July 2005 Edition - Access Press by Access Press

July 10, 2005

15 Anniversary Edition th

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Mpls. MN Permit No. 4766

Volume 16, Number 7

Minnesota’s Disability

Community Newspaper

July 10, 2005

ACCESS PRESS MAKES RUSSIAN CONNECTION by Terri Ricci emerging Russian leaders to the U.S. on 10-day programs to experience U.S. democracy and free enterprise in action in communities across the United States.

BACK ROW (L-R): Jerry Wood, Tamara Antolyevna Polenova, Yaroslav Andreyevich Tikhomirov, Yevgeniy Yevgenyevich Boyarintsev, Valeriy Vladimirovich Chereshnev, Bob Kusnetz, Michael Valencia MIDDLE ROW: Jayne Spain, Takhmina Istamovna Acheldiyeva, Terri Ricci, Karen Quammen, Colleen Haggar, Julie Davis, John Lukkenen FRONT ROW: Tim Benjamin, Vyacheslav Aleksandrovich Volodin, Mike Chevrette

ONNECT/US-RUSSIA (CONNECT) is a Minneapolis-based organization with a mission to promote a more humane and peaceful world by em-

bracing critical issues facing the United States and the former Soviet Union through the creation of collaborative relationships. CONNECT recently received a grant from

the Open World Leadership Center to bring a delegation of professionals from Russia to Minnesota. The Open World Program, based in Washington, DC, brings

This program, “Serving Russians with Disabilities,” provided an opportunity for seven delegates to visit the Twin Cities and obtain information to enhance the work of their organizations back in Russia. CONNECT designed a professional agenda to familiarize delegates with: • educational programs for children with limited men-

tal and physical abilities; • social adaptation and integration programs; • general care programs; • integrated measures of social assistance; • employment issues and programs; • funding issues and sources; and, • technology utilization. On June 24, 2005, the Russian delegates visited with the Minnesota Business Leadership Network at Medtronic to learn about each other’s programs for the disabled. In their discussions, the delegates and the Business Lead-

State Government Shifts Into Neutral Many Agencies Serving People With Disabilities Closed by John Tschida

ith no state budget deal in place, thousands of state employees remain idle as Minnesota continues to endure a partial government shutdown. While critical state-paid services that affect Minnesotans with disabilities—including those provided by Metro Mobility, home health agencies, and hospitals—continue uninterrupted, many government programs and services are on hold. While buses in the metro area will continue to run for a month without a budget deal, accessible transit in rural Minnesota for the elderly and those with disabilities is now unavailable. (Medical transportation rides are still available.) If you’d like to apply for Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare, you’ll have to wait. No

new applications are being processed. What about State Services for the Blind? Closed. Want to file a complaint with the Department of Commerce because you’re unhappy with your health plan? You can’t. Questions about how a job offer would affect your housing subsidy? Don’t call the Work Incentives Connection. They’re closed, too. The Minnesota State Council on Disability, which fields up to 50 calls a day from all across Minnesota, is also no longer open. “We’re a first call for help for many, many people, especially for those in rural Minnesota,” said Joan Willshire, the council’s executive director. “There are other resources out there, but a lot of what we do is to link people to those resources.”

You can still buy a fishing license at your local sporting goods shop, but you can’t use it at one of the state’s 70 state parks. They’re closed for business. Similarly, people with existing vocational rehabilitation plans and authorized services will continue to be served by community providers. But if you had a July appointment scheduled with a state vocational rehabilitation counselor, forget it. Rehabilitation Services offices within the Department of Employment and Economic Development has closed up shop. Legislators completed some of their budget work, including funding for state colleges and universities, and public safety concerns. But human services and elementary education deals have remained elusive. So a state judge, former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Ed Stringer, was

forced to decide which governmental services had to continue and which could be delayed until lawmakers resolved their differences.

abilities who rely on these services. Any cash grants to individuals or food assistance from the state will also continue.

“It is confusing,” said Jeff Bangsberg, governmental affairs director for the Minnesota Home Care Association. “I hope this can be resolved quickly so that we can return to business as usual.”

“But people need to check with their local clinic or dentist to see if they’ll honor an existing appointment or not,” said Joel Ulland, public policy director for the National MS Society-Minnesota Chapter. “The state has asked those health professionals to keep providing services, even though they won’t get paid for them until the shutdown is over. The truth is, they can say ‘no’ if they want to.”

The Department of Human Services, in a June 21, 2005 letter to Medical Assistance recipients, wrote that “you may not be able to get some health care services” because, without a budget, the state “will not be able to pay for all health care services.” State checks will still be cut to pharmacies, group homes, PCAs, home care agencies and nursing homes, so there’s no effect on individuals with dis-

Further information on the shutdown can be found at www.doer.state.mn.us/shutdown. ■

ership Network member companies noted the many similarities between the US and Russian services or lack of services for people with disabilities. Russian parents have a more passive role in caring for their child. The reasons for this are: 1. Thedistancebetweenthecities’programsandthepeople needing those services Because of their country’s massive size, the Russian delegates pointed out that servicing people with disabilities is difficult. Many children with disabilities have to live at the school during the week and are only able to go home on the weekends. This ongoing disconnection between the parents and children plays a factor in the parents’ lack of involvement to advocate for their children’s needs. 2. The idea that the Russian state should provide for the services and programs for a person with a disability It is the state’s role, not the parents’ or family’s role, to give the children the education and training they need to become self-sufficient. This is the biggest difference between the two countries’ means of servicing people with disabilities. In Minnesota, especially, our non-profit advocate organizations work through government and other funding sources to provide better treatment, education, job training, and employment for the disabled. The seven delegates represented a variety of Non-government Organizations Russia - cont. on p. 19

July 10, 2005

I have been asked to encourage all our readers to apply for the Medicare part D program even if you’re not sure if you’re eligible or will be eligible. The sooner you get your application in, the lower your premiums will be if you are eligible. We will follow the program very closely and will publish ongoing articles addressing many of the issues of the new plans. There are still many unknowns about the program and its eligibility requirements. The best strategy is to fill out the application and mail it in. If you are eligible, you will start out with the lowest premiums, and if you’re not eligible the form is pretty simple and will f you’re on Medicare, not take much of your time. you’ll soon be receiving an application for the new The “Russian Connections” prescription drugs program. article on the front page is a

Tim Benjamin, Editor

must read! Medtronic sponsored the day of roundtable discussion on disability issues at their headquarters in Fridley. It was a very informative morning with lots of discourse on disability programs in Russia and how our disability programs work in Minnesota and throughout the United States. I’m not sure who learned the most; I do know I learned a lot about life in Russia as a person with a disability. I would have loved to have been able to spend much more time with the delegates. The Russians are doing lots of positive things for people with disabilities, especially in the area of education. And, as we all know, education is a key to getting people with disabilities into the mainstream of life.

Turning to the capitol and the unresolved budget situation, at least we can say our legislators have not yet voted for anything that would be bad for the disability community. It sure is sad that so many people will be put out of work because of the refusal by some in the legislature to compromise in the best interest of all Minnesotans. Many state employees work hard for little compensation and do not get paid if they don’t get their jobs done. Now, state employees will lose income because legislators have not gotten their jobs done and the state will lose income tax from those workers—all this while the legislators retain their incomes. I’m not suggesting our legislators are overpaid, but throughout the special session they

have received their per diems. I can not imagine that those per diems will not be paid throughout the negotiations after the state shutdown. I don’t think we need any more casinos paying low wages and catering to people of middle and low incomes. A state run casino or “racino” will not attract high rollers or high-income individuals that could afford to lose extra disposable income. I think the answer is raising taxes and possibly raising taxes for all of us. I certainly will pay a little more to maintain the good quality of life we have in Minnesota.

staff. I wish Charlie Smith could see the paper today. I think he would be very pleased with the success of his brainchild and how it has evolved in the five years since he left us. I don’t think Charlie, and his mother and father who helped him get the paper started, would have ever thought that Access Press would still be in existence after 15 years—and still fulfilling the mission they laid out all those years ago.

Remember to contact us regarding placing an ad in the August issue to show your support for the 15 years Access Press has been providI want to thank our readers, ing information to the disabiladvertisers, and the Friends of ity community. ■ Access Press for being so supportive of the paper and our

2001-2005: ADA And Supreme Court Issues by Kathy Hagen

he first ten years of instruction from the Supreme Court on the ADA centered around employment issues, most of them regarding the definition of disability. This last five years, from 2001-2005, have included some holdings that still define disability, but has included an expansion to issues of state immunity regarding monetary damages in lawsuits filed by state employees. Also, there have been some forays into Titles II and III of the ADA with decisions instructing us on the Supreme Court’s views. While a couple of cases have been wins for plaintiffs, the majority have been disappointments for Plaintiffs eroding, from a Plaintiff’s point of view, the rights promised to disabled persons by the Congress’ passage of the ADA. EMPLOYMENT

The Supreme Court struck the first big blow of the past five years in the Garrett case. Readers will remember that in this case there were two university employees who were terminated, they alleged discriminatorily, after they became disabled. Alabama argued that while Congress may have meant to authorize an exemption to state immunity of federal lawsuits with the ADA’s language, Congress didn’t have that authority. Thus, the court held that state employees may not sue a state in federal court for monetary damages. This case, along with several others involving different civil rights statutes, has eroded any possibility for state employees to receive monetary damages. A state employee may still file for prospective relief, and they can file against state officials in their individual capacity as representing the state.

U of Alabama Board of trustees vs. Garrett, 2001

Williams vs. Toyota Manufacturing Co., 2002 In this case, the plaintiff, an assembler who became disabled with carpel tunnel syndrome and could no longer perform her job, filed a complaint that she was disabled because she could not perform “a class of manual tasks” thus substantially limiting a major life activity under the ADA. The Supreme Court held that “manual tasks” indeed might be classified as a major life activity, but Williams didn’t meet the burden of showing that her work as an assembler constituted a major life activity that most people in the population would have to perform. In other words, most people didn’t have to perform assembly work. A plaintiff would have to argue that they couldn’t perform ordinary tasks like housework, dressing, gardening, etc. in order for it to be considered an ordinary manual task that people would perform as a major life activity.

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 ............................................ JoAnn Cardenas Enos, Mike Chevrette, Mary Kay Kennedy, Kelly Matter, Tom Squire, & Kay Willshire Editor ......................................................................................................................... Tim Benjamin Financial Manager/Editorial Assistant ........................................................................ Terri Ricci Cartoonist ..................................................................................................................... Scott Adams Production ...................................................................... Ellen Houghton at Presentation Images Office Assistant .......................................................................................................... Ekta Prakash Sales/Marketing ........................................................................................................ David Hadlich 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 $25/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 $16 to $20.70/column inch, depending on size and frequency of run. Classified ads are $10, plus 45¢ per word over 12 words. Advertising and editorial deadlines are the last day of the month preceding publication, except for employment ads which are due by the 25th. 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@accesspress.org • Website: www.accesspress.org

Editorial material does not necessarily reflect the view of the editor/publisher of Access Press.

Barnett vs. U.S. Airways, 2002 Here the court took a look at reasonable accommodation as it relates to a company seniority roster of jobs. Mr. Barnett became disabled and could not perform his work. He was able to bid on a job that was easier because he had the seniority. He held it until someone else with more seniority, not disabled, outbid him for it. The plaintiff asked that, as a reasonable accommodation, he remain in the job. The Supreme Court held that a company does not have to allow someone to retain a job that is part of their seniority-rated jobs, as a reasonable accommodation. The court came to this decision despite the fact that this particular job was not based on a collective bargaining agreement, but on a unilateral decision by the company regarding what jobs would be considered senior jobs. This decision is troubling as it would seem to indicate that a company could avoid accommodating a disabled employee simply by making easier jobs more senior jobs. The court did advise, however, that if

there were enough loopholes in how the seniority system was applied, if there were other ways in which a job could be taken out of that seniority roster, then a company couldn’t maintain the fiction that this job was not available for transfer to someone as a reasonable accommodation. Chevron vs. Echazabal, 2002 Readers will remember that this was the case where a contract employee did maintenance work for 20 years for Chevron. Then, when he applied to be a Chevron employee on staff doing the same work, he was given a medical exam. When it was found that he had asymptomatic hepatitis C, he was not hired, and terminated from the contract as well. The issue in this case was whether the court in deciding this case should be instructed by the statutory language in the employment provisions of the ADA or the regulatory language promulgated by EEOC. The statutory language indicates that a “direct threat” is only available if there is a direct threat to other em-

ployees. The EEOC regulations, promulgated on the employment provisions, indicated that a “direct threat” in addition to concerning a direct threat to others, could also take into consideration a direct threat to the employee himself. The company argued that the EEOC definition, rather than the statutory definition, should be used. Chevron argued that the toxic chemicals Echazabal would be exposed to could have a damaging effect on his liver, and he should not be hired, as the company would then be liable for his injuries. Of course, he would have been performing the exact same job he had already performed for 20 years. Also, the Supreme Court had decided in other cases that EEOC had overstepped its boundaries by promulgating regulations that went beyond the statutory language. However, in this case, the Court held that EEOCs regulations governed. Also, Chevron could refuse to hire the plaintiff based on a business necessity of trying to alleviate liability. EEOC vs. Wafflehouse, 2002 Here was the only good decision for employees in the Supreme Court cases in 2002. This case involved an employee who had signed, as a condition of employment, an agreement to arbitrate any issues rather than sue. He filed a complaint with EEOC after he was terminated, and EEOC ended up filing a lawsuit on this matter against Wafflehouse. The Supreme Court held that EEOC was not a party to the employee’s agreement for binding arbitration, and that EEOC could sue as a third party, and could also ask for damages for the employee. ADA Cases - cont.INVOLVon p. 9 TITLE II CASES

July 10, 2005

Social Security Reform And People With Disabilities: The Bush Plan by Jeff Nygaard

resident Bush has a plan for “reform” of the Social Security system that, if enacted, would have serious negative consequences for people with disabilities.

This would be similar to how a For people with disabilities, 401k, or an IRA works . the problem with the President’s plan is that it is based The money for these accounts on the accumulation of assets would come from Social Se- over time. For those lucky curity taxes, meaning that the enough to rely on Social Secubasic Social Security benefit rity only for retirement financfor everyone would have to be ing—and, again, this leaves reduced. Proponents of this out fully one-third of benefiplan insist that the reduction ciaries—they can count on an would be more than made up average work-life of 40 to 50 by the income from the per- years, during which they can sonal accounts, but that claim expect their “voluntary peris questionable (as we’ll see sonal account” to grow to a below). reasonable size.

Although most people think of Social Security as a retirement program, the fact is that about one-third of the 47 million Social Security recipients do not receive retirement benefits at all. Instead, 5.5 million recipients are disabled workers, 1.7 million are spouses and children of disabled workSocial Insurance of ers, and nearly 7 million are Private Investment? survivors of deceased workers. Understanding the implications of this major change— The Bush Plan from social insurance to private investment—is crucial for Under the current Social Se- people with disabilities. It all curity system, all workers pay starts with the idea of a better into a common fund, which is “rate of return.” then spent to pay benefits to anyone who has suffered a loss The President’s talk of getting of wages due to retirement, a “better rate of return” makes disability, or death. It works, sense in the context of an inin other words, just like an vestment system. A higher insurance program: we all pay “rate of return” will leave one in, and people get benefits if with more assets to draw from. and when they need them. In fact, Social Security is an ex- However, under the current ample of what is called “so- system of social insurance, talk cial insurance.” of a “rate of return” makes no sense. In an insurance sysThe Bush plan proposes mov- tem, the only “return” one gets ing away from a system of is payment if a claim is made. social insurance towards a For example, if you have a car system of private investment. accident, you get money back Under his plan, a worker from your insurance company would save up money in a to compensate you. But if you “voluntary personal account” never have an accident—or, in during their working years, the case of Social Security, if and that money, rather than you never suffer a loss of going into a common pool to wages due to disability, death, supply benefits for everyone, or retirement—you will get no would be used solely to fi- “return” because you don’t nance their own retirement. need it.

