April 2007 Edition - Access Press by Access Press

www.accesspress.org

April 10, 2007

History Note

Inside

“[If] you are going to let the fear of poverty govern your life and your reward will be that you will eat, but you will not live. ”

■ On Being Poor, Part II—p. 5 ■ Pursuing a Dream—p. 8 ■ Video Remote Interpreting—p. 12

— George Bernard Shaw (1856 - 1950) Page 2 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Mpls. MN Permit No. 4766

Volume 18, Number 4

Minnesota’s Disability

Community Newspaper

April 10, 2007

Mending The ADA Together We Bill to be Re-introduced to Restore Courtweakened Rights for Persons with Disabilities Are Stronger by Kathleen Hagen, Staff Attorney, MN Disability Law Center

New Network will Build MN Self-Advocacy

by Bret Hesla, Staff Writer

n the years since the 1990 passage of the ADA, disability advocates have been concerned with what is perceived as a steady erosion of these rights by the Supreme Court. To repair the damage, federal lawmakers plan to introduce a bill later this session that adds language to the ADA both defining disability unambiguously and ensuring that the courts enforce the ADA as it was originally intended by Congress. Congressman F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. (R-Wisconsin) called for legislation to strengthen the ADA at the New York Last year, a similar bill had School of Law last month. Photo by Rick Kopstein bipartisan support but was introduced too late in the session the person could not be de- the sisters did not have a visual to make it to the floor of the fined as disabled. A person acuity problem if they wore House of Representatives; could be defined as disabled, glasses, they did not have a there was no companion bill in the court said, only if correc- disability. In other words, their the 2006 Senate. tive measures did not elimi- potential impairment was cornate the disability. rected through the use of Momentum for a restoration glasses. bill began building in 1999, In the Sutton case, for example, when in the course of one day, two sisters applied to be pilots Advocates and attorneys have the Supreme Court decided for United Airlines. They were scrambled ever since that rulthree cases that each under- already certified pilots. With- ing to find ways to pass the mined disability rights. The out their glasses, their sight initial hurdle—defining a dismain arguments in these cases did not meet the vision qualifi- ability. Holdings by the Suwere cited in the principal case, cations set out by United Air- preme Court in employment Sutton vs. United Airlines. The lines. When they wore glasses, discrimination cases continue court held that if a person with however, they met the qualifi- that conservative approach to a disability could remedy the cation. United Airlines used a defining disability. Speaking effects of that disability by, for standard that persons must earlier this week example, wearing glasses to meet the required visual acu- at the New York correct vision, or taking medi- ity without glasses. The Su- Law School, cine to control seizures, that preme Court argued that since ADA - cont. on p. 12

rdinary folks have more clout when they band together. This spring, self-advocates and their allies from across Minnesota have taken that wisdom to heart, as they join forces to launch a new statewide network of self-advocacy groups, Self Advocates of Minnesota (SAM). Organizers expect the new network to assist persons with developmental and other disabilities assert their right to self-determination and to increase individual and collec-

“The lack of a statewide self-advocacy structure in Minnesota has left many groups feeling isolated and disconnected.” tive power to live the lives they want and deserve. The network’s goals are to strengthen local self-advocacy groups in three ways: by increasing their ability to raise funds, by increasing their influence in local and regional affairs, and by increasing their individual and group skills through exchange

of expertise between fellow with the new network is typiSAM members. cal of the grassroots flavor of SAM. “I got involved a year The new SAM network is the and a half ago when ACT sent result of a 20-month process out a mailing across the state coordinated by St. Paul-based asking if anyone was interAdvocating Change Together (ACT). Mary Kay Kennedy, “Self-advocates came up ACT co-director, sees fund- with the ideas, and that raising as a key motivator for is the best part. I attended the new network. “I think the almost all of the meetbiggest difference this network will make will be our ability to ings and am proud of collectively secure resources what we have done. You to support and sustain our could say that we are work. Social change work making history in MN.” takes money; there is no way around it.” Cliff Poetz, a mem- ested in talking about forming ber of the SAM organizing a statewide structure for selfcommittee and member of advocacy. Myself and another People First Minnesota, ADAPTer went to that first agrees. “The sooner we get meeting, in March 2005, down SAM going, the sooner we can at Mystic Lake. At the end of start using our collective power that meeting, they asked if anyto go for broad-based funding one was interested in taking at the state or federal level. the next steps. I thought it was Look at Wyoming. Their state- a good goal and a good group, wide group gets $100,000 an- so I ran it by my boss and he nually. Minnesota self-advo- agreed that we should go forcates can do that—or better.” ward. So now, 18 months later, here we are launching SAM.” Crookston resident Gordie Haug, a long-time organizer Bemidji self-advocate Don with the disability rights group Larson, who has also been inADAPT, is playing a lead role volved from the beginnings, is in organizing SAM’s north- proud of what the organizers west region. Haug’s history SAM - cont. on p. 8

Disability Issues on the Agenda at the State Capitol Funding For Waivered Services

Mid-Session Report Tracking the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities’ Legislative Priorities (p3)

Let’s Mend Our Broken Promises (p2)

Nursing Home Relocation

Changing Technology, Growing Needs

Options Too Continues to Promote Community Living for all Minnesotans, Even with Future Funding Uncertain (p4)

Losing Parental Rights

Federal

In Many States, a Parent’s Disability Can be Grounds for Taking Away Their Children (p11)

Assistive Technology Bill of 2007 Addresses Variety of Statewide Issues (p3)

Money Follows The Person Minnesota Among Leaders in Funding the Shift to Community Living (p4)

April 10, 2007

Tim Benjamin, Editor

ave you been follow ing what is happening at the capitol? Governor Pawlenty and both parties in the legislature seem to be indicating that we need significant new investments in education, health care, and, topping the list, transportation. Somewhere in the mix are property tax reduction and a tax credit for caregivers.

But the priorities and the budget available seem to be a little out of whack. Anne Henry said it to me first: “Unless there is some new revenue, there won’t be enough in the health and human services, education and transportation budget to fund any of the important initiatives for persons with disabilities in this session.” Senator Linda Berglin (DFLMinneapolis) also recognized early on that there was not going to be enough revenue to make up for the last four years of cuts in health and human services. Berglin, chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Budget division, focused on funding some truly needed programs in order to start rebuilding. Some of her committee’s priorities (not that we know any outcomes until the final vote) are: eliminating pharmacy co-pays, service

provider cost-of-living adjustments and—one item that has bipartisan support—the mental health initiative. Representative Thomas Huntley’s (DFL-Duluth) House Omnibus Health and Human Services bill also funds important changes such as increasing the MA income and asset standard, covering the Medicare Part D co-pays for those on MA, provider cost-of-living increases and initiating a new self-directed option for PCA services. (See Steve Larson’s article on page 3 for a more complete description of the House and Senate Health and Human Services Omnibus bills.) And, please, don’t get me wrong; there are other worthy programs out there that I truly believe need funding. I’m sure many of you have your own priority list of funding needs.

✦✦✦✦✦✦ We have some changes coming in our “Directory of Organizations.” If your organization is not listed in our directory this issue, please contact us and for a very small fee we will include you in our fourtimes-a-year print directory, and on the Web site we will give you space to describe your organization. Starting in July the directory will have a completely new look—with advertisement space available. So don’t hesitate; put you’re advertisement first in Access I want to thank all of you that Press’s new “Directory of Orhave kept us updated on legis- ganizations.” lative issues (i.e., all the MNCCD member organizations). We still have opportunities I sure have not been able to be this year for organizations to at the capitol this year nearly sponsor a full issue of Access as much as I would like. That’s Press. Help ensure that Acsomething I regret because cess Press is able to continue (believe it or not) I do like all to be your avenue to disseminate information that the disthe political action. ability community needs. But we do have to consider fiscal responsibility. If we are going to make progress on any of the issues above, we need to raise taxes in a fair way,. The “budget surplus” that was all the talk earlier in the session was really just one-time money left over from unspent appropriations funds and money to covering inflation such as increase fuel costs. It was not, as many had claimed, a sudden influx of extra tax revenues due to a booming economy.

