April 2006 Edition - Access Press by Access Press

April 10, 2006

Inside

“ There can be no liberty for a

■ Ending Homelessness— p. 7 ■ Resistant Infections— p. 7 ■ UCP Stationary Bike Race— p. 9

community which lacks information by which to detect lies.” –Walter Lippmann

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

Volume 18, Number 4

Minnesota’s Disability

Community Newspaper

April 10, 2006

Disability Community Protests On University of MN Campus by Emily Smith

Left to right: Luci Kennedy, Rick Cardenas, Tim Benjamin, and Mary Kay Kennedy protesting the U of M speaker Peter Singer and his philosophy.

n Thursday, March 23, 2006, members and allies of the disability community gathered in front of the Ted Mann Concert Hall to protest philosopher Peter Singer. Members of the Disabled Student Cultural Center, The Arc of Minnesota, Advocating Change Together, and many others joined together in the first disability-related protest on campus in over ten years. The event was on the front page of the Minnesota Daily. It was also covered by KARE 11

news to spread our concerns to the wider community. Though the focus of Singer’s lecture was on factory farming and vegetarianism, he has been challenged by people with disabilities for his controversial views advocating the right to euthanize babies with severe disabilities and in some cases adults, grounding his understanding of disability as negative and deserving of pity. We did not intend to discourage people from listening to Singer’s lecture, but

rather our goal was to show attendees that they cannot glorify Singer’s views on animal ethics, as many in attendance of his talk shows First Disability Protest on the clearly do, U of M Campus in 10 years. without recognizing that this support is fifty people present, perseverfor a scholar who is extremely ing the cold weather while discriminatory against people holding signs with slogans with disabilities. With over such as “your attitude is our only handicap,” “everyone belongs,” and “disabled lives have value too,” our message to Peter Singer was clear: his presence in our community is not welcome.

Access & Equality: Athletes With Disabilities Are People Too! by Kenneth Brown

n February of 2006 a student athlete with Autism from Rochester, Minnesota was given an opportunity to play basketball with the varsity team of his high school at the end of the team’s last home game of the season. The student’s name is Jason McElwain. Jason has a passion for basketball and served as the team’s student manager for several years. Jason proceeded to score 20 points by making 6 three point shots in a row and a two point shot after missing his first two attempts. The team, fans, and community celebrated his accomplishments at the end of the game. His seeming unbelievable accomplishments on the surface made the national news for weeks. He was given tickets to our local professional basketball team’s home game (The Minnesota Timberwolves). He is being pursued by more than twentyfive movie companies to make

a movie of his life, and the president of the United States took time to visit Jason.

discriminating against someone based on their possible differences.

As an advocate for persons with disabilities, I applaud Jason’s accomplishments, his coach’s willingness to include him and believe in his abilities, the athletic director for approval and thinking outside the box, his parents for advocating for his inclusion, his teammates for understanding, and the fans and community for acceptance. I am thrilled that people were able to communicate effectively to help Jason have one of his dreams come true. This event has shown many with disabilities that may have given up their dream, they can be included in mainstream sports or other activities. My hope is that others recognize the difference they can make in a person’s life through acceptance and understanding of the individual, not stereotyping and

However, I am outraged at the “Circus” that the media and others have made of this one event. The media coverage made it seem that Jason was a “disabled child” that we should feel sorry for and pity his condition, and he was offered special treatment to be included in mainstream sports. Jason is a child with a “disability” that has learned to face his challenges head on and works to overcome and adapt to his disability. In further research we have found that the basketball coach had previously arranged with the other coach of the team’s opponent for the last game to have Jason play near the end of the game. It has never been reported that Jason ran cross-country track and lettered for three years,

ran on the track team and lettered for two years, serves on his school’s senior class council, and has a part-time job. Jason simply is a student like every other student that uses the “abilities” he has to do the best he can with the talents he has. The question arises that if Jason did not have Autism, would this have been a national news event? If Jason had been an able-bodied student manager would the coach have given him the same opportunity? If Jason did not live in a predominantly European American community, and attend a predominantly European American high school would this event be deserving of a visit from the president of the United States of America? Athletes and students of all ages, cultures, and “abilities” exceed expectations on a daily basis, but are not making the national news. In our rich world today, we

continue to live in separate communities. It is great that Jason’s family, friends, school, and community can celebrate Jason’s accomplishments, and that Jason could receive the attention he earned. It is apparent that Jason, his basketball coach, other coaches, teachers, and family have been able to successfully advocate for Jason’s inclusion in mainstream sports and other activities. We have laws that are in place to level the field at all levels, but it takes people to apply the laws and treat others with the human kindness, respect, and honor that we all deserve. It is blatantly apparent to me that the European American culture uses the laws, systems, and human kindness to be inclusive. The African American and other minority cultures for many reasons do not apply and use the laws and systems established to level the Equality - cont. on p. 19

Further, we hope to capitalize on the attention this protest received around campus to continue our ongoing fight for a Disability Studies program. We’d like to extend special thanks to our speakers, Professor Alex Lubet, U of M student Kathryn Ware, and filmmaker, activist, and author Billy Golfus, for sharing the personal stories of disability that Peter Singer so easily pushes aside in order to practice a philosophical theory in the bubble of academia. A free luncheon was held on Protest - cont. on p. 9

A cold day couldn't stop these protestors from speaking their truth.

April 10, 2006

Tim Benjamin, Editor

he protest on March 23 calling attention to Peter Singer’s disability philosophy during his speech on vegetarianism and animal rights at the University of Minnesota was a perfect example of how the disability

community can come together to voice their opinions. I was very proud of all 50 or so of the people who got involved and spent an evening in the cold to show their commitment to our community. Thank you, everyone, and big thanks to Emily Smith and the University of Minnesota’s Disability Student Culture Center for all their organizing to make this event such a success. Thanks to Katheryn Ware, too. She gave a very passionate speech, that we’re printing on page 2, explaining how in Singer’s view people with disabilities, like her son, are non-persons. Thomas Murray, a first-time writer for Access Press, has done an article on resistant infections that are spreading throughout the population. See page 7. These bacteria at one time were most prevalent in hospitals and nursing homes

but today the general population is being exposed more and more frequently. One of our local hospitals is doing a pilot program to study how hospitals can reduce the spread of infection. In the next couple months I’m hoping that we can get some more information about this program and how well it’s working. Tom, thank you for the article and I hope we will be seeing more of your byline in months to come. What’s happening on Minnesota’s Capitol Hill? We will be working on a summary for next month’s paper of legislation in this session that will affect the disability community.. As always at the Capitol, things move very slowly until the final explosion nearing the end of the session—then decisions are made quickly. All of our dedicated, award-winning lobbyists with the Citizens

A Mother’s Response by Katheryn J. Ware, RN BSN

am here tonight [at the U of M’s Peter Singer talk] with my son Kylen. Kylen is 11 years old. He has mental retardation and Cerebral Palsy. According to Peter Singer my son is a “non-person” because of his “severe intellectual disabilities.” He would define my son Kylen as a NON PERSON!

grades, devalues, and dehumanizes people with disabilities to promote the rights of animals. This is unnecessary, discriminatory, and oppressive to people living with disabilities. Peter Singer’s hate filled speech is sanctioned by universities across this country. The University of Minnesota is paying him $7,500 per hour to speak here tonight on our campus. He is given an academic STAMP of approval to spew intolerance and prejudice against people with disabilities. He is highly respected, admired, and popular in academia. And this is why it is SO important that we are all here tonight!

to sustain an open exchange of ideas in an environment that embodies the values of academic freedom, responsibility, integrity, and cooperation; provides an atmosphere of mutual respect, free from racism, sexism, and other forms of prejudice and intolerance.”

Consortium for People With Disabilities (CCD) have been keeping long hours to make sure our legislators are well informed about disability issues. Join them on your organization’s lobby day at the Capitol, or drop in on your own legislator any time. We are planning some changes in Access Press’s presence on the Internet. We have had great success with our Web site and we’re hoping we can create more interactive opportunities for you to have input on articles and to let us know what is of interest to you. We’re hoping that a new interactive Web site will allow our readers to post their own articles and comments. If any of you have expertise, or suggestions on how we might best achieve some interactive opportunities for Access Press, please give us a call at 651-644-2133.

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 • Web site: www.accesspress.org

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

This month’s focus is on autism, a condition that describes a range of disabilities and special abilities, and one that science is only beginning to understand. Be sure to check out the Web resources we provide on page NN and get to know more during Autism Aware-

by Daniell Engle

uring the 2006 Minnesota legislative session, one topic that certainly will prevail is the competition for funding dollars. Given the proposed 2007 federal budget cuts, the future looks dismal for local municipalities, state governments, and those organizations dependent on government funding. When government funds shrink, there is an increased competition for grants. There is also a greater reliance on volunteers. They are needed to fill the gaps created by the lack of funding for paid staff.

Access Press

Production ...................................................................... Ellen Houghton at Presentation Images Office Assistant .......................................................................................................... Ekta Prakash Sales/Marketing ........................................................................................................ David Hadlich Distribution ......................................................................................................... S. C. Distribution

Congratulations are in line for Minnesota’s wheelchair basketball team. All the athletes deserve our applause, as well as the coaches at all the sponsors. Thanks, guys, for the wonderful effort. See page 11.

Scott Adams, Access Press’s longtime cartoonist, has volunteered to work with staffer Terri Ricci to update the “Directory of Organizations”. If your organization would like to become a part of the directory for our next quarterly insert in July, call the office and we can give you the details on how to be included. Many individuals as well as organizations cut out the Directory to pin up on their bulletin board and keep as a handy reference of resources. We are very proud of the Directory of Organizations; it’s the brainchild of our founder, Charlie Smith. We would love to include your organization or association. More details can be found on page 16. Thanks, Terri and Scott, for your dedication to this project. ■

Creating Employment Opportunities For Those In Need

I am here to tell the Board of Regents, The University of Minnesota, Peter Singer, and all of tonight’s attendees that Peter Singer violates the U of MN Board of Regent’s mission statement. Peter Singer’s invitation is irresponsible, without integrity, provides people with disabilities with absolutely NO RESPECT, and is fraught with prejudice and Singer’s views turn my son intolerance toward my son into a non-person with no proKylen, and all people in the tections and no rights. He would say that Kylen is, “life The University of Minnesota State of Minnesota living with unworthy of life.” Singer says Board of Regents Mission disabilities and the people who Unfortunately, the ultimate that my son is morally insig- Statement is: “In all of its ac- love and care for them. ■ fall-out is on those members nificant to society! He de- tivities, the University strives of society who are in need. They need housing, healthcare, employment services, vocational rehabilitation serCo-Founder/Publisher (1990-1996) .................................................................. Wm. A. Smith, Jr. vices, and other supportive Co-Founder/Publisher/Editor-in-Chief (1990-2001) ....................................... Charles F. Smith services in order for these inBoard of Directors ............................................ JoAnn Cardenas Enos, Mike Chevrette, Mary Kay Kennedy, Kelly Matter, Tom Squire, & Kay Willshire dividuals to become and conEditor ......................................................................................................................... Tim Benjamin tinue to be self-supporting Financial Manager/Editorial Assistant ........................................................................ Terri Ricci members of society. Budget Cartoonist ..................................................................................................................... Scott Adams He says a “non-person” has no right NOT to be killed. He says that my son’s life is less worth living than a person without disabilities. Peter Singer believes that parents should be able to kill their babies with disabilities one month or more after they are born.

ness Month. On March 11, United Cerebral Palsy held a wonderful fundraising event at the River Center. I hope they reached their goals; it was a great experience. I look forward to next year’s race. For more highlights about the event see page 9.

cuts in these critical areas re- motivation and determination duce the likelihood that these to succeed. individuals will move past their current conditions. These employment opportunities that exist for people in A disproportionate percentage need are often low skilled or of people in our society live in low paying positions. Alcircumstances best described though volunteer opportunias surviving or just getting by. ties help individuals demonWho are these individuals? strate and learn new skills, they They include people with dis- do not pay the bills. For indiabilities, veterans of past and viduals in need, there is a far current wars, people suffering greater need for paid employa loss (employment, family ment opportunities than for support system, etc.), children volunteer opportunities. and families, individuals with mental, cognitive and behav- For organizations that rely ioral challenges, those who are upon volunteers, including chemically dependent or in those in need of employment, some stage of chronic alco- the question needs to be posed: holism, and individuals living Are the volunteer opportunion general assistance or social ties really a benefit for those security disability insurance individuals who need paid benefits. employment? In addition, there are several factors that Employment opportunities need to be considered, such as provide a means of moving housing and healthcare costs. beyond current conditions and envision a future of hope. The current demand for SecWhere there is hope, there is Opportunities - cont. on p. 8

Correction to Last Month’s Protest Alert Article

wanted to inform you about a mistake we made in one sentence in the article for Access Press. We wrote, “This means that an estimated 54 million Americans, a population roughly the size of France, are living in bodies that according to Peter Singer should have been killed upon birth.” When we originally wrote this statement, it was following an argument that

Singer opens a slippery slope of where this needs to stop, given the history of eugenics as applying to all people with disabilities.

54 million Americans, but our concern remains that if we make infanticide legal, all people born with any degree of disability might be at risk.

However, during the process of editing we rearranged things so that this became unlinked from the original point we had intended. We did not mean to claim that Singer himself advocates for the euthanizing of

We are really sorry about this mistake. Emily Smith Disabled Student Cultural Center, University of MN ■

April 10, 2006

Choosing A Health And Fitness Club by Danielle Engle

hoosing a health and fitness club can be a daunting task for anyone. When selecting the right health or fitness club a number of issues need to be considered: cost, convenience, available services, and the hours it is open. Beyond these basic issues is the deeper need for a sense of belonging. Although fitness is a proven component of a healthy lifestyle, some people feel too intimidated to visit or join a club. The models shown in advertisements are enough to cast doubt on anyone’s comfort level. The sense of belonging is paramount for individuals with special needs. Although there has been progress over the years, the inclusion of people with special needs has not been achieved in many sectors of society, including health and fitness clubs.

One day during a workout, this reporter was suddenly struck by the diversity of people surrounding her. Had she seen so many different types of people working out together before? As a former member of several clubs, this seemed a unique situation, hence, the idea for this article was thus born. Northwest YMCA (NW YMCA) To an observer, it could be confusing to watch a man who is obviously blind step onto a treadmill, select a program and then begin his workout. However, for one NW YMCA member, it is part of his weekly routine. When he joined NW YMCA, the man expressed a desire to use the cardio and strength training equipment independently. In keeping with the NW YMCA philosophy— to meet the social, recreational

and fitness needs of the surrounding community—the fitness coordinator contacted the National Society for the Blind (NSB).

tape proved confusing, this method worked. Now this member can use the cardio and strength training equipment with the same independence as other NW YMCA members.

NSB produced Braille tape to place on the equipment and NW YMCA welcomes diveridentify programming buttons sity at all fitness levels and needs. They make a practice “If they are not comfort- of offering membership packable working with dis- ages to group homes that serve abilities or special needs clients with emotional, behavioral, and cognitive challenges. of any kind, they do not They also train the group home belong at NW YMCA.” staff on the proper use of the exercise equipment. and functions. When this didn’t work, the fitness coordinator This prepares the group home tried placing pieces of plain staff to assist and manage their tape beside the various pro- clients through exercise rougramming buttons. The fitness tines. Depending on group staff then taught the man how home schedules, these memto use the tape coupled with bers can be observed working sound feedback (beeps) to se- out at different times and days lect the various exercise pro- of the week. grams. Whereas the Braille This policy of diversity and inclusion is communicated in the membership policies as well as the selection and hiring of staff. As the Fitness Coordinator, Piper said, “I make it clear to staff and potential staff that they will be working with 75 people and think ‘gee, isn’t different populations and this great,’ but the theater man- needs. If they are not comfortager looks at the empty 125 able working with people with seats and wonders where everybody is?” commented Linke-Ellis.