However, not everyone will have all that time to accumulate assets, and this is particularly true for people with disabilities. In fact, a number of studies have concluded that such a plan will reduce overall benefits received by people with disabilities. A 2001 study by the Government Accountability Office, for example,

“. . . look beyond the budgetary changes to understand the actual impact on people’s daily lives.” looked at three different proposals for reform that include individual accounts, and found that, “The reform proposals would reduce insurance benefits while creating individual accounts, with the expectation that the income from an individual account would largely offset reductions in the insurance benefits. In our estimates, the income from the individual account was not sufficient to compensate for the decline in the insurance benefits that disabled

beneficiaries would receive.” The CCDs call has been echoed by many activists and adIn other words, under the vocates for disability rights, President’s proposal, people including Justice for All, the with disabilities stand to get National Council on Indepenback less from their private dent Living, the National Spiaccounts than they will lose in nal Cord Injury Association, the reduction in their Social United Cerebral Palsy, the Security benefits. ARC, the American Council of the Blind, the Coalition on President Bush is aware of Human Needs, and others. the concerns of people with disabilities. In an April 28, In conclusion, here are the 2005 press conference, he made words of Marty Ford, Coa pronouncement on his plans Chair of the CCD Task Force for Social Security. The Presi- on Social Security and on dent said, “As we fix Social Long Term Services and SupSecurity, some things won’t ports, in a statement made last change: Seniors and people December: with disabilities will get their checks.” While this may be “Social Security as insurance true, all the evidence so far is essential to the protection suggests the size of those for people with disabilities. checks will be greatly reduced, Individual contributions proan issue the President has not tect the worker and certain yet addressed. family members for life with inflation protection. Partially Saving the System, or or fully privatizing the Social Protecting the People? President Bush’s emphasis on the long-range fiscal problems faced by the system is that the criteria for evaluating the various reform proposals has been limited to their impact on the health of the system itself, as well as their impact on the federal budget and the overall economy. Disability advocates are demanding that another criteria be added: How do the various proposals affect PEOPLE? The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities says, “The disability community urges Congress to request a beneficiary impact statement on every major component of any serious proposal. In a program that affects millions of individuals of all ages, it is essential for policymakers to look beyond the budgetary changes to understand the actual impact on people’s daily lives.”

Security trust funds would shift that protection from the federal government back to the individual, in the form of individual risk. People with disabilities and their families will be paying close attention to this debate and will work to ensure that disability issues remain an important consideration in reform analysis and solution development.” ■ Jeff Nygaard publishes a newsletter on politics called Nygaard Notes, in which he discusses Social Security— and many other things—at much greater length. E-mail subscriptions are free; paper subscriptions are $25/year, which covers printing and postage. To subscribe, send a check to Nygaard Notes at P.O. Box 14354, Minneapolis, MN 55414, or visit the Nygaard Notes website at www.nygaardnotes.org

For more information about Social Security reform and its potential effects on people with disabilities, check out these resources. For an excellent overall review of the Social Security program and the current discussion about changing it, see “Social Security Reform: The Basics,” from The Century Foundation (58 pages). It can be found on the Web at www.tcf.org/Publications/RetirementSecurity/ SocialSecurityBasicsRev2005.pdf or call 212-535-4441. The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities has set up a Social Security Task Force, and their website has very useful information, including a set of basic “Fact Sheets.” Find it at www.c-c-d.org/tf-socialsec.htm or call (202) 783-2229. The AARP put out a major report in 2001 called “The Effect of Social Security Reform Proposals on Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income, and Private Disability Insurance.” It’s somewhat lengthy, at 57 pages, but goes beyond Social Security Disability Insurance to give a broad picture of the larger context of income options facing people with disabilities. Find it on the web at: http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/ econ/2001_13_ssreform.pdf or call 1-888-687-2277.

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July 10, 2005

Emergency Preparedness: Is Expressing Anger Hot Topic For People Normal For People With Disabilities With Disabilities? by Kate Troy

by Mike Cohn, M.Ed.

mergency prepared- gency planning and response ness understandably for persons with disabilities. has been a focus of our Conference participants, rangnation’s discourse in the last ing from emergency respondseveral years. Scant attention ers, community leaders, muhas been given, however, to nicipal, county and state emerhow it pertains to individuals gency response planners, and with disabilities and those agen- individuals with disabilities, cies that serve them. As Presi- enriched the discussion with dent Bush mandated through their expertise and insights. an Executive Order on July 26, 2004, there is a need to The overwhelming response “strengthen from those in e m e r g e n c y “ . . . emergency a t t e n d a n c e preparedness response planning was that with respect to MSCOD suci n d i v i d u a l s often lacks critical ceeded in acwith disabili- provisions for people complishing ties.” The Min- with disabilities . . .” its four objecnesota State tives for the Council on Disability conference: (MSCOD) responded to that 1) Identify disability issues in need by hosting the Emeremergency situations; gency Preparedness Confer- 2) Provide tools to develop ence: Focus on Disability on emergency plans to meet June 10, 2005 at the St. Paul the needs of the disability RiverCentre. community; 3) Understand what questions MSCOD joined with local to ask concerning emeragencies including the Amerigency preparedness related can Red Cross, the Minnesota to disability issues; and, Division of Homeland Secu- 4) Identify resources to enrity and Emergency Managehance emergency prement, the Minnesota Departparedness plans related to ment of Health, the Minnesota the disability community. Board on Aging, and numer- Numerous participants stated ous others to create a dialogue in their evaluations that the about what has been done and conference did an excellent job what improvements need to be of increasing awareness on made with respect to emer- disability-related emergency

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issues. The smaller workshops also provided an opportunity for participants to hone in on areas of emergency preparedness most relevant to their interests such as mental health or disaster planning for persons with developmental disabilities. Indeed, responders, planners and responsible public officials have worked together to make significant progress in the arena of emergency preparedness. Despite these efforts, emergency response planning often lacks critical provisions for people with disabilities. More work needs to be done to make certain the unique needs of individuals with disabilities are met during an emergency situation and in its aftermath. MSCOD echoes the position of conference participants in saying that the Emergency Preparedness Conference: Focus on Disability was an important step in beginning that work. MSCOD looks forward to continuing to partner with emergency responders, planners, public officials, and persons with disabilities to ensure that the state and national discourse on emergency preparedness focus on disability. ■

or some reason, I grew up without having the kind of angry attitude about my disability that I have observed in others. Many people with disabilities express their disheartenment or disappointment over the fact that they have a disability by getting angry with people when they offer assistance. This can have a jaded impact on whether or not those same people decide to help others with disabilities in the future. It would be a lie if I told you I do not get angry at the fact that I have a disability. I think that is normal for someone living with a condition that he/she cannot change or improve. My angry feeling takes a tone similar to someone with cancer who might say to themselves, “Why me? It is not fair.” I said that a couple of times when I was a child. More often than not, I conclude that lashing out at someone who offers to help hurts the person with the disability more than it hurts the person trying to help. If you need help in the future, that help might not be there because you chose to lash out at the person offering help.

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Why have I chosen to handle anger about my disability the way I have? It is because I do not want to come across as being bitter or pissy. Sometimes this is hard to do in situations where a person chooses to be ignorant or rude. That is their problem, not mine. Assumptions are the worst type of ignorance. Because I am not shy, I choose to put myself in situations that many people with disabilities do not do, such as doing karaoke at a bowling alley, going midnight bowling, attending weekend concerts at local bars, watching Little League baseball games, or trying to get backstage at some of the rock concerts such as Bon Jovi or Styx. I may be making an assumption, but I do not see other people with disabilities at the kind of activities/events that I participate in or attend. On weekends when I have been out at a local entertainment establishment listening to bands and dancing along with everybody else, I have chosen not to take it personally and to get angry when some of the women on the dance floor turned away from me. They

may have turned away because of my disability, but the way I look at it is that they are dancing with their friends and do not want to dance with me. Or maybe their boyfriends or husbands are there, but not on the dance floor, and they do not want to cause problems for themselves by dancing with somebody else. Other times there are women who do not have a problem dancing with me even though their husband or boyfriend might be there. Being involved and active in the community is important to achieve a balance in life. Focusing on only one aspect of life that causes you anger will not create opportunities. You cannot change people’s initial impressions, however, your attitude may have a positive impact in bringing more people and opportunities into your life that could lead to friendships, companionship, marriage and creating a family. This can happen when people see you as a person, not just someone with a disability AND a bad attitude. ■

July 10, 2005

Disability Technology

Mental Illness/Brain Disorders

Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Country

Getting My â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wackyâ&#x20AC;? Back

by Jeni Mundl

To my surprise this last visit, the improvements that had been made allowed me to truly enjoy the outdoors. A person with a disability can obtain A Golden Pass through the DNR, which gives them free access to any national park. Our trip was also more pleasant because the four of us traveled in an accessible minivan with an electric ramp. The ramp is hydraulic and runs off a remote. An Easy Lock system on the floor allows me to drive into the passenger side of the minivan and lock down without the use of tie downs. It is similar to a ball and socket as there is a bolt attached to the bottom of my wheelchair. The Easy Lock catches the bolt securely. Studies show the wheelchair will stay locked even in a rollover. Considering the amount of times we were in and out of the minivan, the locked down saved a lot of time

by Pete Feigal

accessible.

The first stop was Custer State Park. The Wildlife Loop drive brings the visitor up close to buffaloes, burros, prairie dogs, and antelope. A buffalo herd walked across the road as we were driving along. Because it was so early in the tourist season, there were many calves alongside their mothers.

We drove up into the Medicine Bow Mountains. The day started out with a beautiful blue sky and a temperature of 75Â°. As we climbed upwards to the top, where the snow was higher than my van, and the temperature dropped to 47Â°. Of the two visitor centers in the mountains, one of them was accessible with the ramp while the One fun activity at the park is second was not. The nice thing feeding the begging burros. about this byway is the choice They will eat anything and one you have to just drive through it or to wander down the black â&#x20AC;&#x153;A buffalo herd walked top trails around Lake Marie. across the road as we Our problem, of course, was the snow had covered everywere driving along.â&#x20AC;? thing up. It still was worth our time and effort. does not even need to get out to their vehicle as the burros The next place we rested our come right up to your window. heads was close to Boulder, And there are several well- Colorado. It is worth the drive packed paths in the park that upwards if you are not afraid are great for a short walkâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; of heights. There are several these can be found around the pullovers with accessible lake or near the visitor center. walking areas. Upon venturing into Estes Park, we could Our next destination was access the visitor center outLaramie, Wyoming. We side of the park. It is exstayed in a Days Inn. The tremely accessible with a black Days Inn caters to the needs of top trail around it, plus elevaa person with a disability. tors and ramps. In addition, Their bathrooms are large with Estes Park has three accesrails and they have raised toi- sible trailsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Bear Lake, let seats. And, they even pro- Sprague Lake and Lily Lake. vided a commode if requested. Each trail has spectacular Breakfast was available in a views of the mountains in the dining area with ample room park. The Alpine Visitor Cento easily maneuver around. ter is at an elevation over Additionally, the inn accom- 11,000 ft. and the view is great! modated our request for adjoining rooms. We have many fond memories of the time we spent in the We stopped in Laramie spe- mountains and the learning cifically to visit the Snowy experience we had. It is imMountains. The day before possible to describe the feelwe arrived, Laramie had been ings you experience in the pounded with 8.5 inches of mountains and it is beyond snow. The city cleared up the what any words adequately can streets and sidewalks quite portray. nicely which made most of the stores and restaurants easily It is Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Country! â&#x2013;

5$03 &2168/7,1*

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think that this situation absolutely requires a really futile and stupid gesture be done on somebodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s part. And weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just the guys to do it!â&#x20AC;? -Otter and Bluto from â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Animal Houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

â&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve gotten old. I hit the big Five-Oh this Spring, but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not what I mean by old. I mean Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve lost my sense of humor. I drive the speed limit on my Harley. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tell people off as much as I used to. I take things,especially myself, too seriously. I worry about the bills. It takes more to fire me up. I tell myself that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got more to lose and less to prove. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve gotten practical, safe, and old. When I was fifteen, after months in a dismal mental hospital, I finally got my first pass and it was more exciting than a trip to the Grand Canyon. I got to go to K-Mart to buy a new toothbrush! Thrills galore! You know how in K-Mart they announce special sales over the speakers in the ceiling? â&#x20AC;&#x153;OK, K-Mart shoppers, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Blue Light Special on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ravenous, Ravenous Rhinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in Toys on aisle 18.â&#x20AC;? Whenever theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d do that, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d put my fists over my ears, hit the ground rolling and scream, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Voices!! The Voices!!â&#x20AC;? You HAVE to do it. Trust me. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d go into the fitting rooms and call out to those poor K-Mart employees, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hey! Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re out of toilet paper in here!â&#x20AC;? You have to do it or youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll go crazy. As Waylon Jennings sang: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always been crazy but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kept me from going insane.â&#x20AC;? I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get another pass for about a year, but it was worth it.

Sclerosis, I had this strength, this power, this fearlessness that came from being totally screwed. What can hurt you or humiliate you when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve lived in mental hospitals or have a disease thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s literally eating your spinal cord? People start having fewer expectations of you after youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve spent nine years in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Snoopyâ&#x20AC;? pajamas. I was bolder when I and everyone around me thought of me as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;crazy.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; When I had nothing to lose. When I kept getting hundreds of flyers from some annoying by-mail business, something like, â&#x20AC;&#x153;You too can

â&#x20AC;&#x153;. . . fewer expectations of you after youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve spent nine years in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Snoopyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pajamas.â&#x20AC;? raise Argentine beef cattle in your hall closet for fun or profit,â&#x20AC;? or something. I took the return postcard, (â&#x20AC;&#x153;No stamp necessary, postage is guaranteed by lawâ&#x20AC;?) taped it to a brick I wrapped in brown paper, and dropped it in a mailbox. Little ways of fighting back. Of waking myself up. Of finding some humor even in the midst of the toughest, hardest, saddest things.

not mean â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youth hostelâ&#x20AC;? and the only real French phrase actually meant, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thank you, no. You are too expensive and you resemble my sister.â&#x20AC;? Understand, these things arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pranks, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re practical jokes. Practical meaning necessary or you will die. If you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find a way to smile at life, the days and years go by, and none of them are yours. This last year Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve gotten about 30 years older. The cuts in human services, the War, my health, Red Lake. Things got to me. I spent too much time on the couch. I watched so many great nature shows on Discovery Channel that I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have time to actually go out into nature. I did so much speaking and teaching to groups of people that I forgot how to talk to a person.

But Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m coming back. I got some good medical help to get me out of the physical pain. I talked honestly to some good friends, one-on-one, that helped me remember myself. Red Lake, the War and the cuts in human services have reawakened me to remind myself where my talents fit the needs of the world. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve re-discovered that even though I â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;gave upâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; about eight hundred times, I never had much talent for When some of my buddies surrender. went to Europe and I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t able to join them because of So itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Toga Party!â&#x20AC;? my MS, I told them that since Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to spin the rear tire on I knew French and German so my Harley, to crank up Jimi well, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d make up a little Hendrix on the stereo, to invite â&#x20AC;&#x153;phrase bookâ&#x20AC;? for them, to help a bunch of people over and them get by. You know, dress up my cats like little butâ&#x20AC;&#x153;Which way to the rail sta- lers. And then get back out tion?â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;How much does that there, and re-inspire myself to cost?â&#x20AC;? you get the idea. The at least try. For so long, because of both truth, of course, is that not my time in the system with only can I not speak French or Hey, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s working. I just turned mental illness and Multiple German, I can barely speak forty-nine. English, and my friends so 3((5 0(1725,1* learned that â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bordelloâ&#x20AC;? does Thanks for all you guys do. â&#x2013; ,1'(3(1'(17 /,9,1* ,/ 6.,//6

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Ever since I was a little girl, the mountains have been my favorite destination. After I became wheelchair-bound, I was disappointed on my first visit back to the mountains because not much was accessible in the Snowy Mountains and Rocky Mountain National Park.

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o many people, myself included, the Mountains are Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s country. The magnificence of the rock formations, high altitudes, timberline, purple lupine wildflowers and wildlife are my little piece of heaven. Pictures cannot capture the vastness and the spectacular views one sees when visiting the Rocky Mountains or other high mountainous areas. Seeing mountains in person is the only way to appreciate their beauty.

