September 2002 Edition - Access Press by Access Press

September 10, 2002

Inside ■ Dr. Judith E. Heumann — p. 3 ■ A Good Business Decision — p. 6 ■ A Look at MiCASSA — p. 9

Botox — Page 3

“It’s important that people know what you stand for. It’s equally important that they know what you won’t stand for.” — Mary H. Waldrip Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Mpls. MN Permit No. 4766

Volume 13, Number 9

SOURCES

RESOURCES

September 10, 2002

ELECTION 2002 MINNESOTA’S CANDIDATES FOR SENATE SPEAK Printed below, just as submitted, is each candidate’s response to this prompt: “We’d like you to pretend you are giving a speech to voters with disabilities—metropolitan and outstate, advocate and Average Joe alike. In your ‘speech,’ please tell these voters what you want them to know about your work on their behalf—past, present, and future.”

Norm Coleman, Republican

irst of all, thank you for the opportunity to address the issue of accessibility, which I’ve been involved with for nearly 30 years. My passion for creating fairness for disabled Americans is rooted in my college days. As a student working with the University of Iowa school administration, I helped write the plan to make classrooms and labs accessible for disabled students and faculty.

Jim Moore, Independent Party

t is always difficult to address a group such as the readers of Access Press without coming across in a placating manner. While those of us without disabilities are very sympathetic to the trials of the disabled, we can never truly comprehend what you face. There is no substitute for experiencing life with a disability. Those who have disabilities come across obstacles on a daily basis that most citizens take for granted such as access to public areas, access to adequate transportation, and

I continued my work on behalf of the disabled in the Human Rights office of the Minnesota Attorney General. There, as a prosecutor, I fought discrimination on behalf of disabled Minnesotans. Fairness is my guiding principle on the issue of accessibility. As Mayor I worked closely with my Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities. We vigorously pursued improvements in the city, for example, we provided complete access throughout St. Paul’s skyway system improving all access points. I’ll take this same dedication and passion for creating a fair environment for disabled Americans to the United States Senate. Today, there are more than most of all, medical assistance to make independent living easier. Personally, I have seen how both nonprofit groups as well as government programs have made day to day life significantly easier for my niece, my cousin and the daughter of my good friends. I enter politics from the private sector where I served the last 14 years as a commercial banker for small and mid-sized businesses. During this time, I witnessed strong opposition to public policy supporting the disabled, particularly ADA. The good news is that solid public policy always proves its worth in the long run. Those that once lamented construction mandates for compliance with ADA now embrace them (even the market values are higher for ADA compliant buildings), those that once feared stringent and

behalf of the handicapped, only then to then to go onto promise yet more bills which will never pass. This confusingly deflects the thoughts of the affected and attempts to diffuse responsibility. It pains me to see this.

54 million Americans with disabilities. While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has done much to improve the lives of many Americans, significant barriers still exist to individuals with disabilities who try to fully participate in American society.

Ed McGaa, Green Party

I have listened to the concerns raised by Minnesotans with disabilities. I agree with them that they should have the same access to home ownership and rental opportunities as others. I agree with them that they should be afforded the opportunity to share in the recreational activities that others enjoy. I agree with them that they should have full access to parks and trails, with the security of knowing that the

hank you for this opportunity to write you. I do not intend to talk about various programs and how much money I would promise for each program that aids the handicapped because I would rather focus on the root cause of all the recent curtailments of many government subsidized programs. It is problematic to see the current incumbent Senator rave on what bills he introduced or co-sponsored on

costly work accommodations now recognize the quality workforce they tap into with relatively little effort. While politicians claim it took courage to pass ADA, the simple fact is that took visionary foresight and leadership. As Minnesota’s next Senator, I intend to carry on this tradition. I will work to ensure that the strides made with ADA are not cut back.

Paul Wellstone, Democrat (Incumbent)

welcome this opportunity to address Minnesotans on the issues that face the disability community. First, I I will work to ensure that join each of you in celebratadequate transportation op- ing the 12th anniversary of the tions are available to all historic Americans with Discitizens. abilities Act (ADA). The ADA has helped create a I will work to bring joint society where curb cuts, public/private sector solu- ramps, lifts on buses, and tions to affordable and acces- other access designs are sible housing. increasingly common. We have come a long way in I will work to ensure that attaining equal rights and devices enabling more inde- accessibility, but we still pendent living for the dis- have a lot of work ahead of abled are adequately covered us. Election - cont. on p. 8

I am a Sioux Indian and we have that habit of pointing out the real reasons for problems, like why so many programs for the handicapped and related medical bills just are not getting passed, such as the recent drug bill that has been introduced yet still sits collecting dust. This rich country could easily take care of its citizens especially the aged and the disabled. I come from a people who have a prominent saying, Respect for The Earth, ReChief among the challenges for the disability community today is the shortage of affordable, accessible housing. Whether it be housing subsidized by government or market rate housing, people are hard pressed to find wheelchair accessible housing for rent or for sale. We need more housing that includes universal design requirements—housing built with at least one accessible or easily made accessible entry and bathroom. Together we have had some victories on housing, advocating for HUD buildings where people with disabilities have found an affordable home. We must also continue to press for persons with disabilities to live in the least restrictive setting possible. I know we can make huge strides in this area because of some of the successes I’ve seen. I worked with David

spect for the Aged, Respect for your Offspring and Respect for Those in Need. The latter would include a respect and concern for those who have been impaired in some degree. We were a sharing and generous people and still keep those traits today. I have a sister whom I talk to at least weekly. This has been going on for decades and I see her often. She was physically handicapped from age six and went from braces to crutches and now a motorized wheel chair. I never think of her as handicapped and neither does her husband. In her earlier days she used to walk out to their barn to gather eggs and a huge Brahma Bull used to stay in a snug winter stall in that barn as Brahma’s do not Sheets to help him stay in his own home after his home care provider tried to pressure him into accepting hospitalization because of the difficulty finding home care nurses to fill all the hours of care he needed each week. Federal and state regulations are still biased in favor of nursing homes and institutional care providers over personal care attendant home services, which forces many people to live in nursing homes instead of at home, where it’s easier to obtain employment. I am very pleased with the Medicare program’s recent action that provides reassurance to persons with disabilities living at home, that they can continue to receive home health care even if they leave their homes for special nonmedical purposes. In some past instances, home health agencies and Medicare pay-

September 10, 2002

Tim Benjamin Editor

n the front page, we gave each candidate for U.S. Senate the opportunity to speak out on the disability-related issues of concern to him. Did each of them address the issues that are of concern to you? They all talked about some of the major issues: affordable accessible housing, transportation, access to parks and recreational facilities, and the dignity the disability community should be afforded. However, not one candidate specifically addressed one of my major concerns! What about MiCASSA, the Medicaid Community-based Attendant Services and Supports Act? Many disability

provided by MiCASSA, as well as the savings it would bring. We also need assured support of this bill from every congressperson that wants to be endorsed by the disability community. This bill is not a privilege—it is the right to make a dignified choice. For advocates throughout the more on MiCASSA, see page country have been fighting for 9. years to get this bill passed. The first version of this bill For both election time and was introduced in June 1997, everyday life, Dr. Judith E. by Newt Gingrich, and would Heumann has suggestions on have mandated that every how to get involved politiGet the state adopt a universal per- cally (page 3). sonal attendant program as an answers that will allow you to option to nursing homes and make an informed decision. institutions for the disabled Make sure each candidate and elderly. The difference knows that the disability between that first bill and the community is not a silent new version authored by community and that we are a Senator Harkin is that the voting community. latter includes cognitive assistance and support for the And John Tschida reminds us developmentally disabled. We on page 5 that we have the need to make sure that every right to vote by absentee congressperson recognizes the ballot. Many of you may importance of the choices already be aware of this