Bringing Captioned Movies To A Theater Near You by Kim Barron, SIGNews Staff Writer

hirteen years after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, leaps and bounds of progress have been made in creating accessibility for the deaf and hard of hearing community in most aspects of life. However, there are still areas that are not completely accessible, and one of them is captioning in movie theaters. There is a national organization based in California dedicated to broadening the movie theater experience for deaf and hard of hearing people. InSight Cinema has established a relationship with major studios and all major theater chains in distributing open-captioned films. This partnership includes more than 200 theater programs in more than 500 cities in the United States.

ties include promoting, advertising, outreach and increasing awareness about any live theater, museum exhibits, lectures, concerts for performances that are captioned. InSight also works closely with several companies on new digital captioning technologies that will increase the number of captioned films available to deaf and hard of hearing people.

There are certain criteria that are followed in order for a particular city to get a certain movie, such as approval from both the theaters and studios and the projected success of the film. Attendance numbers also impact the geographic locations where certain movies will play. The top 50 cities get every film; they are shipped to other cities to save transportation costs. This affects the Originally founded as Tripod dates of the showings. Captioned Films, this was operated by an educational pro- While the film-booking program, TRIPOD in Burbank, cess is simple, there continues CA. After the Burbank Uni- to be resistance from the stufied School System took over, dios and movie theaters. Some InSight became its offspring. studios ask for digital films (as Funded partially by a percent- opposed to the traditional age of ticket sales (on open- 33mm prints used for open captioned films), sponsors and captioned films and do not donations, InSight is operated want to create additional with Nanci Linke-Ellis at its films.) “The deaf and hard of helm as executive director, hearing look at an audience of with a staff of five people. Said Linke-Ellis, “Captioning is my passion. With video IPods and PDAs, we’ve only scratched the surface of technologies yet to be developed. The one thing that will never change is the audience need.” Other than open captioned films, InSight’s major activi-

disabilities or special needs of any kind, they do not belong at NW YMCA.” Several years ago, the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society requested an aquatics program for people with MS. Since the swimming pool is not designed with walk down pool entry, NW YMCA installed a chair lift for the pool. According to John Nies, the Aquatics Coordinator, MS aquatics classes are taught twice a week by NW YMCA fitness instructors. These instructors have a YMCA certification for water fitness instruction and additional certification for working with people with disabilities. Some of the class participants exercise independently in the water, whereas others need the assistance of their personal care attendants (PCAs). In discussing the temperature needs of different groups, Piper indicated that lap swimmers and people with MS cannot tolerate the higher temperatures that are preferred by people with arthritis. Therefore, they maintain a midpoint temperature that is acceptable for everyone.

Danielle Engle Some NW YMCA members maneuver through the strength-training area in wheelchairs. They may transfer onto the equipment independently or with the aid of a companion. According to Piper, the personal trainers also work individually with members who have Parkinson’s disease, MS, stroke, Fibromyalgia, and a host of other physical challenges. NW YMCA also offers Active Older Adult (AOA) programs and a Silver Sneakers program. These classes are taught by instructors who are AOA certified. It is not uncommon to see older individuals or couples using the equipment or the upstairs track independently. People of all ages and fitness levels work out at NW YMCA. NW YMCA also has volunteer opportunities for individuClub - cont. on p. 8

Open Captioning

In Linke-Ellis’ opinion, the attendance numbers have become sparse due to the audience being spread out over too many films. “The average (hearing) moviegoer attends four to six films a year, not 25,” added Linke-Ellis, asserting that time needs to be spent on attracting and expanding the audience. “InSight has put significant energy and focus on finding ways to promote outside the box,” stated LinkeEllis. Efforts have been put into including groups that may not fall in the deaf and hard of hearing community, such as ESL or literacy groups who could also benefit from captioned films. Persons who would like to bring more open captioned films to their location or support InSight’s endeavors can find more information at www.insightcinema.org. ■ Reprinted with permission. This article appeared in SIGNews’ March 2006 issue. www.signews.org.

by Terri Ricci

he opened captioning symbol is one that is not too widely used, but this month we have an interesting article regarding a venture that is expanding open captioning to others’ groups that might benefit from it, such as ESL or literature groups. Please read the article at the left about InSight Cinema and maybe you will see a way to incorporate this symbol into your business or daily life. The purpose of this symbol indicates that captions, which translate dialogue and other sounds in print, are always dis-

played on the videotape, movie or television program. Open Captioning is preferred by many, including deaf and hardof-hearing individuals and people whose second language is English. In addition, it is helpful in teaching children how to read and in keeping sound levels to a minimum in museums and restaurants. Access Press encourages all of our advertisers, readers, corporations, non-profit agencies and other companies who receive our paper to utilize these symbols when you are promoting your goods, services

or other information that you provide us and any other newspaper. It is good business to let everyone know you are accessible, so we encourage you to use OC in your marketing material or information about your company. For more information about the symbols you can visit the Graphic Artists Guild at www. gag.org/resources/das.php or you may also obtain Mac or PC floppy disk copies of all the symbols by contacting the Graphic Artists Guild Foundation at 212-791-3400. ■

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April 10, 2006

What Is?

Autism: Getting To Know A Baffling Disorder from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

ven though autism was first described in the 1940s, little was really known about the disorder until the 1990s. Even today, there is a great deal that researchers, scientists, and health care providers don’t know about autism. What is autism? Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder of development that lasts throughout a person’s life. It is sometimes called a developmental disability because it usually starts before age three, in the developmental period, and because it causes delays or problems in many different skills that arise from infancy to adulthood. The main signs and symptoms of autism involve language, social behavior, and behaviors concerning objects and routines: • Communication—both verbal (spoken) and nonverbal (unspoken, such as pointing, eye contact, or smiling) • Social interactions—such as sharing emotions, understanding how others think and feel (sometimes called empathy), and holding a conversation, as well as the amount of time a person spends interacting with others • Routines or repetitive behaviors—often called stereotyped behaviors, such as repeating words or actions, obsessively following routines or schedules, playing with toys or objects in repetitive and sometimes inappropriate ways, or having very specific and inflexible ways of arranging items People with autism might have problems talking with you, or they might not look you in the eye when you talk to them. They may have to line up their pencils before they can pay attention, or they may say the same sentence again and again to calm themselves down. They may flap their arms to tell you they are happy, or they

might hurt themselves to tell you they are not. Some people with autism never learn how to talk. These behaviors not only make life challenging for people who have autism, but also take a toll on their families, their health care providers, their teachers, and anyone who comes in contact with them. Because different people with autism can have very different features or symptoms, health care providers think of autism as a “spectrum” disorder—a group of disorders with a range of similar features. Based on their specific strengths and weaknesses, people with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) may have mild symptoms or more serious symptoms, but they all have an ASD. This fact sheet uses the terms “ASD” and “autism” to mean the same thing.

the main underlying causes of ASDs. But, researchers aren’t looking for just one gene. Current evidence suggests that as many as 10 or more genes on different chromosomes may be involved in autism, to different degrees. Some genes may place a person at greater risk for autism, called susceptibility. Other genes may cause specific symptoms or determine how severe those symptoms are. Or, genes with changes or mutations might add to the symptoms of autism because the genes or gene products aren’t working properly. Research has also shown that environmental factors, such as viruses, may also play a role in causing autism. While some researchers are examining genes and environmental factors, other researchers are looking at possible neurological, infectious, metabolic, and immunologic factors that may be involved in autism. Because the disorder is so complex, and because no two people with autism are exactly alike, autism is probably the result of many causes.

What conditions are in the ASD category? Currently, the ASD category includes: • Autistic disorder (also called “classic” autism) • Asperger syndrome • Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (or atypical autism) How many people have autism? Currently, researchers In some cases, health care pro- don’t know the exact number of viders use a broader term—per- people with an ASD in the vasive developmental disorders United States. Researchers use (PDD)—to describe autism. different ways to determine The PDD category includes the prevalence that often give difASDs mentioned above and: ferent results. Some estimates Childhood disintegrative disor- of prevalence rely on previously der, and Rett syndrome. published studies. Researchers review all the published data on Depending on specific symp- a topic and take the averages of toms, a person with autism may these calculations to determine fall into the ASD or the PDD prevalence. Independent recategory. Sometimes, the terms searchers recently conducted “ASD” and “PDD” are used to two such reviews. Based on these mean the same thing because studies, the best conservative autism is in both categories. estimate of the prevalence of ASDs in the United States is that What causes autism? Scien- one child in 1,000 children has tists don’t know exactly what an ASD. causes autism at this time. Much evidence supports the Is autism more common now idea that genetic factors—that than it was in the past? Reis, genes, their function, and searchers are not certain their interactions—are one of whether autism is more preva-

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lent now than in the past for a number of reasons. Although more cases of autism are being identified, it is not clear why. Some of the increase may result from better education about the symptoms of autism or from more accurate diagnoses of autism. The new defi-

nition of autism as a spectrum disorder means that even people with mild symptoms can be classified as having an ASD, which could also account for the increase in identified cases. As research moves forward using the current definition of ASDs, more definite

numbers may be available to answer this question. ■ The above info was taken from Autism Overview: What We Know at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, www. nichd.nih.gov/publications.

10 Things An Autistic Adult Wishes You Knew From AspiesForFreedom, by Amy Nelson 1. I am autistic, not just an 4. I am not going to be cured. adult with autism. It is part Nothing will change me, and if of who I am. it could, it would destroy who Autism is a part of who I am. I I am completely and would was born this way. I would not leave me worse off. I have the choose to change that. Ac- right to refuse questionable or knowledging my autism as a risky treatments. My life is my part of me is entirely compat- own, I do not want to be cured ible with respecting me as a and I think the idea of curing person with thoughts, feelings, me and other autistics is wrong. and talents. I am a human being Please respect my individuallike everyone else and deserve ity and do not try to fix me, the same dignity and respect because I am not broken. that any one else deserves. Please consider whatever term 5. I may be your adult child, I prefer and do not use lan- but my life is own. guage that suggests I suffer from an unfortunate disease. Parents do not have the right to choose questionable or risky 2. Autism is a neurological treatments without my consent. variation, not a disease, or I have my own mind. I can mental illness. Autism often think for myself. I know what includes differences in so- I want and don’t want. cial behavior and practical 6. Focus on the positives of skills. my, and others autism, I am My behaviors and learning living my life as best as I can, styles might vary. My percep- I want to make the most of it tions may differ. I may learn every day. and understand things in way that’s different and process the Talking negatively about world in a different way. autistics and focusing on our Please do not judge me or weaknesses all the time causes other autistics for our differ- me and other autistics emotional distress. Please do not ences. use language that suggests that 3. Who I am and what I am being autistic is bad. capable of is not defined by medical diagnosing criteria. 7. I am a logical thinker, that I am born with my own set is one of my strengths. of abilities and difficulties, It can make me take words autism included. literally, or misunderstand Those who use it to tell me jokes. Also I may be misunwho I am and what I can do are derstood equally by others, if using it as a stereotype. Please you do not understand my own do not make generalizations logical style. I do have my and assumptions about me or own sense of humor that is unique to me, it’s a stereotype other autistics.

that autistics have no humor. 8. Socializing is not always easy, if I don’t want to join in, that is my choice, and I will avoid a situation if I am uncomfortable with it. I am not trying to be ‘rude’ or impolite. It is simply better for me to participate socially when I choose, rather than feeling forced. 9. I do have emotions, autistics are not emotionless like some stereotypes suggest. However, I may express them in a different way. What may make someone else cry, can be different for me, it doesn’t mean that I don’t care, or am an uncaring person. My facial expressions might not always reflect my emotions. 10. If you have an autistic adult in your family, try to find out information about autism. Many articles in the media only concern children; try and find out the differences in an autistic adult. Some autistics do get married, have jobs, leave home, some don’t; we are all unique. Please do not use language that suggests that being autistic makes a person violent. ■ This list was written by adults on the autistic spectrum in order to educate people on the views and opinions of autistics. Reprinted from http://aspiesforfreedom. com/wiki/

Autisim Links Autism: Getting the Truth Out Autism Speaks www.gettingthetruthout.org/ www.autismspeaks.org/ Autism Society of MN; Chapter of the Autism Society of America, “The Voice of Autism” www.ausm.org/

Autistics.org; The Real Voice of Autism http://autistics.org/

Minnesota Autism Project; Autism Spectrum Disorders National Institutes of Mental w w w . e c s u . k 1 2 . m n . u s / Health; www.nimh.nih.gov/ mnautismproject.html publicat/autism.cfm The National Autism Association; www.nationalautism association.org/

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April 10, 2006

Disability Technology

Women Are Prone To Eye Finding The Best Disease Wheelchair For Your Needs by Prevent Blindness America

hroughout their lives, women will likely experience some sort of change in their vision, whether it be a need for glasses or contacts, a serious infection or even an eye disease. Because women are more prone to eye disease than men, it is important for them to know how to protect their sight, even if they haven’t noticed any symptoms. Cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), four leading causes of blindness, are all more prevalent in women than men. In fact,

“Women make up twothirds of the more than 3.4 million Americans age 40 and older who are visually impaired.”

young woman going through her first pregnancy, a middleaged woman noticing she’s having trouble with her peripheral vision, or an elderly woman who is having a hard time reading the newspaper can all benefit tremendously by getting a complete, professional eye exam.” Women who are pregnant can still have their eyes safely dilated. This is also a good time for women who suffer from pre-existing conditions, like high blood pressure and diabetes, to tell their eye doctor that they are pregnant. Because of an increase in hormones, some may notice changes in their vision including refractive changes, dry eyes, puffy eyelids that obscure side vision and sensitivity to light due to migraine headaches. Some vision changes in pregnant women, such as blurred vision and seeing spots, may be signs of a more serious problem and should be discussed with a doctor immediately.

women make up two-thirds of the more than 3.4 million Americans age 40 and older who are visually impaired. Unfortunately, because there is no cure for these diseases, early detection and treatment are the only way to preserve Another eye disease that afvision. fects mostly women is chronic dry eye. In fact, one in 12 Because of these startling num- women over the age of 50 has bers, Prevent Blindness America, the nation’s leading “Prevent Blindness volunteer eye health and safety America has designated organization, has designated April as Women’s Eye April as Women’s Eye Health and Safety Awareness Month. Health and Safety The group hopes to educate Awareness Month.” the public on the importance of eye care and encourage the condition, which may be women of all ages to schedule caused by a decrease in estroan exam with an eye care pro- gen levels due to menopause fessional. that can change the quantity and quality of tears. Chronic “There so many changes that dry eye symptoms include the body goes through over blurred vision, light sensitivour lifetime that it is impera- ity and sensation of itchiness tive that we monitor each of or irritation in the eyes. Withthem closely, especially our out treatment, some may ultieyes,” added Daniel D. Garrett, mately suffer vision loss. senior vice president of Prevent Blindness America. “A Besides early detection, Pre-

vent Blindness America offers suggestions for women to keep their eyes healthy:

by Jen Mundl

he Assistive Technology column last month concentrated on what to address when choosing a mobility aid. This month provides further in-depth information regarding finding an appropriate mobility aid to meet specific needs.

