November 2006 Edition - Access Press by Access Press

November 10, 2006

Inside ■ This I Believe Essay—p. 3 ■ Marla Runyon Interview—p. 4 ■ Medicaid Changes in 2007—p. 12

“This is the first election where I actually

like the people I’m gonna vote for.” – Scott Adams, cartoonist, Fall 2006 Page 2 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Mpls. MN Permit No. 4766

Volume 18, Number 11

Minnesota’s Disability

Community Newspaper

November 10, 2006

Coalition Seeks Lost Cemetery Group continues to reclaim history and dignity for people with disabilities. by Jim Fassett-Carman

H Kelly Lee of Advocating Change Together emcees the restoration ceremony at the site of the former Rochester State Hospital cemetery, while Jim Fassett-Carman looks on. On the table are two of the numerous numbered grave markers that are now being replaced with engraved stones bearing the person’s name and birth/death dates.

ow well do you know the city of Rochester? If you used to live there and have some knowledge of the way things used to be, Remembering With Dignity would like to talk with you. You see, the Rosemont Cemetery, where the earliest residents of the Rochester State Hospital are buried, is completely missing. A plat map exists, showing the location of graves and names of each of the 75 people buried in Rosemont Cemetery. “How could a cemetery be lost?” you ask. We don’t have the answer, but it speaks

to the disregard for people with disabilities and neglect of state hospital cemeteries. Over 12,500 people were buried without a named marker in Minnesota state hospital cemeteries in the last century. Remembering With Dignity (RWD), a coalition of Minnesota disability groups, has so far facilitated the marking of over 2500 of these with proper, named headstones. In May of this year, RWD received a grant from the State of Minnesota to continue their work at state cemeteries in Hastings, Rochester and St.

Peter. By August 2007, approximately 1500 more named grave markers will be installed, along with other physical cemetery improve-

“ . . . the Rosemont Cemetery, where the earliest residents of the Rochester State Hospital are buried, is completely missing.” ments, such as signage, fencing and landscaping. The second cemetery con-

nected to the Rochester State Hospital came to life October 1st, when close to 200 people gathered there for a ceremony, organized by the Rochester State Hospital Cemetery Recognition Group and RWD. The event recognized the 2019 people buried in numbered graves. The old, impersonal numbered markers—found discarded in the nearby woods—were set out on graves as a display, along with a typed sheet of information researched from old records. Susan Hayes, from Moline IL, came to pay her respects for RWD - cont. on p. 6

Willing To Work Longer And Harder A Tribute To John Smith by Charlie Lakin

have known and worked with John Smith for many years. I first met him as an advocate for The Arc of Hennepin County (which has since become part of Arc Greater Twin Cities). I have gotten to know John much better in the 15 years or so that he has worked at the University of Minnesota. There is no one I’ve ever known to be more completely dedicated to increasing op-

“John’s success has been in large part because he has been willing to work longer and harder than others to accomplish what he is driven to accomplish.” portunities for persons with developmental disabilities than John Smith. His work with People First Minnesota

is legendary. During John’s Brian Abery to develop methyears as the advisor of People ods of data collection on selfFirst Minnesota, state chap- determination. He has pushed ters expanded for programs steadily and the that make perattendance at son-centered 2006 annual self-adoutcomes the Charlie vocacy conferfocus of qualSmith ences grew ity assessment. from dozens to He has worked Award hundreds of to increase acWinner: participants. cess for people John is known with developJohn for never balkmental disSmith ing at loading abilities to his car with homes of their self-advocates own. He has and heading to distant parts of written and spoken about (and the state whenever and wher- exemplified) the importance ever there was hope that a of self-determination and new self-advocacy group leadership as key goals of the might result. developmental experiences of children and youth with disJohn’s work in self-advocacy abilities. is just one reflection of his passion for increasing self- John is also well known for determination for people with his commitment to environdisabilities. In his research mental stewardship and supwork at the University of Min- port of wilderness and advennesota, John has teamed with ture opportunities for all. He

has long and often been recognized for his volunteer and trip leadership work at Wilderness Inquiry. This outdoor passion has spilled over into John’s work at the Institute on Community Integration, where he has been a key figure in joint initiatives between Wilderness Inquiry and the University of Minnesota. Together they have developed and evaluated programs that increase outdoor adventure opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities and members of their fami-

“John is known for never balking at loading his car with selfadvocates and heading to distant parts of the state whenever and wherever there was hope that a new self-advocacy group might result.”

Mary Kay Kennedy and JoAnn Cardenas Enos acknowledging John G. Smith, the 2006 Charlie Smith Award winner lies. Finally, John has been active in publicizing the outcomes of these initiatives in publications and presentations. I am generally hesitant to speak of someone’s disability as adding an important subtext to what they are able to accomplish. But on a personal level it is significant in my appreciation of all that John

has accomplished that he has done so with substantial physical handicap. His substantial knowledge and skills notwithstanding, John’s success has been in large part because he has been willing to work longer and harder than others to accomplish what he is driven to accomplish. In that way John has enriched his world—and those of us who Award - cont. on p. 8

November 10, 2006

Award Banquet on November 3, John Smith was recognized for his leadership in the Minnesota disability community. John (no relation to Charlie) is a project coordinator and researcher for The Research and Training Center on Community Living at the University of Minnesota. His colleague Charlie Lakin pays John tribute on the front page of this issue.

Tim Benjamin, Editor

ovember began with one more celebration in remembrance of our good friend, the cofounder of Access Press. At the Charlie Smith Community

The awards banquet always marks one more year gone by and 12 more issues of the paper having been produced. It makes me think about how cyclical our lives are. Summer, fall, winter, spring—and day to night—our lives are filled with cycles. We get up in the morning; we do the same routine. We go to work; we check phone messages and email. At some point in the day, we begin to plant the seeds for

tomorrow, not knowing whether those seeds will bear fruit for harvest—and storage for the beginning of the next cycle. Charlie Smith planted the seed of Access Press, and at the banquet Friday night it was easy to see some of Charlie’s harvest. So many people that knew Charlie and came to remember him!

cation to humanity and civil rights. I think it is important that we recognize the people around us, the seeds they sow and the harvests they share. I know I do not have to say it, but, “John, keep up the good work. We honor you, as Charlie would, for your drive and energy in making the world a better place.”

As the years and the cycles continue, there are more people who attend, but fewer among them had a chance to know Charlie. Still, all who were there could feel and see the product of Charlie’s work. I continue every year to stow away some of Charlie’s harvest to fuel me through the next year. And many of us will be fueled by the harvest that John Smith’s work has sown. John is another one of the people who produce far more than they know in their dedi-

But ours is just one of the many banquets that comes up around this time of year. Harvest time is the time to look back and celebrate the accomplishments of the year for many organizations. Metropolitan Center for Independent Living is celebrating 25 years of following—and helping to blaze—the trail created by the founders of the independent living movement. The Minnesota State Council on Disability also honors some of the great work of many others in

the disability community. For me, it is an honor to be associated with all the people that were awarded this fall for their drive and inspiration in pursuing the common good. I also want to thank Access Press staff for their dedicated service to the paper, to the community, and to me as editor: currently Lance Hegland and Bret Hesla, but also the staff members who have moved on in the past year—Ekta Prakash, David Hadlich and Terri Ricci. Many thanks as well to all the volunteer writers who have made Access Press a great paper this past year.

always hard to say farewell to those who depart even while it’s wonderful to welcome newcomers. This year it’s very difficult for me to say goodbye to Mary Kay Kennedy, who has been a huge supporter of Access Press. Ms. Kennedy, who is codirector of Advocating for Change Together, is a person whose dedication to vulnerable people in our community is immeasurable. In the years I have known her, I have never heard Mary Kay utter bad sentiments about anyone. She is instead always ready to come to the rescue of someone who needs a kind word or loyal supporter. Thank you, Mary Kay, for your service to Access Press. And my personal thanks for your confidence in me.

Finally, I want to thank our Board of Directors for another year of dedication to building communication among the disability community. Access Press board members serve Have a great Thanksgiving, for up to six years, and it’s everybody! ■

Access Symbol

Letters To The Editor ...

Binoculars For The Ears

Adams Is Brilliant

by David Baquis

ssistive Listening Systems (ALSs) are sometimes called Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs). Essentially they are amplifiers that bring sound directly into the ear. They separate the sounds, particularly speech, that a person wants to hear from background noise. They improve what is known as the “speech to noise ratio.” Why Are ALSs Necessary? Research indicates that people who are hard of hearing require a volume (signal to noise ratio) increase of about 15 to 25 dB in order to achieve the same level of understanding as people with normal hearing. An ALS allows them to achieve this gain for them-

selves without making it too loud for everyone else. Can ALSs Be Used By Some People Who Are Deaf? YES! ALSs are used by people with all degrees of hearing loss, from mild to profound. This includes hearing aid users and cochlear implantees, as well as consumers who do not use either hearing aids or cochlear implants. Although obtaining a hearing aid or cochlear implant is probably the most important thing a person can do to cope with hearing loss, these hearing instruments have performance limitations and do not work well in all situations. ALDs are sometimes described as “binoculars for the ears” because they “stretch”

Your most recent issue featured a cartoon by Scott hearing Adams. His depiction of aids and coyesterday’s mental health inchlear imstitutions and today’s mental plants, health institutions is brilliant thus ex(Sept 10, 2006, page 5; retending their reach and increas- printed below). ing their effectiveness. ■ Excerpted from “Benefits of Assistive Listening Systems,” by David Baquis, www.nad. org/site/pp.asp?c=foINKQ MBF&b=180440. Reprinted with permission of the National Association of the Deaf, www.nad.org.

