November 2002 Edition - Access Press

Page 1

November 10, 2002

Inside ■ Mentor Day — p. 3 ■ Brain Injury Assoc — p. 3 ■ Arc Northland — p. 8

Memories — Page 7

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“Politics is about the improvement of people’s lives.” — Senator Paul Wellstone

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Volume 13, Number 11

SOURCES

RESOURCES

November 10, 2002

MINNESOTA IN MOURNING Sen. Paul Wellstone, 1944-2002; Sheila Wellstone, 1944-2002; Marcia Wellstone Markuson, 1969-2002; Mary McEvoy, 1953-2002; Tom Lapic, 1952-2002; Will McLaughlin, 1979-2002

Remembering Paul And Sheila Wellstone A

leader doesn’t stay home while others work. A leader doesn’t eat while others starve, or sleep while others stand watch. A leader doesn’t command people’s loyalty by fear, nor can he purchase it with money. A leader earns others’ loyalty by the sweat of his own back and the pains he endures for their sake. That which is the heaviest or harshest burden, he lifts up first, and sets down last. A

leader doesn’t require service of those he leads but provides it to them. He serves them, not they him. Paul Wellstone was a leader. He was the national champion of people whose lives have been touched by mental illness, and he served us for a dozen years. He never denied us, never was ashamed of us, never abandoned us, even though our cause and disease is “politically incor-

rect.” He acted and spoke with passion about us and took away our shame. He and Sheila gave us many gifts. Their love and passion for their causes and each other relit our pilot lights, and made us ask, “What do we love?” They inspired us, and woke us up to the possibility that we can change the world, that people with mental illness don’t have to sit at “the

back of the bus” anymore. Paul was a “one-of-a-kind,” but his passing isn’t the end of an era or a movement, it’s the beginning. Paul Wellstone will be remembered and honored as a civil rights leader, and his example will sow courage into our hearts. The standard of valor he set will inspire us to rededicate our lives. He was living proof that gentleness isn’t weakness, that true

strength comes not from the force of our bodies, but from the love and compassion of our hearts. The word courage comes from the Latin, “cor,” or heart. To have courage means to follow your heart. Paul demonstrated to us, every day, what true courage is: listening to, and then following your

heart, no matter what. Paul and Sheila Wellstone believed in us, cared for us and gave us hope. They were living proof that sometimes when we forget to see the face of God, it’s only because it’s so close in front of us. Pete Feigal

Celebration Of Courage Gala

Pledge of Peace In Honor of the Wellstones

by Sue Warner

by Ann L. Kranz

O

n Saturday, October 12, more than 700 people attended the RBC Dain Rauscher Celebration of Courage Gala at Medtronic World Headquarters in Fridley. In its seventh year, Courage Center’s signature event honors the professional achievements of people with disabilities and focuses on the benefits of employing people with disabilities. The evening began with a VIP reception for award winners and a silent auction, and was followed by a dinner and awards ceremony with presentation of the National Courage Award and the annual Rose and Jay Phillips Awards. This year’s National Courage Award was presented to

Twin Cities corporate executive, Vernon Heath. A cofounder and former CEO of Rosemount, Inc., Heath is well-known for his business expertise and his lifetime support of nonprofit organizations. Heath, who contracted polio at age eight, has brought forward his personal experiences, business skills and talents to influence and help create a stronger environment for people with disabilities in Minnesota. In addition to the National Courage Award, Phillips Awards were presented to five people with disabilities. The award honors those who have succeeded in their careers while also being involved in their community and in advocacy efforts. This year’s winners are:

Jay Johnson, St. Cloud Founder FENA Designs, Inc. Jay has fed his capitalistic spirit since his first job selling lemonade at age four in Cold Spring, Minnesota. A new world opened up to him following a spinal cord injury in 1989. He discovered computers and learned practical business skills that were complemented by a degree from St. Cloud State University. After some trial and error, FENA Designs, Inc., was born. FENA provides the technology to make it possible for people, who cannot do so on their own, to stand. Today, FENA Designs employs seven people and contracts with another 100. The standing

wheelchair he designed won FDA approval in 2001, and is being marketed nationwide. Damon Leivestad, Golden Valley Mechanical Designer, Thiele Technologies Damon loves computers and hockey, but not necessarily in that order. Damon grew up in St. Peter, Minnesota, before moving to Minneapolis where he attended an intensive ninemonth training program in computer-aided drafting. That led him to intern with Thiele Technologies of Minneapolis, where he is still employed as a mechanical designer. His coworkers praise both his work and his fund-raising ability, with his development efforts supportCourage Gala - cont. on p. 6

Hard to write. Hard to think. Hard to be amongst this grief. Distraught by Loss of Life, Loss of Hope, Loss of Love, Family. Advocates, Champions, Voices for the Underdog, the Meek. Little Man, Big Heart. Calm Intention, Fiery Esprit. Strong Woman, Subtle Skill. Compassion, Integrity, Charm. Sole Objector to War and Death. Faithful Believer in the Power of Peace.

Women, Children, the Vulnerable, Weak. Gimps and Crips, Queers and Fags, You wanted Us All on your Team. Appreciation of Difference, both Color and Creed. Fought for Farmers, Vets, Battered Women, Anyone you found in Need. A Life of Education Here and on the Hill. You Understood to Truly learn life’s lessons, one must at times just Listen and be Still. Upon your Death, I recommit my life to that which you believed. I pledge to Work in your Honor toward Justice, Freedom and Peace.

November 10, 2002

2

Tim Benjamin Editor

O

n October 25, 2002, in a plane crash, the disability community lost six great allies: Senator Paul Wellstone, Sheila Wellstone, Marcia Wellstone Markuson, Tom Lapic, Mary McEvoy, and Will McLaughlin. The lives of the victims were celebrated October 29 at Williams Arena on the University of Minnesota campus. The event was attended by approximately 20,000

mourning Minnesotans and many of the Senator’s colleagues from all parts of our country. The crowd prayed together, sang together, cried together and cheered together, giving the fallen heroes an honorable memorial. In my view, the service was an outstanding success. The Wellstone Legacy will be etched in my heart forever. You will find remembrances

from people in the disability having such necessities as community throughout this durable goods and adequate issue. preventive care up front— often the absence of such *** supplies and care creates other, more serious problems. For seven years, Courage The compound effects, which Center has presented awards we in the disability commuto six worthy recipients each nity are constantly aware of, October. The winners are increase the cost of indepenhighlighted in Sue Warner’s dence and threaten our ability article. Thanks to Sue for to remain independent. The informing us of the contribu- example Jeff presents is so tions and successes of those true. Most all of us have a honored. We send our similar story to tell. If only the congratulations to each of insurers, government and other parties involved would recogthem. nize the cost effectiveness of preventive medicine, we *** Jeff Nygaard writes this would all be that much richer. month about new research that has been done on the lack Although this is an old story, of available health care for Jeff’s article comes from new people with disabilities. NOT research. We thank him for it; A NEW STORY! Jeff it’s well worth reading. Maybe explains the effects of not this new research will make

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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.

the difference. *** The article on National Disability Mentoring Day (NDMD) depicts some of the advantages of one person with a disability mentoring another person with a disability. I think this is a great idea. Thanks to the people who organized and participated in NDMD—and please note the Wellstone memory connected to it. *** We were pleased to have space for reports from two advocacy organizations: Arc Northland and The Brain Injury Association of Minnesota. We continue to welcome updates like these,

especially from greater Minnesota. It’s important to hear what is going on outside of the Twin Cities. *** By the time you read this, we should know who the next Minnesota governor and senator will be, as well as the other results of this memorable election. I hope everyone was able to vote and that your candidates fared well. At this time the controversy on the absentee ballot issue is growing. If you are one of the voters who was unable to get a new ballot in on time or the system did not work for you in any way, please contact us at Access Press. We need to know your story and why the system failed. ■

Health Care & Disability: Lack Of Access A Problem by Jeff Nygaard

P

eople with disabilities in the United States have a lack of access to appropriate health care. According to recent research, this lack of access, which affects people with a wide range of disabilities, “can lead to negative consequences for the health, well-being, independence, and quality of life of adults with disabilities,” say Phillip Beatty and Thilo Kroll from the Center for Health and Disability Research at the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) Center in Washington, D.C. In an October 1 presentation at Courage Center entitled “Recent Research on the Health Care Experience of People With Disabilities,” Beatty and Kroll acknowledged that the finding above may sound obvious to many people with disabilities. Nonetheless, they say, it is “an example of a relatively new research finding” in the

health care field. The presentation focused on attempts to answer the question, “How is access to health care services related to experiencing secondary conditions among people with disabilities?” This research is part of a larger national study focused on differences in access, utilization and satisfaction among people with spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis who are enrolled in managed care and fee-for-service health insurance plans. The specific secondary conditions looked at in the study were pressure sores, spasticity and contractures (permanent shortening of muscles, causing deformities). The NRH study found that twenty to forty-nine percent of respondents reported not receiving the care they needed