❖❖❖ option—but if this is new to you, call your county auditor Jim Czechowicz—disguised and request a ballot by mail so as an employee of Social that your vote will be counted. Security, but actually one of our crack reporters—brings ❖❖❖ us an article on the recent You may remember Derek Association for Persons in VanderVeen and his article Supported Employment “Pack Your Value” in the (APSE) conference. It’s clear June issue. This month, on from Jim’s article that people page 3, Derek—with his are talking about hiring perunique perspective—contrib- sons with disabilities and utes a piece about his experi- discussing the advantages of ence with Botox, as well as doing so. One of Jim’s major sharing its background as a sources—Katherine McCary therapy. Thanks, Derek, for of SunTrust Bank in Richmond, Virginia—describes working with us. some of the specific advan❖❖❖ tages and introduces the Linda Larson gives us a Business Leadership Netglimpse of Dr. Heumann’s work (BLN), a key resource speech at the 12th anniversary to help businesses become ADA conference in Minne- more friendly workplaces for apolis. Thanks again to ADA those in the disability commuMinnesota for bringing in nity. See page 6 for more such a wonderful speaker— information. Thanks, Jim! and our gratitude to you, ❖❖❖ Linda, for the highlights. We also thank all who replied to the Access Press Reader

Survey. A summary of the responses is below. The survey does give us insight on what you like and dislike, as well as suggestions that can improve the paper. If you haven’t filled out the survey, it’s not too late— you can download it from the Access Press website (www.accesspress.org). ❖❖❖

Once again, our columnists have written outstanding pieces. Our appreciation goes out to Ellen, John, and Pete—and to Jeni for her technology update. ❖❖❖

Cannon Valley Publishing, the company that prints Access Press, has been recognized for participation in the Northfield High School vocational program for students with special needs. We would like to congratulate them. ■

2002 Reader Survey—Summary And Highlights by Laurie Eckblad Anderson [Note: Due to our deadline, this tally only reflects information from surveys received on or before September 30. However, feedback received after that will still be given careful attention.]

ast year, as a newcomer to Access Press (AP), tallying the responses to the Reader Survey was a good overall introduction to the paper’s place in the community. Now, after a year of being involved in all aspects of the production of the paper, reader input is even more meaningful to me. Below is a

sampling of what we learned participants are persons with this year. disabilities. Over half reside in Minneapolis and its subWe did have fewer respon- urbs. We did get one response dents than last year. (I think from out of state (Wisconsin) one reason for this might have and two from greater Minnebeen the absence of incen- sota. tives—in the form of State Fair and Renaissance Festival All respondents are AP “regutickets.) However, those who lars” who have been reading did respond provided many the paper from 18 months to useful comments. And almost 12 years. The average length half of the respondents were of readership represented was people who’d also given us about five years. All who feedback last year. Their responded plan to keep on consistent evaluation means a reading the paper—some realot—as does that from first- sons why are: to get the wider timers. view of disability issues (beyond one’s personal situaA strong majority of survey tion); its usefulness as an

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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 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.

sports news. As the writer of One person explained why: the two book reviews this the ads are pertinent to the year, I will try not to take this needs of the readership. too personally. Finally, it was in the “Going Big favorites among types of Beyond” section where we coverage listed were legal, requested open-ended compolitical, news releases, and ments and suggestions that we breaking news. In comments, got the most creative and Kathy Hagen’s legal articles inspiring feedback. Here we A few readers checked all of were specifically mentioned received ideas and requests the regular/semi-regular fea- as helpful. Human interest for articles, such as: features tures listed as enjoyable to was rated strongly as well; on service providers, profiles them. Among those who this preference was supported of columnists (and more didn’t check everything, the by the general popularity of personalization in general), most popular items were all the columns (in features) information on a larger varilegislative updates and Pete and other comments added ety of disabilities—especially Feigal’s column—in fact, one throughout the survey re- those that are less visible, fan gave Pete four checks! A sponses. Arts, employment, alternative health care, senior new favorite, developed after and international coverage information, and a gay section last year’s survey, is Assistive received the fewest votes in or article. Technology by Jeni Mundl. this category. This last section is also where Social Security updates not only received a lot of votes, Once again, our readers were we got our pats on the back. but were also mentioned as very supportive of the adver- Examples included: thanks very important in several tising in AP. Most thought the (from two readers) for mencomments. Features receiv- ad to text ratio was about the tioning a fragrance ban at ing the fewest nods were right mix. Nobody requested conferences in the August Accessible Performances, fewer ads, but a couple of editor’s column, agreement book reviews, In Brief, and respondents wanted more ads. with the supportive comments [recollections] in our anniverTHE MINNESOTA STATE COUNCIL ON DISABILITY sary issue, and appreciation of seeing each candidate’s views EEP P O ATE presented so that readers can SUBSCRIBE NOW FOR FREE make up their own minds. An especially glowing comment MINNESOTA DISABILITY E-MAIL included the phrase “fantastic ◆ Breaking Federal and State Disability News work” and called AP a god◆ Notice of Special Events send to the community.

advocacy tool; and the relevant, informative, interesting, and enjoyable articles not found elsewhere. However, my favorite response to the prompt Do you plan to continue reading Access Press? Why or why not? was “why not.”

U T D

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In general, the responses were overwhelmingly supportive and positive. Even the suggestions we received were nothing but constructive. These included: add more pages and put an expiration date on our mailing labels. So, thanks to all who took the time to share their input. Please remember that any of you may do the same at any time via fax, e-mail, snail mail, or phone. ■

September 10, 2002

This Isn’t Your Grandma’s Botox

Judith Heumann’s Message

by Derek VanderVeen

by Linda Larson

y doctor told my family and me that recovery from the traumatic brain injury I’d endured would have a window of about five years, after which I would just plateau forever. Later, she realized my recovery could be a lifelong process. This was the same doctor who originally told my parents I’d never speak again, or leave the wheelchair. After I’d proved her wrong on both counts, she stopped putting limitations on me and my recovery. My determined attitude became a lighthearted joke between us. When I went back to see her after months out of the rehabilitation center, she smiled and shook her head, saying, “I’ve never been more happy to be proved wrong.” I put a stop to my outpatient therapy in high school when I decided to focus more on academics and being a teenager. I finished high school, went to college, and maintained a healthy social life without physical therapy (PT). But there came a time when I knew I had to take responsibility for my own recovery. After ten years with no organized rehabilitation, I went back voluntarily to the same clinic I’d left and made an appointment with my old doctor. My initial question: “Is there anything new in the realm of therapy or medical procedures?” That’s when I first heard about Botox. In The Beginning, There Was Botox About two decades ago, Dr. Allen Scott discovered the effects a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum has on muscle groups. It was found to greatly reduce spasticity, or overactive muscles. When a solution of the bacteria, diluted with water, was injected directly into specific ocular muscles, it diminished a spastic eye condition. This hypothesis followed: if the toxin works there then it stands to reason it would work elsewhere. It did. Medical science was onto something. Botox remains, to date, the best defense against spasticity. In patients undergoing PT, the goal is to hinder spastic muscles so work can be done to strengthen the opposing muscle groups. To give you an idea of how this works, I’ll put this on a personal level. The flexor muscles (bottom of the forearm) of my left arm are spastic and stronger than my extensors (top of the forearm). Thus, they are constantly