Eat Healthy and Stay Fit The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that the risk of cataracts can be lowered by eating 3½ servings of fruits or vegetables a day. Green leafy vegetables especially contain loads of nutrients for the eye. Pairing a A wheelchair or mobility aid healthy diet with exercise will is medically necessary for individuals with physical limitareduce the risk of diabetes. tions when ambulation is difficult or impossible. It is a libTake Supplements Antioxidants have been shown erator! Most people with a to actually reduce the progres- spinal cord injury can get sion of some eye illnesses, in- around as quickly in a wheelcluding AMD. Vitamin A, ri- chair as someone else can boflavin (vitamin B2), vita- walking. For an older person min C and zinc are good with arthritis, a wheelchair can sources to help maintain eye provide access to the world outside the home. For an achealth. tive sportsperson, a wheelchair is the means to participate in Quit Smoking Besides the typically-known marathons, basketball, and tenside effects of smoking includ- nis. In some respects, a wheeling cancer, lung disease, etc., chair is much like an automoit also increases the risk for bile or a pair of shoes. It proeye diseases. Even second vides the interface between our body and the world around us. hand smoke is dangerous. Wear UV Eye Protection When venturing outdoors, PBA recommends wearing brimmed hats in conjunction with UV-rated sunglasses (labeled: absorbs 99-100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays). UV rays are extremely dangerous to the eyes. Know Your Family History Genetics plays a key role in eye disease. Research your family’s health history and notify your eye care professional of any eye diseases that run in the family. For more information on women’s eye health, including fact sheets on eye diseases, pregnancy and vision, and the safe use of cosmetics, please visit www.preventblindness. org or call 1-800-331-2020. ■

Selecting the appropriate chair, however—particularly for a first-time wheelchair user— can be a bewildering task, due to the variety of options available. The purpose of this guide is to provide the reader with general information about wheelchairs, and to describe the major kinds of wheeled mobility options in the marketplace today. Finally, if you are newly-injured, you should work with a physical therapist and vendor who have personal experience with specific wheelchairs. TYPES OF WHEELCHAIRS Wheelchairs come in many sizes, shapes, and varieties to meet the diverse needs of a multitude of users with differing levels of physical function

and varying interests. People with considerable upper body strength often prefer to use a manual wheelchair propelled by arm strength. Powered Mobility Powered wheelchairs come in several basic styles: • Traditionally they are similar in appearance to the standard manual wheelchair except for being reinforced to tolerate the added weight of the motors, batteries control system. • Platform-model powered chairs consist of a seating platform atop a powered base. • Three- and four-wheeled scooters.

manual or powered wheelchair is a scooter, or three- or fourwheeled cart. Some people like scooters because they prefer to use a form of mobility that does not look like a wheelchair. Others use them because they provide power but often are not as expensive as regular four-wheeled power wheelchairs. Scooters also have a narrower wheelbase making them more maneuverable. A scooter operates much like a golf cart. The user sits in a chair-style seat normally contoured to fit the body. The scooter is propelled through use of a steering mechanism located in front of the user, as if s/he were riding a bicycle.

People who use powered wheelchairs generally have Manual Wheelchairs limited strength in their arms • Lightweight Chairs. The most and need to use an external commonly used everyday power source to enable them wheelchair for active chair to get around. Powered wheel- users is a lightweight manual chairs use either a gel cell or a wheelchair. In a Spokes & wet cell battery that must be Spikes survey, 20 everyday re-charged on a regular basis. wheelchairs were reviewed A powered wheelchair usually showing average weights is significantly heavier than a varying 10 pounds to 45 manual wheelchair. This is to pounds (including wheels). accommodate both the weight • Sports Lightweights. Lightof the battery and the weight of weight wheelchairs originally additional adaptive equipment were developed and sold for that might be needed, such as use in sports, such as basketbody supports or respiratory ball, tennis, and road racing. equipment. In fact, earlier references to lightweight wheelchairs reThe most traditional design for fer to such chairs as “sports a powered wheelchair is that of wheelchairs.” As wheelchair a reinforced standard-looking users were exposed to the wheelchair frame with a bat- lighter-weight chairs, howtery mounted under or behind ever, they began to realize the seat. Another design being the “sports” chairs took less used by some manufacturers energy to propel and were today is a more stylized seating therefore easier to use on an unit on a pedestal mounted atop everyday basis. Chairs dea power platform. Finally, sev- signed specifically for road eral manufacturers offer power racing, for example, have only pack attachments which allow three wheels, with the front manual wheelchairs to be con- wheel extended out from the verted to powered chairs. body to allow for maximum use of aerodynamics. Sports An alternative to either a Wheelchairs- cont. on p. 8

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April 10, 2006

Home Access Answers

Living Independently

Beyond the Equipment: When To Call For Help

Spring Cleaning Help Is Available

by Jane Hampton, CID, Access Specialist

by Lisa Schmidtke

Dear Jane, I am an occupational therapist and have a patient I have been seeing who has multiple sclerosis. I have been to his home and done training with bathroom safety products for increased independence and safety using a manual wheelchair which is his main means of mobility. He is able to take a few steps when he transfers but his fatigue also impacts his functioning. At what point in this process should I refer him to an accessibility specialist to resolve access issues that a piece of equipment can not address?

different manner); the second is to install or add a product to the equation (e.g., install grab bars or a plastic riser toilet seat); and the third is to â&#x20AC;&#x153;permanentlyâ&#x20AC;? modify the environment (e.g., relocate the toilet and/or modify walls).

Often times we are called by individuals who are in a â&#x20AC;&#x153;panicâ&#x20AC;? trying to make decisions because a loved one is due to be discharged or the need for home access modifications is immediate. Although the tendency is to wait to make arrangements the time the modification is needed, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best to allow as much time as possible to enCindy Gackle able good decision making, U of MN Medical Center eliminate unnecessary stress, Fairview Outpatient Occupa- foster collaboration between tional Therapy, Mpls, MN therapists and designers/access specialists, and allow time for Dear Cindy, ALL potential access solutions An accessibility specialist to be explored. should be contacted at the point you know the disability is per- With a simple home evaluamanent or the condition is di- tion (1 to 2 hour walk-through), agnosed as progressing to- major access issues can be wards home access needs in addressed, decisions to renothe future. This is the same if vate or relocate can be disthey have a progressive discussed, and a course of action ease such as multiple sclero- and timeline established . . . sis, or a permanent injury such essentially â&#x20AC;&#x153;firesâ&#x20AC;? can be put as a spinal cord injury. out. The unknown is oftentimes the â&#x20AC;&#x153;elephant in the There are three ways to re- roomâ&#x20AC;? that nobody wants to solve access and safety issues talk about, yet is assumed bigwithin a home. The first is to ger than what it is. teach an alternate way to work within the existing environ- Remember, even the simplest ment (e.g., how to approach modifications require some and transfer onto the toilet in a time to coordinate, design,

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pring is almost here (ignore the snow) and with warmer weather and brighter skies comes spring cleaning! The task sounds daunting for any able bodied, energetic person, let alone for someone who has difficulty reaching for cobwebs, bending to do yard work or lifting heavy boxes. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to enlist a chore services professional to make sure you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t spend all summer As a therapist, you are one of recovering from your spring the first individuals who will cleaning. be able to determine if a patient is going to need assis- If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re one of â&#x20AC;&#x153;those neightance with home access, borsâ&#x20AC;? that still has your Christwhether now or in the future. mas tree lights up, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry! By suggesting they contact an You can hire Christmas DĂŠcor accessibility specialist to re- to take them down, and while view their home at the same theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re there, you can schedtime you, the occupational ule your holiday decorating therapist, are addressing home for next winter. Seasonal Imhealthcare and access prod- pressions will also help you ucts, you can help them take with your exterior holiday the unknown out of the equa- decorating and offer you intion. Thus, allowing them to teresting products such as the be informed regarding all their Mosquito Killing System, options and associated costs. Gutter Brush and mulching Oftentimes when trying to ac- services to prepare you for cept a disability, individuals summer. are trying to process a lot of information. Their home is just Next, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to take a good one of the many issues they look at home and yard mainteneed to address, but one that nance. Make your list, then can truly impact their inde- call Senior Community Serpendence and outlook on life. vices. Their H.O.M.E. (Household and Outside Maintenance Do you have a question for for Elderly) program is a homeJane and Accessibility Design? maker, maintenance and chore Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll cover all of your ques- services program for the eldtions in future issues of Home erly in many Twin Cities subAccess Answers. Please con- urbs. They maintain a core staff tact us: 952-925-0301, www. of trained individuals and cliaccessibilitydesign.com, info ents are asked to pay for services based on ability (sliding @accessibilitydesign.com. fee scale). ElderCircle helps Jane Hampton, president of seniors and disabled adults in Accessibility Design, founded Itasca County stay in their the company in 1992 to en- homes by offering services to hance lives through design and help with yard care and snow project management. They removal. They also developed provide design, consultation, ElderCircle Chore Corp which project management, and is a list of businesses in Itasca product recommendation ser- County that seniors can trust vices specializing in home ac- to be fair, affordable and recess for individuals with dis- spectful. abilities at all stages of life. â&#x2013; The mere thought of an entire top-to-bottom spring cleaning may be reason enough to procrastinate so maybe you just need a little organization. Provenience Senior Concierge Services provides an objective and convenient single point of contact to access and manage senior home care services, including home maintenance. Organize Plus provides creative soobtain contractor bids, and then select a contractor, purchase building materials and coordinate financing. The project timeline from evaluation to project completion can vary from a few weeks to more than a year, depending on the involvement of modifications and the level of planning/design. A realistic time for most bathroom and kitchen projects is 3-6 months.

Please patronize your Access Press advertisers â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and tell them where you heard about them. They bring you your paper.

lutions to reduce stress, in- The goal of so many seniors crease productivity and bring and disabled citizens is simply order back into your life. to stay in their home. A large part in achieving that goal is If hiring a home maintenance ensuring that the owners can crew is beyond your budget, maintain their home safely. thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still ways to get help. Before you think about needed The National Multiple Sclero- repairs, please research and sis Society, Minnesota Chap- consider businesses and orgater is providing up to $1000 nizations whose expertise can reimbursement for people with handle your project. MS to purchase chore services such as household chores, yard Lisa Schmidtke is the Presiwork, snow removal, house- dent and Founder of Housecalls Network. Their Web site, www.housecalls-network. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Before you think com, contains a directory of about needed repairs, resources that can help the consider businesses growing population of seniors, and organizations disabled people and their whose expertise can caregivers live independently. Housecalls Network also sells handle your project.â&#x20AC;? aids for daily living and adaptive clothing. Lisa Schmidtke keeping and errands. Volun- can be reached by at lisa@ teers of America provide ser- housecalls-network. com or vices for seniors and people by calling 952-221-0722. with special needs including Housecalls Network does not chore services, transportation endorse any particular proand assisted/independent liv- vider and assume no responsiing options. bility for transactions between the readers of this article and listed organizations. â&#x2013;

Resource Contact Information Christmas Decor: 763-694-0295 Cleaning Authority: 952-829-0577 www.thecleaningauthority.com Common Sense Services for Seniors: 651-552-0288 www.commonsense4seniors.net CottageCare: 952-944-8020 www.cottagecare.com/locator/minnesota.htm ElderCircle:- www.eldercircle.org/choreservices.htm Home and Life Organization: 952-361-4247 Molly Maid: 952-401-1890 Organize Plus: 952-361-3409 - www.organizeplus.org Provenience Senior Concierge Services: 651-341-6763 www.proveniencecare.com Seasonal Impressions: www.seasonalimpressions.com Senior Community Services H.O.M.E.: (952) 888-5530 www.seniorcommunity.org Senior Community Services: 952-541-1019 www.seniorcommunity.org Volunteers of America: www.voa.org/minnesota/subpage.cfm

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April 10, 2006

Ending Homelessness, Resistant Infection: One Person At A Time No Minor Nuisance by Clarence Schadegg

n March 6, 2006, Project Homeless Connect held their second exposition to provide information to help homeless people find alternative living conditions. What I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand is why none of the organizations who attended had alternative formatted material to hand out to people with disabilities. The mission of Project Homeless Connect is to â&#x20AC;&#x153;end homelessness one person at a time.â&#x20AC;? If so, then how were the one thousand two hundred who were in attendance helped one at a time? And how would people who were illiterate or blind read the printed materials? There were approximately sixty-one booths set up to help with housing, legal and employment concerns. The three workshops on self-esteem, criminal expungement and tenant training were well attended. As I walked around the Con-

â&#x20AC;&#x153;If people cannot read the material, how will they know where to get help?â&#x20AC;? vention Center, I wondered how homeless visually impaired or illiterate people would read the printed materials that were being handed out. Though I am not homeless, my disability of blindness is obvious. So, I wonder why all of the organizations that participated did not provide any alternative to print information like Braille, large print, cassettes and/or CDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. If cost of these products is the reason it is not an acceptable argument because alternative formats to print are inexpensive. The people at the booths could not communicate how they planned to help homeless people with disabilities, especially visual impairments. If people cannot read the material, how will they know where to go to get help? With my

by Thomas Murray service animal at my side, a volunteer escorted me from booth to booth and filled up the plastic bag with the printed materials. The volunteers were given two hours of training prior to the event. The one who walked with me did a great job of introducing me to people at the tables. I hoped to educate the people who planned this event, that as good as this project to end homelessness is, that more work needs to be done to get the information to the people who need it. As I visited the different booths, I came up with many more questions regarding the process of communicating with homeless people with disabilities. I asked the same question to each participating booth: Did this agency have Braille, large print, tapes and/ or CDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for blind and visually impaired people? My concern is how a homeless person with any type of visual condition could read the regular print handouts. Then another question that arose is how a homeless person could attend this event if no accommodations were made. Lastly, wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it be cost efficient and practical to put the information from the handouts on CDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s or tapes which could be more widely utilized by people without exception to their disability or literacy? The printed documents would be extremely difficult or impossible to be read by somebody with vision impairment unless that person had access to Braille, magnification or assistive technology. I have a Kurzweil 1000 program, which is an audible program that reads what is scanned into a computer, therefore, I was able to read some of the printed materials. However, the Kurzweil 1000 is a text only program: it reads a page that has graphics as a blank page. A homeless person may not have access to a computer, a screen reader program or a Kurzweil for that matter. Li-

eâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve all been braries are a good resource shocked by the and place to use assistive techoccasional news nology, provided that the staff at a respective library knows stories about the dreaded flesheating bacteria. With so many how to use the programs. negative stories in the news, In the brochures some organi- itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to convince yourself, zations stated their compliance â&#x20AC;&#x153;that could never happen to with the Americans with Dis- me.â&#x20AC;? However, even the most ability Act (ADA). I wonder common hospital infections how the dissemination of like staphylococcus, once conprinted hand outs to people sidered a minor nuisance easwho cannot see or read it for ily cured by antibiotics like that matter, constitute compli- methicillin, have begun to ance with ADA? Privacy show an increased resistance screens were set up to provide to the latest medications. privacy to people who filled In 2002, doctors in Geneva first confirmed Methicillin-reâ&#x20AC;&#x153;More work is needs to sistant Staphylococcus aureus be done to get the infor- or MRSA, the most common mation to the people hospital infection in the world. Bacteria with drug resistance who need it.â&#x20AC;? can, as their name implies, resist standard courses of treatout forms with the people as- ment with even the strongest sisting folks in the application antibiotics, spreading from the process respecting data pri- site of infection through the vacy protection The concept bloodstream, causing systemof Project Homeless Connect wide infections. is a good one. The representative I talked was genuinely However, these persistent inconcerned with the issues I fections eventually succumb brought to her attention. She to treatment, but it is often in stated that many of the people longer-than-recommended who attended the event were courses of medicines. Unforilliterate. I have offered to work tunately, with such treatment, with the Steering Committee the drugs are so potent they to assist them for when they make the patient sick. As a last hold this event again in De- resort, surgical removal of the infected tissue or amputation cember 2006. is the only effective treatment. I would like feedback from the Access Press readers. What, Until a few years ago, such in your opinion, can Project super-bugs were thought conHomeless Connect do differ- tained to hospitals. However, ently to bridge what appears an article in the January edito be a communication gap to tion of Environmental Health the population of people with Perspectives medical journal disabilities, literate or illiter- proves that sterilization proate? Send your answers to me cedures in hospitals along with at cschadegg@mn.rr.com. â&#x2013; proper sanitation and advanced

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medicines are no longer â&#x20AC;&#x153;silver bulletsâ&#x20AC;? against the spread of these insidious maladies into the general population.