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in 1999. In all disability groups, those having such difficulty reported experiencing secondary conditions at significantly higher rates than those who received appropriate care. In-Depth Interviews The in-depth interviews conducted as part of the research revealed a multitude of barriers to health care access, including environmental (e.g. inaccessible provider facilities and equipment), structural (e.g. availability and choice of providers) and procedural (e.g. timely appointments, complex referral process for services) barriers. While previous studies have uncovered the nature of some of these barriers, the research described by Beatty and Kroll focuses on the consequences that adults with disabilities experience as a result of them. These include: • Social consequences—in the form of strained relationships with family, friends and colleagues, as well as modifications to existing social roles, and limitations in societal participation. • Psychological effects—such as depression, frustration, stress and devaluation. The feeling of being useless also resulted from experiences with “fighting the system” or encountering access difficulties. • Physical consequences—the most frequently noted being a general deterioration in health, including increased risk for secondary conditions, and limitations in completing Health Care - cont. on p. 9

November 10, 2002

3

National Disability Mentoring Day by Laurie Eckblad Anderson

S

ince 1999, National Disability Mentoring Day (NDMD) has occurred during National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October. The goal of NDMD is to improve future employment options for persons with disabilities. This is achieved by pairing students with volunteer mentors for a day of observation, questions and answers, hands-on experience, and networking opportunities. Below is a profile of one student/mentor team. As a teenager, Kelly Socha applied to ten restaurants before getting his first job as a busboy. Nobody pushed him into the working world, not even his parents. Socha, who lives with spina bifida, says he has been his own mentor.

That is not to say he doesn’t believe in the practice of having a more experienced person guide one who is younger and less experienced. In fact, Socha believes that it is an especially important relationship when the mentor and mentee are both persons with disabilities. That is why he agreed to let Jonathan Meyer shadow him on the job at Handi Medical Supply on October 16, 2002, National Disability Mentoring Day. Meyer, who has muscular dystrophy, is a junior at Humboldt High School in St. Paul. He attends classes in the morning and the SUMIT (Skills Uniquely Marketable in Technology) program in the afternoon. At SUMIT, Meyer learns about and works

with computers, his true love and focus for future employment as a programmer. When approached by SUMIT’s job coach about NDMD, he wanted to give it a try. Upon arriving at Handi Medical Supply, Meyer was introduced to Socha and his job. Although Socha does everything from handling mail to cash sales, Meyer seemed truly awed by his mentor’s phone responsibilities. Meyer watched Socha calmly and skillfully handle a steady stream of calls, from friendly greeting to transfer to the appropriate party in one of many departments. Meyer seemed not only impressed, but also certain that he wouldn’t want phone work as part of any of his future job

descriptions. This brings up just one important benefit of this experience: preparing for work is not just determining what you want to do—it is also learning what you would prefer not to do. After showing Meyer his job, Socha arranged for his mentee to tour the building and get a brief look at how each department works. Of course, Meyer was especially interested to see how computers were used in customer service, shipping and receiving, and other areas. When questioned about this introduction to the working world, Meyer said that Socha was a good mentor and that he

would participate in the program again. He felt the experience also gave him encouragement about getting a job someday. Meyer’s mother, Lynn, agreed that it had been a good idea to be a part of NDMD. She was pleased that her son got the chance to talk with the staff, as well as seeing and hearing what goes on in the workplace. She feels it will help him make choices later.

and telemarketing. Admittedly, Socha is very outgoing and not afraid to get out and take a chance. For example, the most challenging aspect of his current job is the multitasking involved. When Socha started at Handi, he was not 100% comfortable with his abilities in this area— over a year later, he feels he has improved a lot at successfully juggling all of his duties. Socha knows that pushing oneself can lead to personal Socha gave up his midday growth. break to share his reflections on being a mentor. He Over the years, Socha has also provided some thoughtful learned that meeting people is observations drawn from his a plus for him on the job— years in the working world, that’s what he liked about where he has been employed doing reception work at a in restaurants, hotels, retail, Mentoring - cont. on p. 11

NDMD With The Grassroots Advocacy For Wellstone Campaign Brain Injury Association by Pete Takash

L

ocal people educating others in their community about brain injury, its consequences and how the care system can better serve survivors are the goals of a statewide series of meetings organized by the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota. “This isn’t a top-down effort,� said Tom Gode, the association’s executive director. “Rather, it’s a bottom-up, grassroots approach designed to help people better understand brain injury and use that understanding to help convince policy-makers that changes need to be made.� Although most people don’t realize it, 94,000 Minnesotans live with brain injury and its effects—more than those who suffer disabilities from epilepsy, cerebral palsy and Alzheimer’s disease. Nationwide, brain injury affects an estimated 5.3 million people,

more than 2 percent of the United States’ population. It is the leading cause of death and disability for children and young adults. It is common among the elderly. To help unify those many voices, the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota developed Legislative Home Visits. People—many of them survivors, along with their family, friends and professionals who serve them— meet with others locally to share information, and learn about legislative efforts to close the cracks in the care system through which persons with brain injury often fall. Another goal of the meeting is to facilitate a dialogue with area legislators as well as state and county public officials. They attend to hear the concerns of their constituents, gain a better understanding of the issues and how their

legislative districts are affected, and voice their perspective on pending or proposed legislation that impacts the brain injury community. “Much of our work focuses on trying to bring diverse groups together,� Gode said. “Professionals in the care system are out there serving survivors. Survivors are using a variety of their services. But one side doesn’t always know what the other is doing and why— or what needs to be changed.� “We try to develop that understanding at these meetings and put forth one strong and unified voice that speaks a clear message,� said Shannon Robins, the association’s community organizer. “If we do our job right, legislators go back to St. Paul knowing that brain injury does affect their districts and with our message Injury - cont. on p. 6

I

am a high school junior who participated in National Disability Mentoring Day on October 16. I was one of a handful of Minnesota students who was given the opportunity to spend the day in a workplace learning about career opportunities and being mentored by dynamic individuals, both disabled and nondisabled. The organization that gave me this terrific opportunity was the Wellstone campaign. At the height of their busy campaign they took time to schedule me on the Green Bus, introduce me to famous people—including Gloria Steinem—and explain their various jobs to me. Even more extraordinarily, these staffers asked me questions about my life in high school, talked to me about college life with a disability, and shared their passions with me. These fine people were able to offer me this opportunity as a disabled young

person because they worked for Paul Wellstone, a just man who encouraged others to be their best. When I heard the news of the crash, I felt the loss through the hearts of those who worked so hard for Paul.

Fighting.� One way to keep fighting is to support the work that Senator Wellstone and his staff did to encourage the full employment of people with disabilities. In his memory, ask your employer to support National Disability Mentoring Day and ask a We all need to continue student like me onto your bus. Senator Wellstone’s work. Although not all of us can Scott Bloom “Stand Up,� we can all “Keep Student

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November 10, 2002

4

Mental Illness/Brain Disorders

Spirituality and Disability

No More Candlelight Vigils—We Want “Root Beer Float Days�

People Don’t Have Souls

by Pete Feigal

M

ental illness is competing with all other causes and diseases for donation money, media time and attention, volunteer hours and government support. Breast cancer, AIDS, the Humane Society, food shelves, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities, muscular dystrophy, Habitat For Humanity, the Special Olympics, and a thousand more are all worthy and important causes. But unlike mental illness, they are “politically correct.â€? Even AIDS has become mainstream. But fifteen years ago, AIDS was talked about in a whisper. Twenty years ago, developmental disabilities were whispered about. Fifty years ago, it was cancer; one hundred years ago, it was tuberculosis. In 2002, people still whisper about MI. People are willing to help women with breast cancer or children with muscular dystrophy because they are suffering from a reason beyond Âł+RZ FDQ , JR WR ZRUN DQG NHHS P\ KHDOWK LQVXUDQFH"´ ´+RZ GR , UHDOO\ NQRZ ZKLFK EHQHILW ,¡P RQ"Âľ

their control. What makes MI different is that many still believe that our illnesses are our own fault, that we’re lazy and weak, so it’s not “coolâ€? or “PCâ€? to help us. To break the outdated stigma, we have to normalize the disease, take away its fear, make people unashamed that MI has affected them or their families. We have to illustrate how MI is becoming the most exciting area of medicine. We have to show that this is an important civil rights struggle, not unlike the battles of the ‘50s and ‘60s, that this is The Cause of the 21st century. We have to show people that we are in good company having the illness, that our arts, sciences and politics have been a “Who’s Whoâ€? of amazing people who struggled with MI. God help me, we have to make this disease “cool,â€? fun and exciting. Granted, there aren’t a lot of laughs that come from paranoid schizophrenia, but the same can be said for MS or ´,V WKHUH D OLPLW WR KRZ PXFK , FDQ HDUQ RQ 66',"Âľ

