August 2002 Edition - Access Press by Access Press

August 10, 2002

Inside ■ State Fair Fun — p. 3 ■ Book Review — p. 4

Reader Survey — Page 13

“I feel a more positive feeling emanating from the community and I think it has a unifying aspect.” - Charlie Smith, June 1996 Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Mpls. MN Permit No. 4766

Volume 13, Number 8

SOURCES

RESOURCES

August 10, 2002

ELECTION 2002 Roger Moe, Democrat

Tim Penny, Independent Party

Tim Pawlenty, Republican

Ken Pentel, Green Party

GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES RESPOND TO ACCESS PRESS A ccess Press posed three questions to each candidate for governor of Minnesota. Below, we have compiled their responses for you. Their answers are printed as received—only basic formatting was done by us. Each question is followed by each candidate’s response—in alphabetical order by last name. Candidate Pawlenty used an alternate format, so his responses will

U.S. Supreme Court And The ADA In 2002 by Kathleen Hagen

f people with disabilities just reviewed the 2002 Supreme Court decisions involving the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the conclusion would be that, from the point of view of plaintiffs, the ADA took quite a hit this year. Before I review two cases already reported on in Access Press this year, and analyze three new decisions, I want to take the opportunity to list some benefits brought about by the ADA. These benefits, for the most part, have not come about from filing or winning lawsuits. The main benefit brought about by passage of the ADA continues to be the number of businesses that have become accessible to persons with disabilities. The public has also become more aware of the benefits brought about by access for persons who do not consider themselves disabled. Where there are buildings with many steps and a ramp leading to a door, more and more walkers will use the ramp as an easier means of

entering the building. Anyone who enters a public restroom knows that the stall most in use is the one made larger to accommodate persons in wheelchairs because it is the stall providing the most comfort and convenience to nondisabled persons as well. The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) have both done a very good job of issuing materials meant to educate small businesses regarding their duty to provide access under the ADA. The DOJ in the Clinton Administration carried on a Public Access Project where it brought complaints against several dozen cities across the United States. Those complaints have been settled with agreements that provide access to all the public services in these cities. If the ADA were being considered by Congress today, it might be much more difficult to pass the legisla-

tion. However, persons with disabilities still have friends in both parties who support the ADA and fight against limiting those protections. The last three presidents, including George W. Bush, have supported continued protections under the ADA. Moreover, Minnesota is fortunate to be one of a few states with very strong civil rights protections under its Minnesota Human Rights Act. Therefore, even with the Supreme Court decisions discussed below, most of which were disappointing from the point of view of plaintiffs, the ADA is alive and strong and still providing major benefits for persons with disabilities. Supreme Court Cases Already Reviewed Readers will remember discussion in the February 2002 Access Press of the Supreme Court decision in Williams vs. Toyota Manufacturing, the first decision involving the ADA this year. The Supreme Court held in that ADA - cont. on p. 12

be printed in their entirety at the end. We thank all the candidates for their participation.

Question 1: Please summarize your political efforts, to date, on behalf of the disability community. Roger Moe, Democrat: As a legislator and as Senate Majority Leader, my public policy efforts have touched most public policy issues, including those issues promoted and supported by people with disabilities. Health & Human Services: I was a Senate author of the Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD) program, which has allowed thousands of Minnesotans with disabilities to become employed without fear of losing needed health care through Medical Assistance. I have supported increases to COLAs and tuition waivers for health care workers. I supported expanding the Minnesota Prescription Drug Program to persons with disabilities on Medicare, patient protection measures, and the extension of the sunset for the disability council. I authored legislation in the early 1970s establishing what then was called the Minnesota Commission for the Handicapped. I have a long record of support for efforts promoting alternatives to institutionalization. Housing: I have been a strong proponent for increased investments in affordable housing. My running mate, Julie Sabo, was author of the 2001 “visitability” amendment, which promotes integrating basic accessibility features into state-financed afford-

able housing units.

Transit & Transportation: I have a strong record supporting transportation and transit. I voted for Light Rail Transit and the North Star Commuter Rail project. I have supported funding for PCA transportation in all areas of the state—especially in rural Minnesota where PCA’s must travel long distances. Education: As a former teacher, I have worked throughout my public service career to provide adequate and stable funding for our public schools. The State Senate, under my leadership, has made significant efforts to close the special education funding gap. Access: I’ve been a strong supporter of efforts to remove architectural barriers and improve accessibility in our public buildings. I’ve supported the Library Access Fund and I have supported efforts spearheaded by Wilderness Inquiry to improve accessibility in our state parks. Tim Penny, Independent Party: I have always had a good working relationship with the disability community throughout my elected years. My youngest brother has had multiple disabilities since birth so many Penny family members have personal connections to the disability community. In Congress, I supported the Americans with Disabilities Act. I was also actively involved in the creation of the Southeastern Minnesota Center for Independent Living. As many of your readers know, this center has been successful in providing hous-

ing, living support, and work support for many people with disabilities in the Rochester area. Ken Pentel, Green Party: In my 16 years as an activist working on political, economic and environmental issues, I have never directly worked on issues that address the specific concerns of the disability community. Of course, I haven’t avoided working on such issues, but my work has heretofore led me down other political paths.

Question 2: What do you consider to be the issues of greatest importance, statewide, to the disability community—and how would you rank their importance? Moe: Affordable accessible housing, transit and transportation, adequately funded schools, access to affordable health care and prescription medications, and adequately compensated health care workers are certainly issues of importance to persons with disabilities. Persons with disabilities, like all workers, need good jobs at good wages. Penny: 1. Because of the current budget deficit, state lawmakers will be grappling with how to balance the budget. I believe we must have a balanced approach that solves the deficit through a combination of tax increases and spending cuts. Throughout this process, it is more important than ever that we ensure vital services to disabilities are maintained within the context of a balanced budget. 2. Another important issue is Candidates - cont. on p. 14

August 10, 2002

Tim Benjamin Editor

would like to thank everyone—advertisers and contributors of recollections—for their generosity in putting together this month’s anniversary issue. We have scattered the reminiscences throughout the paper and the ads can be seen on pp. 8 and 9. As we begin another year, we look back on an exciting but difficult year at Access Press. There is still a lot of work to do, but we are looking forward to the challenge. With your help, Access Press will continue to be the voice of the disability community.

on several ADA cases. All these cases are setting ADA precedents and they are very important to our community’s future. Kathy has also added some very insightful thoughts on how she believes the ADA has changed for the good over the last year. We thank her for keeping a close eye on these cases and keeping us informed. ❖❖❖

The governor’s race will be heating up and we will all need to keep questioning the ❖❖❖ candidates on their stands on On the 12th anniversary of critical issues: affordable the ADA, Kathy Hagen has housing, enforcement of the written a very precise piece ADA and IDEA regulations,

employment opportunities for people with disabilities, increased accessible transportation, and a commitment to increased wages for personal care attendants. To get things started, we have asked each gubernatorial candidate three fundamental questions focused on the disability community—and on what they have done, and what they will do if elected. Next month we hope to look much closer at the Senate race. ❖❖❖ This month one of our longtime advertisers—Handi Medical Supply—is highlighted in an article on page 4. While studying nursing and working as a PCA, Mary Benhardus became frustrated with medical suppliers. She started Handi, a successful business, on her own. In the future we hope to highlight

other longtime advertisers. ❖❖❖ At the recent local ADA conference, it was incredible to visit with so many people with disabilities and people that work in the disability community—all of whom are excited about the future. The two keynote speakers, Judy Heumann and Allison Nichol, were very instructive. The morning question-and-answer session with the speakers was a real treat. There was plenty of time to answer most questions, although it was difficult to hear everything. We will be featuring an article on Judy Heumann’s speech next month. ❖❖❖ Chris Duff brings up an issue related to the ADA conference in a Letter to the Editor (below). He makes some good points, but we all need to go further. We must stay

Charlie was not surprised by the question, as I’m sure he had been thinking about it. But he simply shrugged his shoulders, looked at me sideways, and said, “Well, somebody’s gotta say it.” And that, basically, was the end of the conversation. Charlie never forgot that Access Press was founded as a voice for the community, and would always insist on “saying it,” whatever the consequences. (And, despite the strong and critical article that Charlie wrote, the paper did not lose any advertising as a result.) Jeff Nygaard

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Access Press Co-Founder/Publisher (1990-1996) ....................................................... Wm. A. Smith, Jr. Co-Founder/Publisher/Editor-in-Chief (1990-2001) ............................ Charles F. Smith Board of Directors ...................................................... Mary Kay Kennedy, Steve Kuntz, Lolly Lijewski, Bridget Smith, Joani Werner, and Linda Wolford Editor .............................................................................................................. Tim Benjamin Assistant Editor .......................................................................... Laurie Eckblad Anderson Summer Intern ........................................................................................... Aaron Corcoran 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.

It is good information for anyone who is looking forward to an enjoyable visit to the Great Minnesota GetTogether. Read about it on page 3. ❖❖❖ Thanks again to our desktop publisher, Ellen Houghton, for another Spirituality Column—and a comprehensive recollection of her years with Access Press. ❖❖❖

Please help us again this year by filling out our Reader Survey on page 13. Last year’s surveys have been influential in decisions made about the content and format of the paper. A free subscription (or extension of a current subscription) will be ❖❖❖ your gift for a completed and August is State Fair time. returned survey. Your input Mike Chevrette has written a is a very valuable tool. ■ fun and informative article about accessibility at the Fair.

Access Press provides a valuable resource to Minnesotans with and without disabilities. The depth of information is far beyond any other local disability newspaper.

I started working at Access Press in May of 1994, and have worked with the paper on and off ever since. I’ll never forget one time when there was a controversy boiling in the community (several years ago) about an issue that involved a large and influential local disability organization. Lots of people were upset with the position that the local institution, which was also a major advertiser in Access Press, had taken. One day Charlie said, “Well, I guess I have to write an article about how wrong they are.” As we discussed the implications, I raised the question, “Do you think they might get mad and pull their advertising if you criticize them?”

aware of disabilities that are less common or less apparent. For example, we should ban fragrances on behalf of those with chemical sensitivities. We also need to remember our own responsibility. If we ask for special accommodations and are then unable to attend, we should contact the venue ASAP to cancel. To do otherwise reflects badly on us, and can be a waste of time and money for those involved. The conference coordinators did their best to provide accommodations and should be applauded: the nurse’s office was available as a place to rest or get medical attention, specially hired PCAs were on-site to assist all, and bottled water was available.

Jeni Mundl

Letter to the Editor

Requiring Alternative Format Material R

emember when there were no curb cuts, ramps, or interpreters? It took social, political, and legal pressure to bring these issues to the attention of the public and policymakers. Recent community events, such as The ADA Rights & Responsibilities Conference, have once again brought to light the need to ensure equal access for all.

mat is an onerous requirement, especially for small organizations. Let’s look at some of the options:

cost. Time: 10 minutes to find vendor and e-mail the document.