Sadly, due largely to the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s broken healthcare system, it is still more cost-effective for a doctor to prescribe a â&#x20AC;&#x153;harmlessâ&#x20AC;? antibiotic to allay Research published in the a patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s concerns than it is Journal of the American Medi- to spend office time educating cal Association further indi- them. cates that outbreaks of tuberculosis and Legionnaireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in- What is important for patients fections have shown signs of to know? First, antibiotics do flourishing outside of hospi- not treat viral infections. Sectals and in much more public ond, bacteria evolve much settings like restaurants and quicker than multi-cellular oroffice buildings. As a high pro- ganisms (like us) due to their file example, when word broke rapid growth and short in October 2003 that the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Man lifespans, meaning several of Steelâ&#x20AC;? Christopher Reeve, generations of bacterial cells passed away â&#x20AC;&#x153;from complica- may proliferate in mere days. tions arising from an infec- Thus, the genetic mutations tion,â&#x20AC;? few in mainstream that occur naturally over time America realized his disabil- in all organisms can select for ity had not contributed directly survival only those lucky few to his death. However, when bacteria that coincidentally pressure sores due to immo- develop antibiotic resistance. bility or the use of prosthetics This means taking antibiotics threaten to kill you, you tend improperly actually causes to take notice. drug resistance. Lastly, antibiotics work differently from As easy as it may seem to point patient to patient and against the finger at the medical estab- certain bacterial strains. For lishment, blame for the in- one person with a throat infeccreased risk of exposure lay as tion, an older antibiotic like often at the feet of patients as amoxicillin may be enough, it does on the shoulders of but for more and more people their doctors. Over-prescrip- newer, stronger drugs like tion is the most common cause zithromax are the only effecof medication resistance in tive remedies. However, these bacteria. Ironically, because newest drugs are unreasonably viral infections like the com- expensive. mon cold and the winter flu do not respond to antibiotic treat- There are things we all can do ment, prescribing antibiotics to stop the assault of resistant as a blanket cure â&#x20AC;&#x153;just to be bacteria. Since people are livsafeâ&#x20AC;? was once thought by most ing longer, healthier lives, sanifamily doctors to be harmless. tation procedures such as chloThe sobering fact is, prescrib- rination and high temperatures ing antibiotics for non-bacte- at healthcare facilities and rial infections reduces the over- nursing homes must be imall effectiveness of those drugs proved. The lack of education in the general population. Re- on the subject to patients and alizing this, more doctors limit caregivers and the complathe issue of antibiotics exclu- cence by doctors are correctsively to cases of bacterial in- able issues. By working tofection. So, many patients can- gether, we can slow the spread not understand their doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of killer versions of bacterial sudden reluctance to prescribe infections like staphylococcus antibiotics, especially where and streptococcus into the children are concerned. mainstream. â&#x2013; Âł+RZ FDQ , JR WR ZRUN DQG NHHS P\ KHDOWK LQVXUDQFH"Â´

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April 10, 2006

OPPORTUNITIES - Cont. from p. 2 tion 8 housing is so great that services are not sufficient to serve the homeless. Therefore, for those individuals struggling to pay their current rent or mortgage, there is no affordable housing options available. Future public housing developments do not come close to closing the gap. With the increased cost of healthcare, insurance premiums and co-payments, utilities, gasoline and other necessities, those monthly benefits or low wage employment checks are not sufficient.

Healthcare costs, including provider co-pays, may appear minimal to the working taxpayer. However, for those on a limited income, the co-payments are often times a burden. For those few individuals who do have transportation, travel may be restricted to work, medical appointments and other essentials. The economic barriers prohibit many people from tapping into those networks, even when social and recreational activities are proven to improve physical and mental health.

Individuals with limited mobility are forced to rely on a transportation system that is limited, unpredictable and insufficient. Currently, there is a proposal to dedicate a portion of motor vehicle tax revenue into a transportation fund. Although this may look good on the surface, it is important to remember that those dollars are currently placed in the general fund. The general fund includes housing, education, human resources and other critical areas. With additional cuts pending from the federal budget,

WHEELCHAIRS- Cont. from p. 5 chairs designed for use by tennis players, basketball players, and other athletes, however, have become the everyday wheelchair of choice for many non-athletic wheelchair users who simply prefer the sportier look and comparatively low weight of a sports chair.

both sides of the chair. A person of large stature may require an oversized chair or one that has been reinforced to handle the additional weight of the individual. Consequently, there are specialized wheelchair configurations available to meet almost any individual need.

Specialty Wheelchairs People who have had their lower limbs amputated may have a different center of gravity than someone who has a spinal cord injury. A person who has had a stroke may have use of only one arm and may be unable to propel a wheelchair by turning the wheels on

Nursing Home/Institutional Wheelchairs Nursing home residents often require assistance in mobility. If a nursing home resident is generally capable of independent mobility, s/he may wish to use a wheelchair that will allow the fullest measure of independence to be main-

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Growth chairs or chairs with growth kits offer an alternative by allowing adjustments to be made in the existing chair to accommodate a growing child. This may include utilizing replaceable components or designing the chair with fea-

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tained. Thus, it would be important to select a relatively lightweight chair that is easy to use. The selection criteria for the chair would be similar to that used in choosing a chair for a more active user. Many nursing home residents, however, require considerable assistance with activities of daily living, including mobility. Wheelchairs designed for institutional use generally are much less expensive than chairs for active users. Consequently, it often is more cost effective to use an inexpensive chair designed for institutional use if the individual is unable to benefit from the independence afforded by a more expensive wheelchair designed for active, independent wheelchair users.

can we afford to lose that money need. Nonetheless, we as indifrom the general fund? viduals and social entities tend to point our fingers at the govWhen funding cuts impact non- ernment, lobbyists and special profits, those organizations interest groupsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;who have set increase their appeal to the agendas and priorities. good will of others. Albeit those causes are noble, how Perhaps another type of appeal are those donations of money, is neededâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;an appeal to the goods or volunteer labor hours good will of non-profit organiused? How many of those dol- zations and individuals within lars go to support the employ- them. For those organizations ment of those in need? that rely on volunteer workers, create an employment fund for There are no simple answers individuals in need to help carry to the complex interrelated a portion of the workload. If factors that impact those in every organization commits five hours of paid employment for each 40 hours of volunteer work, this fund could provide tures that can be converted paid employment for indifrom a smaller size to a larger vidual(s) in need. size. Manufacturers are also responding to the needs of chil- Employees or volunteers could dren in having chairs that fit also commit a segment of their more easily into their environ- philanthropic endeavors to this ment and social situations. This employment fund for individumay be accomplished with a als in need. If you currently more streamlined appearance contribute to the United Way and/or a selection of uphol- Fund, commit a quarter of that sum to a work fund instead. If stery and/or frame colors. a work fund does not exist, take it upon youself to create Freedom and Movement Freedom to move around oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s it. If you falter, remember that environment independently is each great endeavor begins something many take for with the single act of one indigranted. This article introduced vidual. Why not you? several options for assisted mobility. In most cases, a medi- As a society and as individuals cal professional will need to within this society, we need to write a letter of medical neces- ask, â&#x20AC;&#x153;What can I do to support sity for a mobility aid to be a work opportunity for an incovered. Most insurance com- dividual in need?â&#x20AC;? Only then, panies and medical assistance allow for a new wheelchair every five years. There are many accessories available that Cont. should be included in the preauthorization letter. Con- als and families, including sider all needs for mobility and those with disabilities. Some discuss likes and dislikes with volunteers help fold towels in current wheelchair users and the morning. Other volunteers the medical supply vendors. â&#x2013; assist in the maintenance and

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upkeep of the club. Many of these volunteers come from various outside groups and organizations. It is an opportunity to socialize and contribute to the needs of the community. Volunteers help make it possible for NW YMCA to keep membership affordable. According to Voss, â&#x20AC;&#x153;No one is turned away because of financial limitations.â&#x20AC;?

can we pose that conscionable question to other individuals, government, business or social entities. What impact could there be if individuals within an organization helped create employment opportunities for individuals in need? Better still, what can the directors and CEOs of select organizations within the Twin Cities do to see that this initiative is productive and strong? When we plant a seed, it may flourish. If we do not plant a seed, it cannot flourish. The following is an example of what an organization with 300 full-time paid employees can do to help individuals in securing part-time employment opportunities. Scenario: Each employee commits $1 of each weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s earnings to an employment fund: Weekly Contributions to the fund: $300 Monthly Contributions to the fund: $1,200 Example Question: If this fund was redistributed to a business that employs people with disabilities, how many part-time opportunities could it create? What new employment opportunities would there be for individuals in need within the non-profit organizations if they could allocate this additional $1,200 to salaries? â&#x2013;

from p. 3 In looking ahead, Voss discussed the changing demographics as people move in and out of the area. In keeping with these changes, the NW YMCA will be launching a capital campaign for family expansion and enhancements, including a new aquatics area. NW YMCA also offers child care services. Members can leave their children in child care for up to two hours while working out. Summer camps and special activities for children and teenagers are additional services. For an additional cost, members can also take swimming lessons and personal training sessions. In terms of community fitness establishments, NW YMCA is an example of what is possible when diversity is the norm rather than the exception. A special thank you goes to Greg Voss, the Northwest YMCA Executive Director, and Dan Piper, the Fitness Coordinator, for extending their time and assistance in bringing this article to fruition. With this example of what is possible, it is hoped that more individuals will dare to go forth and find a club where they and their families can enjoy the same benefits as others. â&#x2013;

April 10, 2006

The Great Minnesota Stationary Bike Race by Jo Erbes and Terri Ricci

here were over 200 people in attendance at the Great Minnesota Stationary Bike Race for United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota on March 11, 2006 at

Mrs. Minnesota, Nancy Paradise, rides for UCP the Saint Paul RiverCentre. There were 20 teamsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;with participants ranging in age from 4 years old to 91 years young. There were 15 people who participated on either an adapted bike or in their wheelchair or scooter. Access Press had a team racing this year, the Ricciâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Racers had six bicyclists that rode to support United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota. This was the first year for our team and we were uncertain what the day would entail, but now that we know how much fun this day is, we are all pumped up for the race next year.

One of the racers that rode this year was Aileen Fritsch. Aileen is 91 years old and was active in the 1954 telethon of United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota. Other racers included Dale Findlay and Mark Hughes, members of the UCP of Minnesota board of directors. Mark Hughes rode for the first time this year on the Access Press team of Ricciâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Racers. And even though Andrew Roesner was unable to ride alone, he rode on the lap of Dale Findlay. Andrew is a young man with cerebral palsy. The race even brought out Nancy Paradise, the 2006 National Mrs. Minnesota, and Carla Beaurline from Around Town, a TV show that airs on Metro Cable Channel 6, who were riding in stride to support United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota. First Place team: Brianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Song, Rich Powers, captain, rode 74.96 miles; Second Place team: Team Gillette, Patrick Rivard, captain, rode 62.52 miles and the Third Place team: Felhaber Flyers II, Jennie

Jess Haynes, Terri Ricci and Mark Hughes Beach, captain, rode 60.86 Child Division miles. The Team Spirit award Jessica Kegel went to Team Douglas, Team Amrit Dabade Captain Eric DuVall. Team Cole Stapleton Douglas also raised the most Youth Division money. Ted Gelderman Dan Cremons and Winners for the different diviKatlyn McMullen sions were: Adapted Division Adult Male Division Andy Palmquist Ralph Kegel Tom Turner Tom McDonnell Dale Findlay Eric Riensche Adult Female Division Ricciâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Racers did not win any Sarah Gutnecht trophies or any awards for our Beth Strong efforts this year, but our team Cheryl Shell is ready to do it again in 2007.

Aileen Fritsch, 91 years old and going strong!

Sponsors for the event were Now Bikes and Fitness, Around Town, Disability Viewpoints, Coke, H. Brooks and Company. Dennis Hardy provided DJ services. For more information on the 2007 Great Minnesota Stationary Bike Race , contact Jo Ann Erbes, Executive Director, UCP of Minnesota, Suite 219 S, 1821 University Ave W, St Paul, MN 55104, 651646-7588, TF-800-328-4827 ext 1437 or by e-mail ucpmn @cpinternet.com. â&#x2013;

Carla Beaurline with Mrs. Minnesota, Nancy Paradise

Andrew Roesner, on the lap of Dale Findlay. !CCESS0RESS PDF 0-

PROTEST - Cont. from p. 1

Tim Benjamin, editor of Access Press, showed his support. The cold and dark didn't stop the protestors from sharing their sentiments with the public.

April 7, 2006 at the Disabled Student Cultural Center (DSCC). On behalf of everyone at the DSCC, we are extremely grateful for all who attended the protest and discussion. We hope we can maintain the ties across organizations that this protest encouraged us to build. For more information, please contact Emily Smith at shmithers@hot mail. com or call 612-624-2602. â&#x2013;

Sue Singer enjoyed her ride for UCP.

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April 10, 2006

People of All Abilities Delight In Middle Eastern Dance by Carla Knutson Biermaier

other resources, go to www. hclib.org.

packed audience of about 150 teens and adults with physical and mental disabilities, along with their caregivers, joyfully participated in a performance by Jawaahir Dance Company at an â&#x20AC;&#x153;Arts Access at Hennepin County Libraryâ&#x20AC;? program on March 27, 2006 at the Eden Prairie Library.

Almost two million books, magazines, newspapers, CDs, DVDs, and other materials, plus more than 1,000 computer workstations, are available to you free of charge at the libraries. Library cards are free. Apply at any of the 26 suburban Hennepin County libraries (bring a form of identificaHCLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Arts Accessâ&#x20AC;? protion) or fill out your applicagrams are designed for people Jawaahir performs dances from Middle Eastern cultures. of all abilities, especially teens â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Middle Eastern dancing ing activities and current ser- tion online at www.hclib.org. and adults with mental and and fast-paced music got ev- vices as well as access to the Wireless Internet access is physical disabilities. The 2006 eryone moving,â&#x20AC;? he added. The room was filled with teens and adults libraryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s catalog, electronic available at all 26 libraries. â&#x2013; season focused on self-expreswith a broad range of mental and physical abilities. data bases, the Internet, and sion through danceâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;at all lev- Sugimura has worked closely els of participation. with residential homes and professionals in the disability Jawaahir performed dances community in planning â&#x20AC;&#x153;Arts from Middle Eastern cultures. Accessâ&#x20AC;? programs. He said â&#x20AC;&#x153;The program at the Eden Prai- plans for a third â&#x20AC;&#x153;Arts Accessâ&#x20AC;? rie Library attracted a cross- season are in the works. For section of the Eden Prairie com- more information, contact by Cynthia Bade munity,â&#x20AC;? said John Sugimura, Sugimura at 952-847-8661 or hile Joe Parker A-Thon by raising the most marketing, programs, and spe- jsugimura@hclib.org. might be labeled money in pledges. He soliccial events manager. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The room as a young man ited $1,190 this year from famwas filled with teens and adults Lifelong Learning Via with a cognitive disability, he ily, friends and co-workers, with a broad range of mental Hennepin County Library prefers to be recognized as and won an iPod, a Fossil watch and physical abilities.â&#x20AC;? For information about upcom- someone who gets the job done and a plaque as a result of his when his favorite charitable outstanding efforts. Parker P.Brick,J.Parker.M.Whitmore cause needs help. A resident raised $1,560 in 2005, $1,322 of a group home for adults in 2004, and $860 in 2003. loves raising money to sup- fundraising efforts. All three of port REACH programs and is these young men are truly a tesParkerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outstanding efforts always eager to go out collect- tament to what people with disinspired two of his fellow ing pledges, even when tem- abilities can achieve to help themREACH clients to jump into peratures outside are near zero. selves and their communities. action this year and also raise Last year Whitmore raised more than $1,000 for the Bowl- $624 for the Bowl-A-Thon. As a non-profit agency, A-Thon. Mark Whitmore, a REACH relies on community REACH client for over ten Paul Brick raised $1,043 in support and fundraisers to proyears, raised $1,102 by col- pledges for the Bowl-A-Thon vide support for programs. lecting pledges for nearly two to help REACH. He is very The REACH for Resources months. He lives on a hobby proud of beating his goal of Bowl-A-Thon has been held farm with his family in Medina $1,000, which he set after rais- annually since 1992 and funds and goes around the neighbor- ing $517 in 2005. Brick, an raised go directly to services hood independently on his employee in the Animal Nutri- and programs that benefit JoeParker The fast-paced music got everyone moving. tractor to fundraise. Accord- tion department at Cargill, put people with disabilities. with disabilities in Wayzata, ing to his mother, Whitmore up a sign at work in January to Bowlers gather pledges for the Parker has been the top let his co-workers know about event and sponsorships are fundraiser for the annual the REACH Bowl-A-Thon obtained from local businesses REACH for Resources Bowlfundraiser. He says he is very and individuals. The 14th AnA-Thon for the past four years. grateful to his colleagues at nual Bowl-A-Thon was held Cargill for helping him reach on Saturday, March 25, 2006 Joe Parker is a client of his goal and for supporting the at Doyleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lanes in Crystal. REACH and is very enthusiprograms he needs at REACH. The event grossed over astic about raising money to $13,000 this year thanks to 35 help support the services he Whitmore and Brick also won generous sponsors and the needs. Once again, Joe took prizes for their outstanding fundraising efforts of 38 MarkWhitemore top honors at the 2006 Bowlbowlers with disabilities. â&#x2013;

REACH For Resources Annual Bowl-A-Thon

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April 10, 2006

MN Wheelchair Basketball Teams Compete Nationally by Pat Goodwin

hree youth wheelchair basketball teams sponsored by Courage Center competed in national tournaments in their respective divisions during March. The participants, both boys and girls, range in age from 8 to 18.