pulling my wrist down and curling my fingers into a fist, and I have to work very hard to relax my hand into even a partially “normal” position. Botox, injected directly into my flexors, essentially lays a barrier against the nerve endings, blocking the signals from the nerves to those muscles. In simple terms, it paralyzes the muscle it enters—not complete paralysis rendering the patient totally unable to use that muscle, but more like a light tranquilizer to reduce the involuntary muscular activity. In my case, it allows more control over my wrist and fingers. The wrist becomes more relaxed and the fingers are able to open more. It takes anywhere from two days to about a week for the toxin to take full effect and the results last about three months, though, as with most medical procedures, results vary. Some patients have reported longer lasting effects, some have only needed one treatment, and some experience little or no result. It depends greatly on the type and severity of the injury. But for the vast majority, the toxin is administered at three-month intervals. Because it is a toxin (Botox is, in essence, botulism—a type of food poisoning), a threemonth interval is required even if the effects wear off before that. If introduced into the body any more frequently, the body will build up a natural resistance to it. It is also dose-effective, that is, the more you administer during a treatment, the stronger the results. Still, less is more. Until you find out how much your body can take, it is best to begin with a small dosage, as there have been some who have experienced flu-like side effects. A plus is that Botox pretty much stays put. There is little risk of it diffusing into adjacent muscle areas. It can happen, but it’s rare and there is no real long-term danger. The only true risk is if the bacteria somehow gets into the bloodstream. Due to the way it’s administered, however, that really can’t happen unless there’s a major error with the treatment and/or equipment used. The electromyograph (EMG) is a fairly accurate device. Its needle is attached to a receiver which picks up muscular activity and transmits it in the form of radio static, audible to the human ear. When the needle hits overactive muscle tissue, the activity is heard through the speaker, helping the doctor

t was a thrill to meet Dr. determine where best to inject Judith E. Heumann. I can the toxin. The more static, the think of nobody more fitting higher the activity. to give the keynote address at Having undergone several the local Rights and Respontreatments of a dozen or more sibilities Conference marking injections per session, I can the 12th anniversary of the attest that it really is as close ADA. Dr. Heumann’s adto a miracle as I’ve ever seen. dress focused on where the I have much more control civil rights of disabled perover and use of my left arm sons has been, where it stands under the influence of the now, and where it needs to go. toxin than I do otherwise. Looking toward the future, Ideally, the objective is to use she shared the following call Left to right: Linda Larson and Judith Heumann the drug therapy in conjunc- to action for persons with moting your agenda every day revolution, and the same tion with PT to strengthen the disabilities. through every political pro- number started the modern opposing muscle groups. Ten Ways You Can cess. The vital election Chinese revolution. However, Botox works even Make the Dream Live campaigns of 2002 and 2004 without PT, which is good for are fully underway. Volun- • When necessary, send your people like me who haven’t, of late, found time for such a • Give up life as usual—for teer and contribute money to message of love and truth with example, escapist television the campaigns of good politi- action. You will be surprised regimen. and games, time-consuming cians. You will have ten times how a small demonstration at and expensive travel and more influence than if you just a political, media, or business Mirror, Mirror recreation—and devote the simply ask them for favors. office can change attitudes. On The Wall … time to passionate advocacy Get into politics as if your life The most intriguing aspect of for individualized empower- depended on it, because it Interview with Heumann does—so do the lives of your the Botox evolution revolu- ment. children’s children. Beyond the insightful infortion is the very recent discovmation gleaned from Dr. ery that it also works for • Give up politically and cosmetic purposes. When socially correct conversation • Become a media person: Heumann’s address, I was injected into the skin, the and become a single-minded, write letters to the editor; also able to ask her some muscles relax and wrinkles repetitious communicator of participate in radio and TV questions one-on-one. virtually disappear. So this the message of individualized talk shows; become friends therapeutic miracle has be- empowerment—so that when with media employees, and Linda Larson: What would you like to say about your come a kind of nonsurgical people see you across the business and political staff. friends, Justin Dart and Ed face-lift. Because of cosmetic street, your message will use, recent demand has pushed register in their minds even • Use electronic technology Roberts? to send out brief points of Judith Heumann: Justin was mass distributors to make though you say nothing. discussion on the issues. a very important part of my Botox available to more people at a lower cost. On the • Speak to people with words Make sure they are 100% life. He was compelling and Most political insightful. I miss Ed. He was surface this sounds like a of love, giving them sincere accurate. good thing, but when some- praise for the distinctive advocacy is obvious hyper- beguiling. He did not come thing is mass-produced, it positives that everybody has. bole. It goes directly into the from wealth. He had a great mother. He was a visionary. forces manufacturers to look They will be glad to see you wastebasket. He is a great role model. We for ways to cut costs and coming and be far more likely increase profits. One way is to internalize your message of • Be an aggressive participant must do much more to in your local and national remember our leaders. to offer a more diluted empowerment. advocacy organizations— solution. That is, more water and less of the bacteria. • Recruit your family mem- from your local independent LL: What do you feel is your Diluting can weaken the bers and friends first. People living center to disability and most important accomplishresults and shorten the time from ages one to one hundred civil rights coalitions. If you ment? period those results are vis- can be good advocates. Se- support them, they will sup- JH: Moving through life. ible. So, beware the “bargain verely disabled people living port your advocacy for indi- I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many people and a Botox,” as the headline in the in nursing homes can be good vidualized empowerment. diversity of people. Minneapolis Star Tribune advocates. Small babies and warned, though that article dogs can wear buttons or • If there is no cross-disability action group in your area, LL: What do you have left to do? spoke only of the cosmetic signs with great effect. form one. Thirteen penniless JH: Changes have been made, applications of the toxin. • Become a politician, pro- people started the Christian ADA - cont. on p. 8 Which makes an interesting point. Since the cosmetic advantages of Botox were discovered, that’s all we hear about. It wasn’t until very National Handicap Housing Institute, Inc. recently that the Star Tribune mentioned the “newer” medical uses of Botox for stroke victims and migraine sufferers. And still, little or nothing is generally known about the Affordable/Accessible Housing real origins of this gem of therapeutic magic that has For been evolving for nearly a Mobility Impaired Physically quarter of a century. It is now Disabled Adults credited as nothing but a cosmetic drug—a 21st century fountain of youth. When I tell my friends and coworkers that I’ve undergone and will soon start my Botox treatments Community Enrichment Through Housing Diversity again, I hear: “Why do you need to worry about

ACCESS IS FREEDOM!

Botox - cont. on p. 10

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September 10, 2002

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things by Jeni Mundl

y now, even Julie Andrews is surely using the Internet and she is definitely not alone. As of May 2002, 580 million individuals have access to the Internet. The number is continually growing, as this data reflects an increase of 20 million users over 2 months.

nology. There are subsections regarding Services, Frequent Questions, Events—and many more. Interested individuals can sign up for an e-mailed newsletter or read it on-line. ZDnet Downloads http://downloads-zdnet. com.com/2001-20-0.html When looking for free software, try ZDnet. This website contains useful software of any kind. It also has a variety of assistive technology programs such as screen keyboards, mouse adaptations, and voice output.

Many people find the Internet to be an enticing medium, leading to hours of exploration. It holds vast amounts of information, much of which is useful for individuals with disabilities. Yet there are some who feel overwhelmed by it all or just need a few Medical Information good websites to bookmark as great resources. Here are a Aetna Intelihealth few of my favorite sites: www.inteli health.com This site holds an abundance Technology of information which allows you to perform your own AbleData medical research. Some www.abledata.com interesting areas include DisThis is a database of 27,000 eases and Conditions, Healthy different assistive technology Lifestyle, Your Health, and devices. The user is able to Look It Up. enter a search phrase or look through categories for prod- aHealthyMe! ucts. The information given www.ahealthyme.com includes product name, de- aHealthyMe! provides a variscription, cost, and contact ety of sections dealing with information. modern and alternative medicine. In addition, there are Courage Assistive Technol- calculators; a drug database; ogy Web fitness, nutrition, and disabilwww.courage.org/atweb ity information; and quizzes. The Courage Center website Information can be obtained contains a large section of based on age and category, or information on assistive tech- by keyword search.