This month we will begin taking nominations for the 2007 Charlie Smith Award, which will be presented at our banquet on November 2, 2007. So save the first Friday evening in November to come and hang out with your friends in the disability community— and help us applaud the award winner that best exemplifies the principles and spirit of the founder of Access Press, Charlie Smith! The nomination forms are available online at our Web site, www.AccessPress.org. We have been putting a little snippet of the past—or what we call “history notes”—in the paper each month. If there’s a piece of history that your organization would like us to highlight, give us a call. ■

History Note

Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet

To The Editor ...

Pioneer of Deaf Education in the U.S.

Funding For Waivered Services

Cogswell, that changed the course of Gallaudet’s life. Although she was an intelligent 9-year-old girl, there were no teachers who knew how to work with deaf children in Hartford, Connecticut. But there were schools in France and England. Alice’s father, Dr. Cogswell, approached Gallaudet for help.

Let’s Mend Our Broken Promises

Institution Nationale des t was heartwarming to see in smaller homes to people Sourds-Muets in Paris, and two Michael Young featured with disabilities to provide an of the institution’s deaf facin a recent column in the opportunity for them to live as ulty members, Laurent Clerc Star Tribune (March 19, 2007), most Minnesotans do. In 2003 and Jean Massieu. Sicard injust as it was to see Michael’s state budget cuts were made vited Gallaudet to Paris to election as Jefferson High and counties were not given study the school’s method of School homecoming king was enough funding to continue teaching the deaf using manual two years ago. Michael was a providing waivered services. communication. Impressed parishioner at my former with the manual method, church. A lead usher and an Funding for group homes was Gallaudet studied teaching extraordinary human being. I stopped except for emergency methodology under Sicard, have witnessed his magic with situations. The promises made Gallaudet and Cogswell be- learning sign language from people at church, at camp and to people with disabilities, like Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet gan to ask people for money to Massieu and Clerc, who were on the ball fields. I was thrilled Michael, were broken. What help pay for a trip to Europe. both highly educated graduGallaudet would go and find ates of the school. In 1864, Gallaudet’s youngest that the Jefferson basketball is at stake? A society’s heart out how to teach deaf children, son, Edward Miner Gallaudet, team would affirm his contri- can be measured by how it and he would start an Ameri- Having persuaded Clerc to helped start the world’s first butions and personhood in treats its most vulnerable. I can school for deaf children in accompany him, Gallaudet college for deaf students and their attendance at his urge legislators to secure the future of Michael and others Hartford,. After they raised sailed back to America. The became the college’s first ballgame. by giving them the opportuenough money, Gallaudet left two men toured New England president. The college was But I have some concerns. nity to reach the highest level for Europe. and successfully raised private later called Gallaudet UniverMinnesota began to open of independence and be a full and public funds to found a sity, after the elder Gallaudet. group homes in the 1970s, and part of our wonderful MinneBut it was a chance encounter Traveling in Great Britain, he school for deaf students in [Source: Information taken was a leader nationally in helpsota community. from Wikipedia and Laurent with a little deaf girl, Alice met Abbé Sicard, head of the Hartford. ■ ing people with disabilities to Clerc National Deaf Education Center of Gallaudet Uni- become full and participating Bishop Craig Johnson, members of our community. Minneapolis Area Synod of versity] Co-Founder/Publisher (1990-1996) .................................................. Wm. A. Smith, Jr. In the 1980s, Minnesota be- the Evangelical Lutheran Co-Founder/Publisher/Editor-in-Chief (1990-2001) ....................... Charles F. Smith gan to offer community living Church in America Board of Directors .............. Brigid Alseth, JoAnn Cardenas Enos, Mike Chevrette, Kelly Matter, Anita Schermer, Tom Squire, Carol Streasick & Kay Willshire Editor ......................................................................................................... Tim Benjamin Assistant Editor .............................................................................................. Bret Hesla Cartoonist ..................................................................................................... Scott Adams National Housing Institute, Inc. Production ...................................................... Ellen Houghton at Presentation Images Sales/Marketing ...................................................................................... Lance Hegland Distribution ......................................................................................... S. C. Distribution homas Hopkins Gallaudet, LL.D., (1787—1851) was a renowned American pioneer in the education of the deaf. He helped establish the first institution for the education of the deaf in the United States in 1817. When the Connecticut school opened, it was called the “Hartford School for the Deaf,” but it is now known as the American School for the Deaf. Gallaudet was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended Yale University, earning his bachelor’s degree in 1805 and master’s degree in 1810. He wanted to do many things, such as study law, engage in trade, or study divinity.

Access Press

ACCESS IS FREEDOM!

Access Press is a monthly tabloid newspaper published for persons with disabilities by Access Press, Ltd. Circulation is 10,000, 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. 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

Affordable/Accessible Housing For Persons With Mobility Impairments Community Enrichment Through Housing Diversity

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April 10, 2007

Mid-Session Report Tracking the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities’ Legislative Priorities by Steve Larson, The Arc of Minnesota

education, and both call for Senate provides a 3.25% inmore revenues to fund their crease and the House proeducation proposals. The vides a 3% increase. House has called for an in- •Repeal Supplementary Secucome tax increase on the rity Income (SSI) and Houswealthiest Minnesotans; the ing penalties for Minnesota Senate Tax Committee is de- Family Investment Program veloping its own proposal to (MFIP) families. raise income taxes. Both •Mental Health Initiative— houses have also expressed similar funding amounts but interest in raising revenue by some difference in policy cutting tax breaks for compa- implementation. Session Overview: The Senate and House are nies with foreign operations •House eliminates Medicare about to wrap up their work on and applying stricter enforce- co-payments above $12 a month and the Senate elimitheir Omnibus Bills and will ment against tax evaders. nates all co-payments be sending those bills to con•Assistive Technology fundference committees whose re- Status of CCD Priorities sponsibility will be to recon- This analysis will be divided ing for regional collaboratives and for low-interest cile any differences and send into four categories: loans back to the Senate and House 1. Senate and House agree for final approval by May 21st 2. Senate only has language •Statewide Quality Assurance System for waiver recipients. and/or funding when the legislature will ad3. House only has language Funding to develop a statejourn. wide survey. and/or funding The House and Senate Educa- 4. Not in either Omnibus bill •Remembering with Dignity •Licensing and certification tion spending bills, approved for CADI/TBI providers by the beginning of the week Senate and House Agree: of March 26th, were very dif- (By having agreement, it •Minnesota Council on Disferent, both in amounts of means there is a great chance ability – removes sunset money spent and where the these items will be included in the final conference commit- The governor’s proposal had money would be spent. a 2% COLA, so both the Sentee bills.): Both bills call for spending •Service Provider Cost of Liv- ate and House have increased upwards of $800 million on ing Adjustment (COLA). The Capitol Report - cont. on p. 10 ast fall the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), which includes over 100 organizations representing persons with disabilities, worked to develop their legislative agenda for the 2007 session. This article will highlight the status of those legislative priorities.

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Changing Technology, Growing Needs Assistive Technology Bill of 2007 Addresses Variety of Statewide Issues by Carol Fury-Fistman

s a longtime enthusi ast and advocate for assistive technology programs and services, Anne Henry of the Minnesota Disability Law Center remembers when duct tape, Velcro and items from the hardware store were the main ingredients necessary to adapt equipment. Sitting in Room 10 of the State Office Building late one March evening, as the House Health and Human Service Finance Division (HHS-FD) finalized the first round of appropriations, Henry reflected on the progress made toward full inclusion, and how assistive technology has changed the lives of people with disabilities. “Interest in and support of assistive technology is strong at the State Capitol,” says Henry. Indeed, ensuring that people in need have access to life-changing equipment is the priority of the Assistive Technology Bill of 2007 (House File 0725 and Senate File 0639) now making

its way toward passage in the the House and Senate HHScurrent session. FDs with recommendations for a statewide comprehensive AT Over the past four years, ef- Plan. For the first time in Minforts to encourage legislators, nesota history, agencies, nonthe governor and other agen- profit organizations, individucies in state government to in- als, families, health providers clude state funding for assistive and other groups will all be technology (AT) services have invited to the table with the resulted in few noticeable goal of creating such a plan. changes. But with the introduction this session of the AT HF 0725 is sponsored by RepBill of 2007, advocates have resentatives Madore, Thissen, Kahn, Erickson, Abeler, Ward “The Curry family ex- et. al; SF 0639 is sponsored by perienced a common Senators Tommassoni, Bakk, problem, not knowing Lourey, Larson, Metzen, and Olseen.

where to go, what agency provides which service, Included in the bill is a proviand who is eligible for sion to establish an AT Savings Account, whereby indiwhat program.”