Rowdies, the youngest team, which played in Peoria, IL, March 10-12, 2006; the Courage Lightning, a junior varsity team, competed in Omaha, NE, March 17-19, 2006; and the Minnesota Junior Rolling Timberwolves, the varsity squad, which has qualified for The teams include the Rolling the national tournament that

was hosted in Houston on the annual varsity championMarch 24-26, 2006. ship based on wins and standings at regional and confer“We are so excited that all ence events. The Junior Rollthree of our youth basketball ing Timberwolves team is teams will compete at the na- coached by Dan Price, George tional level,” said Sharon Van Kiefner, Zac Nieman and Steve Winkel, program director for Roller, and is managed by Courage Center’s Sports and Courage Youth Sports PresiRecreation Program. “The dent Jeff Downes and Janelle teams began practicing last Spoken from the Courage August and just concluded Sports and Recreation staff. their seasons. Just like the college teams, we have our Junior Rolling Timberown March Madness.” wolves players, who are all in high school, include The Junior Rolling Timber- Charles Aoki, Minneapolis; wolves, ranked fourth in the Sarah Binsfeld, Vadnais nation and with nine players, Heights; Evan Carlson, will make its 13th consecutive Champlin; Connor Downes, The Rolling Rowdies, the youngest team Courage sponsors, trip to compete at nationals. Rosemount; Ben Kenyon, finished in 8th place at the Peoria tournament, March 10-12. Sixteen teams are invited to Minnetonka; Matt Simmons, Apple Valley; Josh Scanlon, Delano; Kasey Stelter,

Courage Alpine Skier Qualifies for NASTAR

The junior varsity team, Courage Lightning (pictured with their cheerleaders), finished in 8th place at their tournament in Omaha March 17-19. Kasota; and Kyle Timmerman, Jennifer Clarke, Rick Story and Minneota. Tim Thode. Benilde St. Margaret students and basketball The teams practice at the Cour- players Joe Jensen and Charles age Center gymnasium located Moore are assistant coaches of at the facility in Golden Val- the Rowdies. ley. Coaches for the Courage Lightning and Rolling Row- For more information, visit dies teams include Kiefner, www.courage.org. ■ Bob Dolan, Elizabeth Pond,

by Pat Goodwin

ourage Alpine Skier Meghan Erickson, a 10-year-old amputee from Somerset, WI, qualified for the NASTAR (National STAndard Race) Championships that were held March 23-26, 2006 in Steamboat Springs, CO. Erickson competed in the giant shalom as a 3-tracker, which is a single ski with hand-held outriggers. NASTAR was developed by SKI Magazine in 1968 and is the largest recreational ski and snowboard race program in the world. The last day to qualify for the 2006 National Championships for able bodied and physically challenged skiers and snowboarders was Feb. 20, 2006. Erickson, in fourth grade at Somerset Elementary, has been skiing with the Courage Alpine Ski program for three years. Her first two years she trained at Welch Village and during the 2006 season she has been skiing at Trollhaugen Ski Area in Dresser, WI.

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“Meghan’s potential is unlimited at this point,” said Scott Olson, who has been a volunteer coach with the Courage Alpine Ski program for 12 years and the Forest Lake High School ski coach for six years. “Meghan has the drive to do better and is not afraid to try out new techniques.” Courage Alpine Skiers, the largest sports and recreation program offered through Courage Center, serves more than 200 skiers with disabilities with some 300 volunteers assisting with the program. The program began in 1968 at Welch Village and united with Courage Center in 1980. In addition to Welch Village and

The Junior Rolling Timberwolves, ranked 4th in the nation.

Meghan Erickson Trollhaugen, the Courage Alpine Ski program is offered at Hyland Ski & Snowboard Area in Bloomington, Buena Vista Ski Area in Bemidji and at Spirit Mountain Ski Area in Duluth. For more information, visit www.courage.org. ■

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April 10, 2006

It’s All Happenin’ Honey We’re Killing The Kids! At The Zoo

undreds of walkers and wheelchair “wheelers” will raise money on Saturday, May 20, 2006 at the Minnesota Zoo to benefit Courage Center. Courage Center is a nationally known rehabilitation and resource center that offers comprehensive, lifelong services to people of all ages with disabilities. Walkers and wheelers will stroll through the zoo, visiting major exhibit areas and finishing with a bird show presented by the Minnesota Zoo at the amphitheater. The third annual Walk-NRoll begins at 10:00 am; check in at 9:00 am. Courage Center makes a difference in the lives of more than 16,000 children, adults and seniors every year. One out of every 10 people has a serious disability. To help people regain their fitness, selfesteem and independence, the organization provides a full

range of services that include eginning Monday, physical rehabilitation, menApril 10, 2006 at tal health programming, voca9:00/8:00 central time tional services, camping, rec- zone, the Learning Channel reation and community-based (TLC) will transform the lives programs. of 13 families across the nation in this groundbreaking Walk-N-Roll participants who new series. In each family, the raise $125 in pledges children’s eating habits have receive free admis- spiraled out of control into a sion to the zoo for diet of nonstop junk food— themselves and a sugar, snacks, processed food– guest on the day of and huge, oversized portions. the event. They will Coupled with a lack of exeralso receive a t-shirt cise and sleep, this lifestyle and “zoo bucks” to means the kids are not only redeem at any of the hyper and unruly; they are at vendors at the zoo, serious risk of becoming overand the option to weight and developing highbring two additional blood pressure, diabetes and guests at $5 each. heart disease. Participants who raise less than $125 Honey We’re Killing the Kids! in donations receive offers a startling look at the free admission to the causes of America’s childhood zoo and a t-shirt. obesity epidemic and issues a Rollerblades, skate- critical wake-up call for parboards, bicycles, scooters or ents. In the series, nutrition pets are not allowed at the expert Dr. Lisa Hark shows Walk-N-Roll. how everyday choices can have long-term impacts on children, For information or to register, and offers both the motivation call 763-520-0365, or online and the know-how to help turn at www.courage.org (click on these families’ lives around. “Walk-N-Roll”). ■ Using state-of-the-art computer imaging and certified assessments based on measure-

ments and statistics, Dr. Hark first gives Mom and Dad a frightening look at the possible future faces of their children—and a dramatic reality check. Then, introducing her new guidelines and techniques, Dr. Hark works with parents to reverse course and give their kids a healthy diet and active lifestyle.

and lifestyle. Taking all of the changes into consideration, she then provides a new simulation of what each child could look like in the future, if they continue their healthy nutrition and exercise habits on a

long-term basis. But not all families have an easy time adapting to Dr. Hark’s rules. Tune in each week to see which families can correct their nutritional attitudes and habits. ■

The family then has three weeks to overhaul its bad habits under the direction of Dr. Hark, who delivers a set of life-altering rules with the aim of completely transforming the children’s future health and lifestyle. Dr. Hark’s rules are straightforward and simple: “Sack the sugar,” “Family eats together,” “Set a bedtime routine,” “Limit television hours” and “Exercise together” are introduced each week. At the end of the three weeks, Dr. Hark meets with the parents to discuss the modifications made to the family’s diet

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April 10, 2006

News At A Glance . . . New Web Site for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Special Olympics New Column features Athletes and Government

Developed by a mother of a child with autism spectrum, the Canadian Based Web site is for parents, caregivers, and profes- Roberta Blomster will have her own column in Spirit the Quarsionals who are involved in any educational program for terly Magazine produced by Special Olympics, Inc. The column will primarily focus on Athletes and Government. This is a huge children with autism spectrum disorder. topic for Special Olympics athletes worldwide. It was one of the There are lots of free downloads that can be used for educa- four global topics discussed during the 2005 Special Olympics tional programs for children with Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome. Global Athlete Congress down in Panama. You might consider visiting the Web site www.abaresources.com Roberta Blomster is involved in Special Olympics in many and adding it to your list of existing links. ways—as an athlete, a coach for track and field, a global For further information contact Sharon Gabison, ABA Educa- messenger, a nationally trained athlete leader, and a trainer. She tional Resources Ltd., 185 Vanguard Rd., Concord, Ontario, is also an accomplished Self-Advocate, including getting inL4K 5G9; 905-597-0140. Web site: www.abaresources.com. volved with the Minnesota Legislature and now the U.S. Congress. She is also serving her first three-year term on the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, including being on the Public Policy Committee for the Council. Cancurables Foundation 2006 Fair Bear

Design Contest Here’s your chance to make a difference! Show the world how creative you are by designing the 2006 Fair Bear. The Cancurables Foundation introduced a new line of collectable bears at the 2005 Minnesota State Fair and can’t wait to continue the tradition at this year’s State Fair. Thousands of people helped raise money for cancer research by purchasing and stuffing their own Fair Bear. You can be part of this exciting experience by designing the next one! The winning design will receive a spectacular prize package and will be honored with recognition at the Cancurables State Fair booth.

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The MEMSCIS system allows any authorized person access to all relevant medical data regarding your child. As a parent you have access to the same medical data and can provide instructions regarding the care of your child. When traveling outside of your locality, you are able to quickly find other physicians and care facilities when needed. MEMSCIS is a collaboration of Children’s Hospitals and Clinics, the University of Minnesota, and the EMS Regulatory Board. For more information contact Jehad Adwan, RN, MS, Nurse Coordinator, 612-626-5178, adwan001@umn.edu

Disability Viewpoints The April program on Disability Viewpoints begins Monday April 10th at 7:30 p.m. on CTV 15 in Roseville and surrounding communities and repeating throughout the month. The speakers for April are MN Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MCCD) Co-Chairs: John Tschida, Courage Center and Joel Ulland, National MS Society Minnesota Chapter. They will be talking about the legislative issues for 2006 that affect people with disabilities. For information about Disability Viewpoints contact Jo Ann Erbes at 651-646-7588 or ucpmn@cpinternet.com. May 8th Disability Viewpoints will begin at 7:30 p.m. on CTV 15 in Roseville and surrounding communities. The speakers are Joan Breslin-Larson, MN Department of Education and Dannel Friel, Dynavox Systems. Ms. Breslin-Larson will be

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The MEMSCIS vision is to develop a culturally sensitive, family-centered methodology in the emergency planning process for a group of special needs children with significant heart disease and to measure the effectiveness of such a process. Our vision is to develop a web-interactive database which will allow timely access to Emergency Medical Information for Children with Special Health Care Needs. Implementation of a statewide system will allow use of the database for public health planning for Children with Special Health Care needs in the event of natural disasters or acts of terrorism. The database has been designed to accommodate other states that wish to develop a statewide EIS.

Goal of the MEMSCIS Web site: This system is designed to help the families of children at risk by providing a secure online access to pertinent information about these children. The fingertip If you are a Special Olympics Minnesota Athlete and would availability of this can be crucial to the care of this child at any like to subscribe to Spirit Magazine, you can do it in two ways. time, but particularly during an emergency situation. One is to do it on the Special Olympics, Inc. Web site, www.specialolympics.org. The other way is to do it via mail. MEMSCIS for Physicians and Staff: Strategic to a system Send your subscription to: Special Olympics, Inc., 1133 19th which will manage “the gathering and dissemination of inforStreet NW, Washington, D.C. 20036. mation” is allowing all relevant parties to have editorial review and reporting access to the information. For any physician of a If you also would like to get involved in Government Relations, special needs child, having that child’s medical history includthere are wonderful resources from the Minnesota Governor’s ing medication and allergies, as well as prearranged emergency Council on Developmental Disabilities. The council Web site procedure and guidelines available in real time, via the Internet has the Making Your Case book, which yes, you can print off to any authorized person, can mean treatment confidence and of the Web site, www.mncdd.org. The Making Your Case E- be potentially life-saving. Learning Course in on the Partners in Policymaking Web site, www.partnersinpolicymaking.com. These resources are free. MEMSCIS for Parents: As a parent of a special needs child you have often been confronted with providing medical hisADA - Online Comment Form—Feedback Needed tory, medications and clinical procedures regarding your child. The national network of ADA & IT Technical Assistance To prevent errors you probably require a large folder of Centers, also known as The Great Lakes ADA and Accessible documentation. At times of emergency the last thing you might IT Center in collaboration with the network of ADA and IT remember is the folder. The MEMSCIS system would only Centers, also known as DBTACs, are seeking your comments require that you remember an Internet address and password on experiences with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). (this could even be printed on a person’s medical tag).

Contest Rules and Regulations: •Design your own 2006 Fair Bear, using the bear pattern found on the Access Press Web site: access@accesspress.org. •Choose a fur color for the bear. •Design a bear t-shirt displaying the word “Cancurables” somewhere on it. •Choose the colors for the t-shirt and print. •You may want to add a hat, or choose a theme (farmer bear, sports bear, etc.) •The cancer survivor ribbon may be embroidered on a foot or paw if you choose. •Designs will be judged by the Cancurables Foundation Board. Your feedback on experiences in employment, building access, or access to public services will help the Centers identify •Winner will be contacted by telephone. training gaps and issues needing increased technical assistance. The winning design will be the official Cancurables 2006 Fair Bear! Design drawings may be submitted by mail or email. The Tell us what has worked for you, what barriers you still Cancurables Foundation reserves the right to alter designs to fit encounter and how the ADA has made a difference in your life. with manufacturer standards and budget. All entries must be received no later than April 15, 2006. Please include your name, The form is short and simple. Comment only on topics of email address, and phone number. You can email your entries to interest or concern to you. Comment as often as you like on any kstinar@cancurables.org, or send them by mail to: Cancurables of the several categories. Foundation, 808 Berry Street #409, St. Paul, MN 55114. ReThere is no identification asked other than the state in which member to have fun and be creative. Good luck! you live to help assure we are reaching all parts of the country. The iBOT® Mobility System is a powered mobility system for individuals who have mobility impairments. The iBOT® provides up to five operating functions, including: 4-Wheel, Balance, Stair, Standard and Remote. To schedule your Free Test Drive in Bloomington or receive more information, call toll-free 1-866-643-4267. Dates for Free Test Drives are: May 8, June 5, July 31, Aug 28, Sept 25, and Oct. 23, 2006.