3. Audiotape (as an alterna1. Large print: Most docutive to Braille): Read the ments are prepared on document into a tape recomputers, so all that needs corder. Time: 20 minutes to be done is to change the to find a tape recorder and read the document. font size. Time: One minute. Also needed: 4. Electronic format: Simply Additional paper. copy the document as a text file onto a floppy disk. Now, we are being challenged 2. Braille: Having a docuTime: Two minutes. to accommodate visual disment transferred into Braille abilities. Some are raising the is possible through several local vendors at minimal The real issue is our willingconcern that alternative forness to accept responsibility. THE MINNESOTA STATE COUNCIL ON DISABILITY Some are complaining of burdensome requirements… EEP P O ATE special treatment... sound familiar? This is what we heard SUBSCRIBE NOW FOR FREE about ramps, doorways, and MINNESOTA DISABILITY E-MAIL curb cuts ten years ago. Equal access is not a “gift”—it is a ◆ Breaking Federal and State Disability News basic right. Those of us in the ◆ Notice of Special Events disability community need to To Subscribe, E-mail MSCOD at be leaders on this issue. I council.disability@state.mn.us thank the ADA organizing T HE C ONNECTOR N EWSLETTER committee for their clear standards and expectations, A Quarterly Publication Featuring and I’m sorry they have been Disability Issues and Commentaries plus taking the heat. I look Special Issues on Legislative Activities forward to the time when For a Free Subscription, Contact MSCOD at alternative format is seen not 651-296-6785 V/TTY ◆ 1-800-945-8913 V/TTY as a requirement, but a responsibility. It is not costly 651-296-5935 FAX or overly time-consuming, and is only onerous if we MSCOD, YOUR SOURCE FOR INFORMATION, REFERRAL, TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE chose to view it as such.

U T D

ACCESS, EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, HEALTH CARE, HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION

Chris Duff, AXIS Healthcare

August 10, 2002

12 Days At The Minnesota State Fair by Mike Chevrette

ver since I moved to Minnesota in 1983, I have regularly attended the Great Minnesota Get-Together, aka. The Minnesota State Fair. Last year, in my quest to enjoy what was left of our short summer, I decided to visit the Fair every day of its 12-day run. I am one of those who cannot get enough of the Fair. My reasons for going so often are similar to most: the food, peoplewatching, the food, concerts, the food, checking out the exhibit halls, the food, animal barns, and so on. Did I mention the food? Now I would like to share some of the things I have learned that might be helpful to you the next time you visit the Fair. I also hope that you will share some of your tips and feedback about attending the Fair—you can reach me at www.accessminnesota.org. The Fair’s own website (http:/ /www.mnstatefair.org/pages/ geninfo_access.html) provides helpful information to the disability community as it has a special section on accessibility. Please visit this site for comprehensive information on all transport options. These include: parking on the fairgrounds, park & ride, a drop-off area, and Metro Transit. But if all these options fail, park in Tim Benjamin’s front yard. Upon arrival, the first thing you should do—after grabbing something to eat—is stop by one of the information booths and pick up an Accessibility Guide and map of the Fair. These brochures will give you some great information about accommodations for persons with disabilities. For example, if you need an accessible unisex restroom, stop by the Care & Assistance Center on Dan Patch Avenue across from

Heritage Square. This restroom is clean, spacious, and air-conditioned. The people in the Care & Assistance Center are very helpful. It is also a meeting spot for those who are lost or separated from their family and friends—and provides child care facilities, and wheelchair battery charging. Located next to the Care & Assistance Center is a Medical Aid Station, which provides first aid for minor ailments. If you’re on the other end of the fairgrounds, the Progress Center and the Fine Arts Building have newer unisex restrooms. There are also unisex restrooms under the Grandstand ramp. Review your map for other locations because the Fair adds new restrooms every year.

An Anniversary Recollection W

hen Tim asked me to reminisce about my Café, you can get beer and food, listen to live music, and time with Access Press, I catch the latest Twins action wasn’t really sure what I could write. It seems like on several nearby TVs. Access Press has just always I usually attend a few concerts been a part of my life. each year at the Grandstand. They’ve even made me feel If you need wheelchair seat- like an “off-site” extension. ing, make sure your tickets are for Row 8. Row 7 is flagged I have been the desktop as accessible according to publisher for Access Press Ticketmaster, but this row is from almost day one. I can still remember my initial down a couple of steps! meeting at the first Access Some days are more crowded Press/Smith Real Estate ofthan others, and afternoons fice, of being ushered into Bill and evenings are more Smith’s office by his wife, crowded than mornings. Renee, and seeing Charlie roll Weekends are always busy. in minutes later. We hit it off They were The combined Seniors & right away. Kids Days are doubly initially looking for someone crowded. They fill up early to create the camera-ready and fast, plus, all of the copy to be sent to their printer accessible parking spots go and then to eventually teach them how to do it themselves. quickly. I guess they gave up the idea Finally, Last Chance Day of taking it in-house because (Labor Day) is for bargain it never came up again. And hunters! Many concession- for that I am grateful. They aires offer closeout prices on quickly became—and have food, merchandise, and sou- continued to be—one of my venirs. It’s also the day of the favorite clients, and have truly stock car race at the Grand- enriched my life. stand. I enjoy the race and watch it every year. But if you We began long before the go on this day, expect plenty Internet, e-mail, and digital of noise for most of the morning and well into the afternoon, especially when you’re near the Grandstand.

On one of my visits to the Fair last year, I took my granddaughter, Heidi, on 4-H Day. We visited the 4-H building and then the animal barns. You might find the animal barns more “enjoyable” if you visit them on the cooler days or in the early morning. I don’t need to explain. Make sure to visit the swine barn where you can see the mother pig with her babies, as well as Minnesota’s largest boar (no, it’s not Jesse). The Minnesota State Fair offers services that are inOne of my favorite spots to do tended to benefit visitors with some people-watching is the disabilities. These include: beer garden next to the assistive listening devices, entrance to the Midway. I do ASL interpreters, TTY not spend much time on the phones, and curb cuts throughMidway, but if you want to out the fairgrounds. Wheelexperience the entire Fair, a chairs, electric scooters, and visit there is a must. Be other mobility aids are availwarned though that navigat- able for rent at four locations ing through this area can be on the fairgrounds. Rental tricky due to crowds, cables fees range from $7 per day for on the ground, and so on. strollers to $40 per day ($25 after 6 p.m.) for electric My favorite place to watch scooters. people is the Ballpark Café on the west side of the Food Furthermore, the Fair has Building. At the Ballpark State Fair - cont. on p. 6

cameras. Access Press was in the Midway area and I was in Minnetrista. We put a lot of miles on cars, employed a number of couriers, and became quite creative in getting copy, cartoons, photos, and diskettes back and forth. We didn’t have the fast faxes and modems of today. Proof faxing was done late at night so we wouldn’t tie up the phone lines. There are many tales of me having to track down Bill or Charlie during the evening because their fax was out of paper or had jammed. Additionally, since the paper was tabloid size, and faxes were letter size, our faxing of proof copies—usually done right under the deadline wire—had some interesting results. I remember one time when the orientation of the paper didn’t get changed to landscape (sideways) and Charlie arrived at work the morning of the deadline to find only the left corner of every half page ready for proofreading. Or the times when the computer would hit a glitch and start refaxing, from page one, several times—and the Smiths would come to work in the morning

to find an entire roll of fax paper used up and strewn around the fax machine. Charlie enjoyed trying out new technologies and was often one of the first to employ them. When modems became more popular, Charlie introduced me to a program called Qmodem and we felt like we had jumped light years into the “publishing of the future.” I began to receive files over the computer—ever so slowly, no high-speed modems back then—and we were at last free from the front-end need for couriers. We used to dream of the day we would eventually find a way to electronically get the final artwork to the printer! And I am happy that Charlie did have the joy of seeing that happen before he left us. We used to laugh at our computers—at least that’s what people thought when they would walk into our offices and see us typing away and laughing at our screens. Back in those days, we’d be connected via our computer modems and would type little Recollection - cont. on p. 11

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August 10, 2002

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Book Review

The Diving Bell And The Butterfly (Jean-Dominique Bauby, author) H

by Desiree Schlangen

by Laurie Eckblad Anderson

uring the summer of 1996, Jean-Dominique Bauby diligently dictated what was to become The Diving Bell and the Butterfly to Claude Mendibil. Bauby touched on a variety of subjects: his aged father, his young children, his dreams, his memories, the struggles of daily life, and much more. Bauby also dealt with emotions ranging from tenderness to bitterness. At the end of the summer, when he and Claude went over the potential manuscript, Bauby, like all authors, thought: “Some pages I am pleased to see again. Others are disappointing. Do they add up to a book?” They added up to a fascinating book. One reason is that Bauby had enjoyed a varied career in French publishing— at the time of writing, he had most recently been editor in chief of the French version of Elle magazine. Another reason is that Bauby had lived a very full life including warm relationships, travel, and the love of good food. Perhaps the final, and key, reason this book captures the reader’s imagination is that it wasn’t written on a state-of-the-art computer with the best software a publishing bigwig could afford—Bauby, using only his left eye, blinked out

his stories using a special how many times I grab a piece alphabet created by his speech of paper to jot down an idea therapist. before it flees my mind. I also thought of how one can Bauby did this because six read—or write—paragraph months before beginning the after paragraph that says little. book, he had suffered a brain None of this seemed to be an stem stroke. After he emerged issue for Bauby, who somefrom a coma, he was found to how managed to patiently have locked-in syndrome— dictate profound, yet concise, his mind was active and alive, thoughts he’d organized hours but his entire body was before—without losing any of paralyzed. That is, except for their impact. With that kind his left eye, which became his of concentration and talent, he sole connection with the must have been quite a force world. This was enough to in the publishing world. impel Bauby to share his tale with us. He met his goal, but, Bauby used his talents to cope unfortunately, he died very with his dismay at his new close to the publication date. physical condition—and created memorable writing, from In 29 short chapters he phrases to chapters. He manages to say much and say depicts his young daughter’s it well. Bauby started each behavior during a Father’s session by gathering his Day visit in this way: thoughts before Claude ar- “...Celeste is doing cartrived. Upon her arrival, the wheels on the sand. Perhaps work began in earnest with some compensatory mechaClaude reciting an adapted nism is at work, for ever since alphabet featuring letters in the act of blinking became the the order of most common equivalent of weight lifting occurrence in the French for me, she has turned into a language. Instead of ABC, genuine acrobat.” Bauby heard E, S, A, R, I, and so on—and would blink when In the ironically entitled “My the desired letter came up. In Lucky Day” (a half-page, this way, words, then sen- single-paragraph chapter), tences, and ultimately para- Bauby tells in moving sensory graphs were built—one letter detail how three annoying and at a time. degrading medical equipment problems affected him one While reading, I thought of morning—as well as sharing his coping strategy and his eventual rescue by a nurse.