noticed a shift toward support for AT and the use of state dollars to fund programs. The bill directs the Minnesota State Council on Disability to conduct a study of individual needs and service delivery, and provide a report to the Chairs of

viduals, families or guardians will be allowed to set aside pretax earnings, disability income and other funds to purchase AT devices and services without losing eligibility for public programs. When complete, the study and its recomTechnology - cont. on p. 15

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April 10, 2007

Money Follows The Person Nursing Home Relocation Minnesota Among Leaders in Funding the Shift to Community Living by Loren Colman, Minnesota Department of Human Services

isability advocates across the nation are celebrating the recent passage of the federal Money Follows the Person legislation. “Money Follows Person” (MFP) grants appropriated in the federal Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 present an excellent opportunity for other states to follow Minnesota’s leadership in rebalancing services for people with disabilities and the elderly from institutions to home and community-based settings. MFP is an approach

elderly away from institutions toward home and communitybased settings is evidenced by several benchmarks. •With a 40/60 ratio, Minnesota ranks fifth among all states in its percentage of public expenditures for the elderly and people with disabilities in institutional versus community-based services. •The daily population of people under age 65 in nursing homes has decreased from more than 3,300 in 2001 to 2,250 in 2006. •Lengths of stay in nursing facilities have decreased dramatically as more than 55 percent of people admitted to nursing homes currently are discharged in six months or fewer, compared to less than 29 percent in 2001.

support people who want to live, work and maintain maximum independence in the community.

“[Minnesota is] among the first states to implement federally and state-funded home and community-based waiver services … so that older Minnesotans and people with disabilities can receive services at home instead of in hospitals, nursing homes and other institutions.”

Options Too Continues to Promote Community Living for all Minnesotans, Even with Future Funding Uncertain

any non-elderly Minnesotans with disabilities live in nursing homes, even though they do not need the 24-hour nursing care provided. In the 1999 Olmsted Decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that unnecessary segregation and institutionalization of people with disabilities is unconstitutional. Over the last few years, Minnesota has made great strides in relocating people from nursing homes and in avoiding unnecessary admissions to nursing homes (diversion). The Options Too workgroup, a collaboration among three state agencies, continues to pursue this inclusion agenda, although signs at the state capitol suggest that its future funding is uncertain.

“With a 40/60 ratio, Minnesota ranks fifth among all states in its Key Minnesota initiatives inpercentage of public clude: expenditures for the •Being among the first states to elderly and people with implement federally and statefunded home and communitydisabilities in institubased waiver services as well tional versus communityFor Minnesota, pursuing MFP as the Alternative Care pro- Options Too has its origins in based services.” funding would mean risking that has proven to meet people’s preferences and produce better individual outcomes while stretching public dollars for long-term care.

dilution of our current efforts because of the effort and expense necessary to secure, coordinate, implement and sustain new programs under the MFP grant. Instead the DeMinnesota’s progress in shift- partment of Human Services ing the balance of supports for (DHS) has elected to continue people with disabilities and the numerous MFP-like efforts to

gram for the elderly so that older Minnesotans and people with disabilities can receive services at home instead of in hospitals, nursing homes and other institutions. More recently, DHS has added the Community Directed Community Supports option to all Money - cont. on p. 13

Nursing Home Relocation and Assistive Technology An Options Too Conference

May 7, 2007 – 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. 1645 Energy Park Drive, St. Paul Acting Together to Promote Community Alternatives for People with Disabilities A conference for nursing home and hospital social workers, county staff, and anyone else interested Co-sponsors: Minnesota State Council on Disability, STAR and MCIL

www.disability.state.mn.us Reasonable accommodation requests should be made during registration.

council.disability@state.mn.us 121 East 7th Place Suite 107, St. Paul, MN 55101

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Minnesota State Council on ing in the community. Disabilities (MSCOD), DHS • Quality Assurance We need and the Minnesota Housing to establish adequate methFinance Agency. Group mem- ods of evaluating quality and bers included representatives safety of consumer services. from disability advocacy and • Ongoing Monitoring and service provider organizations, Gaps Analysis We need a county social service depart- systematic statewide effort to ensure a continuum of care is “Options Too was available to consumers and charged with making re- that service gaps are identified and filled.

commendations to help consumers … relocate to community living or avoid nursing home admission altogether.”

ments, nursing home trade associations, general and specialty hospitals, Centers for Independent Living, managed care providers, public housing, and representatives of the three state agencies. The name “Options Too” was used to the 2001 “Options Initiative,” link the group’s work to the in which the Department of original DHS initiative. Human Services (DHS) joined with community stakeholders Options Too was charged with to address issues of relocation making recommendations to and diversion. This work re- help consumers under 65 relosulted in the development of cate to community living or Relocation Service Coordina- avoid nursing home admission tion, requirements that coun- altogether. After receiving inties conduct Long Term Care put and advice from stakeholdConsultations and provision of ers, consumers and recognized additional transitional funding experts in the field, Options under the “shelter-needy” Too made recommendations grant. These and other exist- in five major areas: ing programs have been es- • Data and information We sential in providing a frame- need to collect data and inwork of a statewide system for formation that can be used to community living for persons base policies and programs with disabilities. and to link people with available housing and services In 2005, the Minnesota Legis- needed to remain in the comlature passed a comprehensive munity. bill called the Disability Act. • Housing We need affordable, The Act established a accessible and supportive workgroup, Options Too, to housing options for consumresearch nursing home reloca- ers with disabilities. tion and diversion in Minne- • Transportation We need to sota. Three state agencies con- provide accessible transporvened the work group: The tation options for people liv-

The complete report of Options Too’s recommendations is available at http:// optionstoo.org. MSCOD is spearheading an effort to continue the Options Too activities and to implement its recommendations. One of these activities is an Options Too conference, Nursing Home Relocation and Assistive Technology, on May 7. Information is available at the Council’s Web site: www. disability.state.mn.us. The other activity is a legislative bill that would keep this community-living effort moving. Currently there is no funding to coordinate the statewide effort on relocating people out of nursing homes. This bill, if passed, would do just that. Currently the bill has been heard in both the House (HF1837) and the Senate (SF1661). This bill is not included in the Senate Omnibus bill, but hopefully it will be included in the House Omnibus bill. We urge you to contact your legislators and tell them to include this very import issue in the Omnibus bill. For more information on Options Too recommendations and activities, contact Ann Roscoe at 651-296-1747 or ann.roscoe@state.mn.us.

April 10, 2007

The Stars Are The Diamonds Of The Poor by Pete Feigal Part Two of Three “Life Takes Visa” —Visa Card commercial “I make myself rich by making my wants few.” —Henry David Thoreau

n Part 1 of this series, I asked folks from our community what were the negative aspects to living with limited financial resources, or in plainer words, “bein’ po!” The responses were full of sadness, but also humor and wisdom. I then asked what were the gifts, the advantages of living with little money. Here’s what I heard: ✦✦✦✦ •I have gotten to know my city better, searching for free concerts, new transportation routes, free or low-cost items. And through that exploration, getting to meet and become friends with new people. •A stronger connection to my family. Money issues can often drive families apart, but when my illness took away my financial independence, my whole family rallied behind me, and my hard times became our hard times. And our hard times are now leading to a closer, sharing, more loving family.

•I don’t go to the Mall anymore. And now it’s often said, well, mostly by me, that it’s made me a kinder, gentler, smarter, sexier, more humble human being. •I once had a lot of stuff, “toys,” belongings, just “stuff” that weighed me down. It’s so true that you don’t own your belongings, they end up owning you. I’ve had to cut back because of lack of money and lack of space, but even though I’m less physically “mobile,” it’s made me more “mobile!”

Living Independently

Women Who Jumped Risk-Taking Entrepreneurs Fill Niches by Lisa Schmidtke

eyond home health care and adaptive equipment, there are a host of personal needs that Minnesotans with disabilities—not to mention seniors— must have met in order to live and work independently. Meeting needs like running errands, household planning, meal preparation and even companionship calls for energy, compassion and organization.