July 10, 2005

Hidden Speech Disabilities In Baby Boom Women by Marlene Schoenberg, Ed. M. CCC/sp

ome disabilities are obvious to others. However, some people look physically perfect, but have deep invisible limitations. Over time they have successfully avoided confronting certain speech situations at work. Still waters run deep. They have to do mental gymnastics to avoid specific sounds or words. Lurking beneath their cool image is a pocket stuffed deeply with old hurts, then, one day this pocket erupts. Maybe it hits when their kids leave the nest. Maybe at menopause the usual coping strategies stop working. They have become successful using their natural talents, and although they are well qualified, they feel frightened to apply for a promotion. Perhaps a re-organization has turned their comfortable job into a position for which they never interviewed. They have stayed in the same spot, but their work no longer fits their talents. I refer to this collection of symptoms as “hidden speech disabilities.” One summer, in

my practice as a speech coach, I noticed similar subtle patterns of speech difficulties in five different businesswomen. Some women had mild symptoms and others’ symptoms were more severe. Women who exhibit hidden speech disabilities are competent employees, but they have deepseated speech conflicts even though they seem fine to others.

Childhood History As little girls, women with hidden speech disabilities had mild speech sound sequencing problems known as apraxia. Sometimes a parent had similar issues.

At times, they exhibited mild dyslexia, missing word endings (train/training) or misreading similar looking words (truck/trunk). They struggled to pronounce final consonant Telltale Grammar Hints clusters (e.g. /kst/ as in asked). Poor grammar is often the tell- In grade school, other chiltale sign or presenting issue. dren maliciously teased them. Phrases such as, “She ain’t got none,” may slip out during Even as adults, they continue business meetings. These to have fears of reading aloud kinds of comments may cause and words like spaghetti or co-workers to cringe. aluminum continue to be tongue twisters. They transI have noticed there are equal pose sounds. They might say numbers of Caucasian and “evelator” instead of elevator African-American women in or “Put the tar in the carage.” this group. Employees who exhibit these covert speech Because they were well-besymptoms may not be able to haved pupils, their teachers automatically code switch, or liked them and passed them, change from home dialect to even if they did borderline work dialect. However, not work. As adults, who appear all speakers of non-standard outwardly social with friends, English demonstrate this clus- their childhood fears persist. ter of symptoms. They may be extremely quiet

around new people and worry first, it is now time for them. about being “found out.” They ask themselves what is missing in their careers. The Safe Work, answer is confidence in comPutting Others First munication and guidance in Along with this mild sound- tackling those mouthfuls of sequencing problem, these long words. women exhibit a strong need for tactile learning or learning Hidden Speech Disability by touch. They often went Symptoms (in a nutshell) back to high school to finish 1. Difficulty with long words. their GED after becoming a 2. Occasional letter reversals single mom or a very young in reading or speech. wife. Their growing families 3. Avoidance of words, sounds became the center of their lives. or people. When their youngest child en- 4. Appearing outwardly tered school, their ticket to limfriendly, but inwardly ited success was an entry level struggling. position requiring only a high 5. Difficulty code switching school education. They stayed from rural grammar or Afriin that position for many years, can-American English to becoming loyal and dependStandard English. able employees, who knew the 6. Fear of leaving a safe posijob inside out. Never taking tion at work. the risk to post for a supervisor’s position, they secretly How does this affect employavoided getting into speaking ees’ behavior at work? situations they could not 1. They have fears of taking handle. even small risks. 2. They avoid conversations Fast forward 20 years to a situwith important people, esation where their children are pecially supervisors. grown or they are suddenly 3. They lack confidence to apindependent due to a divorce. ply for positions that require After years of putting others more verbal communication.

4. They are frustrated when colleagues with less experience and fewer skills move up in the company. 5. They are overly critical of their own mistakes. What is the treatment for hidden speech disabilities? 1. Intensive sound sequencing speech therapy. 2. Intensive patterned grammar training, both verbal and written. 3. Code switching awareness, considering different audiences. 4. Examining the relevance of old fears. 5. Building confidence. Perhaps you or someone you know feels ready to gather the courage to conquer those old speech fears. If so, a qualified speech pathologist, who understands both the workplace and speech issues, can help. Still waters may run deep but positive change, with the right support, can allow careers to flow and flourish. ■

MA-EPD Can Spell Trouble by Ashley

“saving for your retirement.” What happens when you reach the $20,000 MA-EPD asset limit (as opposed to the regular $3,000 asset limit for straight Medical Assistance)? The answer is that you must spend down below the $20,000 asset limit unless the money is absolutely not available to you before you retire. You end up paying a penalty and taxes on the money you CAN withdraw, and all you the sympathy you get for doing this is, “too bad, so sad.” It does make sense from the taxpayer’s standpoint that there be a cut-off for asset accumulation, but on the other hand, it becomes a crisis for This is a wonderful program, each affected individual. but here are some catches: Let’s say that you have been MA-EPD also tightened up on he topic this month is MA-EPD (Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities). The program encourages those who have been certified disabled to be gainfully employed without losing their Medical Assistance coverage for their medical bills. It allows a person with disabilities to pay a premium (based upon one’s monthly income) toward the cost of his or her medical care. It saves the taxpayers some money. Disabled persons are able to work and to feel good about being productive.

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their income eligibility guidelines last summer. In order to avoid make-work projects from becoming the norm for MA-EPD, the program requires that each employer establish work hours and an hourly rate (at least at the minimum wage rate—thus ruling out many people working in sheltered workshops). The hourly rate and the work hours must result in a gross paycheck (before taxes) of $65 per month. The employer must also withhold federal income tax, state income tax, Medicare and Social Security (FICA) from the paycheck. In that way, the “Uncle Charley” jobs (such as mowing the lawn for your parents or making your own bed) are excluded from the MA-EPD program. To that end, how would MAEPD treat an artist who infrequently sells pieces of art or a

writer who sells an occasional article? Unless it is a fairly regular sale and the taxes are withheld, such income would not likely make one eligible for MA-EPD.

work due to medical reasons for three months and still retain your MA-EPD eligibility. Once those three months have elapsed, however, you must return to work or you will have to spend your assets down to Another great aspect of MA- the $3,000 MA asset limit. EPD is that you can be off Otherwise, you are out of luck.

Think fast if that happens because you have ten days to spend it down. Better yet, plan ahead and have a list of things that you need and can purchase quickly. Whatever you do, don’t give it away or buy gifts for others, MA-EDP does not allow that. ■

July 10, 2005

Election Provisions That Chrestomathy Impact The Disability Community

by David Hadlich

by Mai Thor

lection legislation that passed during the regular session will be influential in providing access to voting for people with disabilities. Voting rights provisions were added to the State Government Finance Omnibus bill. The following are election provisions that will have an impact on the disability community:

of their ward. This report did not include information about the right to vote. The new law will require this reporting process to include information on the wardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right to vote. With this new change, the counties and the Secretary of State will be notified of who is eligible to vote under guardianship. Additionally, the ward will know what their own voting rights are and can retain a paper copy of this information for their own records.

1. Vouching: Employees of residential facilities can vouch for the individuals who live there even if the employee does 3. Accessible voting equipnot reside in the same prement: cinct. Among the facilities The legislature authorized that fit in this category are the state to use funding apgroup homes, nursing propriated by the Help homes, ICF/MRs, homeless America Vote Act (HAVA) shelters, and other tempoto purchase accessible votrary housing. The manager ing equipment. HAVA reof the facility will need to quires all polling places to provide the county auditor have one accessible voting with the names of its emmachine by January 2006. ployees at least 20 days beMinnesota will meet this fore Election Day. A regisrequirement for the state tered voter vouching in their elections in 2006 and the own precinct cannot vouch local elections in 2008. To for more than 15 people. this end, the Secretary of This rule does not apply to State has received employees of residential fa$35,000,000 to allocate cilities. throughout the state to purchase suitable equipment 2. Guardianship: that will provide voters with New language for individudisabilities independence als under guardianship proand privacy at the polls. An vides more clarity and states additional article in the next that a person under guardissue of Access Press speianship is eligible to vote cifically related to the unless a court order revokes HAVA bill will provide furthe right to vote. The former ther information. statute was ambiguous, causing those under guard- 4. Other provisions: â&#x20AC;˘ Challenges/challengers ianship to be uncertain about a. Challenges must be their right to vote. made in writing with the challengerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name, adAnother guardianship issue dress, and phone numaddressed during the session ber was how individuals would b. Challenges must be even know if they are elibased on personal gible to vote. Guardians are knowledge of the chalrequired to report annually lenger to the counties on the status Âł+RZ FDQ , JR WR ZRUN DQG NHHS P\ KHDOWK LQVXUDQFH"Â´ Â´+RZ GR , UHDOO\ NQRZ ZKLFK EHQHILW ,ÂˇP RQ"Âľ

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chresto- what?â&#x20AC;? This is what Executive Director Linda Moore often hears when asked the name of her company. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chrestomathy. It was selected c. Challengers must be a from the Greek derivative MN resident meaning of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;useful learning.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;˘ Election judges We are a day training and haa. All must have ID badges bilitation service center for indicating their position adults with developmental disb. Cannot be challengers abilities,â&#x20AC;? is her reply. â&#x20AC;˘ Ex-Felons a. Language clarified that But it is more than that. ex-felons are eligible to Chrestomathy specializes in vote once their sentence serving adults with complex has been completed needs, and has a client to staff â&#x20AC;˘ Survivors of domestic ratio of two to one. Founded in abuse/others who fear 1985, Chrestomathy operates retribution three sites located in South a. Name will be withheld Minneapolis, Eden Prairie, and from public information Burnsville. The organization list for safety reasons serves a little over 100 clients, by request of a signed some of whom have been with statement by voter to it from the beginning. The enthe Secretary of State hanced staff ratio allows them and county auditor to serve individuals with many â&#x20AC;˘ Same-day registration types of behaviors, including, a. Tribal IDs allowed when but not limited to, aggression, registering at polls. elopement, self-injurious behavior, spitting, toileting probThe passage of this legislation lems, and others. will help make it easier for people with disabilities to vote Even with these challenges, it by clarifying discrepancies and is the firm belief of Moore and allowing individuals to vote the staff that everyone deserves independently and privately an environment which allows for the first time. Much of the them to develop self-worth work done to get the election through meaningful activities legislation passed during the and work. Due to these issues, regular session was by the Chrestomathy is the only place Voting Rights Coalition, a col- for many of their clients, and laboration of several groups Moore and her staff are happy and non-profits of Minnesota to serve them. representing various sectors of the community. These breakthrough developments are a part of a continuing move to end disenfranchisement and intimidation of voters with dis- Primary Election Day: abilities and other groups. In Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2005 the future, voting can be a rewarding experience and not a Absentee voting begins for challenging process. For the General Election: Oct. 7, 2005 full text of the State Finance Omnibus Bill, you can access General Election Day: the Minnesota State Legisla- Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2005 ture website at http://www. Polls are open: 7am-8pm revisor.leg.state.mn.us/data/ house/ccr/ls84/ccrhf1481. Who will be on the ballot? html. â&#x2013; Local elections are occurring this year. That means most

With a positive, pro-active approach, and a commitment to excellence, even the most difficult clients to work with see progress, even though it may be measured over months, not days or weeks. Every client gets the opportunity to participate in the renowned Chrestomathy artwork programs, which also can provide a small income for the clients. Handmade soaps, hand stenciled t-shirts and sweatshirts, birdhouses and birdfeeders are available to the public, all created by clients. This July, Chrestomathy celebrates its 20 year anniversary. When it first began, Moore and some associates were providing residential housing to individuals who had come from state institutions and were â&#x20AC;&#x153;difficult to handle.â&#x20AC;? Hennepin County invited the group to submit a proposal for a Day Training and Habilitation Center. The idea was to provide better services to these difficult individuals. With only a dozen clients at first, Chrestomathy opened up in South Minneapolis at the Sabathani Community Center. To this day, it still maintains a relationship with Sabathani. Moore, a licensed psychologist over those 20 years, takes a personal interest in the clients, and the programs that are developed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Clients all have

different passions and interests, and it is critical that we tap into these for their benefit and progress. Over time, focus and positive attitude and art help to reach and engage difficult clients.â&#x20AC;? Crystall Corell knows the difference that time can make. For almost 18 years, she has been a fixture at Chrestomathyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sabathani site. She started out as a direct care worker and is now a supervisor. When asked what makes a Chrestomathy employee successful, she replied, â&#x20AC;&#x153;A sense of humor is important, but caring deeply about what you are doing; caring about the clients, not what your experience will be.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everyone should work at Chrestomathy at least once in their life,â&#x20AC;? says Corell. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It stays with you.â&#x20AC;? She is right. As a former employee, it has stayed with me for all these years. One of the changes over the past twenty years is that clients now tend to come from a family home, instead of an institutional setting. This necessitates the addition of parents and other concerned family members to the interdisciplinary teams. But the change is a good one. As noted earlier, the clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s individual preferences, likes and dislikes are more easily ascertained than before, Chrestomathy - cont. on p. 12

2005 Election Calendar cities and school districts will be filling seats such as mayor, city council member, and school board member. Check with your local elections office after July (the filing period) to see who has officially filed for candidacy. Stay informed!

â&#x20AC;˘ A US citizen â&#x20AC;˘ A resident of Minnesota for at least 20 days before Election Day â&#x20AC;˘ An ex-felon who has completed probation and parole â&#x20AC;˘ Not under guardianship in which the court has revoked You are eligible to vote if you your right to vote are all of the following: â&#x20AC;˘ Not considered legally â&#x20AC;˘ At least 18 years old by incompetent by a court Election Day You will need to register to vote if: â&#x20AC;˘ You have never voted before â&#x20AC;˘ You have moved to a new address since the last time you voted â&#x20AC;˘ Your name has changed since the last time you voted â&#x20AC;˘ The last time you voted was four or more years ago. You can pre-register to vote up to 20 days before Election Day. You can also register on Election Day. To obtain a registration card, contact your local county or city elections office, the Office of the Secretary of State at www.sos. state.mn.us or 651-215-1440. If you have further questions, contact Mai Thor at mthor @midmnlegal.org or 612-7463716.

July 10, 2005

News At A Glance . . . Support Access Press with your United Way Designations When Making a Designation: • You may designate all or a portion of your United Way contribution to any qualified nonprofit organization as defined in section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code. • Designations need to be made and submitted at the time of the pledge. • Complete information, including the agency name, address, city and state is required to ensure that a designated gift is correctly processed. No numeric agency code is required. • Donor names and gift details are forwarded to designated agencies once a year. Donor names will not be forwarded if anonymity is requested, or if a donor’s employer doesn’t provide detailed gift information.

Voting and Policy Issues Community Forum for People with Disabilities

The Minnesota Disability Law Center (MDLC) will be hosting a series of community forums throughout the summer for the disability community called, “Voting and Policy Issues Community Forum for People with Disabilities.” The purpose of these forums is to provide information on the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), address how people with disabilities can access voting, and connect local elected officials with the disability community. The remaining forums will be scheduled for: • The Ramsey County area-St. Paul, July 25, 2005 from 6:008:00 PM. Location: Hamline-Midway Public Library, 1558 West Minnehaha Avenue, St. Paul, MN. • The North Central area-St. Cloud, August 10, 2005 from 6:008:00 PM. Location: TBA. While the Greater Twin Cities United Way allows donors to • The Southwest area-Marshall, August 31, 2005 from 6:00designate all or a portion of their gift to ANY 501(c)(3), they 8:00 PM. Location: TBA. do not provide a listing or other promotional materials for organizations that are not partner agencies of the United Way. Scheduled for the forums will be demonstrations of the If you are interested in finding out more information about AutoMark, an accessible voting equipment from Election designating their United Way gifts to Access Press please see Systems & Software. The event is free and open to the public. the designation policy on their website at www.unitedwaytwin If you would like more information, please contact Mai Thor at cities.org. (612)-746-3716, mthor@midmnlegal.org.

Child Care/Nursery Assistant One, two, we’re ready for you. Three, four open the door…assist agency staff in providing supervision and care for the children who must wait while their parents complete interviews, or attend support groups or counseling sessions. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. Contact Ramsey County Community Human Services —Volunteer Services at 651-266-4090 for additional information or e-mail to volunteerservices@co.ramsey.mn.us.