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Mental Illness/Brain Disorders

Names And Words Can Hurt My Nerves, But Stones Will Never Harm Me

Nurses PDR www.nursespdr.com This is an excellent source of information on medications. by Pete Feigal It includes an on-line searchable database of many drugs he famous defense attorand the data given is extenney, Clarence Darrow, sive. when admonished by a judge for using profanity replied: Books and Reference “Forgive me, your Honor, but I don’t swear just for the hell Audible of it. But there are so damn www.audible.com few words everybody underSkip the bookstore and shred stands these days.” your library card. Audible puts your favorite authors at Mental illnesses/brain disoryour fingertips with more than ders are the most complex 4,500 audio books and 14,000 diseases known to man. They periodicals, radio broadcasts, strike not just the body but the speeches, and performances. soul. There are often no words You can download selections to adequately define or meaand listen to them on your PC, sure the pain and despair they transfer them to an MP3 bring. player, or burn a CD. The terms mental illness, or Bartleby.com depression, or schizophrenia www.bartleby.com are too nice, they’re too kind. This site offers free access to The only word in the English thousands of works from language that I can think of to hundreds of literature’s best define these terrible diseases known authors and poets. is the word hell, the absence Search by category or key- of God’s grace. word to satisfy your intellectual curiosity with more than It’s difficult to find a common 370,000 full-text pages of vocabulary or language about literary works. There are mental illness that everyone 86,000 quotations and 10,000 can use so that we can try to poems. help ourselves or others through this painful maze, so E-Books we need to get on the same www.ebooks.com page, definition-wise. For reading pleasure, the EBooks website has an exten- One of the first places to start sive list of downloadable is by learning that words or books. Instead of reading on- phrases used by people who line, the user pays a fee and have battled mental illness can download the book for may not have the same keeps. meaning for someone who hasn’t personally struggled. Encarta Encyclopedia http://encarta.msn.com/ For example, asylum doesn’t reference/ always mean “a place of Encarta is an encyclopedia, safety or refuge.” To some of dictionary, and atlas with us it means “a depository for keyword and drop list search undesirables.” Commitment capabilities. isn’t a pledge or promise. To us it means “a forced medical InfoPlease treatment or living situation.” www.infoplease.com The word belonging to many This site features dozens of of us means “the temporary resources—such as almanacs, postponement of certain exdictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, news, weather, and more—into one easy-to-access website.

ile.” Evaluation means a personality vivisection with a dull spoon, or in other words, “no turn left unstoned.”

that misnomer? Everyone, please, come up with a new word and send it to Access Press.

Whole phrases have different meanings, too. “Let’s try and have a good time” really means: “We’re all miserable but no one wants to say it out loud.” “This won’t hurt a bit” actually means: It’s gonna hurt like hell.” Sometimes lies are more reliable than the truth.

We need to use some old words in a new way, and either take away their power or give them back their strength. Some are silly words—loony, crazy, psycho, wacko—words that we should take all the power from so that no adolescent will ever run home crying because of a name he was teased with.

Words that are just words to most people, take on a terrible power to us: mental ward, straitjacket, electroshock, Thorazine, sterilization, lobotomy, four-point restraint, isolation room. There is a paranoia that many of us have, and it needs to be understood that there is a perfectly good reason for this caution. It is still within living memory of people reading this article that we were locked away by our legislators, abandoned by our families, buried in the backyard by our state institutions, sterilized, lobotomized, and in some cases euthanized by our doctors—and if we took our own lives in despair, denied burial in holy ground by our churches. You are not paranoid if everyone really does hate you. That’s why sometimes we are touchy about certain words or phrases or situations. We need to find new words. Depression has lost it’s power and meaning by being used as both the name of a terrible disease and as an emotion. It’s like saying, “Gee, Bob, I really feel cancerous today!” The word consumer also needs to be replaced. How did we ever get saddled with

There are many that believe that we should not use the words mental illness at all— that the term biochemical brain disorders is more accurate, and will shift public opinion away from the image of someone who is mentally and morally weak. I have felt this way, too, but see both sides. Mentally ill has been a name, a description, a weapon used in the past to label and hurt me. What I’m trying to do now is to reclaim those words. To use them, not with anger or pride, but with honesty—that this is part of what makes me who I am, what I’ve gone through. To take away it’s shaming power so it can never be used to ever hurt me again. Talking openly and honestly about the illness, and how it has impacted us personally, is what will make the difference. When we use the words, and tell our stories, and risk social disrepute and financial hardship and all the potential hazards that breaking stigma brings, that’s what will open people’s minds and hearts, and that’s what will change the world. ■

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September 10, 2002

Spirituality and Disability

Disability Culture

Broken Open, Or Down?

Vote By Any Means

by Ellen Houghton

by John Tschida

ave you ever gone through a stressful time in your life and thought you were through with its â&#x20AC;&#x153;opportunities for growth,â&#x20AC;? but were soon proven wrong and hit with even more challenges? When in this situation, I often used to demand that God tell me what He wanted me to learn from it all, but all I got were more disasters. I think the part that frustrated me even more than the actual situation was that I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t (or wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t?) hear His message.

alikeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;to seek out ACA. Some of the tales from the new people were true horror stories of how awful life could get. After the meeting, as my friend and I were walking to our cars, we both said we felt we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t â&#x20AC;&#x153;deserveâ&#x20AC;? to be there since our lives hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been that bad.

attitude, I â&#x20AC;&#x153;seeâ&#x20AC;? things I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see in the past. And as time goes by, I continue to understand many other lessons I learned from my past experiences. This too is acceptanceâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;knowing we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to get it all right now, that it will come when we are ready.

I mentioned this later to the counselor I was seeing and received a very enlightening response. She said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;So, as a child, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think going to bed every night, leaving for school, going off with friends, So, I decided to try out a new and not knowing if your dad tactic and started acknowl- would still be alive when you edging that these things were returned, was that bad?â&#x20AC;? not being done to me, but that my attitude was creating these Hearing her say this made me â&#x20AC;&#x153;opportunities for growthâ&#x20AC;? realize how used to my and my soul could learn and â&#x20AC;&#x153;normalâ&#x20AC;? I had become. Sure advance because of them. I my dad was rushed in and out wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tell you Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m never of the hospital all the timeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; frustrated, that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never he had a chronic illness, what broken down, or that it else could we expect? You doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hurtâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;but I will tell get used to turning your you that I now feel a strange schedules upside down, jumpsense of serenity, a knowing ing when the phone rings at that I will live through it all odd hours, sleeping in hospiand be a better person because tal waiting rooms, and so on. of it. You learn to cope.

Miller also said during the interview that: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re broken open not downâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;we start to see, hear, and feel things other people, without our wounding experience, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get.â&#x20AC;? Next time you are in a stressful situation where others are also involved, watch how they react. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see those who feel picked on and those who are choosing to learn and grow. And if you are really observant, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see a sense of serenity in those who chose to grow from their challenges.

Wayne Miller, author of Legacy of the Heart, once said during an interview that if we could really be objective and know all the intimate parts of individuals, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d realize that every human suffers. He said the only uniqueness may be in the manner of the suffering. This certainly backed my belief that the main reason we take on this human form is to help our soul grow and that â&#x20AC;&#x153;sufferingâ&#x20AC;? is certainly a growing experience.

