August 2005 Edition - Access Press by Access Press

August 10, 2005

15 Anniversary Thank You Edition

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

Volume 16, Number 8

Minnesota’s Disability

Community Newspaper

August 10, 2005

ACCESS PRESS AND ADA: 15 YEARS STRONG

New Publication To Serve Persons With Disabilities Effective May 1990, a new monthly publication assumes an advocacy role for tens of thousands of previously under-represented Minnesotans– those with physical or mental disabilities. Access Press’ premier edition features a circulation of 10,000, distributed initially throughout the greater metropolitan Twin Cities area approximately 100 drop points including rehabilitation, education, training and medical centers. Edited by Charles Smith, an activist whose 23 years in a wheelchair have limited neither his vision nor his ability to redress untenable

Volume 1, Number 1

ummer 2005 is a time for two 15-year anniversaries: both the ADA and Access Press came into being in 1990. I’m amazed at all the accomplishments I see among friends in Minnesota and the disability communities across the country because of the ADA. It also amazes me to consider all the accomplishments of Access

circumstances, the tabloid will provide information regarding both sources and resources to state residents for whom the tasks of daily living have been rendered somewhat more challenging. Access Press will contain information of interest to the sight- and hearing-impaired, the MR community, those challenged by CP, MD, MS and other neurological disorders, the physically disabled and others. A broad-based editorial board is being formed to ensure that the interests of all challenged communities are editorially

SOURCES

RESOURCES

Press. Charlie Smith was right 15 years ago when he decided, with the help of family and friends, that a disability community newspaper would be a benefit to folks with disabilities and would thrive in the Twin Cities. The paper’s success has been a result of a lot of influences. It hasn’t been a success over

addressed to the extent possible.

The paper’s editorial mission will be two-fold, according to Smith: to serve as a source of enlightenment for the disabled community, and to serve the general public as a source of enlightenment about the disabled community.

Suggestions for editorial coverage, distribution points, or editorial board membership are welcomed. Subscriptions will be available for those whose access to distribution points is limited.

May 1990

all those years just because of Charlie’s tenacity or his entrepreneurship or intelligence or his ability to surround himself with intelligent, informed people. No, it hasn’t been a success simply because of financial contributors or foundation funding. Its success is not due solely to the information and insights in its columns or to the importance of

by Tim Benjamin the directory of organizations or accessible performances or news at a glance. It’s not just been the journalistic ability of Charlie Smith or Tim Benjamin or of all the contributing writers or the hard work and dedication of board members and staff past and present. It’s not any one of these. It’s been all of these things and many more, including each one of you as readers, that have contributed to the outstanding success of Access Press. Just as with the ADA, the paper’s success is because of the people who knew they were supporting a good cause, something that was good for all of society, ensuring that people with dis-

abilities should not be kept silent or uninformed. Everyone who has contributed to the paper believes that people with disabilities need to be seen and heard, and being seen and heard, they will change preconceived notions and misconceptions among the mainstream public. They believe that people with disabilities do have the right to contribute to their own success. Most of all they believed in the brain-child of a young man with a dream of a community newspaper giving a voice to the disability community. So, one side of these anniversaries is the celebration of amazing accomplishment. The

Victories And Concerns As Legislature (Finally) Adjourns by John Tschida

Several core components of the Minnesotans with Disabilities Act of 2005, the comprehensive proposal championed by the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, were enacted into law, including lower parental fees for parents of kids with disabilities, choice of community provider for those leaving nursing homes, lower prescription drug co-payments and an increase in the personal needs allowance.

budgeting from May into midJuly was largely caused by major differences in health care priorities. Governor Pawlenty’s desire to rein in spending would have significantly cut MinnesotaCare enrollment. House Republicans initially aligned with Pawlenty while Senate DFLers not only refused to trim public programs but demanded additional revenue. In the end, state health programs were protected and additional investments were made that rolled back some of the cuts made in 2003, largely funded by an additional 75 cents per pack charge on cigarettes. The ‘health impact fee’ will raise an estimated $401 million each year.

The legislative stalemate that extended the business of state

Of concern to Capitol advocates are limits that will be

fter enduring the first partial government shutdown in state history, the 2005 special session ended July 13, 2005, with major policy advances for people with disabilities.

placed on the state Medical Assistance waiver programs. Access to these services, which provide access to a case manager and additional community based services, will be ‘capped’ at certain levels each month and may delay or prevent individuals from getting the health services they need. The state will save $52.7 million over the next two years by limiting enrollment for those eligible for the TBI, MR/RC and CADI waivers. Additional funds were also directed toward transit programs, which will preserve the current Metro Mobility service area. While modest fare increases (50 cents for peak hours and 25 cents for offpeak) took effect July 1, the draconian cuts proposed earlier this year by the Metro-

politan Council will not take effect. While details on all the legislative action can be found online at www.leg.state.mn. us, the following summary highlights several key changes that will affect Minnesotans with disabilities: Dental Services Eliminates the annual $500 cap on dental services for Medical Assistance, GAMC, and MinnesotaCare enrollees. This cap has significantly limited access to dental services and resulted in increased hospital emergency room utilization. Lower Drug Co-pays People enrolled in Medical Assistance will pay a maximum of $12 per month regard-

less of their prescription needs. Currently, the cap is at $20. More Pocket Money Individuals receiving subsidized housing in licensed group residential setting can keep more of their money before turning it over to the state to pay for room and board. The proposal lets them keep an extra $12 per month. (Current law allows them to keep $79 each month.) Parental Fees The proposal moderates monthly premium costs that parents of children with severe disabilities must pay to access needed medical services. Some increases implemented in 2003 have created tremendous hardships for Legislature - cont. on p. 10

other side of anniversaries, though, is closure. An anniversary brings to mind all the things we’ve had to say goodbye to and now only have as memories. Even in my short tenure, I’ve had to say goodbye to a number of people who have worked on and made the paper better. How many people did Charlie say goodbye to? Especially in the beginning of the paper when so many people were influential in his conceptualizing of the paper. Closing the door on ideas can be especially hard; the “what-if’s” come into play. It’s difficult to move on, knowing you’ll only have the memory of what was and what might have happened if the changes were made. An anniversary always involves what is and what might have been. Think of how the people you’ve said goodbyes to in the last 15 years have changed your life. What if those people hadn’t crossed your path; who would you be today? As for myself, I certainly wouldn’t be the editor of Access Press without Charlie Smith crossing my path and trusting me to continue working with all of you, as he did. We wouldn’t have the civil rights that we have without the influences and advocacy work of Justin Dart and Ed Roberts. People with disabilities in Minnesota certainly wouldn’t have the political impact that we have today without the voice of Paul Wellstone. Again, my point is that we have closure every time we celebrate an anniversary. We have to say goodbye and accept the changes in our lives, learning from those people who struggled to succeed and left us with their successes. In another 15 years, whose successes will we be remembering? Anniversary - cont. on p. 16

August 10, 2005

Tim Benjamin, Editor

DA Minnesota pulled off, in my opinion, Minnesota’s best ADA celebration ever! It was a great time. There

were exhibitors from every corner of the disability community. Many exhibitors that had no previous connection to disabilities were there because, they said, being part of the disability community is just good business! Cindy Held Tarshish and all the committee members have much to be proud of. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication; it was well worth it. We will bring you much more of an expanded article and photos of the fabulous day in the September issue. John Tschida has written an update of the successes of the Minnesota Consortium of Citizen with Disability (MN-CCD). As most of you know, the MNCCD staged a tremendous effort early in this year’s legisla-

tive session by submitting a disability agenda bill to the state legislators. I believe this was a first try at this style of action by MN-CCD. With excellent leadership and an incredible follow—up push by the many other members the action was far more effective or successful than most could have ever imagined. There was a lot of work put into writing this Disability Bill before it was completed and ready for the step that where need to be taking for it to be considered by the legislative for authoring. We all have to be thankful for these efforts by the Legislators and members of MN-CCD. They all did a great job. Thank you and congratulations.

Last month we printed an article about MA-EPD. There were several inaccuracies in the article that were brought to my attention by readers and by some of the professionals who support the Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities. I take full responsibility for the accuracy of everything published in Access Press and mistakes at this level are completely unacceptable. The Department of Human Services, in cooperation with the Work Incentive Connection has written an article addressing the inaccuracies and explaining some of the policies more completely. But I’ve also decided we can make a learning opportunity out of this blunder.

MA-EPD: A Valued Work Incentive by Mary Alice Mowry, Manager-Disability Services

recent article published in Access Press brought to light the fact that more education and information are needed in the community regarding Minnesota’s Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD) program. It is important for people to have the facts before making a decision about whether MA-EPD is the right program for them. MA-EPD was created in 1999 as a work incentive to help people with disabilities return to or stay at work. It allows people between ages 16 and 65, who have been certified disabled either by the Social Security Administration (SSA) or the State Medical Review Team (SMRT), to maintain their Medical Assistance (MA) health care coverage while working.

Because it is a work incentive program, there is no upper income limit for MA-EPD. This is meant to encourage people to work to their full potential without fear of losing their health care benefits. To be on the program, people pay a monthly premium based on their income and household size.

self-employment taxes either quarterly or at the end of the year. MA-EPD policy requires people to follow the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) law and the Minnesota Department of Revenue tax laws. It does not create new tax law. People on MA-EPD who lose their job through no fault of their own, or who are unable to work due to their disability or medical condition, can stay in the program for up to four months without earned income. This allows people time to find a new job, or to get well enough to return to work without losing their health care coverage. At the end of four months, if they do not have a job or are unable to return to work, they cannot be on MAEPD, but may be eligible for standard MA.

In order to qualify for MAEPD a person must be employed or self-employed and have average earned income of more than $65 per month. To qualify as employment, Medicare and Social Security taxes must also be withheld from wages or paid from self-employment income. MA-EPD policy does not require that a person earn minimum wage or work a certain number of hours. Many people meet the employment criteria by being selfemployed, keeping monthly With an asset limit of $20,000, business records and filing MA-EPD also allows people

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.

to save a greater amount of money for themselves. The $20,000 asset limit does not include such things as the person’s home, one vehicle, retirement accounts, spouse’s assets or medical expense accounts set up through an employer. For example, a person could have a car, a home, $10,000 in a regular savings account plus an unlimited amount of money in a retirement account and still be eligible for MA-EPD.

Our mistake identified a problem: many people, including many of us very involved with MA-EPD, misunderstand the program and how all the policies related to this program work. So test your own knowledge. If you read the first article, you might want to go back and see if you can find the inaccuracies and correct them. Then be sure to read the new article below. This incident was a reminder of how many complex governmental policies people with disabilities depend on, and how much effort is required to understand and stay clear about all their details. The MA-EPD program is intended to be a positive step to independence, and it’s one that’s helped me. I want to be sure it’s well publicized and well understood.

On page 17 you will find a nomination form for this year’s up coming annual Charlie Smith Award. The award dinner will be November 4 at Como Park’s, Black Bear Crossing. Please send in your nomination soon. And we will see you at the party! Congratulations to our own Terri Ricci, her article in July’s Access Press entitled “Access Press Makes Russian Connection” is being reprinted on the Open World Leadership Center website, http:// www.openworld.gov. The Center was established by Congress in 2000 and is located at the Library of Congress. ■

Letters To The Editor ... Dear Editor:

The July article, “Is Expressing Anger Normal for People with Disabilities?” just plain annoyed me. No, I wasn’t angry. I was simply annoyed that a question like this was even posed. Have you ever heard the question, “Is Expressing Anger Normal for Able-bodied People?” Of course not! Anger is a human, emotional response—not a When people on MA-EPD characteristic of disability. stop working and no longer qualify for the program, the Having said that … I recognize, county automatically reviews of course, that there are people eligibility for standard Medi- with disabilities whose anger is inappropriately generated MA-EPD - cont. on p. 17

and directed. Isn’t that true for able-bodied people as well? Of course. Any number of endearing or abrasive emotional responses can overtake most of us from time to time—disabled or ablebodied alike! We’re human! As a disabled person, I have lashed out—and yes— sometimes when someone has offered to help me. Sometimes, it’s not so much the offer to help I’m reacting to, but the tone in which the offer is made. For example, “Oh honey, can I open the door for you?” bothers me. To me there is Letters - cont. on p. 17

Minnesota’s Disability Community Newspaper Invites you to the Third Annual 17 e g pa e for tion Se ina tion m No or ma Inf

Charlie Smith Community Award Banquet November 4, 2005 At the Como Lake Pavilion Black Bear Crossing, St. Paul WATCH FOR REGISTRATION DETAILS 651-644-2133 • www.accesspress.org

August 10, 2005

15 Anniversary Celebration th

Susan Lasoff & Associates Thank you Access Press for being the source for disability news for the past 15 years. Continue to provide us the news!

Press! s s e c c A ns Congratulatio th

Occupational Therapists Accessibility Specialists

Thanks for being there, Access Press!

Disability Viewpoints – Mark Hughes

THANK YOU,

Congratulations on a fabulous 15 years of serving the community!

Year!

On your

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TOGETHER WE DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Access Press Staff

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August 10, 2005

15 Anniversary Celebration: Thank Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s th

Complete Mobility Systems Congratulates Access Press on Your 15th Anniversary!

Thank you for being a great resource to the community!

Congratulations! Access Press We look forward to 15 more years of your vital news coverage and community leadership. Thanks for All You Do! The Minnesota Disability Law Center New client intake: 612-334-5970 (metro), 1-800-292-4150, 612-332-4668 (TDD) www.mndlc.org

August 10, 2005

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Looking forward to the next 15 years From all of us at,

Access Press â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Congratulations on 15 Years!

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Proud to have been part of the passage of the ADA; Delighted to celebrate its 15th anniversary! 770 Transfer Road St. Paul, MN 55114 651-523-0823 or 1-800-582-5256 www.arcminnesota.com mail@arcminnesota.com

15 Years of Publishing News that Matters Thanks Access Press! Your friends at United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota

As an agency dedicated to supporting people who have disabilities and other barriers to employment attain their personal measure of vocational achievement, affordable housing, self-sufficiency, and belonging in their communities --

Rise, Inc. congratulates Access Press on its 15th anniversary! Rise offers 44 vocational / employment and housing programs throughout the Twin Cities and outstate Minnesota. For more information, check out Riseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s web site at www.rise.org or call 763-786-8334.

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August 10, 2005

Disability Technology

The Power Of Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) by Jeni Mundl ing those that support onehanded typing, such as the half-keyboard. Another option is a wireless collapsible keyboard which expands to the size of a laptop keyboard. The keys are extremely easy to press requiring less accuracy in typing. The keyboard can be mounted on a wheelchair for ease of operation. Some PDAs have a thumbpad which is a small keyboard requiring range of motion of several Personal Digital Assistants inches. It is important to match provide benefits to individu- the keyboards to your particuals with disabilities. For ex- lar model of PDA. ample, people with learning or cognitive disabilities could Speech input and output may benefit from the organizational be a solution for people who and task management func- have physical limitations, as tions. Similarly, some people well as other individuals who with limited mobility can ben- are unable to use either the efit from the small size, light stylus or an attached keyweight, and portability of a board. Currently IBM and Scansoft both offer speech PDA. input/output products for The standard method is to PDAs, IBM Embedded Viaoperate the PDA with a stylus. Voice and Dragon PDSay. A stylus is a small pointer tool Both products are commandused to press small letters on based and do not support dican on-screen keyboard. This tation or application-specific is difficult for many people to functionality beyond a basic perform. Secondly, the screen core set of popular applicaof a PDA is extremely small tions at this time. However, compared to a computer moni- many such applications may tor. Don’t despair... there are likely improve, driven not by many alternative options of accessibility concerns but by demands of an increasingly control and viewing. mobile and global workforce. Microsoft Voice Command is Physical Adaptations: People who are unable to use the third option, but most limthe stylus can attach their PDA iting. to small portable keyboards. There are many varieties of Visual Adaptations: keyboards available, includ- For people with low vision, PDAs and Accessibility PDA stands for “Personal Digital Assistant.” These are the little electronic devices you see people jotting stuff down on in public. Today’s PDAs allow you to organize your schedule, take notes, do math calculations, play games, write memos, and even surf the Internet and send e-mail. They are nifty devices to have to organize your life!