For more information about the various access symbols, or to download electronic TIFF copies, please visit the Graphic Artists Guild at www.gag.org/ It sums up the bitter irony of today’s mental health care sysresources/das.php. tem. Thank you for giving this insightful cartoonist a vehicle for his intuitive visions. Co-Founder/Publisher (1990-1996) .................................................. Wm. A. Smith, Jr. Dave Mruz, Minneapolis 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 National Housing Institute, Inc. Cartoonist ..................................................................................................... Scott Adams Production ...................................................... Ellen Houghton at Presentation Images Sales/Marketing ...................................................................................... Lance Hegland Distribution ......................................................................................... S. C. Distribution Access Press is a monthly tabloid newspaper published for persons with disabilities by For Persons With Mobility Impairments 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.

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Editorial submissions and news releases on topics of interest to persons with disabilities, or persons serving those with disabilities, are welcomed. We reserve the right to edit all submissions. Editorial material does not necessarily reflect the view of the editor/publisher of Access Press. 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. 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

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November 10, 2006

We’re All Different In Our Own Ways by Joshua Yuchasz Fourteen-year-old Joshua Yuchasz is a high school freshman in Milford, Mich. He plays in his school’s concert band and on its football team. In addition to Godzilla, Yuchasz likes other reptiles, including Bubba, his pet red-tailed boa constrictor. The following essay comes from This I Believe, a national media project engaging people in writing, sharing and discussing the core values and beliefs that guide their daily lives.

hat if everyone in the world was exactly alike? What if everyone talked the same, acted the same, listened to the same music and watched the same TV programs? The world would be extremely dull!

I believe it’s important to ac- feelings about something. I can cept people for who they are. relate to these people because I’ve been in that situation beDifferences are important and fore, many times. they should be respected. For example, many important It all started in elementary people throughout history were school when I realized that I wasn’t like everyone else. My “Sometimes I wish I mom says that I have a tenwere like everyone dency of obsessing on certain else, but not really. subjects. Unfortunately, these subjects don’t interest other Because I believe kids my age and they really people should be re- don’t interest my teachers. In spected for being dif- fact, my kindergarten teacher said she would scream if I ferent . . .” mentioned snakes or lizards considered different, such as one more time while she was Thomas Edison, Albert Ein- teaching the days of the week. stein, Harriet Tubman, Peter I would get in trouble for not Tchaikovsky and Abraham Lin- paying attention—and the teascoln. They did great things, but ing began. some people thought they were weird because they had strong In third grade, my teacher in-

formed me that I have Asperger’s Syndrome. I said, “So what? Do you know that Godzilla’s suit weighs 188 pounds?”

and that it’s hard to focus on other things. Like I would tell anyone and everyone that would listen about Godzilla because my big obsession was, and still is, Godzilla — not a real popuLater, I asked my mom, “What lar subject with the middle is Asperger’s Syndrome? Am I school crowd, and so the teasing continues.

“My mom says that I have a tendency of obsessing on certain subjects. Unfortunately, these subjects don’t interest other kids my age and they really don’t interest my teachers.”

I might be different because I have different interests than other teenagers, but that doesn’t give them the right to be so mean and cruel to me. Kids at Oak Valley make fun of me for liking what I like the most.

People also make fun of me for knowing facts about volcagonna die?” She said that it’s noes, whales, tornadoes and like having blinders on, and that many other scientific things. I can only see one thing at a time, My mom says that she has been able to answer many

questions on Jeopardy! just by listening to what I have to say, but I’ve even been ridiculed for being smart. Maybe someday I’ll become a gene engineer and create the real Godzilla. I can dream, can’t I? Sometimes I wish I were like everyone else, but not really. Because I believe people should be respected for being different because we’re all different in our own ways. This I believe. ■ We’re All Different in Our Own Ways,” ©2006 Joshua Yuchasz. Reprinted by arrangement with This I Believe, Inc. To read and hear other essays, and to submit your own, visit www.thisibelieve.org.

Commentary

Changes Would Curtail Power Wheelchair Access by Sharon Hildebrandt

he Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have proposed a new coverage policy and fee schedule for powered mobility devices (PMDs) that will prevent some severely disabled Americans from accessing the medicallyappropriate power wheelchairs they need to live safe, independent and productive lives.

Under the new coverage policy to take effect November 15th, only persons with a neuromuscular or neurological condition who cannot perform a stand, pivot, and transfer test will be eligible for a higherperforming wheelchair. Those who can perform the test will be forced into other technologies, many of which lack critical features needed by people battling diseases such as ALS,

multiple sclerosis, and cere- urging CMS to rescind and modify this coding and fee bral palsy. schedule before they take efAlso threatening access is the fect and hurt disabled Ameriproposed fee schedule which cans. cuts reimbursements for higher-performing chairs by an “Without these higher-peraverage of 30 percent. For forming chairs, many benefisome chairs, the reimburse- ciaries will lose much of the ment will not even cover the independence and mobility suppliers’ acquisition cost. The they currently have and either proposed fee schedule further be forced into nursing homes ignores the service costs asso- or require the assistance of ciated with fitting and config- another person for activities uring a complex device to be they can currently do indepenused by a severely disabled dently,” said Rita Hostak, person. We believe this fee NCART president. schedule is certain to put many suppliers of complex rehab The National Coalition for equipment out of business and Assistive and Rehab Technolfurther hinder access to equip- ogy (NCART) is asking CMS to ment needed by the disabled. • Postpone the November 15, 2006 PMD Fee Schedule Experts in the rehabilitation and Local Coverage Deterindustry, including clinicians mination (LCD) in order to and equipment suppliers, are

resolve all identified issues. • Establish a new Fee Schedule using a rational methodology, accurate product classifications and pricing data. • Recognize the service component inherent in providing higher-performing wheelchairs to persons with disabilities • Make necessary changes to the Local Coverage Determination to eliminate the stand, pivot, transfer requirement and allow for recognition of the progressive nature of some disabilities. ■ Sharon Hildebrandt works for The National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART) www.ncartco alition.org.

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November 10, 2006

Vision Not A Factor For Legally Blind Marathon Winner by Clarence Schadegg

arla Runyan, a person who lives with legal blindness, took first place in the October 2006 Twin Cities marathon. Her finishing time was two hours, thirty-two minutes and seventeen seconds. Her husband, Matt and 13 month-old daughter, Anna met her at the finish line. Runyan is a longdistance runner who represented the United States at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia and again in Athens, Greece in 2004. The day before the TC Marathon, the author had a chance to interview her for Access Press. What inspired you to enter the Olympics after you had won five gold metals in the Paralympics? “I no longer participate in the Paralympics because I felt that my vision wasn’t really a factor in my performance as a runner. My goal became to make the Olympic team. So, from 1996 to 2000, that was where my focus and training was.” What inspired you in your pursuit of the Olympics? “The Olympic dream became a huge motivator for me at that

time, From 1988 to 2000…it •Saturday, a Tempo run of 2 bike in front of us. So that’s was a combination of things, or 3 mile repeats, or 8 or 10 something else I’ll consider. enjoying the sport and that mile continuous running. The only other things I can do dream of running in the Olym- Runyan defines a tempo as a are course tours, running part pics.” threshold effort while running of the course ahead of time. slightly faster than goal mara- But it’s nearly impossible to What did it mean to you to thon pace. “If your goal mara- memorize a twenty-six mile represent the United States thon pace is 5.40 per mile, course on your first time out.” in two Olympics? “I did make you might run a threshold at the Olympic team in 2000 in 5.20 per mile. That would be How many people run in the the fifteen hundred meters. I a Saturday session. And then Twin Cities marathon? “I finished eighth in the Olympic a long run the next day. That think this marathon is somefinal which is the highest fin- is how it goes in a very gen- where between ten and twenty ish so far for an American eral way.” thousand. There are approxiwoman in the fifteen hundred mately 100 elite runners. meters.” Because of legal blindness, We’re not in the masses of do you have any concerns people. We’re escorted to the How much running should about following the correct front of the starting area. That’s someone do to prepare for a course? how they do it in every major marathon? “For me person- “I have enough vision that I marathon.” ally, you need to be running run completely alone. I do get ninety to one hundred miles a nervous when the roads turn, How do you stay hydrated? week.” or when there’s a turn ap- “They have fluid stations evproaching. What tends to hap- ery two miles, and they have What is your weekly train- pen with my vision is that I both water and Powerade. ing schedule? don’t see things until I’m right They [also] have an elite •Sunday, twenty-two mile run there. So I can’t anticipate athlete’s fluid station where •Monday, twelve to thirteen what’s ahead. I can’t look you can grab your own permiles at an easy pace, plus down the road and know a turn sonal bottle of whatever fluid weight lifting is approaching in twenty-five you have prepared…and five •Tuesday, 10 to 12 miles meters or what not. So that’s miles is the first one. I decided •Wednesday: an interval ses- where it gets challenging. In this year not to have elite flusion of repeat miles, or 1000 this particular marathon, they ids, mainly because it is so meters repeats running much will provide a lead bicyclist difficult for me to see and lofaster than marathon goal pace for both the men and women. cate my bottle on the table.” •Thursday, 12 mile run plus This signifies the leader. If I’m weight lifting leading the race, or if I’m in How do you keep from get•Friday: 10 to 12 miles, easy the lead pack of women, then ting injured, either while you pace I’ll be able to key off of the practice or in a race? “As a

trained runner, you don’t have the typical [problems] that a lot of people who are just learning to run. We definitely have injuries. My greatest challenges have been my hip and my low back, in part because I had a baby last year. But also it’s been a problem even before that. I’m not sure why, it could be muscle weakness somewhere. I have disc deMarla Runyan winning the generation in my spine.” 2006 Twin Cities Marathon. Besides a daily running routine, what else do you do to keep fit? “If you’re a professional runner, you have to be diligent about keeping your body together as you go about your training. It’s at least two to three appointments a week. I do it in a gym, a weight-room routine. And it is a combination of using your own body weight, machine weights, and free weights. Definitely do that at least twice a week, about an hour to an hour and a half (and usually after my running is done for the day). But still the primary training is running.”

