May 10, 2006
Inside
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“Our problems cannot be solved with
■ Homeless Veterans— p. 3 ■ New U.N. Treaty— p. 4 ■ Spring Time Fun— p. 8
the same consciousness that created them.” –Albert Einstein Page 2 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Mpls. MN Permit No. 4766
Volume 18, Number 5
Minnesota’s Disability
Community Newspaper
May 10, 2006
New Hurdles For PCA Approval: Some Weeded Out, But At What Cost? by Laura Tally
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Rep. Sviggum leads session at Minnesota Capitol
n an effort to make the state and federally funded Personal Care Assistant (PCA) program more accountable, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has implemented a new registration process to track PCAs and home health aides who perform PCA services in the community. As of April 30th, 2006, approximately 21,000 PCAs will have been assigned a new identification number. As a part of this process, DHS has found over 230 people unfit to be providing services. The reason individuals are denied a PCA identification number is either that they haven’t passed the criminal background check or they have outstanding debts to the
government, such as unpaid student loans or back taxes. The Department of Human Services believes that as such people have been removed from the work pool, the integrity of the PCA service program is enhanced. Billing requirements have also changed. In order for a Personal Care Provider Organization (PCPO) to bill for services performed by any PCA, they must now submit the new ID number for that PCA along with the consumer’s ID number and their own PCPO ID number. The new registration process makes it more difficult to register as a PCA. Until recently passing a DHS approved
criminal background check has been all that was needed to qualify as a personal care attendant. Now individuals must have a PCA ID number. To do so, they fill out an application, clear a DHS criminal background check and sign an agreement to abide by federal and state regulations for PCAs. This last step may be problematic. It is unclear how PCAs are expected to abide by the myriad of state and federal regulations when they are not involved in the direct billing process. For instance, a PCA simply bills the PCPO for an eight hour shift. The PCPO must then parse that eight hours into 15 minute task increments, each of which must meet stringent regula-
Congress Debates Cuts To Vital Health Care Benefits by John Tschida
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s health care costs and insurance premiums continue to rise, proposals that would affect people with disabilities are advancing in Washington and at the State Capitol. Of greatest concern is a federal proposal that would strip the authority of states to require health plans to provide certain services or medical supplies. The Health and Insurance Marketplace Modernization Act (S.1955), sponsored by Sen. Michael Enzi (R-Wyoming), has already passed the U.S. House. A vote is expected this month in the Senate. Enzi has called the proposal the greatest effort in the last decade to make health insurance more affordable to small
businesses and working families. Opponents say the bill will hurt consumers and block access to critical health services. U.S. Senator Norm Coleman, a bill supporter, has said the measure will significantly lower the per-person coverage costs for small businesses. U.S. Sen. Mark Dayton opposes the bill and backs a separate health care savings proposal that would leave the state mandates intact. Current Minnesota law mandates the coverage of over two dozen benefits, including diabetes health strips and testing supplies, hearing aids for kids under 18, special dietary foods for kids born with phenylketonuria (PKU), and mental health services equal to
that of other health care. Additionally, Minnesota law requires that certain providers, such as speech, physical, and occupational therapists, be covered by insurance plans. Newly adopted children and children with disabilities— even after they reach adulthood—must also be covered. (A law passed by the state legislature in 2005 allowed health plans to design coverage that would not include all of the state mandated services, but it did not affect the provider or population-based mandates.) Opponents of such mandates, like the Council for Affordable Health Insurance, have long held that dictating specific services that must be covered only serves to drive up the cost of health care pre-
miums. Consumer advocates say without such requirements, health insurers would not include the services in their benefits packages. What is undeniable is that the number of people nationwide who are covered by employersponsored health insurance continues to decline, from 69 percent to 60 percent over the last 20 years, according to Harvard economist David Cutler. Not only are fewer businesses offering health insurance, but fewer workers are taking the insurance offered by employers, especially among younger adults. It’s also important to note that businesses that are self-insured, meaning those state businesses and organizations that pay their health care
claims out of their own funds instead of contracting with an insurance company, would not be affected by S.1955. Under an existing federal law, selfinsured businesses are already exempt from state-mandated service requirements.
Medicaid Next? Many people with disabilities do not rely on the private insurance market to receive their health coverage and instead rely on Medicaid (or Medical Assistance, in Minnesota). Medicaid pays for many services not covered by traditional private market health plans, including home care or personal care attendant services. These critical services, categorized as ‘maintenance’ Health Care - cont. on p. 11
tions. The PCA appears to have no control over, much less knowledge of, how this billing happens, and what regulations it is constrained by. Although this new process is meant to ensure better quality care for members of the community who rely on PCA services, the time delays and paperwork increases will place new burdens on the PCPO’s and consumers of personal care services. Consumers who need immediate care will face a three or more week time delay in getting a new PCA— the time it takes to assign an ID number to a new PCA. The more complicated billing procedures may also hinder access to PCAs when they are needed most. “Implementing this cumbersome, new system will likely cause disruptions in payment to agencies employing PCAs,” said Jeff Bangsberg, Government Relations Director for the Minnesota HomeCare Association. “My fear is that after the April 30th mandatory billing date to use the new PCA identification numbers, access to care will be compromised. Agencies might find it too expensive to serve clients with multiple PCAs because of this new bureaucracy.” PCPOs are being pulled in many directions as a result of this new process. Chief among them may be the risk of providing immediately needed PCA service to a client before knowing if the PCA will pass the background checks and thus be eligible for reimbursement. In order for an agency to be successful they must provide the disability community with PCA services in a timely manner. This is now very difficult because the ID number they must have from DHS to bill for services takes PCA Hurdles - cont. on p. 8
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May 10, 2006
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Tim Benjamin, Editor
his month we are beginning a series of articles on upcoming changes in the Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Program administered by the State of Minnesota’s Department of Human Services (DHS). The disability community will be impacted by these changes in many ways, but hopefully, none of these changes will impact safety and quality of care. By the time you read this issue, some of these changes will have been implemented, unless there is a last-minute postponement; but we are not anticipating that. We will continue to report on how DHS is being affected and how the agencies, PCAs and consumers are dealing with the new changes. Please send us your stories; we will print them and forward your stories to DHS and to legislators to make sure they see how these changes are affecting your in-
dependence and quality of life. I want to thank Laura Tally and everyone that contributed to this article and to the upcoming series. May is Mental Health Month and of course, this issue encompasses such a wide array of topics that we have to apologize for only touching on a few. We all have to remember the stigmas society still attaches to mental illness and continue the pressure on legislators, health-care providers, and people in general to recognize, acknowledge and fund research and support. It is hard to convey the huge impact that mental illness has on our communities. It touches each of our families in one way or another and has destroyed many once very stable families. Thank you to all the contributors of these articles.
We have an article on page two about the new iBot™ wheelchair that has been in the news. I was able to test the chair a couple weeks ago and was very impressed with its stability. I will have another opportunity to evaluate it in the middle of May after they have made the controls more suitable for my level of function. Moving into the standing and four-wheel-drive modes, the chair tips backwards. That made it difficult for me to reach the joystick, so we will see how well the controls can be individualized. Maneuvering up and down curbs and going across rough terrain was very easy, and I have to say kind of empowering—doing things I could never have done in a standard chair.
standing person, giving the wheelchair user more parity in the able-bodied world. This thought kind of bothers me: first, is it really parity when the machine is raising you to the eye-level of people who are standing, or is it just another way of fixing a wheelchair user to fit into the norm of society? Second, isn’t it just as easy to be face-to-face with your peers when they are sitting next to you—and doesn’t courtesy dictate that if you are speaking to a seated person that you sit down to communicate with them? If this “standing eye-to-eye” advantage suggests that there is some kind of power in standing eye-to-eye with another individual—well, I am not sure I want to be involved with those kinds of power struggles. I am very The iBot™ manufacturers comfortable and confident in boast of the chair being able to my abilities to control the situbring you to eye level with a ation that I am in, in the seated
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Curbs and stairs still represent significant barriers to wheelchair users. In addition, users of standard mobility devices face day-to-day challenges associated with being in a seated position. Everyday tasks such as reaching into a cabinet become impossible. Even the experience of having an “eye-level” conversation with a standing person is lost to the users of most mobility devices.
Recently, Dean Kamen invented a gyroscopic wheelchair to address these barriers. The gyroscopic chair, called the iBOT®, uses the same technology Kamen created and used in developing the Segway, a 2-wheel electric transportation device that he first made available in 2001. The new chair encompasses five functions not found in any other single wheelchair. It can climb five inch curbs, go up and down a flight of stairs; travel at “standing eye-level”; easily fit under a table or desk; and can maneuver on uneven terrain, such as sand, gravel, grass or thick carpet. The new iBOT® uses built-in computers that work in conjunction with gyroscopes. Gyroscopes are motion sensors that help maintain balance. When the gyroscopes sense movement, a signal is sent to
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the computers. The computers he big question mark process the information and of the Information tell the motors how to move Symbol guides people the wheels to maintain stabil- to a place where they can get ity. answers. The symbol may be positioned on a map, a broJohn Yuhas, an attorney who chure or a sign. If you have a has Lou Gehrig’s disease, has place in your business where used the new chair to work in buildings that were formerly inaccessible to him. “The iBOT® grants me the physical presence in the courtroom, where I can rise up and look the judge in the eye. Being at eye level turned out to be one of the surprising benefits of this [innovative new technology].” For more information, please visit: www.ibotnow.com or call the Independence Technology Customer Zone tollfree at: 866-643-4267. Test drive this new chair on June 5th in Bloomington (see ad at right). ■
Access Press Co-Founder/Publisher (1990-1996) .................................................................. Wm. A. Smith, Jr. Co-Founder/Publisher/Editor-in-Chief (1990-2001) ....................................... Charles F. Smith Board of Directors ............................................ JoAnn Cardenas Enos, Mike Chevrette, Mary Kay Kennedy, Kelly Matter, Tom Squire, & Kay Willshire Editor ......................................................................................................................... Tim Benjamin Editorial Assistant ......................................................................................................... Bret Hesla Cartoonist ..................................................................................................................... Scott Adams Production ...................................................................... Ellen Houghton at Presentation Images Office Assistant .......................................................................................................... Ekta Prakash Sales/Marketing ........................................................................................................ David Hadlich Distribution ......................................................................................................... S. C. Distribution 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.
We are making some modernizations at Access Press. We are developing new systems for day-to-day operations and a strategic plan that will ensure our longevity and self-sustainability. It is always exciting to make changes to create a better newspaper. If there is anything that Access Press is not doing that you would like to see us get involved with, please let us know. We are working on developing new ways to increase our electronic capabilities using the Web site and blogs. We are also hoping to get more citizen journalists—like you—working with us on story ideas. ■
The Information Symbol
New Chair Expands Access ore than two million people in the United States use a wheelchair or some type of mobility aid to move from place to place. While the Americans with Disabilities Act has helped to improve accessibility for people with disabilities, there are still many places that aren’t accessible to people using standard mobility devices.
position. And if someone is going to take a swing at me, I guess I would rather be closer to the ground!
people with disabilities can go to get information, please consider making it more accessible by marking it with the Information Symbol.
mation. For example, a person with a disability needs to know where to find certain information about access and accommodations. The Information Symbol can be a useful The most valuable commod- way to highlight where this ity of today’s society is infor- Info Symbol - cont. on p. 13
May 10, 2006
Ms. Mentor
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Homeless Veterans
Should I Show Them My Ills? Let’s Turn Tragedy To Hope by Emily Toth
by Clarence Schadegg
Question: I have a hidden disability that can flare up unexpectedly and make me dizzy or send me streaking for the bathroom. It’s mostly controllable by medication, which I use for on-campus job interviews. Do I have to tell possible employers about it? I would like to be honest and brag that I’ve still managed to get a Ph.D., publications, and a teaching award, despite my disability. But I also know about prejudices. Should I try to pass as “nondisabled”? Answer: Ms. Mentor has a dream—that one day all campuses will feature a rainbow of people moving easily through wide hallways for wheelchairs, finding sensor-equipped bathroom fixtures, using computers adapted for voices as well as fingers ... and proclaiming a community attitude that everyone is welcome. But such a utopia is far away. The Americans With Disabilities Act, passed in 1990 has helped get parking spaces, better bathrooms, ramps, and many other “reasonable accommodations” for disabled people and yet.... The bitter truth is that it probably will be much easier for you to get hired if you hide your disability. Most people, including academics, think disability is rare, but it’s not. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, a fifth of Americans are people with disabilities. They are the nation’s largest minority group, and anyone can join in a minute. All it takes is a bad fall in the shower, or one drunk driver, and you’re a lifetime member. Another myth is that differently abled or physically chal-
lenged workers are “too costly.” In fact, says a recent Cornell University study, most workplace improvements take only a little thought and a few dollars: phone headsets, easyto-use software, desk rearrangements. Academe, with its movable schedules and student helpers and online courses, is ideal for people with deafness and other disabilities to share their knowledge. But the big barrier, the Cornell study shows, is attitude— fear and loathing. Only people who really care will do the right thing, like the very poor rural African Americans, a century ago, who began training their blind children in music. Their success stories include Clarence Carter, the Blind Boys of Alabama, and Ray Charles. “Too costly” is really about a rigid and stingy perception of who is worthy and who is not.