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But the conflict he feels as he tries to come to terms with his condition is handled best in two consecutive chapters early in the book. “The Photo” shares how just prior to his stroke, Bauby had helped his elderly father to shave. The fact that Bauby could no longer shave his father—or himself—hit him hard. This chapter also recalls memora-

andi Medical Supply is a full-line medical supply and rehabilitation equipment provider located in the center of the Twin Cities metro area. The company was founded in July 1988 and is owned by Mary Benhardus— who was a personal care attendant (PCA) for a quadriplegic while attending nursing school.

In those days, as an independent contractor you were required to invoice the state for PCA services provided. This experience gave the 19year-old Benhardus the communication skills and determination to learn the billing requirements in this industry. As a PCA, Benhardus had also experienced many difficulties in receiving the medical supplies and wheelchair repair services necessary for her client, who was also attending college. There had been several instances when the shipment would arrive without the necessary catheter supplies, or wheelchair repair would be unavailable for two or three days, stranding her client at home.

bilia in the elder Bauby’s apartment, including an childhood photo of the author at a miniature golf course. While in the hospital, Bauby’s father sent him the picture with this inscription: “Berck-sur-Mer, April 1963.” The twist: this long-ago vacation spot is now the location of the naval hospital where Bauby was After these disappointments, confined. Benhardus realized the area’s On the heels of “The Photo” need for a company to comes “Yet Another Coinci- provide worry-free and timely dence,” where Bauby con- service to customers. She fesses he had been flirting opened a little place in with the idea of writing a new Golden Valley providing version of The Count of urologicals, incontinence supMonte Cristo. He describes a plies, and wheelchair repair. character from Dumas’ origi- Her mission was to make the nal, Grandpapa Noirtier, who medically necessary supplies existed in a physical condition and services available when similar to his own. He needed, to provide emerwonders, only partly in jest, if gency wheelchair service— his fate is due to his plan to including evenings, weekreinvent Dumas’ book—and ends, and holidays—and to says that as a penalty he would provide high-end custom have rather had “to copy out wheelchairs and equipment. one thousand times: ‘I must Within the first year, Handi not tamper with master- Medical Supply had outpieces.’” Bauby then adds, grown its original location “But the gods of literature and and the business was moved neurology decided otherwise.” to University Avenue in St. Paul’s Midway area. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is not a brand-new Handi’s goal was to learn about publication. Instead, it is a and understand the varieties book that I have wanted to of durable medical equipment read for a few years. For by setting up a repair shop, starters, I have always been listening to customers’ conpuzzled by the imagery in its cerns, and implementing traintitle. Because of my satisfac- ing on various equipment tion with Bauby’s explanation brands before offering equipof his title (a motif that runs ment sales in 1990. throughout the book), I won’t divulge it here. You should As the company grew, the discover it for yourself. You original vision also grew to include educating insurance won’t be disappointed. ■ companies about medically

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necessary options. Handi has made numerous visits to our Regional Medicare Carrier in Indiana as an advocate for our customers. Additionally, we provide education regarding insurance coverage for referral sources such as nurses, discharge planners, and therapists. We have hosted annual education fairs for our referral sources providing continuing education credits. Handi has also invested in a computer system that allows our staff to maintain extensive ordering history, and manage utilization for our customers. Handi will even contact customers, if desired, to remind them to place their monthly supply orders. Recently, we remodeled our retail showroom to provide a pleasant shopping experience and to display what’s new in daily living aids and convenient comfort items. A fulltime customer service representative is ready to greet and assist our customers as they enter our store. In addition, our warehouse stocks more than 7,800 different medical supplies and pieces of equipment available for pickup as well as delivery. Presently, the Handi family consists of 38 employees that accept the challenges of the business and appreciate the opportunity to make a difference in our customers’ lives. Weekly, each department— as well as the management team—meets to discuss customer service issues, share experiences, and improve processes and procedures. Monthly, the whole company comes together to share customer thank-you notes, choose an employee of the month, and discuss new goals. For the future, Handi will streamline the ordering process with on-line ordering, provide better communication with referrals and physicians for quicker delivery of product, further develop our business plan to bring on a full line of respiratory services, and continue to provide our evening and weekend emergency supply/repair services for our regular customers (without any service charges or fees). Handi Medical Supply’s ongoing purpose is: To provide a sense of security and confidence to those dependent on medical supplies, medical equipment, and service by meeting their timesensitive needs in a compassionate manner. ■ Desiree Schlangen works in the Operations Department of Handi Medical Supply.

August 10, 2002

Join us for a Ball or maybe a Steee-riiike! No admission fee Games start from 9 am - 7 pm Championship Game August 16 at 11 am

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The St. Paul Rolling Thunder, 2001 National Wheelchair Softball Champions.

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SPEECH DISABLED? Now even people with speech disabilities can use the telephone! For more information call: 800-657-3775

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August 10, 2002

Mental Illness/Brain Disorders

When One Door Shuts, Two More Open And Hit You In The Nose by Pete Feigal

will now leave you breathless with the amazing tale of how this sturdy lad was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), became very depressed, and ended up as an artist for Harley-Davidson. Picture if you will: me. It’s 1993, I’ve recently been diagnosed with MS, my career as an actor has come to a crashing halt, and I am feeling more than a little sorry for myself. One of the things about MS is that as the scar tissue builds up in your brain, the damage can cause cognitive changes including real, physical depression. Plus it’s also depressing having MS.

remember thinking, “Oh my God! I’m 37 years old, and this is what my life has come to: I’m sewing a wallet in the locked ward of Abbott-Northwestern Hospital!” I pleaded with them, “I don’t want to sew a wallet! Can I do something else?” And they said, “Of course.”

I asked for a pencil and a piece of paper, and I drew what I loved: a picture of my beloved Harley Heritage Softail Classic. And it wasn’t bad. I’d drawn my whole life, since I was a kid—Batman and Superman, and motorcycles and hot rods and I’m so low that I can’t eat. Not airplanes. It felt good to draw that I won’t, I can’t. Anyone what I loved. who’s been there knows what it’s like. I’ve even known When I got off the locked people who were so de- floor back to Main, there was pressed they literally could a new member of The not swallow their own spit. Group—this tough old lady, who looked like she’d just So, I end up in the partial day come out of the woods with treatment program at Abbott- her chainsaw. Her voice was Northwestern, a place of hope lower than mine, and she had that I’ve written about many tattoos all...I didn’t really times—working with George, want to know where they all the therapy group leader par were. excellence (that’s French for “he’s not so bad”). The first thing she said to me was, “I hear you ride HarleyBut I’m sinking further and Davidsons.” further, and after 21 days of not eating I couldn’t even And I confessed that, yes, I focus my eyes. It was decided did ride Harleys. that more drastic measures were needed and I was She said, “Well, I used to ride “escorted” up to the locked Harley-Davidsons.” ward. Which is very cool, as there I was taken into the RT room are lots of women riding bikes (“RT,” for those not in the nowadays, but when this lady loop, means “Recreational was riding, it must have been Therapy,” or as we sometimes about the time the Mayflower called it: “basket weaving came over. class.”) And I was given the option of painting a birdhouse So I asked her what bike she or sewing a wallet. And I rode.

She told me, “A 1955 Harley drawing. It’s a style almost Panhead.” lost because young artists don’t have the time or Which is one of the coolest patience to learn it. But Harleys ever made. because of my MS and depression, I had a lot of time And I tried to be polite and on my hands. asked if she still rode. I learned not only drawing She said, “What are you styles, but patience, someCRAZY? I’m 70 years old! I thing I never had before. I grew up, got drunk, and fell mean instant gratification took over.” too long for me. But now it was different. So I asked her what she drove now. And I saw an add in City Pages looking for “People She said, “Oh, I’m an old Who Make Stuff.” It was a lady. I drive a Cadillac.” juried art show at Calhoun Square. I was feeling devilish That night, just for fun, I drew and wrote them a grandiose a picture of a ‘55 Panhead letter: “I’m just what you’re parked next to a Cadillac and looking for, and I have wrote some words on it like a hundreds of pen drawings of Hallmark card, and the next planes and bikes and cars and day in Group I gave it to her. tanks”—never thinking I’d ever get accepted to this What I wrote was: “She show. A month later I got a drives a Coup de Ville, but her letter from Calhoun Square: heart rides still, on that “Congratulations, you have Panhead ‘55.” been accepted.” And this tough old lady broke into tears. I don’t think they were tears of sadness, but happy tears remembering back when she was a girl, riding her Harley and telling the world to go to hell. When I got out of the program, I still had the MS and was pretty much unemployable—or so I felt—and I told myself, well, you can sit on the couch and watch cartoons and drink wine or find something else to do. So I kept drawing. My bike, my friends’ bikes, cars, planes, animals. I learned the pen and ink technique of stippling where the entire picture is made from tiny dots, making the picture look like a photograph, but is a freehand

women would come by and the men would stop and look at my motorcycles and the women would go look at the other artists’ work. (God bless ‘em, but how many cows and loons can you really look at?) Then the women would come back to my booth and say, “Wow, he never looks at art. How much is that airplane picture?” And I’d ask how much cash they had in their wallets, and they’d say, “About $60,” and I’d say, “by some coincidence, that’s exactly how much it costs.”

I ended up selling my stuff. And I kept drawing and selling and putting pictures on T-shirts. Then one day I was selling my art at the big Fly In at Oshkosh and a guy was looking at my motorcycle art and told me how good it was. It turned out that he worked for a certain motorcycle company and asked me if I wanted to do some drawings for them. I said, “Let me think about it for about TWO I panicked. I only had about SECONDS!!!!!” And the rest five drawings actually fin- is history. ished. The part in the letter I sent them telling them about Now my eyes are going, but I the hundreds of drawings I could go into remission tohad done was...what’s the morrow—or not. That’s the word I’m looking for...a lie! I way life is. But my depression was now in the terrible and my MS gave me a new position of actually having to career in the arts, and as that come up with what I said I one goes, there’s all this new had. That’s so annoying! stuff just around the corner. So I gave myself a $300 budget, started drawing like a mad fiend, finished some art, got some prints made, bought some frames, and went to Calhoun Square.