(Photo taken by Paul Phillips at Competitive Image.)

respiration elevated enough to simulate going out for a twelvemile run.”

What support did you get from your family? “I give them so much credit for even the fact that I’m an athlete…As soon as my vision was diagnosed, they could have said, “You’re not going to ride your bike. You’re not going to play soccer. You’re not going to do this because you might fall down and get hurt. They didn’t do that. I think they just saw me as an athlete. They saw Is there a substitute for the how I moved. And they saw practice in long distance run- how I played on the field.” ■ ning? “No other exercise will match the intensity of running. For more about Marla RunThere’s really nothing that will yan, you can access her Web get your heart rate up, get your site at www.marlarunyan.com.

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November 10, 2006

Piece By Piece by Pete Feigal She knows hell isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a place of suffering but a place where suffering is futile. At fifteen sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long past crying. There are no salt tears left. She weeps rubies. No horror in her blood a sacrifice but not a payment. Points to her heart: See. There. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where I hurt. Nobody can see. She canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see. But crimson over alabaster. Stigmata that she chooses. Pieces of herself to stave off despair. It quiets the animals stops extraneous thoughts brings focus to the there and then. She cleanses herself lets out the bad humors. Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; saved the world sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll take getting past geometry. Exact perfect beautiful steps a samurai ceremony a yakuza ritual: cleaning the blade choosing the place the cool alcohol the comforting sting. Watching the color smelling the iron tasting the comfort. The Stones sang Let It Bleed. Peaceful. And afterwards salve bandage so tender after the violence the only time sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d let herself care for herself mercy for the wounded girl. Once she blotted with typing paper blood rorschach looking for meaning in the patterns searching for a sign what am I supposed to do oh god what am I going to do. Every poem she writes is artery deep. Navajo legends say the women put one mistake in each perfect blanket they weave so their pride wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t capture them in their looms. She just wants one word just one word to come out right. She went too far once cut too deep skated the edge touched the void had to bail and stitch herself up with a courtesy sewing kit. An ER intern admired the work and she proudly talked shop while her mother wept. Grandma put her on the prayer chain now images of a pyramid scheme of blue-haired ladies sending out spiritual chain letters. Tries to explain: she doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to die she wants to feel. Not a mutilation but a coping skill tribal scars marks of survival. A place of control. When she was young when he used her she had no control. Still a dead spot always a dead spot on her back where he would pin her down. Tries to explain: she doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to feel she wants to die. Other girls in her class cut. Ugly scrapes on their hands and arms scratching creeds into themselves but theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re only tourists posers who might as well carve help on their foreheads. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an artist tortured self-made self-ruined sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d never degrade the ritual. No disposable double-edged she uses a chrome folder a real blade the only mirror sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll allow in her life. Her wounds are high on her legs only a glimpse with her shortest skirts only a lover can see no free peeks you have to work to get to her most private spot. A secret part of the ritual a mystery to watch their eyes when they see her scars. Some sacrifices you are forced to make and some you choose to make. Instinctively she knows that blood sacrifices are the only ones that matter. Her calendar is measured on her flesh carved with a stylus of steel. It makes her feel important it makes her feel in control it makes her feel.

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With each new day with each used day as she prepares herself for school she cranks it and oh no letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s go crazy with The Formerly Known As Artist: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Cuz in this life things are much harder than in the afterworld. In this life youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on your own.

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â&#x153;Ś â&#x153;Ś â&#x153;Ś â&#x153;Ś â&#x153;Ś Authorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comment: This poem on cutters came from the work I do speaking with teens from around the country. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s as real and true as I could make it. I was able to draw from some incredibly candid conversations with cutters of all ages, especially one in particular, and before I sent it to you, I ran it past them for their comments and â&#x20AC;&#x153;blessings.â&#x20AC;? They said it was desperately accurate and captured the horror and seduc-

tion they felt when they were sionals have really addressed caught in this particular hell. this growing, disturbing problem. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a violent part of menThere are no solutions in this tal illness that is terrifying and piece, no happy ending, and terrible to look closely at. as much as the cutters try to find something romantic in Examining that reality in all its their pain, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not pretty. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a terrible truth is why I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s snapshot of something that is perfect for Access Press. The becoming almost epidemic folks that resort to this kind of among teens and is rarely survival mechanism tell me that looked honestly at. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only people either ignore their within the last couple of years wounds, turn away in disgust, that the mental health profes- or want to know â&#x20AC;&#x153;why?â&#x20AC;? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m

A GREA T RESOURCE! GREAT

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

hoping this poem/essay addresses just a bit of all of these.

The Minnesota State Council on Disability

Online Help is Available Here are some Web sites teen cutters have suggested to me as good places to go for help: â&#x20AC;˘ http://health.discovery. com/centers/teen/cutters/ cutters.html â&#x20AC;˘ www.tpronline.org/ articles.cfm?articleID=97 â&#x20AC;˘ www.eqi.org/cutting1.htm â&#x2013;

Thursday, December 4th, 1:30 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3:30 p.m. Available via videoconferencing and web streaming

2006/2007 Legislative Forum

The 85th Minnesota Legislature will convene on January 3, 2007. This is your chance to hear about issues that will be important to the disability community in the next session and to have your voice heard by elected officials and state agencies. Agenda: x

Meet Key Legislators

Presentation of Options Too Plan (Nursing Home Relocation)

Tell Us Your Concerns Regarding the Upcoming Legislative Session

Register by contacting the Minnesota State Council on Disability or for more information, visit our website at www.disability.mn.us Reasonable accommodation requests should be made during registration. council.disability@state.mn.us 7th Place Suite 107, St. Paul, MN 55101 651-296-6785 V/TTY or 1-800-945-8913 V/TTY 121 East

November 10, 2006

News At A Glance . . . New AOL Blog Targets People with Disabilities U Of M Twin Cities Class of 2010 One of Most Automark Users Needed for Survey In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Diverse in History The Minnesota legislature established a Voting Machines Options AOL has introduced a new AOL Ability blog site and forum The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities freshman class is one (http://ability.aol.com) dedicated to millions of people with of the most diverse in history, the Board of Regents learned disabilities, and their families, friends and colleagues. recently in a report outlining the academic profile of the class of 2010. Designed to provide focused content for people with disabilities and to heighten disability awareness with mainstream Students of color make up 20.2 percent of the Twin Cities audiences, the AOL Ability blog will bring together relevant campus freshman class, compared with 18.5 percent in fall news, stories and information in the key areas of employment, 2005. Asian Americans see the biggest jump, with 644 students entertainment, family, health and technology. AOL is partnering compared to 541 last fall. African American students increased with The Paciello Group (TPG) and recruiting bloggers from from 254 to 289 and Native Americans from 56 to 58. Chicano/ the disability community to provide the majority of content in Latino is the only group to see a decline, from 128 last fall to these areas. By reengineering corporate software, TPG is 109 this fall. focused on results to support technology vendors, government agencies, e-commerce corporations, and educational institu- Increasing diversity in the student population is crucial to the tions to build community, foster interaction through social mission of the University of Minnesota, said Nancy “Rusty” networking and deliver accessible communication services to Barceló, vice president and vice provost for equity and diversity. make their technology equally accessible to all people with (and without) disabilities. The number of students registered in disabilities services about 1100, or about 3-4 % of the student body. The total number of The site incorporates specific features to increase accessibility students with disabilities is likely higher because not all stuamong users with disabilities and functional limitations includ- dents with disabilities register with Disability Service. [Source: ing the ability to select a high contrast view (yellow text on a University News Service and UM Office of Disability] black background) and increase fonts to a larger text size for blind and low vision users. [Source: AOL Corporate Communications]

RWD -

From p. 1

her great grandfather, Charles Bloomquist, who received a headstone with his name. The group also witnessed the relocating of a headstone for Lillian Scheuneman to the correct gravesite. Scheuneman’s son Steve had been separated from his mother as a boy. When he discovered years later that she had lived and died at the Rochester State Hospital, the cemetery provided no clue as to her actual gravesite. With a desire for closure, he simply found a suitable spot and placed a headstone to remember her with dignity. Fortuitously, on one of his visits to his mother’s grave, he met a couple members of the newly formed cemetery recognition group. They were able to show him the exact location of his mother’s grave. They also invited him to the October 1st event they were organizing in conjunction with RWD.

Working Group in the 2006 session. The purpose of the group is to make recommendations to the legislature regarding additional options for voting equipment that is in compliance with HAVA (MN Session Laws 2006, Chapter 242, Sect. 37). One of the group’s goals has been to look at the AutoMark and evaluate its operation and functionality during its use in the election. The working group has put together a survey on the AutoMark for this purpose. They ask any voter who used the AutoMark in the November 7 elections to please participate. The survey can be found on the League of Women Voters Web site at www.lwvmn.org/automark.asp. [Source:Minnesota Disability Law Center]

Grants Available for Youth-Led Service Projects The Bubel/Aiken Foundation and Youth Service America (YSA) are pleased to announce grants of up to $1,000 to support youth-led service projects in which youth with and without disabilities serve their communities together. These grants support youth (ages 5-25), teachers, youth-leaders, youth-serving organizations, or organizations that serve people with disabilities in implementing service projects for National and Global Youth Service Day, April 20-22, 2007. Projects can address themes such as the environment, disaster relief, public health and awareness, community education, hunger, and literacy, and any issues youth identify as a community need. The receipt deadline is Thursday, November 30. FFI: www.YSA.org/awards. [Source: Youth Service of America]

New Local Jobs for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Deaf2Work, a collaboration between The Home Depot and the Rehabilitation Services (RS) Office of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), is expanding job opportunities in the state for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. As a result, the home improvement retailer has hired 15 people who are deaf or hard of hearing to work at 10 stores in the Twin Cities area.