Thompson calls “extraordinary bodies,” know about being stared at, stigmatized, patronized, and denied insurance. But even the most virtuous, careful, and luckily insured Americans may have secret disabilities, such as migraines, asthma, allergies, or epilepsy. For job interviews, they’ll pack their inhalers, pills, canes, and sun hats—and hope they won’t have to use them in public and be outed and seen as vulnerable. Too many job ads ask for “dynamic and energetic” people—which translates, Ms. Mentor knows, into “young” and “able-bodied.” Where is the acknowledgment that brilliant minds can come in all kinds of packages? That doesn’t happen at many a hiring meeting, according to Ms. Mentor’s spies. More often, there are comments like, “Can Dr. Blind handle the reading load?” Or “Maybe Dr. Chair would rather be at a more accessible campus?” Or “Dr. Odd’s clearly got some kind of obsessive-compulsive disorder.” All such comments are illegal and bigoted, but they do affect hiring decisions.
Ms. Mentor calls it a very Puritan belief—the idea that if you’re not perfectly able, it is somehow your fault, and you deserve to be punished. (You didn’t wear your seatbelt, or you devoured a Whopper and enjoyed it.) In various pockets of righteousness around the Which is why Ms. Mentor adUnited States, Ms. Mentor’s mits this sad truth: that people who “pass” are more apt to get “The bitter truth is that it jobs. She knows heroic facprobably will be much ulty members who have concealed their dialysis, their cheeasier for you to get hired if motherapy, and their prosthetic you hide your disability.” limbs, until after they were taken seriously for their intelloyal readers have been lectual achievements. And she scolded by strangers for eat- knows that outraged readers ing meat or enjoying a beer. A will say she’s promoting disjudgmental tone has even crept honesty (“Take me as I am”). into celebrities’ lives. When Perhaps she is, in an end-justiactress Maureen Stapleton fies-the-means kind of way. died recently of lung disease, She would rather have people the obituaries all said that she with disabilities able to bore was a smoker—making the from within, sharing their deep moral very clear. sensitivity and their great knowledge, than languishing, Those with visible disabili- unemployed, on the outside. ties, what Rosemarie Garland Ms. Mentor - cont. on p. 13
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innesota has a problem with homeless veterans, and we’re not dealing with it very well. Seven hundred Minnesota veterans, with an average age of 42.6 years, are homeless, according to the 2003 research study by the Saint Paul Wilder Foundation. Approximately half of this population lives with mental illness and/or physical disabilities. We can only wonder how many of these people suffer from the physical or psychological effects of chemical weapons. They put their lives on the line for us, and now some of them are homeless. Any veterans from Vietnam to the current Gulf War should not have to sleep in doorways, shelters, or live in transitional housing. I know something about veterans. My dad, a World War II veteran, died of cancer twenty years after he was severely wounded. As a little boy of nine years old, I remembered my dad suffering through two years of 1960’s era cancer treatment, which added to his long-term agonized path to death. What he went through affected his six children, spouse, brothers and sisters, not to mention his mother. My brother is also a veteran of the Vietnam War; he doesn’t like to talk to me about war. Two of my nephews and one great nephew may well be thrust into the Gulf War. Let’s remember, a veteran who is disabled and homeless did not enter the military as a person homeless and disabled. Healthy civilians who were accepted into the military don’t always come back home from battle with the same good health. How many returning veterans become homeless because of their physical or mental disabilities? It is up to our government to care for
these heroic people, especially schizophrenia, manic-depresif they’re injured on the field sion, some other type of deluof battle. sional disorder, major depression, anti-social personality Is it any wonder that many disorder or post-traumatic civilians or military personnel stress disorder. Thirty-three anguish over the current popu- percent of veterans homeless lation of veterans, disabled and in this survey have received homeless, who continue to suf- outpatient mental health serfer from the effects of wartime vices and 30 percent have lived exposure to chemical weap- in a facility for persons with ons. According to Doctor Jeffery L. Arnold, “In general, “Society has a responsivolatile liquids pose the dual bility to veterans who are risk of dermal and inhalation homeless, just as they exposure, while persistent liquids are more likely to be ab- took responsibility when sorbed across the skin. The placing themselves in effects of vapors largely are harm’s way for us.” influenced by ambient wind conditions; even a slight breeze mental health problems within can blow nerve agent vapor the preceding two years.” By away from its intended target. comparison, community surEffects of vapor are enhanced veys of the general populamarkedly when deployed tion, done by the US Departwithin an enclosed space.” ment of Health and Human Services, show that at any Numerous reports show that given time, approximately 20 pesticide vapors or other percent of U.S. adults are exchemical weapons like sarin periencing some form of mengas, depleted uranium or any tal illness, including 5.4 perother lethal agent(s) will cause cent experiencing a severe abnormalities in the human mental illness.” And the figbody. It may be for this reason ures cited above are taken from that approximately fifty per- a survey of known cases of cent of the veterans who are veterans disabled and homehomeless suffer from forms of less. What about the veterans mental illness as well as from disabled who live in isolated physical disabilities. rural areas? How will they participate in such a survey, The 2003 Wilder survey cited much less receive services? that fifty percent of homeless veterans have a chronic medi- Finally, I wonder how young cal condition: high blood pres- soldiers, many 19 to 25 years sure, asthma, tuberculosis and of age, will transition back into other chronic lung or respira- society after they’ve suffered tory problems, diabetes, hepa- from the effects of improvised titis, and/or HIV/AIDS. Be- explosive devices, suicide sides the physical disabilities, bombers, or insurgent attacks many of these veterans struggle on their vehicles. How will with mental health concerns. any of these soldiers, blinded, paralyzed or amputized, live a Mental illness is a significant normal life? It’s a shame for problem for nearly half (49%) these young soldiers to be renof the veterans who are home- dered homeless. The commuless in the survey. Forty-five nity has got to reach out to percent of veterans who are these folks. Society has a rehomeless have been told by a sponsibility to them, just as doctor or nurse (within the pre- they took responsibility when vious two years) that they have Veterans - cont. on p. 13
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May 10, 2006
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Mental Health Focus
A Look At Anxiety Disorders
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ccasional anxiety in the face of a real threat is a normal and adaptive response to what is happening in one’s life. Anxiety disorders impair a person’s ability to function and live a satisfying life. They can be paralyzing. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders; they range from mild to very debilitating. Depression and anxiety disorders are often coexisting conditions. Half of those people who have an anxiety disorder also have some symptoms of depression. There are several different types of anxiety disorders. Panic Disorder This disorder is characterized by unexpected and repeated attacks of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms, which may include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, tingling, chills or hot flashes. These attacks usually begin abruptly and build to a peak, often within the span of ten minutes. Although panic attacks can be brought on by specific triggers, they can also occur for no obvious reason. Not everyone who has a panic attack has panic disorder. Panic disorder is only diagnosed if the person has experienced a number of panic attacks and changes their behavior to avoid the possibility of having another one, or worries constantly about having further attacks. Panic disorder is more often found in women and usually appears between late adolescence and the mid-thirties. Social Anxiety Disorder Social anxiety disorder is a greatly exaggerated fear of social situations, fear of meeting new people, being embarrassed, humiliated, or judged by others. This disorder usu-
ally appears in childhood or mid-teens. It affects about 5 million Americans, slightly more women than men. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Obsessive-compulsive is a disorder in which one is constantly plagued with certain unwelcome thoughts or images (obsessions), and feels the need to then perform rituals (compulsions) to prevent or get rid of these obsessions. Performing these rituals is not pleasurable, but does result in a feeling of temporary relief from the anxiety that is caused by not performing them. Although each case is different, these obsessions and compulsions are typically experienced for more than an hour each day in a way that interferes with life or causes anxiety. Symptoms may come and go, may ease over time, or may get worse over time. Common obsessions include: fear of germs, fixation on lucky/unlucky numbers, fear of danger, need for order/exactness, or excessive doubt. Ritualistic hand washing, counting, hoarding, arranging, or checking are common compulsions.
impede proper functioning, resulting in a constant sense of hyperarousal. They usually appear within three months of the traumatic event but may surface several months or even years later. Generalized Anxiety Disorder This disorder presents as excessive anxiety and worry about several everyday events or activities, to the point where this worry interferes with daily work and social settings. The worry cannot be overcome despite the fact that the person realizes their worry is exaggerated. Physical symptoms include fatigue, headaches, edginess, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, trembling or twitching, sweating, hot flashes, and sleep disturbances. What causes anxiety disorders? Anxiety disorders seem to be caused by a genetic predisposition, environment and life experiences. Anxiety disorders often run in families and may be the result of one’s brain chemistry. What effect does recreational drug use have on anxiety disorders? Caffeine may help with wakefulness but can make anxiety worse. Regular or heavy alcohol use can worsen most psychological states, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, or eating problems. While alcohol can superficially change the way a person feels in the short run, its overall effect is to exacerbate the anxiety disorder. Marijuana and other drugs can have similar or more serious effects on the brain.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Post-traumatic stress disorder afflicts an estimated 5 million adults and an underestimated number of children. It is now recognized as the second most common anxiety disorder. Symptoms of this disorder include repeated experiencing of a terrifying event or trauma, sleep disturbances, depression, emotional numbness, irritability, intense feelings of guilt, and physical complaints such as headaches and chest pain. These symptoms last longer than one month and severely Mental Health - cont. on p. 14
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New United Nations Human Rights Convention by Katherine Guernsey
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ver the course of the last five years, some very important meetings affecting people with disabilities have been quietly taking place at the Headquarters of the United Nations (UN) in New York. During this time, UN Member States and disabled people’s organizations have been meeting to negotiate a new human rights convention (also called a “treaty”) that would elaborate the human rights of people with disabilities. The next meeting for negotiations will take place August 14-25, and it is hoped that this will be the final negotiating session—meaning that the world will soon welcome the first ever UN convention devoted entirely to the human rights of people with disabilities!
