thurs., 6/20 & Sat., 6/22, 7:30; Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts; Mpls.; 612-339-5145; www.Interact Center.com. Cabaret performers with disabilities offer a homecoming show after their Scandinavian tour. From Earth to Sky: An International Folk Song Festival; AD Fri., 6/21, 8:00; ASL Sat.6/22, 8:00; One Voice Mixed Chorus at Hamline University; St. Paul; 612-332-1302; www.ovmc. org. Solstice River; ASL Fri.-Sat., 6/21 & 22, 8:30 p.m.; Stone Arch Bridge in Mpls.; 651523-2591; http://cgee.ham line.edu/solstice or www. globalsiteperformance.org. Watch from the bridge as dancers, kayakers, barges, singers, and musicians celebrate the Mississippi. MN Biennial Sculpture Installation; 6/15-8/11; ASL Sun., 6/23, 2:00-3:00; free guided tour; MN Museum of American Art, Landmark Center; St. Paul; 651-292-4395; www.mmaa.org.
She Loves Me; 6/21-29; ASL Sat., 6/29, 7:30; Woodbury High School; 651-739-4627; www.woodburycommunity theatre.org.
The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs by A. Wolf; 7/128/4; ASL Sun., 7/21, 2:00; AD Tues., 7/23, 11:30; Landmark Center; St. Paul; 651225-9265; www.stepping A Midsummer Night’s stonetheatre.org. Dream; 6/28-8/4; ASL Sat., 7/6, 7:00 at Harriet Island, St. Rent; 7/17-8/4; AD/ASL Sat., Paul & Thurs., 7/11, 7:00 at 7/27, 2:00; Ordway Center for Minnehaha Park, Mpls.; the Performing Arts; St. Paul; Shakespeare in the Park; 612- 651-224-4222, TTY 651341-0882, x560; www.shake 282-3100; www.ordway.org. speareinthepark.org. Jack & the Bean Stalk; 7/26Hello, Dolly!; 7/11-20; ASL 8/2; AD/ASL Sun.7/27, 7:30; Fri., 7/12, 7:00; Big Top Tent; Howard Conn Fine Arts Roseville; 651-415-2146; Center; Mpls.; 612-623-9080; www.rosetownplayhouse.org. www.youthperformanceco. com. An Evening to Hang Your Hat On; 7/12-27; ASL Fri., Broadway, My Way; 7/197/19, 8:00; Rochester Reper- 8/4; ASL Thurs., 8/1, 7:30; tory Theatre; 507-289-1737; Mounds View Community www.rochesterrep.org. Theatre; Shoreview; 651-6382130; half price for deaf Monky Business; 7/18-28; patrons. ASL Sun., 7/21, 2:00; Paramount Theatre; St.Cloud; 320- Three Billy Goats Gruff; 259-5463; www.paramount 7/5-8/4; ASL/AD Thurs., arts.org or www.cmct.org. 8 /1, 1:00, & Sun., 8/4, 2:00; The monks are putting on a Mainstage Theatre; Hopkins; radio show fund-raiser, but 952-979-1111; www.stages something has silenced them theatre.org. all . . . until a miracle occurs. Godspell; 7/25-8/10; ASL Thurs., 8/8, 9:00 p.m.; New Hope Outdoor Theatre; 763531-5151, TTY 763-5315109; www.ci.new-hope.mn. us.
The Emperor of the Moon; 5/17-9/8; ASL Sun. 8/11, 2:00; Commonweal Theatre; Lanesboro; 507-467-2525, 800-657-7025; www.common wealtheatre.org. The Rainmaker; 7/12-8/11; AD Sun., 8/11, 2:00; Theatre in the Round Players; Mpls.; 612-333-3010; www.theatre intheround.org. June Moon; 7/17-8/24; ASL/ AD Sat., 8/17, 8:00; Park Square Theatre; St. Paul; 651291-7005; www.parksquare
theatre.org; half-price tickets Season Preview; AD Sat., ($13.75) to ASL/AD patrons. 8/24, 8:00; Theatre in the Round Players; 612-333Summer Blizzard 2002; 3010; www.theatreinthe 8/22-25; ASL Fri., 8/23, round.org. Free, with pre8:00; 3 Legged Race (www. view scenes from the new 3Legged Race.org); South- season, refreshments, and a ern Theater; Mpls.; 612-340- silent auction. 1725; www.southerntheater. org. For updates by phone, call VSA arts of Minnesota at Les Misérables; 8/7-31; AD/ 612-332-3888 or statewide ASL Sat., 8/24, 2:00; Ordway 800-801-3883 (voice/TTY). Center for the Performing Arts; St. Paul; 651-224-4222, tty 651-282-3100; www. ordway.org.
HIRING - Cont. from p. 8 Jason has been able to return to work as a preventive maintenance technician. If there’s a problem in a hotel room that’s not part of housekeeping’s duties, Jason fixes it. He covers it all—a dripping faucet, a door that won’t close, a lamp that won’t work—with competence, a smile, and a great attitude. According to Greg, Jason has been exceptional. He works very hard and puts 110 percent into being successful on the job. “I’ve
been very blessed with this guy,” says Greg. “If I could have a hundred of him, that would be great! He goes the extra mile.” Greg’s advice to other employers on hiring individuals with disabilities is to “take the chance.”