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News At A Glance - cont. on p. 14

April 10, 2006

News At A Glance . . . Cont. from p. 13 talking about assistive technology for students with disabilities DisabilityVENTURE Initiative and Ms. Friel will be talking about Zippity Zoo Day. For The Minneapolis Consortium of Community Developers information about Disability Viewpoints contact Jo Ann Erbes (MCCD) is partnering with the Minnesota Department of at 651-646-7588 or ucpmn@cpinternet.com. Employment and Economic Development/Rehabilitation Services (DEED/RS) to provide business development services Fish With A Friend for people with disabilities in the Twin Cities area. Share your favorite fishing stories with a new friend! Become a Fishing Guide volunteer and take an adult fishing on a metro MCCD is an association of 27 nonprofit community developarea lake or river. You may fish from land, dock or boat. A pair ment corporations that provide affordable housing and busiof volunteers could be a guide-team (great for siblings, spouses, ness development services. Working with a number of its friends, etc)! members, MCCD’s business development program assists emerging entrepreneurs who face challenges in accessing capiReach out to an angler in the community who may be isolated tal from traditional sources. In 2005, MCCD facilitated $1.14 due to depression, anxiety or another mental illness. You will million in financing for 76 small business development projects. be reimbursed for pre-approved expenses and mileage. Remember, activities and hours are your choice! Under the DisabilityVENTURE initiative, MCCD will sponsor group and one-on-one business development training for Learn more by contacting the Volunteer Coordinator at Guild RS clients and other eligible persons with disabilities. MCCD Incorporated: (651) 457-2248 ext. 36 or e-mail at volunteer will also assist participants in obtaining financing to launch @guildincorporated.org. Check out our website for more their own small businesses. information at www.guildincorporated.org. Guild Incorporated is a non-profit agency which helps people with mental “We are delighted to establish this new partnership with Rehab illness lead quality lives. Services,” said MCCD’s Executive Director Jim Roth. “DisabilityVENTURE is a good fit for MCCD because it helps us further our mission to move emerging entrepreneurs into the Social Services Assistant Make a difference and impact your community by supplement- economic mainstream.” ing agency staff in the provision of services. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Contact Ramsey County Community DisabilityVENTURE is sponsored by “Pathways to EmployHuman Services—Volunteer Services at 651-266-4090 for ment,” a joint effort of DEED, the Department of Human additional information or e-mail to volunteerservices@co. Services (DHS) and the Minnesota State Council on Disability (MSCOD) to increase competitive employment of people with ramsey.mn.us. disabilities and meet Minnesota’s workforce needs.

Como Park Cafesjian’s Carousel opens May 2 The historic and treasured merry-go-round that has delighted For more information contact Rob Smolund at MCCD at 612/ riders for five seasons at St. Paul’s Como Park—is seeking 789-7337, ext 11. E-mail Rsmolund@mccdmn.org. additional volunteers for its seventh season. Volunteers operate the carousel, sell tickets, and sell merchandise at the gift shop. They work 3- or 4-hour shifts, two or more times each month. New volunteers are encouraged to apply individually, in pairs or as groups. Training is provided for all positions, and free parking is available. For information about volunteer opportunities, contact Cafesjian’s Carousel at 651489-4628 or volunteer@ourfaircarousel.org, or visit our Web site at www.ourfaircarousel.org.

“Destination Anywhere” A National Exhibit For Young Artists With Disabilities

VSA arts and Volkswagon of America are seeking artwork from young artists with disabilities, ages 16-25 living within the U.S. “Destination Anywhere” challenges artists to consider the picture plan as a destination, a place where the viewer might take a trip they never expected. Fifteen finalists will be awarded a total of $60,000 during an awards ceremony on Capital Hill and the artwork will be displayed in a nationwide touring exhibit that will debut at the Smithsonian Institution in Cafesjian’s Carousel originally operated for 75 years at the Washington, DC. Minnesota State Fair. It is now owned and operated by the nonprofit organization Our Fair Carousel, Inc. Volunteers have Artwork may illustrate a destination. Abstract work that relates restored the carousel to its 1914 appearance and installed it in to feelings or emotions, or an experience of living with a its new pavilion next to the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at disability and its role in shaping or transforming the destination Como Park in 2000. The group pays operational expenses is also encouraged. Art must be an original work that has been through ticket and gift sales. completed in the last three years. Eligible media include: paintings, drawings, fine art prints, photography, computer The carousel operates Tuesdays through Sundays from May 2 generated prints, and mixed media. Artwork must be presented through Labor Day, and weekends from Labor Day until the in two dimensions and should not exceed 60 inches in either end of October. These are the hours: May 2–Sept. 4: Tuesday– direction. There is no fee to apply. Friday 11 am–4 pm, and Saturday–Sunday 11 am–6 pm, Sept. 5–Oct. 31: Saturday–Sunday 11 am–4 pm. Infants under age For additional information visit www.vsarts.org/VWcall or one ride free; tickets for all other riders are $1.50. contact Jennifer Colaguori, visual arts coordinator at jenniferc@vsarts.org, or 800-933-8721 ext. 3885.

Courage Center Accepting Nominations For Annual Jay And Rose Phillips Awards Courage Center is accepting nominations for its annual Jay and Rose Phillips Awards. The awards are presented each year by Courage Center to people with disabilities who have achieved outstanding success in their vocation. Winners receive a $1,500 cash award, a plaque, and will be recognized at the Medtronic Celebration of Courage set for Saturday, Aug. 26, 2006 at Medtronic World Headquarters. Nominees for the award must have a physical disability and be vocationally and financially independent (Medical Assistance excluded) for a minimum of three years. Self-employed individuals are also eligible for the award. Employers are encouraged to nominate their employees who meet these criteria. An online application is available at www.courage.org. If you’d like a copy mailed to you, please contact Vicki McEvoy, Marketing Communications, Courage Center at 763-520-0262 or vicki.mcevoy@courage.org. This year’s nomination deadline is Thursday, June 1, 2006. Winners will be notified at the end of June.

Courage Center Seeks Applicants For Two Annual Scholarship Programs The EMPOWER (Encourage Minority Participation in Occupations With Emphasis on Rehabilitation) scholarship was established in 1995. It is designed to increase diversity in the medical rehabilitation field by awarding two students of color $1,500 each, to be used at the college or university of their choice. It is administered by Courage Center, with funds made possible through the David M. Hersey Endowment Fund. To be considered for the EMPOWER Scholarship Award, applicants must be an ethnically diverse student accepted at or enrolled in a higher learning institution; a Minnesota resident or has volunteered in a Courage Center program; demonstrate a career interest in the medical/rehabilitation field by completing at least 150 hours of career-related volunteer service; have a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale; and show a financial need. Selection is based on an applicant’s career intentions and achievements rather than graduation rank. The deadline is Monday, May 15, 2006. The SCHOLARSHIP FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, funded by Melvin and Sally Mooty, assists students with a sensory impairment or physical disability who want to pursue educational goals or gain technical expertise beyond high school. The goal of the scholarship is to increase career options and enrich people’s lives through education and training. Scholarships are based on individual need, scholarship and statement of intent, and do not exceed $1,000. A candidate must be a U.S. citizen, Minnesota resident or have received Courage Center services. The deadline is Wednesday, May 31, 2006. To download an application for either scholarship, visit www.courage.org and click on the Scholarships button. For more information about the EMPOWER Scholarship, contact Sue Perkey at 763-520-0214 or suep@courage.org. For more information on the SCHOLARSHIP FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, contact Nancy Robinow, Vocational Services, 763-520-0553. ■

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 Franklin Lane Apartments Hanover Townhomes Lincoln Place Apartments Olson Towne Homes Prairie Meadows Raspberry Ridge Talmage Green Trinity Apartments Unity Place Vadnais Highlands Willow Apartments Woodland Court Apartments

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

(612) 824-6665 (763) 684-1907 (612) 338-3106 1-800-661-2501 (763) 427-7650 (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 (320) 632-0980 1-888-332-9312

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

April 10, 2006

Directory of Organizations for Persons with Disabilities HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS (Continued)

ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS Advocating Change Together (ACT), V-651-641-0297, TF800-641-0059, www.selfadvocacy.org ARC – Greater Twin Cities, V-952-920-0855, www.arcgreatertwincities.org ARC-MN, V-651-523-0823, TF-800-582-5256, www.arcminnesota.org Arthritis Foundation, North Central Chapter, V/TTY-651644-4108, TF/TTY-800-333-1380, www.arthritis.org Association of Residential Resources in MN (ARRM), V651-291-1086, 800-551-2211, www.arrm.org Mental Health Association of Minnesota, V-612-331-6840, TF-800-863-1799, www.mentalhealthmn.org MN Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, V-763-520-0533 or John Tschida at johnt@courage.org or his assistant Kristin V-763-520-0439 or kristin.hansen@courage.org MN Developmental Achievement Center Association (MNDACA), V-651-647-9200, www.mndaca.org National Alliance on Mental Illness of Minnesota (NAMIMN), V-651-645-2948, www.nami.org/namimn NAMI – Anoka County, V-763-571-6060 NAMI – Carver County, V-952-442-4357 NAMI – Hennepin County, V-651-310-9923 or V-952-894-9109 NAMI – Ramsey County, V-651-730-8434 NAMI – Scott County, V-952-890-1669 NAMI – Washington County, V-651-439-3800 PACER Center, Inc., V-952-838-9000, TTY-952-838-0190, www.pacer.org BRAIN INJURY SERVICES Brain Injury Association of Minnesota, V-612-378-2742, TF-800-669-6442 www.braininjurymn.org Courage Center, Client Services, V-763-520-0312, TTY763-520-0245, www.courage.org Opportunity Partners, V-952-938-5511, TTY-952-9304293, www.opportunities.org RESTART, Inc., V-612-875-4287, www.restartincmn.org Rise, Inc., V-763-786-8334, www.rise.org CHEMICAL HEALTH Vinland Center, V/TTY-763-479-3555, www.vinlandcenter.org COMMUNITY-LIVING SERVICES

COMMUNITY-LIVING SERVICES (Continued) Lifeworks Services, V-651-454-2732, www.lifeworks.org Metropolitan Center for Independent Living, MCIL, V-651646-8342, www.mcil-mn.org Opportunity Partners, V-952-938-5511, TTY-952-9304293, www.opportunities.org RESTART, Inc., V-612-875-4287, www.restartincmn.org Southern MN Independent Living Enterprises & Services (SMILES), V-507-345-7139, TF-888-676-6498, www.smilescil.org EDUCATION ORGANIZATIONS Adult Basic Ed/Special Needs, V-651-290-4729, TTY-651290-4852, www.hubbs.spps.org Arthritis Foundation, North Central Chapter, V/TTY-651644-4108, TF/TTY-800-333-1380, www.arthritis.org Community Education – Programs for Adults with Disabilities, V-651-748-7436, psvendsen@isd622.org Family Institute for Creative Well-Being, V-651-639-2527 Fraser, V-612-861-1688, www.fraser.org Minnesota Resource Center, V-612-752-8102, TTY-612752-8019, www.mrc-mn.org PACER Center, Inc., V-952-838-9000, TTY-952-838-0190, www.pacer.org Reach for Resources, V952-988-4177, www.reachforresources.org Wilderness Inquiry, V-612-676-9400, TF-800-728-0719, TTY-612-676-9475, www.wildernessinquiry.org

Fraser, V-612-861-1688, www.fraser.org Gillette Children’s Hospital, V-651-291-2848, TTY-651-2293928, www.gillettechildrens.org North Memorial Rehab Services, V-763-520-5690, www.northmemorial.com People Incorporated, Epilepsy Services, V-612-338-9035, www.peopleincorporated.org Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, V-612-863-4466, TTY-612-863-5486, www.sisterkennyinstitute.com HEARING IMPAIRMENT SERVICES Deaf Blind Services MN, Videophone- 612-362-8454, TTY-612-362-8422, www.dsfm.org Telephone Equipment Distribution Program, V-651-2971507, TTY-800-657-3513, TF-800-657-3663, www.tedprogram.org HOUSING SERVICES Accessible Space, Inc., V-651-645-7271, TTY-651-2096623, TF-800-466-7722, www.accessiblespace.org Accessibility Design, V-952-925-0301, www.accessibilitydesign.com CCP–The Cooperating Community Programs, V-651-6410041 Community Involvement Programs, V-612-362-4400, www.cipmn.org HousingLink, V-612-520-9223, www.housinglink.org National Housing Institute, V-651-639-9799 RESTART, Inc., V-612-875-4287, www.restartincmn.org

EMPLOYMENT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES Lifetrack Resources, V-651-227-8471, TTY-651-227-3779, www.lifetrackresources.org Community Involvement Programs, V-612-362-4400, Opportunity Partners, V-952-938-5511, TTY–952-930-4293, www.cipmn.org www.opportunities.org Courage Center, V-763-520-0312, TTY-763-520-0245, www.courage.org GOVERNMENT SERVICES Fraser Child & Family Center, V-612-331-9413, www.fraser.org MN Governor Council On Developmental Disabilities, Mental Health Association of Minnesota, V-612-331-6840, V-651-296-4018, TF-877-348-0505, TTY-711, TF-800-863-1799, www.mentalhealthmn.org www.mncdd.org, or www.mncdd.org, or People Incorporated, V-651-774-0011, TTY-651-774-6535, www.partnersinpolicymaking.com www.peopleincorporated.org MN State Council on Disability, V/TTY-651-296-5935, Rise, Inc., V-763-786-8334, www.rise.org TF/TTY-800-945-8913, www.disability.state.mn.us Tasks Unlimited, V-612-871-3320, Social Security - St. Paul PASS Cadre, V-651-290-0304, www.tasksunlimited.org TF-800-772-1213, www.ssa.gov

Community Involvement Programs, V-612-362-4400, www.cipmn.org Courage Center, V-763-520-0312, TTY-763-520-0245, HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS www.courage.org Golden Valley, V-763-588-0811; Stillwater, V-651-439-8283 Arthritis Foundation, North Central Chapter, V/TTY-651644-4108, TF/TTY-800-333-1380, www.arthritis.org Dungarvin, Inc. Minnesota, V-651-699-6050, Courage Center, Client Services, V-763-520-0312, www.dungarvin.com TTY-763-520-0245, www.courage.org Hennepin County–Homebound Services, V-952-847-8850, Burnsville: V-952-898-5700; Golden Valley: V-763-588www.hclib.org/pub/info/disabled.cfm 0811; Stillwater: V-651-439-8283 HousingLink, V-612-520-9223, www.housinglink.org

PHYSICAL THERAPY Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, V-612-863-4466, TTY-612-863-5486, www.sisterkennyinstitute.com Directory of Organizations - cont. on p. 16

April 10, 2006

DIRECTORY OF ORGANIZATIONS - Cont. from p. 15 RECREATIONAL SERVICES Camp Winnebago, V-507-724-2351, www.campwinnebago.org Community Education – Programs for Adults with Disabilities, V-651-748-7436, psvendsen@isd622.org Courage Center, Sports and Recreation Department, V-763520-0537, TTY-763-520-0245 www.courage.org Friendship Ventures, V-952-852-0101, www.friendship ventures.org Reach for Resources, V-952-988-4177, www.reachforresources.org Special Olympics Minnesota, V-612-604-1264, TF-800783-7732 x264, www.specialolympicsminnesota.org Ventures Travel Service, V-952-852-0107, TF-866-692-7400, www.venturestravel.org Wilderness Inquiry, V-612-676-9400, TF-800-728-0719, TTY-612-676-9475, www.wildernessinquiry.org REHABILITATION CENTERS BLIND, Inc., V-612-872-0100, TF-800-597-9558, www.blindinc.org Courage Center, Client Services, V-763-520-0312, TTY763-520-0245, www.courage.org Burnsville: V-952-898-5700 Golden Valley: V-763-588-0811 Stillwater, V-651-439-8283 Deaf Blind Services MN, Videophone- 612-362-8454, TTY-612-362-8422, www.dsfm.org Fraser Child & Family Center, V-612-331-9413, www.fraser.org Lifetrack Resources, V-651-227-8471, TTY-651-227-3779, www.lifetrackresources.org Lifeworks Services, V-651-454-2732, www.lifeworks.org Metro Work Center, Inc., V-612-729-7381, www.mwc.org Midwest Specialty Services, V-651-778-1000, www.msservies.org

REHABILITATION CENTERS (Continued) MRCI Rehabilitation Centers, www.mrci.org MRCI: Burnsville, V-952-894-4680 MRCI: Carver/Scott, V-952-445-6811 MRCI: Chaska, V-952-448-2234 MRCI: Fairmont, V-507-238-4389, TF-800-733-9935, TTY-507-386-5600 MRCI: Industrial Operations, V-507-386-5600 MRCI: Lakeville, V-952-898-5025 MRCI: New Ulm, V-507-233-2700 North Memorial Rehab Services, V-763-520-5690, www.northmemorial.com Opportunity Partners, V-952-938-5511, TTY-952-9304293, www.opportunities.org ProAct Inc. V-651-686-0405, TTY-651-289-3167, www.proactinc.org Rise, Inc., V-763-786-8334, www.rise.org Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, V-612-863-4466, TTY-612-863-5486, www.sisterkennyinstitute.com RESIDENTIAL SERVICES Accessibility Design, V-952-925-0301, www.accessibilitydesign.com Accessible Space, Inc., V-651-645-7271, TTY-651-2096623, TF-800-466-7722, www.accessiblespace.org Community Involvement Programs, V-612-362-4400, www.cipmn.org Courage Center, Client Services, V-763-520-0312, TTY763-520-0245, www.courage.org CCP–The Cooperating Community Programs, V-651-641-0041 Dungarvin, Inc. MN, V-651-699-6050, www.dungarvin.com Fraser, 612-861-1688, www.fraser.org National Housing Institute, Inc. V-651-639-9799, nhhi74@aol.com Opportunity Partners, V-952-938-5511, TTY-952-9304293, www.opportunities.org RESTART, Inc., V-612-875-4287, www.restartincmn.org The Phoenix Residence, V-651-227-7657, www.phoenixresidence.org

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Diversity is everything. It inspires original ideas, a spirit of innovation and more effective customer service practices. That’s why we work hard to create an inclusive and welcoming environment at Allianz. By leveraging the unique talents and perspectives that a diverse workforce offers and encouraging all of our team members to reach their potential, we gain a competitive advantage. It’s that edge that allows us to lead the industry. Come see for yourself.