It’s so strange. It’s taken losing my eyesight to really see. It’s taken 30 years of depression to learn that my life is really very wonderful. It’s taken a lifetime of traveling just to come home. Having strangers walk by and ■ look at and talk about your art while you’re sitting there is like being conscious at your own autopsy. Men and

Access Press has served as an anchor for me. I’m not just referring to its valuable news coverage of the up-to-date legislative reports and informative facts. No, I’m speaking about the personal relationship I have had with the Smith family that goes back to the 1970s. I was privileged to work with this unique family on a group home project, the first of its kind in Minnesota. When I left my job at PACER in ‘93, Charlie gave me a chance to write my first article for Access Press. This became a turning point for me. For the next five years I wrote a column on Disability and Aging. I enjoyed doing it because writing is so much a part of me. Now, as I look to the future of Access Press, I feel confident the paper is going to prosper for many years as a voice for people with disabilities. LeAnne Dahl

STATE FAIR Cont. from p. 3 done a great job of accommodating the needs of persons with disabilities. Improvements are made every year. Many of these have come about because visitors with disabilities have shared their suggestions with the Fair staff. After visiting the Minnesota State Fair for 12 straight days, I encourage you to participate in all it has to offer. It is part of our Minnesota heritage and it does provide a great way to get together. ■

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August 10, 2002

RESNA Highlights Assistive Technology

Spirituality and Disability

by Jeni Mundl

by Ellen Houghton

n June, the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) held their annual conference in Minneapolis. The members of RESNA work to “improve the potential of people with disabilities to achieve their goals through the use of technology.” They serve that purpose by promoting research, development, education, advocacy, and the provision of technology—and by supporting the people engaged in these activities. RESNA’s membership ranges from rehabilitation professionals to consumers.

epilepsy. An electrode is placed on the brain during surgery and the person is taught a different method of thinking (for example, tricking the brain into making movements with areas of the brain that are normally not used for movement). The theory is that this electroencephalographic activity would be translated into muscle responses. The potential is to provide movement and speech—for individuals with speech impairments, blindness, and muscular disabilities—through a computer, by interpreting the brain’s intent.

A conference highlight was an exhibit of assistive technology ranging from high-tech wheelchairs to vision aids. During the five-day run, I attended many informative sessions. Here, by category, are some of the more impressive things I saw.

Home Modification This session taught the attendees about considerations, laws, products, and resources related to remodeling a house for accessibility. A wide range of information was distributed such as standard measurements, ADA regulations, examples of real-life homes, standard assessment practices, and where to find useful data. One website that I found particularly helpful regarding introductory concepts was AARP’s at www. aarp.org/universalhome/. It features a virtual home tour, improvement checklists, articles, and examples of products.

Vocalization A research project is attempting to improve communication for people with dysarthric speech patterns. This new method of speaking combines natural speech with the use of augmentative communication devices. The individual’s voice is optimized by changing the tone, pitch, and duration of sounds. The person initiates speech by using the communication aid (a device such as Dynavox) in the standard fashion, and then speaks the rest of the phrase which is converted via software. The goal is a more natural flow of speech which allows the user to participate more fully in conversation.

•A robotic wheelchair arm— a long metal reacher with a grasping device that is operated through a joystick. •A weightless support for persons with fatigue, allowing them to move their arms more freely and with less effort. Beyond these, the mapping wheelchair seemed especially promising. With it, a person drives around a room and its furniture to develop the layout of the area using lasers and a computer. Afterwards, the user selects a spot on the computer screen and the wheelchair automatically moves to that area. Multiple maps can be saved for easy retrieval. Additional features, such as a communication aid, can be added to the computer—and a variety of adaptations, such as scanning and direct touch, can be used to operate the wheelchair and computer.

What Did I Just Say? “I feel so tired.” “I don’t have any close friends.” “No one will ever love me.” Just like a positive affirmation, we can (and often do) make negative affirmations in our day-to-day life without even realizing we’re doing it. It often starts—the first time—out of frustration, and next thing we know, it’s habit. What seems like a lifetime ago, I had a very dear friend who pointed out how often I said “I’m so tired.” Initially I denied it. Then I suddenly began to hear myself say that phrase many times a day. I kept wondering how I’d not realized it before. He had pointed it out to me because he was tired of hearing me say the same thing over and over. More importantly, I was getting tired because I was saying it! When I made a conscious effort to stop saying how tired I was, I found I wasn’t tired all the time.

Sometimes, we even pick such habits up from those we love. I have a friend who makes a noise every time he stands up or sits down. It’s sort of an “I’m exhausted, my body hurts all over, I wish I were dead” noise. This person is always tired and constantly has aches and pains. And his father made the same noise. Now I’m not saying his father didn’t have Robotics some ache or pain, but look Several new developments in what happened. It’s sort of the area of robotics were highlike sympathy pains—are they lighted and demonstrated in real or not? I’m sure my prototype. The collection infriend feels sore, but is it a cluded: mental or physical reality? What would happen if the •A therapy arm used to work on strength and range of Finally, users of assistive negative were replaced with motion in proper alignment/ technology have become something more positive? ergonomics. trendsetters! ■ Direct Brain Interface or I’m also not saying we need to Computer-Based Interface •A no-collision wheelchair Jeni Mundl is the Assistive go through life with Pollyanna This is currently being ex- that has proximity switches Technology Specialist at eyes and deny our physical or plored for people who have so that it stops when near a Courage Center. emotional feelings by had brain surgery due to wall or object. parroting catchy, positive phrases we don’t believe. Handi Medical Supply 2505 University Avenue West St. Paul, Minnesota 55114 At Hwy. 280 & University Avenue All the exhibits gave RESNA attendees an opportunity to see different vendors and discuss features or improvements of the product line. Assistive technology has progressed significantly over the past few years. It is more diverse, less costly, and more professional in appearance. In this digital age, everyone uses it daily. It is interesting to see the able-bodied community starting to benefit from and use the same equipment that increases independence for a people with disabilities.

Positive affirmations do work, if we truly believe they can happen. Often it feels awkward to say them—and may take a “leap of faith”— but if we believe they can happen, they will. In order to truly believe they can happen, however, there is often some “up front” work to be done on our own or with a professional. We first need to acknowledge what we are feeling or doing. We need open minds and the ability to see what we are doing to create the life we are leading. I have a belief that we create what is currently in our life. We may have been dealt a situation in our life which we would not have consciously chosen, but we can consciously choose how we react to it. Next, we need to remember God gives us everything we need —not necessarily what we want, but everything we need. What we create subconsciously may not be what we consciously want, but you can bet it is a setting that will give us an opportunity to learn the lessons we need to learn. For example, did my dad cause himself to be confined to a wheelchair for most of my life? Whether he did or not, it was definitely up to him to determine how that situation would affect his life. I have two very vivid childhood memories of my dad. One was of him rolling into the kitchen where my mother was standing at the sink. He came up to her so the front of his knees bumped into the back of hers, causing her to abruptly sit down in his lap! Then they both laughed and kissed.

children stare at people who look “out of the ordinary.” Well, Dad sitting in a wheelchair fit the bill, and when he noticed this little boy staring at him, he invited him over. Shyly, the boy approached and Dad encouraged him to touch his chair, give it a push, and even stand on his footrests. The point is that Dad may not have consciously asked for his situation, but he did understand that what he did with it was up to him. He could have been bitter about it and led a very unhappy life, but he chose to make lemonade from his lemons. Mom has shared that Dad did not reach this philosophy easily, but the point is he eventually “got it,” and all of our lives were richer for it. Here is another example to prove that the first step to change is awareness. Back in my stressful, corporate days I used to unconsciously clench my teeth. It became such a habit it finalized my tendency toward TMJ—a very painful jaw disorder. When I asked my dentist what I could do, he replied, “Stop it!” He then went on to tell me about biofeedback, mouth devices, and so on. I left there cynically chuckling to myself, “Yeah, just stop it. Like I can stop doing something I wasn’t even aware I am doing!” And nothing changed.

Years later—having gotten no better—I took a course that, among other things, taught me to become more aware of what I was doing in my day-to-day living. Sure enough, I “caught” myself frequently clenching my teeth. I was then able to mentally say “stop” and the habit was The second is of Dad and I slowly broken. The TMJ is no waiting for Mom in a mall. longer a problem. Now we’ve all seen small Spirituality - cont. on p. 13

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August 10, 2002

Congratulations, Access Press on 12 years of publishing excellence!

St. Paul Social Security District Office, Anne Lewandowski, District Manager St. Paul PASS Cadre

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I have contributed articles on ADA issues to Access Press over the past three years. The Minnesota Disability Law Center has worked with Access Press and contributed articles since the paperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inception. On occasion, I have referred persons with disabilities, who feel they are alone, to Access Press to find out that others have their same problems and are working on their issues. I personally refer to Access Press to keep up with legislative issues, the results of surveys involving candidates and their support of disability issues, and current community news and events of interest to disabled persons. People in other parts of the country have said to me, time and again, that we are lucky to have a paper that provides so much coverage of disability issues. Keep up the good work, Access Press.

Celebrating 30 Yrs Of

I remember when I saw the first issue of Access Press at the public library, I was thrilled! It was so empowering to know that our community would finally have a means of connecting and communicating with one another. I thank Charlie Smith for having the courage and determination to take on such a huge endeavor, and I honor each year that Access Press continues.

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Congratulates Access Press on 12 years! Arc Minnesota provides advocacy and support for Persons with developmental disabilities of all ages and their families.

ACCESS IS FREEDOM!

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Congratulations to

Access Press! Thank you for your continuing efforts to increase awareness and effect change. Keep up the good work, you are an important part of our community.

Congratulations! Access Press 12th Anniversary

THE DISABILITY INSTITUTE

The residents and staff of Accessible Space, Inc.

Dear Access Press, Congratulations on your 12th anniversary! Americans must understand what the Social Security programs of today mean to them and to the nation if they are to plan their own financial future and help shape the programs of tomorrow. As a team, SSA and Access Press can inform the public about our [SSAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s] programs. Thank you for assisting with Social Securityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission of communicating the latest Social Security information to the American people. Anne Lewandowski District Manager St. Paul Social Security Office St. Paul PASS Cadre

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August 10, 2002

IN BRIEF . . . . Not surprisingly, my favorite memory of Access Press is talking to Charlie a couple of years ago. I was struggling with an MS exacerbation— and the fear, depression and uncertainty that those always bring, along with my “inner tyrant,” was making me despair. I told Charlie that because of my constant struggling with my depression and MS, maybe I wasn’t the right person to be writing the column on mental illness/brain disorders—that someone who was doing “better,” who was further down the road to recovery, might be more appropriate—and that perhaps I should quit the column and let him find a more insightful writer. Charlie changed the subject totally, and asked about my years riding and racing motorcycles. He asked me about an interview I’d recently had with the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s quarterly motorcycle newspaper. I told him that they had interviewed me to hear about my 30 years of experience on big street bikes. They especially wanted to talk with me about motorcycle laws and safety—a topic I had not felt qualified to talk about since I’d almost killed myself a hundred times on my bike. And Charlie told me, “But you’re still alive.” I realized he was right. I was an expert on motorcycle safety and laws since I had spent my entire career riding in flagrant disregard of them. Charlie said the same was true with sharing my insights about my struggle with mental illness. Because I was still fighting, still climbing, my views would be even more connected to my heart. And I had not slipped between the cracks, and I was not addicted to substances, not on The Street, not in the state hospital, or penitentiary, or graveyard. I was still alive. Then I was an expert on living with mental illness, and I’ve never doubted my mission or my voice ever since. Pete Feigal

New Ad Campaign Peace of Mind, a national ring West Wing star, Martin spots which address the issues anti-stigma organization, and Tilting at Windmills, a local theater company for people whose lives have been touched by mental illness/brain disorders, have recently filmed a series of mental health public service announcements star-

Sheen. Known for his active interest in social justice issues, Sheen donated his time, talents, and his name for this new ad campaign. Father Jim Kenney, Pete Feigal, and Melanie Groves organized, wrote, and costarred in the

of insurance parity, stigma, and discrimination. Peace of Mind has pre-sold the spots in the south and southwest, and is working with the Minneapolis ad agency, Fallon, to have the spots run in the Midwest market.