One Man’s Story by Daniel J. Vance “Gordon” is the president of a financially successful, publicly traded corporation based in the Midwest. He agreed to be interviewed under the condition his true identity wouldn’t be revealed. “In ninth grade, my son was singled out by a speaker addressing a school gathering as ‘someone looking like a time bomb’ and ready to explode,” said Gordon in a telephone interview. “The speaker had been talking about high-risk children dealing with depression and drug abuse. The principal told me what the speaker had said.” At first Gordon attributed his son’s “punk” dress and behavior to an “artistic nature” and “normal teenage rebellion.” But then came serious bouts with depression and psychiatric visits. So Gordon enrolled him in a private school. “The principal there caught my son smoking (tobacco) and referred to him as a ‘druggy,’” he said. “So I immediately had him tested for drugs. The re-

sults showed no trace elements of any drugs whatsoever.”

many color PDAs are now available that feature bright displays. However, little, if any, operating system support is available for changing the color of these displays for high contrast color schemes or for large font sizes, although the newer generation of PDA browsers may change this. Some applications do allow users to enlarge fonts exclusively within that application. As for magnification software, some users have worked successfully with TealMagnify, though the magnified image it produces is highly pixelated. EasyLink is a new product from Optelec combining an HP Ipaq Pocket PC and a Bluetooth Braille keyboard. Both EasyLink’s components can fit comfortably in a purse or large pocket, yet its small size in no way detracts from the ease of use its name suggests.

oped software for PDAs to allow persons with communication limitations to use these devices in creation of speech. The Chat PC and IMPACT Palmtop Portable are two such products. Learning Tools: There are many educational usages for PDAs. One option is e-books that can be downloaded onto a PDA to be read or have a speech output system read the book. These books range from the classics to the latest releases. Microsoft Office is available for PDAs. It includes the pocket series of Microsoft Word, Excel, and MSN. This allows a student to start a homework project on their PDA to later transfer the file onto a standard computer.

Math calculations are easily computed through basic and Maestro is a product by scientific applications availVisuAide which provides textto-speech in its PDA. Information is entered by using its tactile keys rather than a stylus. Another specialized PDA from Freedom Scientific called the PAC Mate is quickly becoming a standard by individu- by Peter Bell als with blindness. he last few months have been a difficult Communication Adaptaperiod for transit adtions: vocates, customers and emThe potential use of PDA de- ployees, as well as for the vices for portable communica- Metropolitan Council. No one tion is becoming a reality. likes the idea of raising transit Many vendors have devel- fares or cutting service. We know that’s a sure-fire formula for reducing transit ridership, just the opposite of what most of us would like to see. However, faced with a $60 million for him when he challenges his budget shortfall in the coming medication regimen,” said Gor- two years, the Council was don. forced to increase transit fares by 25 cents across-the-board Without any private solutions, and reduce Metro Transit serTim had to “spend down” his vice by 3.5 percent, beginning savings to become eligible for in September. The bulk of these government services. After two cuts involve high-subsidy, years he began receiving disability income.

Two schools later, Gordon’s son was accepted into art college. That same fall, he was admitted to a psychiatric ward for crying hysterically and thinking he was dying. The doctor correctly diagnosed his alternating hysteria, crying and depression as bipolar disor- “Up until then I was paying for der, also known as manic-de- his personal living expenses pressive illness. with money we had saved for his college,” said Gordon. “I Son “Tim” is now 25, and has feel that people like my son are been in the hospital six addi- severely lacking resources (to tional times. He also has been overcome their disabilities). diagnosed with schizophrenia. Society is afraid to address it. You can’t see his affliction.” Said Gordon, “Our biggest struggle is that though having Gordon urges parents to learn the financial means to privately more about mental illness from hire a professional “life coach” groups like the National Allifor ‘Tim,’ we can’t find one. I ance for the Mentally Ill and to have talked with hundreds of “press for answers” from medipeople, even physicians. Ev- cal professionals. eryone just shrugs their shoulders.” For more information, see www.danieljvance.com or A life coach would be a mentor, www.nami.org. ■ helping Tim navigate the health provider system, and be “there

able on a PDA. Many web Attainment, along with other sites provide free download- vendors, have specific softable applets. ware for PDA needs. The individual does not need to have Language translators may help several different items for a student learning a foreign tracking and organizing. The language. French and Span- training is most important in ish are just two applets which implementing a PDA for someone with a cognitive disabilare available. ity. Cognitive Adaptations: For cognitive disabilities, A Testimonial: PDAs offer extensive sched- Personally, I “Love” my Zire uling, reminders and note-tak- 31. It keeps me on track of my ing features. The calendar al- daily hectic schedule with an lows the individual or care- extensive list of contacts and taker to quickly look up ap- notes. It reminds me where I pointments and to have the should be by sounding a device indicate a warning subtle alarm—I need all the prior to the time. There are help I can get. I am able to sync different views to enable the it to my computer for easy user to decide what works best viewing, backup, and typing. for them. Many individuals It still amazes me with all it can with cognitive disabilities are do. Future developments will more apt to use a digital re- extend its capabilities and pominder over the paper and tential usages. Every day, there is something new on the pencil method. market for a PDA. ■ The use of a PDA allows all information to be in one place.

State Funding Promises Brighter Future For Transit

low-ridership routes and route tial first step toward expandsegments. ing the transit system and keeping pace with our region’s Fortunately, the global bud- growth. get agreement negotiated by Governor Pawlenty and legis- By the year 2030, we estimate lative leaders during the spe- that the seven-county area will cial session spared us from grow by nearly 1 million people, deeper service cuts that other- 471,000 households and wise would have been neces- 563,000 jobs. As I often have sary. The agreement, ap- said, growth is a good thing. It proved July 13, 2005 by the brings new jobs, economic Legislature, provided an addi- opportunities, higher property tional $40 million for regional values and additional tax revtransit services. This action enue to help pay for essential will preserve transit service public services. for more than 200,000 area residents who travel by bus or rail But accommodating growth is every day, about a third of not always easy, as anyone whom have no other means of who has been stuck in rushtransportation. It is an essen- Transit - cont. on p. 10

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August 10, 2005

Mental Illness/Brain Disorders

George Vs. “The Inner Tyrant” by Pete Feigal Editor's Note: Pete is on vacation so we are dusting off one of his past columns. We hope he is back writing for us next month.

lmost every waking moment, I hear a voice inside my head. Granted, you’re reading someone who has battled mental illness for 30 plus years, and even though I am not delusional, admittedly during that time I’ve seen a few shows that were not listed, I mean they were not in the TV Guide. But it isn’t that kind of voice. It’s that stream of consciousness just below the surface, the voice that does a running commentary on the movie/ball game that is my life, something we all have in one way or another as our minds are fitted with and process data. As long as I can remember, my narrator has always had a dark streak, a way of slipping a dagger past my defenses, a way of always making me feel lessthan, trivial, worthless. George, my old cognitive group leader at Abbott-Northwestern, called it the “Inner Tyrant” as he believed that there wasn’t any better term for this judgmental dictator that lived inside so many. It seemed to exist most often inside people who had been hurt, betrayed or traumatized by others, especially people in authority or who were supposed to be our protectors. The abuse suffered left a residual wound that is hard to heal, a message that one must be really worthlessbad-guilty if the ones that were closest to us, who knew us best, abused us instead of loved us. The “Inner Tyrant’ ‘is the voice inside that says that every victory is hollow, that every defeat is total. The voice that says “Why bother? You’ll only screw up in the end.” The voice that sabotages me and then says, “See, I told you so.” It’s the voice that tells me that whatever I do, it isn’t enough, and that whatever I am, I will always be alone and unloved. It’s the voice of society telling me that I am lazy, weak, and flawed of character. It’s the voice of every teacher who humiliated me, every person that rejected me, every family member who was disappointed with me. It’s me at my worst. It is judgment and guilt and pain. But it’s me.

of us know what it’s like to live not a human.doing and you inside someone who hates don’t have to do or be anyone you, and it’s very “my-sided.” different to be loved. You don’t need to ‘buy’ your love. You So what’s the answer? 1 know are lovable just as you are.” what George would say if he were here. He’d say, “Pete, George’s voice is the one I remember the paradoxical law hear when I need kindness of change: ‘It’s only when I and mercy. I have a hard time accept myself as I am that I can saying nice things about mychange.’” He’d say, “You’re self, but George was someone who never lied to me, who “. . . I’ve seen a few never judged me. Someone shows that were not who gave me hope that I really listed, I mean they were was all the good things he said not in the TV Guide.” I was. I think that hell is where you become who you fear you not crazy by feeling this way. are, and heaven is where you Considering all of the terrible may become who you hope and traumatic things that have you are, and George’s voice is happened, what you’re feel- that divine spirit I use to give ing is actually pretty appropri- my heart healing and mercy. ate, and just staying alive has It’s how I have a touch of been a miraculous thing.” Heaven to combat my ongoGeorge would say, “You’ve ing Hell. All of us have had a done a terrific job. You’ve been “George” sometime or somea good person, a good son, a where in our lives. A teacher, wonderful child of God. You a friend, a grandparent. A loved are perfectly fine just as you one. Trace your footsteps back are, and you don’t need to to that time, and hear that kind remake yourself into anyone voice again. Nurture it and else. You are a human being, keep it close. ■

by Clarence Schadegg

n a July 5, 2005 interview with Monica Nilsson, Community Development Director for the Bridge for Runaway Youth, she stated, “It appears that the number of homeless youth, especially youth with some form of disability, is on the increase.” Ms. Nilsson also stated, “Today, there are about 4,000 children each year who are homeless, and it is about one in ten children in the Minneapolis Public Schools.” Ms. Nilsson further stated, “We see, fortunately, a very small percentage of people who are wheelchair bound, or who have vision loss in the shelters…So the majority of disabilities are mental health and developmental disabilities.” How would a homeless blind youngster with mental illness,

by Rick Cardenas

C5-C4, which defines the location of my neck and spinal cord injury, and the effects of that type injury as the movie explains and illustrates quite well. The movie goes into depth into C6, C7 injuries, which is where most of the characters have injuries that are portrayed in Murderball. The muscles that are used for this game are biceps, triceps, hand and wrist strength with very strong shoulders and neck all of which are there and are developed by playing the game and are more available to C6, C7 level Quads.

opponent from scoring to the point of injuring another person (like U.S. football). The players are equipped with metal bumpers on the front and back of their wheelchair and the wheel spokes are covered, but the players wear no helmet, shoulder pads, padded gloves, shin guards or other protective gear. Opponents ram each other’s wheelchairs for the purpose of tipping them over many times throughout the game.

Murderball is a sport created to give quadriplegics an outlet for their frustration about life. The sport is played on a basketball court with no baskets, just a goal line on each end of the court. You must cross the goal line with the ball to score. I had never heard of the game until this movie and I do not I thought the most interesting know if there are teams in the parts of the movie were the Twin City area. It was a part of social relationship aspects of the 2004 Paralympics so it is a The sport is like any other a male quad having to do with worldwide sport. sport that tries to stop their their sexuality and the sexual methods to the familial enterI am a quad, a Cervical-5, 4 or changes. One of the first things a male quad asks after waking up from the trauma of Movie Review - cont. on p. 17 Celebrating 33 Yrs Of RENTAL • SALES SERVICE • REPAIR

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More Homeless Youth Struggle With Mental Illness: What Can We Do?

Murderball: A Movie Review saw Murderball at the Uptown Theater with a couple of friends, one of whom told me that I “…just need to see this show.”

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for example, know how to navigate safely around the various homeless shelters or get rehabilitation training? How would a teenager who has mental illness be safe inside and outside of a shelter for homeless people?

Rita Steinhagen of the Convent of Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet (CSJ) and other concerned residents of Hennepin County. A house on the West Bank was donated to Sister Rita, and she used the house for the youth she saw living on the West “I believe,” said Ms. Nilsson, Bank. The Bridge is now lo“the shelters are ill-equipped cated at 2200 Emerson Avenue to serve those populations… South, Minneapolis. There are services through Hennepin County in which we The Bridge has grown since it can connect them to. But if a was started in 1970 to include person comes to us with the more services. According to label of homeless, their ser- the 2003 Charities Review vices are very underfunded.” Council report, the Bridge “maintains a strong base of In adult shelters, Ms. Nilsson community support. The orstated, “Catholic Charities in ganization provides resources downtown Minneapolis is and programs for youth that kind of a large warehouse type are at risk of running away and shelter—the staff-to-client ra- experiencing violence. While tio is one to eighty. So we have most of the youth that are hundreds of adults sleeping served are still from Hennepin on foam mats on the floor. And County, the programs and sercertainly their disabilities are vices are available to youth not being addressed. All we, throughout the state and reas the community, are doing is gion. Programs range from oneto support a place to keep the on-one and family in-home homeless out of the cold. In counseling to long-term shelsome cases there is food avail- ter stays. Resources and proable and in some cases there is grams are also available for the not.” In the case of a homeless families of these young youth who has diabetes, what people.” dietary choices would he or she have? How would a youth Today, the Bridge for Runwith diabetes get medical help, away Youth also provides if necessary? homeless youth with housing for 24 people at an apartment “With youth, I think,” said in the Uptown area of MinneMs. Nilsson, we do a little bet- apolis. To help, you can call ter job than with adults in that (612) 377-8800. Another way the staff-to-client ratio is to contact the Bridge is either smaller and programs are of- by e-mail or to navigate their ten situated in a big house website. The Bridge e-mail where it is a little more home- address is info@bridgefor like. But the challenges there youth.org. The Bridge Web can be that all of our shelters in address is www.bridgefor Minneapolis are not accessible youth.org. and so we have to have a system to meet the Americans with This article is an excerpt of a Disabilities Act (ADA) re- much longer interview. I am quirements. If we can’t serve a grateful that Ms. Nilsson took person, we know who can. And time out of her busy day to we have a way of making sure allow me to interview her. The they get a spot there.” staff at the Bridge deserves much recognition as they do, The Bridge for Runaway indeed, provide valuable supYouth, also known as the port to disabled and non-disBridge, was founded by Sister abled homeless people. ■

August 10, 2005

Medicare Modernization Act & Work Incentives

Medicare Prescription Drug Costsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;An Update

by Lolly Lijewski

by Jim Czechowicz

ccording to The Health And Disability Advocates (HDA), a coalition of disability advocates from Chicago, the new benefits, that come through the newly enacted Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) for people with disabilities, may conflict with policy changes in work incentives enacted over the past several years to empower people with disabilities to work while still maintaining their health care benefits.

cates the impression that if an SSI beneficiary is deemed eligible, they are eligible for successive years following the eligibility determination, however, the regulations seem to indicate that SSI beneficiaries have the possibility of being reviewed in successive years. This is a mixed message. It would be more advantageous for beneficiaries if monthly reviews were an option. For example, if the eligible beneficiaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s income changes, and they become unemployed in March, their eligibility status would not be reviewed until the following January at which time they could become eligible for additional benefits. But during those intervening months between the time they became unemployed, and the redetermination, the SSI beneficiary would be without any additional assistance in paying for their prescription drugs even though their income decreased substantially.

The two agencies that have responsibility for implementing these new regulations are The Social Security Administration (SSA), and The Centers For Medicare And Medicaid Services (CMS). These two agencies should be working hand-in-hand to make a smooth transition for consumers from the current system to the new one, and for the most part they are succeeding. There are however, some exceptions which are important for beneficiaries to be aware of, and to call to the attention The new MMA benefits are of SSA and CMS staff should supposed to follow the SSI they encounter them. rules including the student earned income exclusion, but A major area of concern for the regulations do not take HDA with the MMA is consis- this exclusion into account. tency between the new MMA So, for example, students with benefits, and existing benefits disabilities who might take a like SSI. CMS has given advo- paid internship would have

eginning in January their income from the intern2006, Medicare will ship counted against their offer prescription drug annual income. This would reduce the amount of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Extra plans to beneficiaries. But now Helpâ&#x20AC;? the student could re- is the time to see if you qualify for some extra financial help in ceive. paying for your monthly preHDA is also concerned that miums, annual deductibles and Medicare Part D, doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t rec- prescription co-payments unognize the Social Security trial der the new program. work period for people on SSDI. The policy solution to this is- Social Security is working to sue would be to have Medi- make sure that everyone who care Part D disregard earned might be eligible for this extra income during the trial work help applies for it. From late period in case the eligible ben- May through mid-August, eficiary becomes unemployed Social Security is mailing letduring the trial work period, ters to nearly 19 million people they would still need assis- who are potentially eligible for tance with paying for their pre- this extra help. And we are scription drugs and could working with federal and state maintain that coverage with- agencies, advocacy groups out experiencing a gap in their and other interested parties in coverage or having to go communities across the counthrough another eligibility try to get the word out about the new program and the extra determination. help that is available. According to the HDA, another potential barrier is for If you receive a letter in the people with Developmental mail, please read the informaDisabilities, if they are an SSDI tion carefully. The letter will beneficiary and have taken a explain the prescription drug job where they are earning program, and tell you how to $1,000 a month, but only pro- apply for the extra help. The ducing $700 of work a month, letter includes an application they are permitted under SSDI and a return-addressed, postregulations to maintain their age-paid envelope. Those SSDI check, even though they who qualify for the extra help exceed the SGA level for SSDI, could save an average of $2,100 but under the MMA, they per year. would not be entitled to any Even if you do not get an apMedicare - cont. on p. 9

plication in the mail, you still might be eligible for help with prescription drug costs. See if you might qualify and apply online at Social Securityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website, www.socialsecurity. gov. You also can contact Social Security at 1-800-7721213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) for more information or to apply over the telephone. Are You Eligible? To qualify for the extra help, a person or married couple living together must have limited income and resources. You can qualify for this help as an individual if your total annual income is below $14,355 and your resources are valued below $10,000. The limits for a married couple living together are higher: $19,245 in combined annual income and $20,000 in resources. These resources can be slightly higherâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;an additional $1,500 per personâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;if you will be using some of your money for burial expenses. Even if your income is higher, you still may be able to get some help if, for example, you or your spouse supports other family members who live with you, if you have earnings from work or if you live in Alaska or Hawaii.

home and cars are not counted as resources. So if you think you might be eligible, you should apply. It is important to note that some beneficiaries will automatically qualify for the extra financial help. Anyone who has both Medicare and Medicaid, or Medicare and Supplemental Security Income, or anyone whose state pays his or her Medicare premiums, will not have to complete an eligibility application. But even if you automatically qualify for extra help, you still need to enroll in a Medicare-approved prescription drug plan to obtain both coverage and the extra help.