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by Ellen Houghton

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ow that I have your attention, I’ll finish the headline. I once heard the following saying: People don’t have souls, they are cancer. The fun comes from souls that happen to have a feeling that you’ve helped out human body. in some way, that you’ve made the world a better place Imagine if we based our daily for people that genuinely need actions on this belief. I started to think about how I might your help. react to various situations if I To effect change, it helps to remembered I was soul first have money, but what we and body second—think of historically have had is cre- the boost to my self-esteem ativity. And that’s what will alone. When someone said get the attention of people and something to me, my filter the media. Wonderful, fun, system wouldn’t get muddled exciting, wild, creative, crazy wondering if the person was really attacking some physistuff! cal trait of mine or was really How about a Celebrity Minia- not willing to come out and ture Golf Tournament at the say what (s)he meant. Or Walker Sculpture Garden with what if someone said someevery “Rube Goldberg� hole thing I took as a slam, when in designed by an artist with MI, actuality they were hurting so and sponsored by a different much they hadn’t even considered the possibility of me company or celebrity? taking their comment personIf there is a marathon run for ally? It’s like the old saying, AIDS, maybe we can have a “We wouldn’t worry so much marathon Dance-a-thon or about what others thought of Trivial Pursuit/Monopoly/ us if we realized how seldom Clue contest with life-size they do.� It seems too often we are focused on ourselves boards. and our needs instead of If the MS Society has a Black looking at life from our soul Tie Dinner, we’ll throw a level, from love. Costume Ball for ourselves and our pets. Hey, people Another saying I like is “Feed think we’re crazy already. your faith and doubt will starve.� Only the human What do we have to lose? aspect of us can experience We need to get more celebri- doubt, for the soul does not ties “out of the closet,� and let have that capability—it is them see how their involve- always motivated from a ment with our cause will be positive, loving position since creating a place of honor for it knows it is perfect just as it themselves in history—just is. When we operate from this like Elton John did with position, our reactions are quite different than when we AIDS. react from our human side. We need to raise funds and work for other causes than our I am reminded of a story told own. “Minnesota’s Mentally by a close family friend, my Ill Walk To Raise Money For honorary aunt. I had asked Diabetes� is the right thing to her how she had first met my do, but it’s also a unique and mother, her very close friend. She laughed and said her first newsworthy thing to do. reaction to Mom was not the Feigal - cont. on p. 6 most positive. In fact, she

said she has used the story to illustrate how first impressions can be very wrong and how we need to react to them with great caution. She said she first met Mom in church, where she noted that as soon as the minister began his morning message, Mom would whip out some stationery and start writing letters. Now my aunt thought this was rather rude—if Mom wanted to write letters she should have done it at home. Fortunately for both women, my aunt chose to operate from her heart and overlooked her first reaction to Mom. She instead got to know her as a person, whom she came to love very dearly. It was a long time later that my aunt overheard my dad comment to Mom that he didn’t know how he would have gotten through the war without those transcripts of Dr. Smiley’s sermons that she had sent to him. Imagine how my aunt felt; imagine how she would have felt if she had let her first impression—her humanness—rule her actions. Here is an example of two humans acting as souls first. Mom understood Dad’s need for spiritual growth at a time that would truly test his beliefs and took on the task of helping him—at the risk of being perceived as rude because of her actions. And my aunt didn’t assume to know all the circumstances and, therefore, did not negatively judge another and lose out on allowing a very caring person to come into her life. After all, how can we ever really know the inside—the soul—of another? We can’t, and understanding this means we act from our soul, not our physical being.

soul is to think of all the times we cry out, “Why me?â€? This is definitely reacting on a physical level. What if souls are placed in particular bodies and situations for a reason? What if one’s current physical situation is actually the best situation for that soul to learn the particular lesson it is here to learn? It really goes back to knowing we can only control how we react to life—we can’t control how life happens. We can stay in our body and react to our physical situation on a physical level— probably finding little or no peace—or we can react from our soul (love) and choose to find growth and, subsequently, serenity. Too often I think we forget about our soul and God’s role in our life. We either play victim, and assume we have no responsibility for the way our lives play out—or we beat ourselves up by assuming we are totally responsible for everything that happens in our lives. As we used to say in a support group I belonged to, no one of us is that powerful. God is the keeper of the master plan and our part in it is simply to stay open to learn and do the best we can. Seems to me the best way to do this is to remember the headline I started with. Operating from this idea, we can’t help but make the right choices in our lives. After all, our souls were created in the image of One who is pretty special. From one soul to another, have a good month. â–

Ellen Houghton—desktop publisher of Access Press— owns Presentation Images, a company assisting others in the selection, development, and implementation of the proper media needed to convey their messages. AddiAnother way to see our tionally, she was the pubreluctance to acting from our lisher/editor of “Stepping Up,� a discontinued newspaper which helped others explore their spiritualapplications for our waiting list at ity.

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November 10, 2002

The Extra Mile: Part II

Disability Culture

by Derek VanderVeen

Absentee Ballots

[The conclusion to an article up for myself. I once had to begun in our October issue.] say to a customer on the phone, “Excuse me, I’m iming is a very crucial handicapped. Have a little thing in my world. In few patience and ask me to repeat retail environments that I myself if you can’t understand know of do the customers call me, instead of just asking for the store and actually ask the another bookseller. We’re workers to do their shopping busy here and I’m who you’ve for them. People telephone to got. Now how can I help ask if we have five or six you?” books in stock and if we could put them on the hold shelf so Most of the problematic they can just come in and pick customers are over the phone them up. I have even had a and all they have to go on is woman hand me a list of my voice, but there are a few fifteen titles and say, “I’m who just are clueless and going shopping out in the tactless. Case in point (and mall. I’ll get these off the hold this is one of the nicer shelf when I’m done.” I knew instances): One woman asked I had about an hour to look up me what was “wrong” with each title in our database, me. Not the most eloquent check the inventory and what way to phrase the question, section the books would be in, but she had the courage to ask and retrieve them for her. and I’ve always been an This was while helping other advocate of that. I told her customers and attempting to about my car accident and accomplish all my other how I’d suffered a head responsibilities. I must admit, injury. Her response? “Oh … tempers run short at times I’m sorry.” Short pause. (mine included) but we can’t “Boy, you must’ve had a let them run short in front of lousy doctor.” the customers. We have to smile and make them think What do you say to that? In that whatever they want is retrospect I can think of all OK, even though it may be sorts of nasty ways I could’ve completely unrealistic. put her in her place (for example, “Not as lousy as And yet this isn’t even the your hairdresser.”) but I most difficult aspect of my figured I needed to be the job. Although I will say most bigger person and just give of the customers are decent her the book and shoo her off most of the time, there are the with a pat on the head and a ones I’m forced to deal with lollipop. My friends really who are sometimes just nasty backed me up on that one. I to me because of nothing held it together on the sales more than their own impa- floor, but I just lost it later in tience—an unwillingness to the break room. My big realize that not everyone is concern was, OK, how does perfect and maybe they need the world perceive me? Is this to slow down, take a step back what I have to look forward to and see that sometimes beauty for the next sixty years? runs more than skin deep. In Leslie hugged me, and Adam the beginning, I just swal- laughed in exasperation with lowed the snide comments. a, “Does she know how But my managers (Adam and ignorant that was?” Elizabeth are the two who have really stood up for me in It comes down to this: I deal this respect) have defended with most customers for five, me so unbelievably that I now ten minutes tops. I’ve have the confidence to stand developed a pretty thick skin