Support MiCASSA The Minnesota Association of Centers for Independent Living (MACIL) calls on all those interested in disability and aging rights to communicate with their congressperson, urging him or her to cosponsor MiCASSA, the Medicaid Community-based At-

sponsors, but only one (Betty McCollum) is from Minnesota. This can only be because we have not spoken out—so act now. Contact a Center for Independent LivTo date, some 600 organiza- ing (CIL), or Scott Rostron at tions support MiCASSA— 651-483-5497, for informaand 70+ in Congress are co- tion. tendant Services and Supports Act. The bills, H.R. 3612 and S.1298, mean having the necessary supports to live independently.

Arc Needs Volunteers! Arc Hennepin-Carver and interests and abilities. Indi- Hennepin-Carver’s director Arc’s Value Village Thrift viduals, families, and groups of volunteers at 952-920For more 0855. Stores have volunteer oppor- are welcome. tunities for people of all information, call Arc

Star Point To hear what a variety of about assistive technology, mn.us/assistivetechnology/ expert guests have to say visit: http://www.admin.state. starpoint.htm.

August 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.

A Summer Blizzard 2002; runs 8/22-25; ASL Fri., 8/23, 8:00; 3 Legged Race (www.3LeggedRace.org) at the Southern Theater; Mpls.; 612-340-1725; www.southern theater.org. Dance, theatre, and circus arts come together in five new, highly physical works-in-progress by the Brian Brooks Moving Company, James Craven, the Daredevil Opera Company, Penelope Freeh, and Jon Held. Postshow discussion also interpreted. Les Misérables; runs 8/7-31; AD/ASL Sat., 8/24, 2:00; Ordway Center for the Performing Arts; St. Paul; 651224-4222, tty 651-282-3100; www.ordway.org. This adaptation of Victor Hugo’s epic masterpiece has captured more than 50 international theatre awards, including eight Tony Awards® and two Grammy Awards. Season Preview; AD Sat., 8/24, 8:00; Theatre in the Round Players; Mpls,; 612333-3010; www.theatreinthe round.org. Free, with pre-

view scenes from the new Distant Song and Demons of season, refreshments, and a Noto Hanto; 9/14-29; AD/ ASL Sat., 9/21, 8:00; Theater silent auction. Mu at Intermedia Arts; Mpls.; Resurrection Blues; runs 612-871-4444; $12-14. Ad8/9-9/8; ASL Thurs., 8/29, aptations of Korean and 7:30 & Fri., 9/6, 7:30; AD Japanese folk stories of hope Fri., 8/30, 7:30 & Sat., 9/7, and courage. 1:00 (tactile tour 11:00); Guthrie Theater; Mpls.; 612- Terra Nova; runs 9/6-29; AD 377-2224, TTY 612-377- Sun., 9/29, 2:00; Theatre in 6626; www.guthrietheater. the Round Players; Mpls.; 612-333-3010; www.theatre org, $15. intheround.org. In the winter Srishti (Creation); runs of 1912, five Englishmen and 9/12-15; ASL Thurs., 9/12, five Norwegians raced each 8:00; Ragamala Music & other to the South Pole. Only Dance Theater at the South- the Norwegians returned. This ern Theater; Mpls.; 612-340- is the story of the Englishmen. 1725; www.khazana.com/ ragamala. Two original For updates by phone, call collaborative pieces rooted in VSA arts of Minnesota at 612the South Indian classical 332-3888 or statewide 800dance form of Bharatanatyam, 801-3883 (voice/TTY)—or the weaving in rhythms of Japa- MACT Hotline, 763-521-5692 nese taiko drum. Post-show or statewide 800-290-2428 (voice mailbox 4). Listings discussion. are also posted on the Web at: Good Boys; runs 8/28-9/22; http://mn.vsarts.org or ASL Fri., 9/20, 7:30; AD Sat., www.mact.net. To receive 9/21, 1:00 (tactile tour 11:00); this list by email each month, Guthrie Lab; Mpls.; 612-377- call VSA arts or send an e2224, TTY 612-377-6626; mail to jon.mn@vsarts.org. www.guthrietheater.org; $15. Specify if you want to receive the AD listings, ASL shows, or the combined list.

I am amazed every time I see the latest issue of Access Press. It just keeps getting better and better! As part of the Smith family, I’ve been around the paper since its inception, helping with mundane tasks from time to time, but mainly just being a cheering supporter. Now, in the past year, I have joined the Board and have had a chance to see firsthand how the paper operates. I applaud Tim Benjamin and his staff for all they do to not only ensure that Access Press will be on the street each month, but that it will be well written, accurate, and financially stable. These are not easy tasks for any paper, but AP consistently masters them with minimal staff and a shoestring budget. Thank you, Tim, for your dedication to AP and the community. You’ve brought AP to new heights this past year.

RECOLLECTION - Cont. from p. 3 quips and hellos back and forth to each other as we sent and received files—often sharing little happenings of the day and causing each other to laugh out loud. One of us would type and the other would sit there waiting as, one letter at a time, words would miraculously appear on our screen. We felt soooo high tech! Unfortunately, technology brought us the bad as well as the good. I’ll never forget Charlie’s call that they had just found a virus—a new term at the time—on their computer, and that it was probably now on mine. Sure enough, it was, and that explained a lot of weird things that had been happening to me for quite some time. As I am sure you can imagine, Charlie and I were some of the first people in line for virus checkers when they were developed. But then even time has not changed that

weathering of technology gone awry. Just recently, Laurie and Tim put in some long hours after a virus attacked the Access Press production room computer.

Access Press. And as in the past, the relationship I now have with the current “crew” is, and has been, fun and very meaningful. It is wonderful how Access Press just seems to continue to attract great In fact, I think Tim and Laurie people. have filled some pretty large shoes quite nicely. I must And each month is like admit each time the staff starting a new adventure—we would change—and espe- may have our tense moments cially when Charlie died—I getting copy, overcoming was concerned about the equipment failure, and meetpaper and my relationship ing deadlines but somehow, in with Access Press. I remem- the end, it all comes together. ber feeling so sad when And the good times and funny people like Mike Sheehan, moments still persist and Dawn, Donna, and Jeff left to make my work enjoyable and pursue other avenues—we meaningful. Thank you, had formed such great rela- Access Press, for weathering tionships, how could the the hard times, helping the paper ever be the same! community stay informed, Gratefully, each time my and for letting me be a part of worries have proven to be it. ■ unfounded. I now realize Access Press is not tied to any Ellen Houghton one person or family—though Presentation Images I am sure many of us will always think of Charlie, Bill, and Renee when we think of

My favorite recollection of the important role of Access Press is how central the paper was to unifying the disparate disability groups to fight PCA and TEFRA (MA eligibility option for kids with significant disabilities) cuts in 1995 and 1996. As the state tried to divide and conquer, Access Press and advocates were engaged in an end run around them to galvanize and unify all disability groups to stick together and support each others’ eligibility for services. The effort was successful and has led to many other unified campaigns to improve the lives of persons with disabilities, such as Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities. Also, the paper has been a consistent voice on the dangers of general health care reform and managed care when the needs of persons with disabilities aren’t given proper attention. The paper has rightly seen its role as informing persons with disabilities, in specific and essential detail, so they could do what needs to be done to advocate for themselves and participate fully in society. Thanks to all Press staff over the years and CONGRATULATIONS on a job very well done!!!! Anne L. Henry MN Disability Law Center

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August 10, 2002

ADA - Cont. from p. 1 case that carpal tunnel syndrome can be defined as an impairment substantially limiting a major life activity— such a life activity can be defined as not being able to perform a class of manual tasks, if such tasks are defined as central to the lives of most people. In this case, Ella Williams, an assembler, was unable to prove to the satisfaction of the Supreme Court that the activities she was no longer able to perform, in essence, the activities of performing the job of assembler, were central to the lives of most people (who are not assemblers). Thus, while carpal tunnel syndrome may in certain circumstances fall within the definition of a disability, Williams did not meet that definition and lost her case. In EEOC vs. Wafflehouse, discussed in the March 2002 Access Press, plaintiffs received the most positive decision from the Supreme Court on the ADA this year. The Supreme Court held that EEOC can seek damages, including monetary damages, on behalf of an employee— even if (s)he, as a condition of being hired, signed an agreement stating that any employment disputes will be sent to binding arbitration. The Court held that the EEOC is not party to such decisions made by employees. New Supreme Court Decisions Barnett vs. U.S. Airways: decided April 29, 2002 Issue: An employee with a disability wishes to be permanently assigned to a position with duties (s)he can perform as a reasonable accommodation. The position in question is governed by the employer’s seniority rules. Does the reasonable accommodations provision of the ADA trump seniority rules whether governed by a collective bargaining agreement or not? The Supreme Court held that an employer showing that a requested reasonable accommodation conflicts with company seniority rules is ordinarily sufficient to demonstrate, as a matter of law, that an accommodation is not reasonable. However, an employee is free to present evidence that, in a specific case, there are “special circumstances” which would allow an employee’s request for reasonable accommodation to survive even if the job were one generally assigned through seniority. If the employee can show, for example, that an employer changes its unilaterally established seniority rules with enough consistency that workers cannot count on the seniority system, or the system has so many loopholes that one more for a request of reasonable accommodation won’t matter, an employee