Online Help Available If people think they might be eligible for the extra help, one of the fastest, easiest and most convenient ways to apply is by going online. Medicare beneficiaries who want to apply for the extra financial help that is available under the new prescription drug program can do so at Social Securityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s websiteâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;www.social security.gov. For anyone who qualifies, this extra help can go a long way in paying for the premiums, deductibles and coThere are also certain exclu- payments related to the Medisions from both income and care prescription drug program. resources. For example, your Drug Costs- cont. on p. 17

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-ANY -INNESOTA PROGRAMS ARE STILL ACTIVELY RECRUITING FULL AND PART TIME MEMBERS TO START THIS FALL &OR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REQUEST AN APPLICATION GO TO WWW AMERICORPS ORG OR SERVEMINNESOTA ORG OR CONTACT THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS DIRECTLY #ITY OF ,AKES !MERI#ORPS -PLS #ONTACT (ANNA n 6OICE 449 &OCUS 4UTORING MENTORING AND 6OLUNTEER #OORDINATOR POSITIONS -. 0ROMISE &ELLOWS 3TATEWIDE #ONTACT -ELISSA &OCUS 9OUTH AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT -. 4EACHER #ORPS -PLS 3T 0AUL #ONTACT %MILY X &OCUS + ,ITERACY n .OTE -UST BE EXISTING %! 4! TO APPLY -ULTICULTURAL #OMMUNITIES IN !CTION 3T 0AUL #ONTACT ,AURA &OCUS %DUCATION SUPPORT THROUGH TEACHING TUTORING IN SCHOOLS AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM 7ORK IN 0ROGRESS -PLS 3T 0AUL 3T #LOUD #HISAGO #OUNTY #ONTACT *ESSICA &OCUS *OB MENTORING SUPPORT AND COMMUNITY INTEGRATION FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

August 10, 2005

Walker Art Center Opens New Tactile Tours Are Amid Accessibility Launched Concerns by Kaylen Whitmore

by Lance H. Hegland

correspondence C. Scott Winter, director of membership and visitor services for the Center. After questioning staff regarding alternate access, they directed her towards a set of elevators. However, the elA local rehabilitation special- evators did not access those ist was asked to visit the particular galleries. Other staff Walker after a client mentioned she approached didn’t know he did not feel it was sufficiently accessible during his “A local rehabilitation April visit. Particularly, he said specialist was asked wheelchair lifts providing access to two separate pairs of to visit the Walker . . .” galleries (e.g., Galleries 2 and 3 plus Galleries 5 and 6) was where the wheelchair lifts were unavailable, as was the lift from located. Others were aware of the Bazinet Garden Lobby to their location, but had not been the new Cargill Lounge. On informed they were not funcApril 30, 2005 she decided to tioning. take a look. The rehab specialist also During her visit, the lifts were noted a door propped open still out of service. Two older that may have created a barrier lifts were awaiting parts and for individuals traveling along service and the third was not that particular walkway using yet completed, according to a wheelchair or other mobilitywo visitors report a malfunctioning elevator was not the only concern raised during the first few weeks after the Walker Art Center’s grand re-opening.

new program makes works of art more accessible to visitors aid. Finally, she was concerned who are blind or have low vithe layout of the galleries in sion. conjunction with the elevator locations may pose difficulty The Minneapolis Institute of for individuals experiencing Arts recently joined a select mobility challenges or relying group of American museums upon manual wheelchairs; the offering tactile-map art tours layout may require visitors to to visitors who are blind or back track to elevators. have low vision. Now visitors can feel a raised physical “map” If you visit the Walker and of Vincent van Gogh’s Olive have accessibility concerns, Trees, and Cadzi Cody’s Elk please contact their Member- Hide with Scenes of Plains ship and Visitor Services by Indian Life while a specially calling 612-375-7600. For trained docent verbally deWalker information visit scribes the artwork in vivid www.walkerart.org. ■ detail. Dots, dashes, and solid fields of raised or smooth surEditor’s Note: faces give the user a sense of C. Scott Winter, Director of perspective and make clear reMembership and Visitor Ser- lationships between the whole vices, apologizes for any in- work of art and specific details convenience guests have ex- of the piece, allowing in-depth perienced and provides reas- exploration of these key works surance that they are work- through words and touch. ing to resolve any outstanding issues. You may contact The Minneapolis Institute of him directly at 612-375-7562 Arts’ free admission policy publicly demonstrates the museum’s mission of bringing

MEDICARE - Cont. from p. 8 additional “extra help,” or low income subsidy. SSDI takes into account the $300 gap, but Medicare Part D does not.

are not recognized under Medicare Part D. Income related work expenses, and blind income related work expenses, are figured on a percentage. Finally, business expenses for The percentages are 16.3 for self-employed beneficiaries non-blind and 25 percent for

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diligent in observing where gaps in the regulations that govern the implementation of the new law occur, and to call those gaps to the attention of the implementing agencies. It is to the advantage of beneficiaries of Social Security and Medicare to attend as many informational sessions about these new programs as possible, and to ask as many questions as they can to clarify how these new programs will impact them. It is imperative that these potential challenges do not prevent anyone who Implementation of a new law is believes they might be eligible always a critical time for advo- for these new benefits from cates and beneficiaries to be applying for them. This article blind income related work expenses. An individual who has greater expenses will receive less help from the new benefit set than individuals whose expenses are lower than these percentages. This is a disincentive to work for an individual who is self-employed or wants to become self-employed. For self-employed beneficiaries, whose income changes on a monthly basis, monthly reviews would be more beneficial than yearly reviews.

art to life for everyone. Just as important in fulfilling that mission, but perhaps not so widely known, are the many services, such as the one described above, which the Institute offers to people with disabilities in an effort to make its programs and exhibitions accessible to all visitors.

The Information Desk staff happily assists visitors who wish to use a TDD telephone, get copies of select brochures in large print or Braille, or borrow Assistive Listening Devices to amplify any public programs, lectures, and tours. In addition to Assistive Listening Devices, the Institute offers an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted tour on the first Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. ASL tours may be arranged at other times as well; visitors should call at least four weeks in advance to arrange a tour.

Accommodations are noticeable even before visitors enter the museum. The parking ramp adjacent to the museum, and the lot on 24th Street and Third Avenue both feature accessible parking spaces. Van parking as well as visitor drop-off and pick-up can be conveniently managed at the Third Visitors who are blind or have low vision may also request an Avenue circle drive. individual guided “touch tour” The museum is barrier-free. A of select objects in the collecquick stop at the Welcome tion. During touch tours, both Desk in the Third Avenue lobby the guide and the visitor wear allows visitors to pick up a cotton gloves to examine towheelchair to use free of charge gether pre-selected works of during their visit (wheelchairs sculpture and decorative arts. are available on a first-come, Museum curators have apfirst-served basis, or you can proved specific objects, among reserve one by phone). them Picasso’s sculpture Baboon and Young and Thorvaldsen’s marble Ganymede and the Eagle, for touching during these specialized tours. The museum also features fully is meant to help inform con- accessible restrooms and a sumers so that they can be private facility in which a combetter able to empower them- panion may assist a visitor. All selves to seek benefits they of the services mentioned are are entitled to. An informed also available for students with consumer is an empowered disabilities. To request these consumer. or other custom services, visitors may visit www.artsmia. There is also help available to org to access a Request for consumers by calling The Link- Accommodation Form in adage Line at 1-800-333-2433, or vance of their visit. The staff at Social Security at 1-800-772- The Minneapolis Institute of 1213, or for information on Arts looks forward to making Medicare Part D from CMS call everyone’s visit a comfortable, 1-800-633-4227. Beneficiaries welcoming experience. ■ can also access information online at www.sa.gov, or www. Kaylen Whitmore is Associcms.hhs.gov. Health And Dis- ate Director of External Afability Advocates can be fairs at The Minneapolis reached at 312-223-9600. ■ Institute of Arts.

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August 10, 2005

LEGISLATURE - Cont. from p. 1 middle-income families. delivery community-based services to people with disIncreased Choice for People abilities. Most of the increase with Disabilities Leaving must be used to increase the Nursing Homes compensation of direct care Allows for individuals to workers providing assistance choose the targeted case man- and support to Minnesotans agement provider to help in with disabilities. Home and moving out of a nursing home. community-based service proCurrently, counties choose to viders and ICFs/MR would provide this service or con- receive a rate increase. tract with a qualified organization. Counties would retain Home Care Provider administrative duties and apRate Increases prove service plans. Private Boosts by 5 percent the MA agencies would coordinate the rates paid for in-home delivery services to make sure the tran- of skilled nursing, home health sition goes smoothly. More aide, or physical, occupational than 3,000 non-elderly indi- or speech therapy. Minnesota viduals with disabilities lan- lags behind most Upper Midguish in nursing homes today. west states in payment rates Transitional Support Grant To assist individuals with disabilities in relocating from a nursing home to a more independent, community-based setting, a one-time payment up to $3,000 would be available to pay for lease or rent deposits, essential furnishings, or other transition expenses. (No net cost. Funds come from existing waiver allocations.) Community-based Provider Rate Increases Boosts by 2.26 percent in each of the next two fiscal years the MA rates paid to agencies

TRANSIT - Cont. from p. 6

for these services. Effective nance committees by Decem- hour traffic can readily attest. October 1, 2005. ber 15, 2006. By the year 2030, the projected growth of our region will add 4 Disability Services Case Management Re-Design million daily trips to our alInteragency Work Group Requires the Department of ready crowded transportation Requires the Department of Human Services to examine network, a 37 percent increase Human Services, the Minne- case management services to from current levels. Traffic sota Housing Finance Agency, improve access, quality, and congestion already ranks as and the Minnesota State Coun- cost-effectiveness of deliver- the No. 1 concern of metro area cil on Disability to convene an ing these services to Minne- residents, according to our inter-agency work group to sotans with disabilities. A simi- annual survey. There are no make planning and policy rec- lar 2003 legislative mandate “silver bullets” that will elimiommendations relating to per- did not result in the policy and nate congestion, but we besons with disabilities who are draft legislation recommenda- lieve improved transit can help attempting to relocate from or tions called for in the report. slow its growth and improve avoid placement in institu- This ensures that the 2006 leg- mobility for everyone. tional settings. Requires the islature will revisit this issue group to report to each partici- after careful study by the de- The Council’s long-range pating state agency and the partment and all stakeholders. transportation plan calls for increasing transit ridership 50 chairs of legislative health and Managed Care percent by 2020, and doubling human services policy and fiThe state is instructed to seek it by 2030. The plan includes federal approval to expand the developing five new bus and/ current voluntary managed or rail “transitways” by 2020, care program for individuals as well as adding new express with disabilities enrolled in bus service, limited-stop Medical Assistance—called routes, park-and-ride lots and the Minnesota Disability other passenger amenities. Health Options (MnDHO) program—beginning With the help of Governor with regional popula- Pawlenty, the Council secured tion centers through- nearly $54 million in new bondout Minnesota. ing money to begin implementCurrently, almost ing our plan. The legislation 500 high-cost, includes: medically com- • $37.5 million for the construcplex individuals tion of the Northstar comare enrolled in this muter rail line between Mininnovative care coordi- neapolis and Big Lake. nation program. ■

• $10 million for bus rapid transit in the Cedar Avenue corridor from the Mall of America in Bloomington to Lakeville. • $5.25 million for an 11-mile light-rail line or bus rapid transit in the Central corridor on University Avenue between downtown St. Paul and downtown Minneapolis. (A cost-benefit analysis of the two alternatives is currently underway.) • $500,000 for continued work on the Red Rock corridor from Hastings through downtown St. Paul to downtown Minneapolis. • $500,000 for work on the Rush Line corridor from downtown St. Paul through Ramsey, Washington, Chisago and Pine Counties. Along with the $40 million in additional operating funds, the bonding package represents a vote of confidence in the Council’s plan to improve our regional transit system, provide transportation options for more of our residents and slow the growth in congestion. Peter Bell is chair of the Metropolitan Council, a 17-member body whose responsibilities include regional planning and transit. ■

August 10, 2005

Twin Cities Hosted Two National Organizations’ Conferences

Benefit Concert To Feature Blind St. Paul Teenager

by David Hadlich

by Craig Dunn

he last week of June was a busy one as Minneapolis played host to both the 25th National Veterans Wheelchair Games, and the Spina Bifida Association of America’s 32nd Annual Conference. 25th National Veterans Wheelchair Games The Minneapolis Convention Center served as the venue for many of the events for the Wheelchair games, including the opening and closing ceremonies. The host chapter of this year’s events was the Minnesota Chapter-Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the Minneapolis VA Medical Center served as the host VA facility. This year’s games attracted 498 participants, and an estimated 3000 people attended. Veterans came from all 50 states and two territories. The events ranged from archery and bowling to basketball and softball. All participating athletes had a significant permanent neuromuscular-skeletal disability such as a spinal cord disorder, polio, amputation, etc. In order to be classified into one of seven levels (eight

for swimming) to allow a level playing field in the various PVA Games, basketball scramble events, each athlete was given a spe- Veterans of America at 202cial medical examination for 416-7705. the purpose of determining their individual level of mus32nd Annual Spina Bifida cular function. The games are Association of America unbelievably competitive and Conference are not without controversy. Just down the street, at the But the level of camaraderie is Hyatt Regency and the Milequally impressive, with friend- lennium Hotel, the folks from ships (and grudges) that are the Spina Bifida Association renewed yearly. of America, in association with the International Federation Next year’s games are to be for Spina Bifida and Hydroheld in Anchorage, Alaska, cephalus were busy with their from July 2-8, 2006. For more annual conference. Spina information, call Ginny Bifida is the most common Schmidt, NVWG Project Co- permanently disabling birth ordinator for the Paralyzed defect, and more than 70,000 people in the United States are currently living with Spina Bifida. Attracting almost 800 participants from as far as Hong Kong Spina Bifida Conference’s Plenary audience and New Zea-land, the theme of “Building Bridges to Advance Understanding” offered more than 65 special presentations over four days. Topics ranged from School Problems for Children with Spina Bifida, to Hydrocephalus in Africa: Lessons for the Developed World. Subjects in many break-out sessions were targeted and limited to specific niche groups. A session on Sexuality for Adults with Spina Bifida was limited to adults with Spina Bifida, as to encourage an open and candid dialogue.

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Next year’s conference is slated for Atlanta, Georgia, from June 25-29, 2006. For more information, please call the Spina Bifida Association of America at 1-800-621-3141. ■ Spina Bifada Association and the Paralyzed Veterans of America provided some information for this article.

n evening of marvelous music is approaching for Twin Cities audience members. VSA arts of Minnesota and Young Audiences of Minnesota will present two little known but highly talented disabled individuals in a concert at Hopkins High School on Saturday evening, September 17 at 7:00 p.m. The concert features Tony DeBlois, a pianist and vocalist from Massachusetts, and Lucy Sirianni, a 16-year-old vocalist from St. Paul. Proceeds from the concert will enable both organizations to continue artist residencies and other collaborative arts programs at the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind in Faribault. The concert will open with Lucy Sirianni, a young woman who has been blind since birth and who has been singing for as long as she can remember. Lucy is homeschooled and has received five years of vocal and music instruction from Roderick Teh. Earlier this year Lucy won second place in the Joyce Walsh Young Artists’ Competition, a national contest for teenage musicians with disabilities. As a result, she performed at the National Federation of Music Clubs conference in Austin, Texas. For the fifth straight year she is attending the Ars Musica Summer Institute in Minneapolis, performing roles including Cleopatra in Handel’s Giulio Cesare, and Mozart’s Vitellia in La Clemenza di Tito, Pamina in Die Zauberflóte, and the Countess in Le Nozze di Figaro.

poser is Mozart.” Lucy plans to study music at a conservatory and major in vocal performance so that she can become a professional opera singer. She states, “I’m also interested in teaching voice. There is no question that I want to pursue music as a career!” The headliner for the September benefit concert is Tony DeBlois. Mr. DeBlois was also born blind and at the age of two was identified as having autism. During his early years, Tony was found to have exceptional musical talents that today are evidenced in his ability to play 20 instruments and a repertoire of over 8,000 songs. Since graduating with honors from the Berklee College of Music in Boston he has led an improvisational jazz ensemble and performed solo shows internationally in Ireland, Taiwan and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

Tony DeBlois take credit card orders, or VSA arts of Minnesota, 612-3323888 (V/TTY). Advance tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for children and seniors. At the door tickets will be $35. $10 of each ticket is tax-deductible. Both Audio Description and ASL interpretation will be provided. Real-time captioning will be available if requested at least one week prior to the show.