Earl Karsikas stands next to his grandfather’s newly restored grave at Hastings State Hospital cemetery. The October ceremony, organized by Remembering With Dignity, was part on ongoing work to mark over 12,000 graves of people who lived, died and were buried anonymously in Minnesota’s state hospital system.

gravestones to recognize people here in the cemetery, and we will be placing 500 gravestones in the cemetery next summer. Our real work is to make things better for people in the community today,” stated emcee Kelly Lee, board member of St. Paul-based Ad“Today we are placing named vocating Change Together.

Accessible Space, Inc. ASI

RWD also held a gravestone installation ceremony at the Hastings State Hospital Cemetery October 7th. The cemetery sits on a beautiful site, filled with oak trees and a wonderful view over the valley to the east. There are 901 people buried at the site. No grave markers have been found

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The collaboration project capitalizes on The Home Depot’s flexibility in the recruiting, training and retention of associates. The project’s methods include the conversion of job application questions to American Sign Language. In collaboration with staff at the Minnesota Employment Center for People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, RS’s occupational communication specialists conduct initial application and employment assessment.

Store managers find they benefit from Deaf2Work’s recruitfor individual graves, only ment and screening of qualified candidates, and from readily border markings to reference available consultation with Deaf2Work’s expert staff. [Source: locations of rows. MN Department of Employment and Economic Development] If you or an elderly relative have any recollections of a cemetery “down by the railroad tracks” in Rochester, please contact RWD (rwd @selfadvocacy.org). ■

Minneapolis/Hennepin Homeless Plan Complete Minneapolis and Hennepin County have recently completed a 10-year plan to end homelessness. This innovative plan, entitled Heading Home Hennepin, is available for reviewal at the Central branch of Minneapolis Public Library. The plan is accessible both in large print and audio, and can be found in the assistive technologies lab on the 1st floor. [Source: Hennepin County/Mpls Coordinator to End Homelessness]

Diamond Hill Townhomes We are currently accepting applications for our waiting list at Diamond Hill Townhomes, a great property located near the Minneapolis International Airport. We have two and three bedroom townhomes that are HUD subsidized and rent is 30% of the total household's adjusted gross income. We have a large number of mobility impaired accessible units and we are scheduling appointments for persons in need of a mobility impaired accessible unit immediately. To schedule an appointment please call (612) 726-9341.

November 10, 2006

Upcoming Events

To list an event, e-mail access@accesspress.org Charter Schools and Special Education November 13th PACER Center is offering this free workshop for parents whose children have disabilities. Half of Minnesota’s public charter schools are in the Twin Cities. As recipients of federal funds, such schools must follow federal and state laws. Participants will learn about these laws and what questions to ask when considering charter school enrollment. Details: 7 to 9 p.m., at PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington. Advance registration requested. FFI: 952-838-9000, 952-838-0190 (TTY), 800-537-2237 (toll free) or www.pacer.org. Epilepsy Bill of Rights Seminar November 14th The Epilepsy Foundation of MN is hosting an educational seminar about “The Bill of Rights for People Living with Epilepsy,” a first-of-its-kind program designed to empower families affected by epilepsy and educate the general public.

Seminar topics include social aspects, communication, school and treatment options. Details: November 14, 1:00 p.m., VA Medical Center, 1 Veterans Drive, Room 4L-125 (Urgent Care entrance to the 4th floor) Minneapolis. For a free copy, visit www. EpilepsyBillofRights.com or call 1-877-6ERIGHTS. Legal Matters and Legacy November 14th What kind of legacy do you want to leave? How will you provide for your loved ones and your community? Headwaters Foundation for Justice will host the final in its series of facilitated discussions for people interested in exploring how to invest and give strategically to advance movements for justice. We’ll discuss how to translate our values into legal directives for estate planning. Attendance at previous sessions is not a prerequisite. Details: 7–9:30 p.m. Twin Cities Friends Meeting Hall, 1725 Grand Ave., St. Paul Cost: $15. Register: Carol Mollner, carol@headwatersfoundation. org or 612-879-0602 x12.

Epilepsy Foundation Art Show All of November The Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota is displaying the 2006 Brainstorms Art collection at Macalester College this month in the Ruth Stricker Dayton Campus Center, lower level Student Lounge. Hours: noon to midnight; admission free; open to the community. The collection, with over 50 pieces produced by artists ranging from established professionals to novices, ages 770, can also be viewed at www.efmn.org. Medicare Made Easy Nov. 15-Dec. 28 Medicare Made Easy is a free, vendor-neutral program being offered through Buffalo/ Hanover/Montrose Community Education in partnership with community members. From November 15th through December 28th, assistance is available for anyone wanting help with Medicare Part D. Many people will be considering their re-enrollment options while others may be enrolling for the first time. Over 500 people took part in this series last spring, really appreciating the help.

Details: Wright Technical Center, Hwy 25, Buffalo, MN. Wednesday & Thursday mornings from 10 a.m. until noon. Thursday afternoons from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free. Metro area residents welcome! Reservations: 763-682-8770.

The Running of the Santas November 26th Join the fun run in downtown Minneapolis and help benefit Legal Aid, providing free civil legal services to low-income and disadvantaged people in Hennepin and 19 other Minnesota counties for 93 years. Inclusion in Faith Runners get Santa suit and Communities beard; kids 12 and younger get November 21st Santa hat. The run is short, Many people with intellectual with hot chocolate and music and developmental disabilities at the finish, followed by the would like to be more active in Holidazzle Parade. their faith community, but physical and social barriers Run begins at 4 p.m. in downoften get in the way. Arc’s town Minneapolis. Rolling Interfaith Inclusion Network Santas, Walking Santas, Santas welcomes people of all faith in Strollers. All Welcome. communities who want to cre- Registration: www.midmn ate more opportunities for legal.org. FFI: Pam, 612-746meaningful inclusion for per- 3703 sons with disabilities. Guest speaker: Julia Apaloo, St. Shrine Bowling Benefit Stephen’s Catholic Church. November 26th Join us for a great Sunday of Details: 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., bowling to raise money for Merriam Park Library, 1831 Shrine Hospital Twin Cities Marshall Ave., St. Paul. Cost: Unit. Details: Wells Lanes, 365 $5 for optional dinner. FFI and N. Concord Street, South St. registration: Arc at 952-920- Paul; 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (6510855. 455-3320). 32 lanes all donated by Wells Lanes for this special event. FFI: Mark Hughes 651-470-2473.

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MCIL Game Day November 28th Bored? Come to MCIL’s Game Day and learn a new board game, play cards, meet new people, eat and have fun! Bring your own favorite game if you prefer. Have the chance to win a prize! Details: 12 p.m.-3 p.m., MCIL, 1919 University Ave W. St. Paul. FFI: Laura Borton, Peer Mentor Program Coordinator / IL Specialist, laurab@mcilmn.org, 651-603-2028. 2007 Minnesota SelfAdvocacy Conference May 18 — 19, 2007 Mark your calendars now for the 2007 MN Self-Advocacy Conference. The two-day event, “Lead. Change. Empower,” will be held at the Crowne Plaza St. Paul Riverfront Hotel (formerly known as Radisson Riverfront Hotel) on May 18 and 19, 2007. FFI: Kathy Sanders, 651-641-0297, act@selfad vocacy.org. ■

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November 10, 2006

Smith Banquet Honors Smith Partygoers Enjoy Food, Drinks, And Video Tribute By Smith

large crowd was on hand Friday at the Black Bear Crossings of St. Paul’s Como Park as John Smith (no relation)

recieved the 2006 Charlie Smith Award. The award presentation featured old (former) high school classmates, a stirring video (roast) edited by

Jerry Smith (no relation), and a heartfelt (lightly rehearsed) sing-a-long led by the Access Press Board. The mood was high from the opening hors d’oeuvres (drinks) to the closing (and

thankfully brief) remarks from Access Press editor Tim Benjamin (no relation). Thanks to all who helped make this annual banquet, once again, a not-to-be-missed party. ■

Above: Mary Kay Kennedy, outgoing board member and Mike Chevrette, Board Chair

At left: The banquet crowd enjoying dinner and conversation.

Pictured left to right: board member Kay Willshire, Jim Foran and Joan Willshire.

At right: Kay Willshire board member, Bret Hesla, assistant editor and Michael Stier and Sophida Chanhdara

Pictured in the top row at left: Michael WirthDavis, Debbie Ferry and Dawn Bacon. Bottom row: Kelly Matter, Sheila Olson, Lori Sterner

Mike Gottschalk and a St. Paul policeman enjoying the party with Kevin Sullivan and Lance Hegland, Access Press sales and marketing directory.

AWARD -

Cont. from p. 1

have shared it—not only with his achievements, but also by his spirit. That spirit inspires us and makes us glad that our lives share a common purpose with John’s. While we at the University of Minnesota feel very pleased that John

has received the Charlie Smith Award, recognizing all that he has done, we know John has great things left to accomplish and we look forward to many more years of working alongside of him as he does so. ■

Charlie Lakin, Director of the Research and Training Center on Community Living at the University of Minnesota, is a friend and coworker of John Smith.