•I appreciate what I’ve got gives you lots of opportunimore than ever. I have some ties to find that courage! prized books that I keep, some beautiful art on the wall, es- •I’m more self-reliant now. It pecially a drawing that my used to be that for many situgodchild drew when she was ations, I’d just whip out the five, a picture of her holding Master Card. I’d draw it like my hand. I wouldn’t trade it a gun, and I was the Fastest for an original Picasso. Be- Charger in the West! Not so fore life gave me a wake-up easy now, so I have to be call, the “fast track” was smarter, more creative. My blinding me to the beauty in injury threw me into a differthe little things around me. ent “mouse maze.” And when “Slowing down” has given you have to find a new way Many entrepreneurial women me a gift I didn’t expect, but through the maze of life, you right here in the Twin Cities has turned out to be the best either become a very frus- are proving that they have what lesson I ever learned: you trated mouse or a very cre- it takes to provide these services. Despite overwhelming can’t buy “slowed down.” ative one. concepts such as liability inSometimes you get lucky like I did, or sometimes you just •My job title is much fancier surance and business planning, have to do it. now. In the ‘80s, when I was they have forged ahead & cre(so-called) “able-bodied,” I ated companies with a mission •Without money Christmas was just an unemployed to serve this demographic. I was a hard, shameful time for (mostly) (probably ‘cause of almost succumbed to these me. I have had to learn how to that rascal Reagan) construc- obstacles myself when I cremake presents for my family tion worker. But now that I’m ated Housecalls Network; but, and friends instead of buying (so-called) “dis-abled” with a spirited attitude, I fothings. I bake cookies, I make (sounds like an old Yugo) cused on the enormous need greeting cards, I make per- I’ve had a chance to talk in for independent living resonalized collages, find ideas public (I imagine my audi- sources and jumped in! everywhere for new cre- ence as all naked. And ations, and I’m finding that Reagan) about living with a Others have taken the same as I use my creativity, it’s disability. So now I’m a “Dis- leap. Kristin Kopp started At evolving and growing. My ability Ambassador” or per- Home Solutions, LLC, behandmade gifts have become haps “Disability Heart- cause she saw, first-hand, the pressure and frustration that the most prized in my family. throb!” seniors and their primary My sister called last Christ✦✦✦✦ caregivers experienced. She mas and said that she doesn’t have the time to do anything Next month is Part 3, the les- saw their high level of aggravation, loneliness and confumore than buy some DVDs sons learned. ■ sion due to weak support sysfor everyone. Her gifts are watched once and then for- Pete is a national speaker and tems and lack of awareness of gotten. But she said my gifts writer and can be reached at the resources available to support them. After witnessing her touch hearts and become PFeigal@aol.com. prized possessions within my Computerized Desktop publishing: family. And now she is going to come over more at the holi- Advertiments Brochures days and spend more time Catalogs with me making special gifts. Flyers I got off the phone and cried Logos when she told me that.

•I’ve learned the lost art of writing letters. I didn’t have time for anything but five word e-mails, and I hadn’t actually written anything since kindergarten it seems. But now the words are different, more important when they’re slowly written. They mean more, I’m more careful in what I say, and I try to •I don’t think that living with a make each letter I send a trea- chronic illness or disability sure, something precious. I and also being poor automatijournal now, and even write cally makes you a more coupoetry. My handwriting is get- rageous person. But it sure ting better, but it has to be that bad so people don’t find out about my atrocious spelling!

Newsletters Newspapers Scanning and more!

Ellen Houghton • 952-404-9981 presentationimages@mn.rr.com

clients’ living conditions that were impeding their safety (tattered flooring, broken window panes, poor lighting and cluttered rooms), she focused her plan on alleviating family stressors by offering additional caregiver assistance, home safety assessments and a vast

“Working one-on-one with [my clients] over a length of time not only decreased the stress level for both themselves and their primary caregivers, but also allowed [them] the chance to live in a cleaner, safer, more secure home that they were proud of.”

At Home Solutions: www.athomesolutionsllc.com Comfort Keepers: www.comfortkeepers.com Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: 612-987-8181 Health Esteem Services: www.healthesteemservices.com Home Instead Senior Care: www.homeinstead.com/ 230/default.aspx Nat’l Multiple Sclerosis Society: www.jointhemovement.org Visiting Angels: www.angelsmn.com database from which to draw additional support and re- Joyce McIntosh also jumped source ideas. Kopp describes into entrepreneurship. During her satisfaction by saying, Entrepreneurs - cont. on p. 13

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Courage Center services are available at our sites in Golden Valley, Stillwater, Burnsville and Forest Lake. 763.520.0312 courage.org

April 10, 2007

News At A Glance . . . Portable Roll-in Shower Available Locally

Judge Rules Cattle Prod Must Go; Parents Object

Sheltered Workers Get Minimum Wage

The FAWSsit™ shower is a relatively new portable roll-in shower measuring 3 feet wide, 3 feet deep, and 4 feet tall. It weighs a mere 28 pounds and folds to 8 inches. It is a selfcontained shower stall that can be set-up in roughly five minutes anywhere there is access to a sink or tub with warm water and a 110v outlet. The shower was designed for rental units but can also be used to avoid costly remodeling for other residential environments. It features a movable shower head, a leak-free drain pan that collects waste water, and a powerful wet/dry pump to carry the water to the nearest drain. More information is available at www.fawssit.com.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS—Last May, following efforts by the Illinois Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities, The Arc of Illinois, and other disability rights groups, Illinois legislators passed a law banning the use of humiliation, pain and other aversive means to change the behavior of people with developmental disabilities. And last month, a judge used that law to rule that a cattle prod can no longer be used to deliver electric shocks to Bradley Bernstein, a 48-year-old man who has autism.

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND—Disability rights advocates, union members, and the New Zealand government all had reason to celebrate this week. On Wednesday night, Parliament passed a bill that overturns a 1960 law that allows sheltered workshops to pay less than minimum wage for workers with disabilities.

The portable shower is affordable as well. American Ramp Systems (msp@americanramp.com, 651-399-3075) is currently renting the units for as low as $54 a week and selling them for $2,495. [Source: American Ramp]

Sprout Film Festival Returns to New York City

The new measure means that workers with disabilities will be paid at least the minimum hourly wage, which now stands at $10.25, and will have access to holiday and sick leave benefits. The judge’s decision was seen as a victory for Trinity Services The government also guarantees that, while some disability or Inc., the agency that runs the group home where Mr. Bernstein “invalids” benefits will be reduced, no workers will lose their lives. Trinity officials stopped using the cattle prod last fall, government benefits. saying the new law prohibits it. They added that many employees simply refused to use the device, which they described as “By repealing the Disabled Persons Employment Promotion delivering jolt that feels much like sticking your finger into a 1960 Act, disabled New Zealanders will finally be valued for light socket. “This is something that our professional staff what they can do, rather than being defined by the place in doesn’t believe is ethical,” Trinity’s president, Art Dykstra, which they work.” said Disabilities Minister Ruth Dyson in a government press release. told the Chicago Tribune.

NEW YORK CITY—People with developmental disabilities continue to be marginalized in the media, both as subjects and performers. New York City’s Sprout Film Festival (SFF) aims But Bernstein’s parents said they are unhappy with the ruling, to raise their profile by showcasing works of all genres featur- and are considering an appeal. They said the electric shocks ing this population. keep their son from hitting himself in the head. They had sued Trinity in order to get his former behavior plan, which was The annual weekend festival presents stories about and from approved by a judge in 1987, to be reinstated. They described people who either live with developmental disabilities and/or the zap from the cattle prod as being like a bee sting. who work in the field of developmental disabilities. This year’s festival will be on the weekend of April 27, 28 and 29, 2007. Trinity officials explained that Bernstein no longer needs to be Founded in 2003, SFF offers a wide array of films and docu- shocked, that he and staff at his home are learning other ways mentaries showcasing the lives of people who live with devel- to keep him from hurting himself. His parents argue that he is opmental disabilities, mental illness, Down syndrome, learning starting to have more outbursts—during home visits—and that disabilities and mental health concerns. [Source: www.SFF. the law doesn’t apply to their son. [Source: Dave Reynolds, GoSprout.org] Inclusion Daily Express]

Ms. Dyson added that the new legislation, which comes into effect on the 30th of November, would further strengthen New Zealand’s commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which she will be signing at the end of this month. [Source: Dave Reynolds, Inclusion Daily Express]

Jasmine Wins Acting Award at MACTFest Sam Jasmine, who runs the weekly “Disabled and Proud” program on KFAI-FM in Minneapolis, received an award for Special Achievement in Acting for her role in “Helen of Boyd,” performed March 31 in Willmar at MACTFest, the biennial state play festival held by the MN Assoc. of Community Theatres. Jasmine, who is blind, played a young piano student who becomes an adult opera singer. Three other actors with disabilities were also in the show, written and directed by Jon Skaalen, a staff member with VSA arts of MN. [Source: VSA arts of MN].