New Project to Assist Northside Residents with Developmental Disabilities

Jordan New Life Community Church will host an open house for its new One Stop Family Service Center on Saturday, July 16, 2005 from 2-5 p.m. The church has received a contract from the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities to provide navigation services to families in the Jordan community and North Minneapolis who have children or young adults with developmental disabilities. The site will be a single location where families will be assisted in Judd Jacobson Memorial Award developing personal family plans for accessing and receiving Courage Center, a rehabilitation and resource center for services for their children. people with disabilities, is seeking applications for its annual Judd Jacobson Memorial Award. The Jordan neighborhood has been identified by the state actuary as having a disproportionately high percentage of Established in 1992, the Jacobson Award recognizes the residents who are developmentally disabled, while remaining pursuit or achievement of a business entrepreneurial endeavor the most underserved neighborhood in the city of Minneapolis. by a person with a physical disability or sensory impairment. The purpose of the project is to empower Northside families to The award recipient will be honored at a luncheon in October understand what services are available and to be able to and receive a $5,000 cash award to advance their business access those services. endeavor. The project is the result of extensive research performed by the To be considered for the Jacobson Award, applicants must be State demographer and the INTER-RACE Institute which 18 years of age and reside in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa or showed families of color, and low-income families that have a North or South Dakota. Applicants must also demonstrate person with a developmental disability often feel they are entrepreneurial skill, financial need, exceptional personal treated with contempt and disrespect when trying to access commitment, and have received little or no public recognition services for their children. Jordan New Life will provide a for their business endeavor. welcoming and supportive environment for families to carry out their plans. Applications are available online at www.courage.org. This year’s application deadline is Friday, August 5, 2005. For Jordan New Life Community Church lives to transform and more information about the Judd Jacobson Memorial Award, empower individuals to do God’s mission in North contact Tom Kelley, research and policy assistant at 763-520- Minneapolis. Jordan New Life is a non-profit 501(c)(3) church 0675 or at TTY 763-520-0245. of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). 1922 - 25th Avenue N., Minneapolis, MN, Phone: (612) 5228624, email: PrLha@aol.com, www.jordannewlife.org.

Activities and Adventures For Youth & Families THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! Explore the places you’ve been and the places you hope to go. We will use creative activities such as sculpting, painting and carving to stimulate skills in flexibility and building a better understanding of self, leading to improved self-identity. This is for transition age youth and young adults (ages 14+ including siblings/best friend and other family members). WHEN: Fridays: June 24, July 8 & 22, Aug. 5 & 19: 10–12:30 WHERE: 2131 Fairview Ave. N., Roseville in the former school attached to Corpus Christi COST*: $90/Family THE STORIES YOU’LL TELL! Stories are a great way to make connections. Through stories we can ask questions, try on new roles, or even re-order life situations. Stories are a way to explore and give clarity to life’s muddier moments. Join us in weaving tales using a variety of creative expressive techniques and storytelling around a campfire. This is for school age youth (ages 6–21 including siblings/best friend and other family members). WHEN: Thursday Evenings: June 30, July 14 & 28, Aug.11: 6:00—8:00 PM WHERE: 1745 Birmingham St. in Maplewood COST*: $72/Family FAMILY ART IN THE PARK Barbecue, treasures, games, music. Stimulate your health and creativity with an awesome family activity! Through the use of music, we will create a song to explain the unexplainable to those who will never walk in our shoes. WHEN: July 19 and August 16: 6:00–8:30 PM WHERE: Como Park in the shelter off Hamline and Midway Parkway across from the zoo. COST*: $36/Family per night RAFTING A RIVER OF CHANGE For Adults (parents, grandparents, adult caregivers) For our children with special needs there are transitions, developmental changes, new diagnoses, change in caregivers, doctors and teachers, different programs, alternative therapies or techniques – a never-ending river of change. In this series we will explore through the written word and other forms of creative expression the ways we must adjust and adapt to changing circumstances while remaining afloat and learning to embrace the beauty of the ever-changing scenery. WHEN: The 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month: June 13 & 27, July 11 & 25, August 8 & 22: 7:00–9:00 pm WHERE: Falcon Heights United Church of Christ, 1795 Holton St., Falcon Heights. COST*: $96 Pre-Registration is required! To register for the above events, contact the Family Institute at 651.779.8199 or register online at: www.familyinstitute-cwb.org. *Scholarships are available for all programs. Please pay what you can afford. Ask Diane for details. These programs are therapeutic and designed to meet individual disability needs and are in most cases eligible to be included in waiver budgets. AT A Glance - cont. on p. 13

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July 10, 2005

ADA CASES - Cont. from p. 2 INGPUBLICAGENCIES Barnes vs. Gorman: 2002. This was the case regarding the person who was quadriplegic and used a wheelchair, who was ordered out of a bar for disorderly conduct and carried to the police station in an inaccessible police car which caused permanent lasting injury. The jury in the district court case awarded him a million dollars in actual damages, and 1.2 million in punitive damages. The Supreme Court ultimately held that punitive damages are not available to plaintiffs in Title II cases. But here, at least, Mr. Gorman got the original million-dollar jury verdict for actual damages. Tenessee vs. Lane, 2004 Here, the Supreme Court took up the issue of whether a state was immune from lawsuits for money damages brought under Title II of the ADA, in the same way as it had decided states were immune from money damage suits under Title I of the ADA. Readers will remember that this was the case where persons with disabilities who used wheelchairs were denied dignified access to courthouses without being carried in. Here the Supreme Court finally came through and found that, when the issue involves a fundamental right, such as availing oneself of the services provided by a courthouse, or when a party or a witness to a case, a plaintiff could seek monetary damages for denial of access as a fundamental right. Future cases will involve whether or not the Supreme Court is willing to expand this right beyond making courthouses accessible. Goodman vs. Georgia, 2005 This is a case that the Supreme Court has just accepted for review and will not be argued until next term, 20052006. This case involves whether or not a court will expand the exemption to state immunity against Title II lawsuits for a prisoner who is paraplegic and uses a wheelchair. The facts seem to be that the prison in which the plaintiff is held keeps him in isolation for 23 out of 24 hours a day. The cell isn’t even wide enough for him to turn around in when using his wheelchair, and showers and toilets are not accessible. The U.S. has intervened on the side of the plaintiff in this case. We’ll have to wait until next year to see what happens in this case. Will accessible prison cells rise to the level of a fundamental right for purposes of a monetary damages provision in a Title II lawsuit under the ADA?

TIONS CASES The Supreme Court has decided two cases that involve issues under Title III of the ADA, dealing with public accommodations/private businesses. Martin vs. PGA, 2001 In this case involving the professional amateur golfer, Casey Martin, the court first held that a sports facility needs to be accessible, not only to spectators, but in certain cases to participants as well. This particular case, as readers will remember, involved Casey Martin, with serious physical impairments, which wanted to use a golf cart during the final prong of the PGA competition-the only prong in which golf carts were not allowed. The court determined that in this case allowing a golfer to use a cart did not constitute a substantial alteration to the program. In other words, it didn’t give Martin an advantage over other golfers because, as the court stated, even using a cart, Martin is in more pain and discomfort and has more difficulty than a walking golfer in competing. This is a narrow ruling but a significant one because it holds out hope that other persons with disabilities might be able to participate in sports, as well as be a spectator at sporting events. Spector vs. Norwegian Cruise Lines 2005 This case ultimately holds that cruise lines, even foreignbased ones, do not escape coverage under Title III of the ADA even though cruise lines were not one of the specific businesses listed under the definition of public accommodations. At this point, the court seems to be hinting that such coverage may not extend to requiring cruise lines, (either foreign-based or domestic) to remove architectural barriers. Hopefully, a more enlightened court can re-visit this issue at some time.

CONCLUSION The full account of most of these cases can be found by looking at back issues of Access Press on their web site, www.accesspress.org, from 2002 to date. What happens next at the Supreme Court level depends greatly on whether or not a current justice retires and our current president has the opportunity to appoint someone else. If that happens during our current administration, the appointment may well be someone on the most conservative end of the spectrum. Remember that President Bush has said that he believes someone like Justices Thomas or Scalia would be the best appointees. They are the most conservaPUBLIC ACCOMMODA- tive justices. The rumors that Chief Justice Rehnquist (on

the conservative side) would step down. That hasn’t happened as yet. If he steps down, not only will the administration be able to appoint another justice, even more conserva-

tive than Chief Justice Rehnquist, but this administration would be able to appoint the next chief justice. We’ll all need to pay close attention to the Supreme Court

Tuesday July 26, 2005

and its makeup in the next few a crucial swing vote on diviyears. sive social issues such as abortion, is retiring. She is 75 years Editor's Note: Sandra Day old. ■ O'Connor, the first woman to sit on the Supreme Court and

Registration Please return form by July 15

9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Mail:

Earle Brown Heritage Center

ADA MN c/o MCIL 1600 University Ave. West #16 St. Paul, MN 55104

Fax:

651-603-2006

6155 Earle Brown Dr. Brooklyn Center, MN 55430

763-569-6300 For directions, visit http://mn.vsarts.org For nearly 15 years, the Americans with Disabilities Act has protected the civil liberties of people with disabilities. Celebrate the past, present and future of the ADA and learn more about your rights under the Act at this exciting, free event! Learn about the state’s hiring process by visiting agency booths. This is a scent- and fragrance-free event.

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE: 9:00 a.m. Registration and Exhibits open 9:30 a.m. “ADA 15 Years Strong: Then, Now and Beyond” Barry Taylor, Legal Advocacy Director at Equip for Equality, Inc., the Illinois Protection and Advocacy system. 10:30 a.m. Break

Email: bettyc@mcil-mn.org

Name___________________________________ Address_________________________________ City____________________________________ State______________Zip___________________ Phone #(_____)__________________________ E-mail__________________________________

Note: You may not get your first choice of workshops due to space limitations Rank your top two choices for A.M. workshops: __ Aging and Disability __ Medicare Part D – Prescription Drug Program __ Mental Health Issues in the Workplace

Rank your top two choices for P.M. workshops: __ Reasonable Accommodations at Work __ Accessible Web Design __ Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities

Please indicate if you need any of the following:

11:00 a.m. Morning Concurrent Workshops (3) • Aging and Disability __ Large Print • Medicare Part D - Prescription Drug Program. __ Braille • Mental Health Issues in the Workplace __ Tape Noon

Lunch available for purchase on site

1 p.m.

Afternoon Concurrent Workshops (3) • Reasonable Accommodations at Work • Accessible Web Design • Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities

2:15 p.m. Keynote Presentation: John Hockenberry, Peabody and Emmyaward winning journalist and Dateline NBC correspondent 3:15- 3:30 p.m. Closing Remarks

If you have questions regarding the conference, contact Cindy at ADA MN at 651-603-2015 (TTY 651-603-2001) or cindyt@mcil-mn.org. If you are a business or non-profit organization interested in exhibiting at the conference, contact Jo Erbes at 651-646-7588 or e-mail ucpmn@cpinternet.com.

__ Computer Disc __ Interpreter (specify)________________ __ Other (specify)___________ Platinum Sponsors: Access Press; Cargill; Courage Center; and Institute on Community Integration Gold Sponsors: ADA Minnesota; Arc Hennepin-Carver; Great Lakes ADA & IT Center; MCIL; Minnesota Department of Transportation; Minnesota State Council on Disability; Northwest Airlines; Transit Team; and VSAarts Silver Sponsors: Gillette Children’s Specialty Health care; LifeWorks Services; MACIL; Minnesota Department of Human Services; Names, Numbers & More; Rise, Inc; Robins, Kaplan, Miller, & Ciresi; State Services for the Blind; Thrivent Financial; and UCare Bronze Sponsors: ACT; ARC of Minnesota; Brain Injury Association of Minnesota; Center for Inclusive Child Care-Concordia; City of Bloomington-Human Services Division; CSD; Deaf Blind Services of Minnesota/Vision Loss Resources; Deaf/Hard of Hearing Services Division; Disability LinkAge Line; Fraser; Interact; Inver Hills Community College; Handimedical Supply; HousingLink; LDA of Minnesota; Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights; Minnesota Department of Employee Relations (MDOER); Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development/Rehabilitation Services/Vocational Rehabilitation (DEED); Minnesota Department of Human Rights; NAMI-MN; National MS Society–Minnesota Chapter; Nemer Fieger; PACER; People Enhancing People (PEP); Restart; SWCIL; Top Shelf Custom Cabinetry; and United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota Vendors DHS Disability Services Division; Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota; Minneapolis Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities; Minnesota Disability Law Center; Relay Minnesota; Senior LinkAge Line; and Wilderness Inquiry