What I really experienced from her comment was that one personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;normâ&#x20AC;? is someone elseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s concept of horror. As Miller said, we all suffer, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just the manner of suffering thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique. That may sound pretty defeatist, but the truth of the matter is that acceptance takes a potentially unbearable situation and turns it into something we can handle. If I know a situation is going to occur, I can plan for itâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;line up my best resources (inner and outer). If Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m broadsided, His comment reminded me of well, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s another case. an ACA (12 Step) meeting I attended many years ago, As I have seen with my during which my close friend challenges, it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t easyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;but I and I volunteered to host the no longer go off the deep end newcomers group. The usual either. I always know God is format for this subgroup was watching over me, doing what to go around the room and is best for meâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;not necessarshare what had caused usâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; ily what I want, but what is old and new participants best. With my change in

Taking on this attitude that these things are not being done to me has also helped me better understand why â&#x20AC;&#x153;bad things happen to good peopleâ&#x20AC;?â&#x20AC;&#x201D;why pain occurs in a world watched over by a caring God. You could almost say it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really real. After all, our time here on Earth isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t all there is for our soulsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;this is just one piece of something so much larger and grander. It is our human side that clings to this physical existence. But God knows this isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s we humans who havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t learned that yet, or at least donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t consistently feel it. Yes, bad things happen. Our human side doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like it, but it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t about the thingsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about how we handle them and whether we choose to grow from them. Jobs are eliminated, people get sick, relationships end, cars get banged up. If I choose, I can walk away from all of these things. When Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m alone with me, however, I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t leaveâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just me and my higher self. It sure feels like the emphasis is best placed on the inner

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Disability Culture Rap

hile most Minnesotans are bemoaning the end of the State Fair and another brief summer, another harbinger of fall has hit the local media. Yes, the election season is upon us, with the crossfire of candidate sniping already dominating the airwaves.

does.â&#x20AC;? He was right. Especially these days, with a struggling economy and a jittery Wall Street, the federal and most state budgets are facing red ink. Policymakers at every level are poised to cut programs and services. People with disabilities need to be asking candidates where they stand on issues affecting our Despite the conventional wis- community before they pull dom, which holds that the the lever on election day. voting public doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seriously think about politics For the most part, the general until after Labor Day, the public tunes out the white volley of campaign ads begins noise of campaign commerearlier with each successive cials and glossy mass market election cycle. Fueled this mailings. Studying the issues year by huge out-of-state takes time and energy. Most dollars, the stakes are particu- people with disabilities are larly high. Razor-thin mar- not necessarily advocates or gins in both houses of activists. Rather, they go Congress will again lead to about the business of lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; record campaign spending. living from paycheck to The steady stream of Wash- paycheck, shopping for groington insiders leading local ceries, running errands, and fund-raisers should soon lead looking forward to weekends to an HOV lane in the skies with friends and family. between Washington National and our own MSP Interna- But when it comes to voting, tional Airport. every person with a disability should wear an advocateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Additionally, all 201 state hat. We need to do a better legislators are up for reelec- job of educating candidates tionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a bunch of judges, and on key issues like housing, local county boards scattered transportation, and health care. statewide will see new mem- And we need to show up at the bers as well. Minnesotans polls to show we mean with disabilities ought to be business. paying attention. According to the American Justin Dart was fond of Association of People with saying: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Vote as if your life Disabilities, 275,412 voting depended on itâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;because it age people with disabilities in Minnesota didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t vote in the person, on being open to 2000 election. The good growth. After all, the outer news is 55 percent of voting world is only for now. Our age disabled did vote. The souls, on the other hand, are bad news is this rate lags well behind the general population forever! â&#x2013; statistics. Ellen Houghtonâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the desktop publisher of Access Pressâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; Of course, there are often owns Presentation Images, a barriers to participation in the company that assists others in election processâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;inaccessithe selection, development, bility of polling places and and implementation of the transportation challenges chief proper media needed to among them. A 2001 General convey their messages. Addi- Accounting Office (GAO) tionally, she was the pub- report found that 28 percent lisher/editor of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stepping of surveyed polling places Up,â&#x20AC;? a discontinued newspa- nationwide had one or more per designed to help others potential access barriers and explore their spirituality. did not offer a â&#x20AC;&#x153;curbsideâ&#x20AC;? voting option outside the building. While there are laws AWARD WINNER Superfest XX-Best of Festival Award, Spirit Award â&#x20AC;˘ London Disability Film Festival â&#x20AC;˘ U.S. International Film and Video Festival- Silver Screen Award â&#x20AC;˘ Margaret Mead Film and Video Festival â&#x20AC;˘ Real to Reel Documentary Film and Video Festival â&#x20AC;˘ Contemporary Issues Film Festival, Portugal â&#x20AC;˘ KynnysKINO Finland Film Festival â&#x20AC;˘ U.S.A. Film Festival â&#x20AC;˘ Columbus International Film & Video Festival- Silver Chris Award â&#x20AC;˘ Philadelphia International Film Festival â&#x20AC;˘ Silver Award â&#x20AC;˘ TASH- Positive Image Award â&#x20AC;˘ Doxa Documentary Film Festival For more information, contact

Advocating Change Together

at 1-800-641-0059 or www.selfadvocacy.com.

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on the books to prevent this phenomenonâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;including the Voter Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Actâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;discrimination happens. Why? Because â&#x20AC;&#x153;there are no universal standards for state and local voting accessibility laws and practices,â&#x20AC;? says the GAO report. Minnesota is better positioned than most states, and great strides were made to improve accessibility of polling locations and methods during the 1990s. In large part, this was due to the positive working relationship between the State Council on Disability and the Secretary of Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office. While there is always room for improvement, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been no call for class action lawsuits, the likes of which have been filed recently in Washington, D.C. and Duval County, Florida. There is another option for people with disabilities that should be utilized more than it is, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s absentee balloting. Available to any Minnesotan with a disability, these simple applications are available by mail, fax, or in person from your county auditorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office. This does not condone the lack of accessible voting options or signal tacit approval of â&#x20AC;&#x153;curbside ballotingâ&#x20AC;? where accommodations donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t exist. But it may be the only option available to those with chronic illness or unstable medical conditions. While I expect to cast my ballot alongside my able-bodied peers and will gladly stand in line for the privilege to do so, for those who canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t or wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, a mail-in option should always exist. Ambrose Bierce called the vote â&#x20AC;&#x153;the instrument and symbol of a freemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s power to make a fool of himself and a wreck of his country.â&#x20AC;? Voting is easy and it is powerful. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t exercise this right, do you really trust the rest of us to choose for you? â&#x2013; Â´,V WKHUH D OLPLW WR KRZ PXFK , FDQ HDUQ RQ 66',"Âľ

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September 10, 2002

Artability: Making Art And Progress

Hiring Persons With Disabilities:AGood Decision

by Kate Havelin

by Jim Czechowicz

rom October 3rd through the 5th, the walls and hallways of the APOLLO Resource Center will shine with watercolors, photographs, sculpture, collage, and mosaics. The artwork will be part of People Incorporated’s 8th annual Artability exhibit. This year, more than fifty artists will show their work. Whatever their medium— acrylic, oil, watercolor, rock,

clay, wood, leather, tapestry, or tile—the artists share one commonality: each lives with mental illness. The show is designed to give people with mental illness a chance to show their work, as well as make art together. For staffer Jim Leahy (photo above), it’s the creative pro-

Leahy, the art show, and even the art itself, are just part of the goal. “It’s the conversations that happen (in the art room) that are as important as the art,” he maintains.

cess that matters most. “To me, what really counts is the ongoing art opportunities every Tuesday and Thursday. Folks come in here—some come in and think of themselves as artists. Others are apprehensive. They say, ‘I can’t do art, I can’t draw.’” But all those who come to APOLLO’s art room get a chance to, as Leahy says, “let some facades come down.” All efforts are applauded and the drop-in center’s art room is a “safe, cozy, and accepted” place where people “can draw and paint bravely.”