The concert venue is Hopkins High School Auditorium, 2400 Lindbergh Drive in Minnetonka. From Highway 169 take the Cedar Lake Road exit (2 miles south of I-394), go west half a mile to Lindbergh Drive In October, Tony will intro- and turn right (north) to the duce his sixth CD, Some Kind school. of Genius, and Rodale Books will release the book Some For additional information on Kind of Genius: The Extraor- this wonderful evening of dinary Journey of Musical music benefiting students at Savant Tony DeBlois. the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind, visit http:// Tickets can be purchased from mn.vsarts.org or www.young Young Audiences of Minne- audiencesofminnesota.org. Lucy will perform operatic rep- sota, 651-292-3399, which can ■ ertoire at the September concert. She says, “I love to perform and listen to classical music, particularly opera. It feels more natural with my voice than anything else, and I also love to listen to and attend operas. I enjoy the challenge, and I like having the opportunity to sing in foreign languages, as I really enjoy languages including Spanish, Italian, and a little Latin and French. My favorite com-

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August 10, 2005

U of M Hosts Disability Issues Conference Series by Bob Sans

r. Robert Kane and many of his colleagues at the University of Minnesota have been pushing for the establishment of a disability studies program for sometime. After a recent conference on disability held at the U, they are hoping that they have generated momentum and support towards that goal.

disability programs.” Some of the topics covered included: How do the various disability programs (across types and age groups) potentially compete? How does the rationale for services differ by type age or type of disability? Beyond the discussions and debates on policy and politics, another main objective of this conference series is to increase discussion about disability issues across the U and between the U and the disability community, said Jake Priester, coordinator of the U of M Center on Aging, one of the sponsors of the series.

Exploring various aspects of disability and generating support for disability programs were two of the themes of the Politics of Disability Conference at the U of M in June. About 150 faculty and staff from the U, and professionals and laypersons working in fields related to disability and TOWN AND GOWN aging attended. “We want to create discussion between the U and the This conference is the fifth disability community and and final one in the President’s stimulate greater cooperation Interdisciplinary Conference and joint activities between Series on Disabilities initiated the U and the disability advoby U President Bob Bruininks cacy community in terms of and held at the U this past improving disability policy,” year. Topics in the previous Priester said. four conferences were disability policy, ethics of disability, Conference organizers also economics of disability, and hoped that the series will have caregivers’ perspectives on the same bridging effect on the various U of M departdisability. ments that work on disability “This conference examined issues and research. That is the key factors that affect especially important because disability policy and the im- of the effort to establish a dispact that changes in the po- ability studies program. litical, demographic, and economic environment are likely “A lot of faculty and researchto have on the future course ers at the U address the issue for such policy,” explained of disability but they do so in Kane, holder of an endowed their departments and don’t chair of the Long-Term Care communicate with each other,” and director of the Aging Priester said. “Our job is to Center in the University of bring these people together.” Minnesota School of Public Health. “It also sought to tie To that end, both Kane and policy to action and develop Priester rated the conference an agenda for change at the series a success. “We have state and national levels. The had good attendance at each overall theme of the series of the conferences, more so in was to explore various as- the last one with 150 people,” pects of disability and how Priester said. “It was a mixed do we generate support for audience with employees and

UCP Golf Tournament

n Monday, July 18, 2005, 59 golfers participated in a golf tournament to benefit United Cefaculty from different depart- rebral Palsy of Minnesota at ments at the U, government the Oak Marsh golf course in employees as well as people Oakdale. from the disability commuHole sponsors for the tournanity.” ment were: Access Press; “We view this conference and Gillette Children’s Specialty the series as great success,” Health-care; Kaleb Weintraut; Kane added. “First, it greatly MN Fraternal Order of Police increased the visibility of dis- Lodge 1; Plastics International; ability as a topic worthy of PMI/Griggs Midway Building; academic exploration. It Reliance Development Corpobrought town and gown to- ration; Siegel Brill Gruepner gether around the topic and Duffy & Foster, PA; Tri State identified several areas where Lift; Rollx Vans; MN School of further collaboration should Business/Globe College; Sir be fruitful. We hope it will lead Speedy; Around Town; and to further collaboration be- Sam’s Club-Woodbury. tween members of the disability community and faculty and staff of the university to pursue policies to make disability services more effective and to find new ways to reorganize them.” At the U of M, the top item on the agenda is the establishment of a disability studies program. “Having a program will make disability a topic worthy of academic study and provide a focal point both for instruction and research,” Kane said. “We’ve had lots of good discussion. Hopefully the meetings that we have had will move the agenda forward and build more support for a disability studies program,” Priester said. The President’s Interdisciplinary Conference series is designed to nurture academic work across the disciplines, and to find new connections between the University and the broader community. Sponsors of the conference series are the Center on Aging, the Minnesota Area Geriatric Education Center, the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, the Center for Bioethics, the Institute on Community Integration and the Office of Disability Services. ■

Dale Findley and Anna Hanson

Brad Davis, Penny Kohles, Darcy Hanson, Tim Hanson and Adam Hanson, seated Proceeds from the golf tournaOther Winners ment will be used to support • Closest to the Pin: Danny United Cerebral Palsy of Kudak Minnesota’s outreach and • Longest Putt: Bob Haggert advocacy services. • Longest Drive—Men: Chris Bixler Winning Teams • Longest Drive—Women: • First Place: Bernie Schmidt, Terri Ricci ■ Stan Hauser, Bob Haggert, Chris Bixler • Second Place: John Kishlinger, Jeff Wylie, Chad Norlin, Dan Kjenstep • Third Place: Steven Weintraut, Dr. Raymond Tervo, Jay Streitz

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August 10, 2005

What Makes A Disability Advocate? by Terri Ricci

ome say that you have to have a disability to understand what people with disabilities endure on a daily basis. This can be said to be true of Mark Hughes, the co-producer of ”Disability Viewpoints” which airs on CTV-15 every Monday at 7:30 p.m. CTV-15 serves the Twin Cities northern suburbs of Arden Hills, Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Little Canada, Moundsview, New Brighton, North Oaks, Roseville, Shoreview, and St. Anthony. “Disability Viewpoints” is Hughes’ way of informing the community about different disability issues that affect people with disabilities. Including information about the transportation and employment issues that are at the top of the list of barriers to selfsufficiency within the disability community. It also gives the viewer an opportunity to get information about different non-profit organizations that advocate and support people with disabilities. United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota (UCPM) is the co-producer of this endeavor and they provide content and guests for the show. Guests have included elected officials, entertainers, athletes, and advocates for the disabled. Recently, Congressman Jim Ramstad shared his viewpoint with Hughes on stem cell research, Metro Mobility funding, and other disability related topics. Future topics for the show will include recreation for people with physical disabilities, the “b-ball” baseball team for people with vision impairments, building an accessible home, the services at Shrine Hospital and more. UCPM is currently accepting requests to appear on the show in 2006. Contact Jo Ann Erbes at ucp mn@cpinternet.com or 651646-7588 if you are interested in appearing on the show. Non-profit disability related services providers are encouraged to contact UCPM to put information about their events and activities on the bulletin board. Disability Viewpoints and UCPM reserve the right to edit the bulletin board events as appropriate. As a person with cerebral palsy, Hughes knows first hand what non-profit organizations, such as UCPM and the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, can do to encourage and support a person with a disability. Hughes’ has had over 35 procedures in his lifetime and most of them have been

supported by the Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Minneapolis.

Camp Courage 50th Anniversary Honeymoon Cabin by Gail Shore

In May 2005, Hughes was awarded the Hank Paulson, past Potentate, Mark Rainbow of Hughes, Becky Wright, Hope award Family Services, and John Davenport from the Minneapolis Shriner’s Hospital for Do all disability advocates Children for being an out- have disabilities? No! Some standing role model within the advocates are family members, disability community. What some are friends or relatives, defines a role model? As the and some are just concerned Rainbow of Hope Nominations and impassioned individuals stated, “Someone who has that care for the best treatment overcome physical limitations of all individuals, regardless in life while maintaining a posi- of their race, age, religion, eye tive attitude; a mentor; a good color, or disability. Most adexample to their peers; or a vances in social change have person who provides a ser- been brought forth not only vice to their community.” by the minority group that Hughes certainly fits that defi- wants the change, but also by nition. He mentors students at the allies or advocates that the Carlson School of Man- can help advance the issue agement, serves on numerous within the majority group. non-profit boards and works full-time at KSTP-TV, Channel Who are your advocates? Are 5, where he has worked for 26 you an advocate for others? years. Let Access Press know. We would like to hear your story. To fulfill his service to the Send an email to access community, Hughes began @accesspress.org or by mail “Disability Viewpoints” as a to 1821 University Avenue W, place to educate and commu- Suite 104S, St. Paul, MN 55104. nicate information to the com- You can also contact us by munity that often does not get phone 651-644-2133. ■ into the mainstream newspaper or television news programs. For his commitment to getting the information out to the general public, Hughes was awarded his second national “Access-Able Award” from the Alliance for Community Media.

he Honeymoon cabin is a very small guest cottage that was moved to the campgrounds in its earliest years and housed Courage’s founder, Wilco Schoenbohm and his wife, Virginia in the first year of their marriage. This 11x15 cabin was dubbed the Honeymoon cabin and kept that name until it was taken out of use about 8 years ago. This rustic little cabin became prime, highly Dedication of the Honeymoon Cabin History Center prized housing for summer (Courage Center CEO, Jan Malcolm, pictured in center) camp staff. It was really the only private housing unit on the grounds for decades. unteers got the idea to resur- alumni, led by a memorial gift rect this little building and from the family alumnus, When planning started a move it to the middle of camp George Ludcke, helped fund couple of years ago for Camps to serve as a museum to pre- remodeling costs for moving 50th anniversary, staff and vol- serve camp memories. Staff the building to its new place and restoring it to look pretty close to its original state. Led by alum Gregg “Spike” Carlson, a group of summer staff alumni that spanned four decades got donated materials and volunteered their time to bring the structure back to life. This was the first alumnisponsored building or remodeling project at Camp Courage. The building will house scrapVirginia Schoenbohm-Clymer was married to Wilko books, a camp timeline, and a Schoenbohm, the visionary leader of Camp Courage and its patchwork quilt sampling the Executive Director for 31 years (1952-1983). Virginia is a camp logo. ■ former Board member, now a Foundation member.

Courage Academy For Youth Leadership

Congratulations to Mark on his accomplishments! He certainly has worked hard to achieve independence and recognition for his remarkable skills of bringing the disability community together. At the same time we should be looking at celebrating all the momentum that is being showcased in 2005 with the 15th Anniversary of the signing of ADA.

by Pat Goodwin

ourage Center has selected nine youth ages 14 to 16 for its new “Courage Academy for Youth Leadership” which is designed to develop the next generation of leaders in the disability community. The program, established with a $50,000 grant from the Allianz Foundation for North America, is for young

people with disabilities who have the skills, qualities and attitudes that will ultimately impact their local and global community. The year-long program begins with a week at Camp Courage in Maple Lake, MN, in July, followed by weekend retreats at Camp Courage in October, January and April. Participants were selected for their leadership, teamwork and problem solving skills and for their involvement in community service and advocacy. “The changes in accessibility that have occurred over the years in the disability community have been largely brought about by people with disabilities,” said Sharon Van Winkle, program director for Courage Center’s Sports and Recreation Program. “There are still changes that need to be made. We decided to create the academy to help participants become more aware of their strengths and interests and to

2005 Courage Academy for Youth Leadership guide them as they develop leadership and employability skills. It is our goal that the abilities these young people gain will result in increased self-confidence and greater independence and prepare them for college and a lifetime of community leadership as well.”

• Kelsey Schmaltz, Fargo, N.D.

A staff of educators who specialize in youth development and leadership, as well as mentors with disabilities, will assist participants in applying their learning to community service or advocacy projects. Motivational speakers and hands-on learning experiThose selected for the inau- ences, along with recreational gural year of the Courage Acad- activities at Camp Courage, emy are entering the 9th or 10th are also part of the program. grade: • Rebecca Cook, Lakeville The youth for the 2005-06 ses• Nick Jones, Lakeville sion were selected through an • Matthew Ellenberger, Edina application and interview pro• Rusty Hagan, Stewartville cess that also included refer• Beth Standaert, Coon Rapids ences from teachers, parents/ • Leo O’Brien, St. Paul guardians, coaches, job su• Monica Rudnik, Grafton, N.D. pervisors, and others. For more • Jeustine Breidenbach, information, visit www. Casselton, N.D. courage.org. ■

August 10, 2005

Increased Access To Public Lands

Rockaway Takes In Their Own by Allison Bedard

ockaway Peninsula, population 100,000, is perhaps one of New York City’s best-kept secrets. It is tucked away in a beachside corner of Queens that overlooks the city skyline. Rockaway’s name is derived from the Indian ‘Reckouwacky,’ a tribe of the Canarsies on Rockaway Neck. It means “Place of Our Own People.” From July 7 – 10, 2005 Rockaway residents realized the potential of their namesake and opened their homes for 23 wounded soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The soldiers stayed with host families for the weekend.

Rep. McCollum (second from left) speaks with members of the disability community on helping to increase access to the outdoors.

uly 26, 2005 marked the 15th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which provided broad non-discrimination protection in employment, public services, transportation, telecommunications, and other services. On that day, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) joined the Minnesota-based Wilderness Inquiry along with federal land management agencies in the signing of an agreement to help increase access for people with disabilities to public lands. Congressman Martin Olav Sabo (D-MN) was also on hand to witness the signing of the agreement. A “Memorandum of Understanding” was signed by multiple federal agencies including the National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Wilderness Inquiry, an organization dedicated to increasing disability access to public lands. The Memorandum commits each agency to increase opportunities for people of all abilities to use the programs, facilities and activities of public lands and waterways. The original understanding was signed in 1997. “This important agreement has benefited thousands of people,” Congressman Sabo said. “I am pleased that these federal agencies have committed to working with the Wilderness Inquiry to give everyone an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.” McCollum shared these thoughts: “Since 1978, Wilderness Inquiry has made America’s natural places and public lands a tangible experience for more than 200,000 people of diverse backgrounds, ages, and abilities.

Wilderness Inquiry has been a pioneer in creating access to the outdoors not only in technical ways—by expanding their programs and by adapting conventional outdoor equipment— but just as importantly by opening minds. They have challenged our expectations and expanded our thinking about what is possible in the outdoors.

gress to take notice of this important task. My predecessor, Congressman Bruce Vento, also admired the work of Wilderness Inquiry and helped facilitate the first signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in 1997. He recognized that this Memorandum would be an important tool to the mission of increasing opportunities for all people to use and enjoy the programs, And they have done all this facilities, and activities of pubwhile still respecting the frag- lic lands. ile ecosystems they are there to enjoy. I also want to com- I commend you all for being mend the USDA Forest Ser- here today and for your convice, Bureau of Land Manage- tinued support for access to ment, Bureau of Reclamation, the outdoors. Our public National Park Service, U.S. Fish lands, the state of Minnesota and Wildlife Service, and the and our Nation are better U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. places because of your important work.” Through your continued cooperation with Wilderness For more information conInquiry, you are fulfilling the tact Dany Khy at 202-225-6631 promise of our public lands— D.C. office or through that these are shared resources McCollum’s website at www. for the enjoyment, recreation, mccollum.house.gov. At the and education of each and Office of Congressman Martin every American. Sabo, contact Jenifer Rogness McCormick, Communications It is important to note that Director, 202-225-4755, Congressman Sabo and I are j e n i f e r . m c c o r m i c k not the first Members of Con- @mail.house.gov. ■

Accessible Space, Inc. ASI

In this event, hosted by Disabled Sports USA (DS/USA) and called the Adaptive Water Sports Festival, the soldiers were taught to water ski by over 35 current and retired New York City firefighters, as well as several dozen community volunteers. Also on hand Participants enjoyed the day. was Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., who donated four JET SKI® watercraft for use by 12F, showed a total of over 45 Rockaway proved it to be a participants and their families. hours of operation. true place of the people, taking in each soldier and volunteer After a one-day training pro- By the end of the event, as one of their own. ■ gram, all volunteers were ready to coach disabled participants to water ski and to ride the JET SKI watercraft. They were also shown how to use the JET SKI watercrafts as safety boats to assist the water skiers in case of emergency. By the end of the event, with no emergencies to speak of, all 23 soldiers were tanned, relaxed, and had learned how to water ski. The JET SKI watercrafts were in constant use over the three days of the Adaptive Water Sports Festival. The clocks on the four boats, three 2005 STX™-15F and one 2005 STX-

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August 10, 2005

15th Anniversary Celebration Of ADA

ssistant Secretary Roy Grizzard, head of the Labor Department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), participated today in a celebration of the 15th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The event featured workshops focusing on various disability issues.

Grizzard reported on ODEP’s efforts, during its first four years of existence, on both the supply and demand sides of the employment equation to enable employers to take advantage of the strengths and skills of individuals with disabilities as a source of reliable, qualified workers.

Dr Grizzard addressed disability employment issues at today’s event. He presented key findings from focus groups of employers and employment data among participants of ODEP’s customized employment initiatives.

“ODEP’s mission is to develop researchbased policy that results in lowering barriers to employment for youth and adults with disabilities.”