April 10, 2007

Upcoming Events

To list an event, e-mail access@accesspress.org

Disability Activist and Ethicist Gregor Wolbring â&#x20AC;˘ April 11-13 alized peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and human rights, governance of science and technology and evaluation of new and emerging technologies. [â&#x20AC;Ś] I believe that a wideopen public debate on how the above issues affect society and marginalized groups is the only â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am a thalidomider and a way to develop safeguards wheelchair user. I am a bio- against abuse.â&#x20AC;? chemist and a bioethicist. I am a scientist and an activist. Wednesday, April 11 I work on issues related to 7:30 p.m. â&#x20AC;˘ $5 bioethics, health research, Loring Pasta Bar (Dinkytown) disabled and other margin327 14th Ave SE, Mpls The Program in Human Rights and Health (U of MN) hosts Dr. Gregor Wolbring (U of Calgary) for three events exploring technology, dis/ability, and social values. Who is Wolbring?

GLBT Support Group First Tuesdays The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living, is offering a gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender support group for people living with a chronic illness or disability. Details: 6 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month, Metropolitan Center for Independent Living, 1919 University Ave. W. St. Paul. Free. FFI: Sheila at sheilaf @mcil-mn.org or Jeff at 612335-7951, 1-800-FIGHT-MS or jfisher@ mssociety.org. Wings Spring Retreat April 14 Wings, a ministry for the disabled by the disabled, is hosting its annual spring retreat: a time of teaching and putting what we learn into action. Wings is part of GMAE (Greater Minnesota Association of Evangelicals). Katy Thuleen of Joni & Friends is the featured speaker. Details: 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Cedar Valley Assembly of God Church, Bloomington. $3 (includes lunch) and open to all. FFI: Maynard Bostrom, GMAE 612 866-0642-O. 507252-8553 or 507-990-2683. Food Allergy Conference April 21 The conference will address medical issues surrounding life-threatening food allergies, celiac diseases, and eosinophilic disorders. Open to all. Hosted by the Anaphylaxis and Food Allergy Association of Minnesota (AFAA). CEUs available for nurses and teachers. Registration: 8:30 a.m.,, conference 9-4. Details: U of M Radisson, 615 Washington Avenue SE, Mpls. Pre-reg :$25 individual/$40 family (sameday: $35/$50). FFI, brochure, registration, CEU info: 651644-5937, afaa@att.net, www.foodallergyconference.org. Warm Water Physical Therapy Forum April 24 & 25 Learn about aquatic physical therapy practices, benefits, outcomes and appropriateness. Discover the many benefits of

Watsu, a complimentary therapy in the warm water pool, with slow methodical stretching and floating to relieve pain and stress. Details: April 24, 8 to 10:30 a.m. at Courage St Croix, 1460 Curve Crest Blvd., Stillwater; and April 25, 4 to 6:30 p.m. at Courage Center, 3915 Golden Valley Road, Minneapolis. $45 ($50 day of event). CEUs available. FFI, or to register for CEUs: courage.org, 763-520-0395. Social Security Forum April 27 Social Security (SS) is a crucial government benefit program for many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. But with so many SS programs, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to know which ones are right for you and your family. Speaker Jim Czechowicz of the Social Security Administration will explain Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Retirement, Survivors and Disabil-

Nanomedicine to Synthetic From nanotechnology to synbiology: What does it mean to thetic biology, From curative be healthy? to enhancement medicine, From disability studies to abilExplore with Wolbring how ity studies . . .? NBICS* trignew technology may impact gered paradigm changes and the concepts of health, disabil- responses needed. (*NBICS ity and values. (Co-organizer: = Nano, Bio, Info, Cogno, Bell Museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CafĂŠ Synbio) Scientifique) How will new technologies change paradigms of â&#x20AC;&#x153;normalâ&#x20AC;? Thursday, April 12, for human functioning, medi7 p.m. â&#x20AC;˘ Free MoosTower 2-530 (U of MN) cine, dis/ability, and social 515 Delaware St. SE, Mpls values? What dangers? ity Insurance (RSDI). Details: Christ the King Lutheran Church, 8600 Fremont Ave. S., Bloomington. 1:00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3:00 p.m. $15. Registration deadline: April 23. FFI: Nancy Holgers at The Learning Exchange, 952-681-6107, nhol gers@bloomington.k12.mn.us. 15th Annual Reach for Resources Bowl-A-Thon April 28 Join us for a fabulous morning of bowling and fun! Bowlers of all abilities are invited to collect pledges and come bowl with us to raise money for Reach for Resources services that assist people with developmental disabilities. Prizes for top pledge gatherers and top bowling scores. Non-bowlers welcome. Cost: Minimum pledge to bowlâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; $40. Lunch onlyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;$15. Details: 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., New Hope Bowl, 7107 42nd Ave. N., New Hope. FFI: Cyndi Bade, 952-988-4177. â&#x2013;

Friday, April 13, 12:15 p.m. â&#x20AC;˘ Free Coffman Memorial Union 222 (U of MN) 300 Washington Ave. SE, Mpls.

Find out more about Wolbring: Web column: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Choice is Yoursâ&#x20AC;? www.innovationwatch. com/commentary_choiceis yours.htm. Blog: www. United Nations Convention on wolbring.wordpress.com. the Rights of Persons with Webpage: www.bioethics Disabilities: What it can and anddisability.org. cannot do and threats it faces. (Co-organizer: Disabled Stu- FFI on these three events: dents Cultural Center) Kirk Allison at 612-6266559, phrh@umn.edu.

May 18-19 Self-Advocacy Conference Urges People with Disabilities to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Lead. Change. Empower.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Comedian Josh Blue Headlines Friday Evening Program velopmental and other disabilities and their allies, who work together to break down barriers to full inclusion and to promote equal rights and access in all aspects of society.

all activities, parking, lunch on Friday and Saturday, the Friday banquet and Saturday hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres. The cost does not include hotel room or breakfasts.

Headlining Friday eveningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s program is comedian Josh Blue, winner of the 2006 Last Comic Standing. After his This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event is titled, performance, there will be a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lead. Change. Empower.â&#x20AC;? dance featuring live music by It will feature 52 workshops local band â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Source.â&#x20AC;? on expanding personal power, getting involved in political The cost is $75 for both days change and building self-ad- and $25 for youth age 21 and vocacy groups. Self-advo- under, including support staff cacy is a civil rights move- attending Friday 8 a.m. to 1 ment led by people with de- p.m. only. The cost includes

The registration deadline is May 7. For conference questions and registration, visit www.selfadvocacy.org or contact Kathy Sanders at 651641-0297 or via e-mail at act@self advocacy.org. To make hotel reservations, call 651- 292-1900. There is a special Self-Advocacy Conference room rate of $118.65 for reservations made before April 23. â&#x2013;

People with disabilities and their allies from around the state are invited to make connections and develop their self-advocacy skills at the 2007 Minnesota Self-Advocacy Conference May 18-19 at the Crowne Plaza St. Paul Riverfront Hotel, 11 E. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul.

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April 10, 2007

A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes by Brian Heuring

his is about me, Brian, who, after receiving many misdiagnoses, received the correct diagnosis of high functioning Autism at age 18. Many years of transitioning from school to work, moving into my own apartment, learning independent living skills, becoming a strong self-advocate, and being a contributing member in my community have followed.

My lifelong dream was always to work with children. Upon completion of 12th grade, I had made no progress toward achieving my goal until early that summer when a program was found at a technical college teaching students to work with elderly people, people with disabilities and young children. I enrolled as a postsecondary option student. I was making slow but steady progress through the program when the college conducted an evaluation of my employability in that field, and recommended that I change programs. The college changed my program to job-skills training, for which I received a certificate.