July 10, 2005

Access Press Readers Share Their Reflections

The articles first came to me many people I know in the Congratulations on your 15th When I am looking for a received because of it. Workon diskettes or hard copy paper. It makes me feel like I anniversaryand continued particular service or profes- ing and learning with editors, (sometimes hand written), of- am a part of a big disability best wishes to you and all the sional that might specialize in teachers and mentors like ten delivered by Charlie and community. It helps me re- staff at Access Press. the area of disability, I turn to Charlie and Tim, passionate his PCA. Eventually, a member that we all have Sincerely, Dan and the BCM Access Press for ideas on staff and brilliant writers like family wonderful software pro- something imwhere to start. For example, I Jeff Nygarrd. I’ve gotten gram—Qmodem—became portant to set up trust funds after reading feedback and contact from In 2000, Lori Guzman’s column about people all over the world. A available which allowed our say. I Congra tulation s on 15 C h a r l i e them. It is Minnesota’s only woman from the Outback of computers to actually “talk” w a s That is year quite a S m i t h newspaper focusing on dis- Australia sharing how her son milesto s! to each other with the aid of r e a d i n g ne. Jea and I ability issues and concerns. I has had experiences like our slow computer modems A c c e s s Lottsa T nne Brose, ax and Accoun shared look forward to the next 15 mine. Another woman from and a dial-up telephone line. Press 15 ting a memo- years!) Russia telling me about menWe had to enter all sorts of years ago rable con- Linda Wolford tal health conditions in the strange computer characters and I’m still versation. former Soviet Union. My to get it rolling, and it wasn’t reading it today. I’m We talked about the I have loved reading Access father telling me that he liked exactly fast, but it was quicker glad Minnesota has a good educational challenges he Press since I was introduced a particular story and that he than those long drives trans- disability newspaper. faced as a disabled student in to it at work 15 years ago! I thought I was a good writer. porting material between St. Gloria Steinbring the 1970s. I didn’t know have a monthly habit of ✦✦✦ Paul and Mound. It is fun to Charlie very long, but I’ve reading a bit of Access Press Just having a deadline to bring remember how thrilled we were then and to try to image Access Press continues to be always admired his work and each day for a week over some kind of order and sending the volume of data we the paper I look to for the most dedication in bringing news breakfast. It is the only discipline to my writings and use today in that old, slow up-to-date information on the and information to people publication I receive that I thoughts has been a gift. The ✦✦✦ manner. And now we do it legislative session and news with disabilities. In 2005, I am actually read cover to cover. I memories, stories and friends The articles of Access Press with about happenings and privileged to help carry on the truly believe in Access Press I’ve made and shared in my continue to introduce me to controversies in the tradition by serving as the and their accomplishments. column have shaped a half the big range of issues disability commu- Access Press Webmaster. This is why I am honored to dozen different workshops , s s e that make up the disnity at large. Ac- Congratulations, Access serve on the board of such a that I’m now doing around the r P s s u cces keeping Dear A r ability rights movement. fine newspaper. I wish country both as my calling cess Press has Press! o f n o ,c you y issues nity Thank it il Alice Oden and my job. b I read Access Press made itself a is d tu e oppor d about because it covers accessible informe e day, and for th eir story th And even though I’ve events, issues and to blind per- Thanks to everyone to tell th cerns of people y n a n. m io involved with seen political and in information not availsons, first p for o I d evour e ss their rbes verythin Access financial setable in the mainstream through disc, Access Press or expre o and Steve E P g re in J me info ss. The newsp backs to people media. “Reporting the and now for your comaper kee rmed an ps d up-tolatest dis with special unreported” would be a through their mitment to d a te on th abilitye Best of abilities in this great byline for Access Press. website. Here’s to keep the disall, peo related issues. ple with state over the I find it really uplifting to hear minimal ten more years and a 25-year ability commud is abilities are in c harge! nity informed about last seven years, all these different voices keystrokes and can make fast, celebration in 2015. Wendy Brower I’ve seen an equal calling for justice, calling for last minute changes. Kathy Hagen, Minnesota disability news and issues! We, in the metro amount of energy fairness, calling for social Disability Law Center area, are VERY lucky to have and commitment rise to change, filling in the gaps in It has also been rewarding to such a great newspaper. Your meet those obstacles, people ✦✦✦ my own ignorance about watch the paper grow in size, work over the past 15 years Access Press many more brought together and given a disability culture. Thanks to appearance, and staff. I can all who keep Access Press remember how excited we I appreciate Access Press’ has been key to Minnesota’s years of continued success. voice through Access Press. going. were when we added spot strong coverage of legislative active and engaged disability Kelly Matter, Goodwill/Eas- Pete Feigal Bret Hesla, Advocating color and when we first went issues affecting people with community. A special thanks ter Seals Thanks! Thank you for Change Together to 16 pages—and now there is disabilities and their families. and congratulations to the full color and there has even Information is power and dedicated staff for ALL you I’ve been writing for Access keeping us in touch with a vast ✦✦✦ been a 24 page issue! Charlie Access Press has been a do every month! Press since April of ’98, and I array of topics over the past I have been creating the and his mother and father powerful source of informa- Anne L. Henry, MN Disabil- can’t count the blessings I’ve Celebrate - cont. on p. 11 camera-ready artwork, which (both an integral part of the tion about disability issues ity Law Center is sent to Access Press’ print initial operation) would be so and concerns. Thank you! house for mass production, proud to see what the paper Kim Keprios, Arc Hennepin- Newspapers have traditionally ignored issues of imporsince around the paper’s has become. Carver tance to the disability inception. It has been an In this Special Anniversary Issue, community. That’s why Ac✦✦✦ extremely rewarding associa- Tim, Terri, the board and the we will honour your support and cess Press has been so tion. rest of the staff, you should all be praised and proud that you As a disabled person with important as a provider of commitment to our efforts over the years. It has been wonderful to have enabled Charlie’s dream cerebral palsy, I want to thank information and as a vehicle watch the paper grow. I to continue on in such a the staff for all the help. In to share the varied and many Show your appreciation of remember first receiving the wonderful manner. Thank 1990, I had a car accident that voices in the community. what the paper has meant to you by articles on diskette and the you all and thank you for I had to recover from. On Thanks for being there! placing a Congratulatory Ad in this unique issue. advertisers had to send print- allowing me to come along on April 3, 2005 my sister, Sue Abderholden, National ready, paper artwork to the the ride! Jacque died of cancer. She Alliance for the Mentally Ill exact dimensions, since I Ellen Houghton, Presenta- had been very sick for about 6 of Minnesota If you already advertise, please consider literally pasted them onto the tion Images months. I will miss her. The taking out an additional ad to pay tribute to ✦✦✦ old, large paper layout sheets, Access Press staff helped me Yes, Folks, it’s not “all about our 15-year commitment of providing the which were then sent onto the through some very sensitive the Benjamins! (big bucks to most informative and up-to-date stories on print house. I love reading Access Press. It issues. Thank you very much. those unfamiliar with the the issues affecting the disability community makes me feel good to see so Joel McGuiggan, The Joel slang)”; (Sorry, Tim, pun and its friends and advocates. M c G u i g g a n intended). It’s about building a consensus and empowering Foundation The deadline for submitting ads the “disabled, their friends, their advocates, and us “hangfor this issue is July 22, 2005. ers-on.” Thanks to Charlie and Tim for publishThank you for your support. ing Access Press, the great Minnesota Keep up the good work!” disability community newspaper for 15 Clifton E. “Clif” Ollila, years. Access Press is essential to bring Access Press M.S.W., A.C.S.W., L.I.C.S.W. awareness of disability issues not only 1821 University Avenue W., #104 S., [Yes, that’s one “f” in Clif.] to persons with disabilities but to the St. Paul, MN 55104 Case Manager, Ramsey rest of the citizens of Minnesota and Phone # 651-644-2133 County Adult Protection Serpublic officials. – Tom Brick vice Unit Fax # 651-644-2136 ccess Press is celebrating 15 years of providing the Twin Cities community with important news that affects its disability population. We want to take this opportunity to thank you, our readers, contributors, and advertisers, for being part of our history. We recently invited you to help us take a nostalgic look at what the paper has meant to everyone involved in our journey over the last 15 years. Following are some of your reflections, memories and thoughts on the issues or stories you recalled from your involvement with us. Thank you for taking the time to share these thoughts with us.

August 2005 Issue

Access Press has been a wonderful resource to me personally for many years.

www.accesspress.org email: access@accesspress.org

July 10, 2005

CELEBRATE- Cont. from p.10

A Day In The Sun At Zippity Zoo!

15 years. I know first hand what it takes to put out this fine publication every month. I commend the staff at Access Press for your contributions, not only to the disability community, but to the entire Minnesota community in which we live. Thank you and keep up the GREAT work!!! Mike Chevrette, Metropolitan Center for Independent Living

by Terri Ricci

Dear Tim and All at Access Press and All the Colleagues in Minnesota:

people in need. Her hope is it, it is obsolete, because of that there is a better underthe upgrades being made We love you! Justin loved standing of how to commuevery day.” She suggests you and will continue to love nicate with people with that they have a trade-in you! Thank you for your dediadaptive devices. system, similar to hockey cated leadership for justice and equipment, where you can democracy! Thanks to your trade your device in for a • Nathaniel Johns was very and your late colleague, sleepy when interviewed. newly upgraded one. Then Charlie’s vigilant advocacy, While patiently waiting for someone just starting out Access Press and ADA have lunch in the shade of a great can purchase your old one. both reached their 15th birthoak, he enjoyed talking with Sounds like a great idea! days. me about his plans for after Access Press is a valuable the interview. He was going • The Ghylin family, Alvin, Jonathon Erspamer & asset for current information HAPPY 15, ACCESS PRESS! to have his face painted with David, Abby and Curtis Rosemary Schaffer on the disability issues. Very HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ADA! a baseball on it. traveled to the zoo from helpful advocacy organizaLakeville, MN. They tion. Relative to civil rights laws of prance and the other sleep originally lived in Carol Cochran the past, the ADA has been in the shade. Maple Grove, MN, more successful than anyone For five years UCP of Minnebut when the school Each of us belongs to a had a right to expect. sota has hosted Zippity Zoo • Jen Kozloski and system was number of This is not to say Day at the Como Zoo in St. Ann Kobleski not able to communities. that its long-term Paul. The zoo has gone traveled from keep up with We value each success is assured. through a transformation over Cloquet, Minnethe technolfor how those years. The new entrance sota to attend the ogy David “I am with you always. Democracy and visitors’ center has upevent this year. needed in orI love you. Lead on. they is a frag- lifted this zoo and it shows They both were der to learn, Lead on.” ile thing. that this community cares enrich they moved happy the sun — Justin Dart, Jr. The forces about the environment, the to Lakeville so was shining and of re- people of the community and our lives — David could they commented, treat the animals that call the zoo neighborliness, attend the “It is more creativity, Minnesota home. crowded this The Ghylin family are powerful, common State Acadyear.” massively funded and dog- This year over 125 individuals goals and emy of the Blind Jen Kozloski & matically determined. They came to Zippity Zoo Day. In beliefs, diverse goals and in Faribault, MN. If you have never attended They discussed Ann Kobleski beliefs, health and wellbeing, may prevail. We must remain attendance were participants Zippity Zoo Day or been to the the communicavigilant, passionate and uni- from all over Minnesota and education, fulfillment, etc. At the Academy, David re- newly renovated Como Zoo, tion devices they use. Jen fied ever before in our advo- Wisconsin. I interviewed sevceives more one-on-one in- you might want to think about has a DynaVox Dynamite We appreciate the media, like cacy for a just society. It may eral people who use assistive struction yet he also has it. When the weather is nice, it system. Her system is a few Access Press, which tell us how take centuries for ADA to reach communication devices: other children to interact is one of the best events of the years old now and she is we are doing, what we need to all of its goals. with that have a similar range summer! ■ waiting for the day she can be doing and how we and the of abilities. They also have • Robert Gregory and Shangupgrade her system. Ann greater world fit, or should fit, Listen to Justin’s cry to all of the adaptive technology wen Batchelder sure us: “Let us embrace each other together. that he needs in order to were enjoying themfor reverence for individual learn. With all the techselves in the sun on the The role of Access Press is human life. Let us go forward nology they have in way to see the primates vital, and I greatly appreciate together no matter how long it place, he was able to ac(the monkeys). Bob the vitality, successes, takes to create an America that complish a lot all by himthought the camera opportunities and challenges empowers all.” self: he studied about would break if I took that you describe in your Latin America, took a his picture. I assured Colleagues, you have the pages. Onward! quiz, and passed it! him that it wouldn’t and Jon Skaalen, Access to The- power! We have the power! the picture with this atre & Program Coordina- We have the responsibility! • Peg Johnson is a longarticle is the proof. tor, VSA arts of Minnesota Let us act! time disability activist. Shangwen Batchelder & Robert Gregorry She is the founder of • Rosemary Schaffer and Leading on together no matter Express Yourself MN, mentioned that every Jonathon Erspamer were ✦✦✦ what. We love you! which provides supassistive communication enjoying the Polar Bears and Bridget Harvey & port group and assistive device is like a computer their smiles sure showed it “I am with you always. I love Yoshiko and the family Peg Johnson technology devices to “As soon as you purchase as they watched one bear you. Lead on. Lead on.” — Justin Dart, Jr. hough it has not been a very sunny summer so far, United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Minnesota had another wonderful day for their annual Zippity Zoo Day on Friday June 17, 2005. Zippity Zoo Day is co-sponsored by: DynaVox Systems, AbleNet, Prentke Romich and Assistive Technology, Inc. In the years that they have been doing this the weather has been great. They have a special order in for sunshine. One year it was over 110 degrees and only one year they had rain.

July 10, 2005

Fringe Is In The Air!

his August 4 to 14, the Minnesota Fringe presents five ASL-interpreted, 16 audio-described and two captioned shows at the 12th annual Fringe Festival. Experience the largest non-juried theater festival in the nation and third largest Fringe in North America. To find even more information about the 2005 Fringe, check out the printed program available August 3 or visit the official Fringe Web site www.fringefestival.org or VSA arts http://mn.vsarts. org which are both Federal Section 508 compliant sites. Red Eye Theater \sek-’se-te-re\ ASL: 8/13 5:30pm Out of the Story Box Productions Have you ever masturbated with a vacuum or washing machine? This solo-performance work combines spoken word, visual art, music, and ontology to blow apart the walls of sexuality. Katie Knutsonfrente016@yahoo.com Southern Theater Lick! ASL: 8/10 1:00pm The Mechanical Division A comedic dance show, selfproclaimed as the “sexiest dance show the world has ever known,” promises to inject art into your soul with a great big syringe of sexiness. Ben Thietje benthietje@yahoo.com

time into an unwielding kaleidoscope of theater. Daniel Reiva dprw@yahoo.com Bryant-Lake Bowl A Tempest…for Two AD: 8/12 6pm Knighthorse Theatre Co. A breathtaking adaptation of Shakespeare’s Tempest, two actors bring to life this classic tale of treachery and forgiveness using only Shakespeare’s words and your limitless imagination. Great for all ages. Tyrus Lemerande tyrusm@aol.com Intermedia Arts Chicks in Space AD: 8/4 7:00pm Theatre Unbound A valiant womanoid space team blasts off in search of brave new worlds. Inflatable astronauts! Gold lame’ boots! “She cannae take it Captain.” Stacey Poirier spoirier@theatreunbound.com

Kevin Kline in Dick da Tird

The Woman’s Club Dick da Tird AD: 8/14 2:30pm Kevin Kling Mary McGeheran mmcgeheran@mn.rr.com The Woman’s Club Edna St Vincent Millay: The Poet Returns for a Reading AD: 8/14 5:30pm Nancy Moore “I died in 1950-a poet with a Greenwich Village reputation. My poetry is witty, passionate, sensual, dramatic. My spirit returns to read once again: August, Minneapolis. Do come.” -Edna Nancy Moore nmoore1@fairview.org Red Eye Theater Everyone’s a Winner AD: 8/5 7:00pm Me and Bill In this dark sitcom pilot, an idealistic college graduate gets a job co-managing the night shift of a suicide hotline with a Vicodin addled former Lexus sales rep. Mike Yanke myanke@citypages.com Brave New Workshop Funny in the Head AD: 8/9 8:30pm Actors Alliance of San Diego Screw Xanax. Our prescription won’t leave you constipated, just a little Funny in the Head. See the 2004 Best of Fest winners fresh from Fringe - cont. on p. 13

CHRESTOMATHY - Cont. from p. 7 and progress can be measured after all that, there are still indi- other changes. It in more ways than just a mark viduals who feel that “these fills a need in the on a tally sheet. people” do not be- disability commu- Artwork long in the com- nity that is often In fact, the connecmunity. overlooked, and fills it well. tion, and sometimes re-connection of The current legis- In 1995, Chrestomathy opened families and clients lative session is a its third site in Burnsville to are often a result of prime example of serve clients from Dakota the outstanding how the decisions County. Many of their clients work being done at made at the state now have a dual diagnosis of Paul Nelson and Chrestomathy. capital can have MR/MI. “In five years, we will Linda Moore “Waiting 40 years devasbe even more defined for a hug,” is what Moore tating results on than we are now, and thought one story should be those who often have a long history of called. An autistic client, who need the most help. having excellent staff. had grown up within his fam- Lobbyists are a The clients will be ily, was particularly averse to luxury to organizagrowing and using physical contact. His mother tions like Chressystems to communihad tried to connect, but to no tomathy. Moore has cate. Many come to avail. Finally, at a family gath- had to seek help with Client artwork us without ever havering, this client was able to legislative the proing a method of comhug her, and sit around the cess and it is a daunting and munication, and we try to be table with family members and often times frustrating en- pro-active in that need.” talk using sign language. It deavor. Her efforts show just was a touching how much of a ne- Being a smaller organization, story. cessity there is for the ability to change, and to everyone in the change quickly are characterAnother change community to step istics that serve them well. The Moore has seen is up and tell their end result is a dedicated staff, the community’s elected officials to committed leadership, and rereaction to inditake the necessary sults that are impressive. If viduals with dislegislative steps to you have any questions regardabilities. It has help with the proing Chrestomathy, or the artRandy Miller improved greatly, cess of servicing work available to the public, mainly due to the mainstream- those in need. call their corporate offices in ing in school of clients, the Eden Prairie at (952) 974downsizing of the state insti- Chrestomathy has thrived over 0339. ■ tutions, and subsequent open- the years despite all the ups ing of group homes. But, even and downs of funding and

Loring Playhouse Spare Parts ASL: 8/11 5:30pm Rhino Productions A dead chef, an old guy in boxers, a frantic reporter and a whole mess of spare parts. Murder mystery and oatmeal cookies are served hot in this zany comedy. Mic Weinblatt Micktrav10@aol.com Joe’s Garage Thirst (Where Curtain Call Meets Last Call) ASL: 8/12 10:00pm Thirst Theater Six new short, interwoven scripts by local, award-winning writers performed by Equity actors on a real outdoor patio bar around you. A twist on the popular Monday night event. Alan Berks alanberks@yahoo.com The Woman’s Club Quantum Odyssey ASL: 8/14 7pm AD: 8/14 7pm The Electric Telescope Theatre Co. An original work based upon Homer’s “The Odyssey.” The journey story of Telemachos’ search for his father, Odysseus. Ancient Greek mythology warps space/

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July 10, 2005

FRINGE - Cont. from p. 12 rean-American adopters. Lisa Myhre lisasink@lakes.com MCTC Whitney Studio London After Midnight: Victorian Tales of Crime and the Supernatural AD: 8/6 4:00pm Hardcover Theater Vampires scoff at crucifixes! Funny in the Head The queen babbes like a Schwar-zenegger’s California. madwoman! Grave robbers Doctors orders. take out small business loans! Todd Blakesley Pulp fiction mingles with tkb1@cox.net history in this lurid 19th Century soap opera. Steve Schroer sschroer@mn.rr.com