The drafting process began in December of 2001, when Mexico sponsored a General Assembly resolution to establish an “Ad Hoc Committee” to consider proposals for a new human rights convention for people with disabilities. The negotiations process has been ongoing since the Ad Hoc Committee first met in July/August 2002. To date there have been seven sessions (of two or three weeks each) of the Ad Hoc Committee, and one two-week session of the Ad Hoc Committee’s temporary Working Group, which put together the first draft text for the Ad Hoc Committee to use as the basis for its discussions. Why do we need a convention? First, although people with disabilities have the same human rights as everyone else,
Further resources UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs homepage: www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable/index.html Current draft of the convention as of February, 2006, known as the “Working Text”: www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable/rights/ahc7ann2rep.htm Information note for NGOs wanting to participate in the work of the Ad Hoc Committee: www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable/rights/ahc8ngonote.htm List of NGOs accredited to the Ad Hoc Committee (this does not include many of the major disability organizations that already have ECOSOC accreditation): www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable/rights/ngosaccredited.htm Convention-related resources from Disabled Peoples’ International (stay tuned for a ratification toolkit to be released soon!): http://v1.dpi.org/lang-en/resources/ topics_list?topic=4 Update on the most recent Ad Hoc Committee session from the U.S. National Council on Disability (NCD) (Note – there are many other useful convention-related resources on the NCD website): www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/2006/ un_convention.htm
many people with disabilities are frequently denied the opportunity to enjoy those rights, and many suffer terrible human rights abuses. The existing human rights conventions are seldom applied to people with disabilities, largely because those conventions do not really address disability issues, and those applying the conventions (such as governments and treaty monitoring bodies) often do not understand disability issues. In the past, other groups (such as women, children, refugees, etc.) faced similar problems and found that drafting thematic human rights conventions addressing their issues could be helpful. It is hoped that this new convention will help governments better understand their human rights obligations to people with disabilities, and in turn work to respect and ensure those rights. Second, international conventions are legally binding documents, and governments that choose to become Parties to them are legally obliged to implement them. Until now, disabilityspecific instruments, such as the UN Standard Rules, have not been legally binding, meaning that governments could ignore them. Such disregard for people with disabilities will not be permitted for governments that become Parties to the new convention. A unique feature of the process has been the extensive participation of people with disabilities and their representative organizations. Traditionally, the UN’s General Assembly has not been very open to the participation of civil society, restricting access to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with “ECOSOC consultative status,” which is a formal Rights - cont. on p. 13
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May 10, 2006
5
St. Joan’s Ministry For Mental Illness
Psychologist’s Perspecitve On Living With A Disability
by Danielle Engle
by Danielle Engle Danielle Engle
An Idea Marks a Beginning Ronnie Angelus is an example of the power of one individual to initiate and promote positive change. As a parishioner at the St. Joan of Arc Church (SJA) in South Minneapolis, she knows the power of the collaborative ministry to promote change. And when one day she witnessed friends’ suffering caused by mental illness, she knew what changes she wanted. “I didn’t want to see anyone suffer as I had seen friends suffer when suddenly a traumatic event made them aware that one of their loved ones was suffering from a mental illness.” With this discovery, there soon followed the awareness that “nothing will ever be the same again.” In November 2004 Angelus thought it would be good to reach out and support these families. Together with fellow parishioner Mary Paradis, she spoke with Roseann Rogers, the Director of Ministries at the SJA. “She [Rogers] is a mover and shaker without the bluster.” Rogers was instrumental in seeing that the ministry moved forward with the support of Fathers Jim DeBrucycker and Jim Cassidy, the staff, and the Parish Council.
Another key player in starting MIM was parishioner Gene Sylvestre, who helped secure a startup grant offered by the Council of Churches. MIM used the money to train facilitators to lead two support groups: one for Pursuers and one for family members. Public speaking training is also offered for those who want to share their stories with small parish groups.
ill. That’s when the feelings come out.” Monthly Meetings: Speakers & Support Groups
MIM continues to reach out to new participants, meeting on the second Monday evening of every month. The meeting opens with a speaker on mental illness issues. This is followed by a brief discussion and then the two support The group has also used an- groups break off, one for Purother grant to establish a top- suers and one for family memnotch library. Sylvestre began bers of Pursuers. this effort by carefully researching the available mate- A March 2006 a letter, sent to rials. He gathered recom- area churches and other ormended book and video lists ganizations, closes with this from mental health organiza- invitation, “We invite you to tions. He also sought sugges- join with us to find ways that tions from parishioners. He we can all work together to then conducted hours of re- reach out to people affected search cross-referencing the by a mental illness. With much lists to identify the most highly hope, Roseann Rogers, Direcrecommended books and vid- tor of Ministries, Mary White, eos. The result is a well cata- co-chair, MIM, and Mary loged library now available to Paradis, co-chair, MIM.” the community. As he pointed out the various offerings on For additional information, the shelves, Sylvestre said, call 612-823-8205 or visit the “For this whole thing to be SJA Church Web site, www. useful, it’s not just to get the stjoan.com and the Mental Illfacts out. It’s to get the feel- ness Ministry link. The link ings out. I think that a lot of includes an updated listing of people know that the only way area events, contact informawe’re going to learn is by talk- tion, links and other features. ing to people who are mentally ■
A Gathering of Parishioners By July 2005 there was a core group who shared an interest in what is now the SJA Mental Illness Ministry (MIM). They soon worked out goals and a mission statement: “To decrease the stigma of mental illness through education, resources and support.” Looking back to the early meetings, Rogers said, “Little by little all those goals are being accomplished.”
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iving life with a disability presents unique mental health challenges and needs, according Karen Larson-Hahn of the Courage Center. Larson-Hahn is a licensed psychologist with 20 years experience as a therapist, most of it in health and rehabilitation psychology. During a recent interview, Larson-Hahn offered her perspective on a range of mental health-related issues. According to Larson-Hahn, acquired disabilities and congenital disabilities can present very different mental health issues.
the ability to work. This change can be very stressful for families. Likewise, if this person is a parent taking care of children, the parenting role may change as a result of physical or cognitive changes. The early phase of hospitalization and rehabilitation is the most likely time for family members to be involved. One advantage of a program like Courage Center is that clients are regularly evaluated for mental health needs.
Individuals with Acquired Disabilities
A congenital disability is one that is present at or shortly after birth. When a child has a disability, there are many potential mental health issues to consider. The developmental tasks that occur during the formative years present additional mental health challenges for children with some types of disabilities. Several life areas may be impacted by the disability, including play activity, participation in sports, school and vocational choices, and goals and dreams related to marriage, family and children. Visible physiological and sensory differences may pose mental health issues during those times when peer acceptance and a sense of belonging are especially critical. Children with disabilities may also have dependency challenges that prevent them from having the same autonomy as their peers.
An acquired disability is one that results from an external cause such as an accident or illness. She cites the work of Robert Marinelli and Arthur Dell Orto, who discuss the adjustment phases for individuals with acquired disabilities. The first phase is reassessment, the process of acknowledging that the change [disability] cannot be reversed. Reevaluation is the next phase, whereby the person’s identity and life structure are reexamined. What is the impact of the disability on future work, parenting and other life areas? Reintegration is the final adjustment, where the individual looks to the future and considers new roles in work, family and other life areas. With acquired disabilities, both the individual and their family have to adjust to a sudden change. A person who was functioning well in mainstream society suddenly has an accident or illness. It disrupts the individual’s life as well as the family’s life. If this person was the breadwinner, they may lose
Individuals with Congenital Disabilities
bilitation and hospital setting. Often, children with disabilities need more and different kinds of attention. The siblings may not get the same level of attention as their sister or brother with the disability. Likewise, the parents may feel torn in several directions, balancing between the needs of one child and the needs of other children, work, home and other responsibilities. In her work with children, Larson-Hahn’s experience has always included the child’s parents in any therapy. Clearly, there are benefits of having a range of support services available to families. Rehabilitation centers such as Courage Center work with families from outside of the metropolitan area and from other states as well. However, this distance, coupled with work and other responsibilities, makes it difficult for some families to participate in all the available support services. Advantages of a Multi-Disciplinary Treatment Setting Larson-Hahn stressed the benefits of housing mental health services in the same facility as other rehabilitative services. Such settings provide staff the ability to coordinate and collaborate in treatment planning. They also facilitate a consistent approach across a continuum of services, which may include therapies (speech, occupational, physical, aquatic, recreational and mental health), support groups (e.g. traumatic brain injury programs) and consultation (e.g. assistive technology training).
Siblings may have their own set of mental health issues. For siblings, it is difficult to adjust to having their parents spending a lot of time away from home. Siblings may feel left out with their parents spending so much time in the reha- Perspective - cont. on p. 15
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May 10, 2006
News At A Glance . . . “Fishing Has No Boundaries” Hosts Brainerd Event Fishing is an unpredictable venture with an unknown outcome. Sometimes you catch something and sometimes you don’t. Thankfully, the annual Brainerd Lakes Fishing Has No Boundaries (FHNB) event is about as predictable as you can get. This year’s event, August 25th and 26th, will once again feature around 100 anglers with disabilities having a great day of fishing on Gull and Sylvan Lakes. Now in its fourth year, the two-day event continues to grow and improve and this year will be no exception, said Dave Anderson, president of the Brainerd Lakes Chapter. “The support and enthusiasm of the community is what has made this event grow and will sustain it into the future,” he said. All that great fishing fun last year was made possible thanks to the work of over 250 volunteers and sponsors from the Brainerd Lakes Area. Additional volunteers and sponsors are needed to make this year’s event on August 25 and 26 a success. The number is staggering; 54 million Americans have some form of disability. Those numbers demand attention, and FHNB was founded to provide fishing opportunities for every person with a disability. Providing outdoor experiences is also the goal of the Confidence Learning Center, the location of the annual FHNB fishing event. Those interested in volunteering should go to the Brainerd Lakes FHNB website at www.brainerdlakesFHNB.org or call 218-828-2344 or contact either Bob Slaybaugh at 218-8282344 or Dave Anderson at 952-935-0106. Complete event information as well as photos from last year’s event can also be found on the same website.
Government Center Seeks Volunteer Greeter Provide general assistance and information to visitors of the Ramsey County Government Center East. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Contact Ramsey County Community Human Services—Volunteer Services at 651-266-4090 for additional information or e-mail to volunteerservices@co. ramsey.mn.us.
United Spinal Association to Celebrate 60 Years of Service United Spinal Association, a national veteran’s service and disability rights organization, is proud to announce that May 22, 2006 is its 60th Anniversary. Launched in 1946 by a small group of World War II veterans paralyzed on the battlefields of Europe and the Pacific, this member-based organization has grown into one of the nation’s premier advocates for people with spinal cord injuries and disorders. To celebrate the anniversary, the Association has designated the day as United Spinal Association Awareness Day and has launched an awareness campaign to bring attention to the services that are available for individuals with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), their families and caretakers across the country. Along with special events, member recognition and community outreach programs, United Spinal members, in all 50 states, will wear commemorative orange ribbon pins on May 22 to show their solidarity. The public can also participate in United Spinal Association Awareness Day by visiting www.unitedspinal.org to learn about the history and services of the Association and how they can support people with SCI/D. “As we toast our 60th Anniversary, United Spinal stands at a critical new juncture. We have expanded nationwide and launched a bold new mission offering our services to more people than ever before. Complementing our longstanding commitment to serving America’s paralyzed veterans, we’re now reaching out to everyone with spinal cord injuries or disorders across the country,” said Executive Director Gerard M. Kelly. “We eagerly embrace these new challenges, and we look forward with confidence to our next 60 years.” For more information about United Spinal Awareness Day, please visit www.unitedspinal.org or call 800-404-2898.