somewhat uncomfortable with the analysis. Justice O’Connor indicated that she believed the analysis should have included a question as to whether the employer’s seniority policy This case constitutes the was enforceable. This would Supreme Court’s first foray have been particularly relinto a discussion of what evant in the given case constitutes reasonable ac- because this policy was unicommodation under the em- laterally determined by the ployment provisions (Title I) employer and did not involve a collective of the ADA. The best that “Where there are b a r g a i n i n g agreement. can be said of this case, from buildings with many J u s t i c e a plaintiff’s steps and a ramp leading O ’ C o n n o r point of view, to a door, more and more pointed out is that the out- walkers will use the ramp that the employer had a come could have been as an easier means of h a n d b o o k entering the building.” which indiworse. cated that all Readers will remember from policies could be changed at the discussion of this case in will, including a seniority the January 2002 Access policy. She intimated that she Press that Barnett was a cargo might listen to an argument handler who became injured that employees had no guarand could no longer perform antee, under an at-will policy, his duties. Because he had of a consistent seniority enough seniority to bid on it, policy. She stated that she he was allowed to transfer to was signing on to the majority an easier job in the mail room opinion because she thought it which he held for two years necessary for a majority rule until someone else with more to come about, and because seniority outbid him for the she thought the rule agreed job. He requested that the upon by the court would in the employer allow him to remain normal run of cases result in in that job as an accommoda- justice. tion. The employer refused and ultimately terminated him. This case is troubling primarily because the employer’s The District Court found that seniority policy was not a a position considered part of a collective bargaining agreeseniority system is never ment. Seemingly, employers available for reassignment as could just decide to rank all a requested reasonable ac- their jobs in a seniority policy commodation and, therefore, thus leaving no room for found in favor of the em- persons with disabilities, unployer. The 9th Circuit Court less they had enough seniorof Appeals reversed that ity, to move to another finding asserting that senior- position as a reasonable ity is only one factor in accommodation. It is clear determining whether a rea- that the reasonable accommosonable accommodation dation issue will be back would pose an undue burden before the Supreme Court in for an employer, and that each the future. case must be analyzed on a case-by-case basis with se- Chevron U.S.A. vs. Echazaniority not a determinant bal: decided June 10, 2002. Based on previous Supreme factor. Court decisions, I speculated The Supreme Court’s deci- in the January 2002 Access sion seems to attempt a Press that this case might compromise between the two have a more positive result for positions, holding that senior- plaintiffs. I was wrong. The ity rules will usually trump a issue in this case involved request for reassignment of a whether EEOC could expand position as a reasonable a regulation regarding an accommodation, unless an employer’s “direct threat” employee can meet what will defense beyond what was usually be an overwhelming legislated in the ADA. The burden of showing that there Supreme Court said that are “special circumstances” EEOC had that authority. which would support ignoring the employer’s alleged se- The Supreme Court has made statements in previous ADA niority system. cases which would indicate, It can be seen from the for example, that since a plethora of opinions issued by definition of “disability” was the justices in this case, that not included in the employtheir decision did not come ment provisions of the ADA, easily. There were two EEOC went beyond its audissenting opinions, one sup- thority when it promulgated a porting the original District definition of disability. (See Court decision and the other the March 2001 Access Press supporting the Court of Ap- article discussing Garrett vs. peals decision. Additionally, University of Alabama Board there were two concurring of Trustees.) Given this opinions written by Justice argument, I assumed there Stevens and Justice O’Connor, was some room to hope that in both of whom signed on to the this case EEOC would be majority opinion but were found to have gone beyond its might prevail. The case was remanded to the District Court to determine whether the employee could meet this burden.

authority as well. The ADA defines “direct threat” in terms of employment at 42 U.S.C. Section 12111(3): “The term ‘direct threat’ means a significant risk to the health or safety of others that cannot be eliminated by reasonable accommodation.” The EEOC, in the first sentence of its regulation at 29 C.F.R. Subpart 1630.2(r), expands this definition: “Direct Threat means a significant risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of the individual or others that cannot be eliminated or reduced by reasonable accommodation...”

sive sickness of employees, excessive medical leave and retirement of employees due to disabilities, tort litigation brought about by hazards to employees, and the possibility of violating the Occupational Safety Health Act (OSHA). This decision is troubling in many respects. While the ADA generally does not include provisions that are better than the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA), the “direct threat” defense was one of the few places where the ADA was stronger. The MHRA, in its employment provisions, defines “serious threat” in the same way as the EEOC regulation does. The MHRA does, however, contain a provision that it is the respondent’s burden to prove that the employee constitutes a serious threat to himself or others. (See Minnesota Statutes Section 363.02 Subd. 5.) This decision leaves the door open for employers to institute paternalism and stereotypes, about whether or not it is safe for a person with a disability to perform a job, which the ADA sought to eliminate.

As readers will remember from the January 2002 issue, Mario Echazabal had worked as a contract worker in the maintenance department of Chevron for about 20 years. When he applied to transfer to the same type of position (but working directly for Chevron), he underwent medical examinations by the employer’s physician which ultimately diagnosed him with asymptomatic hepatitis C. The employer’s physician indicated that such a condition ultimately led him to run a serious risk of damaging his Barnes vs. Gorman: liver because of toxins he decided June 17, 2002. would be exposed to through In this case, the issue was: is his maintenance work. there a right in a private Echazabal’s own doctor indi- lawsuit to punitive damages cated no risk of serious harm under Title II of the ADA (the to his health. Chevron did not public service provisions) and hire Echazabal and dictated to Section 504 of the Rehabilitatheir contractor as well that he tion Act? The Supreme Court be terminated. Echazabal sued said there is no right to arguing that the ADA did not punitive damages in private allow for consideration of a lawsuits under either law. direct threat to his own health, and that such a provision was Jeffrey Gorman is a parapledeliberately left out of the gic who uses a wheelchair and ADA so as to avoid paternal- wears a urine bag. Gorman ism and stereotypic decisions went to a country and western made against bar one night employees with “It is possible that, with in Kansas City, d i s a b i l i t i e s . continued public support Missouri and Chevron argot into an gued that the and awareness around a l t e r c a t i o n EEOC, as the the issues involved in with the agency respon- disability discrimination bouncer who sible for en- and access to services was trying to forcing the emget him to ployment pro- provided for in the ADA, leave the bar. visions of the the Supreme Court will The police ADA, should come to a more en- were called. be granted the lightened understanding Gorman asked authority to isto use the sue regulations of the issues over time.” restroom bewhich included fore he left— the health and safety of the as his urine bag was full—but employee in its consider- was not allowed to do so. He ations, and that such a was forcibly removed from regulation did not violate the his wheelchair and loaded ADA. The District Court into a police car which was found for Chevron. The 9th not accessible to persons Circuit Court of Appeals using wheelchairs. He was reversed and found for strapped onto a narrow bench Echazabal. The Supreme using the seat belt and his own Court reversed and affirmed belt. He removed the seat belt the District Court decision. because it was pressing on his The holding was nine to zero urine bag. His own belt broke with no dissenting opinions. and he was thrown to the floor where he injured his lower The Court argued that Chev- back and shoulder, and where ron had a business necessity his urine bag burst. He for analyzing a direct threat to suffered permanent injuries: include the safety and health spasms in his lower limbs of the employee. Chevron which do not allow him to would be interested in pro- work full-time anymore, and tecting itself against exces- bladder infections from his

ruptured urine bag. He filed suit against the Board of Police Commissioners and other police officials in Kansas City. It was a jury trial, and the jury awarded him a million dollars in actual damages, and another 1.2 million dollars in punitive damages. The District Court entered the actual damages verdict but reversed the punitive damages verdict finding that there was no authority to enter such a verdict under either the ADA or the Rehabilitation Act. Gorman appealed, and the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals asserted that punitive damages were available under both laws because Congress had not strictly prohibited the remedy of punitive damages. The Supreme Court reversed this finding. The Supreme Court argued that this remedy is not appropriate because government entities accepting federal funding are not put on notice that they are subject to the liability of punitive damages. The Court held that remedies for Title II of the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act were predicated on Title VI of the Civil Rights Act which includes no provision for punitive damages. The Court argued that in such cases, actual damages might exceed the amount of federal subsidy—and that if punitive damages were added, public entities might choose not to accept federal funding at all. To the extent that anyone believes that enforcement of punitive damages would encourage cities and counties to follow the law and make their services and programs accessible to persons with disabilities, this decision is a loss. However, the ADA has provided that public entities should have been accessible since 1995, and many cities across the country have not brought themselves into compliance seven years after that time. Therefore, it is unclear at this point what ultimate difference this decision will make in the ongoing effort to make city and county programs across the country accessible to persons with disabilities. The Future While most of these decisions are disappointing from the point of view of persons with disabilities, I would like to point out that a recent decision indicates that the Supreme Court does reverse itself on occasion, taking into consideration new public awareness regarding issues. We have seen this most recently in the reversal of a 1989 decision involving capital punishment. In Atkins vs. Virginia, the Supreme Court ADA - cont. on p. 13

August 10, 2002

ADA - Cont. from p. 12 reversed an earlier finding and held that it is cruel and unusual punishment under the 8th amendment of the Constitution to execute prisoners with mental retardation (IQs of 70 or under) who cannot be held to understand the differ-

ence between right and wrong. It is possible that, with continued public support and awareness around the issues involved in disability discrimination and access to services provided for in the ADA, the Supreme Court

SPIRITUALITY - Cont. from p. 7

will come to a more enlightened understanding of the issues over time. That is my OK, this is all fine and dandy when you can see what you’re hope for the future. ■ doing, but what about the Kathleen Hagen is a Staff times when you have no idea Attorney at the Minnesota why things are the way they Disability Law Center. are and you really don’t want to be where you are? Well, for me, the best part of believing we create what is in Access Press has secured its place as a reliable and democratic vehicle for the our life, is it also means we multiple voices within this community of those interested in disability issues. Charlie can change it if we don’t like Smith was always interested in presenting diverse opinions reflecting various topics. it. If we’re responsible for it, He used the forum to educate and to advocate for active participation in the decisions then we can change it, too. that impact our lives. He dared to ask hard and challenging questions. In his role as editor, he sought to present information fairly through balanced reporting. He didn’t hesitate to scold, to push, or to encourage. He knew there were many who could contribute to the analysis of both local and national issues. He earned our trust and our respect. Tim Benjamin continues this fine tradition while placing his own mark on Access Press. Today we see the paper drawing out new voices on new topics. Still placing public policy and those who impact it on the forefront, he assures that Access Press is inclusive of all the voices. P.S. If you haven’t done it yet, mail in your subscription and your donation to keep this vital newspaper alive and growing. Ronna Linroth Manager Adult/North Clinic Services Gillette Lifetime Specialty Care Clinic

How, you say? I fall back to Earnie Larsen’s saying, “If nothing changes, nothing changes.” If you don’t like where you are, do something different—anything. If you can’t see what you are doing to create the situation, change the situation and look again. You’ll have a new viewpoint.

young child’s view of disability into something less scary, we can each make a choice to change others’ views of us. As an example, if you feel no one will ever love you, try new activities you wouldn’t normally try. Put yourself out there to be found. Try to be more lovable—volunteer your time at an animal shelter, a nursing home, a school. Getting your mind off yourself, trying new activities, and helping others will create all sorts of changes in who you are—and make you more attractive to others, including those who visit animal shelters, family in nursing homes, and so on. It will help you feel good about yourself—and people always enjoy being with happy, self-confident people.

Just like my dad changed the

The main point is to become aware—or find ways to become aware—and take responsibility for where we are in life. How can we ever find where we want to be if we don’t know where we are now? It’s amazing how once we open up—our minds and our senses—how far we can see and how much we can accomplish! ■ Ellen Houghton—the desktop publisher of Access Press— owns Presentation Images, a company that assists others in the selection, development, and implementation of the proper media needed to convey their messages. Additionally, she was the publisher/editor of “Stepping Up,” a discontinued newspaper designed to help others explore their spirituality.