I’m Sorry & I’m Sorry

Intermedia Arts The Candy Ass Club AD: 8/7 4:00pm The Early Stage Last-picked in gym class? Did “Tiger Beat” pictures of David Cassidy arouse adolescent desires? Early fascinations with Cher? SurpriseYou’re a Candy Ass! A nostalgic trip through gay childhood. Gregg Peterson gpeterson321@msn.com

Brave New Workshop I’m Sorry and I’m Sorry AD: 8/9 7:00pm The Candidatos Equal parts Marx Brothers, Coen Brothers and Cirque du Soleil, I’m Sorry and I’m Sorry tells the tale of a seasick sailor, an overzealous actor and one perfectly incompeBryant-Lake Bowl tent crime. The Jury Justin Rose AD: 8/12 4:00pm jprescottrose@hotmail.com Gimme a Break Productions A raucous bunch of jurors MCTC Whitney Studio tangle about everything BUT Is She Yours? And Other the case, in this lively and Questions: An Adoption Story provocative musical. AD: 8/6 5:30pm Diana Howie Lisa’s Ink dmhowie@swbell.net A single woman’s journey in adopting a daughter from Loring Playhouse China-funny stories and shockThe Scrimshaw Show ing insights about parentAD: 8/12 11:30pm hood, race and society. With The Scrimshaw Brothers onstage contributions and A late night cabaret cocktail commentary from two Ko- mixing “smart, knowing com-

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edy” (City Pages), live music, Craig Hergert different guests every night, craig.hergert@minneapolis.edu and an intimate, alcoholInteract Theater fueled improv structure called What’sanIndianWomanToDo? The Barside Chat. AD: 8/6 7:00pm Joshua Scrimshaw Raving Native Productions joshscrim@yahoo.com Belle, an attractive Ojibwe, plots against Katrina, a blueMCTC Whitney Studio The Three Billy Goats Gruff eyed blond with an Indian fetish. It’s a nasty lesson for AD: 8/6 2:30pm white girls trying to act more Old Gem Theater Join the wild Rock n’ Roll Troll Indian than the Indians. as he tries to gobble up three Marcie Rendon tricky billy goats in this wacky mrendon703@aol.com version of the Norwegian Mixed Blood Theater classic. Enchanting for all ages. Blogologue Kathy Welch Captioned: 8/11 8:30pm boxoffice@oldgemtheater.com Hamel Road Theater Project An on stage, Google driven, Lake Harriet web browsing, sketch comUnited Methodist Church edy, multi-media experience! Watch Our Language! Born from the best and worst AD: 8/11 7:00pm online blogs, web sites, eThe Clowntime Players Saturday Night Live meets Funk mails, bulletin boards, videos, and Wagnall’s Dictionary! surfing and SPAM! Monty Python meets Grammar Beau Hays Rock! It’s original songs and beauhays@yahoo.com sketches about our weird and wonderful English language.

Intermedia Arts Boob Toob Captioned: 8/12 1:00pm Claire Simonson Technochick hijacks the gizmocracy, running cheerfully amok through the mass media, exposing boobs, hotwiring toobs, and lucky youuncovering pure evil! Claire Simonson bungalow@bitstream.net

death. Sex and violence. The big antitheticals of the human experience come together in this tale from ancient Mesopotamia. Michael Robins mrobins@illusiontheater.org

Illusion Theater Kung Fu Hamlet (Tentative) AD: 8/10 5:30pm No Refunds Theatre Co. Kung Fu Hamlet; what more do you need to know? Illusion Theater Michael Robins For the Rest of My Life (Tentative) AD: 8/10 10:00pm mrobins@illusiontheater.org Illusion Theater Illusion Theater A one man show about his Southern Discomfort life, from a childhood in Hawaii, to a career in the (Tentative) AD: 8/10 7:00pm Butch Hammett NFL, to coming out, to fatherhood. Told in stories Fast trucks, fistacuffs and farm animals. Witness what and song. one Edinburgh critic deMichael Robins mrobins@illusiontheater.org scribes as “South Park meets of Mice and Men.” Butch Hammett Illusion Theater Charlie Bethel’s Gilgamesh butchhammett@aol.com ■ (Tentative) AD: 8/10 8:30pm Illusion Theater Gods and people. Life and

News At A Glance . . . Cont. from p. 8

Discussion Boards for Assistive Technology Users Current Open Discussions: Closing The Gap Forums is a discussion board exploring the many ways that technology is being used to enhance the lives of people with special needs. Please feel free to participate in the discussions listed below and share this valuable resource with friends and colleagues. There is no fee to participate. Visit: http://www.closingthegap.org/forums/ and check out the “Featured Discussions.”

Using Technology With Children With Cerebral Visual Impairment http://www.closingthegap.org/forums/ultimate bb.php?ubb=forum;f=129 Increasing Student Outcomes in Braille Literacy and Assistive Technology Skills Through the Application of ISTE National Educational Technology Standards for Students http:// www.closingthegap.org/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb =forum;f=128

Sponsored Forums: Do you have questions, comments or concerns regarding a Developing Switch Skills - Using One and Two Switches product you already own or are planning to purchase? Ask the http://www.closingthegap.org/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb producer! Check out the “Sponsored Forums.” =forum;f=127 Gus Communications: Activities and Camp for Families: Discuss Gus! Communicator devices and “Overboard” design http://www.closingthegap.org/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb= software. http://www.closingthegap.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb. forum;f=126 cgi?ubb=forum;f=132 Electronic Mentoring for Students with Disabilities: New Featured Discussion: http://www.closingthegap.org/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb= Using PDAs to aid memory and organization in persons with forum;f=125 cognitive challenges. Moderators: Yvonne Gillette, Ph.D. School of Speech- Video Magnification: The Good, the Bad, and the Future: Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Akron, http://www.closingthegap.org/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb= Roberta DePompei, Ph.D. School of Speech-Language forum;f=123 Pathology and Audiology, University of Akron, Diane Bryen, Ph.D. Institute on Disabilities, Mark Friedman, Ph.D., Murdo OS X Perspectives Dowds, Ph.D. Spaulding Rehabilitation Center. Discussion http://www.closingthegap.org/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb= will center on results of in vivo trials using PDAs with children forum;f=64 and adults with MR/DD or TBI to enhance memory and organization in daily activities. http://www.closingthegap.org/ To participate in these discussions visit: http://www.closingthegap.org/forums/ and check out the forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=forum;f=134 “Featured Discussions.”

Artists with Disabilities at Powderhorn Art Fair The Artists With Disabilities Alliance (AWDA) will have a tent in the Powderhorn Art Fair Aug. 6-7 (Sat. 10-6, Sun. 105) in South Minneapolis. Artists with disabilities will display and sell paintings, photographs, jewelry, greeting cards, other visual art, writings and CDs. Musicians, storytellers and poets will perform nearby. The AWDA tent will be in the southeast part of Powderhorn Park off 35th Street and 13th Avenue. (The park is between Chicago and Bloomington Avenues, south of Lake Street and two blocks south of bus line 21A.) For more info, contact www.angelfire.com/mn3/awda/ or www.powderhornart fair.org or 612-332-3888 ext. 4. ■

July 10, 2005

Directory of Organizations for Persons with Disabilities

ADVOCACYORGANIZATIONS

Southern MN Independent Living Enterprises Social Security, St. Paul PASS Cadre, V-651290-0304, TF-800-772-1213, & Services (SMILES), V-507-345-7139, ACT-UPMN,V-612-870-8026,rhalfhill@juno.com www.socialsecurity.gov or www.ssa.gov www.smilescil.org Advocating Change Together (ACT), V-651- West Hennepin Community Services, V-952641-0297, TF-800-651-0059, 988-4177, www.reachforresources.org www.selfadvocacy.com HEALTHORGANIZATIONS ARC - Great Rivers, V-763-738-4958, www.arcgreatrivers.com AXIS Healthcare, V-651-556-0860, TTY-651EDUCATIONORGANIZATIONS ARC - Hennepin/Carver County, V-952-920556-0872, www.axishealth.com 0855, www.archennepincarver.org Adaptive Recreation & Learning Exchange, V- Children’s United Hospital, V-651-220-6000, ARC - MN, V-651-523-0823, TF-800-582-5256, TF-800-687-3529, www.childrenshc.org 612-861-9361, TTY-612-861-9360 www.arcminnesota.org Courage Center, www.courage.org www.cityofrichfield.org Association of Residential Resources in MN Adult Basic Ed/Special Needs, V-651-290-4729, Golden Valley and Burnsville, V-763-520, 0312, (ARRM), V-651-291-1086, 800-551-2211, TTY-763-520-0245 TTY-651-290-4852, www.spps.org www.arrm.org Stillwater and Forest Lake, V-651-351-2303 Center for Learning & Adaptive Student SerCCP Consumer Directed Services, V-651-209vices (CLASS), V-612-330-1055, TTY-612- Gillette Children’s Hospital, V-651-291-2848, 3350, www.ccpcdccs.com TTY-651-229-3928, www.gillettechildrens.org 330-1748, MN Consortium for Citizens With Disabilities, U of M-Psychiatry Clinic, V-612-273-8700, www.augsburg.edu/classprogram V-651-296-3478, TF-800-945-8913, www.pschiatry.uofm.edu ChADD Twin Cities (Children & Adults with www.disability.state.mn.us Attention Deficit Disorder), V-952-922-5761, Methodist Hospital, www.parknicollet.com MN Developmental Achievement Center AsParkinson Center, V-952-993-5495, TF-888www.chadd.org sociation, (MNDACA), V-651-647-9200 993-5195 Fraser Community Services, V-612-998-8300, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of MN Stroke Support Group, V-952-993-6789 TTY/TF-800-627-3527, www.fraser.org (NAMI), V-651-645-2948,http://mn.nami.org MELD (MN Early Learning Design), V/TTY- Park Nicollet Center for Senior Services, V-952NAMI – Anoka County, V-763-571-6060 993-5041, www.parknicollet.com 612-332-7563, TF-800-496-1451, NAMI – Carver County, V-952-442-4357 Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, V-612-596www.meld.org NAMI – Dakota County, V-651-454-7035 6100, TF-800-237-5055, Mpls Public Schools – Student Placement SerNAMI – Hennepin County, V-651-310-9923 www.shrinershq.org vices, V-612-668-1840, TTY-711, or V-952-894-9109 Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, Access www.mpls.k12.mn.us NAMI – Ramsey County, V-651-730-8434 and Referral Department, V-612-863-4457, Mpls Community and Technical College, OfNAMI – Scott County, V-952-890-1669 www.sisterkennyinstitute.com fice for Students w/ Disabilities, V-612-341NAMI – Washington County, V-651-4397000, TTY-612-659-6731, 3800 www.minneapolis.edu HEARINGIMPAIRMENTSERVICES Ombudsman for Mental Health & Mental Re- MN Higher Education Services Office, V-651tardation, V-651-296-3848, TF-800-657-3506, 642-0533, TF-800-657-3866, Deaf Blind Services MN, V/TTY-612-362-8454, www.ombudmhmr.state.mn.us www.heso.state.mn.us www.dbfm.org PACER Center, Inc., V-952-838-9000, TTY-952MN Assoc. of Deaf Citizens, Inc., V-763-757838-0190, www.pacer.org BRAIN INJURY SERVICES 5998, TTY-651-647-6564, TF-866-889-8647, Psychiatry and Counseling Central Center for www.deafvision.net/MDBA Family Resources, (EBD/ADD/ADHD/LD), A Chance to Grow, V-612-521-2266, MN Commission Serving Deaf & Hard of HearV-763-780-3036, ccffr@aol.com www.actg.org ing People, V/TTY-651-297-7305 Reuben Lindh Learning Center, V-612-721-5111, www.rubinlindh.org Brain Injury Association of MN, V-612-378MN Relay Service, TF-800-627-3509, TTY-711, 2742, TF-800-669-6442, sprint.trscustserv@mail.sprint.com www.braininjurymn.org Rise, Inc., V-763-786-8334, www.rise.org/ GOVERNMENTSERVICES Courage Center, V-763-520- 0441, TTY-763showProgram.php?prog_id=86 520-0245, www.courage.org Self Help for Hard of Hearing (SHHH), V-763Restart, Inc. – Residential Program, V-612-8245- Dakota County Social Services (DCSS), 545-3554, www.hearingloss.org www.co.dakota.mn.us 4287, www.restartincmn.org Sight & Hearing Association, V-651-645-2546 Apple Valley Office, V-952-891-7400, TTYRise, Inc., V-763-786-8334, www.rise.org 952-891-7202 West St. Paul Office, V-651-554-6000, TTYHOUSINGSERVICES 651-544-6053 COMMUNITY-LIVINGSERVICES MN Health Department, Children with Special HousingLink, V-612-520-9223, Health Needs, V-651-215-8956, TF-800-728Community Bridge Consortium, V/TTY-651www.housinglink.org 5420. TTY-711, 748-7437, www.isd622.k12.mn.us www.healthstate.mn.us/mcshn Community Involvement Programs (CIP), MN Dept. of Human Services, Traumatic Brain LEGALSERVICES www.cipmn.org Injury Program, V-651-582-1998, TTY/TF-800CIP - Broadway, V-612-362-4400 627-3529, www.dhs.state.mn.us Legal Aid Society of St. Paul, V-651-222-5863, CIP - Bloomington, V-952-854-4007, TTYMN Governor Council On Developmental Diswww.mnlegalservices.org 952-746-1609 abilities,V-651-296-4018,TF-800-348-0505, TTY- MN Disability Law Center, V-612-332-1441, TTYCIP - Crystal, V-763-504-1008 711, www.mncdd.org, or www.mncdd.org, or 612-372-4668, TF-800-292-4150, Courage Center, V-763-520-0312, TTY-763www.partnersinpolicymaking.com www.mndlc.org 520-0245, www.courage.org Hennepin County Library Homebound Ser- MN Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, V-507-333-4828, TTY/TF-800-722vice, V-952-847-8850, www.helib.org/pub/ 0550, www.education.state.mn.us/html/ info/disabled.cfm MENTALHEALTHSERVICES intro_mlbph_partners.htm Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) V-651-646-8342, TTY-651-603-2001, MN State Council on Disability (MSCOD), V- Center for Mental Health Solutions, V-952-922651-296-6785, TF-800-945-8913, 6916, www.tcfmhs.org www.mcil-mn.org www.disability.state.mn.us Courage Center, V-763-520-0354 or V-763-520Restart, Inc. – Outreach Program, V-612-825MN State Services for the Blind, V-651-642-0500, 0437, TTY-763-520-0245, www.courage. org 4387 x 18, www.restartincmn.org TTY/TF-800-652-9000, www.mnssb.org Mental Health Association, V-612-331-6840, SE MN Center for Independent Living TF-800-862-1799, TTY-612-331-1840, (SEMCIL), V-507-285-1815, TTY-507-285- Mpls Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities, Margot Imdieke Cross, V-651www.mentalhealthmn.org 0616, TF-800-460-1815, 296-6785, TF-800-945-3913, Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Network, www.semicl.uhhc.org www.disability.state.mn.us V-651-637-2800, TF-800-383-2007, Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC), www.macmh.org V-651-296-5085, TTY-651-296-3900, TF-800657-5159, www.mnsilc.org