This summer, APOLLO offered a series of free workshops to help artists prepare for the show. They learned basics of different art—from photography to watercolor— as well as how to frame and mat their pieces, and how to price and present artwork. Judy (photo below) is one artist who’s looking forward to showing her work at APOLLO again. Last year’s Artability was her first public show. “I felt very honored. It really helped with my selfesteem.” She got another Artability - cont. on p. 10

Leahy sees himself as an art guide, a person who has mental illness himself who can assist others in opening themselves to make art. To

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he recent Association of Persons in Supported Employment (APSE) conference at the downtown Minneapolis Hilton was an opportunity for hundreds of providers, consumers, and advocates to exchange information, raise awareness, and increase the understanding of all parties involved in the laws and the lives of working persons with disabilities. According to www.apse.org “supported employment (SE) focuses on a person’s abilities and provides the supports an individual needs to be successful on a long-term basis.” In this way, “SE enables people with disabilities... to work and contribute to society.” According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, by 2006 American businesses will experience a shortage of 10 million workers. At the conference, Katherine McCary of Atlanta’s SunTrust Bank, explained why this labor shortage makes hiring people with disabilities a great business decision, as

well as the “right thing to do.” place to which they provide products and services. During her 90-minute presentation, McCary stated that Therefore, how can an embesides being a largely ployer in Minnesota become underutilized source of com- more “disability friendly?” petent workers, there are One great place to begin, other sound reasons why according to McCary, is to log hiring persons with disabili- on to www.usbln.com, the ties makes sense. Research website of the Business Leaddone by Virginia Common- ership Network (BLN). The wealth University (VCU), BLN is affiliated with the available at www.work Department of Labor’s Office support.com, shows that the on Disability Employment cost of turnover has been Policy and the U.S. Chamber estimated at more than 1.5 of Commerce. Its goal is to times the annual salary of a prepare workers via educaworker, making retention an tion, training, and other opessential business strategy. portunities—as well as makEmployers have reported that ing employers aware of this hiring workers with disabili- beneficial workforce. ties resulted in increased productivity and morale, as Minnesota employers wantwell as high retention rates. ing more information about Furthermore, as the market- the BLN are encouraged to place becomes more global visit www.usbln.com, or call and diverse, employers need local chapter representative, to reach out to a diverse Terri Ricci of Medtronic. population in order to make Ricci can be reached at 763their organization more repre- 505-2857 or at theresa.ricci@ sentative of their customer medtronic.com. ■ base. By doing so, employers will see a return on their Jim Czechowicz is a Social investment, and gain an un- Security PASS Specialist in derstanding of the market- St. Paul, Minnesota.

September 10, 2002

THE LATEST NEWS ON WORK INCENTIVES!

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Blueprint 2030 Public Previews How will the region handle 1 million more people?

We have a plan.

The Twin Cities area population will increase by almost 1 million over the next 30 years. To accommodate this growth, the Metropolitan Council has developed a new regional growth strategy, Blueprint 2030. Residents interested in the future of the Twin Cities region are invited to attend one of the Blueprint 2030 Public Previews. Each Blueprint 2030 Public Preview will feature an overview of the strategy with a Q&A session to follow.

Morning Dates (7:30 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9:00 a.m.)

Evening Dates (6:30 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8:00 p.m.)

Sept 17 Sept 18 Oct 8 Oct 10 Oct 11

Sept 19 Sept 23 Sept 24 Sept 26 Sept 30 Oct 1 Oct 3

St Louis Park Recreation Center Rogers Fire Hall Andover-Bunker Hills Regional Park Chanhassen Recreation Center Woodbury City Hall

Brooklyn Park City Hall Shakopee City Hall Minneapolis â&#x20AC;&#x201C; CWA Local 7200 Union Hall St Paul â&#x20AC;&#x201C; League of Minnesota Cities Building Rosemount Community Center Hugo City Hall Minneapolis â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Urban League Building

Engage the future, attend a Blueprint 2030 Public Preview. For more information on Blueprint 2030 or directions to the Public Preview in your area click on to www.metrocouncil.org or call 651-602-1140.

September 10, 2002

ELECTION - Cont. from p. 1 COLEMAN CONTINUES: trails, rest facilities and visitor disabilities purchase equipcenters will be accessible. ment to telecommute from home. This is why, I support the objectives of the President’s Encouraging Homeowner“New Freedom Initiative” to ship for People With Dishelp individuals with disabili- abilities by allowing disabled ties by increasing access to recipients of Section 8 vouchassistive technologies, ex- ers to use up to a year’s worth panding educational opportu- of assistance in a lump-sum nities, increasing the ability of payment to finance the down individuals with disabilities to payment on a home which integrate into the work force, could also include reforming and promoting increased ac- federal rental assistance to cess in the community. give individual renters who qualify, the opportunity to Some major areas of interest purchase a home. are: Promoting Public Sector/ Expanding Employment Private Sector Cooperation Opportunities by promoting by helping ADA-exempt orfinancial incentives for com- ganizations that have limited panies that hire people with resources, including private disabilities and by providing clubs and religiously affilitax credits for small busi- ated service providers, make nesses that make their facili- their facilities accessible to ties ADA compliant and by the disabled. expanding telecommuting options, to provide low-interest Promoting Accessibility to loans to help people with Public Recreation Facilities

by providing technical assistance to help parks and community centers to comply with the ADA. Improving Accessibility to Voting for Americans with Disabilities by working with Congress to eliminate all barriers to voting for Americans with disabilities. Equally important, I want every Minnesotan with a disability to know that my door will always be open to address their concerns, to present their concerns before Congress. While I’ve spent my adult life knocking down doors, fighting discrimination, and supporting accessibility in America, I can always learn more from those who deal with accessibility issues every day. A Senator’s job is to listen to his constituents and present their interests before Congress. That’s my pledge to you. ■

MOORE CONTINUES:

ADA - Cont. from p. 3

LL: What gives you hope? JH: There is a political awareness of disability rights in the United States. Disabled persons have become more mainstream. LL: What about disability internationally? JH: Life for disabled persons in emerging countries means poverty and death. Their

When you are raised with a handicapped person , I think you have a bit more understanding. I myself am hard of hearing from flying those big jets in combat for our country and am somewhat handicapped myself. I saw many immediately handicapped young men in Vietnam and then later in the Service hospitals recuperating. It was part of your life after you

returned from combat. I am glad to have a woman named Louise Bouta on my campaign team. She is working with me to bring me up to speed on our current mental health system. It saddens me to see humans treated like machines, over medicating and saying that we do not have the time nor the money to do anything otherwise. A society that genuinely values all of its citizens must not function in this manner. My culture teaches that we approach a problem with a wholistic mindset, taking into account all aspects of being, mental, physical, spiritual. I would endeavor to promote programs for the disabled that treated the whole person as opposed to one fragment. We now have 40 million Americans without health

insurance and yet $40 million dollars a day goes over seas each day, primarily to Military Foreign Aid to Israel, Egypt, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, include Colombia as well. We would have an enormous amount of funds to aid the many handicapped programs and even subsidize the Braille store in St Paul which is shutting down. As a Senator, I would not cast one vote for Military Foreign Aid as a priority item over the needs of our American citizens. I will not be a Carte Blanche Senator for any foreign government. Never! That is the one big promise and a much more effective one for your needs and which your nation owes to you. My Sioux tribe took care of every one in their rich and generous past. Their past is part of my values and I will think and act no differently. ■

WELLSTONE CONTINUES:

by government medical pro- gone from a one voice, one grams. vote democracy to a one dollar, one vote reality with I entered this race to represent public policy going to the the vast majority of Minneso- highest bidder. I want to end tans who do not have the time the leverage of moneyed or money to organize in a special interests and bring manner that gets their voice creativity into our political heard in politics. We have process the moves society

but it takes a long time for substantial change. Discrimination is still pervasive and insidious. It will never be the way I imagined it should be.

MCGAA CONTINUES: take Dakota cold as well as other. He would see her coming on her crutches and would tromp out to greet her then turn and walk with her and her large farm dog to the barn. It was a beautiful and touching sight. Passerbys on the highway could not believe what they were seeing. Brahmas are quite congenial, honestly, once you get to know them and treat them courteously.

governments must be responsible. The United States has not played the leadership role it could. There needs to be an international convention to set the standards under which disabled persons should live. LL: What about special education? JH: State and local communities are not taking the responsibility. Slowly the drop-out rate is declining. At our state universities, we need to train teachers to have general and special ed in harmony with each other. There is too much “we” and “them.”

forward for all citizens. The readers of Access Press can take comfort that as Minnesota’s next Senator, I will represent all Minnesotans with no special interest strings attached. ■

ment contractors have terminated home health benefits after a beneficiary attended a special event such as a family reunion, graduation, or funeral, even though the beneficiary otherwise continued to qualify as eligible for Medicare’s homebound criteria, recent actions ensure that these Americans continue to receive life sustainLL: What about being a polio ing home health services survivor—as Ed Roberts and even if they leave their homes Justin Dart were, as you and I to enjoy family and commuare? nity activities. JH: There is an advantage to having something in com- Transportation is another mon. It helps me to reach out important issue for the disto polio survivors around the ability community. Our world: in Bosnia, the Middle transit options, whether light East, Mexico, and elsewhere. rail or bus, have to be We must stick together. designed keeping persons with disabilities in mind. LL: Any final thoughts? This isn’t just an urban and JH: Reach out to the newly suburban issue either—rural disabled. Life is different. transportation also needs to Life is good. Life is better if be accessible so that people you fight for what you believe can break out of the isolation in. ■ they sometimes experience.