There are no negatives for Greg in working with Jason. And the positives abound, and reward everyone. Employers seeking to hire people with disabilities can find a wealth of information to help them get started on Social Security’s website at http://www.ssa.gov/work/. Once there, visit the Employers’ pages.
As an employer, Greg had no fears to address before he hired Jason. Greg has been around people with disabilities most of his life. In Jason’s case, the accommodations Information provided by the Greg makes for Jason are SSA St. Paul PASS Cadre. minor and Greg is more than willing to provide them.
Professional Directory Guzmán & Associates, P.L.L.C. Attorneys and Counselors at Law
Disability Law Conservatorships Guardianships Special Needs Trusts 14800 Galaxie Avenue, Suite 103 Apple Valley, Minnesota 55124
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.
Tel: 952-432-0648 Fax: 952-431-2491
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
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
Phone (651) 735-2253 Fax (651) 735-3374
Access for All The Minnesota Travel Guide for Persons with Disabilities www.accessminnesota.org 3680 Victoria St. N. • Shoreview, MN 55126 Office: (651) 481-4062 • Fax: (651) 787-2790 mike.chevrette@efunds.com
June 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 REAL ESTATE
FOR RENT
Burnsville new home construction beginning in June. Handicap-accessible 3-5 bedroom rambler with office on beautiful, wooded lot in quiet established neighborhood. Near Crystal Lake. Close to 35W/E, Burnsville Center. $275K-$325K. Information at www.rcinewhome.com or 612-741-4100.
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.
FOR SALE Silver Glide stair lift, 7 ft., slightly used, gray, $700. Invacare chair lift, EXCELLENT condition, mauve, $175. Call Susan at 763-5442020. MISCELLANEOUS “Words of Love” is a CD by Snoopi Botten, a musician with cerebral palsy who writes and performs inspirational songs using a synthetic speech system. To order, call (612) 872-7233 or visit Snoopi’s website at http:// hometown.aol.com/dectalk/ myhomepage/index.html.
Access To Employment
Employment ads are $14 per col. inch; June 28 is the deadline for the July 10 issue. Mail to: ACCESS PRESS • 1821 University Ave. • #104S • St. Paul, MN 55104• FAX 651-644-2136 • E-mail: access@mninter.net The office of Sen. Paul Wellstone is looking for an assertive, committed selfstarter to help Minnesotans deal with federal Immigration issues, International issues, (student, employment and visitor visas), International Adoptions and Refugee issues. Must have excellent writing, organizational and problem-solving skills. Familiarity with languages a plus. Send cover letter with resume and references by June 21, 2002 to Carol Bender, c/o Sen. Paul Wellstone, 2550 University Av. W., 100N, St. Paul, MN 55114.
O
Freedombox Network offers a new and unique combination of Internet accessibility software and optional hardware that unlocks the Internet for those unable to use standard point-and-click technology. “Our new Freedombox on-line shopping mall will literally allow our users to shop the Net just by speaking to it,” says Mike Calvo, chief executive officer, Serotek Corporation. “The launch of our on-line shopping mall is an important first step in our efforts to bring the products and services of many on-line retailers to the blind and [physically] disabled in an
DIRECTOR Design & Construction The University of Minnesota’s Facilities Management Department has an exciting opportunity to demonstrate its stewardship role as a strong property owner and is currently seeking an individual to fill the position of Director of Design and Construction Services. This position has overall responsibility for the successful delivery of new construction and capital improvement projects, and will oversee the implementation of FM’s project delivery program. Major areas of responsibility include establishing project delivery strategies, developing annual business plans, and assessing service delivery to ensure FM is meeting stewardship and client service needs. Supervises professional staff. Communicates the focus of projects, setting forth the Owner’s objectives. Administers the selection process for design and construction service firms.