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November 10, 2006

MSCOD Honors Key Disability Leaders by Gina Kiser and Nadia Facey

n honor of Disability Employment Awareness Month, the Minnesota State Council on Disability held its annual Awards Luncheon on Thursday October 19, 2006, at the Radisson in Roseville. More than 145 people attended the event, which recognized individuals and organizations that have made substantial contributions on behalf of people with disabilities in the state of Minnesota. The keynote speaker was John Kemp, who is a principal at the Washington, DC, law firm of Powers, Pyles, Sutter & Verville. Mr. Kemp, who was born with a disability that requires him to use four prostheses, is a very motivating speaker. He gave an empowering speech, inspiring the audience to think creatively about the future of our country and the disability movement.

The Council would like to congratulate the rest of this year’s award recipients: Legislator of the Year: Rep. Fran Bradley Rep. Bradley has always been a strong ally and advocate for persons with disabilities during his twelve years of service in the Minnesota Legislature. Rep. Bradley is the Chair of the House Health Policy and Finance committee. He has taken part in the annual Disability Day at the capitol. Chairs Award: Darlene Plante Since becoming a certified braillist in 1972, Ms. Plante has translated literally hundreds of thousands of pages of educational and vocational material into Braille. She has helped hundreds of blind students and employees, both in this country and abroad.

James Liedberg, the Community Award winner, with Joan Willshire. Tom Hauser, chief political reporter for KSTP 5 Eyewitness News, served as the Master of Ceremonies for the luncheon and kept up a wicked pace of bantering with cohort

David Schwartzkopf. The last award presented was the Minnesota Award, the Council’s highest honor, which went to Scott Coleman, a Career Rehabilitation Counselor with the State of Minnesota. He has worked in the downtown Saint Paul office for many years.

The Council also recognized three extraordinary individuals who left the Council this year—John Tschida, Nancy Eustis and Sue Abderholden. Finally, the Council recognized the Otto Bremer Foundation for resources they provided to develop a strategic plan, called Options Too, to relocate people with disabiliFrom right to left, Darlene Plante, the Chair's Award winner, ties from nursing homes into with keynote speaker John Kemp and Joan Willshire their communities. ■

Individual Community Award: James Liedberg Mr. Liedberg is a symbol of strength and courage in the community. He is a chartere member of the JC organization, and he is always ready to donate his time to assist with charitable events. Entrepreneur Award: Brian and David Muhs The Muhs brothers started their own vending machine company that serves more than a dozen customers in the Isanti-Cambridge area. Sports Innovation Award: Craig McClellan Mr. McClellan founded the Minnesota Chapter of the Electric Wheelchair Hockey Association in 1997. He also runs the hockey program at the Muscular Dystrophy Association summer camp each year. Access Award: Minneapolis Public Library The Minneapolis Public Library received an award for accessibility and accommodation. Katherine Hadley accepted on behalf of the library. Technology Award: Carol Fury Ms. Fury developed Access to Telework-Minnesota, a program that provides an alternative to traditional employment for Minnesotans with disabilities. Community Award: Patti Bahr and Dave Wilkie on behalf of the Gillette Technology Center Mobile Outreach Clinic The Mobile Outreach Clinic provides specialized orthotics, seating and related assistive technology services to individuals with disabilities, their families, caregivers and the professionals involved in the person’s care. Transition Award: Kathleen Johnson Ms. Johnson was a founding member of the Good Start Program, which helps people who are newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Youth Award: Matt Williams Williams, a former student at the University of Minnesota Duluth, tutored students with special needs and volunteered at the Special Olympics. Distinguished Service Award: Laurie Brownell Ms. Brownell has over twenty years of service and commitment to independence for people with disabilities in the eleven counties of Southeastern MN. Employer of the Year: Bernick’s Beverage Company Located in Waite Park, MN, Bernick’s hires individuals with disabilities and has created a culture of inclusion and support for all employees. Minnesota Award: Scott Coleman Mr. Coleman is a Career Rehabilitation Counselor with the State of Minnesota. He has worked in the downtown Saint Paul office for many years.

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November 10, 2006

A Quarter Centuryâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; Gone In A Flash

Finding The Right Spot To Make A Difference

by David Hancox, MCIL, Executive Director

by Nancy Sopkowiak

25 years of success, challenge, and growth. 25 years of impact. 25 years of making a difference, daily, in the lives of people with disabilities and their families. 25 years of working effectively with colleagues throughout the community to enrich opportunities for people with disabilities living in the greater metropolitan areas of Minneapolis and St. Paul, and beyond. 25 years of making a difference.

PCAs, Peer Mentors, Consumers, and Community Partners acknowledging their service, partnership and volunteerism to MCIL and the IL model. Executive Director David Hancox offered remarks that included a review the activities of the previous year and a celebratory nod to the significant outcomes of the past 25 years. Special guests included Mary Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hara Anderson and John Walsh, both previous executive directors, who were recognized for their contributions and the legacy that they created at MCIL. These con-

tributions, along with those of Walt Siebert, MCILâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first executive director (who could not be us for the celebration), are now commemorated on a special plaque that was presented and will be displayed in the MCIL offices.

Linda Baune attended St Cloud State University. She tried speech therapy classes and got hooked. Unfortunately, she had to fight to get in and stay in the speech program, because some professors thought she wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make it. Instead of focusing on her abilities, those instructors could only see her disabilities. They also didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t realize that telling Ms. Baune she would fail only made her more determined to succeed. In 1992 she graduated with a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in Speech Language Pathology.

The evening of celebration was completed with a presentation by Michael Patrick, a nationally known motivational speaker. Patrick experienced a spinal cord injury at age 17 in an accident during a high school football game. His in- After graduation Ms. Baune Qtr Century - cont. on p. 15 worked as a speech therapist. Today she is a co-owner of SPOT Rehabilitation in St. Cloud and plays several roles, including Vice President of the Board, Director of the Speech Pathology Department and Speech Language Pathologist. She feels that her own personal struggles with cerebral palsy and severe back pain have made her a better therapist. She says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The kids who come through the door are the reason I get up and go to work everyday.â&#x20AC;?

Entrepreneur Linda Baune, 2006 Jacobson Award winner Ms. Baune twice a week for four years, he now talks extensively. Today when his aunt calls Ethan, she sometimes canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tell if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s him or his brother on the phone. Ethanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aunt says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Linda has been so instrumental in getting him where he is.â&#x20AC;? Last month Linda Baune was honored with the Judd Jacobson Memorial Award, which recognizes a person with a disability for an entrepreneurial endeavor. The award is in memory of Judd Jacobson, who became a quadriplegic at age 16 after a diving accident. In 1970, Jacobson and his wife Barbara opened Travel Headquarters and Flying Wheels Travel, a national travel agency for people with disabilities. Jacobson also served on the Courage Center Board. Courage administrates the Judd Jacobson Award, which is funded by Jacobsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s friend Daniel J. Gainey. He was with Judd the day of his accident, and they supported each other in a lifelong friendship.

ing over 200 programs for churches, schools, police departments, prisons and corporations. The Judd Jacobson Award and the Courage Center have had so much to do with my success. I speak from the personal point of view of living with two illnesses, depression and MS, and what has helped me in my recovery. People need to hear that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, many times IN the tunnel.â&#x20AC;?

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The 2006 Judd Jacobson Memorial Award luncheon was held on Wednesday, October 11th at the Golden Valley Country Club. Lindaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mom and step-dad came to celebrate with her. During lunch Lindaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s friends and family reminisced and joshed with her. Lindaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mom remembered once telling Linda not to attend a cousinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wedding, because the trip would be too hard on her. Linda said goodbye to her mother, hung up the phone, packed her suitcase, and drove to the wedding. Lindaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s friends talked of working with her at SPOT, and how often she Ethan, a teenage client with Founded in 1992, the Jacobson works with extreme pain. autism, usually comes to SPOT Award has helped and encourwith his aunt. When Ethan aged many entrepreneurs with Jan Malcolm, Courage Center started with Ms. Baune, he was disabilities. Among the many CEO, opened the award proten years old and could only honorees is 2004 winner Pete gram. She stated that Judd say one or two words. His aunt Feigal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m speaking full time Jacobson and Linda Baune had a hard time understanding around the country and last year were both trail blazers for ophis speech. After working with was on the road 300 days, do- portunities in Minnesota. Barbara Jacobson presented Ms. 5$03 &2168/7,1* 3((5 0(1725,1* Baune with her award and $5,000 check. In her acceptance speech, she said â&#x20AC;&#x153;The rewards of my job are endless.â&#x20AC;? She went on to mention some examples: a child saying their first word, a stroke patient learning to communicate better or relearning to swallow. Ms. Baune outlined her plans to use the award money for training and materials, so she can better help her clients. She closed by gracefully thank ing the committee, her friends and family. ,1)250$7,21 5()(55$/

The gathering included a delicious dinner served by hotel staff and entertainment provided by Michael Deutsch. Dinner was followed by staff and board recognitions denoting years of service, and awards being delivered to

David Hancox speaking at the MCIL 25th anniversary.

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Last month, Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) consumers, current and past staff, current and past board members, colleagues, community partners, policymakers, and others gathered at the Sheraton Four Points in Minneapolis to celebrate 25 years of independent living services to the community.

inda Baune recently won the 2006 Judd Jacobson Memorial Award. I had a chance to have lunch with her last month to talk about her life and achievements. Linda walked into Perkins with enthusiasm, smiled warmly and introduced herself. She seemed to bring the September sunshine inside with her. After politely ordering her chicken quesadillas, Linda chatted about her life.