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Would you like to be included in the Directory of Organizations? For a Sponsorship Fee of $50 per year, your organization will be listed in the Directory of Organizations (published in January, April, July, and October), and have your homepage linked directly from our Web site, www.access press.org, throughout the entire year. The Web site hosts a 25word description of the services your organization provides. Your organization will also be entitled to a one-year complimentary subscription (a $25 value) of Access Press. If your organization would like to be included in the Directory of Organizations, contact Access Press at 651-644-2133 or access@accesspress.org.

RESOURCE CENTERS Center for Inclusive Child Care, V-651-603-6265, www.inclusivechildcare.org Family Institute for Creative Well-Being, V-651-639-2527 Meld/Parents as Teachers, V-612-435-0293, TF-866-7284968, www.ParentsAsTeachers.org PACER Center, Inc., V-952-838-9000, TTY-952-838-0190, www.pacer.org People, Inc. Epilepsy Services, V-612-338-9035, www.orgsites. com/mn/epilepsy United Cerebral Palsy of MN, V-651-646-7588, TF-800-328-4827 x1437, ucpmn@cpinternet.com SERVICE DOGS Helping Paws, Inc., V-952-988-9359, www.helpingpaws.org SOCIAL SERVICES CCP – The Cooperating Community Programs, V-651-6410041 Metro Work Center, Inc., V-612-729-7381, www.mwc.org TECHNOLOGY Assistive Technology of Minnesota (ATMn*), V-763-4798239, www.atmn.org Courage Center, Client Services, V-763-520-0312, TTY-763-520-0245, www.courage.org PACER Center, Inc., V-952-838-9000, TTY-952-838-0190, www.pacer.org TRANSPORTATION Complete Mobility Systems, V-651-635-0655, TF-800-7887479, www.completemobility.com Wheelchair Getaways of MN, Inc., V/TF-888-256-5807, www.wheelchairgetaways.com U of M AFFILIATED PROGRAMS Institute on Community Integration, V-612-624-6300, http:// ici.umn.edu VISION IMPAIRMENT SERVICES BLIND, Inc., V-612-872-0100, TF-800-597-9558, www.blindinc.org Deaf Blind Services MN, Videophone- 612-362-8454, TTY-612-362-8422, www.dsfm.org VISUAL/PERFORMING ARTS VSA arts of Minnesota, V/TTY-612-332-3888, TF-800801-3883, http://mn.vsarts.org VOCATIONAL SERVICES BLIND, Inc., V-612-872-0100, TF-800-597-9558, www.blindinc.org Courage Center, Client Services, V-763-520-0564, TTY763-520-0245, www.courage.org East Suburban Resources, V-651-351-0190, www.eacmn.org Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota, V-651-379-5800, www.goodwilleasterseals.org Kaposia Inc, V-651-224-6974, www.kaposia.com Lifetrack Resources, V-651-227-8471, TTY-651-227-3779, www.lifetrackresources.org Lifeworks Services, V-651-454-2732, www.lifeworks.org Merrick, Inc., V-651-789-6200, www.merrickinc.org Metro Work Center, Inc., V-612-729-7381, www.mwc.org Midway Training Services, V-651-641-0709, www.midwaytraining.org Midwest Special Services, Inc., V-651-778-1000, TTY-651772-8592, www.mwsservices.org Minnesota Resource Center, V-612-752-8102, TTY-612752-8019, www.mrc-mn.org MN Work Incentives Connection, V-651-632-5113 or TF-800-976-6728, TTY-651-632-5110 Opportunity Partners, V-952-938-5511, TTY-952-930-4293, www.opportunities.org Rise, Inc., V-763-786-8334, www.rise.org TSE, Inc., V-651-489-2595 Vinland Center, V/TTY-763-479-3555, www.vinlandcenter.org

April 10, 2006 April 12, 19 & 26, 2006 Chemical Dependency With Disability Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) encourages people to join the Support Groups. Day/Time: Meets every other Wed., 6:30 pm-8 pm; Loc: 1600 University Ave W, Suite #16, St. Paul. RSVP to Laura Borton at 651603-2028 or laurb@mcilmn.org. April 12 & 26, 2006 American Sign Language Classes – ASL MCIL encourages individuals to EXPAND your social network, gain new knowledge, experience, and skills! Day/ Time: Thur., 10:30 am to 11:30 am. Loc: 1600 University Ave W, Suite #16, St. Paul. RSVP to Laura Borton at 651603-2028 or laurb@mcilmn.org. April 15, 2006 Using IntelliTools Classroom Suite with Young Children Learn how the integration of IntelliPics Studio 3, Intellimathics 3, and IntelliTalk 3 can enhance K-8 curriculum activities in math, language arts, social studies, and science. Participants will receive a free 45day trial version of the software. Day/Time: Sat., 9 am to Noon; Loc: PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, MN; Cost:

Upcoming Events There is no cost, but registration is required. For more info or to register call 952-8389000, TTY-952-838-0190, or TF-800-537-2237 or visit www.pacer.org. April 18, 2006 Are We Overmedicating Behavioral Problems in Our Children? Dr. Barry Garfinkel leads a discussion of medication and its use with behavioral disabilities, including attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and bipolar disorder. Day/Time: Tue., 6:30 to 9:30 pm; Loc: PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, MN; Cost: There is no cost, but registration is required. For more info or to register call 952-838-9000, TTY-952-8380190, or TF-800-537-2237 or visit www.pacer.org. April 18, 2006 Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Support MCIL encourages individuals to meetnewpeople,gainnewknowledge, experience, and skills! Day/ Time: Tue., 6 pm-7:30 pm, Loc: 1919 University Ave, St. Paul, MN. Parking is FREE! For furtherinfoortoRSVPcontact Laura Borton at 651-603-2028 or laurb@mcil-mn.org.

April 20, 2006 Traumatic Brain Injury Grp MCIL encourages people to join the Support Groups. Day/ Time: Meets every other Thur., 6-7 pm; Loc: 1600 University Ave W, Suite #16, St. Paul. RSVP to Laura Borton at 651-603-2028 or laurb @mcil-mn.org. April 20, 2006 Using the Special Education Process for Resolving Disagreements with Schools Presenters from PACER and the MN Dept of Ed. will give info on methods of resolving differences, including conciliation, mediation, complaints, and facilitated Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). It will help parents to: understand dispute resolution options; reduce disagreements through effective communication; know which option to choose in various situations; and learn how to develop and organize important special education records. Day/Time: Thur., 9 am to 3 pm, Loc: PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, MN; Cost: There is no cost, but registration is required. For more info, or to register, call 952-838-9000, TTY-952838-0190, or TF-800-5372237 or visit www.pacer.org.

April 20 thru May 17, 2006 International Art Show by Artists with Disabilities The 43rd Annual Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute event is here again. Day/Time: Weekdays, 9 am to 5 pm, Loc: Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 2nd Floor, Sister Kenny Building, 800 East 28th St, Mpls. Cost: Free admission and parking. Info: call 612-863-4466. April 21, 2006 “Aspergers” – Speaker Jodene Fine Disability/Culture/Community Events–MCIL encourages individuals to EXPAND your social network, gain new knowledge, experience, and skills! Day/Time: Fri., 1 pm to 3 pm; Loc: 1919 University Ave, St. Paul, MN. Parking is FREE! For further info or to RSVP contact Laura Borton at 651-603-2028 or laurb@mcilmn.org. April 24 and 25, 2006 Effective Transition Services for Adolescents with Emotional Disabilities Mike Bullis, a national expert on adolescent transition, will share research and experience to help parents of teens with emotional disabilities plan for an effective transition to life

pm - 9:30 pm; Loc: Neighborhood House, 179 Robie St E., St Paul, MN. For more info or to register, call PACER at 952after high school. Day/Time: 838-9000. Sponsors: Kaposia, Mon., 6:30 to 9:30 pm, Tue., Inc. and PACER Center. 8:30 to 11:30 am, Loc: PACER April 28, 2006 Center, 8161 Normandale HIV Workshop Blvd., Bloomington, MN; Cost: There is no cost, but reg- MCIL encourages individuals istration is required. For more to EXPAND your social netinfo or to register call 952-838- work, gain new knowledge, ex9000, TTY-952-838-0190, or perience, and skills! Day/ TF-800-537-2237 or visit Time: Fri., 1 pm to 3 pm; Loc: 1919 University Ave, St. Paul, www.pacer.org. MN. Parking is FREE! For further info or to RSVP conApril 25, 2006 tact Laura Borton at 651-603Cribbage Games MCIL encourages individuals 2028 or laurb@mcil-mn.org. to EXPAND your social network, gain new knowledge, April 30, & May 1-2, 2006 experience, and skills! Day/ 2006 Child & Adolescent Time: Tue., 12 pm to 3 pm; Mental Health Conference Loc: 1919 University Ave, St. Networking with parents, Paul, MN. Parking is FREE! caregivers, and professionals. For further info or to RSVP Exhibits ranging from publishcontact Laura Borton at 651- ing and toy companies to uni603-2028 or laurb@mcil- versities, charter schools, and mn.org. group homes. 78 Workshops: “Innovations in treating child April 27, 2006 trauma;” “The power of mothEmployment is for Everyone: ering;” “Racial identity develCareerPlanningforYouth with opment;” “Meth-its impact on Developmental Disabilities a community;” “Pediatric biLearn about options and strat- polar disorder;” and Special egies that can lead to success- early childhood emphasis ful, inclusive employment for workshops during each session. youth with intellectual or de- Plus three nationally recogvelopmental disabilities. This nized keynotes: L. Read Sulik, is a free training for parents MD; Charles Appelstein, and family members of stu- MSW; Bebe Moore Campbell. dents or graduates with dis- Parents, Caregivers, & Profesabilities. Day/Time: Thur., 7 Events - cont. on p. 18

April 10, 2006

EVENTS- Cont. from p. 17 sionals You need to be here! Register by March 31 for a reduced rate. www.macmh. org/programs_services/education/conference/conference .php.

hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to develop education goals and accommodations. Day/Time: Wed., 6:30 to 9:30 pm, Loc: PACER Ctr, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, MN; Cost: There is no cost, but registration May 1, 2006 is required. For more info or to One Stop Shopping for register call 952-838-9000, Persons with Disabilities and TTY-952-838-0190, or TFTheir Support Network 800-537-2237 or visit www. Participants will be able to do pacer.org. “one stop shopping” on info related to county services, May 6, 2006 health/wellness, relationships, PACER Benefit – featuring jobs and job training, leisure/ Michael Bolton recreation options, guardian- From pop hits to blue-eyed soul, ship, community inclusion, va- singer-songwriter and percation planning, school transi- former extraordinaire Michael tion, social security, home and Bolton brings the essence of daily living ideas, residential pop music to life and thrills services, self-advocacy, day audiences with his matchless program options, augmentative interpretation of beloved stancommunication devices, respite dards. With more than 53 milproviders, aging, etc. Day/ lion albums and singles sold, Time: Mon., 4:30 to 7 pm. Bolton’s musical artistry is recLoc: Merrick, Inc., 3210 ognized worldwide. His accoLabore Road, Vadnais Heights, lades include two Grammys for MN; Cost: Free. There will be best male vocalist and six exhibits from 4:30–6 pm and American Music Awards. Get breakout sessions from 6-7 pm. your tickets now! For more A light dinner will be served info call 952-838-9000, TTYfrom 5:30–6 pm. Sponsors: 952-838-0190, or TF-800Merrick, Inc., PACER Center, 537-2237 or visit www.pacer. Arc Greater Twin Cities, and org. the White Bear Lake Area May 8, June 5, July 31, Schools. For more info, contact Colleen Timbers at 651- Aug 28, Sept 25, Oct 23, 2006 789-6230 or by e-mail at FREE Test Drive of colleent@merrick inc.org. iBOT® Mobility System The iBOT® Mobility System is May 3, 2006 a powered mobility system for Beyond the Baby Blues: individuals who have mobility Depression During and impairments. The iBOT® proAfter Pregnancy vides up to five operating funcKeynote speaker for the event tions, including: 4-Wheel, Balis Mary Jo Codey, former first ance, Stair, Standard and Relady of New Jersey, whose per- mote. To schedule your Free sonal experience with postpar- Test Drive in Bloomington or tum depression led her to help receive more info, call TF-866launch a statewide awareness 643-4267. campaign about it. The all-day conference will feature an OverMay 10, 2006 view of Postpartum Depression A Forum For Professionals: by M.D’s Helen Kim and Hiring Latino Jobseekers Benitya Dieperink. There will With Disabilities also be five workshops by ex- Join other community partners perts in the field. Day/Time: to strengthen your ties with Wed., 9 am to 4 pm, CEUs are other key partners to help in the available. Evening Presenta- effort to increase employment tion: Mary Jo Codey will also opportunities for people with do a free presentation for fami- disabilities in the Latino comlies from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. munity. Kathy Martinez, ExLoc: Both events will be held ecutive Director of World Inat the U of M Continuing Edu- stitute on Disability will share cation and Conference Center, her personal experiences as a 1890 Buford Ave, on the St. Latina with a visual impairPaul Campus. Cost: for the all ment and her long time experday conference is $90 if regis- tise as an employment advotered before April 14, and $110 cate for people with disabiliafter April 14. Students can ties. Day/Time: Wed., 8:30 am register for $50. The evening to noon; Loc: Fort Snelling, presentation is free. For more Henry Whipple Bldg, Main Auinfo, or to register, contact ditorium. PARKING IS LIMNAMI at 651-645-2948. Spon- ITED. Please park in long term sors: NAMI-MN, the Univer- parking—carpool if possible. sity of MN School of Social www. doi.gov/febtc/files/direcWork, Hennepin Co. Medical tions. pdf. Cost: The forum is Center, and the MN Depart- FREE thanks to Sponsorship ments of Health and Human by Pathways to Employment Services, UCare MN and and the Federal Employees AstraZeneca. Diversity Council. For more info and to RSVP, contact Joani May 3, 2006 Werner at 651-290-0304 ext Schools in Step with ADHD 23061, or joani.werner@ Dixie Jordan, an expert on edu- ssa.gov by 4/21/06- registracational rights of children with tion is limited to first 200 disabilities, will discuss how par- people. You will be notified by ents and professionals can help e-mail if you are registered. children with attention deficit-

May 13, 2006 Being Creative with BuildAbility and Clicker 5 Gain hands-on experience with two early childhood multimedia software programs that allow children to customize their own slide shows and write with whole words, phrases, or pictures. Day/Time: Sat., 9 am to Noon; Loc: PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, MN; Cost: There is no cost, but registration is required. For more info/register call 952-838-9000, TTY952-838-0190, or TF-800-5372237 or visit www.pacer.org. May 18 – 21, 2006 “Living” with Dying The retreat is geared to professionals who care for the dying, those who care for a terminally ill loved one, and those who are just plain curious about death itself. The fourday retreat will give participants an opportunity to explore their ideas and feelings about death and to learn new skills that will help them live a more peaceful life, thus experiencing a more peaceful death. Loc: The Benedictine Center is located at 2675 Larpenteur Ave East in Maplewood, MN. Cost: $195 per person and includes room and board for three nights and four days. To register online, go to www.stpaulsmonastery. org and follow the Benedictine Center Link. For more info call 651-777-7251 or bene dictinecenter@stpauls monastery.org. May 19-21, 2006 Arise, My Love, My Fair One, And Come Away! This is a weekend retreat for people with disabilities. Theme: Hallowed by they name! The retreat will contain conference breakout sessions as well as time to reflect on your spiritual journey. People of all faiths are encouraged to attend. Day/Time: Fri., 4 pm Stations of the Cross, 5:30 pm supper, retreat begins at 7:30 pm and continues thru Sun., 2:30 pm, Loc: 16385 St. Francis Lane, Prior Lake, MN. For more info call 952-4472182, e-mail Director@ FranciscanRetreats.net or visit www.Franciscan Retreats.net. You may also contact Jo Lambert at 651488-5862 or by e-mail at lambe0217@umn. edu, or Clarence Schadegg at 612798-5378 or by e-mail at cschadegg@mn.rr.com.