Jobs are also a key issue. The American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) has recently been diluted in our courts. It is still a struggle for many to gain access to reasonable accommodations in their work place. There must be more public awareness of the ADA rules and regulations to gain accommodations for those with the most severe disabilities.

This understanding is reflected in the growing number of disability advocacy groups who are part of the 235 organizations supporting the Mental Health Equitable Treatment Act, which I coauthored with Sen. Domenici.

This bill requires that parity be provided in coverage for mental illnesses, equal to that of other medical illnesses in private health care plans. We In addition, there are mem- believe that this bill will pass bers of the population who this year. must deal with the added challenge of mental illness or In the future, I hope that the drug addiction. In some ADA tremendous loss of Justin court cases, people with Dart, the “father of the ADA,” mental illnesses are treated a leader for the disability differently, and are not af- community will only inspire forded the same protections us to carry on his work. Justin as those with other disabili- would want us to redouble our ties. This is outrageously efforts to ensure the rights of unfair. We cannot minimize persons with disabilities, and mental illness and drug addi- as your United States Senator tion when we provide benefits that’s exactly what I intend to or when we interpret the ADA do. ■ protections.

HOUSING AND PERSONAL CARE SERVICES Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI) offers subsidized one and two bedroom apartments for individuals with physical disabilities. We have housing in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, St. Cloud, Brainerd, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, Austin, Marshall, Willmar, and Duluth. The apartments are fully wheelchair accessible and each building has a central laundry room, large community room, secured entry and an on-site caretaker. ASI also offers shared personal care services 24 hours a day, at most locations, for adults with a physical disability and/or traumatic brain injury who qualify for Medical Assistance. For more information call (651) 645-7271 or (800) 466-7722. For services or housing call Cami, for employment as a personal care attendant call Al or Angie.

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September 10, 2002

Accessible Performances Insist On MiCASSA 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.

by Scott Rostron

Hand Driven 4: Rude Objects; runs 10/3-6; ASL Fri., 10/4, 8:00; Minneapolis Theatre Garage; Mpls.; 612332-3200; www.3Legged Race.org. The unexpected is the rule in this fourth annual celebration of new puppetry and object theatre.

1:00 (tactile tour 11:00) & Fri., 10/25, 7:30; ASL Thurs., 10/24, 7:30 & Fri., 11/1, 7:30; Guthrie Theater; Mpls.; 612377-2224, TTY 612-3776626; www.guthrietheater. org. Harriet’s Halloween Candy; runs 9/20–10/20; ASL/AD Sun., 10/20, 2:00 (ASL also Wed., 10/16, 12:30); Mainstage Theatre; Hopkins; 952-979-1111; www.stages theatre.org. Depicts Harriet’s endless antics to horde her Halloween candy.

Tales of a Fourth-Grade Nothing; runs 10/3-6; ASL/ AD Sun., 10/6, 2:00; FargoMoorhead Community Theatre; 701-235-6778; www. fmct.org. Peter Hatcher’s little brother, Fudge—who breaks his front teeth trying to fly—decides he is a dog, goes Dracula; runs 9/13–11/17; on a hunger strike, and has a ASL Sun., 11/3, 2:00; pet turtle, Dribble. Commonweal Theatre; Lanesboro; 507-467-2525, Hay Fever; runs 7/12–10/27; 800-657-7025; www.common ASL Sun., 10/13, 2:00; wealtheatre.org. Commonweal Theatre; Lanesboro; 507-467-2525, Open House at the Mainstage; 800-657-7025; www.common AD/ASL Sun., 11/3, noonwealtheatre.org. A comedy 2:30; Guthrie Theater; Mpls.; about a retired actress, her 612-377-2224, TTY 612writer husband, their eccen- 377-6626; www.guthrie tric children, and a houseguest. theater.org; free. The Comedy of Errors; runs Comic Potential; runs 10/4-11/3; AD Sat., 10/19, 10/11–11/10; AD Sun.,

IN BRIEF . . . .

11/10, 2:00; Theatre in the Round Players; Mpls.; 612333-3010; www.theatreinthe round.org. An aspiring young writer is captivated by a soap opera star (an android) who has a fault in her programming.

living (ADLs): eating, grooming, dressing, bathing, transferring, planning and preparing meals, managing finances, shopping, doing household chores, phoning, and participating in the community—as well as health-related functions, such as dressing changes, injections, and setting up medication. Allows healthrelated functions or tasks to be assigned, delegated, or performed by an unlicensed person such as a PCA. Includes hands-on assistance and supervision by a trained unlicensed individual for a client who needs help to learn, keep, and enhance skills to accomplish ADLs.

he Minnesota Association of Centers for Independent Living alerts persons with disabilities and older Americans to MiCASSA, the Medicaid Community-based Attendant Services and Supports Act, now before Congress. The current bills HR3612 and S1298 have some 70 coauthors and wide public support from over 600 national and state organizations representing those with disabilities and older Americans. We must persuade our entire national delegation to sign on as coauthors and pass MiCASSA.

Lord of the Flies; runs 10/18–11/17; ASL/AD Sun., 11/17, 2:00 (ASL also Thurs., 11/14, 12:30); Stages Theatre Co.; Hopkins; 952-979-1111; www.stagestheatre.org. Wm. Golding’s classic novel about a group of children stranded on a deserted island asks provocative questions about civilization and human nature. MiCASSA gives people choices in long-term care T h e C h a i r s ; r u n s options by reforming Title 10/30-11/24; ASL Fri., XIX of the Social Security 11/22, 7:30; AD Sat., 11/23, Act (Medicaid) and ending 1:00 (tactile tour 11:00); the institutional bias. It Guthrie Lab; Mpls.; 612-377- allows individuals eligible for 2224, TTY 612-377-6626; Nursing Facility Services or www. guthrietheater.org. Intermediate Care Facility Services for the Mentally For updates by phone, call Retarded (ICF-MR) the opVSA arts of Minnesota at portunity to choose commu612-332-3888 or statewide nity-based attendant services 800-801-3883 (voice/TTY). with the money following the individual. It offers states financial assistance to reform the long-term service and support system, as guided by a Consumer Task Force, and to provide services in the most integrated setting. tion and assistance if you Highlights of MiCASSA experience disability-related air service problems. • Provides community-based attendant services and supports for activities of daily

• Provides services based on functional need (rather than diagnosis or age), permitting consumers unable to direct their own care independently to choose without interference an “individual’s representative” (such as a friend or family member) to assist them and provide this service in the most integrated setting appropriate (in-home or community). Each attendant would be selected, managed, and controlled by the consumer— and supplemented with backup and emergency attendant services.

DOT Creates New Disability Hot Line The Department of Trans- gust. The number is 1-866portation’s toll free aviation 266-1368 (voice) or 1-866consumer disability hot line 754-4368 (TTY). Please call became operational in Au- the hot line to obtain informa-

Riders’ Metro Mobility Public Forums

•

mote consumer payment options, and control of and satisfaction with services.

• Pays transition costs—such as utility deposits, bedding, kitchen supplies, and so on—from a nursing facility or ICF-MR to a home setting. In summary, MiCASSA changes our long-term care system from institutionalization for persons with disabilities and the elderly to independent living with community-based supports. It recognizes that our society is aging and has more persons with disabilities living longer, and that our current system is overly expensive and restrictive, and offers no options. MiCASSA values family, choice, integration, and services provided based on individual need—not medical diagnosis. It recognizes the dignity of controlling one’s life and having options for support services that meet one’s needs. Please contact your representatives in Washington, D.C. and insist on their support of this legislation!