“ODEP will continue to advance the issues that will put more and more people with disabilities into the workforce by listening closely to the sources — workers with disabilities and the employers who hire them,” said Dr. Grizzard.

The seminar in which Dr. Grizzard participated featured leaders of federal agencies in the forefront of disability employment. These experts presented the fundamental and ground-breaking work— policy to practice. They have A leading authority on disabil- undertaken to increase the reity employment issues, Dr. cruiting, hiring, retention and

Americans With Disabilities Act: 15 Years Of Progress

promotion of people with dis- by Senator Tom Harkin abilities. Panelists discussed his month, our nation candidate education, preparais celebrating the 15th tion and support, in addition to anniversary of the workforce conditions and emAmericans with Disabilities ployer expectations. Act—the landmark civil rights ODEP’s mission is to develop law securing the rights of research-based policy that re- people with disabilities. As sults in lowering barriers to chief author of the law, I reemployment for youth and member the day it was signed into law—June 26, 1990—as adults with disabilities. one of the proudest in my enThe ADA, enacted in 1990, tire legislative career. prohibits discrimination against individuals with dis- Today, the impacts of ADA abilities in the areas of employ- are all around us. Drivement, state and local govern- through restaurants have viment services, public accom- sual displays allowing the deaf modation, transportation and and hard of hearing to place telecommunications services. their orders outside. Banks For more information about the have talking ATMs, now, to ADA and other disability-re- assist those with visual imlated issues, visit www. pairments. Cities have inDisabilityinfo.gov, a one-stop stalled curb cuts and ramps to website for disability-related allow wheelchair users easier information and resources. access. And on and on. Disabilityinfo.gov is managed by ODEP in collaboration with Just as important, because of 16 federal agencies and aver- the ADA, we have seen an ages over 3,000 visitors a day. enormous change in attitudes. ■

It used to be socially acceptable to treat people with disabilities as second-class citizens, to exclude and marginalize them. I remember my brother Frank, who had a profound hearing disability, being sent off to a “school for the deaf and dumb,” and later being offered just three job possibilities: baker, printer’s assistant, or cobbler.

ties, talents, and aptitudes. And that America is better, fairer, and richer when we make full use of those gifts. To observe this 15th anniversary, I invite Americans with disabilities and their loved ones to share their stories. Tell me how ADA has made a difference in your life. Just go to my Senate home page at http:/ /harkin.senate.gov/. Scroll down to the lower right hand corner. Then, under the item labeled “ADA,” click on “Share Your Story,” and tell me about your experience.

Today, by contrast, the expectation is that we will do what it takes to give people with disabilities not just physical access, but an equal opportunity in our schools, in our workplaces, in all areas of our The Americans with Disabilieconomy and society. ties Act has made a huge difference in our society. It has Just as important, ADA has opened doors, created opporchanged attitudes. We have tunity, and transformed lives. overcome the false dichotomy If you are one of those who between “disabled” and have benefitted from this law, “able.” We recognize that I’d love to hear from you. ■ people with disabilities – like all people – have unique abili-

Sec. Chertoff Reports Progress On Disability Issues by Tanya Cantrell

peaking at a national conference marking the 15th anniversary of passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Secretary Chertoff said that the department will continue its proactive policy of hiring people with disabilities as well as leading the government-wide effort to address the needs of

people with disabilities in emer- these applicants. Because the gency preparedness plans. homeland security effort is so vital to our country, we need The secretary noted that over the best and brightest of all the past 18 months the depart- Americans to join us in our ment has encouraged people work, the secretary said. We with disabilities to seek em- need people with excellent ployment with Department of minds, innovative ideas, and a Homeland Security (DHS) and strong work ethic. And we canhas provided managers with not afford to exclude whole education and training to hire categories of people based on outdated and outmoded stereotypes. DHS has made tangible progress in implementing its policy of recruiting and hiring people with disabilities, Chertoff said, noting that 4,000 managers across the department have received training

sessions on the ADA and more than 150 interns with disabilities have been working on a temporary basis at various DHS offices. In a related development, the secretary last week issued a memo to senior DHS leadership in which he said the department will redouble our efforts to offer equal employment opportunities to people classified as those with targeted disabilities, such as those with serious hearing or vision impairments, use wheelchairs, or have other significant mobility impairments. The memo builds on an earlier directive sent to DHS leadership under

A picture is worth…

former Secretary Ridge in 2004.

that they need to do their jobs. As a result, CAP awarded DHS The secretary said the depart- with the Model Employer for ment is also reaching out to Peoples with Disabilities disabled veterans, especially Award in 2004, he said. those returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. I want to pay DHS has also taken the lead in special thanks to them for the implementing President tremendous sacrifice that they Bush’s executive order of July and all their colleagues have 2004 that made it a national made and are continuing to priority to include people with make in fighting against terror, disabilities in the emergency preparedness effort, the secrethe secretary said. tary said. Since then, DHS conThe secretary said DHS is vened an interagency council working closely with the De- made up of 20 federal agencies partment of Defenses Com- and has produced a report to puter/Electronic Accommoda- the president on the progress tions (or CAP) Program, which made to date, Chertoff said. provides employees with dis- (Details of the report, which abilities the assistive devices was released on July 21, can be downloaded through the DHS Web site at this address www. dhs.gov/disabilityprepared ness).

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Additionally, the secretary said DHS has awarded a $1.5 million grant to a consortium of organizations that serve people who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, and deaf-blind, with the intent of better preparing this group for emergency situations. By addressing this specific population’s needs, the entire emergency preparedness effort is significantly improved and strengthened, he said. For more information contact, Tanya Cantrell, Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Department of Homeland Security at 202-692-4253-V, 202-4010470-TTY or by email at Tanya.Cantrell@DHS.GOV ■

August 10, 2005

Trisha Meili To Receive Courage Center’s 2005 National Courage Award by Karen Quammen Central Park Jogger shares park found her near death from her story of hope, healing and a brutal beating and rape. In a coma, with 75 percent blood possibility loss, a fierce blow to the head ince 1980, Courage Cen- and severe exposure, doctors ter has presented its at Metropolitan Hospital worNational Courage ried that this young woman Award to individuals who have might not survive. The story made a significant contribu- seized the headlines, not only tion to the health, welfare and in New York City, but also rehabilitation of people with around the world. disabilities. The personal achievements of award recipi- Meili, known to the world as ents set them apart; through The Central Park Jogger, rethe lives they live and the pro- vealed her amazing story of fessional paths they pursue, survival and recovery 14 years award recipients change per- later in her best-selling memceptions, change laws and oir, I am the Central Park Jogger: a Story of Hope and Poschange lives. sibility. This year’s National Courage Award will be presented to I am the Central Park Jogger Trisha Meili at the Medtronic is not a story of an attack, but Celebration of Courage gala rather, one of healing. The on Saturday, August 27, 2005 horror of Meili’s attack brought at Medtronic World Head- an outpouring of support and love from her family, friends, quarters in Fridley, MN. healthcare workers, co-workOn April 19, 1989, Meili went ers and strangers. As she refor a run in New York’s Central learned how to do simple Park shortly after 9 p.m. Hours things, such as rolling over, later, two men wandering the telling time, buttoning her

ANNIVERSARY - Cont. from p. 1

Will we have an international celebration in another 15 years? Of course, the successes of the Americans with Disabilities Act are felt only here in America. Before 1990, I can remember people talking about curb cuts and how many thoublouse sands of curbs there were and or identhat it would be impossible— tifying way too ambitious and expensimple sive for all that to happen. Well, objects, as you know, it wasn’t too Meili ambitious and most street corcredits ners in the United States have this supcurb cuts and there are many port as more accessibility accommopart of dations for people with disTrisha Meili t h e abilities throughout public miracle of her recovery. places. In most places in the United States, people with disToday, Meili gives her time to abilities are accepted as citiorganizations vital to her heal- zens with all the rights that ing, including The Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Program (SAVI) at Mount Sinai Hospital, Gaylord Hospital, where she did much of her rehabilitation, and the Achilles Track Club that helped her run the New York City etro Mobility transMarathon in 1995. portation service for people with disMedtronic has been a long abilities is asking some of its time supporter of the Courage customers to call a different Center and their mission, and number to make their transporis honored to be hosting the tation arrangements. The sergala where Trisha Meili will be vice is experiencing some temrecognized with the National porary phone problems and Courage Award. ■ working on the fix.

America offers everyone. But we wheelchair users would be completely out of luck in much of the rest of the world. We discussed that with the Russians who visited last month. Then, I was at a meeting the other day and there were several people from Liberia, Africa. In Liberia , they said, they don’t have people with disabilities—but of course, it’s probably the case that people with disabilities are not even recognized and are kept out of sight of the main population. Does this sound familiar? When will the accessibility that the ADA offers us reach Liberia and other countries? What can we do to ensure that full accessibility and civil rights reach these places? What can we do

to ensure that the disability community in Liberia has a voice like Access Press that might celebrate its 15-year anniversary in 2020? With a whole lot of help from the disability community and all the long-time advertisers, Access Press has become a success. I want to thank everyone that has been a part of the success and thank you for your confidence in the paper. Thanks, too, for allowing me to be a part of the success of Access Press. We’ve come a long way, but we’re still in our adolescence. Maybe next year Access Press will apply for its driver’s license! ■

Metro Mobility Experiences Phone Problems

Customers affected are those who use the services of the “Transit Team” provider in the western* part of the metro area. Those folks should call 612332-7161 to make their advance reservations. Or, a secondary number is 651-602-1111. Customers making requests for same-day service (service on the same day they’re calling)

VISIT US AT

or canceling a scheduled trip should call a separate number at 612-332-3323. Reservations can be made between the hours of 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Customers who use the Laidlaw (LADE-law) provider are not affected. Phone - cont. on p. 22

www.medtronic.com

ASSIGNMENTS THAT MAKE YOUR BRAIN SWEAT. CHALLENGES THAT GET YOUR PROBLEM-SOLVING MUSCLES FLEXING. TECHNOLOGY THAT EXCITES YOUR IMAGINATION.

Medtronic. Careers with a passion for life. At Medtronic, we provide lifelong solutions to people with chronic disease, impacting a life every 6 seconds. As one of FORTUNE magazine’s “Best 100 Companies to Work For in America,” Medtronic is committed to the total well-being of our employees. We are looking for top talent at all levels in: • Engineering – Electrical, Software, Firmware, IC Design, Product, Test, Quality, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Biomedical, Biomaterials; Six Sigma certifications a plus • Information Technology – Managers, Business Systems Project Leaders, Analyst, Programmer/Analyst • Clinical Studies/Regulatory Affairs • Finance • Sales/Marketing Review openings at www.medtronic.com/employment and select “Apply to this Job” or “Add to Cart” to route your resume directly to the hiring department. With people like you, who have purpose, potential and passion, we’ll supply physicians and their patients around the world with the means to extend life, restore health and alleviate pain. Medtronic is an equal opportunity employer committed to cultural diversity in the workforce. Join Medtronic today...and experience a passion for life.

Medtronic is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

August 10, 2005

DRUG COSTS- Cont. from p. 8 LETTERS - Cont. from p. 2 How To Apply Online Just go to the Social Securityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website at www.social security.gov and click on â&#x20AC;&#x153;New Medicare Prescription Drug plan.â&#x20AC;? To get a quick idea as to whether or not you would be eligible for the extra help, choose â&#x20AC;&#x153;Qualifier Tool.â&#x20AC;? After answering a brief series of questions, you will know whether you probably do or do not qualify for the extra help with prescription drug costs. If you do seem to qualify, simply fill out an Application while online. The Application is easy-to-understand and helpful instruction sheets guide you through the Application process.

It is especially important for everyone who applies to understand that even if they qualify for the extra help, they still need to enroll in a Medicare-approved prescription drug plan to obtain both coverage and the extra help. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have Internet access, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1800-325-0778) and representatives will be glad to assist you or send you an Application for the extra help with Medicare prescription drug costs. To learn more about the Medicare prescription drug plans, which you can sign up for beginning November 15, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-6334227) or visit www.medicare. gov. â&#x2013;

something about being called but rather a patronizing, in my disabled people thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no big honey by a perfect stranger face, â&#x20AC;&#x153;oh, you poor thingâ&#x20AC;? kind deal, but for others it is a neverthat feels very patronizing. of question. ending challenge to be so visible. Yes, some of us get So whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a disabled person to Over the years, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve given many angry, some of us put up with do? Shut up? Suck it up? Blow less-endearing responses to it, and others withdraw. We up? Let off steam? In my that question, but recently I are not all made of one moldâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; opinion, none of these decided to respond by gently we are each humanâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;unique approaches offer an effective repeating the identical and individually made. Andâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; solutionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;especially for the question back to the individual I think that is a lesson that disabled individual who wants who asked. Often surprised society still needs to to mingle in mainstream by my question, people understand about people with society. generally seem puzzled that disabilities. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m asking them such a Over the years that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been questionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;of courseâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;they Alice Oden, OTR/L, MA a full-time, wheelchair user, are not the disabled one! Shoreview Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve tried to develop a set of social skills to help me cope Unfortunately, I think many Dear Editor, with what often seems like a assumptions are still made I truly enjoyed Mai Thorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never-ending onslaught of about people with disabilities. story on Voter Rights that was societiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ignorance about Though disabled people have in the July 10, 2005 issue. My how to interact with a disabled come a long way over the past DT&H, Merrick, Inc., got me individual. For example, I get 50 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;people with visible involved with the Voter Rights extremely annoyed when disabilities still donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t blend into bill during this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s someone asks me â&#x20AC;&#x153;how have the landscape of able-bodied legislative session. I worked you been feeling.â&#x20AC;? It isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just life very well. Often, we stand with Mai very closely on this a casual, routine, â&#x20AC;&#x153;how are ya,â&#x20AC;? out like a sore thumb. For some bill. There were plenty of ups

MA-EPD - Cont. from p. 2 MOVIE REVIEW - cal Assistance (MA). The cause fear or prevent people Cont. from p. 7

an accident is â&#x20AC;&#x153;will I screw again.â&#x20AC;? Murderball does a good job of addressing the sexual questions that are often raised after an injury and looking at some of the answers given by the characters with very frank language of how this has affected their lives. As most families go, they adapted and adjusted to the new situation of their injury and how it impacted their family dynamics. As a male quad I find the fanaticism of athletics of this type boring. But I did see the social value of this movie in bringing a broader perspective and better understanding of life as a male quad into the mainstream. The movie showed how the quads came into acceptance of their new lives and realized at some point that they would have sex again and their families would always love them. â&#x2013;

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MA-EPD asset rules and amount continue for up to 12 months. Therefore, people can keep their retirement accounts, medical expense accounts, spouseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assets, and up to $20,000 for up to 12 months. If they return to work within 12 months, they can keep their assets at the MA-EPD level. If they havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t returned to work by the end of 12 months, they would need to reduce their assets to $3,000 (for a household of one) in order to stay on standard MA. While there are asset transfer provisions if a person on MAEPD needs to go to a nursing home, or onto a waiver, if a person on MA-EPD does not need nursing home or waiver supports there are no asset transfer provisions. As with all public programs, MA-EPD has limitations and policy guidelines. However, the guidelines are not meant to

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with disabilities from enrolling in the program. MA-EPD is an excellent work incentive. It allows people to get the supports needed to return to work or to keep working. In a survey of MA-EPD recipients conducted last year, the overwhelming majority of MA-EPD recipients were very satisfied with the program. More than 70 percent of respondents said they would not be able to work without MA-EPD. Please go to http://www.maepd premium.com for more information on the MA-EPD program. If you have questions or other issues related to the impact of work on benefits, please call the Minnesota Work Incentives Connection at 651632-5113 or 1-800-976-6728 (TTY: 651-632-5110 or MN Relay 711). â&#x2013;

and downs, but I was very glad when Governor Pawlenty signed it into law on June 3rd. The provisions that Mai talks about in her story are from Senate File 1551. It was this bill that got included into House File 1481. I was speaking up for my fellow client friends at Merrick that are under state guardianship and did not know where they stand on their right to vote. I wrote a letter to send to legislators to show support for the Voter Rights bill. I even showed up to a House Civil Law and Elections Committee hearing to show support for the bill. I know that all my hard work paid off. Thanks again for a wonderful story. Roberta Blomster Self-Advocate Member, the MN Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Council on Developmental Disabilities

Access Press, Minnesotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Disability Community Newspaper, Invites you to the Third Annual Charlie Smith Community Award Banquet November 4, 2005 At the Como Lake Pavilion Black Bear Crossing, St. Paul

Watch for further details and registration information in upcoming issues!

Check us out at accesspress.org or call Access Press at 651/644-2133 â?&#x2013;â?&#x2013;â?&#x2013;â?&#x2013; Please support your Access Press advertisers â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and tell them where you heard about them. They bring you your paper.