Summer Outdoor Opportunities
Christopher Imbrosciano is a junior at Rowan University majoring in theater arts. He has performed in: One Flew Over Birding and Wildflower Programs at Eloise Butler Wildflower the Cuckoo’s Nest, Three Sisters, Anything Goes, and Oliver. Garden Imbrosciano is also a skilled theater technician, specializing in stage management and scenic, properties, and costume conSpring has sprung at the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden & struction. He was born with cerebral palsy. Bird Sanctuary. The woodland wildflowers are in full bloom this month. Trillium, trout lilies, and wild ginger fill the hills “Our summer-long theater festival brings together emerging with color and life. In addition, myriad species of migratory theater talents and accomplished mentors in a vital and supportsongbirds are stopping at the Garden before they journey ive educational atmosphere,” said Roger Rees, Artistic Direcfurther north. It is a spectacular time of year to enjoy what the tor, Williamstown Theatre Festival. “We believe the arts are for garden has to offer. everyone and are very happy to partner with VSA arts to expand our program and build career opportunities for all artists.” Every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, naturalists at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden & Bird Sanctuary offer free inter- The Williamstown Theatre Festival apprentices study acting, pretive programs ranging from bird watching to wildflower voice, and movement, and learn about the many facets of walks. The Garden is located ½ mile north of I-394 on Wirth operating a professional theater. Apprentices also have an Parkway. Please note, the hilly, woodchip paths may prove opportunity to audition for Williamstown Theatre Festival difficult for some people to access. To register for programs, productions. Former students of the program include Christoask Garden related questions, or inquire about plants in bloom, pher Reeve and Gwyneth Paltrow. please call 612-370-4903. For more information contact Maria Rhodes/VSA arts at 202Naturalist Programs at Minneapolis Regional Parks 628-2800 ext. 3883 or marciar@vsarts.org. Lawrence Klein/ Williamstown Theatre Festival. The Regional Parks in the City of Minneapolis offer naturalist led public programs for families and individuals of all ages. Student with Disability Wins Maryland From an Owl Prowl on the West River Road of the Mississippi Entrepreneur Award River to a Spring Wildflower Walk near Lake Harriet, you will find a program designed for all nature lovers. Please call 612- Last spring, my daughter Andrea Freedman became the first 313-7725 for registration details and program schedules. student with a developmental disability to win Central Maryland’s Junior Achievement Award. This wonderful story Neighborhood Naturalist Programs for Youth and Preschoolers began last spring when Andrea’s special education teacher handed her an award application to fill out about her store. The Minneapolis Park and Recreations Board runs a program Writing has always been difficult for Andrea, but she kept called Neighborhood Naturalists for preschoolers and youth in insisting that her dad and I help her fill out the application and the neighborhood recreations centers on a year around basis write this essay. It took days to complete. Programs are offered daily on weekdays and occasional weekends. Each program is offered as a series of four consecutive Well, imagine everyone’s surprise when she won a Jr. Achievelessons on the same day each week, or on four days in a row in ment award!! The award committee said this was the first time the same week. From Nature Babies for preschool kids to In they had given this award out to a student with a developmental Cold Blood for youth ages 6-12, there is a kid’s program at a rec disability and that they were very excited about their decision! center near you. For schedules and registration details, please From a local newspaper announcement: Andrea Freedman, 19 call 612-313-7725. year old owner of Andies Candies Store at Bridal Elegance in Eldersburg www.andiescandies.com/ has won the Junior Zoo Day for Augmentative Communication Devices Users Achievement of Central Maryland’s Youth Entrepreneur of the United Cerebral Palsy is sponsoring Zippity Zoo Day for Year Award! It is a $1,000 prize! $700 for her business and augmentative communication device users on Friday, June 16 $300 for her high school. The Jr. Achievement office said that at Como Zoo in St. Paul from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. there was steep competition this year. Applications and essays Participants can ride the carrousel, participate in the talent came from ten counties in Maryland and two in West Virginia. show and much more. The cost is $20, which includes a picnic lunch and t-shirt. Anyone using a communication device and A documentary video can be found online at the Entrepreneur their family can attend. Register by calling United Cerebral Center Web site: http://studentcenter.ja.org/aspx/ PlanBusiness/VideoRoom.aspx. Eventually, a DVD will be Palsy at 651-646-7588 or ucpmn@cpinternet.com. available that can be copied for training purposes. Andrea says it is OK with her if people want to use it to help others. VSA arts Launches
Theater Apprenticeship Award VSA arts recently announced the recipient of the first VSA arts The above was written by Mona Freedman, RN, Executive Apprenticeship Award for a student with a disability at the Director/Founder of Caring Communities.■ Williamstown Theatre Festival. Christopher Imbrosciano, 21, of South Plainfield, New Jersey, will be attending the renowned festival in Massachusetts, June 14-August 21, 2006. VSA arts has partnered with the Williamstown Theatre Festival to offer an aspiring theater artist with a disability, age 19-24, an apprenticeship. Every summer, the Williamstown Theatre Festival Apprentice Program offers 70 promising students a chance to expand their theater education. One of the goals of VSA arts is to provide artists with disabilities the opportunity to develop skills in pursuit of a career in the arts. “The Williamstown Theatre Festival Apprentice Program provides some of the best hands-on learning experiences. We are thrilled to offer Christopher Imbrosciano this opportunity.” said Soula Antoniou, President of VSA arts.
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Upcoming Events May 13, 2006 Walk for Mental Health Research Raises Money for Minnesota Research The walk is sponsored by numerous mental health organizations, including the Minnesota Psychiatric Society and the University Of Minnesota Department Of Psychiatry. Proceeds from the walk will go to the Minnesota Medical Foundation to support mental health research in Minnesota. Kicking-off the walk at 11:00 a.m. will be a short program highlighting some of the ground-breaking research produced in Minnesota. We will hear from Drs. Stephen Olson, Tonya White and S. Charles Schulz, MD. They will talk about their research and explain why Minnesota is uniquely positioned to lead the way in this field of research. A Mental Health Fair, in conjunction with the walk, will last from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and all are invited. The event is free of charge and the first 300 walkers will receive t-shirts and lunches. Day/Time: Sat., 10:30 a.m. Loc: Lake Nokomis Community Center in Minneapolis. Registration starts at 10:30 a.m. in the picnic area by the community center. Contact Linda Vukelich at 651-4071873 or l.vukelich@comcast. net Disability Viewpoints CTV 15 and Metro Cable Channel 6 June 12, 2006 The Disability Viewpoints topic for the June is employment. The employment services of TSE, Midway Training and other employers will be featured. For information about Disability Viewpoints, contact United Cerebral Palsy at 651-646-7588.
U of M Summer Disability Policy & Services Courses June 12 - 23, 2006 The University of Minnesota’s Department of Educational Policy and Administration, and the Institute on Community Integration have announced that several disability-related courses will be offered this summer. The course, “Disability Policy and Services� (EdPA 5356), will run from June 12 through June 23— weekdays—8 a.m. until noon. This course focuses on policy, research and current practices related to education, health and social services that support children, youth and adults with special needs, and that offer support to their families. The course will examine these issues from federal, state, and local perspectives. In addition, the University will offer two flexible on-line courses: “Supporting Persons with Developmental and Related Disabilities in Community Human Services� (EdHD 3301), and “Personnel Supervision and Management in Community Human Services� (EdHD 4301). Students will complete these two minicourses online using an Internet-based interactive curriculum. These courses can be applied toward a Certificate in Disability Policy and Services. The certificate program is designed to allow graduate and undergraduate students, as well as community professionals, to survey the spectrum of education, health and social services available to individuals with disabilities and their families. It is also designed to examine public and private disability services networks from an interdisciplinary perspective. While the program addresses the needs of people with all types of disabilities, it emphasizes developmental disabilities across the lifespan. For more information, please contact Marijo McBride at 612-624-6830 or mcbri001@ umn.edu
You and Your Personal Care Assistant Workshop June 17, 2006 Kim Nuxoll-Nerenberger, RN and Stephanie Schmit, MA will offer a workshop for consumers and their personal care assistants (PCA). Kim NuxollNerenberger will discuss the importance of communication and the challenges that may arise between the consumer and the PCA. Stephanie Schmit, MA will discuss approaches to recruiting, interviewing, setting boundaries and conducting reviews when hiring a PCA. The workshop will be held Saturday, June 17 - 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 1821 University Avenue West, Saint Paul. Admission: $15 per person; $20 per couple. Co-sponsors: People Enhancing People (PEP), United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) and Wilderness Inquiry. To pre-register, call UCP 651-646-7588 or visit ucpmn@cpinternet. com 16th ADA Anniversary Celebration July 26, 2006 The 16th ADA Anniversary Celebration will be held Wednesday, July 26, 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. at the Radisson University Hotel on Washington Avenue, Minneapolis. The free event will feature national as well as local entertainers and speakers. For more information, visit www.adaminne sota.org or contact Cindy at cindyt@mcil-mn.org Metropolitan Council Transit Public Hearings May 30 - June 13, 2006 The Metropolitan Council will hold five public meetings and a public hearing to receive comments on the proposed Northwest Metro Transit Study Concept Plan.
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The goal of the proposed plan is to improve transit service reliability, speed and convenience. Proposed changes include faster service to major destinations, simplified routings, easier suburb-to-suburb travel and improved timed connections between routes in North Minneapolis, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Crystal, New Hope, Maple Grove, Plymouth, Osseo, Golden Valley, and Robbinsdale. Routes affected include: 5, 7, 14, 19, 22, 29, 32, 715, 716, 717, 721, 722, 723, 724, 755, 756, 758, 760, 761, 762, 763, 764, 766 and 801.The proposed plan impacts the Metro Transit service and transit services provided by other operators, but does not include Maple Grove Transit and Plymouth Metrolink express routes. Written comments for the public record will be collected at all five public meetings. Public testimony and written comments will be collected at the public hearing. Written comments can be e-mailed to nw.study@metc.state.mn.us; submitted on-line at www. metrotransit.org; mailed to Metropolitan Council Data Center, 230 East 5th Street, St. Paul, MN 55101 or faxed to 651-602-1464. Comment cards are available on Metro Transit and Metropolitan Council-contracted buses, Metro Transit stores or from the Metropolitan Council Data Center. All comments must be received by Friday, June 23 at 5:00 p.m. Maps of proposed changes to specific routes may be obtained after May 15th at the following Metro Transit stores: 719 Marquette Avenue in downtown Minneapolis; 101
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East 5th Street, U.S. Bank Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;skyway level in downtown in St. Paul; or Mall of America in Bloomingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; lower level transit station on the east side of the mall. For more information on the public meetings or to obtain a draft copy of the proposed Northwest Metro Transit Study Concept Plan, visit the Metropolitan Council website at www.metrotransit.org or call 651-602-1140. Detailed information about the draft proposal may also be obtained at any of the five public meetings.
Chambers, 560-6th Avenue North, Minneapolis Date/ Time: Tuesday, June 13, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. All interested persons are encouraged to attend the public hearings and may register in advance to speak at the June 13 public hearing by calling the Metropolitan Council Data Center at 651-602-1140 (TTY 651-291-0904). Upon request, the Council will provide reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities or special needs. The Council must receive such requests at 651-602-1140 (TTY 651-2910904) five business days before the hearing.
Public Meetings schedule: Location: Brooklyn Center Community Center, 6301 2006 World Congress and Shingle Creek Parkway, Exposition on Disabilities Brooklyn Center Date/Time: November 17 - 19, 2006 Tuesday, May 30, 6:00 p.m.- The World Congress and Ex8:00 p.m. position on Disabilities (WCD), a precedent-setting Location: Minneapolis City international conference and Hall, Room 220 - 350 South trade show, will celebrate its 5th Street, Minneapolis Date/ seventh year at the PennsylvaTime: Wednesday, May 31, nia Convention Center in 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Philadelphia, PAâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;November 17-19, 2006. The WCD is inLocation: Crystal City Hall - tended to educate, inform and Basement Community Room provide a useful exchange of - 4141 Douglas Drive North, ideas for people with disabiliCrystal Date/Time: Thursday, ties and special healthcare June 1, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. needs as well as for individuals involved in their care and Location: Minneapolis Urban development. Opinion leaders League, 2100 Plymouth Av- in medicine, education, reenue North, Minneapolis search, technology and prodDate/Time: Tuesday, June 6, uct development will gather 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. with caregivers and families for an intensive learning expeLocation: Zanewood Com- rience focused on the needs of munity Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; Classroom A/ all people with disabilities. Bâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;7100 Zane Avenue North, Over 200 exhibitors will also Brooklyn Park Date/Time: be present to display their prodWednesday, June 7, 6:00 p.m.- ucts and services. For more 8:00 p.m. information, please visit the WCD Web site at www.wcd Public Hearing Schedule: expo.com or call 201-226Location: Metro Transit 1446. â&#x2013; Heywood Office Building,
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May 10, 2006
Home Access Answers
PCA HURDLES - Cont. from p. 1
Accessible Parks ProvideSpringTimeFun by Jane Hampton, CID, Access Specialist Dear Jane, Now that spring has arrived, my family is anxious to go and search out new parks. Since one of our children has a disability, we are looking for parks that have accessible play areas. Any suggestions? Natalie, Chanhassen, MN Dear Natalie, Spring has definitely sprung, and after a long winter we all want to take advantage of any opportunity to be outside. Before I answer your question, here’s a little background on society’s progress toward making parks accessible. In the last six years, we have seen a big increase in the number of accessible parks as cities and counties have made attempts to be inclusive in the programs they offer. The most significant reason for the development of accessible parks was implementation of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act. However, prior to 2000, there was not a lot of guidance for the development of accessible parks. Designers, landscape architects and play equipment manufacturers attempted to make some accommodations, but in general, access features were limited: a hard-surface path leading to the boundaries of a play area (often blocked by a retaining wall) , an accessible swing, an accessible surface leading to the accessible swing and the bottom of a slide. Occasionally there were hard-surface paths leading to a hard court, picnic table or fishing pier, but additional features were not provided due to lack of knowledge of accessibility issues.
ment of Justice published a set of guidelines identifying features necessary for accessible outdoor recreation areas, including playgrounds, fishing piers, boat launches, swimming pools, golf courses, sporting facilities exercise areas, etc. The guidelines take into consideration not only individuals who use wheelchairs but also folks with other types of issues. For instance, the guidelines recognize that there are individuals who may use a mobility device for negotiating long distances, who also have an ability to walk short distances, crawl, climb and move throughout a play structure “free” of their mobility aid.
amenities provide accessible features. Often times if you contact the Park and Recreation department within an organization they can provide you with information regarding park amenities.