Brian Heuring ing Change Together, where I am accepted and valued. I am empowered to speak up for myself and others. I am given knowledge about disabilities and inspired to do things I never thought I could do. I’ve mentored at Autism camp. I’ve volunteered at a day care. I get involved in my community. I help children at two elementary schools and Sunday school, play on a church soft-

“… if I make a mistake, let me figure it out and correct it myself.”

ball team, give presentations at our library, and do public speaking. This past summer, I pulled the curtain for the children’s theater and the comFollowing graduation, I munity theater musical proworked in a grocery store and duction. fast food restaurant, but continued to dream of working Throughout my school years I with children. I got so de- had unpleasant experiences pressed, I didn’t want to live. I most of the time because I was searched for people and orga- different than other people my nizations that could help me. age. It was helpful when teachWithin a year of graduating ers were patient and kind, and from Partners in Policy-mak- when they reassured me that ing, a leadership training pro- they believed I could do it and gram for adults with disabili- stood up for me. The teachers ties sponsored by the Minne- who were not helpful were the sota Governor’s Council on ones who were impatient, Developmental Disabilities, I short-tempered, constantly moved into my own apartment harped on me and put me down. and got the job of my dreams Every year classes got harder working in a day care, where and harder and it got easier for I’ve been for seven years. I me to give up. attend conferences sponsored by the Autism Society of Min- As an adult, I have workers nesota, Arc, and the self-ad- who help me learn indepenvocacy organization Advocat- Brian’s story - cont. on p. 13

SAM -

Cont. from p. 1

have been able to do. “If I didn’t think it was worth it, I wouldn’t have gone to all those meetings,” said Larson. “You have to put your heart and soul into it. For me, if I believe in something, I’ll go all the way. I don’t back out. I’m proud of what we’ve been able to do in what really is a short amount of time. We’re putting our names behind something we believe in.”

started. That makes me a leader in self-advocacy.” Breaking the isolation has been a key result of the organizing process of SAM, notes Kennedy. “The great thing about the SAM network,” she said, “is that folks are feeling connected and empowered by working together to address the problem. The energy and excitement about having a coordinated statewide effort has self-advocates and allies charged up.” Haug is also positive about SAM’s prospects for success. “If we can get some momentum going through good communication, I think we’ll make some progress. Everybody likes to

Katie Ranck adds her thoughts to the emerging SAM vision.

Part of the excitement apparKennedy also highlighted the ent in those involved in SAM role SAM will play in helping is that the process has been separate groups feel a part of participatory and grassroots. something bigger: “The lack of In fact, SAM is not a new a statewide self-advocacy strucorganization, but rather a netture in Minnesota has left many work to support and strengthen groups feeling isolated and disexisting groups. Self-advocate connected.” Haug and Larson Brian Heuring of Litchfield agree. “The main challenge in our area,” says Haug, “is overcoming isolation: getting the word out to small rural communities.” Larson notes, “The northwest region is the largest region [in square miles] in the state, yet there are only three communities that have self-advocacy groups. There is a glarBob Nesbit (center) and Gordie Haug (right) listen ing need to bring new self-adin as ideas are debated at the 2006 meeting. vocates in, and start new groups. SAM is going to provide re- be involved in something if stresses the collaborative nasources to help up us do that.” things are happening. ture of the new network. “The SAM network was developed Larson knows what it takes to The network has already re- by self-advocates; I am very, start new groups. “When my ceived funding from the Min- very proud to be part of the wife and I moved up north in nesota Governor’s Council on work. Self-advocates came up 2003, we missed being part of Developmental Disabilities to with the ideas, and that is the a self-advocacy group. We begin operations in two (of best part. I attended almost all liked going around the state six) statewide regions. Some of the meetings and am proud with ACT doing self-advocacy of SAM’s outstate organizing of what we have done. You training, and we wanted to get will be done through a con- could say that we are making history in Minnesota.”

L to R: Richard Grimm II, Mark Olson and Heidi Myhre discuss a “yellow light” issue at a 2006 organizing meeting. self-advocacy started in Bemidji. We talked to Cass at Arc Headwaters and worked together to get a self-advocacy group going. I’m proud of being part of getting a group

APRIL SHOWERS,

tract with People First of Minnesota. “The SAM plan helps People First Minnesota get out and spread the word about selfadvocacy in two regions of the state,” said Poetz.

The seeds of SAM were planted in the work of the Alliance for Full Participation, a coalition that came together in 2005 to assess the state of self-advocacy in Minnesota. As Steve Larson, executive directory of the Arc of Minnesota remembers, “We did an e-scan [survey] and quickly realized that we need a way to both improve the funding picture for the various groups working in self-advocacy and unify our separate efforts. For many years Arc has sponsored a number of People First chapters throughout the state. But this e-scan made it

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clear to all of us involved in AFP that self-advocacy needs a more organized statewide presence to reinvigorate what we are doing separately.” Indeed, that e-scan sparked the work that has led to the formation of SAM, and the AFP members seem to be pleased with the result. “Arc strongly supports the new SAM network that has emerged,” said Larson. “We see it as a wonderful opportunity to complement what we’re all doing locally, and believe that this new partnership can take us all, separately and together, a step further toward being more powerful and effective.” Persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID-DD) have had no consistent statewide funding for selfadvocacy or a method of formal communication within the state. Minnesota’s funding for disability services is countybased. The majority of counties have no funds to support empowerment and self-determination activities for people with developmental and other disabilities. While over a billion dollars per year is spent on disability related services, little attention is paid to empowering people to control those services. Larson praised the Governor’s Council for its support of SAM, “We’re glad they prioritized funding for self-advocacy and provided this initial funding to help get SAM up and running in two regions.” Organizers are currently working at the capitol to secure funding for full operation. ■

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April 10, 2007

Directory of Organizations for Persons with Disabilities

ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS Advocating Change Together (ACT), V-651-641-0297, TF-800-641-0059, www.selfadvocacy.org Arc–Greater TC, V-952-920-0855, www.arcgreatertwincities.org The Arc of Minnesota, V-651-523-0823, TTY-651-523-0823, www.thearcofminnesota.org Arthritis Foundation, North Central Chapter, V-651-644-4108, TF-800-333-1380, www.arthritis.org Association of Residential Resources in MN (ARRM), V-651291-1086, 800-551-2211, www.arrm.org MN Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, Kristin V-763520-0439, kristin.hansen@courage.org Mental Health Association of MN, V-612-331-6840, F-612331-1630, www.mentalhealthmn.org MN Developmental Achievement Center Association V-651-647-9200, F-651-647-9353, www.mndaca.org National Alliance on Mental Illness of MN (NAMI-MN), V-651-645-2948, www.nami.org/namimn PACER Center, Inc., V-952-838-9000, TTY-952-838-0190, www.pacer.org BRAIN INJURY SERVICES Brain Injury Assoc. of MN, V-612-378-2742, TF-800-6696442, www.braininjurymn.org Courage Center, V-763-588-0811, TTY-763-520-0245, www.courage.org Cristo Vive International, V-763-263-1526, www.cristovive.net Opportunity Partners, V-952-938-5511, TTY-952-930-4293, www.opportunities.org People Incorporated Epilepsy Services, V-612-338-9035, F-612-338-1160, www.peopleincorporated.org RESTART, Inc., V-763-588-7633, F-763-588-7613, www.restartincmn.org Rise, Inc., V/TTY-763-786-8334, F-763-786-0008, www.rise.org TBI Metro Services, V-612-869-3995, V-651-457-4756, www.opportunities.org CHEMICAL HEALTH Vinland Center, V/TTY-763-479-3555, F-763-479-2605, www.vinlandcenter.org COMMUNITY-LIVING SERVICES CCP—The Cooperating Community Programs, V-651-917-8322 x11, jrentschler@menwetherventures.com Community Involvement Program (CIP), V-612-362-4400, F-612-362-4479, www.cipmn.org CIP - Bloomington, V-952-854-4007, www.cipmn.org CIP - Crystal, V-763-504-1008, www.cipmn.org Courage Center, V-763-588-0811, TTY-763-520-0245, www.courage.org Dungarvin, Inc. Minnesota, V-651-699-6050, www.dungarvin.com Hennepin Cty Library - Homebound Srvs Hen. Cty. ERCI Mpls, V-952-847-8850, www.hclib.org/pub/info/disabled.cfm Opportunity Partners, V-952-938-5511, TTY–952-930-4293, www.opportunities.org People Incorporated Epilepsy Services, V-612-338-9035, F-612-338-1160, www.peopleincorporated.org Reach for Resources, V-952-988-4177, F-952-988-4020, www.reachforresources.org