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and can take a lot more than I used to. It takes love and support and commiseration with my coworkers, who invariably go through the same experiences, albeit on different levels and for different reasons. I’ve realized that I’m in a position of control regarding making a patron’s experience pleasant. And I’ve learned if I can do that, then I’ve made a difference. If they leave bitter, with or without the book they wanted, they’re going to be bitter regardless of how nice I am to them. Some people are just naturally negative, and they will be negative about everything no matter what I or anyone else does to try to assuage their disposition. Others maybe have had a bad day, a bit of bad luck, or some other extraneous reason that causes their negativity. I can, then, work a little of my charm to try to make them smile by going that extra mile to help them. And that may be nothing more than directions to the ATM down the mall. It’s possible to give them a smile even if we don’t have or can’t get what they would like. I just have to take it all in stride and exercise my restraint.

by John Tschida

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y the time this column is published, the polls will have closed and all legal ballots will have been cast, bringing to a close at least a portion of the 2002 election season. I suspect the results of the U.S. Senate race will be left unresolved, due to the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the untimely death of Paul Wellstone. I hope I am very wrong.

same access to absentee ballots that able-bodied folks who had to work on Election Day had been granted years before.

that the Minnesota Supreme Court, faced with a Solomonlike dilemma, performed admirably. I think they played a bad hand very well, and that disability organizations need While the Minnesota Su- to work to clarify our election preme Court made it possible laws so this situation doesn’t for voters to recast absentee happen again. ballots in the 2002 Senate contest, they did not make it The legislature is often in the easy. The process was position of fixing what’s confusing to county auditors, broken after the fact, which is city clerks, and for those not meant as a criticism, but a working in the disability simple fact. Current state law community. Uniform pro- is much more clear in ensurcesses and standards did not ing that folks in nursing seem to exist. Phone inquiries homes and hospitals cast an drew varied responses to the absentee ballot, than it is in same question. Frustrated addressing those with disindividuals unable to visit abilities in the community their county or city office who can’t get to the polls on needed to find someone—an Election Day. This is true agent, in the language of our under any standard election, Byzantine election statutes— but the confusion surrounding to deliver the ballot in their this year’s need for supplestead. Of course, expedited mental ballots only magnified mail service was an option, the differences. Many more but for those on fixed in- individuals with disabilities comes—often struggling to are now living in their own purchase prescriptions or homes, apartments and small Metro Mobility tickets—this group settings since the right was a prohibitively expensive to vote by absentee ballot was option. authorized for those with disabilities in 1929. While Some have shrugged and said the law has been amended that no system is perfect, and Tschida - cont. on p. 9

Regardless of the U.S. Senate race’s outcome, it is more than a bit ironic that the disenfranchisement of untold voters with disabilities will result from the passing of one of the greatest champions of voter turnout. Think what you will about the politics of Paul Wellstone. What is undisputed is that he firmly believed in a citizen’s right to choose their elected officials. He’s famous for shouting into a bullhorn on Election Day as he traveled through untold neighborhoods across the state, encouraging people to get out and vote. Of course, he preferred if folks voted for him, but even if his message was met with a promise to elect “the other guy,” Someone once said to me that Wellstone still stressed the maybe I looked for ways to importance of voting. enjoy my job because I felt I had to settle for work in retail For some in the disability because I didn’t think I could community, they can’t get out Celebrating 30 Yrs Of get a “real” job with my and vote. They need to RENTAL • SALES SERVICE • REPAIR disability. I did a lot of self- exercise their right to vote by analysis on that one—really absentee ballot. It’s a right looked at what I was doing this community has had for and questioned my own moti- the last 73 years. Lawmakers vations. The truth of the recognized long ago that for matter is, I’ve come to care for some, voting in person is not each of my colleagues as I an option, and that the care for my own family. We disabled should be given the are a family, and not everybody can say that about the with people you enjoy being IN-HOME ASSESSMENTS TO DETERMINE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT NEEDS people with whom they work. around. Someday I’ll move (952) What we do is physically on, but for now I’m content in ST PAUL (651) 641-1917 taxing, and not just on me. my life. ■ 8:30 - 6:00 M-TH · 8:30 - 5:00 FRI 8564 EXCELSIOR BLVD HOPKINS But there’s a joy in it— FREE DELIVERY AND SET UP · MINIMUM ORDER APPLIES looking forward to working Besides working in retail, MPLS - ST. PAUL & ALL SUBURBS Derek VanderVeen is a freelance writer. Handi Medical Supply 2505 University Avenue West St. Paul, Minnesota 55114 METROPOLITAN CENTER At Hwy. 280 & University Avenue for INDEPENDENT LIVING

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November 10, 2002

SSA Employment Initiatives COURAGE GALA - Cont. from p. 1 J

o Anne Barnhart, Commissioner of Social Security, announced several new initiatives to assist people with disabilities who want to go to work. The initiatives, announced at the New Freedom Initiative Celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, include the Disability Program Navigator, a new position formed jointly with the Department of Labor, and “Ticket to Hire,” a specialized referral network linking employers to job seekers with disabilities. Also announced at the celebration was a new website (www.disabilityinfo.gov), an on-line resource for Americans with disabilities.

changes in the lives of tional rehabilitation, job trainmillions of Americans.” ing, and other support services. The Ticket program, The Navigators will link launched in February 2002, people with disabilities who will be available nationwide visit the Department of by January of 2004. Labor’s One-Stop Career Centers with employers and As an offshoot of Ticket to benefit planning assistance Work, a new service has been and outreach organizations. developed with the DepartThe Navigators, who will ment of Labor to help emwork in the One-Stops, will ployers locate and recruit also provide information on skilled employment candiSocial Security’s work incen- dates with disabilities. The tives, employment networks service, “Ticket to Hire,” is a and the Ticket to Work free, national referral service program. for employers to recruit workers from the Ticket to Work The Ticket to Work program, program. “Ticket to Hire” previously available in 13 specialists, available at 1states, is now available in 20 866-TTW-HIRE (1-866-889additional states. The Ticket 4473), will answer questions program provides Social Se- about the Ticket to Work curity and Supplemental Se- program. curity Income beneficiaries with more choices and ex- Please visit www.ssa.gov for panded opportunities to help more information about Sothem go to work. Upon cial Security’s new disability receiving a Ticket from So- initiatives, the Ticket to Work cial Security, individuals may program and more. ■ give it to an employment network to obtain free voca-