Unfortunately, the Department of Justice has not yet set a date when these guidelines will be adopted and enforceable. The process to adopt final guidelines is very slow, requiring a public notice and comment period after guidelines have been developed. Once comments are received, they are reviewed and, where determined appropriate, revised. This process has been going on since the late 1990s.
It is our hope that as new play areas are created, and old equipment replaced, a higher level of accessibility will be seen at all parks and recreation areas.
The good news is that in anticipation of finalization of these guidelines, many cities, counties, school districts and play equipment manufacturers have already begun implementing the recommended guidelines when installing new amenities.
Now to your question. Unfortunately at the present time there is no comprehensive list of accessible park locations in the state of Minnesota. Some communities have handouts or information on their web-site In 2000 and 2002, the Depart- indicating which parks and
In addition, a couple of organizations who have provided high levels of accessibility include: • Three Rivers Park District (formally Hennepin Parks) www.threeriversparkdist rict.org/parks/access ibility.cfm, • Access Outdoors / Wilderness Inquiry www.accessout doors.org or www.wilder nessinquiry.org
Have fun playing! (Wear your sunscreen!) ■ Do you have a question for Jane and Accessibility Design? We’ll cover all of your questions in future issues of Home Access Answers. Please contact us: 952-925-0301 www.accessibilitydesign.com or info@accessibilitydesign. com Jane Hampton, president of Accessibility Design, founded the company in 1992 to enhance lives through design and project management. They provide design, consultation, project management and product recommendation services specializing in home access for individuals with disabilities at all stages of life.
a minimum of 21 days to receive if the enrollment packet is submitted with no errors. The risk of providing immediately needed care with no assurance of later reimbursement has many agencies worried. Brenda Hicks, the PCA program assistant manager with the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living said simply, “We won’t be able to provide services to people if we’re not getting reimbursed.” Many PCPOs can ill afford yet another bump in internal costs. They already face staggering administrative costs to ensure that they, their PCAs, and the consumers they serve stay in compliance with frequently updated state and federal regulations. Any delay in their cash flow from reimbursement could spell disaster for PCPOs. Kevin Sullivan of In Home Personal Care recognizes the benefits of the process, saying “These changes are intended to make the PCA program safer and more efficient. In the end they will prevent some of the fraud we see happening in the PCA program.” However, he also sees the dangers of added administrative hurdles to an already overworked staff. “Our profit margin is so slim that we are barely keeping our heads above water right now.” Beyond PCPOs staying solvent, these higher administrative costs may also have a direct effect on hiring and retaining reliable, quality PCAs. Successfully employing an extremely diverse PCA population requires PCPOs to meet a diverse set of challenges. In order to appeal to potential employees, some agencies provide incentives like scholarships and tuition reimbursement. Very few can afford to offer perks like health benefits or child care. Should small agencies fall short in meeting the needs of their employees, their turnover rates—already high—will likely go up. Higher turnover rates would mean more new PCAs to submit pa-
Minnesota State Capitol building perwork for, and the cycle of need to live a full, rich, inderising administrative costs and pendent life. In turn, everyone time delays continues. has a responsibility to find creative solutions to problems Perhaps most important is a within the current PCA proPCPO’s commitment to pro- gram. DHS is charged with viding a high quality of care— providing for the safety and when it is needed—to a popu- well-being of people who delation with an extremely di- pend on PCAs to help them verse set of needs and live full, active, independent lifestyles. Failing to provide lives. “The former system of timely care to an individual approving PCAs needed to be with a disability can be ex- addressed.” Jeff Bangsberg tremely dangerous, if not ille- said, “In bringing forth these gal. For some consumers, a changes last year, DHS clearly PCA does little more than pro- did not think through all of vide light housekeeping and companionship. For others, “The risk of providing any risk in interruption of ser- immediately needed care vices means they may not be with no assurance of able to retain their independent lifestyle. At the very least later reimbursement has this interruption causes a large many agencies worried.” amount of stress for that person, their family, and the com- the unintended consequences munity. this system has caused to PCAs, PCPOs and those who Assisting people with disabili- use the program to live indeties to live independently in pendently in the community. the community rather than They would have a better plan placing them in institutions with more buy-in from the such as nursing homes is a PCPOs, PCAs and clients usrelatively new philosophy. ing this service if they had inRecent experience has shown cluded them in the developthat pegging consumers and ment of a new registration sysPCAs into a traditional tem.” Working out the details healthcare-based models is of this latest change will take ineffective. Everyone benefits patience, communication and from each member of society mutual respect for the needs of having access to the tools they all parties involved. ■ AT
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May 10, 2006
9
Living Independently
Disability Day—Staying Be Creative Using Transportation Services Active At The Capitol by Lisa Schmidtke
I
recently served on a Se- doctor? It means we need to rigid driving test, she was back nior Issues Task Force for get creative. In 2003, Metro on the road (and much safer). the city of Eden Prairie Transit buses became wheel- Accessible vans help people whose purpose was to provide chair accessible. In Eden Prai- with disabilities continue to the City council with an up- rie a Shopping Bus provides drive safely and provide their date of a 1996 report that iden- transportation on Tuesdays assistants an easier way to tified the impact of changing from senior residences to ma- make transfers. To try one out, demographics of the senior jor shopping areas and a Se- Wheelchair Getaways will rent population. We highlighted nior Center Van is part of them by the hour. Mobility two major issues confronting many cities’ transportation Sales also rents, sells new and the city at this time and one of program to bring seniors to used wheelchair/handicap acthem was transportacessible vans. Compation. This shouldn’t nies such as Complete come as a big surprise. Mobility and CumA 2001 legislative remings Mobility Conport projected that version and Supply from 1990 to 2010, the Complete Mobility: will customize your number of disabled www.CompleteMobility.com;651-635-0655 vehicle for wheelTwin Cities area resi- Cummings Mobility & Conversions chair accessibility or dents would rise any- Supply: www.cummingsmobility.com; install removable where from 31 percent 1-800-NEWLIFT equipment to your car to 48 percent. The re- ElderCircle: www.eldercircle.org/ to fit your mobility port recommended elder_circle_services.htm; 800-327-1617 needs without losing adding 7%-20% more Home Instead Senior Care: the car’s resale value. Metro Mobility vans www.homeinstead.com; 888-484-5759 Research your opby 2010, which hasn’t Metro Mobility: www.metrocouncil.org/ tions, analyze your happened yet. At the transportation/paratransit/intro.htm; transportation needs same time, the Metro- 651-602-1111 and most importantly, politan Council, which Mobility Sales: www.mobilitysales.com; be safe. ■ runs the Metro Mobil- 866-803-2200 ity service, has slashed Professional Assistants Inc: Lisa Schmidtke is the number of certified www.professionalassistantsinc.com; the President and Founder of Houseriders by adding 402-934-5852 calls Network. Their stricter qualifications. Provenience Senior Concierge Services: It was also forced to www.proveniencecare.com; 651-341-6763 website, www.house calls-network.com, raise fares 17% last Rollx Vans: www.rollxvans.com; contains a directory summer as part of an 1-800-956-6668 of resources that can effort to cover a $60 Senior Community Services: million deficit for all www.seniorcommunity.org; 952-541-1019 help the growing population of seniors, Twin Cities mass tran- Share Shuttle: 952-931-1380 disabled people and sit. (Pioneer Press, Wheelchair Getaways: www.wheelchairtheir caregivers live Feb. 2006) getaways.com; 1-800-642-2042 independently. On a national scale, two emerg- Senior Center sponsored ac- Housecalls Network also sells ing programs are seeking to tivities. Care facility vans, aids for daily lving and adapaddress transportation issues available to residents only, are tive clothing. Lisa can be in new ways. Kathy Freud increasingly common. Jewish reached by e-mail at founded the Independent Family and Children’s Service lisa@housecalls-network. Transportation Network will take seniors to medical com or by phone at 952-221(ITN) which is funded by and other appointments. PROP 0722. Housecalls Network AARP, National Academy of (People Reaching Out to Other does not endorse any particuScience, Federal Transit Ad- People) provides free taxi lar provider. They assume no ministration and private phi- transportation to get seniors to responsibility for transactions lanthropies interested in so- medical appointments if they between the readers of this cial entrepreneurship. Her non- lack other transportation. article and listed organizaprofit membership organiza- DARTS (Dakota Area Re- tions. sources and Transportation for “Research your options, Seniors) provides analyze your transpor- door-through-door rides throughout Datation needs and most kota County for seniors importantly, be safe.” and ADA-certified riders. Have these retion offers a unique, reason- sources’ phone numably-priced transportation bers handy and when model in six states, hopefully you need a ride, just coming soon to the Twin Cit- start calling. ies. Another effort, the DriveWell Program, was de- I remember riding one veloped by the National High- day with my mother, way Transportation and Safety who has Multiple Administration (NHTSA) and Sclerosis, and watchthe American Society on Ag- ing her literally pick ing (ASA) to educate the pub- up her leg and put it on lic about the changes that can the brake. I thought to affect the ability to drive as we myself, “This is the end age. of her driving days.” But, with the help of a What does all of this mean to a doctor’s prescription, mobility challenged person a van equipped with who just needs to get to the hand controls and a
Resource Contact Information
by Mike Gude, The Arc of MN
A
pril 5th was a beautiful •Rick Cardenas, spring day, and one Co-Director of could understand any- A d v o c a t i n g one, including disability advo- Change Tocates, deciding to take a break gether, exand enjoy the sunshine. How- horted us to ever, we know that with the support HF State Legislature in session, we 3476/SF 3182, need to keep an eye on activi- which would ties at the Capitol and con- fund self-advotinue to remind legislators cacy training about the importance of sup- efforts across ports for persons with disabili- Minnesota. ties and their families. About •Mark Olson and Richard rector, highlighted our suc175 advocates, representing Grimm of Arc Greater Twin cesses from the 2005 Legisseveral disability organiza- Cities and Joshua Schenck lative Session and the need to tions, gathered to do just that Winters of the Minnesota build on those in 2006 and at Disability Day at the Capi- Council on Non-Profits 2007, with an emphasis on tol at the Kelly Inn in St. Paul. stressed the importance of making human services and The event’s cosponsors were voting and getting involved supports more consumer-diThe Arc of Minnesota, Advo- in non-partisan efforts to rected. cating Change Together, Brain educate and register voters Injury Association of Minne- this year. The afternoon was devoted to sota, PACER Center, People •Jeff Nachbar gave an over- visiting legislators. Besides First of Minnesota, and United view of issues of particular educating their state legislaCerebral Palsy of Minnesota. concern to those with brain tors with fact sheets and talkinjuries. ing points, participants gave Even though this wasn’t a bud- •Bob Brick, Public Policy Di- them plastic scissors that said, get year for the state legisla- rector for PACER, talked “Don’t Cut My Lifeline! Protors, there was plenty for ad- about threats to special edu- tect Medical Assistance!” vocates, parents, and self-ad- cation. vocates to discuss. •Cindy Johnson, parent and This was supposed to be a •Gene Martinez, Senior Policy active member on the public relatively quiet year for disAdvocate of Arc Greater policy teams at The Arc of ability advocates. Yet with Twin Cities, and Jeff Minnesota and The Arc of self-advocacy funding, special Nachbar, Public Policy Di- the U.S., surveyed the legis- education, and managed care rector at the Brain Injury As- lative landscape in Congress. (among other issues) on the sociation, got participants She urged us to continue ex- legislators’ plate, Disability started with specific, concrete pressing our opposition to Day at the Capitol reinforced tips on being effective public federal budget proposals that the need to be involved and policy advocates. would cut essential supports. educated on policy issues ev•Joel Ulland, Co-Chair of the •Steve Larson, The Arc of ery year – beautiful weather or Minnesota Consortium for Minnesota’s Executive Di- not. ■ Citizens with Disabilities, gave an overview of the 2006 Computerized Desktop publishing: Legislative Session. Advertiments •Anne Henry, Minnesota DisBrochures ability Law Center public Catalogs policy advocate, discussed efFlyers forts by their agency, The Arc Logos of Minnesota, and others, to Newsletters put a brake on efforts to exNewspapers pand managed care for perand more! sons with disabilities and enEllen Houghton • 952-404-9981 sure stakeholder involvement presentationimages@mn.rr.com in any potential expansion.