MN Association for Children’s Mental Health, V-651-644-7333, TF-800-528-4511, www.macmh.org Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance, V-612379-7933, TTY, V-612-331-1840, TF-800-8621799, www.mentalhealthmn.org People Incorporated, V-651-774-0011, TTY-651774-6535, www.peopleincorporated.org North Point Health & Wellness, V-612-302-4747 Tasks Unlimited, V-612-871-3320, www.tasksunlimited.org NATIONALORGANIZATIONS American Association of People with Disabilities, www.aapd.com Americans with Disabilities Act, www.eeoc.gov Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, www.dol.gov/odep National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities, www.nichcy.org National Rehabilitation Association, www.nationalrehab.org National Organization on Disabilities, www.nod.org World Institute on Disability, www.wid.org PERSONAL SERVICES Silvert’s Adaptive Clothing for Elderly Care, V/ TF-800-387-7088, www.silverts.com/ index.cfm RECREATIONALSERVICES Access Outdoors/Wilderness Inquiry, V-612676-9400, TTY-612-676-9475, TF-800-7280719, www.accessoutdoors.org or www.wildernessinquiry.org Achilles Track Club-Uptown, V-612-822-7872 Boy Scouting for People w/ Special Needs, V651-224-1891, TF-888-213-0364, www.indianhead.org Camp Winnebago V-507-724-2351, www.campwinabago.org Courage Center, www.courage.org Golden Valley, V-763-520-0537, TTY-763-520-0245 Duluth, V-218-726-4762 Stillwater, V-651-439-8283 Friendship Ventures (Camp Friendship, Eden Wood Center, Ventures Travel Service), V-952852-0101, www.friendshipventures.org MN Power Hockey League, V-763-535-4736, www.powerhockey.com Ski for Light, V-612-827-3232 Viking Council Boy Scouts of America/Challenger District, V-763-545-4550 x1130, TTY763-546-5410, www.vikingbsa.org REHABILITATIONCENTERS Courage Center, www.courage.org Golden Valley, V-763-520-0537, TTY-763-520-0245 Duluth, V-218-726-4762 Stillwater, V-651-439-8283 Functional Industries, V-763-682-4336 Lifetrack Resources, www.lifetrackresources.org Minneapolis Office, V-612-788-8855, TTY612-788-8577 St. Paul Office, V-651-227-8471, TTY 651-2273779 Directory - cont. on p. 15

July 10, 2005

DIRECTORY- Cont. from p. 14 REHABILITATIONCENTERS(Cont.) Metro Work Center, Inc., V-612-729-7381, www.mwc.org North Memorial Medical Center, Rehabilit a t i o n Services, V-763-520-5690, www.northmemorial.com Opportunity Partners, V-952-938-5511, TTY952-930-4293, www.opportunities.org ProAct, V-651-686-0405, TTY-651-289-3167, www.proact.org MRCI Rehabilitation Centers, www.mrci.org MRCI: Burnsville, V-952-894-4680 MRCI: Carver/Scott, V-952-445-6811 MRCI: Chaska, V-952-448-2234 MRCI: Fairmont, V-507-238-4388 MRCI: Industrial Operations, V-507-386-5600 MRCI: Lakeville, V-952-898-5025 MRCI: New Ulm, V-507-233-2700 RESIDENTIALSERVICES Accessibility Design, V-952-925-0301, TTY-952926-7712, www.accessibilitydesign.com Accessible Space, Inc., V-651-645-7271, TTY651-209-6623, TF-800-466-7722, www.accessiblespace.org Alternatives for People with Autism, Inc, V-763-560-5330, www.afpwa.org Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center, V-763-712-4000, TTY-763-712-4002, TF-888234-2681, www.mail.state.mn.us Courage Center, www.courage.org Golden Valley, V-763-520-0307, TTY-763520-0245 Homeward Bound, Inc., V-763-566-7860 National Housing Institute, Inc. V-651-639-9799, nhhi74@aol.com No Place Like Home Communities, V-763-5370170, www.nplhc.org The Phoenix Residence, V-651-227-7657 Wingspan Life Resources, V-651-646-3846, www.wingspanlife.org RESOURCECENTERS Access for All, V-651-481-4062 ALS Assoc. (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), V-612672-0484 Alzheimer’s Association, V-952-830-0512 American Behcet’s Disease Association, TF800-723-4238 American Cancer Society - MN Div., V-612-9252772, TF-800-227-2345 American Cancer Society (Ramsey Co.), V-651644-1224 American Diabetes Association, V-763-5935333 American Heart Association, V-952-835-3300, www americanheart.org American Lung Association, V-651-227-8014, TF-800-642-5864 (in MN), www.alamn.org American Syringomyelia Alliance Project Inc. (ASAP), TF-800-ASAP-282, www.asap.org Apollo Resource Center, V-651-227-6321 Arthritis Foundation, V-651-644-4108

Chemical Injury Resource Association, V-651647-0944 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Association of MN, V-651-644-4975 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, V-651-631-3290, www.cff.org Disability Institute, V-952-935-9343 Down Syndrome Association Of MN, V-651603-0720 Duluth Consumer & Family Regional Resource Center, V-218-728-3531 ELCA Committee on Disabilities, V-612-7888064 Epilepsy Foundation, V-651-646-8675, TTY800-779-0777, infoefmn@mr.net Hemophilia Foundation of MN, V-763-323-7406 Independence Crossroads, V-612-854-8004, www.independencecrossroads.org Indian Family Service, V-612-348-5788 KDWB Variety Family Center, V-612-626-3087 www.allaboutkids.umn.edu League of Women Voters, V-651-224-5445, www.lwvmn.org Leukemia Society of America, MN Chapter, V952-545-3309 Lupus Foundation of America, MN Chapter, V612-375-1131, mnlupus@aol.com Lyme Disease Coalition & Lyme Disease Network of MN, V-651-644-7239 MN AIDS Project, MAP AIDS Line TF-800248-2437 or V/TTY- 888-820-2437 www.mnaidsproject.org MN HomeCare Association, V-651-635-0607, TF-866-607-0607 MN Stroke Association, V/TF-800-647-4123, www.strokemn.org Muscular Dystrophy Association, www.mda.org Mpls District, V-952-832-5517 St. Paul District, V-952-832-5716 National Ataxia Foundation, V-763-553-0020, www.ataxia.org National. Multiple Sclerosis Society, MN Chapter, V-612-335-7900, TF/TTY-800-582-5296, www.mssociety.com People, Inc. Epilepsy Services, V-612-338-9035, www.orgsites.com/mn/epilepsy Spina Bifida Association of MN, V-651-2226395, www.sbamn.com Stroke Center, North Memorial Medical Center, V-763-520-5900 Twin Cities Autism Society, V-651-647-1083 United Cerebral Palsy of MN, V-651-646-7588, TF-800-328-4827 x1437, ucpmn@cpinternet.com

SOCIAL SERVICES Beacon Community Services, V-651-641-0201 x222 www.beaconcommunityservices.com Capella Management Group, V-651-641-0041 NW Hennepin Human Services Council, V/ TTY-763-493-2802 SUPPORT

State Services for the Blind: Aids & Devices (The STORE), V-651-6420777 Audiotape Transcript. Services, V-651-6420849 Braille Transcription Services, V-651-6420852 Employment Services, V-651-642-0515 Radio Talking Book and Dial-In News, V-651-642-0503 Self-Sufficiency Services, V-651-642-0504 United Blind of MN, Inc., V-763-391-3699 Vision Loss Resources, V-612-871-2222 Volunteer Braille Services & Large Print, V-763971-5231

Brain Injury Support Group, North Memorial Medical Center, V-763-520-5090 Emotions Anonymous, V-651-647-9712, eaisc@mtn.org Gay and Lesbian Helpline, V/TTY-612-822-8661 Spinal Cord Support Group, North Memorial Medical Center, V-763-520-1449 VISUAL/PERFORMINGARTS Spinal Cord Injuries Help Line, V-651-464-7559 Twin Cities Tinnitus Support Group, V-651- Interact Center for the Visual and Performing 771-9948 Arts, V-612-339-5145 TTY-612-339-6465 www.interactcenter.com VSA arts of MN, V/TTY-612-332-3888, TF-800TECHNOLOGY 801-3883, www.vsarts.org

Closing the Gap, V-507-248-3294, www.closingthegap.com VOCATIONAL SERVICES Courage Center, www.courage.org GoldenValley,V-763-520-0312,TTY-763-520- AccessAbility, Inc., V-612-331-5958, 0245 www.accessibility.org Burnsville, V-952-898-5700 Access to Employment, V/TTY-763-543-6980 Telephone Equipment Distribution Program, Community Connections Partnership, V-651-97-3639, TTY-651-296-2655, V - 763-540-6833, www.community www.tedprogram.org connectionspartnership.org Community Involvement Programs (CIP), V-952-854-4007, www.cipmn.org TRANSPORTATION Courage Center, V-763-520-0312, TTY-7635200245, www.courage.org Complete Mobility Systems, V-651-635-0655, East Suburban Resources, V-651-351-0190, TF-800-788-7479,www.completemobility.com www.ERSworks.org Metro Mobility, V-651-602-1111, TTY-651-221- Goodwill Industries/Easter Seal, V-651-6460014 2591, www.goodwilleasterseals.org Northwest Airlines, TF/V-800-225-2252, TF/ Hennepin County Vocational Services Program, TTY-800-328-2298 V-612-348-8370, www.co.hennepin.mn.us Kaposia, Inc., V-651-224-6974, www.kaposia. com U of M AFFILIATED PROGRAMS Lifeworks Services, V-651-365-3732, www.lifeworks.org Institute on Community Integration, V-612- Merrick, Inc., V-651-789-6231, www.merrick 624-4512, www.ici.umn.edu inc.org U of M Disability Services, V/TTY-612-626- Midway Training Services, V-651-641-0709 1333, ds@umn.edu Midwest Special Services, V-651-778-1000, U of M Disabled Student Cultural Center, Vwww.mwsservices.org 612-624-2602, TTY-612-626-7003 Minnesota AgrAbility Project/Rural Rehab Technology, V-507-354-5380, rrt@new VISIONIMPAIRMENTSERVICES ulmtel.net MN Resource Center, V-612-752-8102, American Council of Blind Services, V-612-332SERVICE DOGS www.resource-mn.org 3242 MN Work Incentives Connection, V-651-632-5113 Hearing and Service Dogs of MN, V-612-729- BLIND, Inc., V-612-872-0100 orTF-800-976-6728,TTY-651-632-5110 Candle in the Window, V-502-895-0866 5986, TTY-612-729-5914, www.hsdm.org Rehab Services Branch, V-651-296-5616 or TFHelping Paws Of MN, V-952-988-9359, Community Center for the Blind, V-651-642800-328-9095, TTY-651-296-3900 0513 www.helpingpaws.org Rise, Inc., V-763-786-8334, www.rise.org Deaf Blind Services MN, V/TTY-612-362-8454, TSE, Inc., V-651-489-2595 www.dbfm.org Vinland Center, V/TTY-763-479-3555, Sight & Hearing Association, V-651-645-2546, www.vinlandcenter.org TF-800-992-0424, www.sightandhearing.org

Editor’s Note: Please let us know if there are any errors in your listing, and tell us what you think of the format. If you would prefer your organization be in a different category, please let us know your wishes. Thank you!

If your organization would like to be included in the Directory of Organizations, contact Access Press at Suite 104S, 1821 University Ave.,W. St. Paul, MN 55104 651-644-2133 • access@accesspress.org

July 10, 2005

Upcoming Events July 18, 2005 July 22, 2005 Golf Tournament Service Dogs: A Proud MinSponsor: UCP Minnesota nesota Legacy Location: Oak Marsh Golf Sponsor: Metropolitan CenCourse, Oakdale, MN. ter for Independent Living – Time/Day: Tee off at Noon St. Paul, MN Location: 1600 University Oopportunities for a hole-in- Avenue West – Suite 16, St. one.$125 per golfer includes Paul, MN in the Spruce Tree lunch and dinner, a short Building at Snelling and lesson with the club pro, a cart University Avenues. and 18 holes of golf.There Day/Time: Friday, 1–3 PM will be a silent auction. Frankie McNamara, student at Humboldt Sr. High School will present his research on the history of service dogs in

Minnesota. He was a finalist in the Minnesota History Day competition. Presentation includes a demonstration by Frankie and his dog, Hunter. Accessible, Free of charge. All ages and families are encouraged to attend. RSVP by 7/15 to 651-6468342/MCIL. Please inform us by 7/15 if you need materials in alternative format or other accommodations. Contact Dr. Alex Lubet (U of MN) at 612.624.7840/Lubet001@ umn.edu or Julie Wegscheid

Opportunity Partners Legacy Award by Julie Peters

pportunity Partners, a Minnetonka-based non-profit that has been helping people with disabilities achieve greater independence for more than 50 years, gave its annual Legacy Award to Gerry Rauenhorst, Founding Chairman of Opus Corporation. Prior to the awards presentation, the placement of a time capsule occurred on the grounds of Opportunity Partners to commemorate the shared history between Opus and Opportunity Partners. Both companies got their start more than 50 years ago in 1953.

(MCIL) at 651-603-2002/ juliew@mcil-mn.org for more information.

July 27, 2005 Neighborhood Block Party Celebrating the ADA 15th Anniversary July 23-24, 2005 Sponsor: SMILES Center for Garden Tour and Art Crawl Independent Living Sponsor: United Cerebral Location: Bethlehem LuthPalsy of Minnesota eran Church, Mankato, MN Location: Dakota County Day/Time: Wed., 4 to 8 pm Day/Time: Sat. July 23 and Cost: Free. Open to the Public Sun., July 24. For more information contact A garden tour featuring 10 Desiree Michelle Goettlicher, gardens of Dakota County Education/Communication Master Gardeners and Friends Manager, SMILES Center for on July 23 and July 24 from Independent Living, v/tty 10 to 4 each day. There will be 507-345-7139, toll free 888one featured artist at each 676-6498, by email at: garden. Tickets to tour all the dgoettlicher@smilescil.org or gardens are $15 and will be check out the website at: available at all the gardens. www.smilescil.org For more information contact 651-646-7588 or ucpmn@ October 20-21, 2005 cpinternet.com. St. Louis County Health & Human Service Conference July 26, 2005 Location: Edmund Fitzgerald 15th Anniversary of the Ameri- Hall at the Duluth Entertaincans with Disabilities Act ment Convention Center Sponsor: Local organizations (DECC). Cost: $125, which includes SEE PAGE 9 FOR MORE name of your organization in INFORMATION or contact the conference folder, two Cindy Tarnish at ADA MN at free parking permits. 651-603-2015, or 651-6032001 TTY.

The reservation for exhibitor booths are first-come, firstserve basis. Please complete the Exhibitor form and return it by August 2, 2005. The conference draws about 1000 health and human service practitioners. It includes a wide variety of target audiences. The presentation will cover some of the topics on how to enhance knowledge, skills in health and human services, innovative ideas, new strategies and best practices. Conference material available at: http://www.co.stlouis.mn.us/social_Services/ SocialServices.html. For more information call Mary Lawson @ 218-7262140 or e-mail: Lawsonm @co.st-louis.mn.us. ■

METROPOLITAN COUNCIL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING From left, Russell Hedenberg, Opportunity Partners President & CEO Jon Thompson, Opportunity Partners Board Chair Liv Horneland, Opus Corporation Founding Chairman Gerry Rauenhorst and Karen Koenecke placed a time capsule on the grounds of Opportunity Partners in Minnetonka to celebrate the shared history between Opportunity Partners and Opus Corporation. Both companies got their start more than 50 years ago – in 1953. The time capsule placement was followed by a presentation of Opportunity Partners’ Legacy Award to Gerry Rauenhorst.

Each year an individual who has supported the mission of Opportunity Partners through gifts of time, leadership and financial resources receives the Legacy Award. Their contributions make it possible ture of Opportunity Partners. for people with disabilities to achieve their dreams. Rauenhorst’s involvement with Opportunity Partners beRauenhorst and John Solberg, gan in the mid-1970s when the Opus Northwest L.L.C. Presi- organization built its new dent and CEO, attended the headquarters in the Opus comtime capsule celebration, plex, making it possible to along with Opportunity Partners President and CEO Jon Thompson, Opportunity Partners Board Chair Liv Horneland, and other board members. In addition, Opportunity Partners clients Russell Hedenberg and Karen Koenecke were present to represent the history and the fu-

serve many more individuals with disabilities. Rauenhorst and Opus Corporation have continued to provide encouragement, corporate volunteers in leadership roles, and financial support to Opportunity Partners over the years. ■

“The Journey of Life” Conference Thursday August 25 8:00am-3:00pm Comfort Inn Bloomington, MN Topics include: Inclusion, Guardianship, Grieving, Aging, Friendships Keynote: Chris Davies of InnerVoice Works Audience: Self-Advocates, Caregivers, Professionals Cost? Free for Self-Advocates. $30 for others. (Lunch included) Transportation available. Space is Limited. CEU’s Available Call Scott 952.890.3057ext.211 to register or visit www.arcgreatrivers.com for a brochure.