2002 Reader Survey Over the past year, we have tried to include as many of your previous suggestions as possible. We continue to value your input, so please take a few minutes to help us out again. After you have completed the survey, please fax it to 651-644-2136 or mail it to: Access Press, 1821 University Ave. W., Suite 104S, St. Paul, MN 55104 To thank you for your participation, you will receive a free year’s subscription to Access Press (unless you would like to remain anonymous).

Name:

__________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: _________________________________

Address:

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1. Please describe yourself by checking any of the following that are appropriate: _____ Person with a disability (PWD) _____ Relative or friend of a PWD _____ Advocate _____ Politician _____ Interested nondisabled person _____ Other—please specify:

2. How were you introduced to Access Press? _____ Heard about it/word of mouth _____ Received it from a regular reader

_____ Found it at a drop site _____ Other—please specify:

3. a. How long have you been reading Access Press?

b. How often do you read it? Regularly

6. Regarding advertising (which does pay our bills), should Access Press have: _____ More ads (they inform readers about valuable services, etc.) _____ Fewer ads (you’d rather see the space used for articles) _____ About the same number of ads (it’s a pretty good balance between ads and text) Additional comments about advertising:

(Circle one)

Sometimes

5. Preferred Types of News Coverage—please check any/all that you enjoy in Access Press: _____ Arts (theater, poetry, etc.) _____ Legal _____ Behind the scenes at AP _____ News releases _____ Breaking stories—local/nat’l _____ Political _____ Employment _____ Scientific and medical _____ Housing _____ Tips and advice _____ Human interest _____ Travel/mobility _____ International _____ Upcoming events

Seldom

c. Do you plan to continue reading Access Press? Why or why not?

4. Regular (or semi-regular) Features—please check any/all you enjoy: _____ Accessible Performances _____ Assistive Technology, by Jeni Mundl _____ Book Reviews _____ Cartoons _____ Commentaries _____ Directory of Organizations _____ Disability Culture column, by John Tschida _____ Editor’s column, by Tim Benjamin _____ In Brief _____ Legislative Updates _____ Letters to the Editor _____ Mental Illness/Brain Disorders column, by Pete Feigal _____ Outstate (MN) Reports _____ Profiles—of individuals and organizations _____ Social Security Updates _____ Spirituality and Disability column, by John Schatzlein and others _____ Sports News

7. Going beyond topics covered in previous questions, please comment on: a. Things we should consider adding to Access Press:

b. Things we should consider changing:

c. Other suggestions:

August 10, 2002

CANDIDATES - Cont. from p. 1 the availability of services that allow individuals to live independently. Services such as personal care attendant services are in high demand and are funded through a combination of state and federal funding. As Governor, I will make independent living options a priority and I will work with my former colleagues in Washington to ensure that we tap all federal opportunities.

ing several of these top issues? We are interested in how key changes would be implemented, and when— as well as how—you will be overseeing them. Moe: The economic challenges before us are serious enough that I believe state candidates who have signed a no-tax-increase pledge are being extremely disingenuous with the public, including people with disabilities. Minnesota is likely to be faced with a projected shortfall in the $2-$3 billion range. Spending cuts alone cannot compensate for these projected shortfalls. I want to keep all of our options available to balance the budget.

Other important issues include: 3. Availability of public transit options throughout the state. 4. Medical assistance/Medicaid payment and reimbursement for services such as augmentative communication devices. Education and economic op5. Full federal funding of portunity for every Minnesospecial education. tan will be my priority as Governor. I believe we must Pentel: To me, the most make every effort possible to important issue facing the protect advancements we have disability community is Trans- made to assist persons with portation. A lot of the disabilities. As Senate Macomplaints I hear are that jority Leader, I have met with people just have a hard time individual members of the getting around. If elected Minnesota Consortium for governor, I would upgrade Citizens with Disabilities. If and improve Metro Mobility elected governor, I pledge to and public transportation in meet with the MN CCD and general. Livability issues use the power of the office to would be second on my promote the concerns and agenda. I would fight to pass proposals of this consortium. laws that make it easier for the disabled to find fully acces- Affordable housing units must sible living spaces and would be more readily available for also make sure that personal persons with disabilities, and, care assistants are paid a at the first economic opportuliving wage. Third, Full and nity available, we must conEqual Employment opportu- tinue our efforts to expand nities; Fourth, Universal income eligibility limits for Health Care Coverage. the Prescription Drug Program and increase the income Question 3: What is your limits for the medically needy plan of action for address- on Medical Assistance.

Penny: As Governor, I will make it a priority to work with you. I will ensure close collaboration with the disability communities through active listening at the grass-roots level. I will always be available and I will listen. I want all Minnesotans to feel closer and more in-tune with their government. My door will be open. existing laws be enforced, especially those laws that work for the disabled but have been overlooked. Finally, I would put my proposals into the budget and ensure that Pentel: Implementation, of they are fully funded and course, is the key to any enforced. vision. As governor, for me it Response from Tim would be a matter of making Pawlenty (Republican) sure that I used the bully pulpit to bring my priorities to Minnesotans with disabilities the general public. For any are an important part of our policy to work, it must have community. As House Mathe support of the public. The jority Leader, I have worked governor must also be open to advance policies that help and sensitive to the concerns those with disabilities. of the constituencies that he or she serves. I also would make A key part of our system a point of connecting with the involves those who provide disability communities to seek direct care services to the guidance from them either on elderly and disabled. As current policy or how to write House Majority Leader, I new policy that would be helped lead the charge by consistent with our goals. directing millions in new Any vision that I have alone spending over the past four will be immeasurably en- years to providers of home hanced from the input of the and community-based serdisability community. I also vices, and to direct care would make sure that all providers such as personal I will also work to put people in key decision-making positions that have a keen and personal understanding of people with disabilities.

care assistants, private duty Family Support Grants: To nurses, and home care provid- help families pay down debt ers. incurred for home or vehicle modifications, $3.5 million Following is a brief summary has been allocated for family of some of these accomplish- support grants. ments: Home Accessibility: In 2001, Prescription Drugs: To help the Legislature took an imporaddress the skyrocketing costs tant step in making homes of medicines, the House more accessible to people successfully modified the Pre- with disabilities. Under the scription Drug Program this legislation, all new construcyear, allowing disabled per- tion of single-family homes, sons to qualify at 120 percent duplexes, triplexes and multiof the Federal Poverty Guide- level townhouses that are line. financed by the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency must Working Incentives: Recog- incorporate basic access renizing the dignity and fulfill- quirements into their design ment that comes from being a and construction. These productive member of the requirements include at least workforce, a sliding fee pro- one no-step entrance, 32-inch gram has been created that doorways and at least oneallows people with disabili- half-bath on the ground level, ties to work yet retain MA to improve wheelchair access. coverage. This program is known as the MA for Em- Community Services: The ployed Persons with Disabili- House made a significant Candidates - cont. on p. 15 ties Program.

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Adult electric wheelchair. Arrow Storm series—3 years old. Includes charger, footrests, and tray. $3,500 or best offer. Worth $9,800 brandnew. Contact: Sandy at (952) 831-0749. ITEMS SOUGHT

EasyPivot lift. Will pay top “Rascal” electric scooter, dollar for model EP-82 in new drivetrain, new batteries, good condition. Call 651$1500. Everest Jennings 644-7422. Traveler wheelchair, $200. Best offer on either. 763-544FOR RENT 4545. Lewis Park Apartments: Four items: Hill-Rom elec- Barrier free housing with tric hospital bed; adjustable wheelchair user in mind. bed tray; trapeze exercise Section 8 subsidized. Oneapparatus; and hydraulic and two bedroom units. For Hoyer lift. Best offers. more information on availRichard, 763-675-3247. ability call (651) 488-9923. St. Paul, MN Equal OpportuElectric mobility scooter. nity Housing. Black. 2 fronts, interchangeable, 3-wheel outdoor, 4- Holmes-Greenway Housing: wheel indoor. Seat raises 5 One and two bedroom apartinches. Excellent condition, ments designed for physically used 10 times. Paid $6000 handicapped persons. Convenew. Sell $3,500 both fronts, nient SE Minneapolis loca$2,500 one front. Leave msg. tion. Call (612) 378-0331 for 763-206-1960. availability information. Equal Opportunity Housing.

Seward Square Apartments: We are currently accepting applications for our waiting list at Seward Square Apartments in Minneapolis. Seward Square is barrier-free housing and is federally subsidized. For an application, please call (612) 338-2680. Equal Opportunity Housing. 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. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Free Arts Minnesota is looking for volunteers to work with abused, neglected and at-risk children using art. Time commitment of 1 ½ to 2 hours weekly or biweekly. For more information contact Kristin at 612-824-2787.

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

THERAPY PROGRAM DIRECTOR to supervise DAP’s nationally recognized therapy programs for women, children and men. Position requires a skilled manager with proven ability to define and implement effective longrange strategy. Requires a confident leader with creative problem solving skills and excellent communication. Must have an LP or LISCW and at least three years management and supervision experience working with people of diverse racial, cultural and economic backgrounds. AA/EEO employer. Please send resume and cover letter to:

The City of Rochester, Minnesota, is accepting applications for the position of Police Officer. A competitive salary and benefit package is offered. Minimum requirements: applicants must be licensed by the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training or eligible for licensure as a police officer at the time of application. Candidates must take a written examination given on September 23, 2002, in order to progress in the process for establishing an eligibility list.

Our firm is seeking a full-time dependable individual to provide word processing and administrative support for engineering professionals. Good communication, organization and multi-tasking skills required. Strong skills in Word, Excel and PowerPoint needed. Please mail/fax/e-mail resume. Mail: Wenck Associates, Inc., P.O. Box 249, Maple Plain, MN 55359; Fax: 763-479-4260; E-Mail: mwinterhalter@ wenck.com. Adolescent Therapist Needed!

Applications will be accepted beginning August 9, 2002, through September 6, 2002, 5:00 p.m. To request the application materials, contact:

LIGHT DUTY TRUCK TECHNICIAN Immediate full-time opening available. Best pay plan in Twin Cities area—Check it out! Top $ for experienced techs! Contact Glenn, 651450-1502.

Human Resources Department 201 Fourth Street SE Room 295, City Hall Rochester, MN 55904 (507) 285-8074 humanresources@ ci.rochester.mn.us

The Domestic Abuse Project seeks a therapist with clinical experience with adolescents to work in DAP’s program for Emerging Young Men. This position will provide clinical services, develop referral sources, and develop and refine curriculum.

Applicants need master’s degree, counseling experience, and experience with diverse cultures. People of color strongly encouraged to apply. Equal Opportunity Employer Resume and cover letter to: Adolescent Therapist–DAP 204 W. Franklin Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55404

can vote in private. EES M AT T

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN

dignity ◆ integrity ◆ service ◆ compassion E

The reforms enacted over the past few years are exciting steps in creating tools that will allow people with disabilities to live productive, independent lives in Minnesota. If elected governor, I will continue to be a vocal advocate for additional reforms. ■

Fairview named 2001 Best Minnesota Hospital Workplace Chosen by the Minnesota Hospital and Healthcare Partnership CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Please patronize your Access Press Advertisers — and tell them where you heard about them. They bring you your paper.