need to do to pay the bills just ing the United States Electric University of Minnesota). like everyone else.” Wheelchair Hockey Association. Founded by Damon and Mark Siegel, Jenny Peterson, two colleagues in 1996, the Minneapolis Plymouth league has grown to five Policy Specialist, Executive Director, teams and more than 50 Minnesota Dept. Helping Paws players. Damon was born of Human Services with spinal muscular atrophy, and uses an electric wheel- Mark was born in Stuttgart, At age 17, Jenny was like chair. Germany, and raised in Green many high school seniors: Bay, Wisconsin. His first job active, busy and preparing for Jeff Mickle, was teaching creative writing the future. On a ski trip, on the Plymouth at a summer arts workshop for last run of the day, her ski tip Software Engineer, kids with disabilities. A lover caught in the snow. She EDS Corporation, of words and language (his landed awkwardly and hard, PLM Division favorite authors include T.S. sustaining a spinal cord inLynne Rourke, a Eliot and Raymond Chan- jury. In 1997, Jeff graduated from dler), it’s no surprise that he therapeutic recreation spethe University of Minnesota was attracted to law. “Law- cialist at Courage, introduced with a degree in mathematics. yers do lots of writing and lots Jenny to archery. Jenny then He is employed as a software of talking and I like to do went on to become a worldengineer for EDS Corpora- both,” he says. Born with class archer, participating at “Under President Bush’s New tion, an international business spinal muscular atrophy, Mark the highest level of internaFreedom Initiative, the Social whose PLM Solutions Divi- was exposed to little activism tional competition. But it was Security Administration is sion is based in St. Paul. or disability culture until his a dog that influenced her providing greater opportuniGrowing up in Grand Rapids, first year of law school at the career path, leading Jenny to ties for people with disabiliMinnesota, Jeff didn’t think University of Minnesota. her current position as executies to stay connected to the much about wheelchairs and While working as a clerk at tive director of Helping Paws, workforce,” said Commisaccessibility. But a spinal the Disability Law Center he which trains and certifies sioner Barnhart. “SSA is cord injury prior to his high found kindred spirits who service dogs to assist people committed to making positive school graduation changed championed the rights of with disabilities. ■ that forever. After a stay at people with disabilities. Althe Courage Residence, Jeff though many have referred to Sue Warner is the CommuniCont. from p. 3 moved into his own apartment Mark as “an inspiration,” he cations Services Manager at Awareness Coordinator for firmly in their minds.” and enrolled at North disagrees. “I don’t see what I Courage Center. For more information, contact the Brain Injury Association Hennepin Community Col- do as extraordinary or Legislative Home Visits are Shannon Robins at 612-378- of Minnesota. lege (before attending the unique… I’m doing what I scheduled throughout the state 2742, visit the association’s from now until the Legislature website at www.braininjury convenes on January 7, 2003. mn.org or send an e-mail to Cont. from p. 4 Watch your local newspaper info@braininjurymn.org. ■ for the times and meeting No illness can claim so many famous the Humane Society, to save We’ve been given creativity and Pete Takash is the Public places in your area. and interesting people. We need to animals—and help therapists, resi- courage and insights into the human capitalize on that. We need to work dences, and hospitals find therapy condition that put us in the company AWARD WINNER cooperatively with the Minnesota dogs and cats, and focus on the of Michelangelo, Charles Dickens, Superfest XX-Best of Festival Abraham Lincoln, Vincent van Orchestra, for example, in special healing power of pets. Award, Spirit Award • London Gogh, and, yes, even Ozzy Osbourne. “Mozart, Beethoven and Ozzy Disability Film Festival • U.S. We need to change our image and Osbourne: Sometimes ‘Crazy’ Is International Film and Video Festival- Silver Screen Award Cool” nights. Or work with the show that people with MI don’t just What’s going to make mental • Margaret Mead Film and Video Guthrie on special “Madness to Our look like homeless people. Some- illness/brain disorders “politically Festival • Real to Reel Documentary Method” theater nights with scenes times they look like Marilyn correct,” what’s going to bring Film and Video Festival from Shakespeare, O’Neill and Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Cary millions to our banners, what’s • Contemporary Issues Film Festival, Portugal • KynnysKINO Grant. And sometimes they look going to finally break the 3,000Tennessee Williams. Finland Film Festival • U.S.A. Film just like everybody else. year-old stigma, isn’t going to be an Festival • Columbus International announcement from the Surgeon We need more mental health fairs Film & Video Festival- Silver Chris Brain disorders are real, horrific and General, or a press release from and festivals for young people, more Award • Philadelphia International Film Festival • Silver Award peer-run programs like Yellow sometimes fatal, and no one wants to George W. It’s going to be “Root • TASH- Positive Image Award Ribbon, because kids listen best to be disrespectful of the deep loss and Beer Float Days For Mental Illness.” • Doxa Documentary Film Festival pain many of us have felt. kids. For more information, contact It’s about time, and man, we’ve Advocating Change Together We need to find ways to work But we also need to join together in earned it. ■ at 1-800-641-0059 or cooperatively with other causes and joy to celebrate that sadness and www.selfadvocacy.com. organizations, like Feline Rescue or pain is not all that we’ve been given.

INJURY -

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November 10, 2002

7

In Memory Of Paul And Sheila Wellstone L

ike many of us in his age range, Paul Wellstone grew up seeing Jews and people with disabilities gassed at Auschwitz simply for who they were; blacks attacked by dogs in Alabama simply for who they were; great American leaders assassinated for being who they were; three young men (two of whom went to school with me at Queens College in New York) murdered in Mississippi simply for being civil rights workers; and 50,000 American lives lost in Vietnam. Yet through all of this tragedy, Dr. Martin Luther King taught us that if we persevere against injustice “we shall overcome.”

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have had U.S. Senate.” Democrats and the honor Republicans alike respected Paul’s integrity, passion and of working for and with Paul caring. Wellstone. I Paul wanted no one to be left recently found out. His philosophy of an old picture inclusion reminds me of of Paul at a Courage Center’s slogan: fund-raiser at “Where abilities and disabili- my house durties become possibilities.” ing his first campaign. It was People in the disability com- classic Paul. Hand chopping munity felt they could trust the air, eyes blazing, preachPaul when there was an issue ing to the crowd. It brought back many fond memories. that needed his support. I respected and was inspired by Paul because he showed us the power of believing in people and always fighting for one’s convictions. Even if you didn’t always agree with his political views, he was a rare leader and a genuine, remarkable human being.

Paul kept up this fight for justice. He became a voice for many Americans and was Eric Stevens called the “conscience of the Courage Center CEO

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aul Wellstone was a wonderful champion of civil rights. For him, that always included persons with disabilities. He didn’t need any sensitivity training or reminders not to forget disability issues. From beginning to end, Paul saw disability issues as civil rights issues. He demonstrated this commitment by capably and

passionately taking on matters of great significance in the daily lives of people with disabilities and their families. Paul Wellstone’s commitment and contribution to bettering the lives of persons with disabilities is truly remarkable. Anne Henry, Disability Law Center

As Director of Constituent Services and later Deputy State Director, I saw firsthand his passion, commitment and dedication to ensuring the civil rights of and services to people with disabilities. Unlike many senate offices, we had staff in the state office whose job it was to connect with groups in certain issue areas. Paul wanted to make sure that he knew the thoughts and concerns of Minnesotans with disabilities and that he heard it from them. Paul cared about public policy and about people. It wasn’t enough to work on ADA or IDEA, he wanted to make sure that his office could help individuals with their problems with social security or veteran’s benefits. He per-

sonally called people who were facing challenges in their lives, perhaps an illness or a death in the family. And these weren’t large donors, these were everyday people.

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first met Paul at the 1984 state DFL convention. Since then our paths have crossed many times. There were two very intense times. The first was around the Jesse Jackson campaign in 1988—with Paul serving as chairperson for the campaign, he was all over the place exciting people with his typical speech method. He and Jesse Jackson can fire up the crowd. Amazing! The second was with the 1990 Senate campaign—going to meetings at the campaign office on University and Raymond, putting on fund-

raisers all over St. Paul, watching people trying to figure out what this guy was about.Well, we found out what this guy was about and we miss him ‘cause now we know more—every person Paul met will have a story about what their impression was of him and will pass it on. I will never forget my first meeting, or the last—he was yelling at me from a distance: “Rick—Rick! Rick Cardenas!”

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I was looking forward to seeing Senator Wellstone and Sheila at their victory party. And to be involved in the next six years of peace rallies, community attendant legislation, universal health care, domestic abuse legislation, and all the social justice issues that will be coming upon us.

He had a special connection to young people. At schools he loved to talk to students, asking for their views on the world. He always stopped to talk to children—at airports, along parade routes, in libraries. He was never too busy to talk to my daughters about school and politics. He really was walking up to the listened to them and they pavilion at Lake Phalen for knew he adored them. Charlie Smith’s memorial and noticed a couple walking This last year while with toward me, one with a limp. NAMI, I was able to work As they got closer to me, I with him on mental health realized it was Paul and Sheila parity. For NAMI, he was our Wellstone. A panic came strongest advocate in the U.S. over me while I wondered Senate. His belief that we how I would introduce myself would ultimately win, sparked or if I should introduce hope in so many people. The myself. Before I got close disability movement has lost a enough to say anything, true great advocate. We will miss to the Wellstone style, he him, I will miss him. waved his hand and yelled, “Hi Tim—good luck!” And Sue Abderholden they were gone. NAMI-MN

Rick Cardenas, ACT

And they are gone. God bless them and their survivors! Tim Benjamin, Access Press

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November 10, 2002

Arc Northland: Responding To Needs In NE Minnesota by Jenny Kempfert

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rc Northland is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create equal opportunity for quality living, and enhance dignity and respect for people with disabilities and their families. Located in Duluth, Arc Northland is one of two chapters of Arc Minnesota (along with Arc Range) serving northeastern Minnesota. In 2001, we celebrated 50 years of supporting people with disabilities and their families. While most Arc chapters focus on developmental disabilities, we have had to broaden our services based on the needs of our area. In recent years, several other local agencies serving disability-specific populations have closed their doors due to funding difficulties, and we have needed to fill some of the gaps, including taking over an existing respite care program. Our interest in fetal alcohol syndrome/effect (FAS/E)— based partly on the fact that the Arrowhead region has the highest alcohol use rate by women of childbearing age in