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May 10, 2006
Mayo Symposium To Address Health Care Reform by Herb Drill
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hat ails the medical system which most Americans, especially those of us who are disabled, rely upon? According to two executives at the Mayo Clinic, the main problem with the U.S. health care system is that it isn’t a system. In an essay entitled “America’s Ailing Health Care System” in the April issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings and reported by Newswise, Mayo’s chief executive officer, Dr. Denis Cortese, and its chief administrative officer, Robert Smoldt diagnose problems in U.S. healthcare and prescribe major reform based on the new concept of the “Learning Organization.” To promote dialog about the reforms they outline, the two executives are hosting a May symposium at the Mayo Clinic. The Diagnosis
professionals and organizations currently provide healthcare, “no vision has ever been articulated for these disparate parts to function together and learn from each other.” Dr. Cortese compares the problem in today’s health care system to a disease of the human body. “As healthcare professionals, we marvel at the complexity of the human body, extraordinary when its systems perform in concert, devastating when disease or disorder invades. One malfunction within the body, not making insulin for example, may lead to serious problems such as blindness, peripheral nerve damage and heart disease. Our job is to bring the entire human body back into balance so the patient can lead a full productive life. A similar holistic approach should be used to examine the way we provide healthcare in the United States. Like a person suffering from a debilitating disease, healthcare in the United States is ailing. There are many signs that it is in serious trouble.”
Cortese and Smoldt claim a “confluence of issues” needs immediate attention and action. “Something [must] be done to fix—not patch—the system. In reality there is no healthcare system [in the U.S. Smoldt says current financial today].” Although a myriad of incentives are seriously mis-
Two companies. Two corporate cultures.
directed. “Medicare’s payment model creates a built-in financial incentive for medical centers to provide more services, even though recent studies involving patients with chronic diseases show no evidence that doing more improves either medical outcomes or patient satisfaction. Reducing payment rates for office visits has led to shorter, more frequent and less effective appointments. Because their financial responsibility for patients ends when Medicare coverage begins, insurance companies don’t have financial incentives to best help patients over a lifetime - especially if the costly complications are unlikely to show up until [after] age 65.”
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to 20% of U.S. physicians’ offices and 20% to 25% of hospitals are using electronic medical records.
Mayo’s executives believe health care organizations need • Physicians need training in Cortese sites a recent example to be transformed into such engineering principles and of this shift toward making learning organizations in orpartnerships with engineers information widely accessible. der to ensure quality care in to improve the processes of During the past 10 years, “Kaithe future. “Health care as it care. One familiar example ser Permanente, which proexists in the United States isn’t of such a partnership is uni- vides healthcare coverage and sustainable,” says Dr. Cortese. fied medical records, which medical care to more than 8.3 “Health insurance premiums long ago replaced the prac- million members throughout consistently increase faster tice of each Mayo physician the U.S., has invested $3.2 bilthan inflation or worker earnkeeping separate notes. lion in a comprehensive elecings, 46 million Americans About eight years ago, Mayo tronic health information lack insurance, and the perbegan working with IBM to [product]. The overriding goal centage of employers offering develop an electronic medi- is to improve the quality of health coverage dropped from cal record to collect, store, care. Once fully-implemented, 69% to 60% in the last five and retrieve data; distribute patient medical information years. Nearly half of physician and analyze information; and clinical decision support care isn’t based on best pracand generate knowledge. will be available all the time, tices, and each year 98,000 more than one clinician will be Americans die from a medical • All helpful information able to use a single patient’s The Prescription error. Five years from now, about an individual’s information simultaneously, when the first baby-boomers healthcare should be avail- and patients can more easily The core concept for the re- qualify for Medicare, we will able to physician and pa- participate in their own care. form proposal comes from be on the cusp of a crisis if tient, anywhere in the world, We must become team memPeter Senge’s book, The Fifth changes aren’t made.” within seconds of pushing a bers. The team approach fosDiscipline. In it Senge decomputer key. Examples of ters an ongoing analysis of the scribes learning organiza- The authors say a new view of such information include outcomes and processes of tions—places “where people American healthcare begins medical and family histo- care, a key step in any systemcontinually expand their ca- with a common vision of seeries, medication lists that atic approach to improving pacity to create the results ing health care providers as automatically check for po- quality care.” they truly desire, where new patient-centered learning ortentially dangerous drug inand expansive patterns of ganizations that provide the teractions, test results and Getting There thinking are nurtured, where best care at the right price, the radiology images, best praccollective aspiration is set free, first time. Key elements of such tices with links to the latest The authors suggest the learna learning organization for medical literature and dis- ing organization vision for healthcare would include: ease management strategies health care could be best for the patient’s condition, achieved through a “con• Health care professionals in the individual’s unique ge- sumer-driven, market-based a learning organization netic profile to individual- model that delivers universal should expand their knowlize treatment, and clinical coverage to all Americans, a edge through perpetual edutrials for which the patient model similar to the Federal cation, pass on knowledge may be eligible. Unfortu- Employee Health Benefits through teaching or nately, at present only 15% Plan (FEHBP) or the Universal Health Voucher Plan. Relying on market principles can help us achieve our vision for NDEPENDENCE healthcare.” Within this ODIFICATIONS INC model, providers, patients, insurers and government must KEEPING YOUR HOME YOUR HOME all modify their roles. A marServices for the Elderly and Disabled ket-based insurance model • Bathrooms BRENT KELSEY similar to the FEHBP, which • Kitchens 651-755-4459 functions well for government • Doorways 24819 Lever Street NE employees, would ensure fair, • Ramps Isanti, Minnesota 55040 universal access to private insurance, with the government • Hand Rails providing financial assistance to those who need help purchasing insurance, they write.
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mentoring, and add to the body of knowledge through basic, clinical or health sciences research.
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“FEHBP … is affordable, offers choice, covers drugs, has no state mandates and allows people the right to purchase more options. Employers would not be required to provide health insurance, but, in the interest of their business or employees, could choose to contribute to the cost. Employees could use the employer payments to cover all or part of the cost for any insurance plan on the national menu. The federal government could coordinate these insurance offerings through an organization like the Office of Personnel Management, which currently runs the FEHBP at a relatively low administrative cost.” Symposium - cont. on p. 13
May 10, 2006
Health Challenges Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Stop â&#x20AC;&#x153;Outstanding Studentâ&#x20AC;?
M
ost Minnesotans canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to luxuriate in the upcoming summer weather. Not Jennifer Nurnberg! Hot days, especially teamed with ungodly humidity, often complicate an already complicated life. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 90 percent humidity,â&#x20AC;? said Nurnberg, â&#x20AC;&#x153;then my legs arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t working right.â&#x20AC;? Nurnberg, 33, has multiple sclerosis. When humidity soars, and when sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extremely fatigued at the end of the day, her legs feel heavy, almost like sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pulling along another person. At least for now, the Saint Paul resident considers the illness a speed bump on her highway to success. Nurnberg has already accomplished a lot. She graduated this month from Metropolitan State University with a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in Early Childhood Studies and was selected outstanding student in the College of Professional Studies. In an heroic display of multi-tasking, she attended school full-time, served as president of the Psychology Club, worked fulltime, had another part-time job, and reared two children as a single mother, all while negotiating an ailment that may eventually rob her of her ability to walk and live independently.
Metro State, where Jennifer Nurmberg recently graduated. Also expected at the ceremony were her entire family, including a brother and sister-in-law flying in from Connecticut, and her two sons, a first and fourth grader. When her youngsters discovered she was selected outstanding student, they whooped. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Look at how cool mom is.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; So I guess Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m now â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;coolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to them,â&#x20AC;? she laughed.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the funny thing about my MS. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m finding the busier I am, the more productive I get. My legs wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work if I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t use them.â&#x20AC;?
Jennifer is currently a teaching assistant at Highland Park Junior High School, where she works with eighth grade students who have emotional and behavioral disorders. Her own disability, she believes, acNurnberg is intent on setting a cords her special insight into good example for her children their challenges. about the importance of education. So far, it seems theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve She graduated with an associreceived the message. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I con- ate of applied science from templated not going to college Saint Paul College in 2003. because of having to be away That graduation was also a from my family at times,â&#x20AC;? said source of celebration for her Nurnberg. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But I can see the children. value of my education when I come home. The kids are do- â&#x20AC;&#x153;We videotaped that graduaing their homework. Their tion and the best thing about it teachers tell me they love to was hearing my sons yelling learn and ask questions and and screaming as I walked want to know â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;why.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Serving across the stage when my name â&#x20AC;&#x153;I hope this doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sound con- as that educational role model, was called. It was the most ceited,â&#x20AC;? she said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m she said, is the biggest gift she beautiful thing in the whole very proud of what I accom- could give them. entire world.â&#x20AC;? plished with all the things I have to deal with.â&#x20AC;? Nurnbergâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success makes the While attending Metropolitan daily challenges she confronts State, Nurnberg has served as To peer into her future, Jenni- with MS more tolerable. She president and vice president fer need only observe her 59- has learned to prioritize her of the student Psychology year-old mother, who also has day and pace herself to save Club. The self-described â&#x20AC;&#x153;outMS and is wheelchair bound. energy, even thinking ahead going, determined and foStill, her mother was expected about when she will perform cusedâ&#x20AC;? Nurnberg was recently to cheer her daughter on dur- mundane activities like doing inducted into Psi Chi, a naing the universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s com- laundry. Paradoxically, she has tional honor society for psymencement ceremony last discovered that the busier she chology students also engaged weekend. is, the more energy she has. Student - cont. on p. 13
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rather than â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;skilledâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by commercial insurers, include bathing and dressing assistance for those whose disability makes independent performance of these tasks impossible. Other examples of services not paid for by private market insurance but covered by Medicaid through the waiver programs include: independent living skills, adult day services, and case management. On the federal level, cost pressures have put the Medicaid program under the microscope. Both Congress and the Bush administration have called the increasing federal outlays for the Medicaid program unsustainable. Cuts narrowly passed as part of the Deficit Reduction Act will mean that Minnesota will lose $85 million in targeted case management funds that flow to county human services agencies. Perhaps of more concern is the flexibility Congress has given to the states to alter their Medicaid benefit sets while charging enrollees more for monthly premiums and co-payments. Actions at the state level are seriously questioning whether the status quo is affordable. Proposals advancing at the State Capitol would allow the Department of Human Services (DHS) to look at developing alternative benefit sets for different populations. Seniors, for example, could have a very different service menu than people with disabilities. Within DHS, difficult questions are already being asked about the current program entitlements. In a difficult fiscal environment with public health care programs comprising the fastest growing part of the budget, advocates must be prepared for this discussion.
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vate insurance worlds to the benefit of people with disabilities. The state Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities, or MA-EPD program, allows people with disabilities to enter the workforce and retain access to their Medicaid benefits. Approximately 6,000 are enrolled in MA-EPD. If an employer offers health insurance coverage, the private insurance pays first, and Medicaid serves as a secondary policy to cover what the private plan will not pay for. Without the critical â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;gapâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; coverage that Medicaid provides (such as non-skilled home care services), many of these individuals could not afford to workâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;paying for these uncovered services outof-pocket is simply cost prohibitive.
prehensiveâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;benefit packages, and private market reforms such as S.1955 come closer to passage, what effect do these changes have on people with disabilities? Leaving public assistance programs such as Medicaid and SSI or SSDI to take a job that requires a switch to private health insurance is a risk that today many individuals with disabilities are unwilling to make. Congressional and state ac-
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Without the critical â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;gapâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; coverage that Medicaid provides, many of these individuals could not afford to workâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;paying for these uncovered services out-of-pocket is simply cost prohibitive.â&#x20AC;?