Perhaps Linda Bauneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own words best capture the spirit of the Jacobson Award, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Disabilities are handicaps only when situations and attitudes make them so.â&#x20AC;? â&#x2013;

November 10, 2006

Living Independently

Financial And Legal Services To Protect People With Disabilities In Their Homes by Lisa Schmidtke

or many disabled Americans living in their home, their main asset IS their home. Therefore, every legal and financial measure must be taken to protect the nest egg that allows them to live with freedom and independence. From daily money management to establishing a will, decisions should be made with care, including hiring trustworthy consultants. Seek out organizations that work specifically with people with disabilities; here are a few to get you started. A Little Help provides inhome, professional, confidential personal everyday money management and household management services for seniors in the Twin Cities. They’ll balance your checkbook, pay your bills and monitor medical bills. Outside the Twin Cities, Elder Circle provides conservator/guardianship and health care directive services to Itasca County residents who are not able to manage their finances or personal care needs. The first step in managing finances is getting organized. The Daily CareLogTM Complete Caregiving Diary is a calendar book that includes logging for caregiver scheduling, household management, medical team contact information, meal planning, medications, exercise, recreational activities and more. These life management tasks could overwhelm any household, but are particularly vital to people who are a target for fraud and identity theft. That’s why it’s important to seek out legal services that not only protect your assets but also your name. Pre-Paid Legal offers legal service plans providing access to justice for individuals and families with a special emphasis on their Identity Theft ShieldSM, where you

get regular monitoring of your relationship with a Long-Term credit report. Care Ombudsman, who advocates for residents of nursing Once your home finances are homes, board and care homes, in order, you can now seek out assisted living facilities, and funding for additional allow- similar adult-care facilities. able services that provide For assistance with waiver serneeded support to individuals. vices contact the MN Dept. of Medical Assistance (MA) is a Human Services Disabilities state health care program for Division or Opportunity Part-

sources through word-ofmouth, so don’t be afraid to open up a discussion with trusted friends and family. Financial or legal discussions may seem uncomfortable, but with the influx of choices in medical care comes confusion, risk and paperwork. ■

Resources A Little Help: ............................................................................ www.alittlehelpinc.com ElderCircle: ..................................................................................... www.eldercircle.org Pre-Paid Legal: .......................................................................... www.prepaidlegal.com MN Dept. of Human Services Disabilities Division: ................... www.dhs.state.mn.us Opportunity Partners Consumer Directed Support Services: .... www.opportunities.org The Daily CareLogTM Caregiving Diary: ................................. www.osspublishing.com disabled and elderly Minnesotans who have limited income and assets. MA helps pay for health care costs not covered by Medicare or other payers. It pays for certain home health services such as assistance with personal care, medication setup and administration, other nursing services, and speech, physical, and occupational therapies. MA also helps pay for nursing home costs if you have limited income and assets. Establish a

ners Consumer Directed Support Services. From understanding the requirements of state and country waiver programs to managing the programs and resources to connecting families with quality services, they understand the systems. They can provide the support coordination and can serve as the legally required Fiscal Intermediary/Employer of Record.

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November 10, 2006

Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Changes: Do I Still Qualify For Extra Help In 2007? by the Disability Linkage Line Staff

isability Linkage Line (DLL) provides free, statewide, disabilityrelated information and assistance. DLLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s information specialists make it easier for people to explore available options, choose services, and successfully connect to those services.

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The Disability Linkage Line, in partnership with the Senior Linkage Line, has helped thousands of people transition to the new Medicare Prescription Drug Program. Now itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to review your coverage for 2007 to make sure you are in the plan that best meets your needs, and to see if you will

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continue to receive the extra People who are getting Extra help with prescription costs. Help for the Medicare prescription drug costs, and do Medicare Prescription Drug not want to pay any plan prePlans are changing for 2007 Everyone enrolled in a plan Now itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to rewill receive an Annual Notice view your coverage of Change from their current for 2007 to make sure plan. Read this information carefully. Look for changes in you are in the plan costs, benefits and drugs that that best meets your are covered. Just because your needs . . .â&#x20AC;? plan was the best plan for you in 2006 does not necessarily mium, need to choose a plan mean it is still the best plan for that is a â&#x20AC;&#x153;benchmark plan.â&#x20AC;? In you in 2007. If nothing 2007, there will be sixteen changed and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re satisfied benchmark plans. Keep in with your current plan, you do mind, there are five plans that not need to do anything to stay were benchmark plans in 2006 in the plan. that will NOT be benchmark plans in 2007. You should reIf you want to change your search all plan options and find plan, open enrollment begins the best plan to cover your November 15, 2006, and ends drug needs. To compare plans, December 31, 2006. People you can go online at www. who are on both Medicare and medicare.gov, or call the DLL Medical Assistance can enroll (see number below). and change plans beyond December 31, 2006. Medicare is Review your Extra Help with encouraging people to make prescription drug costs all plan changes by December 8, 2006, to avoid any delays People who automatically with plan coverage becoming qualified for Extra Help in effective on January 1, 2007. 2006 were Medicare enrollees

who were in at least one of the following programs: Medical Assistance (MA), Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI-1) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you are no longer in one of these programs, you will not automatically qualify for extra help in 2007. You will need to reapply for Extra Help with Social Security to see if you still qualify based on your income and resources. You can fill out the paper application mailed to you, or you can expedite the process by filling out the application online. To

â&#x20AC;&#x153;However, some people who will no longer qualify for Extra Help in 2007 will NOT receive a notice telling them so.â&#x20AC;? apply online go to on www.ssa.gov and click on the left-hand tool barâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x153;Apply Here For Extra Help With Prescription Drug Costs.â&#x20AC;?

With all these changes for 2007, enrollees should receive a combination of notices from plans, Medicare or Social Security. However, some people who will no longer qualify for Extra Help in 2007 will not receive a notice telling them so. This group includes people who automatically qualified for Extra Help in 2006, were auto assigned to a plan by Medicare but chose to enroll in another plan on their own. If you have any doubt whether this situation applies to you, call the Disability Linkage Line. The Disability Linkage Line can help you find out if you need to fill out an application for Extra Help in 2007. This article only highlights a few of the 2007 changes with the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit. â&#x2013; FFI: Disability Linkage Line, 866-333-2466 from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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November 10, 2006

Brain Damage Is Not Imaginary by L. A. Reed

was hit—very hard across out in the outfield, and very the head, so that it felt like slowly go over in my mind a bowling ball. what would happen if, let’s say, the ball was hit to me. And That was my childhood. someone was on second base. I had to remember that the Over 50 years later, in my mid- runner on first base would run 50s, I am struggling with brain to second, the batter would damage, various symptoms of run to first (whom I could igwhich are physical and emo- nore initially), and I would tional, and with repercussions have to try and throw the ball that are social and affect both to second base on time to get relationships and work. the runner out, or else they would go to third. Then (diffiI am sitting in a restaurant. cult) I would have to make the And trying to listen to the per- decision to either throw to third son across the table. My head to get that runner, to second is being confused by the sounds base if the batter headed to around me. I’ve had my hear- second (no, that’s the wrong ing tested many times over the decision—need to catch the years and have been told, runner closest to home)—this “There is nothing wrong with is EXHAUSTING!—or try to your hearing.” Yes, but all throw to second or third if I these sounds in my head to- couldn’t throw hard or fast gether are confusing. So I’m enough to catch the front listening to my friend and get- runner…this is REALLY exting distracted by conversa- hausting. And I can’t do this tion over here, over there, and FAST. I’m getting exhausted it’s hard to focus on my friend. and overwhelmed just writing Sounds like an echo in my this! I remember standing in head. the outfield and going through all these options and it was I played softball in my teens. like slow motion in my head. Outfield. I was good at out- It’s very hard to think through field, and could focus on a the myriad of difficult moveflyball like no one. But every ment possibilities. time…every time…someone came up to bat, I had to stand But I’M NOT STUPID. I al-

ways had good IQ scores, even in the 120s. When I was ten years old, I was reading 300 page novels. So what’s WRONG with me? Nothing. Several years ago, in the process of dealing with chronic illness and disability and having my body break down in other ways, I met for five years with a disability specialist who had experience with many different disabilities. We spent five years of me being frustrated, not just with the breakdown of parts of my body, but with our communication, trying to explain to her the frustration of trying to communicate with people out in the world. To explain things, like I can’t understand people who talk too fast. I can’t easily track conversations between two or more people. Social events like parties are hard. If there are other conversations in the background, it’s overwhelming. It’s like, I can hear the words, but can’t understand them. Snatches. And I often misunderstand people as a result. So after five years of talking through this with her, she

looked up at me one day and brain, and problems with get- at the speed I need to hear said, “You have brain dam- ting it out. We can have both them, so that they know the age!” kinds. speed I need. What!?