Minnesota—has also led us to innovative programming in that area. In addition, an unmet need we saw in the area of children’s mental health has opened up another door for Arc programming. Overall, we divide our services into the following three program areas. Self-Advocacy The self-advocacy program supports adults with developmental disabilities by offering advocacy for individuals and groups, yet focusing more on promoting and teaching selfadvocacy. We offer advocacy and one-to-one support, information and referral, and several self-advocacy groups, including a recreation club for young adults, a young women’s group, a couples’ club, and two People First groups. People First Duluth is part of an international selfadvocacy organization for people with disabilities, and Arc Northland provides an advisor for the group and funding for the program. In 2000, working together with People First of Minnesota, People First Duluth hosted a

statewide self-advocacy conference, giving our group members a number of great opportunities involved with working on that event, including fund-raising, presenting at workshops, and working on all the minute details of putting together a conference. Family The family program serves families who have a child with any type of disability. We provide one-to-one support and counseling, advocacy within the schools or social services, information and referral, and training and education. Workshops on topics like guardianship, conservatorship and special needs trusts are offered from time to time. Support and education groups are offered for parents of young children with disabilities, for family members of young people making the transition to adulthood, and for families of children with fetal alcohol disabilities. In late 1999, Arc Northland started a project to serve the needs of families who have a child with a mental health

diagnosis. The project has grown over the past few years and today we offer both a parent liaison and a support group component. The parent liaison mentors and empowers other parents regarding accessing services, and gives support and information regarding legal issues, school interventions, medications, placement decisions, insurance issues and creating the child’s treatment record. The parent liaison also coordinates the Extreme Parenting education and support groups. These are family-friendly forums where parents are the foundation and can gather for support and information. The subjects covered are chosen from suggestions gathered from participants. Professionals in the mental health field meet with the parents’ group on a volunteer basis for frank dialogue. These “professional volunteers” (who are also parents of a child with a mental health diagnosis) share information and their experiences with the others. Trained recreational specialists with experience in the area of children’s mental

illness supervise the children and provide activities. Having a specialized group for siblings allows them the chance to discuss and deal with experiences and feelings related to living with mental illness. Full family involvement has been essential to reducing barriers for participation. One other component of the family services is the respite care program. Arc Northland trains respite care providers and matches them with families who are looking for occasional or regularly scheduled breaks in caregiving for their children with disabilities. Respite providers can go into the family home or bring the child or young adult into the community for recreation. Fetal Alcohol The fetal alcohol program also takes on several different components. In order to prevent future disabilities, Arc trainers speak to middle school, high school and college students around the state about FAS/E and the dangers of drinking during pregnancy.

The trainers also travel throughout Minnesota presenting to caregivers and professionals to build better understanding of this unique disability and how to best support someone who has it. The FAS/E training team has gained a state and national reputation for excellence. Since 1999, Arc has also coordinated a fetal alcohol diagnostic clinic to serve families in Northeastern Minnesota and provides followup advocacy to families after diagnosis. We work hard to make sure our services are familyfriendly and promote selfadvocacy and full community inclusion for people with disabilities. To this end, staff members also serve on a number of interagency committees and task forces. For more information on our organization, please contact Arc Northland at (218) 7264725 or (800) 317-6475. ■ Jenny Kempfert is the Associate Administrator with Arc Northland.

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November 10, 2002

HEALTH CARE - Cont. from p. 2 household chores and Sometimes several simultamaintaining personal neous consequences resulted hygiene. from one distinct barrier to care, while in other cases one •Economic consequences— consequence led to another including financial strain (and beyond). and additional health service expenditures. Deteriorating Consider the case of “Ed,” a health and the development 52-year-old man with a spinal of secondary conditions cord injury who was publicly sometimes necessitated insured. As Medicare would additional and more not cover the costs of a new comprehensive services, power wheelchair, Ed was adding to expenses and forced to continue to use his straining economic manual chair, causing damage resources. This issue is to his already arthritic exacerbated for those on shoulders. As a result of limited incomes. increased shoulder damage, he was then unable to care for •A loss of independence— his legs, saying, “I can’t due to challenges to straighten them out anymore traditional roles, and due to a all the way… I couldn’t work need to rely more on spouses, my legs because it hurt [my children, colleagues and shoulders] so bad to reach friends for assistance in down and pull them up, to performing activities of daily bend them…that all goes back living. to the wheelchair problem.” One Example From the Research The research showed that these consequences are often complex and interwoven. Most of those interviewed for the study indicated that consequences were not limited to just one area; frequently, one triggered others.

Ed’s shoulder deterioration also led to increased service utilization—physical therapy—so that he could continue to use his existing chair. However, it turned out that it was too late for therapy to remedy his shoulder deterioration. This had consequences for his independence. All of this

caused great concern for Ed about his future and his ability to live alone. “What’s going to happen now is it’s just shortening the time I’m going to be able to live by myself. I’m going to have to go into a nursing home eventually, but a lot quicker. It has probably cut three to five years off of it. I’ll be lucky if I can stay by myself, say, another three, four years.”

TSCHIDA - Cont. from p. 5 saving efforts focus on the acute needs of the average health care consumer. Coverage for services is typically limited to those that restore or improve function. However, people with disabilities need services that help them to maintain function and to prevent complications, functional decline and secondary conditions. They pointed out that these ‘costsaving models’ of health care delivery can “backfire,” increasing the need for even more costly services in the long-term.

Thus, a single barrier (denial of a power chair) led to physical deterioration, increased need for therapy, decreased independence, and increased stress about his For consumers with future. disabilities, Beatty and Kroll stressed the need for increased Costs and Solutions participation in decisionmaking processes related to Beatty and Kroll stressed that health care access and “barriers [to care] are both delivery. For care providers, internal and external,” noting they pointed out the need for that the “frustration, anger, “disability literacy” in the and depression” caused by a form of improved knowledge lack of access to appropriate about, and skills for dealing care “may weaken the with, the special needs of individual’s motivation to people with disabilities. seek care, to adhere to Health plans and institutions treatment regimens, and to need to provide better access initiate necessary preventive to, and timely delivery of, strategies.” preventive services, maintenance therapies and durable Beatty and Kroll pointed out medical equipment. From the that, in the U.S., most cost- community as a whole, they

Thank You Martha

countless times since then, it doesn’t adequately reflect the barriers that exist—both economic and physical—that prevent this population from voting.

voter deserves to have confidence that the system is fair and elections are honest, that every vote is recorded, and that the rules are consistently applied.”

This comes from current President George W. Bush, who on October 29 signed the Help America Vote Act of 2002. In part, the law is designed to increase access to voters with disabilities. We all need to work harder to make sure every vote counts— especially the votes of those who need absentee ballots to Simply put, “Every registered be heard. ■ Any lawyer will tell you that no law is black and white, that muddled laws are passed all the time and their interpretation can, as President Bill Clinton once remarked, hinge on what the definition of “is” really is. Where clarity does not exist, our community needs to help fix it.

emphasized the need to reduce barriers outside of the health care delivery system (e.g. transportation) that negatively impact health care access.

Tschida, director of public affairs and research at Courage Center, said after the presentation, “For policymakers and people who make decisions about funding health Judging by several comments care, this kind of quantitative from the audience, there is a research is essential.” ■ general awareness that many of the recommendations in the NRH study will be difficult to Check us out at implement in the current accesspress.org economic climate. To some, ❖❖❖❖ this only underlines the importance of the work done Please patronize your by organizations such as the Access Press Center for Health and Advertisers. Disability Research. As John

We’re ready. Are you? Join us to celebrate the grand opening of our newly renovated Courage Residence Friday, November 22, 2002

For nine years of insights into, ideas about, and discussions of disability culture! Access Press Advocating Change Together, Inc. Arc Minnesota The Disability Institute Metropolitan Center for Independent Living MN State Council on Disability People First Minnesota Remembering With Dignity

9

Courage Center 2:00 p.m.

Program and Ribbon Cutting Speakers: Sharon Sayles Belton Dr. Peter Vaill Dave Phillips Virgina Schoenbohm Clymer Reception and Tours following

3:30-4:30 p.m. MN Sinfonia Concert RSVP to Mary- Call 763-520-0305 or e-mail mburrington@courage.org Limited Seating

TM

WHERE ABILITIES AND DISABILITIES BECOME POSSIBILITIES

10

November 10, 2002

Accessible Performances IN BRIEF . . . .

The following performances will be Audio Described (AD) for people who are blind or have low vision, or interpreted in American Sign Language (ASL) for people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.

Forever Plaid presents Plaid Tidings; runs 11/5-12/29; ASL/AD Sat., 11/23, 2:00; Ordway ; St. Paul; 651-2244222, TTY 651-282-3100; www.ordway.org.