In other cases, private insurance plans have ratcheted down how much they will pay for expensive â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ancillaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; benefits, such as durable medical equipment (DME). DME coverage, which many plans covered at 100 percent just a decade ago, now typically is covered at 70-80 percent. In the case of a wheelchair or hoyer lift, these expenses can quickly become onerous. Currently, about 17 percent of MA-EPD enrollees have commercial or private insurance through an employer. This figure has remained stable over the last several fiscal years.
tions that create even leaner insurance benefits may be more affordable, but are also less attractive to people with complex medical needs and chronic conditions. In the long run, additional disincentives for people with disabilities to enter the workforce only shifts insurance costs from the private sector and onto public programs, which today cover the most expensive and hard to serve populations. And in an environment of fiscal austerity, legislators will continue to examine how to slow the growth in Medicaid spending by looking at how dollars flow toward people with disabiliThe Impact on ties, for whom Medicaid is People with Disabilities essential for maintaining health, independent living, and So as employers seek to offer quality of life outcomes. â&#x2013; less expensive â&#x20AC;&#x201D;and less com-
At least one state program seeks to maximize the unique strengths of the public and pri-
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May 10, 2006
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. Acclimate April 1 - June 25, 2006 Commonweal Theatre, 206 Parkway Ave. N., Lanesboro; ASL: Sunday, June 4, 2:00 pm; Tix: Reduced to $10, 507467-2525, 800-657-7025 or tickets@commonwealtheatre. org; www.commonwealthea tre.org Cinder Edna April 21 - May 21, 2006 Stages Theatre Co. at Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins; ASL: Sun., May 7, 2:00 pm and Wed., May 10, 10:00 am; Tix: $14 adults, $11 ages 2-17 and seniors; 952-979-1111; www. stagestheatre.org
Pippi Longstocking April 25 - June 18, 2006 Children’s Theatre Co., 2400 - 3rd Ave. S., Mpls. AD and ASL: Wed., May 31, 10:30 am; Fri., June 2, 7:30 pm; Tix: Reduced; 612-874-0400; www.childrenstheatre.org Wonderful Town April 28 - May 21, 2006 Bloomington Civic Theatre at Bloomington Center for the Arts, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd; ASL: Fri., May 12, 7:30 pm; AD: Sat., May 13, 2:00 pm; Tix: Reduced to $17; 952563-8575; www.bloomington civictheatre.org
The Twilight of the Golds April 29 - May 21, 2006 Minnesota Jewish Theatre Co. at Hillcrest Center Theater, 1978 Ford Parkway, St. Paul; AD: Sun., May 14, 2:00 pm; Tix: Reduced to $13 (reg. $20), 651-647-4315; www.mnjew ishtheatre.org Oliver May 4 - 14, 2006 Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre, 333 Fourth St. S., Fargo; AD: Sat., May 6, 7:00 pm; Tix: Reduced to $7.50 adults, $6 senior, $4.50 student, $3 ages 3-12; 701-2356778 or 877-687-7469; www. fmct.org
Coyote on a Fence April 28 - May 21, 2006 Paul Bunyan and Other The Music Man Theatre in the Round Players, Minne-Tales April 21 - May 21, 2006 245 Cedar Ave., Mpls.; AD: May 5 - 21, 2006 Lakeshore Players, 4820 Sun., May 21, 2:00 pm; Tix: Youth Performance Co. at Stewart Ave., White Bear $20; 612-333-3010; www. Howard Conn Fine Arts CenLake; ASL: Sun., May 21, 2:00 theatreintheround.org ter, 1900 Nicollet Ave., Mpls.; pm; Tix: Reduced to $12 AD and ASL: Sun., May 21, Farm Boys adults, $10 student/senior; 2:00 pm; Tix: half-price; reg. April 29 - May 27, 2006 651-429-5674; www.lake $12 students or $10 seniors; shoreplayers.com Great American History The- 612-623-9080; www.youth atre, 30 E. 10th St., St. Paul; performanceco.com AD: Sun., May 7, 2:00 pm; ASL: Sun., May 21, 2:00 pm; Tix: $15; 651-292-4323; www.historytheatre.com
The Legend of Lento the Coyote May 5 - 25, 2006 SteppingStone Theatre for Youth Development at Landmark Center, 75 W. 5th St., St. Paul; AD: Tuesday, May 16, 11:00 am; ASL: Sun., May 21, 2:00 pm; Tix: $9; 651225-9265; www.stepping stonetheatre.org Little Shop of Horrors May 11 - 20, 2006 Theatrix Community Theater at the Hobart Stage, 100 W. 46th St., Mpls.; AD and ASL: Thurs., May 18, 7:00 pm; Sensory tour: 5:30 pm; Tix: $10, children 16 & under $5; ASL/ AD half-price; 952-471-9800 or tickets@theatrix.org; www.theatrix.org A Princess of Mars May 11 - June 4, 2006 Hardcover Theater at the Playwrights’ Center, 2301 E. Franklin Ave., Mpls.; ASL: Friday, June 2, 8:00 pm; AD: Sunday, June 4, 2:00 pm; tactile tour at 1:00 pm; Tix: Reduced to $8; 612-581-2229; www.hardcovertheater.org
Red Noses May 12 - 14 and 19 - 21, 2006 Ten Thousand Things Theater at Open Book, 1011 Washington Ave. S., Mpls.; AD: Sat., May 13, 8:00 pm; May 19-21 performances scheduled at MN Opera Center, 620 N. First St., Mpls.; Tix: Reduced to $13 (reg. $20), 612-203-9502; www.tenthousandthings.org
A Midsummer Night’s Dream May 18 - June 4, 2006 Theater Mu (Mu Performing Arts) at Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Ave. S., Mpls.; AD and ASL: Sat., May 20, 8:00 pm; Tix: Reduced to $13 (reg. $20, $2 off for students/seniors), 612-340-1725; www.muperformingarts.org or www.southerntheater.org
Joseph Merrick, the Elephant Man May 13, 16, 18, 20, 21, 2006 Minnesota Opera Co. at the Ordway Center for Performing Arts, 345 Washington St., St. Paul; AD: Sun., May 21, 2:00 pm; Pre-opera discussion at 1:00 pm; Tix: half-price for AD patrons (discount code “R”); 612-333-6669; www.mn opera.org
House at Pooh Corner May 25 - June 25, 2006 Lyric Arts Company of Anoka at Main Street Stage, 420 E. Main St., Anoka; ASL: Fri., June 2, 7:30 pm; Tix: $12 adults, $10 student/senior, 763-422-1838; www.lyricarts. org Candida May 27 - August 27, 2006 Commonweal Theatre, 206 Parkway Ave. N., Lanesboro; ASL: Sun., July 23, 2:00 pm; Tix: Reduced to $10, 507-4672525, 800-657-7025 or tick ets@commonwealtheatre.org; www.commonwealtheatre.org
The Transposed Heads May 18 - 21, 2006 Ragamala Music and Dance Theater at Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 S. 4th St., Mpls; ASL: May 18-21, 8:00 pm; Tix: Reduced to $10-15 (reg. $15-23); 612-338-6131; www. Perform - cont. on p. 14 ragamala.net
May 10, 2006
MS. MENTOR - Cont. from p. 3 INFORMATION Are there exceptions, people Lennard J. Davis: “We live in who’ve always been “out?” a world of norms.” Being “nor- SYMBOL - Cont. from p. 2 James M. Lang, for one, did mal” or ordinary should never not consult Ms. Mentor when he wrote his first book about his own disability (Learning Sickness: A Year With Crohn’s Disease). After his second book, Life on the Tenure Track: Lessons From the First Year, also appeared, he won tenure at Assumption College, where he’ll be able to share his insights for the rest of his teaching life. Ms. Mentor lauds Assumption College and James Lang, and urges hiring committees not to look for oddities in candidates — such as twitches, limps, or eyestrain — and to be wary of the mind-set described by
be a goal of education.
info is located. For example, the symbol may be placed on signage or on a floor plan brochure to indicate the location of the help desk or security desk. The symbol may also indicate a place that provides more specific information or materials concerning accommodations or services, such as “LARGE PRINT” materials, audio cassette recordings of materials, or sign interpreted tours.
Ms. Mentor prefers teachers and students to be unique and extraordinary, to be leaders in a world where people can sashay, limp, or wheel themselves about—keeping pace with the slowest and helping them along. We will all be disabled eventually, if we do not die first. People with disabilities may have to conceal their vulnerabilities for now, but not when there are enough Access Press wishes to encourof them, and enough people age all of our readers and adwith open hearts and minds. vertisers—individuals, corporations, non-profit agencies Ms. Mentor knows we could all use more of those. ■
and private companies — to incorporate disability access symbols into the services you provide. It is good business to let everyone know that you are accessible.
STUDENT - Cont. from p. 11 in community service activities special education or organizathrough the Psychology Club. tional leadership. “Education is a big outlet for me. I love “I’ve formed some wonderful learning.” relationships at Metropolitan State, including gaining access Metropolitan State University, to more professional re- a member of the Minnesota sources,” she said. “I like the State Colleges and Universiwhole spirit of community that ties System, provides quality, Metropolitan State emphasizes higher-education programs for and I appreciate the fact it’s adults seeking baccalaureate for working adults.” and master’s degrees. It is the only state university in the Nurnberg said she plans to Twin Cities metropolitan area. pursue a master’s degree in ■
For more info about the symbols, or to download electronic TIFF copies, please visit the Graphic Artists Guild at www.gag.org/resources/ das.php. To obtain Mac or PC floppy disk copies of all the symbols, contact the Graphic Cont. from p. 4 Artists Guild Foundation at 212791-3400. ■ accreditation that groups can and political, as well as ecoget with the UN. However, nomic, social and cultural things have been very differ- rights) using a disability perent in the disability conven- spective. Nobody is suggesttion negotiations, with non- ing that this convention will ECOSOC groups being able solve all the problems faced Cont. from p. 10 to apply for accreditation to by people with disabilities attend the meetings, and all overnight, but it is a useful tool have creative ideas about how accredited NGOs being able that we can all use in our work to transform health care in or- to speak and directly address to advocate for people with der to meet the needs of pa- government delegates. The disabilities. Although the curtients.” Dr. Cortese says it is Working Group was even more rent U.S. administration has crucial that the discussion be- participatory, with the mem- said that it will not become a gins in earnest, and to that end bership of that group includ- Party to the convention once it Mayo is hosting the Mayo ing government delegates, na- is completed, there is no reaClinic National Symposium on tional human rights institutions son we should not encourage Health Care Reform, May 21- and disability representatives our government to join, and at —all with equal rights of par- the same time use the conven23, in Rochester ticipation. Many government tion to help inform and supAs Dr. Cortese concludes, “For delegates have noted that they port our work. If you are intertrue reform, and for a health have never before experienced ested in learning more about system that is truly a system, such negotiations at the UN, the draft convention, or even we need a common vision that and that the process has greatly attending or contributing to the can only be developed through benefited from the unique per- meetings in New York before a national discussion. We look spective and voice of people the negotiations are concluded, the resources listed on page 4 forward to being part of that with disabilities. will help you find out more discussion, and hope to facilitate moving from discussion It should be stressed that the information. It is never too new convention will not cre- late to say “nothing about us to concrete action.” ate new rights for people with without us,” and take your part Details are available at www. disabilities, but it will elabo- in promoting the full enjoyhealthpolicysymposium.org. rate the full range of existing ment of all human rights by all Dr. Cortese can be contacted at human rights (including civil people with disabilities! ■ cortese.denis@mayo.edu. ■
RIGHTS -
SYMPOSIUM VETERANS - Cont. from p. 3 Smoldt says the FEHBP model placing themselves in harm’s It is a truly honorable thing for way for us. One veteran home- soldiers to give their lives for less is one too many. freedom as they enter into battle. But it is immoral that To allow any of our service any soldier returned home from personnel to remain homeless a war, who became disabled and/or to not provide them with with either a physical or menlifelong care from any afflic- tal disability, be homeless for tion they acquire on the battle- any length of time. Think about field is inhumane. Soldiers it. who lived through exposure to carcinogens from exploded What Can You Do? chemical weapons will carry To support disabled veterans, visible and invisible scars for contact the Veterans Adminan undetermined length of istration, or get involved with time. The long-term effects of your church groups to either damage to the human body develop or expand services to need to be evaluated by inde- homeless people. Contact the pendent nongovernmental Wilder Foundation with the medical agencies, who can name(s) of disabled homeless make recommendations not veterans for the next survey swayed by political repercus- due to be published in Octosions. ber, 2006. ■ Government elected officials should appropriate finances for veterans disabled in war to provide them with an accessible house, a livable monthly income, free lifelong education, free lifelong rehabilitation with no cost to adaptive computer technologies and instruction, and free lifelong medical care and treatment. Perhaps the U.S. Congress could mandate million and billion dollar corporations-especially defense contractors to set aside a trust fund for veterans disabled.