ON ADOPTION OF PUBLIC HOUSING AGENCY PLAN AND ADMISSION PREFERENCES FOR THE PUBLIC HOUSING AND SECTION 8 PROGRAM The Metropolitan Council’s Community Development Committee will conduct a public hearing to receive public comment on the proposed 2006 Public Housing Agency (PHA) Plan. Included in the plan are local preference changes for the Public Housing and Section 8 Rental Assistance Program. Admission preferences are included in the PHA Plan, Section 3. PHA Policies Governing Eligibility, Selection, and Admissions. The PHA Plan is a comprehensive guide to public housing agency policies, programs, operations and strategies for meeting local housing needs and goals. Required by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) the PHA Plan includes two parts, the Five-Year Plan and the Annual Plan. Both parts of the PHA Plan require PHA’s to examine their existing operations and needs and to design long-range and short-range strategies to address those needs. The public hearing will be held: • 4:00 p.m., Monday, August 15, 2005 • Metropolitan Council • Mears Park Centre Building, Room 1A • 230 East Fifth St., St. Paul, MN 55101 The Housing Agency Plan is available for public review at the HRA administrative offices located at 230 East Fifth Street in St. Paul, and on the Metropolitan Council’s website at www.metrocouncil.org. All interested persons are encouraged to attend the hearing and offer comments. People may register in advance to speak by calling Sue Putz at 651-602-1584 or TTY at 651-291-0904. Upon request, the Council will provide a reasonable accommodation to persons with disabilities. In addition to speaking at the hearing, comments may be made in the following ways: • Send comments to: Sue Putz, Metro HRA, Mears Park Centre, 230 East Fifth St., St. Paul, MN 55101 • FAX comments to: Sue Putz at 651-602-1313 • Send comments electronically to: data.center@metc.state.mn.us • Record comments on the Council’s Public Comment Line: 651-602-1500 • TTY: 651-291-0904 Comments must be received by 4:00 p.m., Monday, August 15, 2005.

July 10, 2005

Accessible Performances

Classifieds

Reach 11,000 Active, Interested Readers with ACCESS PRESS Classifieds. $10 up to 12 words, 45¢/word thereafter. Must be prepaid. Mail with check to: ACCESS PRESS, 1821 University Ave W, #104S, St. Paul, MN 55104 • (651) 644-2133

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. Compiled by VSA arts of MN, 612-332-3888 or http://mn.vsarts.org. Little Shop of Horrors Touring show at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapolis, ASL: Sun., July 24, 1:00, $20-75; ASL or AD offered if requested in advance: 612373-5639 or 5609; hotline 612-373-5650; TTY 612-3735655; email accessible@ orpheum.com; www.henne Peter Pan pintheatredistrict.com/ Performed by: Duluth Play- servicesd.asp (July 19-24) house, Depot Theatre, 506 W. Michigan Street, Duluth, ASL: Entertaining Mr. Sloane Sat., July 23, 7:30, 218-733- Performed by: Jungle Theater, 7555; www.duluthplayhouse. 2951 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, AD: Thurs., July 28, org (July 21 – Aug. 7) 7:30, Reduced to $8, 612-8227063; www.jungletheater. com (June 17 – Aug. 7)

Full service remodeling and space modifications for the entire home. Specializing in modifications for the disability and aging-in-place communities.

651-454-5899 www.axisremodeling.com

$23-75; ASL or AD offered if requested in advance: 612373-5639 or 5609; hotline 612-373-5650; TTY 612-3735655; email accessible@ orpheum.com; www.henne pintheatredistrict.com/ servicesd.asp (August 2-14)

The Importance of Being Earnest Performed by: Commonweal Theatre at St. Mane Theatre, 206 Parkway Ave. N., Lanesboro, ASL: Sun., July 31, 2:00, Reduced to $10, 507467-2525, 800-657-7025 or tickets@commonwealtheatre.org; www.commonwealtheatre.org (July 9 – Oct. 29)

Moon Over Buffalo Performed by: Theatre in the Round Players, 245 Cedar Ave., Minneapolis, AD: Sunday, August 7, 2:00 PM, $20, senior/student discounts; 612333-3010; www.theatreinthe Minnesota Mobility: We speround.org (July 15 – Aug. 2) cialize in affordable wheelchair vans. Contact us at 952Arts in the Parks Concert 746-1800. Performed by: Bloomington Symphony Orchestra at 2004 Invacare Storm Series Normandale Lake Bandshell, TD x 4 power chair, seat size 5901 W. 84th St. Bloomington, 14 x 14 inch. Picture available ASL: Thurs., Aug. 18, 7:00, through email at thresazim Free; www.bloomington @frontiernet.net or call 952symphony.org 469-3615. Price negotiable.

Bye, Bye, Birdie Performed by: Off Broadway Musical Theatre at New Hope Outdoor Theatre, 4401 Xylon Ave. N., New Hope, ASL: Fri., Aug. 5, 9:00 (August 6 rain make-up), Free; 763-531Doctor Dolittle 5151; www.ci.new-hope. Touring show at the Ordway mn.us (July 21 – Aug. 6) Center for the Performing Arts, 345 Washington, St. Paul, Movin’ Out ASL: Fri., Aug. 26, 8:00; AD: Touring show at Historic Sat., Aug. 27, 2:00, 651-224Orpheum Theatre, 910 4222, TTY 651-282-3100; Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapo- www.ordway.org (August 16lis, ASL: Sun., Aug. 7, 1:00, 28) ■

FOR SALE

FOR RENT

Cannon Copier—Image runner, 400 series. 5-years old. Special features: finisher unit, fax functions, stapler, and cabinet base. Accessories include: user manuals, 1-3pk of staples, and Seven (7) toner cartridges! One owner machine that has been very reliable. There are a few of us that will miss him! $750/offer. Contact Ruth at 651-789-6201.

Lewis Park Apartments: Barrier-free housing with wheelchair users in mind. Section 8 subsidized. One- and twobedroom units. For more information on availability call (651) 488-9923. St. Paul, MN. Equal Opportunity Housing. 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 for barrier-free housing, in Minneapolis, that is federally subsidized. For an application, please call (612) 3382000 Grand Caravan, 52,000 2680. Equal Opportunity miles, Rollx Converted, Housing. $19,500. George Path 651451-8816. MISCELLANEOUS Send Out Greeting Cards from home using your computer. Make someone smile … S e n d a card today! www.jansfreecard4u.com

Read er s Lead eader ers

A picture is worth…

The Importance of Being Earnest Performed at the University of Minnesota Showboat, Harriet Island, St. Paul, ASL: Sat., July 30, 8:00, 651-227-1100 or www.ShowboatTheater.com (June 17 – Aug. 27)

Leader s R ead Leaders

His Girl Friday Performed by: Guthrie Theater, 725 Vineland, Minneapolis, ASL: Fri., July 22, 7:30; AD: Sat., July 23, 1:00 (free tactile tour 11:00); Fri., July 29, 7:30, Reduced to $16; 612377-2224, TTY 612-3776626; www.guthrietheater. org (July 2-31)

651-644-2133 access@accesspress.org

Michael and Associates Are the details of life overwhelming you? We can help you get organized!

ce ran u ls s Bil In

Med ical

Taxes

Estate Business Per son al

Call Suzi at 952-472-7332 or suzimichael@mchsi.com

(Betty McCollum, pictured above.)

BDC Management Co. is now accepting applications for our waiting lists at the following affordable communities

Albright Townhomes Buffalo Court Apartments Elliot Park Apartments Evergreen Apartments Hanover Townhomes Lincoln Place Apartments Olson Towne Homes Prairie Meadows Raspberry Ridge Talmage Green Trinity Apartments Unity Place Vadnais Highlands Woodland Court Apartments

Minneapolis Buffalo Minneapolis Hutchinson St. Paul Mahtomedi Minneapolis Eden Prairie Hopkins Minneapolis Minneapolis Brooklyn Center Vadnais Heights Park Rapids

(612) 824-6665 (763) 684-1907 (612) 338-3106 1-800-661-2501 (651) 292-8497 (651) 653-0640 (612) 377-9015 (952) 941-5544 (952) 933-3260 (612) 623-0247 (612) 721-2252 (763) 560-7563 (651) 653-0640 1-888-332-9312

1 BR 2 BR 2 BR 1 BR 1 BR 2 BR 1 BR 2 & 3 BR 2 BR 2 BR 1 BR (sr) 2 BR 3 BR 1 BR

(Please call each individual site for specific building information. All listings are accessible.)

July 10, 2005

Access To Employment Employment ads are $16-$17 per col. inch. July 29 is the deadline for the Aug. 10 issue. Mail to: ACCESS PRESS, 1821 University Ave. #104S, St. Paul, MN 55104 FAX 651644-2136 • E-mail: access@accesspress.org ATTORNEY MDLC seeks attorney to represent clients/applicants of state Voc Rehab services and persons with disabilities in discrimination matters, incl litigation. Disability Law exp pref. $35,53545,452 DOE & benefits. Ltr &resume by 7/18: Pam Cunningham 430 1st Ave N., # 300, Mpls, MN 55401-1780. EOE. No calls.

RESIDENT SERVICES COORDINATOR Full-Time CENTRAL COMMUNITY HOUSING TRUST OF MINNEAPOLIS (CCHT), a non-profit leader in providing highquality affordable housing seeks a Resident Services Coordinator to join our team. Responsibilities: Team with asset management and supportive housing staff to assist individuals and families in CCHT housing to maintain their housing and strengthen their lives. Responsibilities include: resident organizing, community organizing in various neighborhoods and program/agency collaborations to support resident needs. The specific goals of this position are defined by the issues and needs of residents combined with the strategic direction of CCHT. Skills and Qualification: Two years related employment experience. Two years working with diverse populations. Skilled in the following: written and verbal communication, conflict resolution, creative problem solving, community organizing, and working with diverse groups and individuals. Demonstrated success in previous work experiences.

We’re on a mission . . . to bring the best together.

Join forces with Regions Hospital. As a Level 1 Trauma Center leading in quality patient care, you’ll find a stellar team of professionals who support and respect one another. Regions Hospital is a model of efficiency, prime working conditions, and the employer of choice for discerning RNs like you. To learn more, visit regionshospital.com, or call our Job Hotline at 651-254-0855.

Exceptional care starts with me.

Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis seeks 2 attorneys (1 for housing law and 1 for government benefits law). Will consider 5/01 grads. Sal: up to 39,995 DOE. Good ben, incl family htlh ins. Start ASAP. Ltr. Resume, ref & writing sample by 7/22/05. (apps accepted until position filled):

I am Fairview.

PROJECT MANAGERS We are seeking candidates with a minimum of 3 years of commercial/multifamily residential/condo project management experience. Responsibilities will include contract coordination, scheduling, subcontract negotiation, owner liaison and change order management. ASSISTANT PROJECT MANAGERS We are seeking candidates with 3 or more years of commercial, multifamily, residential/condo construction experience. Computer competency and a construction engineering/ management or related degree is a requirement. Responsibilities will include coordination of contract documents with designers and subcontractors; bid package administration; and shop drawing review.

We offer competitive salaries, exceptional benefits, including Health, Dental, 401(k), Flex Plans, Disability and Life Insurance, bonus compensation, 3 weeks paid vacation and much more! Successful candidates, for all positions will be motivated, outgoing individuals with strong organizational skills and a willingness to accept new challenges. Experience in selfperformed work is an added benefit, join an energetic team with a 100-year history of profitable, growth and stability!

Send resume and salary requirements in complete confidence to: PCL Construction Services, Inc. Attn: Personnel Manager-2509 12200 Nicollet Avenue South, Burnsville, MN 55337 or Via email at MINRECRUIT@pcl.com Pam Cunningham, Legal Aid (No phone calls or walk-ins please) st Society of Minneapolis, 430 1 An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/H Ave. No., # 300, Minneapolis, Please visit us at www.pcl.com MN 55401 No calls. EOE.

Sue, R.N., 29 years

Join my team at fairview.org/divjobs Come build a career with a passionate, progressive network of healthcare professionals. We believe that serving the health care needs of our communities begins with supporting the well being of our employees. Join our team and experience working in an environment where dignity, integrity, service and compassion guide everything we do. Learn more about opportunities in

fairview.org/divjobs • TTY 612-672-7300 • eoe

PCL is a large, employee owned general contractor, construction manager and design-builder with extensive operations throughout North America and annual volumes in excess of $3.5 billion. As a result of significant new work, we have the following exciting opportunities available in our Minneapolis District.

CCHT offers a professional, mission-driven environment with competitive salary and comprehensive benefit package. Visit FIELD/PROJECT ENGINEERS us at: www.ccht.org. We are seeking entry level and experienced Project/Field Engineers. These positions are responsible for RFI processing, Please submit cover letter and resume to: shop drawing review, submittals, scheduling, administration, Central Community Housing Trust change order pricing and related support functions. CMP Human Resources - Employment scheduling software experience is a plus. A college degree in 1625 Park Avenue construction management or engineering is required. Minneapolis, MN 55404-1634 OR PROJECT SUPERINTENDENT E-Mail: ccht@ccht.org We are seeking candidates for local projects and those willing Fax : 612-341-4208 to accept temporary out of town assignments with 3 or more years in a supervisory capacity on commercial/multifamily Central Community Housing Trust values a diverse work residential/condo projects. Responsibilities will include quality, environment. People of color and people with disabilities schedule, and coordination of subcontractors, safety and are strongly encouraged to apply. EOE supervision of craft employees. ATTORNEYS

• Nursing • Imaging • Lab • Respiratory • Pharmacy

PCL CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, INC

• Physical Therapy • Operations • Administration • Medical Records • And more

July 10, 2005

RUSSIA- Cont. from p. 1 (NGOs) and rehabilitation centers from cities across Russia. In Novosibirsk, Tamara Antolyevna Polenova is the Director of Social Work for the transition services for children. Her organization’s services are more advanced than the transition services in Minnesota. Local employers and agencies learned how the Russian transition service provides training and other emotional and psychological care for the disabled as they shift into the workforce. One institution has a training/mentoring program that pairs people with disabilities together to help each other adjust and adapt to living with a disability and to work with other people with disabilities in the orphanages and the veterans’ hospitals. Other areas of Russia are not as advanced as Novosibirsk. Although Polenova does not see many people with disabilities committing crimes in her region, the area where Valeriy Vladimirovich Chereshnev works with disabled youth is struggling to transition children with disabilities as well as trying to keep them out of the correctional system. His organization is in the process of creating an educational and correctional program to help adolescents shift more easily

into society by having better The organization that educational and employment Polenova runs has business opportunities. leaders on their board of trustees, however, most of the fiSimilar to the situation in the nancial support the organizaU.S., funding is a critical issue tion receives comes from the in Russia. In Chereshnev’s government rather than from city, there are 12,000 children these businesses. They do, with disabilities and only however, have strong comenough funding each year to munity leaders who help creserve 1,000 children. The rest of the children are expected to get services from other areas of the state, which often provide services that are not as effective.

ate jobs for disabled people and they provide the transition services for free for people with disabilities.

learn from the Russian organizations. All of the delegates were very excited that Minnesota had a disability newspaper and they all took copies to By the end of the day, the share within their regions. Minnesota Business Leadership Network (BLN) and Ac- Access Press plans to incorpocess Press agreed that there is rate a Russia/Minnesota seca need to travel to Russia to tion in the upcoming issues of

the newspaper to cover highlights of the great work happening over there. The goal of this new section will be to stay connected and informed about the Russian programs and to learn how we might be able to incorporate some of their experience into our Minnesota programs. ■

Russian delegates catching up on the news

Chereshnev stated, “Businesses and people with disabilities live in different realms. Even though we have laws that state that businesses have to have a 3% quota for employees with disabilities, no businesses are fined if they refuse to hire a person with a disability.” In contrast, the United States has Affirmative Action business guidelines in place for people of minority status, but the government does not regulate these guidelines for people with disabilities. Chereshnev also added that people with disabilities, who are entrepreneurs, have no insurance even though the government run businesses do. This sure sounds familiar to the healthcare crisis in Minnesota.

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July 10, 2005

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