Miss Richfield: Fall Down on Your Knees: Down on All Fours! 11/29-12/9; AD/ ASL Sun., 12/8, 7:30; Illusion Theater; Mpls.; 612-3394944; www.illusiontheater. org. With a special tribute YES; ASL Sat., 11/23, 8:00; from Miss Richfield’s Anita State Theatre; Mpls.; 612- Bryant Christmas Album. 373-5650 or 612-989-5151; www.state-orpheum.com. Lorie Line; AD Mon., 12/9, 7:30; State Theatre; Mpls.; The Glass Menagerie; ASL/ 612-373-5650 or 612-989-5151; AD Thurs., 12/5, 8:00; Park www.state-orpheum.com. Square Theatre; St. Paul; 651291-7005; www.parksquare A Christmas Carole Petertheatre.org; half-price tick- sen; runs 12/7-12/29; ASL/ ets to ASL/AD patrons. AD Thurs., 12/12, 8:00; Theater Latté Da; Mpls.; A Christmas Carol; AD/ 612-343-3390; www.ticket ASL Sat., 12/7, 1:00 (tactile works.com. tour 11:00) & Tues., 12/10, 7:30; Guthrie Theater: Mpls.; Miracle on 34th Street; runs 612-377-2224, TTY 612- 12/6-12/21; ASL Fri., 12/13, 377-6626; www.guthrie 7:00; Bloomington Art Centheater.org. ter Gallery Players; 952-5634777; www.bloomingtonart Nuncrackers; runs 11/30- center.com. 12/15; ASL Sat., 12/7, 7:00; Rochester Civic Theatre; 507- The Boys Next Door; runs 282-8481; www.rochcivic 12/4–12/29; AD Fri., 12/13, theatre.org. 8:00; ASL Fri., 12/27, 8:00; Mixed Blood Theatre; Mpls.; The Christmas Schooner; 612-338-6131; www.mixed AD Sat., 12/7, 8:00; ASL blood.com. Tracks the lives Thurs., 12/12, 10:30 a.m. & of four adult residents of a Sat., 12/14, 8:00; Great Ameri- group home for people with can History Theatre; St. Paul; developmental disabilities. 651-292-4320; www.history Performed for the first time by theatre.com. A crew braves actors with disabilities. the icy waters of Lake Michigan in a wooden schoo- The Littlest Angel; runs ner to bring Christmas trees to 12/6-12/22; AD/ASL Sat., the immigrant families of 12/14, 1:00; Howard Conn Chicago in 1887. Fine Arts Center; Mpls.; 612623-9080; www.youthperfor manceco.com.

Arturo Brachetti; runs 12/1012/15; AD Sat., 12/14, 2:00; Ordway; St. Paul; 651-2244222, TTY 651-282-3100; www.ordway.org. Brachetti transforms into 100 characters in 100 minutes. The Flying Foot Forum’s Holiday Cabaret; runs 12/1212/15; ASL Sat., 12/14, 8:00; Southern Theater; Mpls.; 612340-1725, www.southern theater.org. A variety show of holiday vignettes. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever; runs 12/6-12/22; ASL Sun., 12/15, 2:00; AD Tues., 12/17, 11:00 a.m.; Landmark Center; St. Paul; 651-225-9265; www.stepping stonetheatre.org.

Applications Closing For Section 8 Effective Nov. 21, 2002— and until further notice—the Public Housing Agency of St. Paul will no longer be accepting applications for the

Section 8 Rent Assistance for assistance will be on Nov. Housing Choice Voucher Pro- 20. An application can be gram. received by calling 651-2985108 only on that day. The last opportunity to apply

NAMI Speakers Series The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill in MN continues its Speakers Series on Nov. 18, 2002 with “Where Do I Start?” Experienced family members and professionals

will answer commonly asked questions about finding services and supports for relative with a mental illness.

Bethlehem Lutheran Church (4100 Lyndale Ave. S. in Mpls.) from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. For more info, call 651-6452948.

This free event will be held at

Assistance Network The MN Dept. of Human and human services telephone For more info, contact Jean

information and referral network, and Senior LinkAge Line®, a free telephone information and assistance service for seniors and their families. Both are to be fully implemented in MN in early 2003. A Pueblo Christmas; runs The network will be linked to 12/13-12/22; ASL Sat., 12/21, 2-1-1, a comprehensive health 8:00; Teatro del Pueblo at Concordia College; St. Paul. This story of how a Mexican If you can’t get to the library will deliver books, tapes and couple deals with their diffi- due to illness or disability, the other library materials to your cult economic situation. (En- Friends of the Mpls. Public door. For more info about this glish with Spanish intermin- Library can help. Volunteers free service to Mpls. residents gling). Services has awarded a grant for coordination of a statewide network for people of all ages with a disability or longterm illness.

Martin, MN DHS, Community Quality Initiatives, 444 Lafayette Rd., St. Paul, MN 55155-3872 or 651-582-1147 (phone), 651-582-1808 (fax), 711 (MN Relay Service, TTY and speech to speech) or jean.m.martin@state.mn.us.

Free Delivery Of Library Materials with limited mobility, call 612-630-6173.

Adaptive Ski Lessons At Mt. Kato

Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy; runs 12/18-12/23; S.M.I.L.E.S. Center for IndeAD Sun., 12/22, 7:00 & Mon., pendent Living in Mankato 12/23, 2:00; Historic State and District #77 Community Theatre; Mpls.; 612-373-5650 Services A.C.C.E.S.S. Proor 612-989-5151; www.stateorpheum.com. A Christmas Carol; runs 11/22The Holiday Pageant; AD/ 12/29; ASL/AD Sun., 12/29, ASL Sat., 12/28, 2:00; South- 2:00 (ASL also Thurs., 12/19, ern Theater; Mpls.; 612-340- 12:30); Stages Theatre Co.; 1725; www.southerntheater. Hopkins; 952-979-1111; org. www.stagestheatre.org. ■

gram are offering a Sit-Ski program this winter. If you have a physical disability and would like to try skiing or

improve your current skills, contact Dalaine Remes or Mary Ellen Johnson at 507345-5222.

For updates by phone, call VSA arts of Minnesota at 612332-3888 or statewide 800801-3883 (voice/TTY).

Check us out at accesspress.org ❖❖❖❖ Please patronize your Access Press Advertisers — and tell them where you heard about them. They bring you your paper.

Guzmán & Associates, P.L.L.C. Attorneys and Counselors at Law

Disability Law Conservatorships Guardianships Special Needs Trusts 14800 Galaxie Avenue, Suite 103 Apple Valley, Minnesota 55124

A GREA T RESOURCE! GREAT

DirectAbility.com DirectAbility is a comprehensive, ever-expanding, award-winning, Internet directory devoted to disability-related products, services, resources and information throughout the state. Online at www.directability.com. Computerized Desktop publishing: Brochures Catalogs Direct Mailings Flyers Newsletters Newspapers Resumes and more! Ellen Houghton • 952-404-9981 presentationimages@mn.rr.com

Tel: 952-432-0648 Fax: 952-431-2491

Professional Directory

Access for All The Minnesota Travel Guide for Persons with Disabilities www.accessminnesota.org 3680 Victoria St. N. • Shoreview, MN 55126 Office: (651) 481-4062 • Fax: (651) 787-2790 mike.chevrette@deluxe.com

R.C. SALES AND MFG., INC. 14726 Wake Street NE · Ham Lake, MN 55304 · (763) 786-6504

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November 10, 2002

Classifieds Reach 11,000 Active, Interested Readers with ACCESS PRESS Classifieds. $8 up to 20 words, 35¢/word thereafter. Must be prepaid. Mail with check to: ACCESS PRESS, 1821 University Ave W, #104S, St. Paul, MN 55104 (651) 644-2133 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. FOR SALE Multiple items: 1) Jazzy 1103 mini power chair (used only 4 months) and power chair lift (swing-away option). $5,000 or best offer. 2) Raised, padded toilet seat with arms. Like new, $30. 3) BI-PAP machine, $75. 4) Nebulizer, $30. 952-9973029. Electric wheelchair: Invacare Storm Series model 2 GSTXR-TS. Roho seat & back. Cost $10,557. 3 years old. $1,500. Also Quickie manual wheelchair. Take apart to put in trunk. $150. Both perfect condition. 763537-0154.

Barrier Free Home! Newer rambler style home with over 1800 sq. ft. of space on main floor. Owner’s suite with rollin shower, whirlpool style tub, walk-in closet. Great Room with fireplace, formal dining area, and eat-in kitchen. Den, 2 additional bedrooms on main floor, with full bath. Lower level has 3/4 bath, rec room, and bedroom. Fenced rear yard and 3-car garage. Call for showings or more information. Bob Reuter: 651-552-3647 or 651-4551256.