I was introduced to Access Press as a guest writer for the religion column. Since then I have become a staunch advocate for this paper and its work. Not only does Access Press have the only religion column in the country, it leads the nation in its depth and advocacy on disability issues. I have had the privilege of getting a front cover story for Castle Heights, an award-winning playground with universal access throughout. I have also had the privilege of writing articles on plays and art exhibits. I have also had the pleasure of meeting several disability advocates because Access Press publishes and supports workshops on disability issues. I was devastated by Charlie Smith’s passing but I know Charlie would be pleased at how the work is being carried on through Tim Benjamin. Congratulations! Access Press is a winner. Linda Larson Freelance writer M.A.T. Advocate

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

expanded the circumstances under which private duty nursing and personal care services can be provided outside the home and that clarified and broadened the Rehabilitation Options: To scope of personal care assisprovide MA coverage for the tant services eligible for rehabilitation option to pro- reimbursement. vide crisis services, medication and monitoring services, Voting Rights: Legislation more than $6 million was pushed by the House in 2001 allocated in the 2001 Legisla- will benefit blind and visually tive Session. impaired voters greatly. Specifically, technology that was Private Duty Nursing/Per- not previously allowed can sonal Care Services: Legisla- now be utilized by sighttion was passed in 2001 that impaired individuals so they

POLICE OFFICER CITY OF ROCHESTER

Therapy Director DAP 204 W. Franklin Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55404

CANDIDATES - Cont. from p. 14 commitment to move disabled people from institutionbased to community-based services, which will allow for more healthcare options.

ome build a career with a passionate, progressive network of health care professionals. We believe that serving the health care needs of our communities begins with supporting the well-being of our employees. Join our team and experience working in an environment where dignity, integrity, service and compassion guide everything we do.

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Nursing Radiology Pharmacy Lab

◆ Respiratory ◆ Medical Records ◆ and more!

View current openings and apply online at www.fairview.org

◆ EOE

CORRECTION: In the July issue of Access Press, “Recollections of Justin Dart” on page 10 stated: “He [Dart] took a personal risk as a lifelong Republican, possibly alienating himself from some disability rights advocates, in becoming involved in the Clinton campaign. Bill Clinton made the commitment to Justin Dart that, as president, he would further the rights of children and people with disabilities during his administration. Justin urged people with disabilities to support the Democratic Party rather than supporting George Bush, Sr., who had signed the Americans with Disabilities Act.” Yoshiko Dart wrote in to clarify, saying: “Justin did support George Bush, Sr. all the way in the 1992 election. He supported Clinton with his healthcare campaign in 1994 and then in the 1996 presidential election rather than Bob Dole.” ■

August 10, 2002

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MAIL TO: ACCESS PRESS 1821 University Ave. W. • #104S • St. Paul, MN 55104 Phone: (651) 644-2133 • Fax: (651) 644-2136 • e-mail: access@mninter.net Kevin Sullivan, Director

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THE FRIENDS OF ACCESS PRESS Thanks to the following sponsors for supporting Access Press this year. ------------------------------------- BASIC SPONSOR ------------------------------------Margaret Beier LeAnne Dahl Patricia Guerrero John Hartson Beth Jensen Debra Johnson Luci Kennedy Rosanne Kramnicz Steven McKeever Kathleen M. Miller Cindy Moore Jane & Albert Olson Carla Reichenberg Gary & Leann Taylor Paul W. Taylor Kelli N-E Wysocki ----------------------------------- FRIEND SPONSOR ($25 and above) ----------------------------------Lynda Adams Mary Andresen Steven Anderson Marisa Bennett Patrick Bilbrey Mike & Karen Bjorgan Susan Blaylock Maynard Bostrom Bob Brick Carlyn Bryngelson Deah Cain Carol Jo Cochran Marty Cushing Justin & Yoshiko Dart Jolene Davis LeRoy deBoom Barbara Droher Neil Doughty Craig Dunn & Candy Hart Mel & Georgia Duncan Will & Mary Englund Peg & Joe Figliuzzi Mary Frank-Wawokiyawin Candace & David Gislason Tom Gode Rep. Kevin Goodno John Hoffman Bradley J. Holmes Judy Hunt Cindy & Greg Johnson Deb Johnson Ericka Johnson The Joyce Family Linnea Johnson Hoff Roger A. Hoffman Barb Kane Mary Kay Kennedy Diah Kinion Beth Knutson-Kolodzne Eugene Kook Sherry Lampman Sue Lasoff Bruce Larson Linda Larson Steven Laux John Marty Dorothy McCoy Kelly Matter Desiree Menuey Robert & Ardis Meyer Sara & Gary Meyer Kathy Moran David & Judona Musselman Jim & Cindy Musselman Joe & Maureen Musselman Bill & Joan Overby Mary & Henry Pattridge Richard Peterson Margery Pilhofer Robert J. Geldert & Roberta Pinkosh Barbara Proehl Virginia Puzak Julee Quarve-Peterson Kelly Rathcke Kim Rezek Brian Rogers Stuart Rosen James Ross Scott Rostron Ginger Rudberg Patricia Rydeen Arthur Sauter Elizabeth Smith Adele Spavin Diane Sprague Gerry & Barb Tollakson Candace Warne Teri Welcher Curt Wiehle Joani Werner David Wood Accommodating Care, Inc. Accord Health Care Services All Temporaries, Inc Alliance for the Mentally Ill of MN Arc of Anoka/Ramsey Cty Arc Suburban Arc Minnesota Assistive Speech Technology Research Labs Axis Healthcare Best Care Blue Sky Designs, Inc. Brain Injury Assn. of MN Consumer Council of The Alliance for the Mentally Ill Disabled Dealer East Suburban Resources Franciscan Sisters of St. Paul Forensic Alliance of Mentally Ill Fraser Community Services Home Health Care JQ-P, Inc. Kaposia MBW Company Metro Mobility Service Center Staff MN Bio Brain Assoc. NAMI Northeast Contemporary Services Resource S.M.I.L.E.S. United Cerebral Palsy of MN

---------------------------------- BRONZE SPONSOR ($75 and above) ---------------------------------Sue Abderholden Steve Alarik Anonymous Susan Asplund David Baldwin Kathleen Ball Jill Bedow Janet Berndt Michael Bjerkesett Sandi Lane & Monte Blair Bill Blom Tom Brick Wendy Brower Deb Bryan Susan Bulger Rick Cardenas Mike & Jan Chevrette Margot Imdieke Cross Stephanie Cunningham Robert Gregory Diane Greig Luther Granquist Martha Hage Ellen & Skip Houghton Dianna Krogstad Carol & David Larson Linda Lattin LoRene Leikind Lolly Lijewski Joel McGuiggan Christopher Meyer Cliff Miller Jim Morse Paul Mueller William O’Dowd & George Zilligen Ann & Manley Olson Louise Pattridge Catherine Reid & Liddy Rich Patricia L. Rogers Ann Roscoe Rick & Debbie Ryan Patricia Siebert Barb Smith John Smith Peter & Pamela Stanfiel Mary Jane Steinhagen Erica Stern Eric & Caroline Stevens J. Quinn Tierney Helen Thompson Jerry Wood Joe & JoAnn Zwack The College of St. Catherine Dept. of Occupat’l Therapy-U of M Div.MN Rehab. Assoc Job Placement & Dvlpmt Equity Services-St. Paul FastServ Merrick Companies Minnesota Work Incentives Connection Pat Siebert, MN Dis. Law Ctr. National Results Council New Dimensions Home Health Care New Ways ---------------------------------- SILVER SPONSOR ($150 and above) ---------------------------------Karen Adamson Jamie Becker Scott Beers Lou Burdick Robert E. Buuck Chris Duff Catherine Eilers M. Therese Gockenbach Paula Goldberg Doris & John Groven Lori Guzman Judy Haaversen David & Susan Houghton Ronna Linroth Lynn Noren Michael Otubushin RISE Inc. Dean Doering & Lisa Scribner Kevin Sullivan Kay Willshire Arc Hennepin County Help Yourself Job Placement & Development Division, MN Rehab Assn Lottsa Tax & Accounting Services Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Network MILS Mpls. Advisory Committee MN Developmental Achievement Ctr Assoc. (MnDACA) PACER Center St. Paul Mayors Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities Twin City Transportation UCare Minnesota Vinland Center ----------------------------------- GOLD SPONSOR ($350 and above) ----------------------------------Shirley Larson Margaret Perryman Bridget & Diane Smith In Home Personal Care, Inc. -------------------------------- DIAMOND SPONSOR ($500 and above) -------------------------------Case Management Systems, Inc. Rapit Print ------------------------------- BENEFACTOR SPONSOR ($1000 and above) ---------------------------Headwaters Fund HECUA Medtronic Foundation

-------------------–------------------------------------- IN HONOR----------------------------------------------------Anne Henry by Karen Adamson • Cecelia Bilbrey-Baer by Patrick J. Bilbrey • Charlie Smith by Tom & Mimi Fogarty • Charlie by Fern Rogstad • Jaehn Clare by Candice Warne Kyle by Joe & JoAnn Zwack • College of Saint Catherine’s Occupational Therapy Masters Program by Steven Anderson • U of M Occupational Therapy Education Program by Erica Stern -------------------–------------------------------------- IN MEMORY----------------------------------------------------Charlie Smith by Anita Boucher & Jeff Bangsberg • Grandma & Grandpa Laughlin, Shamma & Frank Haas, & Fred Benjamin Jr. by Phyllis & Fred Benjamin III Bill & Renee Smith by Becky J. Bugbee-Tong • Troy Fahlenkamp & Valerie Birosh by David Dreier • Mabel Heuer by Dawn Doering • Charlie Smith by Lee Ann Erickson Bill Smith by Joe & Peg Figliuzzi • Charlie Smith by Andrew Groven • John Hardy by Martha Hardy • Miss Irene MacKaloney by Roger Hoffman Charlie Smith by Barbara Kane • Ruth Riggs by Corbin Kidder • Charlie Smith by Tracy Kochendorfer • Charlie Smith, our cousin, by Henry Pattridge & family Uncle Bill & Aunt Renee Smith by Mary & Henry Pattridge • Charlie Smith by Sister Kenny Institute • Bill & Renee Smith by Helen Thompson Bill, Renee, & Charlie Smith by Kathy & Paul West • Charlie Smith by Linda Wolford • Tony Lebahn by Linda Wolford -------------------–------------------------------------- IN KIND (time & services)----------------------------------------------------Mike Chevrette • Chris Duff • Pete Feigal • Kathy Hagen • Ellen Houghton • Jeni Mundl • Deb Olson • Desiree Schlangen • Jon Skaalen • John Tschida 2002 MN Gubernatorial Candidates • Anniversary Recollection Contributors • Disability Health Options Committee Members • Disability Law Center Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities • St. Paul Social Security PASS Cadre

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