HEALTH SERVICES

Arthritis Foundation North Central Chapter, V-651-644-4108, TF-800-333-1380, www.arthritis.org COMMUNITY-LIVING SERVICES (Continued) Family Institute for Creative Well-Being, V-651-639-2527, www.familyinstitute-cwb.org RESTART, Inc., V-763-588-7633, F-763-588-7613, Gillette Children’s Hospital Specialty Healthcare, www.restartincmn.org V-651-291-2848, TF-900-719-4040, www.gillettechildrens.org Southern MN Independent Living Enterprises & Services (SMILES), Healthy Life Coaching (HLC), V/F-320-963-5976, V-507-345-7139, TF-888-676-6498, www.smilescil.org C-612-998-6452, www.healthsangels.com EDUCATION ORGANIZATIONS Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, V-612-863-4466, F-612-863-8942, www.sisterkennyinstitute.com Adult Basic Ed/Special Needs, V-651-290-4729, TTY-651-290-4852, www.hubbs.spps.org HEARING IMPAIRMENT SERVICES Arthritis Foundation North Central Chapter, V-651-644-4108, DeafBlind Services MN, V-612-362-8454, TF-1-800-333-1380, www.arthritis.org TTY-612-362-8422, www.dbsm.org Community Education—Programs for Adults with Disabilities, V-651-748-7436, F-651-748-7497, psvendsen@isd622.org Hearing Loss Association of America Twin Cities Chapter, V/ TTY-763-537-7558, www.hlaatc.org Family Institute for Creative Well-Being, V-651-639-2527 MN Resource Center, V-612-752-8102, TTY-612-752-8019, Telephone Equipment Distribution Program, V-651-297-1507, TTY-800-657-3513, www.tedprogram.org www.mrc-mn.org PACER Center, Inc., V-952-838-9000, TTY-952-838-0190, HOUSING SERVICES www.pacer.org Accessibility Design, V-952-925-0301, F-952-926-7712, EMPLOYMENT www.accessibilitydesign.com Lifetrack Resources, V-651-227-8471, TTY-651-227-3779, Accessible Homes, LLC, V-612-978-1054, www.accessiblehomesllc.net www.lifetrackresources.org Opportunity Partners, V-952-938-5511, TTY-952-930-4293, Accessible Space, Inc., V-651-645-7271, TTY-800-627-3529, www.accessiblespace.org www.opportunities.org Rise, Inc., V/TTY-763-786-8334, F-763-786-0008, www.rise.org CCP–The Cooperating Community Programs—Residential Services, V-651-917-8322x11, www.ccpcdcs.com, jrentschler@menwetherventures.com GOVERNMENT SERVICES Community Involvement Programs (CIP) Broadway, MN Governor’s Council On Developmental Disabilities, V-612-362-4400, F-612-362-4476, www.cipmn.org V-651-296-4018, TF-877-348-0505, TTY-711, CIP - Bloomington, V-952-854-4007, www.cipmn.org www.mncdd.org, or www.partnersinpolicymaking.com CIP - Crystal, V-763-504-1008, www.cipmn.org MSCOD, V/TTY-651-296-6785, TF/TTY-800-945-8913, HousingLink, V-612-522-2500, F-612-521-1577, www.disability.state.mn.us www.housinglink.org Social Security Admin & the St. Paul PASS Cadre, V-651-290- Directory of Organizations - cont. on p. 10 0054, F-651-290-3811, www.socialsecurity.gov

Coming July 2007 The Access Press Directory of Organizations gets a New Look Full Color 4-page spread Pull & Save Format Ad space available

To place ads in the RE-DESIGNED DIRECTORY, contact

Access Press Directory of Organizations PHONE ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS Advocating Change Together (ACT) ....................... 651-641-0297 Arc–Greater TC ........................................................... 952-920-0855 The Arc of Minnesota .................................................. 651-523-0823 Arthritis Foundation, North Central Chapter ............... 651-644-4108 Assoc. of Residential Resources in MN (ARRM) ....... 651-291-1086 MN Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, Kristin 763-520-0439 Mental Health Association of MN ............................... 612-331-6840 MN Developmental Achievement Center Association 651-647-9200 National Alliance on Mental Illness of MN (NAMI-MN) ......................... 651-645-2948 PACER Center, Inc . .................................................... 952-838-9000 BRAIN INJURY SERVICES Brain Injury Assoc. of MN ......................................... 612-378-2742 Courage Center ............................................................ 763-588-0811 Cristo Vive International ............................................. 763-263-1526 Opportunity Partners .................................................... 952-938-5511 RESTART, Inc. ........................................................... 763-588-7633 Rise, Inc., ..................................................................... 763-786-8334

TTY

E-MAIL/WEB SITE

......... 800-651-0059 .............. www.selfadvocacy.org .................................... www.arcgreatertwincities.org ....................................... www.thearcofminnesota.org ......... 800-333-1380 ...................... www.arthritis.org ......... 800-551-2211 ........................... www.arrm.org ...................................... kristin.hansen@courage.org ... 612-331-1630 (F) ......... www.mentalhealthmn.org ........................................................ www.mndaca.org ............................................... www.nami.org/namimn ......... 952-838-0190 ......................... www.pacer.org

. 800-669-6442 (TF) ........... www.braininjurymn.org ......... 763-520-0245 ..................... www.courage.org ...................................................... www.cristovive.net ......... 952-930-4293 ............. www.opportunities.org ................................................ www.restartincmn.org ......... 763-786-8334 ............................. www.rise.org

CHEMICAL HEALTH Vinland Center ............................................................. 763-479-3555 ......... 763-479-3555 ............. www.vinlandcenter.org COMMUNITY-LIVING SERVICES Community Involvement Program (CIP) ..................... 612-362-4400 Bloomington ............................................................. 952-854-4007 Crystal ...................................................................... 763-504-1008 Courage Center ......................................................... 763-588-0811 Dungarvin, Inc. Minnesota .......................................... 651-699-6050 Hennepin Cty Library Homebound Srvs Hen. Cty. ERCI Mpls .................. 952-847-8850 HousingLink ................................................................ 612-522-2500

advertising@accesspress.org

........................................................... www.cipmn.org ........................................................... www.cipmn.org ........................................................... www.cipmn.org ......... 763-520-0245 ..................... www.courage.org ................................................... www.dungarvin.com ......................... www.hclib.org/pub/info/disabled.cfm .................................................. www.housinglink.org

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April 10, 2007

DIRECTORY OF ORGANIZATIONS - Cont. from p. 9 HOUSING SERVICES (Continued)

REHABILITATION CENTERS (Continued)

National Handicap Housing Institute, Inc., V-651-639-9799, MRCI Rehabilitation Centers, www.mrci.org www.nhhiaccessiblehousing.com Burnsville, V-952-894-4680; Carver/Scott, V-952-445-6811; RESTART, Inc., V-763-588-7633, www.restartincmn.org Chaska, V-952-448-2234; Fairmont, V-507-386-5600, TTYRise, Inc., V/TTY-763-786-8334, F-763-786-0008, www.rise.org 800-627-3529; Industrial Operations, V-507-386-5600; Lakeville, V-952-898-5025; New Ulm, V-507-233-2700 LEGAL SERVICES North Memorial Rehab Services, V-763-520-5690, F-763-520-5697, www.northmemorial.com Legal Aid Society of Mpls, V-612-334-5970 (new client), Opportunity Partners, V-952-938-5511, TTY-952-930-4293, TF-800-292-4150, www.midmnlegal.org www.opportunities.org MN Disability Law Center, V-612-334-5970, ProAct, Inc. V-651-686-0405, F-651-686-0312, www.proactinc.org TTY-612-375-4668, www.mndlc.org Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, Inc (SMRLS), Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, V-612-863-4466, F-612-863-8942, www.sisterkennyinstitute.com V- 651-222-5863, TTY- 651-222-5863, www.smrls.org RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Community Involvement Programs (CIP) Broadway, V-612- CCP–The Cooperating Community Programs— Residential Services, V-651-917-8322x11 362-4400, F-612-362-4476, www.cipmn.org jrentschler@menwetherventures.com CIP - Bloomington, V-952-854-4007, www.cipmn.org Community Involvement Programs (CIP) Broadway, CIP - Crystal, V-763-504-1008, www.cipmn.org V-612-362-4400, F-612-362-4476, www.cipmn.org Courage Center, V-763-588-0811, TTY-763-520-0245, CIP - Bloomington, V-952-854-4007, www.cipmn.org www.courage.org CIP - Crystal, V-763-504-1008, www.cipmn.org Cristo Vive International, V-763-263-1526, www.cristovive.net Lifetrack Resources, V-651-227-8471, TTY-651-227-3779, The Cooperating Community Programs (CCP), V-651-917-8322 x11, www.ccpcdcs.com www.lifetrackresources.org Mental Health Assoc. of MN, V-612-331-6840, TF-800-862-1799, www.mentalhealthmn.org The July Directory Of Organizations People Incorporated, V-651-774-0011, TTY-651-774-6535, will have a whole www.peopleincorporated.org NEW LOOK LOOK!! Rise, Inc., V/TTY-763-786-8334, F-763-786-0008, www.rise.org To be Included, Tasks Unlimited, V-612-871-3320, F-612-871-0432, www.tasksunlimited.org Call 651-644-2133 or e-mail to

access@accesspress.org.