MENTORING - Cont. from p. 3 hotel front desk—and it’s something that carries over to his current position. In restaurant employment, Socha appreciated that he could always keep busy—this ability to thrive in a busy environment is another skill that he transfers to his job today. Socha sees links in his job history and realizes that everything you do adds something to your skill set that might come in handy in future positions. Socha also realizes that not everybody is an extroverted risk-taker like he is. He admits that it can be tough for a person with a disability to enter the workplace, but he or she should not give up. He was glad to be a mentor so he could show a student that there is hope for getting a good education and gainful employment. Specifically, Socha was glad to be able to

Access To Employment

Employment ads are $14 per col. inch; Nov 29 is the deadline for the Dec 10 issue. Mail to: ACCESS PRESS • 1821 University Ave. • #104S • St. Paul, MN 55104 FAX 651-644-2136 • E-mail: access@mninter.net SRF Consulting Group, Inc., a fast growing, locally owned, and well-established transportation engineering, planning and design firm, has the following openings in its traffic and transportation groups. TRAFFIC ENGINEER Traffic Engineer wanted to perform traffic engineering functions including operational analysis, traffic simulation, signal timing and intelligent transportation system research and design functions. Requirements include a B.S. in Civil Engineering, 0-3 years traffic engineering experience and strong written/ verbal communication skills. Familiarity with operational analysis and traffic simulation software preferred.

FOR RENT Lewis Park Apartments: Barrier free housing with wheelchair user in mind. Section 8 subsidized. Oneand two- bedroom units. For SENIOR TRAFFIC more information on availENGINEER ability call (651) 488-9923. St. Paul, MN. Equal OpportuSeeking senior traffic enginity Housing. neer to perform and manage Holmes-Greenway Housing: operational analysis and trafOne and two bedroom apart- fic study projects. Must be a ments designed for physically licensed civil engineer with at handicapped persons. Conve- least five years experience in nient SE Minneapolis loca- traffic engineering including tion. Call (612) 378-0331 for proficiency in Synchro/Simavailability information. Traffic, Corsim and other Equal Opportunity Housing. operational analysis and traffic simulation software. ReSeward Square Apartments: quires excellent written and We are currently accepting verbal communication skills.

Multiple items: Electric hospital bed, excellent mattress; hydraulic Hoyer lift; electric wheelchair (with head controls); two manual wheelchairs. Call 651-429-6535 applications for our waiting for details. list at Seward Square Apart1994 Dodge Grand Cara- ments in Minneapolis. Seward van. 35, 000 miles. One Square is barrier-free housing owner. KneelKar conversion and is federally subsidized. dropped floor. Remote con- For an application, please call trol rear entry ramp. PS/PB/ (612) 338-2680. Equal OpAC/Cruise. Call Curt West. portunity Housing. Cellular: 612-859-1000.

encourage Meyer in his goal of attending St. Paul Tech, as Socha is currently taking human resource courses there himself. He praises the school for being accessible and very accommodating. Socha would like to see NDMD occur multiple times per year. Beyond that, his advice for mentees is to look for opportunities, and don’t give up because there are companies who want to hire persons with disabilities. For mentors, he encourages them to keep pushing their mentees to get an education and to be independent. The next National Disability Mentoring Day will be October 15, 2003. For more information, contact Julie Davis, National Center on Secondary Education and Transition, at 612-625-5037 or davis223@umn.edu. ■

11

TRANSPORTATION PLANNER/ENGINEER Transportation Planner and/ or Engineer wanted to assist in preparing area transportation plans, corridor studies and traffic studies. Qualifications include a four-year degree in transportation planning and/or transportation/ civil engineering, 0-3 years experience in traffic and transportation work including accident analysis, growth projections, travel-time data collection and systems planning. Familiarity with geography, land use and transportation issues. Must have strong analytical and communication skills and proficiency in a number of computer applications including word processing, spreadsheets and database software.

SRF Consulting Group, Inc., a locally owned and wellestablished transportation planning and design firm, has the following opportunities in its environmental planning group. ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER Planner wanted to assist in a wide range of environmental documentation and planning projects. Requirements include graduate degree, or bachelor’s degree and two years experience in environmental, transportation, or urban planning. Must have excellent writing and problemsolving skills. Public presentation experience a plus. ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING INTERN

BILINGUAL CLIENT SERVICES ADVOCATE Client services advocate to interview clients & translate. Spanish fluency req. Good comm skills. Diverse exper +. Sal. 22,800-30,667 DOE. Fully pd family hlth, generous vacation, casual work environ. Resume, refs & cover letter: Chris Lord, Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis, 2929 4th Ave S, Mpls, MN 55408. EOE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT A key position with the professional staff of the Otto Bremer Foundation. Excellent administrative and communication skills, resourcefulness, attention to detail, and experience with nonprofit organizations. Send a resume to: Kari Suzuki, Otto Bremer Foundation, 445 Minnesota St., Suite 2000, St. Paul, MN 55101.

Intern wanted to work on a variety of environmental documentation and planning projects. The ideal candidate will have good technical, analytical and writing skills. LIGHT DUTY TRUCK The internship will consist of TECHNICIANS approximately 10-15 hours per week. Undergraduate Immediate full-time openings student acceptable, graduate available. Ford Certification student preferred. preferable. Best pay plan in Twin Cities area—Check it For consideration, send reout! Top $ for experienced sumes to SRF Consulting techs! Contact Glenn, 651Group, Inc., One Carlson 450-1502. Pkwy. N., #150, Plymouth, MN 55447; fax to 763-4752429, or e-mail to hr@srf consulting.com; EOE.

FIELD ENGINEER PCL Construction Services, Inc., is a large dynamic general contractor with extensive operations throughout North America and annual volumes in excess of $2.7 billion. As a result of significant new work, we have an opportunity available in our Minneapolis District. We are looking for a candidate with 2 or more years of commercial construction experience. Computer competency and an engineering degree are an asset. Responsibilities will include survey, layout, field coordination and document review. We offer competitive salaries, exceptional benefits, including stock purchase, bonus, 401(k) and more! Join an energetic team with a 93-year history of profit, growth and stability! Send resume and salary requirements in complete confidence to: PCL Construction Services, Inc. Attn: Personnel Manager 12200 Nicollet Avenue South Burnsville, MN 55337 (No phone calls or walk-ins please) An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/H

SENIOR FIELD TECHNICIAN Construction Inspector wanted for construction observation. The ideal candidate will have 3-10 years experience in observation and documentation of roadway & utility construction, have excellent communication and record keeping skills. Mn/DOT Certification a plus. SRF Consulting Group, Inc. is a locally owned and wellestablished civil engineering, transportation and planning firm. In addition to varied and exciting work in a positive atmosphere, we offer competitive salary and benefits, 401(k) & profit sharing. Send your resume to SRF Consulting Group, Inc., One Carlson Pkwy. N., #150, Plymouth, MN 55447; fax to 763-4752429, or e-mail to hr@srf consulting.com; EOE.

In addition to varied and exciting work in a positive atmosphere, we offer competitive salary and benefits, 401(k) & profit sharing. If you want a career with strong Check Access Press out growth potential in one of at accesspress.org ENR’s Top 500 design firms, ❖❖❖❖ send your resume to SRF Consulting Group, Inc., One Please patronize your Carlson Pkwy. N., #150, Access Press Advertisers — Plymouth, MN 55447; fax to and tell them where you 763-475-2429, or e-mail to heard about them. They hr@srfconsulting.com; EOE. bring you your paper.

Intrepid USA offers comprehensive, quality Home Health Care services. We have the national resources and the local knowledge to provide specific solutions to your needs. Our quality of care is unparalleled, with a commitment to recruiting the best talent in today's competitive market. Our Home Health Care services encourage clients to live to the maximum level of their abilities. We have 13 locations in MN, ND, and IA. Austin 507-433-4700 Golden Valley 763-544-0315 Forest Lake 651-982-9052 Burnsville 952-894-2663 Edina 952-920-6060 Fairmont 507-238-4300

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Mankato 507-625-1553

November 10, 2002

12

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----------------------------------- FRIEND SPONSOR ($25 and above) ----------------------------------Lynda Adams Mary Andresen Steven Anderson Rick Benjamin 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 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. 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NAMI Northeast Contemporary Services Headwaters Fund Resource S.M.I.L.E.S. United Cerebral Palsy of MN -------------------–------------------------------------- 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)----------------------------------------------------Pete Feigal • Ellen Houghton • Jenny Kempfert • Jeni Mundl • Deb Olson • Jon Skaalen • Pete Takash • John Tschida • Sue Warner Disability Health Options Committee Members • Disability Law Center • Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities • St. Paul Social Security PASS Cadre Wellstone Memorial Contributors

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