When she explained the “prob- I . . . would . . . like . . . you . . . lems information out,” I started to talk . . . more . . . slowly. Someone I had met several crying. Two . . . or . . . three . . . beats years earlier had suggested I . . . between . . . each . . . word. research high-end autism, in I can hear the information in case the problems I had were my brain I want to tell Even the size writing on my this. I did, but the descriptions someone…answers to a ques- computer is an inch or more didn’t fit me. Frustrating was tion, a response to a piece of high because the large letters having able-bodied friends information shared…but I seem to slow down the inforwho kept trying to convince CAN’T GET IT OUT EAS- mation. me that I was imagining things: ILY. It could be fear, yes, but this was all probably emo- I work on that. It feels like it’s I’m going to stop writing now tional; work on that, and this stuck in some part of my head, because this is a bit much inwill go away. and it won’t come out of my formation to be sharing, and mouth easily. for those of you for whom this Well, it hasn’t. is difficult (including me), it If someone continues to talk could tire you out. My guess, from what I am while I’m trying to say the infinding out now, is that the formation, it’s even harder. Let’s say, I’m practicing talktopic of brain damage is so ing with people about this, embarrassing and shaming in This is like playing softball. teaching people about slowour culture that no one, cer- Trying to take in information ing down speech and convertainly not any of my friends, and trying to get it out, almost sation; I ask people when poswants to believe I have it. That simultaneously. sible to stop talking while I am we are stupid or less human; trying to answer, and I’m pracor cursed, or have spirits con- So what do I do now? ticing helping people, includtrolling us. ing myself, understand that this She had this suggestion which is a physical problem. This is frustrating. I’ve put to work. Ask people to slow down, to wait while I an- Cheers to our great brains. ■ The worker who explained swer, and to give me a chance brain damage to me said there to speak. L.A. Reed is an artist, writer are two kinds: problems with and computer teacher. information coming into the She suggested talking to people

November 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 www.vsaartsmn.org. Church Basement Ladies Ongoing Performances Plymouth Playhouse performs at the Best Western Kelly Inn, 2705 Annapolis Lane (I-494 and Hwy 55), Plymouth. ASL: Wed., Nov. 22, 8:00 p.m.; Wed., Dec. 20, 8:00 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $22; 763-5531600; ask for ASL discount; www.plymouthplayhouse.com A Passion for Paintings: Old Masters . . . Oct 8, 2006 - Jan 7, 2007 Mpls. Institute of Arts, Target Gallery, 2400 Third Ave. S. Tour begins by the Information Desk. ASL: Sun., Nov. 5, 2:00 p.m. Tix: Special exhibition admission charged; interpreted tour is free; 612-8703131 or TTY 612-870-3132; E-mail: dhegstro@artsmia. org; Web: www.artsmia.org

The Action against Sol Schumann Oct 21 - Nov 12, 2006 MN Jewish Theatre Co. performs at Hillcrest Center Theater, 1978 Ford Prkwy, St. Paul. AD: Sun., Oct. 29, 2:00 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $13 (reg. $17-24), 651-647-4315; www.mnjewishtheatre.org Tartuffe Oct 21 - Nov 17, 2006 Theatre de la Jeune Lune, 105 N. First St., Mpls. ASL: Sun., Oct. 22, 7p.m. AD: Sun., Oct. 29, 7p.m. Tix: Reduced to $13; reg. $20; TicketWorks 612333-6200 or 612-332-3968 x100; www.jeunelune.org

Antigone Oct 24 - Nov 19, 2006 Children’s Theatre Co., Cargill Stage, 2400 3rd Ave. S., Mpls. AD and ASL: Wed., Nov. 8, 2:00 p.m.; Fri., Nov. 10, 7:30 The Merchant of Venice p.m. Tix: Mention VSA Offer Oct 19 - Nov 19, 2006 Ten Thousand Things per- for $13 ticket; regular discount forms at Theater Open Book, is $20; 612-874-0400; www. 1011 Washington Ave. S., childrenstheatre.org Mpls. AD: Sat., Nov. 18, 8:00 Hedda Gabler p.m. Tix: Reduced to $13 (reg. Oct 26 - Nov 11, 2006 $20), 612-203-9502; www. U of M Theatre at Rarig Ctr, tenthousandthings.org 330 21st Ave. S., Mpls. ASL:

N O W P L AY I N G

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DRIVING MISS DAISY

Alfred Uhry

David I. Kertzer

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PERFORMANCES

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Peter St. (20 W. 7th Place), St. Paul. AD and ASL: Sat., Nov. 25, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to half-price; 651-291-7005; www.parksquaretheatre.org

Tellabration Nov 11, 2006 Open Book, 1011 Washington Ave. S., Mpls. Northstar Storytelling League: Nancy Donoval, Charlie Bethel, Danielle Daniel, Mike Mann, The 25th Annual Putnam Paula Reed Nancarrow, Jerry County Spelling Bee Wellik. ASL: Sat., Nov. 11, Nov 7 - 12, 2006 State Theatre, 805 Hennepin 8:00 p.m. Tix: $12 ($10 with Ave. S., Mpls. AD: Wed., Nov. Fringe button), 612-782-7121; 8, 7:30 p.m. ASL: Sun., Nov. www.NorthstarStorytelling.org 12, 1:00 p.m. Tix: $27-72; 612Carol Connolly Reading 373-5639 or 5609; hotline Series Presents 612-373-5650; TTY 612-373Nov 17, 2006 5655; E-mail: accessible @orpheum.com; Web: www. College of St. Catherine, Ballhennepintheatredistrict.com/ room, Third Floor Coeur de Catherine, 2004 Randolph Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Ave, St. Paul. ASL: Fri., Nov. 17, 6:00 p.m. Tix: Free, 612Stole Christmas 874-2815; E-mail: Nov 8 - Dec 31, 2006 Children’s Theatre Co., 2400 julie@inter mediaarts.org; 3rd Ave. S., Mpls. AD and www.inter mediaarts.org ASL: Wed., Dec. 13, 10:30 A Christmas Carol a.m.: Fri., Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m. Nov 17 - Dec 28, 2006 Tix: Mention the VSA Offer for $13 tickets; regular dis- Stages Theatre Co., Hopkins count is $20; 612-874-0400; Center for the Arts Mainstage, 1111 MainSt, Hopkins. ASL: www.childrenstheatre.org Sun., Dec. 10, 2p.m., and Wed., Dec. 13, 10a.m. Tix: The Lark $14, $11 children (age 2-17) Nov 9 - 12, 16 - 19, 2006 Ted Paul Theatre, MN State and srs (age 60+); 952-979University, Mankato Perform- 1111; www.stagestheatre.org ing Arts Center, Mankato. Diva Dish ASL: Sun., Nov. 19, 2:00 p.m. Nov 17 - 19, 2006 Tax: $9-13; 507-389-6661; Ordway Center for the Perwww.MSUTheatre.com forming Arts Main Hall, 345 Washington, St. Paul. Luke Narnia Yankee. ASL: Sat., Nov. 18, Nov 10 - 19, 2006 Fred Moore Middle School Ctr 8p.m. AD: Sun., Nov. 19, for the Arts, Fred Moore 2p.m. Tix: 651-224-4222, Middle School Ctr for the Arts, TTY 651-282-3100; www.ord 1523 Fifth Ave S., Anoka. way.org/services/access.asp ASL: Fri., Nov. 10, 7:30 p.m. Tix: $8, srs/students $4; re- Zenon Dance Company’s 24th Fall Concert served seating; 763-506-3667; Nov 17 - 26, 2006 www.anoka.k12.mn.us/fmms Southern Theater, 1420 WashA Midsummer Night’s Dream ington Ave. S., Mpls. ASL: Sun., Nov. 19, 7p.m. Tix: $25, Nov 10 - Dec 7, 2006 Park Square Theatre, 408 Saint Perform. - cont. on p. 15

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Edgardo Mine Nov 4 - Dec 17, 2006 Guthrie Theater, McGuire Proscenium, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. AD: Sat., Nov. 25, 1p.m. (sensory tour 10:30); also Fri., Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m. ASL: Fri., Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $17; reg. $22-$52; 612-3772224, TTY 612-377-6626; www.guthrietheater.org

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The Rivals Nov 3 - Dec 23, 2006 Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls. AD: Wed., Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $8, 612-822-7063; www. jungletheater.com Boats, Circles and Ogres: Stories for Young Ones Nov 4, 11, 18, 2006 Walker Church, 3104 16th Ave. S., Mpls. ASL: Sat., Nov 18, 2:00 p.m. Tix: $6-12 sliding scale includes both shows, 612-246-4623; E-mail: mail@ paulino.info; Web: www. paulino.info

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Joseph and the Amazing Sat., Nov. 11, 8p.m. Tix: $12Technicolor Dreamcoat 14 at 612-624-2345; E-mail: Nov 3 - 18, 2006 utheatre@umn.edu; Morris Park Players perform www.theatre.umn.edu at Folwell Middle School, 3611 - 20th Ave S., Mpls. AD: A Doll’s House Fri., Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Oct 26 - Nov 11, 2006 U of M Theatre performs at Now $10; 612-724-8373; Rarig Center, 330 21st Ave. S., www.morrispark players.org Mpls. ASL: Sat., Nov. 4, 8p.m. Tix: $12-14, 612-624-2345; Steel Magnolias E-mail: utheatre@umn.edu; Nov 3 - 19, 2006 http://theatre.umn.edu Applause Comm. Theatre at Lakeville Area Arts Ctr, 20965 Chess Holyoke Ave. ASL: Fri., Nov. Oct 27 - Nov 19, 2006 10, 7:30 p.m. Tix: $12, $9 Mpls. Musical Theatre per- student/sr; 952-895-1234; www. forms at Hennepin Stages, 824 applausecommunitytheatre.com Hennepin Ave., Mpls. AD and ASL: Sun., Oct. 15, 7:30 p.m. Vestibular Sense Tix: Reduced to $17 (reg. Nov 3 - 26, 2006 $24); 612-673-0404; ASL/AD Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 S. Hotline: 612-373-5650; 4th St., Mpls. AD/ASL and www.aboutmmt.org Captioning: Fri., Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced by $5, The Full Monty 612-338-6131; E-mail: box Oct 27 - Nov 19, 2006 office@mixedblood.com; Bloomington Civic Theatre www.mixedblood.com performs at Bloomington Center for the Arts, 1800 W. Old P.S. Your Cat Is Dead! Shakopee Rd. AD: Sat., Nov. Nov 3 - 26, 2006 4, 7:30 p.m. ASL: Sat., Nov. Starting Gate Productions per11, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to forms at Mounds Theatre, $18; 952-563-8575; www. 1029 Hudson Road, Dayton’s bloomingtoncivictheatre.org Bluff neighborhood, St. Paul. AD: Sun., Nov. 19, 2:00 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $10 for AD/ ASL patrons; Reg. $18, $16 student/senior; 651-645-3503 www.startinggate.org or www.moundstheatre.org