Much more information is available at www.ncil.org/ micassa1298.htm or www. adapt.org/casaintr.htm. Or contact Scott Rostron at micaah@hotmail.com or Provides for quality assur- 651-483-5497. ■ ance programs that pro-

The Metro Council will hold encouraged to attend and register to speak or send in its annual forums on Thursday, October 10, 2002. One will be in Minneapolis and the other in St. Paul. All are

offer comments on how Metro comments—call 651-602Mobility works for them and/ 1111 or 651-221-9886 (TTY). or how it could be improved. For more information—or to

Shriners Clinic For Children On Monday, September 30, tions that could benefit from To make an appointment or Shriners medical specialists treatment at their hospital. get more information, call will screen children (age 17 Screening and treatment is 612-596-6105 or toll free 1888-293-2832, ext. 6105. and younger) to determine if free of charge. they have orthopedic condi-

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September 10, 2002

TECH - Cont. from p. 4 with ease of use is www. computer. It is different than a chat room as it is one-to-one onelook.com. communication. The Online Book Page http://digital.library.upenn. Internet Phone www.yahoo.com edu/books/ This site contains books in There are many websites that text format. The choices provide PC to phone commuinclude classics, women writ- nication. Yahoo hosts an ers, and so on. There is no cost easy-to-use version of a PC telephone which turns your to utilize this resource. computer into a hands-free phone. It does make internaCommunicating tional phone calls less expenwith Others sively, but you should still be aware of the price when Instant Messaging placing a call. www.icq.com ICQ allows individuals to communicate live with any- Phone Books one who has access to the http://www. qwestdex.com/ Internet. This is helpful for For many with physical disindividuals who are unable to abilities or vision impairuse a standard telephone, but ments, a phone book is not can input information via a user-friendly. The Internet

ARTABILITY - Cont. from p. 6 has an on-line phone book that is nationwide. It includes business, residential, and government phone numbers. In addition, there is a section on toll free numbers. Miscellaneous Open Office www.openoffice.org This site offers a functional and free productivity suite with word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.

and inspired Dr. Scott to explore the possibilities that led to this medical advancement.

Whether you use the Internet a lot or a little, visit a few of these sites to get helpful information and tools you can use. And if you have a favorite website that is a great resource, e-mail the address to me at jenim@courage.org. ■

PopUp Killer http://software.xfx.net/utili- Jeni Mundl is the Assistive Technology Specialist at ties/popupkiller/index.html The Killer reduces the num- Courage Center. ber of banners and ads that pop up when entering different websites.

BOTOX- Cont. from p. 3 wrinkles?” It makes me angry that I have to explain the initial uses of the bacteria— that in all the mainstream publicity, barely one word has been uttered about how or why the idea ever began. It’s a wonder drug, all right, but credit needs to be given to the necessity of invention—to those patients who had a need

Webshots www.webshots.com Try this if you are looking for a good desktop and screen saver. In addition, there are numerous settings available and a desktop calendar.

freelance writer for Access Press and is considering furthering his education in psychology. The author would like to thank John Cosmetics over therapeutics. Barrett and Dr. Mark Sad commentary on what we Gormley, both of Gillette, for value as a whole in this their determination and pasociety. ■ tience in helping with this article. Derek VanderVeen is a

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boost when her art teacher bought one of her watercolors for $65. This year, Judy hopes to show and sell watercolors and sculptures. She used the money she earned from last year’s show to buy high quality art paper and paint. “You can tell the difference” between good and cheap art supplies, she said. Last year’s show brought in more than $4,000 for the exhibitors. “And every penny goes to the artists,” Leahy notes proudly. Judy has been making art for a decade. She draws inspiration from her north woods camping trips, as well as from her depression. “It’s a good way to express pain, or whatever,” Judy said. Her clay sculptures reveal fragile senses: a heart with deep pockets of pain, watchful eyes, a fluid blue sculpture of a woman with two faces. To Judy, “Art balances our afflictions. It balances out the pain we have to deal with.” Making art, alone at her St. Paul apartment or with others at APOLLO’s art room, gives Judy a chance to channel the emotions that have shaped her life. “We get kind of blessed” with art, she says.

She says she’s benefitted from going to APOLLO. “You get the synergy, when people are doing their things too.” The artwork sparked by the art room’s synergy will be on display at APOLLO at 25 North Dale Street, St. Paul, from October 3-5. The grand opening is Thursday, October 3rd from 5-9 p.m. For more information, call 651-2276321. ■

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

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September 10, 2002

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Holmes-Greenway Housing: One and two bedroom apartments designed for physically handicapped persons. Convenient SE Minneapolis location. Call (612) 378-0331 for availability information. Equal Opportunity Housing. 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.

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DIRECTOR OF EXHIBITS Minnesota Children’s Museum seeks an experienced and creative professional to lead an exhibit development, design, and production staff. This position is responsible for directing all phases of the exhibit production process including conceptual and aesthetic development. Candidate must have strong project management experience, managing complex budgets, vendor contracts and exhibit personnel. The position oversees the ongoing redevelopment of existing galleries, an extensive traveling exhibits program and the production of an exciting lineup of new touring exhibits for national audiences. Minimum of 7 years experience managing creative teams and large exhibit projects (over $1 million) for children and family audiences. A bachelor’s degree in a related field is required. This position reports to the president of the Museum and serves on the senior management team.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services’ Disabilities division is seeking two Home and Community Living Program Administrators with high levels of creativity and problem-solving skills for state level management and implementation of community-based alternative programs for persons with disabilities through strategic planning, innovative systems development, effective implementation and evaluation of consumer direction in the MUSEUM INSTRUCTORS (2) – Part-Time/Temporary Medicaid program for perWe have two openings for part-time, temporary museum sons with disabilities. instructors in our education department. These positions are Required Qualifications 12-20 hours/week with varying days, including some The ideal candidate will have Saturdays and some Thursday evenings during the months of a broad-based, integrated unOctober–June. Qualities we are seeking include knowledge derstanding of federal/state and application of child development and learning style law and policies relating to principles; ability to organize materials, time and work eligible Minnesotans with efficiently; flexibility; and the ability to work in a team setting. disabilities. Ability to anaRequirements include coursework in education or child lyze the outcomes of various development, min. of 1 yr. working with children in an efforts for persons with diseducational setting. B.A. degree in Early Childhood or abilities is also essential. Elementary Education. Experience in project development and management inPlease send resumes with salary requirements to: cluding establishing project Human Resources timelines, meeting deadlines, Minnesota Children’s Museum measuring outcomes, and de10 W. Seventh Street signing quality improvement St. Paul, MN 55102 systems is important. Fax: (651) 225-6006 Job Hotline: (651) 225-6104 To Apply: Submit a resume online at Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer www.doer.state.mn.us. You may also contact the DepartATTORNEY: So. MN Reg. Legal Serv. seeks atty. for St. ment of Employee Relations’ Paul. Fam. Law & Outreach Asian Comm. Salary DOE. Job Information Hotline at Resumes: Ms. Giese; 46 E. 4th St., #700; St. Paul, MN (651) 296-2616 or (651) 2822699 (TTY). 55101. EO/AAE

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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 Cheryl & Thomas Corcoran 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 Ann Roscoe 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 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 ---------------------------------- 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 • Pete Chevrette by Mike & Jan Chevrette • 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)----------------------------------------------------Jim Czechowicz • Pete Feigal • Kate Havelin • Ellen Houghton • Linda Larson • Jeni Mundl • Barbara Nichols • Deb Olson • Scott Rostron • Jon Skaalen John Tschida • 2002 MN Candidates for Senator • 2002 Reader Survey Respondents • Disability Health Options Committee Members • Disability Law Center Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities • St. Paul Social Security PASS Cadre

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