August 10, 2005

Upcoming Events August 16, 2005 Assistive Technology for Children with Autism Sponsored by: PACER Center, Cosponsored by: AbleNet, Inc. Time/Location: 9 am to Noon, PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd, Bloomington, MN Participants will learn about a range of technologies to help children with autism from early childhood through high school. Presenters will discuss how to implement assistive technology in the classroom and the home. To register for the workshop, call PACER at 952-838-9000 or 952-838-0190 (TTY) or visit the PACER website at www.pacer.org August 22 - 24, 2005 Age and Odyssey Conference “Building Together” Sponsored by: The Minnesota Department of Human Services and the Minnesota Board on Aging Location: Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center The conference offers training and learning opportunities for county public health and social service agencies, aging and disability services providers, caregiver support organizations, health and long term care providers, policy makers, housing providers, advocacy organizations, students, volunteers and others. For more information contact the Department of Human Services at 651-582-1152 or by e-mail at Linda.Wolford@ state.mn.us or go to the conference website at http:// www.mnaging.state.mn.us/ ageodyssey August 23, 2005 A Russian Cultural Experience Sponsored by: The Multicultural Development Center (MCDC) Time/Location: 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, St. Petersburg Restaurant, 3601 France Avenue N. Robbinsdale Cost: MCDC members $35.00, Non-members - $45.00, Students - $25.00 Program highlighting the culture, traditions and history of the people of Russia. Traditional and modern Russian musical performance by Balalaika Orchestra Register by August 17, 2005 to the MCDC office 952-8816090 or by e-mail at info@ mcdc.org. For more information visit www.mcdc.org August 23, 2005 Understanding/Addressing Challenging Behaviors in Children Sponsored by: PACER Center Time/Location: 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm, PACER Center, 8161

Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, MN Cost: FREE, but advance registration is required. Participants will learn how to: Access behavior and its function, use positive behavioral supports to cope with challenging behaviors, reinforce acceptable social behaviors, and more. To register for the workshop, call PACER at 952-838-9000 or 952-838-0190 (TTY) or visit the PACER website at www. pacer.org September 6, 2005 Family to Family Education for families who have a relative with a mental illness Sponsored by: The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill in Minnesota (NAMI-MN) Location: 1919 University Avenue, St. Paul, MN The Family-to-Family Education Class is taught by trained family members who can contribute ideas and knowledge from their own experience and who truly understand the issues faced by families attending the class. Registration is required. To register contact Anna Mae at 651-730-8434. This is a twelve-week course. September 8, 2005 Taking Diversity to the Next Level: One Approach, Multiple Applications Sponsored by: Medtronic, Bremer Financial Services, Ceridian Corporation, 3M, Northwest Airlines, Carlson Hotels Worldwide, The Minneapolis Foundation, CenterPoint Energy, Seagate Technology, Emerson Process Management Time/Location: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Radisson Riverfront Hotel, St. Paul, MN Cost: MCDC members - $195; non-members - $225 Registration Deadline: August 30, 2005 Keynote Speaker: Marilyn Carlson Nelson, chairman and chief executive officer of Carlson Companies Workshop Presenter: Dr. R. Roosevelt Thomas, Jr. Dr. Thomas will present the craft of Strategic Diversity ManagementTM (SDM) as the vehicle that individuals, organizations, and communities can use for going to the next level. In his presentation, he will detail the SDMs concepts, fundamentals, prerequisites and mastery requirements and will position SDM as a universal craft that can be used with any diversity mixtures. For more info or to register contact the MCDC office at 952-881-6090 or email at info@mcdc.org, or visit their website at www.mcdc. org

September 16, 2005 “When I Wish” Sponsored by: Opportunity Partners Time/Location: 5:30 pm, International Market Square, Minneapolis, MN Cost: Ticket prices begin at $60 KARE-11 evening anchor Julie Nelson, WCCO-TV chief meteorologist Paul Douglas, WCCO-TV anchor Dennis Douda, Chef Andrew Zimmern and Minnesota Timberwolves mascot Crunch will be among the many local celebrities who will be dealing cards for the celebrity casino. For more information on tickets, sponsorships and donating auction items, please contact Tami Larson at 952943-2542 or tlarson@mn.rr. com. Information is also available at www.opportunity partners.org or www.wheni wish.org

on how to enhance knowledge, skills in health and human services, innovative ideas, new strategies and best practices.

bilitation services and acting deputy commissioner of the rehabilitation services administration in the US department of education.

Conference material available at: http://www.co.st-louis.mn. us/social_Services/Social October 20-21, 2005 Services.html St. Louis County Health & For more information call Human Service Conference Mary Lawson at 218-726-2140 Location: Edmund Fitzgerald or e-mail: Lawsonm@co.stHall at the Duluth Entertain- louis.mn.us ment Convention Center (DECC). October 26, 2005 Cost: $125, which includes National Mentoring Day name of your organization in Career Development for the the conference folder, two 21st Century Sponsored by: The Minnefree parking permits. The reservation for exhibitor sota Business Leadership Netbooths are first-come, first- work (MNBLN) serve basis. Please complete Time/Location: 9:00 am to the Exhibitor form and return 5:00 pm, Medtronic World Headquarters, 710 Medtronic it by August 2, 2005. Parkway, Fridley, MN The conference draws about Guest speaker is Jennifer 1000 health and human ser- Sheehy Keller, the president vice practitioners. It includes appointed special assistant September 26, 2005 a wide variety of target for employment to the assisMusic for the Mind audiences. The presentation tant secretary of the office of Sponsored by: National Alli- will cover some of the topics special education and rehaance for the Mentally Ill of Minnesota (NAMI-MN), Health Partners, Great River Energy and Farley Planning Group Time/Location: 6:00 pm, Minnesota History Center Cost: Tickets are $100 The benefit will feature some of the area’s finest musicians and vocalists in the areas of classical, jazz, and folk artists. To reserve your tickets contact NAMI at 651-645-2948.

November 4, 2005 Third Annual Access Press Charlie Smith Award Banquet Sponsored by: The Access Press Board Time/Location: 6:00 pm, Black Bear Crossing at Como Pavilion in St. Paul, MN For nomination information and criteria, contact Access Press at 651-644-2133

September 28 - 30, 2005 Annual Community Mental Health Conference “Achieving the Promise” Sponsored by: Minnesota Association of Community Mental Health Programs, Inc. Location: Duluth Entertainment Convention Center in Duluth, Minnesota The conference is organized into several tracks, which provide valuable information for staff from community mental health centers, hospitals, social services agencies, schools and counties as well as private practitioners, advocates, and consumers and their families. For more info about the conference, please visit www. macmhp.org or call 651-6421903. October 15, 2005 Rehabilitation Workshop for Persons with Spinal Cord Injuries and Their Families Sponsored by: North Memorial Rehabilitation Services Time/Location: 8:45 am to 3:00 pm, Terrace Mall, 3500 France Avenue, Robbinsdale Cost: $25 Registration Deadline is September 19, 2005 Session topics will include

bowel and bladder management, spinal cord research, integrative medicine and hydro therapy. For more information or a brochure contact Twyla Misselhorn at 763-5201449 or twyla.misselhorn@ northmemorial.com

November 5, 2005 Ability Expo Sponsors: National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter’s MS Annual Convention Time/Location:8:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm, Radisson Riverfront Hotel, St. Paul, MN For more information contact Jenna Washnieski at 612-3357981, 1-800-582-5296, or jwash nieski@mssociety.org.

August 10, 2005

News At A Glance . . . Minnesota Arts Access Awards To Be Presented

our Minnesota individuals and two arts organizations have received the annual Arts Access Awards from VSA arts of Minnesota. The eighth annual awards, which recognize outstanding accomplishments in making the arts accessible to people with disabilities, were presented at Minnesota’s celebration of the 15th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), held July 26, 2005 at Earle Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center. The 2005 VSA Arts Access Award recipients are: Outstanding Individuals Actively Promoting Access to the Arts for People with Disabilities – James Hanson, Minneapolis musician and accessibility advocate; Char Coal, Minneapolis artist, musician and speaker Outstanding Arts Educators of Students with Disabilities – Rilyn Colucy, Faribault, Minnesota State Academy for the Blind; Lee Schwanke, St. Paul, art specialist at Dowling Urban Environmental Learning Center, Minneapolis

Fifth Annual School Supply Drive

Bethel University Announces A New B.A. Degree In Communication Studies For Working Adults

all is just around the corner and it’s back to school! For the 5th year the Volunteer Services Unit of the Ramsey ationally ranked Bethel University is proud to announce County Community Human Services Department will conduct a new B.A. Degree in Communication Studies for working a “School Supply Drive” to collect and distribute school adults. This new degree is designed to help adults develop supplies to needy students in Ramsey County. and refine practical communication skills for today’s workplace. Courses are convenient for busy schedules. All types of supplies are needed. Supplies appropriate for Students can tailor studies to their interests in areas such as older students are especially needed in addition to pencils, marketing communications, public relations, advertising and pens, erasers, magic markers, colored pencils, crayons, glue, human communication. Course work allows students to glue sticks, notebooks, folders, loose-leaf paper, 3-ring immediately implement what they learn into their own work binders, scissors, rulers, lunchboxes, backpacks, and environment. calculators. What makes this new program exciting and unique is the The students who will receive the supplies range from global focus. Each course is structured to provide students kindergarteners to high school seniors. Supplies will be with a worldview and real world experiences. Find out more at collected July 25th through August 19th. Public collection sites the free information session on Tuesday, August 16 at 6:00 pm are located at each Ramsey County Library: Arden Hills- 1941 at Bethel’s Office Center (1306 West County Road F, Arden W. Co. Rd. E2, Maplewood-1670 Beam Ave., Moundsview- Hills). Contact Bethel Adult and Professional Studies at (651) 2576 Co. Rd. 10, North St. Paul-2290 N. 1st St., Roseville-2180 N. 635-8000 or caps@bethel.edu to RSVP. Classes begin Hamline, Shoreview-4570 N. Victoria, and White Bear Lake- September 15, 2005! 4698 Clark Ave.

You Could Own “The Ultimate Twins’ Fan Vehicle”

Organizations Actively Promoting Access to the Arts for Contact Ramsey County Community Human ServicesPeople with Disabilities – Volunteer Services at 651-266-4090 or by email at: Volunteer ant a custom-designed 2006 Dodge Charger adorned by Mixed Blood Theatre, Minneapolis; Services@co.ramsey.mn.us for additional information. over 40 Twins’ autographs from Lew to Carew? Over KFAI Radio Without Boundaries, 90.3 FM Minneapolis, 106.7 40 past and present Twins players and broadcasters put their FM St. Paul. FDA ISSUES WARNING! On Psychiatric Drugs: “John Hancock” on the hood of a custom designed 2006 Be Aware Of Worsening Depression And Dodge Charger R/T. The award is called the “Jaehny” in honor of Jaehn Clare, one Increased Suicidal Thinking Or Behavior of the founders of VSA arts of Minnesota and an activist in the The custom-designed Dodge Charger, which was generously Twin Cities’ theater and disability communities before moving he Food and Drug Administration has reviewed data for donated by your local Dodge dealers, was unveiled on the to Georgia. Minneapolis sculptor Pauline Mitchell created antidepressant use in adults and now advises that, Metrodome Plaza on Friday, July 1, 2005 by Twins pitcher Kyle this year’s awards. “Adults being treated with antidepressant medicines, Lohse. An affiliate of VSA arts, headquartered in Washington, DC, particularly those being treated for depression, should be The Cars for Courage Ultimate Twins Fan Vehicle is being VSA arts of Minnesota is a nonprofit agency whose mission is watched closely for worsening of depression and for raffled off through September 29, 2005 on the Twins Plaza prior to promote quality, accessible arts experiences for people with increased suicidal thinking or behavior.” to each home game, as well as various community events and all types of disabilities throughout Minnesota. For more Dodge dealerships throughout the summer. For a complete information, call 612-332-3888 (metro) or 1-800-801-3883 The FDA is acting in the public interest against harmful schedule of raffle ticket sales opportunities go to www. (Greater Minnesota), both voice/TTY); e-mail vsarts@bcmn. psychiatric drugs. In 1990, the Citizens Commission on Human courage.org. Rights (CCHR) asked American psychiatrists and the FDA to com. issue warnings about the latest psychiatric drug causing violence and suicide: Prozac. CCHR filed complaints and The winner will be chosen on September 30, 2005 at the Twins Mental Health Institutes provided the evidence. In response, the FDA ordered an Fan Appreciation Day game. advisory committee to hold a hearing to investigate the safety innesota Social Service Association (MSSA) is holding and effectiveness of these drugs. A panel of nine Raffle tickets are just $5. All proceeds will benefit Courage a series of eight mental health institutes planned for the psychiatrists, many with financial ties to pharmaceutical Center. fall.The institutes will be held in September, October, companies, heard the chilling testimony from the victims of November and December. Parkway Garden Apartments has openings these drugs.

The schedule for the institutes is: Bonnie Leitsch, head of The Prozac Survivors Group, Bipolar & ADHD:Differentiating & Treating - September 8, provided statistics for the panel, “Five hundred deaths, 33 2005, 9:00 am to Noon murder cases, and over 20,000 adverse side effects.” In 1991, FDA panel chairman, Dr. Daniel Casey, responded that, “I do Borderline Personality Disorder: Impulse Control & not find from the evidence today, that there is credible Emotional Dysregulation - September 8, 2005, 1:00 to 4:15 pm evidence to support a conclusion that antidepressant drugs cause the emergence and/or the intensification of suicidality Disruptive Behavior Spectrum Disorders - October 6, 2005, and/or other violent behaviors.” 9:00 am to Noon Antisocial Personality Disorder- October 6, 2005, 1 to 4:15 pm Child Psychopharmacology - November 3, 2005, 9 am to Noon Mental Illness & Aging - November 3, 2005, 1:00 to 4:15 pm. This institute will consist of two workshops.1.Mental Illness is Not a Part of Normal Aging; 2. Addiction & Despair vs. Recovery & Freedom in an Aging Society

The FDA has now concurred with CCHR’s allegations and testimonies from 1991. But how many more people have committed suicide or killed others while influenced by these drugs since then? The blood of these deceased is on psychiatry’s hands. Antidepressant sales have soared in recent years, yet there is no blood test, x-ray or other medical test to diagnose depression. The president of the American Psychiatric Association, Steven Sharfstein, conceded in an article in People magazine on July 11, 2005, that, “We do not have a clean cut lab test” to determine a chemical imbalance in the brain.

arkway Garden Apartments in St. Paul recently opened their doors and they want to fill their apartments. They have 160 units, with an exercise room an enclosed courtyard and a salon. They are section 42 approved. All units are accessible. For more information contact Abby at 651-7710267.

Trisha Meila To Receive 2005 National Courage Award At Medtronic Celebration Of Courage

he Medtronic Celebration of Courage gala is set for Saturday, Aug. 27, 2005 from 6 to 10 pm at Medtronic World Headquarters in Fridley. The gala evening is Courage Center’s largest fundraiser of the year. Highlights of the evening include the presentation of the Jay and Rose Phillips Awards to five people from the Minnesota disability community who have excelled in their chosen careers. In addition, this year’s National Courage Award will be presented to Trisha Meili, known to millions as the Central Park Jogger. Meili sustained a chronic brain injury as a result of that experience and has become a nationally known speaker on the topics of rehabilitation and chronic brain injury. Other activities include a silent auction and dinner.

Suicide - December 1, 2005, 9:00 am to Noon. This institute will consist of two workshops:1.Suicide Education/Voices of Awareness;2. Beyond the Black Box: The Citizens Commission on Human Rights is a nonprofit, Suicide Risk & Antidepressants public benefit organization dedicated to investigating and exposing psychiatric violations of human rights. It also Assessment of Imminent Risk for Suicide - November 3, ensures that criminal acts within the psychiatric industry are 2005, 1:00 to 4:15 pm reported to the proper authorities and acted upon. If you know of or suspect psychiatric abuse, immediately call CCHR’s You can register for workshops on an individual basis or as a Psychiatric Crime Hotline: Call 612-623-4600. For documented A limited number of tickets are available free of charge to people with disabilities (maximum of two tickets per person). series. The brochure is available online at http://www.mnsocial research visit www.CCHR.org. Tickets are available on a first come-first serve basis. To serviceassoc.org/mentalhealth.pdf reserve a maximum of two tickets, call Emily Peterson at 763520-0365. For more information contact Deb Most, Director of Member Services, MSSA, 125 Charles Ave, St. Paul, MN 55103, Phone: News at a Glance - cont. on p. 20 651-644-0556, www.mnsocialserviceassoc.org

August 10, 2005

News At A Glance . . . New Missouri Bill Gives American Sign Language Foreign Language Status at MU

n August 28, 2005 a new law will go into effect recognizing American Sign Language (ASL) as a foreign language in Missouri. The American Sign Language Bill states that all public educational institutions in Missouri, including the University of Missouri-Columbia (MU), may count ASL toward satisfaction of foreign language or language arts requirements. Developed in the 19th century by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, American Sign Language is the third most commonly used language in the United States, after English and Spanish. ASL is more than just hand signals corresponding to spoken words; it has a grammar and syntax distinct from spoken English. Stephanie Logan, a doctoral student in the Department of Educational, School and Counseling Psychology, is MU’s only ASL instructor, and she is working to revamp MU’S existing ASL courses in response to the new law. Logan, who is deaf, testified before the Missouri House and Senate on behalf of the bill, and said learning ASL is an important tool for MU students entering the workforce. “ASL is more applicable in the United States than some other foreign languages,” Logan said. “Learning ASL makes students more marketable because of what they can offer an employer—the cultural and linguistic sensitivity to be able to communicate with an entire population of people, the deaf community.” In the fall, the Department of Educational, School and Counseling Psychology, through its Multicultural Center, will offer two ASL courses, one beginning class and an intermediate class. In the spring, Logan said those two levels would be offered in addition to a third, more advanced, level. The Department offered ASL classes for three credit hours before Missouri Governor Matt Blunt signed the ASL bill. Now, since ASL may be taught like other foreign languages, Logan said ASL will count for five credit hours. Logan said she hopes the University will eventually fund classes in deaf culture and expand the program into an area of emphasis or a minor program.