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November 10, 2006

Access To Employment Employment ads are $16-$17 per col. inch. Oct 31 is the deadline for the November 10 issue. Mail to: ACCESS PRESS, 1821 University Ave. #104S, St. Paul, MN 55104 FAX 651-644-2136 • E-mail: access@accesspress.org Risk, Benefits & Claims Manager - Ramsey County Work Comp Mgr to admin self insured program. BA in Business Adm, or related field, plus 4yrs exp in worker’s compensation admin. Salary range: $54,372-$80,724 annual DOQ w/exc benefits. For more info visit www.co.ramsey.mn.us/ hr/hrjobs.asp or Call 651-2662700. Appl Deadline 11-1606. EOEumn inch x 2 1/4 column inches = $36.00 Litigation Director Mid-Minnesota Legal Assistance seeks Litigation Director for 8-office, 65-attorney program. Substantive practice areas include benefits, civil rights, family, housing, consumer, seniors, youth, tax, immigration, and disability. Salary DOE. Good benefits, including excellent vacation and family health insurance. Federal and appellate practice experience required. Start date negotiable. Resume to Pam Cunningham – Ad #999, MMLA, 430 1st Ave. N., #300, Minneapolis MN 55401. No calls. EOE.

HEALTH PROGRAM MANAGER SENIOR VACANCY $59,000 - $84,919 AnnuallyThe Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is seeking candidates for the position of STD & HIV Section Manager. This professional position is a permanent position located in St. Paul. The incumbent will provide leadership in the policy and programmatic functions of the STD & HIV Section through the maintenance of excellent relationships with a diverse group of staff, community stakeholders and other gov’t agencies.Minimum qualifications include a combination of education in a health-related field and experience as a manager or supervisor of professional staff. Preferred qualifications include extensive knowledge of public health program design and implementation, particularly related to infectious disease, extensive experience managing multiple programs concurrently, and extensive knowledge of leadership, management and budgetary principles.For a complete job description and online application instructions, go to Resume Builder at www.doer.state.mn.us and reference job posting #:06HEAL000384. For questions or additional job info contact Julia Ashley at 651-201-4002, julia.ashley@health.state.mn.us. Email communication is preferred. Applications will be accepted through November 15, 2006. The MDH is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a strong commitment to workforce diversity. EOE/AA Employer. Community Marketing Manager Mixed Blood Theatre seeks communicator to develop/implement grassroots marketing efforts that match target audiences w/programs. Resp for earned income; communications; audience development. Req: marketing exp; written/verbal skills; ability to connect w/diverse audiences, partners. Resume to Mixed Blood Theatre, attention Marketing Search, 1501 S. 4th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55414.

PERFORMANCES -

Cont. from p. 14

612-340-1725; www.southern Holiday Telethon! Miss theater.org or www.zenon Richfield Saves Pageant TV! dance.org Nov 24 - Dec 10, 2006 Illusion Theater, Illusion TheThe Mousetrap ater, 8th floor of the Hennepin Nov 17 - Dec 17, 2006 Ctr for the Arts at 528 Theatre in the Round, 245 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. ASL: Cedar Ave., Mpls. AD: Sun., Sat., Dec. 9, 8p.m. Tix: ReDec. 17, 2p.m. Tix: $20, srs/ duced to $17; reg $22-$30; students disc; 612-333-3010; 612-339-4944; www.illusion www.theatreinthe round.org theater.org An Interview w/Paul Robeson Nov 18 - 19, 2006 Varsity Theater, 1308 SE 4th St., Mpls. Two-act musical drama with Paul Mabon and Cornbread Harris. AD and ASL: Sat. and Sun., Nov. 1819, 2:00 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $20; www.varsitytheater.org or www.cornbreadenter prizes.com A Christmas Carol Nov 18 - Dec 23, 2006 Commonweal Theatre. St. Mane Theatre, 206 Prkwy Ave. N.,downtown Lanesboro. ASL: Sun., Dec. 10, 2p.m. Tix: Reduced to $10, 507-4672525, 800-657-7025; E-mail: tickets@commonwealtheatre. org; Web: www.commonweal theatre.org Altar Boyz Dec 19 - 31, 2006 State Theatre, 805 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls. ASL: Sat., Dec. 23, 5p.m. Tix: $35 - $49; ASL/ AD req. in adv: 612-373-5639 or 5609; hotline 612-3735650; TTY 612-373-5655; Email: accessible@orpheum. com; Web: www.hennepin theatredistrict.org/guestser vices/aslad/

Inspecting Carol Nov 24 - Dec 17, 2006 U of M Centennial Showboat, Padelford Packet Boat Co. at Harriet Island Reg Prk, St. Paul. ASL: Sat., Dec. 2, 8p.m. Tix: $27 at 651-227-1100; www.showboat.umn.ecu or www.ShowboatTheater.com Holiday Traditions Tours Nov 24, 2006 - Jan 18, 2007 Mpls Institute of Arts, 2400 Third Ave. S., Mpls. ASL: Sun., Dec. 3, 2p.m.: Period Rms’ tour begins); 3:30 p.m.: PurcellCutts House tour (shuttle bus avail.). ASL: Thurs., Dec. 7, 7p.m.: Period Rms’ tour begins from, third floor. Tix: exhibition charge; interpreted tour free; 612-870-3131 or TTY 612-870-3132; E-mail:dheg stro@artsmia.org; Web: www.artsmia.org Lutefisk Champ and Other Frozen Holiday Tales Nov 25 – Dec 31, 2006 History Theatre, 30 E. 10th St., St. Paul. AD: Sun., Dec. 3, 2p.m. ASL: Sun., Dec. 10, 2p.m. Tix: Reduced to $15; 651-292-4323; www.historytheatre.com

A Christmas Carol Nov 26 – Dec 30, 2006 Guthrie Theater, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. ASL: Tues., Dec. 5, 10:30 a.m.; Sat, Dec. 9, 1p.m.; Thurs., Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m. AD: Sat, Dec. 9, 1p.m. (sensory tour 10:30). Tix: now $17; reg. $22-$52; 612377-2224, TTY 612-377-6626; www.guthrietheater.org Irving Berlin’s White Christmas Nov 28, 2006 - Jan7, 2007 Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Main Hall, 345 Washington, St. Paul. ASL: Fri., Dec. 8, 8:00 p.m. AD: Sat., Dec. 9, 2:00 p.m. Tix: 651-224-4222, TTY 651-2823100; www.ordway.org/services/access.asp. ■

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Reach 11,000 Active, Interested Readers with Access Press Classifieds. $10 up to 12 words, 45¢/word thereafter. Must be prepaid. Mail with check to: ACCESS PRESS, 1821 University Ave W, #104S, St. Paul, MN 55104 • 651-644-2133 FOR SALE Seward Square Apartments: FOR RENT Holmes-Greenway Housing: Lewis Park Apartments: We are currently accepting one and two bedroom wheel- Barrier-free housing with applications for our waiting chair-accessible apartments. wheelchair users in mind. Sec- list for barrier-free housing, in Section 8 subsidized. Conve- tion 8 subsidized. One- and Minneapolis, that is federally nient SE Minneapolis location. two-bedroom units. For more subsidized. For an applicaCall 612-378-0331 for avail- information on availability call tion, please call 612-338-2680. ability information. Equal 651-488-9923. St. Paul, MN. Equal Opportunity Housing. Equal Opportunity Housing. Opportunity Housing. 1993 Ford E-150 Conversion Oak Park Village: One bed- Van with Braun chairlift. MEMORIAM In the loving memory of Milo room wheelchair-accessible Used 1 yr. Excellent cond. New D. Lane, Jr. From Becky apartments. Section 8 subsidized. tires. 173,000 miles. Does not “Markie” and Terrance Convenience St. Louis Park lo- use oil. Driver hand controls. cation. Call 952-935-9125 for Seat swivels and moves back to Franzen. availability information. Equal allow wheelchair access. Opportunity Housing. $2500/BO. 651-493-1187.

QUARTER CENTURY spirational remarks included a review of the spirit that informed the creation of the IL movement. He encouraged those present to keep the spirit alive through the continued delivery of IL services. MCIL has grown from a fledgling storefront operation with a handful of dedicated staffers to a respected community organization of more than 235 employees serving more than 10,000 individuals annually. Over the past 25 years, MCIL was one of the first organizations to offer a consumer di-

Cont. from p. 10

rected PAS program; the first consumer directed Ramp program; and a significant leadership role in defining the quality and structure of the adapted transportation system and other consumer directed services in the Twin Cities. MCIL continues those same efforts today by providing tech-based consumer services, offering transition services for youth with disabilities, establishing a Disability Linkage Line Call Center that serves half of Minnesota, and as one of first metro-based nonprofit organizations to pursue a signifi-

cant role in nursing home relocation efforts in accordance with the Olmstead decision. The success, growth and impact of MCIL is due to the talent and dedication of the consumers, current and past staff, board members, and the many community partners who have joined us in our efforts through volun-teerism, collaborations, and funding and donations. To all of those individuals, we offer our thanks. ■

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