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. Hamlet AD: Sat., April 1, 1 pm; (free tactile tour 11am); Fri., April 7, 7:30 pm; ASL: Fri., April 7, 7:30; Fri., April 14, 7:30 pm; Dates: March 4-May 7, 2006; By: Guthrie Theater, 725 Vineland, Mpls; Tix: Reduced to $16; 612-377-2224, TTY 612-377-6626; www.guthrie theater.org

Healing Women ASL: Sat. April 22, 8 pm (Free) at Metropolitan State University, 700 E 7th St, St. Paul; ASL: Sun. April 23, 3 pm at Mayflower Church, 106 E Diamond Lake Rd at 35W, Mpls; By: Calliope Women’s Chorus; Tix: (April 23) $10 for ASL patrons; ($15 advance, $18 at door, $10 student/senior, $5 children). 612-285Raymond Luczak Poetry 5835, calliopwc@aol.com or ASL: Wed., April 19, 6-7 pm; Amazon Bookstore, 4755 ChiDeaf poet Raymond Luczak cago Ave. So., Mpls will read from his work at St. Cloud State University; Mefistofele www.raymondluczak.com AD: Sun., April 23, 2 pm; Dates: March 25 - May 21, 2006; By: Anon(ymous) Theatre de la Jeune Lune, 105 AD & ASL: Wed., April 19, N. First St., Mpls; Tix: $13; reg. 10:30 am; Fri., April 21, 8 pm; $20; TicketWorks 612-333Dates: April 4-29, 2006; By: 6200 or 612-332-3968 x100; Children’s Theatre Co., 2400 www.jeunelune.org 3rd Ave. S., Mpls; Tix: 612874-0400; www.childrens Ten Percent of Marta Solano theatre.org AD & ASL & Captioning: Thurs., April 27, 7:30 pm; The House of Blue Leaves Dates: April 21 – May 14, AD: Thurs., April 20, 7:30 pm; 2006; By: Mixed Blood TheDates: April 7 – May 21, 2006; atre, 1501 S. 4th St., Mpls; Tix: By: Jungle Theater, 2951 Access tickets $18; 612-338Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls; Tix: 6131 or boxoffice@mixed Reduced to $8, 612-822-7063; blood.com; www.mixedblood. www.jungletheater.com com Floyd Collins AD & ASL: Thurs., April 20, 8 pm; Dates: April 15–May 21, 2006; By: Theater Latte Da at Loring Playhouse, 1633 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls; Tix: $13 for AD/ASL patrons (reg. $20); 612-209-6689 Ticket Works; www.latteda.org or www.ticketworks.com Sez She AD: Thursday, April 20, 7:30 pm; Dates: April 7-29, 2006; By: Illusion Theater, 8th flr, 528 Hennepin Ave, Mpls; Tix: Reduced to $10 (Reg. $18$28); 612-339-4944; www. illusiontheater.org A Murder Is Announced ASL: Fri., April 21, 7:30 pm; Dates: April 20 – May 7, 2006; By: Bloomington Art Center Gallery Theater Co. at Bloomington Center for the Arts Black Box Theater, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd; Tix: $12-10; 952-563-8587; www. bloomingtonartcenter.com

Joe Goode Performance Grp ASL: Sat., April 22, 7:30 pm; Dancer/choreographer Joe Goode and composer/performer Mikel Rouse at June 16, 2006 Benedicta Arts Center, College Zippity Zoo Day of Saint Benedict, St. Joseph; Zippidty Zoo Day is a day for Tix: $18-22; 320-363-5700; people who use augmentative www.csbsju.edu/finearts communication devices to get together. Day: Fri.. Loc: Zooman and the Sign Como Zoo, St. Paul, MN. Reg- ASL: Sat., April 22, 8 pm; ister now by e-mailing Dates: April 14 - May 7, 2006; ucpmn@cpinternet.com or By: Penumbra Theatre at Marcalling UCP MN at 651-646- tin Luther King Center, 270 N. 7588 or TF-800-328-4827 ext Kent St., St. Paul; Tix: 6511437. ■ 224-3180; www.penumbra theatre.org

When We Dead Awaken ASL: Sun,, April 30, 2 pm; Dates: Feb. 4-May 21, 2006; By: Commonweal Theatre, 206 Pkwy Ave. N. in Lanesboro; Tix: $10, 800-657-7025 or tickets@commonweal theatre.org; www.common wealtheatre.org Kiss Me, Kate AD: Fri., May 5, 7:30 pm; Dates: April 21 – May 6, 2006; By: Morris Park Players at Folwell Middle School, 3611 20th Ave S., Mpls; Tix: Reduced to $10; 612-724-8373; www.morrisparkplayers.org Oliver AD: Sat., May 6 at 7 pm; Dates: May 4-14, 2006; By: Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre, 333 Fourth St. S., Fargo, ND; Tix: Reduced to $7.50, $6 Sr, $4.50 student, $3 age 3-12; 701-235-6778, 877687-7469; www.fmct.org

Cinder Edna ASL: Sun., May 7, 2pm, and Wed., May 10, 10 am; Dates: April 21 – May 21, 2006; By: Stages Theatre Co. at Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins; Tix: $14, Art in Bloom $11 (age 2-17 & Sr); 952-979ASL: Thurs., April 27, 7 pm; 1111; www.stagestheatre.org Fri., April 28, 11:30 am; Interpreted tour begins on second Farm Boys floor in the Dayton Rotunda of AD: Sun., May 7, 2 pm; ASL: the Mpls. Institute of Art, 2400 Sun., May 21, 2 pm; Dates: Third Ave. S. Mpls; Tix: 612- April 29 – May 27, 2006; By: 870-3131 or TTY 612-870- Great Am. History Theatre, 3132, www.artsmia.org 30 E. 10th St., St. Paul; Tix: $15; 651-292-4323; www. Little Women historytheatre.com ASL: Fri., April 28, 7:30 pm; Dates: April 21 – May 7, 2006; Bamboo Bridges: Arts of By: Lyric Arts Company of Japan and Korea Anoka at Main Street Stage, ASL: Sun., May 7, 2 pm; ASL420 E. Main St., Anoka; Tix: interpreted public tour begins $12, $10 student/senior, 763- at the round bench in the lobby 422-1838; www.lyricarts.org of the Mpls. Institute of Art, 2400 Third Ave. S. Mpls; Tix: Cabaret Admission may be charged; ASL: Sat., April 29, 8 pm; interpreted tour is free; 612Dates: April 20-29, 2006; By: 870-3131 or TTY 612-870University of MN Theatre at 3132, or dhegstro@arts Rarig Center, 330 21st Ave. mia.org; www.artsmia.org S., Mpls; Tix: $12-17, 612624-2345 or utheatre@ Ricky Skaggs & umn.edu; http://theatre.umn. Kentucky Thunder edu ASL: Sun., May 7, 2 pm; Benedicta Arts Center, College of Saint Benedict, St. JoConstant Star AD & ASL: Sat., April 29, seph; Tix: $23-26; 320-3637:30 pm; Dates: April 14 – 5700; DWolford@csbsju.edu; May 7, 2006; By: Park Square www.csbsju.edu/finearts Theatre, 408 Saint Peter St. Wonderful Town (20 W. 7th Place), St. Paul; Tix: half-price; 651-291- ASL: Fri., May 12, 7:30 pm; 7005; www.parksquare AD: Sat., May 13, 2 pm; Dates: theatre.org April 28-May 21, 2006; By: Bloomington Civic Theatre at Brigadoon Bloomington Center for the ASL: Saturday, April 29, 7:30 Arts, 1800 W. Old Shakopee pm; Dates: April 20-30, 2006; Rd; Tix: Reduced to $17; 952By: North High School The- 563-8575; www.bloomington atre, North High School, 2416 civictheatre.org E. 11th Ave. in N. St. Paul; Tix: $8, $6 students/seniors, re- Perform - cont. on p. 19 served seating: 651-748-6090; www.northhightheatre.org

April 10, 2006

EQUALITY - Cont. from p. 1 field and assist with inclusion to our every lives. In my culture, it has much to do with the oppression of slavery; being self reliant; family oriented; and neighborhood minded. When I grew up I had a strong family structure and community base. Both of my parents lived in our home. In my culture the basic woman’s role in the family unit was to nurture and protect. The male role was to provide as well as protect. Today with the family unit more times than not being single parent households, the woman’s role is expanded, and the male is non-existent. Nurturing and protecting takes center stage, therefore advocacy, trust of systems, learning and applying laws outside of basic

civil rights and humankind are not a priority. The systems that have been set up to help have in many cases been a hindrance. One reason is the people working within the system do not resemble me. Many of them may have a disability, but not many if any are African American. When anyone seeks assistance from any organization, it is easier to believe that organization has this person’s best interest at heart if the organization has people that resemble them in the organization. These people need to be able to be seen and available to communicate with if needed. In most disability organizations that I have visited, the entire staff

that could be seen upon entering was European American. At times I have felt odd, but understanding these situations did not affect me in a negative way. Bear in mind that someone with a different outlook may have been negatively affected by this and not applied the tools of the organization to their advantage. Trust is one of the huge issues when applying laws and using systems to level the field when persons have disabilities and are persons of color. In most cases when a disability concern has been placed on center stage by the media, the person affected has been European American. The media

PERFORM- Cont. from p. 19 The Twilight of the Golds AD: Sun., May 14, 2 pm; Dates: April 29–May 21, 2006; By: MN Jewish Theatre Co. at Hillcrest Center Theater, 1978 Ford Parkway, St. Paul; Tix: Reduced to $13 (reg. $20), 651-647-4315; www.mn jewishtheatre.org The Legend of Lento the Coyote AD: Tuesday, May 16, 11 am; ASL: Sun., May 21, 2 pm; Dates: May 5-25, 2006; By: SteppingStone Theatre for Youth Development at Landmark Center, 75 W. 5th St., St. Paul; Tix: $9; 651-225-9265; www.steppingstonetheatre.org

May 13, 16, 18, 20, 21, 2006; By: MN Opera Co. at the Ordway Center for Performing Arts, 345 Washington St., St. Paul; Tix: half-price for AD patrons (discount code “R”); 612-333-6669; www.mn opera.org The Music Man ASL: Sun., May 21, 2 pm; Dates: April 21-May 21, 2006; By: Lakeshore Players, 4820 Stewart Ave., White Bear Lake; Tix: Reduced to $12, $10 student/Sr; 651-429-5674; www. lakeshoreplayers.com. ■

DIVISION DIRECTOR OF SUPPORTIVE HOUSING AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICES The Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, a nonprofit health and human services organization located in St. Paul, is seeking a seasoned executive to become our Division Director of Supportive Housing and Employment Services. This position manages and leads the Foundation's 1,200 housing units and 3 employment programs; provides Foundation-wide leadership to business planning for affordable housing; secures funding to support the housing and employment programs, products and services. Master's (preferred) w/10 yrs of relevant exp in housing; strong leadership and mgmt skills; seasoned in resource development and financial mgmt; ability to be effective w/diverse constituents; excellent written and verbal communications skills. Hiring salary range $98,000 $120,000 depending upon qualifications. Send resume no later than 4/14/06 to: Juanita Slagerman, Wilder Foundation, 919 Lafond Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104 or email at jobs@wilder.org. EOE/AA

Coyote on a Fence AD: Sun., May 21, 2 pm; Dates: April 28-May 21, 2006; By: Theatre in the Round Players, 245 Cedar Ave., Mpls; Tix: $20; 612-333-3010; www. theatreintheround.org Paul Bunyan and Other Minne-Tales AD & ASL: Sun., May 21, 2 pm; Dates: May 5-21, 2006; By: Youth Performance Co. at Howard Conn Fine Arts Center, 1900 Nicollet Ave., Mpls; Tix: half-price; reg. $12, students/Srs $10; 612-623-9080; www.youthperformanceco.com Joseph Merrick, the Elephant Man AD: Sun., May 21, 2 pm; preopera discussion at 1pm; Dates:

www.wilder.org

Fairview Health Services

The Transposed Heads ASL: May 18-21, 8 pm; Dates: May 18-21, 2006; By: Ragamala Music & Dance Theater at Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 S. 4th St., Mpls; Tix: Reduced to $10-15 (reg. $1523); 612-340-1725; www. ragamala.net Filipino Hearts AD & ASL: Sat., May 20, 8 pm; Dates: May 18-June 4, 2006; By: Theater Mu (Mu Performing Arts) at Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Ave. S., Mpls; Tix: Reduced to $13 (reg. $20, $2 off for students/seniors), 612-340-1725; www.muperformingarts.org or www.southern theater.org

seems to spin or focus on what they consider the pity part of the concern or the seeming extraordinary aspect of the event. As a person with a disability, I do not want pity, nor do I consider the things I do on a daily basis and have been doing for forty-seven years just as others with disabilities have to be extraordinary. People with disabilities are people too. Others may consider our every day accomplishments as extraordinary events, but our lives are just as ordinary on a daily basis as theirs is. The one thing to remember is: We all have “abilities” that should be recognized, honored, and celebrated everyday. ■

I am the care I give.

I am Fairview.

Cyndy, R.N. 2004 Minnesota Caregiver of the Year

YO U R P L A C E F O R A R E W A R D I N G C A R E E R I N H E A LT H C A R E

Join my team at fairview.org/divjobs Build your career where breakthrough medical care and a progressive work environment are parts of everyday life. At Fairview, we believe the only way to deliver our promise of exceptional care to our patients is by supporting the health and well-being of our employees. Join us, and you join a close-knit network of professionals whose shared values of dignity, integrity, service and compassion guide everything we do to improve the health of our communities.

Learn more about opportunities in: • Nursing • Imaging • Lab • Respiratory • Pharmacy

• Physical Therapy • Operations • Administration • Medical Records, and more...

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

Access To Employment Employment ads are $16-$17 per col. inch. April 28 is the deadline for the May 10 issue. Mail to: ACCESS PRESS, 1821 University Ave. #104S, St. Paul, MN 55104 FAX 651-644-2136 • E-mail: access@accesspress.org ATTORNEY Legal Aid Attorney for St. Paul - Public Benefits. DOE. $38,500+.Sendresumesto:Maria L. Giese, SMRLS, 166 E. 4th St, Ste. 200, St. Paul, MN 55101. EOE/AA GRANTS & MARKETING SPECIALIST Legal Aid, $35,000+, DOE. Send resumes to: Maria L. Giese, SMRLS, 166 E. 4th St, Ste. 200, St. Paul, MN 55101. EOE/AA

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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 FOR RENT FOR SALE Oak Park Village: One Bedroom wheelchair accessible apartments. Section 8 subsidized. Convenient St. Louis Park location. Call 952-935-9125 for availability information. Equal Opportunity Housing.

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April 10, 2006

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