Freelance Opportunities for Disabled Latino Writers in the U.S.

royecto Visión, the National Technical Assistance Center for Latinos with Disabilities, is looking for reporters with first person experience with Latino culture and disability.

New Resources Will Ensure Safety During Emergencies For Workers With Disabilities

Reporters will be expected to use a variety of techniques to obtain information including conducting interviews and surveys, attending meetings, networking, and using local or web-based libraries and information centers.

To apply, send a resume describing yourself and your skills, and a one-page article you have written about disabled Latinos to Robin Savinar at robin@wid.org or call (510) 2514325. Applications will be accepted throughAugust 31, 2005. The National Technical Assistance Center for Latinos with Disabilities is a project of the World Institute on Disability, supported by the Rehabilitation Services Administration.

New MN Law Protects Parents And Children

n July 14, 2005 Governor Pawlenty signed a law further restricting schools from forcing parents to medicate their .S. Assistant Secretary of Labor Roy Grizzard, who heads the department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy children. This new law prohibits schools from requiring a child (ODEP), today announced a comprehensive guide and related to take any psychotropic medication as a condition of Web site to ensure federal government workplace emergency attendance. plans address the needs of individuals with disabilities. This new provision actually strengthens a law passed in 2001 “In compiling these guidelines, we found that emergency that prohibits schools from requiring that a child take preparedness plans that include enhanced communications methylphenidate, the generic name for a drug often prescribed and mobility and disability awareness actually improve safety for children with so-called ADHD. for everyone in the workplace, not just individuals with disabilities” said Dr. Grizzard. “By implementing effective “This is a great victory for parents in Minnesota”, said Nancy practices, the federal workplace will serve as a model Schumacher, Executive Director of the Citizens Commission workplace—one that ensures a safe and secure environment on Human Rights of Minnesota. “Too often parents have felt coerced into placing their child on medications, even though for everyone.” they innately knew that these drugs could cause devastating Dr. Grizzard unveiled the new resources at the first anniversary side effects. We are very grateful for the work of the EdWatch meeting of the Interagency Coordinating Council on organization for pushing this legislation through.” Emergency Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities held at the Federal Communications Commission. ODEP This legislation comes on the heels of several FDA advisories regarding psychotropic medication for children. In the fall of chairs the Council’s Workplace Subcommittee. 2004, the FDA ordered drug manufacturers to add a “black In its first year, the subcommittee developed Preparing the box” warning to the labeling of all antidepressants, warning of Workplace for Everyone, a template of guidelines to help a risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children and federal agencies integrate into emergency preparedness plans adolescents. A black box warning is the most serious warning the needs of workers with disabilities. This comprehensive placed in the labeling of a prescription drug. guide, available on ODEP’s website at www.dol.gov/odep, addresses employer and employee perspectives, viewpoints On July 1, 2005, the FDA announced that it intends to order of first responders, successful practices and legal consider- labeling changes for stimulants such as Concerta, Ritalin and ations. In connection with today’s announcement, ODEP is other ADHD drugs to warn that the drugs can cause launching a new web page specially dedicated to workplace “psychiatric events” described as: “visual hallucinations, suicidal ideation, psychotic behavior, as well as aggression or emergency preparedness issues and related resources. violent behavior.” Among the agencies contributing expertise to this collaborative effort are the Office of Personnel Management, the Health Canada, the Canadian drug regulatory agency, has General Services Administration, the Equal Employment suspended the sale of Adderall and Adderall XR in Canada. Opportunity Commission and the Department of Justice. The This was based on reports of sudden deaths in pediatric guidelines set forth in the template can be used to interest patients taking the drug. An FDA alert on February 9, 2005 other employment sectors—state and local governments, regarding these deaths states, “SUD [sudden unexplained non-profit organizations and the private sector—in replicating death] has been associated with amphetamine abuse and effective practices and policies that can be modified easily for reported in children with underlying cardiac abnormalities taking recommended doses of amphetamines. In addition, a their use. very small number of cases of SUD have been reported in Other federal departments providing leadership to the council children without structural cardiac abnormalities taking also announced their accomplishments over the past year and Adderall.” their future plans to promote emergency preparedness policies and procedures to ensure the safety of all of the “As a nation we spend millions educating children about the dangers of drugs. Yet the psychiatric industry keeps pushing nation’s citizens, including individuals with disabilities. ‘legal’ drugs on our children. This is an extremely mixed The Interagency Coordinating Council on Emergency message,” says Schumacher. “Their bodies don’t know the Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities was estab- difference between a legal and illegal substance. Both are mind lished by Executive Order 13347, issued by President George altering.” W. Bush on July 22, 2004, to facilitate cooperation among federal, state, local and tribal governments, private organiza- In addition to prohibiting schools from forcing children to be tions and individuals in the implementation of emergency medicated, the new law also prohibits schools from requiring a preparedness plans as they relate to individuals with psychiatric evaluation, screening or examination of a student. Schools cannot use a parent’s refusal to submit to mental disabilities. health services or drugs to charge the parent with child abuse, U.S. Labor Department (DOL) releases are accessible on the child neglect, or medical or educational neglect. These Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release provisions were a part of the education omnibus bill passed in will be made available in alternate format upon request (large the special legislative session that ended last week. This print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. section of the law became effective on July 15, 2005 the day Please specify which news release when placing your request. following enactment.

Reporters are needed to write articles documenting: •Success stories about how Latinos with disabilities living in the U.S.have found jobs or advanced in their careers •Experiences and challenges disabled Latinos face in obtaining education, training, assistive technology, independent living services and jobs in both urban and rural communities in the U.S. •Latino organizations reaching out to serve disabled members of their communities •Disability organizations reaching out to serve Latinos •Analyses of the situations of disabled Latinos in areas of the U.S. that have a high concentration Latinos with disabilities •Obstacles and failures, especially if something was learned from the experience •Interpretation of how new federal initiatives or legislation Call (202) 693-7765 or TTY (202) 693-7755. impact disabled Latinos

Articles will be short, practical, and may be submitted in English or Spanish. Go to www.projectvision.net to see sample articles. Reporters will be compensated for their work on a per-article basis.

Cont. from p. 19

A GREA T RESOURCE! GREAT

Dir ectAbility.com DirectAbility is a comprehensive, ever-expanding, award-winning, Internet directory devoted to disability-related products, services, resources and information throughout the state. Online at www.directability.com.

For more information, contact: Nancy Schumacher, Executive Director, Citizens Commission on Human Rights of Minnesota, 651-647-1032.

Easy Access Adventures Life is a Journey . . .Take it! Karen Kolodziejczyk Travel Agent 2776 Helen St. N. N. St. Paul, MN 55109 651.770.1956 info@easyaccessadventures.com www.easyaccessadventures.com

August 10, 2005

Accessible Performances The following performances will be Audio Described (AD) for people who are blind or have low vision, or Interpreted in American Sign Language (ASL) for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Compiled by VSA arts of MN, 612-332-3888 or http://mn.vsarts.org.

Fringe Festival Friday, August 12, 2005 Captioned: 1:00 PM -- “Boob Toob” presented by Claire Simonson at Intermedia Arts. AD: 4:00 PM – “The Jury” presented by Gimme a Break Productions at Bryant-Lake Bowl. AD: 6:00 PM – “A Tempest….for Two” presented by Knighthorse Theatre Company at Bryant-Lake Bowl. ASL: 10:00 PM – “Thirst: Where Curtain Call Meets Last Call” presented by Thirst Theater at Joe’s Garage. AD: 11:30 PM – “The Scrimshaw Show” presented by The Scrimshaw Brothers at Loring Playhouse. Saturday, August 13, 2005 ASL: 5:30 PM – “\sek-‘se-tara\” presented by Out of the Story Box Productions at Red Eye. Sunday, August 14, 2005 AD: 2:30 PM – “Dick da Tird” presented by Kevin Kling at The Woman’s Club. Describer: Laurie Hadley. AD: 5:30 PM – “Edna St. Vincent Millay: The Poet Returns for a Reading” presented by Nancy Moore at The Woman’s Club. Describer: Laurie Hadley. AD: 7:00 PM – “Quantum Odyssey” presented by The Electric Telescope Theatre Company at The Woman’s Club. Describer: Laurie Hadley. ASL: 7:00 PM – “Quantum Odyssey” presented by The Electric Telescope Theatre Co. at The Woman’s Club. Interpreters: Elizabeth Bonderson, Erika Wickre; Deaf mentor: Cara Barnett

Arts in the Parks Concert ASL: Thursday, August 18, 7:00 PM Tickets: free, Location: Normandale Lake Bandshell, 5901 W. 84th St., Bloomington, Website: www.bloomington symphony.org. Run: August 18, 2005 Doctor Dolittle Book, Music, and Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse, based on the stories by Hugh Lofting, ASL: Friday, August 26, 8:00 PM, AD: Saturday, August 27, 2:00 PM, Tix: 651-224-4222, TTY 651-282-3100, Location: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Main Hall, 345 Washington, St. Paul Website: www.ordway.org Run: August 16-28, 2005 24 Hours at the Stone Arch Bridge AD & ASL: Saturday, August 27, approx. 1:00 (TBA), Tickets: free; Hotline: 612605-1420 Location: Stone Arch Bridge across the Mississippi River, Portland Avenue, (West Bank) or SE 6th Avenue (East Bank), Minneapolis, Website: www.localstrategy.org Come ready to explore a portion of 24 hours of music and performances, including 45-minute tours from 1:00 to 5:00 on the bridge and along the St. Anthony Heritage Trail and a stationary performance tour. Local Strategy is a multi-disciplinary art collective that investigates and animates public spaces through collective artistic effort. Music lasts from sunrise to sunrise. More info to come, including availability of volunteers to assist people at either end of the bridge.

Minnesota State Fair: August 25 – Sept. 5, 2005 ASL roving interpreters will be available to assist guests from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. ASL interpreters have been requested for these State Fair Grandstand Shows: ASL - James Taylor and Band: Tuesday, Aug. 30, 8:00 pm, $42 ASL - Rascal Flatts with guest Blake Shelton, Thursday, Sept. 1, 7:30 pm, $35 ASL - A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor, Friday, Sept. 2, 8 pm, $20 ASL - Reo Speedwagon and STYX, Saturday, Sept. 3, 7:30 pm, $32 ASL - These events will be interpreted daily: •10 a.m. Snoopy’s Blue Ribbon Show, at the Children’s Theater, second floor of the Creative Activities Annex •11 a.m. Ironjack & Ironjill Timber Team Show, in the North Woods exhibit on Cooper Street between Randall and Lee •12:30 p.m. Sean Emery in the Children’s Theater, second floor of the Creative Activities Annex •2 p.m. Pet Surgery, in the Pet Center on Murphy Avenue •3 p.m. Barn Tour, at the east entrance of the Sheep Barn (not interpreted on Aug 28, Sept 1 or 5) •4 p.m. Milking Parlor Demonstration, outside the northwest end of the Cattle Barn •5 p.m. Honey Harvesting Demonstration, in the Agriculture Horticulture Building •7 p.m. K-9 Demonstration, in the Pet Center on Murphy Avenue •Requests for ASL Interpreting or Audio Description of other grandstand events must be made two weeks in advance.

These are the other Grandstand Shows: 3 DOORS DOWN with guests STAIND, BREAKING BENJAMIN and NO ADDRESS Thursday, Aug. 25, 6:30 pm, $39.50 MOTLEY CRUE: Friday, Aug. 26, 8:30 pm, $45 SAWYER BROWN and GREAT BIG SEA: Saturday, Aug. 27, 7:30 pm, $27 LYNYRD SKYNYRD with guest Jeffrey Steele: Sunday, Aug. 28, 7:30 pm, $30 RYAN CABRERA with guest Tyler Hilton: Monday, Aug. 29, 7:30 pm, $27 MARTINA MCBRIDE with opening act to be announced: Wednesday, Aug. 31, 7:30 pm, $42 MSF AMATEUR TALENT CONTEST FINALS: Sunday, Sept. 4, 8 pm, No ticket necessary SWITCHFOOT plus the LAST BLAST OF SUMMER & Fireworks: Labor Day, Sept. 5, 7:30 pm, general admission, $25 (Switchfoot tickets bought by July 31 will include a gate admission ticket to the fair) Tix: Ticketmaster, 651989-5151 or www.ticket master.com (subject to convenience charge). Also available at the Minnesota State Fair box office, 651-642-2262; TTY 651-642-2442. Pre-fair discount admission tickets are available from July 24 to Aug. 24 at the customer service centers of all participating Cub Food stores. Location: 1265 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul; Website: www.mn statefair.org, For special requests for interpreter or describer services, or for an Access brochure, call 651288-4448 or TTY 651-6422372, or write to Access Mail List, Minnesota State Fair, 1265 North Snelling Ave., St.

Paul, MN 55108. Main State Fair # is 651-288-4400. Access office (Del Cerney): 651-2884446 or guestservices@mn statefair.org The Constant Wife ASL: Friday, September 2, 7:30 PM AD: Saturday, September 3, 1:00 PM (free tactile tour 11:00, reservation needed); Friday, Sept. 9, 7:30 PM, Tix: Reduced to $16; 612-3772224, TTY 612-377-6626, Location: Guthrie Theater, 725 Vineland, Minneapolis, Website: www.guthrie theater.org Run: August 13 - September 11, 2005 Taste of Asia ASL: Sunday, September 4, 2:00 PM, Tix: Admission may be charged to museum or exhibition; interpreted tour is free; Visitor and Member Services, 612-870-3131 or TTY 612-870-3132, or email dhegstro@artsmia.org, Location: Minneapolis Institute of Art, 2400 Third Ave. S., Minneapolis, Website: www. artsmia.org, Whet your appetite with a sample of Asian arts from China, Japan, India, and Southeast Asia. See works from the Institute’s world-renowned collection, including ancient bronzes, tomb and temple sculptures, a Chinese scholar’s library and rock garden, ink paintings, and the Jade Mountain.

Scapin ASL: Sunday, September 11, 2:00 PM, Interpreter: Gail Deve-reaux Tickets: Reduced to $10, 507467-2525, 800-657-7025 or, tickets@commonwealtheatre.org, Location: St. Mane Theatre, 206 Parkway Ave. N. in downtown Lanesboro, Website: www.commonweal theatre.org Run: May 21 – October 30, 2005 Benefit concert by Tony DeBlois & Lucy Sirianni AD & ASL: Saturday, September 17, 7:00 PM, Tix: $25, $15 student/senior in advance ($10 of each ticket is tax-deductible); $35 at the door; payable to either VSA arts of Minnesota, 612-3323888 or 800-801-3883 v/tty; or Young Audiences of Minnesota; credit card payments can be accepted by Young Audiences of Minnesota (651292-3399 or www.young audiencesofmn.org) Location: Hopkins High School Auditorium, 2400 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka, Website: http:// mn.vsarts.org Run: September 17, 2005 Triple Espresso—A Highly Caffeinated Comedy ASL: Thursday, September 22, 7:30 PM, Tix: Reduced to $25 (reg. $31.50) 612-874-9000 or tickets@tripleespresso. com, Location: Music Box Theatre, 1407 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis. Website: www.tripleespresso. com

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.)