Sources include: •Wilder Research Center •Dr. Jeffery L. Arnold, Last Updated—October 25, 2004, CBRNE—Chemical Warfare Agents: EMedicine Specialties, Emergency Medicine, Warfare—Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear And Explosives. •Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (1989). Mental health: A report of the Surgeon General—Executive summary. Rockville, Md).
would enable the government to focus its limited resources on those who need help, would preserve consumer choice by enabling patients to be more fully engaged as the purchaser and the customer, and would allow a dynamic private market more freedom to provide the innovation and increases in productivity that can contain health care costs. “It also would prevent people being excluded from coverage because of a pre-existing condition, because all of the insurance companies would be required to accept all patients during the open enrollment period,” he says. The authors believe patients should pay a portion of their care “so they are aware of healthcare costs and can become better consumers. Everyone must have health insurance that includes a basic benefit package. This is a matter of individual responsibility and analogous to requirements for individuals to have automobile insurance. The federal government would help finance insurance for those who are in need.” Symposium Scheduled The authors stress the need for many voices, not just theirs, to enter the reform discussion. “We also realize that others
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In his wheelchair in Jacksonville, FL, Herb Drill writes and edits www.not accessible.com and is a charter member of the Society of American Business Editors and Writers. His e-mail address is herbdrill@not accessible.com. Please patronize your Access Press advertisers — and tell them where you heard about them. They bring you your paper.
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May 10, 2006
PERFORM - Cont. from p. 12 Space - Time: Choreography by Heidi Jasmin and Pam Gleason June 2 - 11, 2006 Hauser Dance Company members at Old Arizona, 2821 Nicollet Ave., Mpls.; ASL: Sun., June 11, 2:00 pm; Tix: Reduced by $7 from Reg. $1518; 612-871-9077, nhdc@ tcinternet.net I Just Stopped by to See the Man June 2 - 25, 2006 Penumbra Theatre Co. at Martin Luther King Center, 270 N. Kent St., St. Paul; ASL: Sat., June 10, 8:00 pm; Tix: 651224-3180 (specify ASL); www.penumbratheatre.org
La Cage aux Folles June 2 - 25, 2006 Mpls. Musical Theatre at Hennepin Stages, 824 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.; AD and ASL: Sun., June 11, 7:30 pm; Tix: $17 (reg. $24); 612-6730404; ASL/AD Hotline: 612373-5650; www.aboutmmt. org Flint Hills International Children’s Festival June 3 - 4, 2006 Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 345 Washington, St. Paul; Various international performances; AD and ASL: Sat.-Sun., June 3-4, 2006; Tix: 651-224-4222, TTY 651-282-3100; www.ord way.org
Steel Magnolias June 2 - 25, 2006 Park Square Theatre, 408 Saint Peter St. (20 W. 7th Place), St. Paul; AD and ASL: Sat., June 17, 7:30 pm; Tix: half-price; 651-291-7005; www.park squaretheatre.org
Why is the Sky Yellow? Artist’s Choices June 4, 2006 Mpls. Institute of Art, 2400 Third Ave. S.; ASL: Sun., June 4, 2:00 pm (ASL-interpreted public tour begins at the round bench in the lobby); Tix: AdFlaming Guns of the mission may be charged; inPurple Sage terpreted tour is free; 612-870June 2 - 25, 2006 3131 or TTY 612-870-3132, Theatre in the Round Players, or dhegstro@artsmia.org; 245 Cedar Ave., Mpls.; AD: www.artsmia.org Sun., June 25, 2:00 pm; Tix: $20; 612-333-3010; www. theatreintheround.org
Silver Follies’ Production of Anything Goes June 7 - 18, 2006 Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre, 333 Fourth St. S., Fargo; AD: Thurs., June 8, 7:30 pm; ASL: upon request in adv; Tix: Reduced to $7.50 adults, $6 sr, $4.50 student, $3 ages 3-12; 701-235-6778, 877687-7469; www.fmct.org The Glass Menagerie June 15 - July 1, 2006 Bloomington Art Center Gallery Theater Co. at Bloomington Center for the Arts Black Box Theater, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd.; ASL: Fri., June 23, 7:30 pm; Tix: $12, $10; 952-563-8587; www.bloom ingtonartcenter.com Sheryl Crow June 16, 2006 Historic Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapolis; ASL: Friday, June 16, 7:30 pm; Tix: $63.50-$103.50; ASL or AD offered if requested in advance: 612-373-5639 or 5609; hotline 612-373-5650; TTY 612-373-5655; acces sible@orpheum.com; www. hennepintheatre district.com/ servicesd.asp or www.sheryl crow.com
MENTAL HEALTH - Cont. from p. 4 How can anxiety disorders be treated? Almost everyone with an anxiety disorder can be helped with proper treatment. Treatments for anxiety include psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes such as exercise and proper nutrition. The most common medications for the treatment of anxiety disorders are antidepressants and benzodiazepines. In addition, there are several other drugs on the market that treat anxiety disorders, and new ones are being developed. Of the many types of therapy available currently, cognitive be-
havioral therapy (CBT) seems to the most effective in treating anxiety disorders. Interpersonal therapy and response therapy also have been found to be helpful. ■
The above information was supplied by: NAMI on Campus, 2107 Wilson Blvd., Ste. 300, Arlington, VA 22201, Ph: 703-524-7600, E-mail: namioncampus@nami.org, Website:www.nami.org/ FindSuppor/NAMonCam pus
The Peace of Mind Prescription by Dennis S Charney, and Charles B Nemeroff To receive more detailed information on some of these disorders, please call the NAMI toll-free helpline: (800) 950 NAMI (6264) or visit www.nami.org for more information. Please note: NamiMN’s New Address! 800 Transfer Road, Suite 7A Saint Paul, MN 55114 phone: 651645-2948 toll free: 1-888-4730237 fax: 651-645-7379 email: nami-mn@nami.org
Shorty Pants Plays June 16 - 18, 2006 Stillwater Community Theatre at ArtRageous Pottery, 321 S. Main, Stillwater (above Alfresco); Six original short plays; AD and ASL: Sun., June 18, 7:30 pm; Tix: Reduced to $10 (reg. $15); Theatre Associates of Stillwater, 651-4390993 or info@Stillwater Theatre.org; www.stillwater theatre.org Heartbeat: Celebrating Rhythm and Body June 17 - 18, 2006 Great American History Theatre, 30 E. 10th St., St. Paul; One Voice Mixed Chorus and Mu Daiko; AD: Sun., June 18, 3:00 pm; Tix: 612-332-1302; www.ovmc.org Brooklyn June 20 - 25, 2006 Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Main Hall, 345 Washington, St. Paul; A touring show; ASL: Fri., June 16, 8:00 pm; AD: Sat., June 17, 2:00 pm; Tix: $38-$60; 651224-4222, TTY 651-2823100; www.ordway.org
I Am My Own Wife June 23 - July 30, 2006 Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls.; AD: Thurs., July 6, 7:30 pm; Tix: Reduced to $8, 612-822-7063; www.jungletheater.com MACT Fast Fest June 24, 2006 Minnesota Community Theatres perform 20-minute plays at Pioneer Place on Fifth, 22 Fifth Ave. S., St. Cloud; AD and ASL: Sat., June 24 sessions begin at 9 am, 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm; (please make request by June 3); Tix: $9 per play session or $35 for whole event, which includes Friday’s George Maurer concert, all plays and Saturday’s party; 952-884-9676; www.mact.net Seussical June 28 - July 30, 2006 Stages Theatre Co. at Hopkins Center for the Arts Mainstage, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins; ASL: Sun., July 23, 2:00 pm and Wed., July 26, 10 am; Tix: $14, $11; 952-979-1111; www.stagestheatre.org
Tasty Baby Belly Buttons July 8 - 30, 2006 SteppingStone Theatre for Youth Development at Landmark Center, 75 W. 5th St., St. Paul; AD: Tues., July 11, 11:30 am; ASL: Sun., July 16, 2:00 pm; Tix: $9; 651-225-9265; www.steppingstonetheatre. org Wicked July 12 - 23, 2006 Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin, Mpls.; A touring show; ASL: Sun., July 16, 1:00 pm; Tix: $30-$81; ASL or AD offered if requested in advance: 612-373-5639 or 5609; hotline 612-373-5650; TTY 612-373-5655; accessible @orpheum.com. ■
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May 10, 2006
Access To Employment
PERSPECTIVE - Cont. from p. 5 Another benefit of the multidisciplinary approach is the option of including psychiatric treatment. In the case of Courage Center, a neuropsychologist evaluates how an individual is functioning at a cognitive level. This evaluation is used to shape the rehabilitation program and strategies for working effectively with a person. There are also consulting psychiatrists available to prescribe psychotropic medications for clients as well as consulting services for staff. Likewise, mental health therapists benefit from collaborating with speech therapists. With clients who have speech
Hahn. “If filling in the gaps is more frustrating for the person, I don’t want to do that... The speech therapist may have ideas for how to facilitate the communication more smoothly and efficiently and to give you some direction as the therapist.” The benefit of having professionals from many disciplines involved goes both ways. If, for example, a client misdirects anger toward a speech or other therapist, the mental health therapist can step in and reframes the focus on what is really happening. The person can then be assisted in dealing with the anger and frustration of having a disability.
“Some people are able to put [stigma] in perLooking to the Future spective and move on. Others require some In looking to the future, emotional support . . .” Larson-Hahn sees education and language problems, a speech therapist can assist with communication. If the client uses an assistive technology communication device and something goes wrong with the device, once again a speech therapist can play a vital role. Individuals with speech difficulties may get parts of a word or sentence out but not the rest. “You want to be respectful and have the communication be as least stressful as possible,” said Larson-
of everyone as a critical need. Often, clients are still dealing with misunderstandings or stigma from the people with whom they interact in the community. Clients with visible disabilities are sometimes assumed to have cognitive impairments. Individuals who use a cane or wheelchair may live independently, yet while attending a social event, these same individuals may be approached by people asking where their care attendants are. When asked how clients deal
with these attitude barriers, Larson-Hahn said, “It is an ongoing challenge for some people. Some people are able to put it in perspective and move on. Others require some emotional support through
“Often, [people with disabilities] are . . . dealing with misunderstandings or stigma from the people with whom they interact in the community.” their therapist, support group, or church.” Larson-Hahn believes schools are an obvious place to start the education process. “I think at a very basic level in schools, we need to focus on inclusion versus exclusion. Lots of times kids with disabilities are separated out - put in special education or adaptive physical education classes. Sometimes they have different needs; yet, this [exclusion] also facilitates the feeling that they’re different.” When asked how people can be taught to have compassion concerning these and other issues, Larson-Hahn said, “I don’t know that we always do a good job of teaching kids about disability, helping them to understand what it means to have a disability, and helping them to welcome kids with
disabilities into their social circle and those kinds of things. I think part of the challenge is Employment ads are $16-$17 per col. inch. May 31 is for the disability community the deadline for the June 10 issue. Mail to: ACCESS PRESS, 1821 University Ave. #104S, St. Paul, MN 55104 to raise that awareness, legisFAX 651-644-2136 • E-mail: access@accesspress.org latively or otherwise. I also think supporting candidates Front Desk Floater—3 on Call Positions who are aware of these issues $11.37/hr to 13.88/hr is huge.” Responsible for providing front desk reception including: Answering calls and taking messages; Make rounds and moniIn closing, Larson-Hahn en- tor behavior; Intervene to defuse hazardous situations, and couraged individuals and fam- maintain the daily log of incidents; Provide information and ily members to check creden- referral services to clients and residents; and Inform residents tials and make inquiries re- of rules and policies. garding a mental health therapist’s experience in work- Minimum Qualifications: ing with individuals with dis- High school diploma/equivalency req. Bachelor’s degree + 1yr abilities. Traumatic brain in- relevant exp. preferred. Exp working with the poor, homeless, jury, stroke, spinal cord injury and people of various ethnic backgrounds required. Able to and a host of other disabilities work overnights, weekends, and holidays. Must pass a thorcreate a range of mental health ough background check and required to travel between work challenges that may require the sites. Free parking available. (Jobs located at Mary Hall, expertise of psychologists spe- Dorothy Day Center and St. Christopher Place— St. Paul). cializing in health and reha- Contact Donna Bauer, Executive Assistant Administration bilitation services. ■ Center 1200 2nd Ave South, Mpls., MN 55403 fax at 612-6448555. Application/Resume Deadline May 28, 2006.
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May 10, 2006
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