Holmes-Greenway Housing: One and two bedroom apartments designed for physically handicapped persons. ConvePROJECT nient SE Minneapolis locaADMINISTRATOR tion. Call (612) 378-0331 for Adolfson & Peterson, a naavailability information. Equal tional General Contractor, is Opportunity Housing. looking for a project administrator with 3-5 years experiSeward Square Apartments: ence to join our team. Major We are currently accepting responsibilities include data applications for our waiting entry and maintenance of list at Seward Square Apart- project financial information, ments in Minneapolis. Seward invoicing, coordinating Square is barrier-free housing project documentation. Posiand is federally subsidized. tion requires excellent comFor an application, please call puter skills, mathematical (612) 338-2680. Equal Op- ability and experience hanportunity Housing. dling multiple tasks. Resume to: Adolfson & Peterson, Qualified candidates will have Inc., PO Box 9377, Minne- a B.A. or B.S. degree in Construction, Business, Manapolis, MN 55440. agement, or closely related DESIGNER/PROJECT field and at least 8 years of COORDINATOR related experience including 4 years supervisory experiAGS, a leading publisher of ence. A broad knowledge of educational and assessment the construction industry, leadproducts currently has an ership skills, and the ability to outstanding opportunity for a manage change and foster a full time designer of K-12 test cohesive, team-orientated enand El-hi publications. We vironment are required. are looking for an experienced take charge individual The U of M offers an environment where accessi- who is results oriented, highly excellent compensation and bility is guaranteed. It also motivated and an innovative benefits package that includes reflects our ability to connect thinker with strong project free tuition, medical/dental/ on-line retailers with a previ- management, analytical and life insurance, and generous ously hard-to-reach market.” communication skills. The vacation and retirement benideal candidate must possess efits. Please send cover letter Freedombox Network will a college degree in graphic and resume, stating title of provide its subscribers with design plus 3-5 yrs of book position, by Friday, June 21, access to the extensive array design experience and the 2002 to: of consumer products avail- ability to work well in a team University Services able through such retail sites environment. Proficiency on the Macintosh in QuarkHuman Resources as Amazon.com and those for Xpress, Illustrator and Attn: Karen Eliseuson audio books, home electronPhotoshop is required. Please 300 Donhowe Building ics, housewares, gifts, clothcheck us out on the web at 319 15th Avenue S.E. ing, music, software, tools, agsnet.com. Interested appliMinneapolis, MN 55455 and toys. Many of the buying Fax: (612) 625-6675 services and functionality of cants may forward resume to: AGS JH, 4201 Woodland some of these sites—such as easy user registration, cus- Road, Circle Pines, MN tomer product reviews, and 55014; fax to 651-287-7225 Equal Opportunity sample audio tracks—will or email to jobs@agsnet.com. EOE Educator and Employer also be available to Freedombox Network subscribers. About Serotek and Freedombox Headquartered in Minneapolis, Serotek Corporation designs and develops access technologies and services that unlock the power and potential of the Internet for the blind, senior citizens, and
the physically disabled. Freedombox, which combines special browsing software, high quality speech recognition, and audio technology, allows users to access and navigate e-mail and the Internet using simple, intuitive voice commands.
Minnesota State University Moorhead Counseling & Personal Growth Center
CONSTRUCTION
Freedombox On-Line Shopping n May 6, 2002, Serotek Corporation announced the launch of its on-line shopping mall service on its Freedombox Network, a unique Internet portal that provides content and services specifically designed for the disability community. The move will enable people with disabilities to shop for millions of items over the Internet by voice command alone.
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For specific information on product features, pricing for Freedombox Network and products, a demo, and ordering, visit www.freedom box.info or call Serotek toll free at 1-877-661-3785. Information packets in braille and demonstration tapes are also available by phone. ■
COUNSELOR (Full-time) Vacancy No. 0263P Requirements: minimum of a Master’s degree in Counseling or related field and 3 years full-time professional experience, preferably with college students; demonstrated ability to provide effective psychological and career counseling to a broad spectrum of college students; demonstrated teaching ability in a higher education setting; ability to conduct a variety of clinical assessments; and demonstrated successful experience supervising graduate level counseling trainees. Significant computer literacy and experience with diverse populations preferred. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: provision of psychological, educational, and career counseling; supervision of graduate level counseling trainees; teaching personal development courses, including stress management; and development and delivery of outreach programs. This is a probationary tenure-track position at Instructor or Assistant Professor Rank depending on experience. COUNSELOR (½ time) Vacancy No. 0264P Requirements: minimum of a Master’s degree in Counseling or related field and 2 years professional experience; demonstrated ability to provide effective psychological and career counseling to college students; demonstrated teaching ability, preferably in a higher education setting. Experience with diverse populations preferred. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: provision of psychological, educational, and career counseling; teaching personal development classes including assertiveness training; and, development and delivery of outreach programs. This is a probationary, tenure-track position at Instructor Rank. Applicants must include a letter of application, resume or vita, the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three current references and completed MSUM application form (available on website: http://www.mnstate.edu/vacancy/). Review of candidates will begin June 24 and will continue until a successful candidate is selected. Send application materials to: Deborah Seaburg, Ph.D., Search Committee Chair, Counseling Center, Box 83, Minnesota State University Moorhead, Moorhead, MN 56563. Phone: (218) 236-2227 and FAX: (218) 291-4266. AA/EOE. LEGAL SECRETARY Full time; family law and gen. poverty law exp. pfd., clt. intake; messenger del. in dwntwn area; WP 6.0 exp. req; 65 wpm; dictation and gen. office work. Salary DOE, exc. benes. incl. full fam. health cov. Apps. accepted until filled. Resume: Judy Hollie, Central Minnesota Legal Services, 430 1st Ave. N., #359, Mpls, MN 55401-1780. 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
June 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
Pete Feigal
-------------------–------------------------------------- IN KIND (time & services)----------------------------------------------------• Lynda Milne • Jeni Mundl • Deb Olson • René Perrance • John Schatzlein • Jon Skaalen • John Tschida • Joel Ulland • Derek VanderVeen Disability Health Options Committee Members • Disability Law Center • Isanti County News Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities • St. Paul Social Security PASS Cadre
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