August 10, 2005

Access To Employment Employment ads are $16-$17 per col. inch. Aug 31 is the deadline for the Sept 10 issue. Mail to: ACCESS PRESS, 1821 University Ave. #104S, St. Paul, MN 55104 FAX 651-644-2136 • E-mail: access@accesspress.org PART-TIMEFOODSERVICE One Weekend/Month We are currently seeking 4-5 workers to work one weekend per month, 6-10 hours a day for a federal food service contract located in St Paul. Must be available to work both Saturday and Sunday. Hours vary beginning from 5:30 am – 8:00 am and ending no later than 4:00 pm. Food service experience preferred. Background check required. Send resume or apply in person: AccessAbility Inc. Attn: CJG 360 Hoover St NE Minneapolis, MN 55413 Fax: 612-331-2448 E-mail: employment@accessability.org www.accessability.org EOE

We’re on a Mission: Best Care Best Experience 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. Regions Hospital, recipient of MHA’s 2004 Best Minnesota Hospital Workplace Award

AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAM PROFESSIONAL (Asian Liaison) - $42,500-$52,850

FOR SALE The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) is seeking a qualified candidate to work with Single Family Programs as Minnesota Mobility: We part of the Homes Division Business and Policy Development specialize in affordable wheelTeam. chair vans. Contact us at 952746-1800. For a list of typical work assignments and experience/skills required, visit our website at www.mhfa.state.mn.us; select Power Wheelchair for sale: Jobs and Human Resources. Invacare Pronto M51- never In addition to a housing industry background, experience used. Only $3,200. Call Denn working with Asian communities in Minnesota is highly de- at 612-220-6788. sired. Bi-lingual fluency in an Asian language is a plus. This position requires extensive local travel and periodic regional / 1981 Ford motor home with wheelchair lift sleeps 6, 68,000 overnight travel in Minnesota. miles and runs great. $5,375 For further information on this position, contact Call at 651-731-3610. Gene Aho, Supervisor, Homes Business & Policy Development at (651)297-3129, or1-800-710-8871, or gene.aho@state. ’96 Windstar with a CrowRiver lift, Great Starter, $3500, Call mn.us. Kelly or Deborah at 763-263To Apply: 1812 Submit your resume through the online Resume Builder at https://statejobs.doer.state.mn.us/ResumeBuilder. MISCELLANEOUS

2004 Invacare Storm Series TD x 4 power chair, seat size 14 x 14 inch. Picture available through email at theresazim@ frontiernet.net or call 952469-3615. Price negotiable. 2000 Grand Caravan, 52,000 miles, Rollx Converted, $19,500. George Path 651-4518816. FOR RENT 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.

The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency is located in downSend Out Greeting Cards from town St. Paul and is an Equal Opportunity Employer home using your computer. ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Make someone smile…Send a PCL Construction Services, Inc. is a large general contractor card today! www.jansfree with extensive operations throughout North America. As a card4u.com result of significant growth in our level of business activity, we have an immediate vacancy for an administrative assistant in our Burnsville District Office. The successful candidate should possess strong communication and interpersonal skills along with a high level of proficiency in MS Office software programs, including Access. We offer an exceptional benefit program including medical, dental, life, disability, 401(k), three weeks of vacation and more! Send confidential resume and salary requirements to: Personal Manager-AA PCL Construction Services, Inc 12200 Nicollet Avenue South Burnsville, MN 55337 Or email to MINNRECRUIT@pcl.com (No phone calls or walk-ins please) AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F/D/V

The Best of Both Worlds

Open yourself to a wonderful career experience. One that is supported by the forwardthinking, progressive medical facilities…people as passionate and dedicated as you are yourself…and a culture that celebrates diverse talents and backgrounds as the sparks that fuel a respectful environment. In the Twin Cities, where caring comes from the heart, you can achieve more than a good job. You can make the choice for an extraordinary career. HealthPartners Medical Group & Clinics is one of Minnesota’s largest practice groups, and the most comprehensive provider of an entire spectrum of healthcare services, from specialty medical care to ﬂexible, affordable insurance coverage. At HealthPartners, we are committed to providing the care our patients need, when they need it. Join HealthPartners as we transform the healthcare experience for our members, our patients and our community. If you share in our mission and values, please apply online at www.healthpartners.com. At Regions Hospital, our commitment to the community is clear: provide state-of-the-art care in a comfortable, healing environment. Our passion for excellence is evident throughout our organization. A Level I Trauma Center and leader in quality patient care, Regions Hospital offers a wealth of career opportunities for discerning professionals like you. For current openings and to apply, please visit us online at www.regionshospital.com.

hea lt hpa r t ners.com

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

regionshospital.com

Holmes-Greenway Housing: One- and two-bedroom apartments designed for physically handicapped persons. Convenient SE Minneapolis location. Call (612) 378-0331 for availability information. Property for Sale Wheelchair accessable Ranch Equal Opportunity Housing. stylehome in Lino Lakes. Open floor plan, roll-in shower, Seward Square Apartments: large deck, wheelchair lift to We are currently accepting finished walkout basement. applications for our waiting $369,900. Serious inquiries list for barrier-free housing, in only. Contact: Pat Trow The Minneapolis, that is federally MLS Direct Real Estate Group: subsidized. For an application, please call (612) 338952-935-7103. 2680. Equal Opportunity Housing.

PHONE - Cont. from p. 16

Metro Mobility is experiencing intermittent problems with its call distribution system and HOUSINGWANTED will have a new phone system Female with Chemical and up and running by Sept. 6, Electromagnetic Sensitivities 2005. is looking for Living Arrangement in House/ Metro Mobility is a service of Duplex, either housemate/ the Metropolitan Council. The roommate situation, or separate Council contracts with two apartment in house on top private companies, Transit floor. By Sept or Oct 1; Willing Team and Laidlaw Transit Serto pay $400-450 rent (includes vices, in a public-private partutilities); also willing to trade nership that helps keep the natural, organic cooking skills cost of providing the service in exchange for lowered rent. down. Call Mary at 763-789-8014 or Metro Mobility provides more email: mtellers@yahoo.com. than one million rides a year to certified riders in the Twin Cities metro area, about 4,000 rides per weekday and 2,000 rides on weekends. Its service area and hours of operation are largely defined by federal law under

the Americans with Disabilities Act. Funding comes from state appropriations and fares. *Transit Team serves, primarily, the following communities: Bloomington, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Chanhassen, Chaska, Crystal, Deephaven, Eden Prairie, Edina, Excelsior, Golden Valley, Greenwood, Hopkins, Long Lake, Maple Grove, Medicine Lake, parts of Minneapolis (Zip codes 55402 through 55410, 55415 though 55417, 55419 and 55454), Minnetonka, Minnetonka Beach, Mound, New Hope, Orono, Osseo, Plymouth, Richfield, Robbinsdale, Savage, Shorewood, Spring Park. St. Louis Park, Tonka Bay, Wayzata and Woodland. ■

Wilderness Inquiry Trips by Greg Lais

ilderness Inquiry ing Red Rock Canyons: Two has the following Open Trips on 9/27 and 10/ openings for their 10 http://www.wilderness summer/fall events: inquiry.org/greenriver/ • Kayak through the serene • Hike Lake Superior’s North beauty of the Apostle IsShore at peak fall foliage: lands: August 24-28 http:// September 21-25 http:// www.wildernessinquiry.org/ www.wildernessinquiry.org/ apostleislands5/ superiorhikingtrail/ • Experience Utah’s astonish- • Or, join our women’s North

Shore trip October 13-16 http://www.wilderness inquiry.org/shtwomens/ Hope to see you on the trail! If you have questions, call Lisa Butler at 612-676-9417 or to see all of our trips, go to http:// www.wildernessinquiry.org.

August 10, 2005

Thank you Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities for your great work during the 2005 legislative session!

innesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD) with the leadership of co-chairs John Tschida (Courage Center) and Joel Ulland (MS Society), put forth an aggressive and ambitious policy agenda with three guiding principles: • Access to needed services • Empowerment and choice • Quality of care

With the goal of fostering greater economic and social independence and self-sufficiency, and working with both Democratic and Republican leadership, MN-CCD earned support for millions of dollars in new spending for program and policy changes that will benefit people with disabilities of all ages. Thousands of Minnesotans with disabilities will live healthier, more independent lives as a result. More details about the final legislation can be found at www.mndlc.org.

2005-2006 MN-CCD Members • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Accessible Space, Inc Access Press Advocating Change Together Alliance Healthcare Arc Great Rivers Arc Hennepin-Carver The Arc of Minnesota ARRM Assistive Technology of Minnesota AXIS Healthcare Brain Injury Association of Minnesota Children's Mental Health Partnership CILNM Courage Center Disability Services-Hamline University Fraser Freedom Resource for Independent Living, Inc. Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare Hemophilia Foundation of Minnesota IAPSRS-MN

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Independent Lifestyles, Inc. IPSII Inc. Lifetrack Resources Mental Health Association of Minnesota Mental Health Legislative Network Metro Work Center, Inc. Metropolitan Center for Independent Living, Inc. MN Assoc. of Community Mental Health Programs MN Assoc. of Community Rehabilitation Organizations MN Assoc. -Self Help for Hard of Hearing MN Disability Law Center MN Habilitation Coalition MN HomeCare Association NAMI-MN National Multiple Sclerosis Society-MN Chapter Pacer Center State Advisory Council on Mental Health Southwestern Center for Independent Living STAR Program United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota

August 10, 2005

Don't Miss An Issue! Subscribe Today! $25 Buys A Full Year (12 Issues) Of ACCESS PRESS Name ____________________________________________ Street _______________________ City ________________ State ____ Zip _________ Telephone _______________ Limited income subscription: $10 I have an idea for editorial coverage. Please call me. I’ve enclosed my check for $25. Start my subscription. Send your advertising rates. ACCESS PRESS • 1821 University Ave. W. • #104S St. Paul, MN 55104 • Phone: (651) 644-2133 • Fax: (651) 644-2136 e-mail: access@accesspress.org

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THE FRIENDS OF ACCESS PRESS Thanks to the following sponsors for supporting Access Press this year. ----------------------------------------- BASIC SPONSOR ---------------------------------------Hans Anderson Steven P. Anderson Anonymous (3) Dorothy Balen Robert Barr Martha Bigalk Roberta Blomster Mary Bodnar Wendy Brower Carl & Kathie Bryngelson Carlyn Bryngelson Daniel Casar Mary Collins LeAnne Dahl Leroy deBoom Dawn Doering Neil Doughty Helmuth Droher Jesse Ellingworth Mary Frank-Wawokiyawin Robert Geldert Candace and David Gislason Florentine Goulet, O.S.B. James Grimm Pamela & Cullen Hamilton Marjorie Hammargren Cary Hampel Dennis Hardy Ellie Heller Lois Hietala David Hopkins Dale Janiszeski Beth Jensen Melvin Jerry Karen Jothen Luci Kennedy Karen Kolodziejcvyk Barbara Larson Sister Jo Lambert Rudolph Lauermann Sean Leary Jennifer Lenzen Deboom Leroy Richard (Bud) Lord Colleen McGovern Barbara Mack Melody Martian Ardis Meyer Patricia Moore Kathy Moran Valerie Oas Rosaasen Ordean Donn Poll Paul/Peggy Revering Kim Rezek Brian Roger Annemarie Smisson Elizabeth Smith Gerald Smith Pat Scott John Sherman Joseph Taylor Sara Tesch Katie Voss Gary Wenish Katherine Zehringer MN Clipping Service Native American Rainbow Network Northeast Residence, Inc ------------------------------- FRIEND SPONSOR ($35 and above) --------------------------Lynda Adams Paul Althoff Mary Andresen Anonymous (2) Kathy Ball Rick Benjamin Vicki & Fred Benjamin Janet Berndt Patrick Bilbrey Susan Blaylock Maynard Bostrom Anita Boucher Rogers Brian Susan Bulger Denise Cady Rick Cardenas Daniel Casar Mary Choinier Stephanie Cunningham Yoshiko Dart Cheryl & Thomas Corcoran Teresa Dock Barbara Droher Melvin & Georgia Duncan Jesse Ellingworth Will & Mary Englund Jo Ann & Steven Erbes Lee Ann Erickson Nancy Eustis Donn Feigal Daniel Fischer Tom & Mimi Fogarty Carla Friese Claudia Fuglie Robert Gilbert Marge Goldberg Molly Gordon Nadine Groven Judith Haaversen Ellie Heller Eric Hall Craig Dunn & Candy Hart Cary Hempel Anne Henry MJ Jellison Judy Hunt Jim Jasper Cindy & Greg Johnson Karen Jothen The Joyce Family Barb Kane Mary Kay Kennedy Corbin Sherwood Kidder Marie Wolff and Eric Kloos Anna Kook Eugene Kook Ann Kranz Richard & Patricia Krause Dawn Kreutz Gari Krogseng Linda Larson Susan Lasoff Steven Laux Donna Liveringhouse Thomas McCoy Lorene Leikind John Marty Kelly Matter Robert & Ardis Meyer Sara & Gary Meyer Kristi Michaelson Steven Miles Twyla Misselhorn Jeff Molnar Kathy Moran Liz Morque David & Judona Musselman Joe & Maureen Musselman Lee Ohnesonge Cliff Ollila Mark Olson Vail Place William & Joen Overby Julee Peterson Linda Paulson Richard Peterson Debra Piekarski Margery Pilhofer Robert J. Geldert & Roberta Pinkosh Julee Quarve-Peterson Loren Rahn Kelly Rathcke Susan Reyes Brian Rogers Ann Roscoe James Ross Patricia Rydeen Arthur Sauter Suzanne Severson Sue Singer John Skaalen Diane Sprague John Stewart Gary & LeAnn Taylor William & Sara Trautz Candace Warne Don & Joanne Westergard C. L. Wiehle Rachel Wilcox James Wilkinson David Wood Access to Employment All Home Caring Arc Southeastern Minnesota Axis HealthcareBlue Sky Designs Concordia University–Project Exceptional Equity Services of St. Paul Freedom of Speech, Inc. Kaposia, Inc. MBW Company MRC MRCI - Worksource Midwest Special Services MN Diversified Industries. Inc National Results Council

------------------------------ FRIEND SPONSOR Continued ($35 and above) ------------------------Native American Rainbow New Dimensions Health Care Occupational Development Center Rehab Unit–Albert Lea Med. Center Resource, Inc. RISE Habilitation Services Store to Door Thrivent Financial for Lutherans United Cerebral Palsy of MN, Inc. ---------------------------------- BRONZE SPONSOR ($75 and above) ---------------------Sue Abderholden Stephen Alarik Anonymous Jeff Bangsberg Scott Bjerkesett Sandi Lane & Monte Blair J.A. & Mary Blanchard Ed Boev Robert & Ann Brick Wendy Brower Steven Burrill Scott Cady Cathy or Bill Carlson Chernah Coblentz Stephanie Cunningham Dean Doering Donn Feigal Thomas & Mary Fogarty Carol Fury M. Therese Gockenberg Luther Granquist Martha Hage Kathleen Hagen Craig Dunn & Candace Hart Roger A. Hoffman Skip & Ellen Houghton Jim Jasper Dianna Krogstad Carol & David Larson Gregory Larson Linda Leicht Terri Ricci Donna McNamara & Paul Monroe Cliff Miller Paul Mueller William O’Dowd & George Zilligen Ann & Manley Olson Scott Rostron Mark Sherman Patricia Siebert Barb Smith Bridget & Diane Smith John Smith Jan & Don Snook Erica Stern Eric and Caroline Stevens Peg Thomas Quinn Tierney Peter Vaill Joani Werner Linda Wolford Jerry Wood William O’Dowd & George Zilligen Brain Injury Assn of MN The College of St. Catherine Community Involvement Prog. Dept. of Occupat’l Therapy-U of M Equity Services of St. Paul Freedom Health Care, Inc. Jay & Rose Phillips Family Foundation KAL Marketing Lifeworks Services Marketing by Design MN Work Incentives Connection Merrick, Inc. New Dimension Health No Place Like Home Pat Siebert, MN Dis. Law Ctr. MN Diversified Industries TSE, Inc. US Bancorp Foundation --------------------------------- SILVER SPONSOR ($150 and above) ----------------------Dr. Yuonne Rb Banks Jaime Becker Scott Beers Michael Bjerkesett Lou Burdick Robert Buuck Mike & Jan Chevrette Chris Duff Robert Gregory Doris & John Groven Lori Guzman Ron Holstrom Ronna LinrothM Michyelle Malinoff Karen Moore Jim & Cindy Musselman Donna McNamara Chris Meyer John & Shelia Meyer Patricia Rogers, Ph.D. Dean Doering & Lisa Scribner Kevin & Kathy Sullivan Kathy & Paul West Julie Wegscheid Arc Hennepin-Carver Chrestomathy, Inc Freedom Health Care Housing Link MNDACA MN Independent Living Services MN Rehab Association MN Work Incentive Connection National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of MN PACER - Paula Goldberg Rehabilitation Services ServeMinnesota! SW Center for Independent Living (SWCIL)Trotter’s Cafe UCare Minnesota We Do Care, Inc. ---------------------------------- GOLD SPONSOR ($350 and above) -------------------------Fred & Phyllis Benjamin Lou Burdick Shirley Larson Margaret Perryman Lottsa Tax & Accounting Services --------------------------- DIAMOND SPONSOR ($500 and above) --------------------------Anonymous Mary Lou & Allan Burdick Wilber Frink In Home Personal Care Northwest Airlines Rapit Print Northeast Residence, Inc Tamarack Habilitation Technologies ------------------------- BENEFACTOR SPONSOR ($1000 and above) --------------------Bremer Foundation Catharine C. Reid Fund of Headwaters Foundation for Justice Headwaters Fund HECUA Joel McGuiggan Foundation Lynda Milne, Community Solution Fund The Medtronic Foundation Thomas & Lassiter Family Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation

------------------------------------ IN KIND (time & services)----------------------------------Allison Bedard • Peter Bell • Rick Cardenas • Jim Czechowicz • Craig Dunn • Pete Feigal Pat Goodwin • Lance Hegland • Lolly Lijweski • Mary Alice Mowry • Jeni Mundl • Karen Quammen Bob Sans • Clarence Schadegg • Gail Shore • John Tschida • Daniel Vance • Kaylen Whitmore

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