PHYSICAL THERAPY Courage Center, V-763-588-0811, TTY-763-520-0245, www.courage.org Lifetrack Resources, V-651-227-8471, TTY-651-227-3779, www.lifetrackresources.org RECREATIONAL SERVICES Camp Winnebago, V-507-724-2351, www.campwinnebago.org Courage Center, V-763-588-0811, TTY-763-520-0245, www.courage.org Cristo Vive International, V-763-263-1526, www.cristovive.net Friendship Ventures, V-952-852-0101, TF-800-450-8376, www.friendshipventures.org Special Olympics MN, V-612-604-1264, F-612-333-8782, www.specialolympicsminnesota.org Ventures Travel LLC, V-952-852-0107, TF-866-692-7400, www.venturestravel.org Wilderness Inquiry, V-612-676-9400, TTY-612-676-9475, www.wildernessinquiry.org REHABILITATION CENTERS BLIND, Inc., V-612-872-0100, www.blindinc.org Courage Center, V-763-588-0811, TTY-763-520-0245, www.courage.org Courage Center Burnsville: 952-898-5700 Courage Center St. Croix: 651-439-8283 Courage Center Forest Lake, V-651-439-8283 DeafBlind Services MN, V-612-362-8454, TTY-612-362-8422, www.dbsm.org Fairview M.S. Achievement Center, V-612-672-2815, www.fairview.org/msac Lifetrack Resources, V-651-227-8471, TTY-651-227-3779, www.lifetrackresources.org Midwest Special Services, V-651-778-1000, TTY-651-772-8592, www.mwsservices.org

CAPITOL REPORT -

For an annual fee of $55, your organization will be listed in our quarterly Directory of Organizations. We will also list your homepage link on our Web site.

SOCIAL SERVICES The Cooperating Community Programs (CCP), V-651-641-0041 Metro Work Center, Inc., V-612-729-7381, F-612-729-7382, www.mwc.org Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL), V-651646-8342, TTY-651-603-2001, www.mcil-mn.org TECHNOLOGY Assistive Technology of Minnesota (ATMn*), V-763-479-8239, TF-866-535-8239, www.atmn.org Courage Center, V-763-588-0811, TTY-763-520-0245 www.courage.org Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare, V-651-291-2848, TF-800-719-4040, www.gillettechildrens.org PACER Center, Inc., V-952-838-9000, TTY-952-838-0190, www.pacer.org TRANSPORTATION IMED Mobility, V-651-635-0655, TF-800-788-7479, www.IMEDmobility.com Wheelchair Getaways of MN, Inc., V-888-256-5807, F-320685-5346, www.wheelchairgetaways.com U of M AFFILIATED PROGRAMS Institute on Community Integration, V-612-624-6300, F-612624-9344, http://ici.umn.edu VISION IMPAIRMENT SERVICES BLIND, Inc., V-612-872-0100, TF-800-597-9558, www.blindinc.org Cristo Vive International, V-763-263-1526, www.cristovive.net DeafBlind Services MN, V-612-362-8454, TTY-612-3628422, www.dbsm.org VISUAL/PERFORMING ARTS

Upstream Arts, V-612-331-4584, F-480-393-5587, www.upstreamarts.org VSA arts of MN, V/TTY-612-332-3888, www.vsaartsmn.org Courage Center, V-763-588-0811, TTY-763-520-0245, www.courage.org VOCATIONAL SERVICES Dungarvin, Inc. MN, V-651-699-6050, www.dungarvin.com Fraser, V-612-861-1688, TTY-800-627-3527, www.fraser.org BLIND,Inc.,V-612-872-0100,TF-800-597-9558, www.blindinc.org Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) Personal CCP—The Cooperating Community Programs, V-651-917-8322 x11, www.ccpcdcs.com Assistant Services (PAS) Program, V-651-603-2013, TTYCommunity Connections Partnership, V-763-540-6833 x 302, 651-603-2001, www.mcil-mn.org marya@comconpar.com Opportunity Partners, V-952-938-5511, TTY–952-930-4293, Courage Center, V-763-588-0811, TTY-763-520-0245, www.opportunities.org www.courage.org ThePhoenixResidence,V-651-227-7657, www.phoenixresidence.org East Suburban Resources, V-651-351-0190, www.eac-mn.org RESTART, Inc., V-763-588-7633, www.restartincmn.org Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota, V-651-379-5800, RESOURCE CENTERS www.goodwilleasterseals.org Kaposia inc, V/TTY-651-224-6974, www.kaposia.com Family Institute for Creative Well-Being, V-651-639-2527 Lifeworks Services, TF-866-454-2732, TTY-651-365-3736, Center for Inclusive Child Care, V-651-603-6265, www.lifeworks.org TF-800-333-4705, www.inclusivechildcare.org Disability Linkage Line, 1-866-333-2466, www.mcil-mn.org/ Merrick, Inc., V-651-789-6200, www.merrickinc.com Metro Work Center, Inc., V-612-729-7381, F-612-729-7382, modules/DLL/DLLFactSheet.pdf www.mwc.org Parents as Teachers/MELD, V-612-332-7563, F-612-455Midway Training Services, V-651-641-0709, TTY-651-6412058, www.ParentsasTeachers.org 0976, www.midwaytraining.org UnitedCerebralPalsy(MN),V-651-646-7588,ucpmn@cpinternet.com Midwest Special Services, V-651-778-1000, TTY-651-772-8592, www.mwsservices.org SERVICE DOGS MN Resource Center, V-612-752-8102, TTY-612-752-8019, Hearing & Service Dogs of MN, V-612-729-5986, www.mrc-mn.org TTY-612-729-5914, www.hsdm.org MN Work Incentives Connection, V-651-632-5113, Helping Paws, Inc., V-952-988-9359, www.helpingpaws.org TTY-651-632-5110, www.mnworkincentives.com Opportunity Partners, V-952-938-5511, TTY–952-930-4293, www.opportunities.org Rise, Inc., V/TTY-763-786-8334, F-763-786-0008, www.rise.org TSE, Inc., V-651-489-2595, F-651-489-0410, www.tse-inc.org Vinland Center, V/TTY-763-479-3555, F-763-479-2605, www.vinlandcenter.org

Cont. from p. 3

that amount. Both the Senate family tax credit for up to and House are spending ap- $1,200 a year. proximately half of their new money on the COLAs. This is House Only: a substantial commitment by •MA Income and Asset stanthe legislature but still falls dard increase (HF 784) short of what was hoped for by •Self Directed Supports/Sheltered needy housing payment all parties. (HF911) •Developmental Disabilities Senate Only: •MA and GAMC co-pays— Waiting List – provides this proposal eliminates co- an additional 200 slots on 7/1/08 pays over a 2½ year period. •Family Caregivers—funds a •Parent Fees – $100 credit off

of monthly fee and flexible account language •Self-Advocates of Minnesota •Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD) •Dental Study •Options Too •Disability Linkage Line

Once the Senate and House pass their Omnibus Bills, the bills will be referred to Conference Committees. The committees are usually made up of ten members: five from the Senate and five from the House. The chairs of the respective budget committees will co-chair the conference CCD Priorities Not in Ei- committees; once they start ther Omnibus Bill: meeting they rotate who chairs •Managed Care Ombudsman every other day. staff increase.

This is an important time to thank our legislators for their commitment to funding for services for persons with disabilities. They need your support and encouragement so they can continue to focus on our priorities until the end of the session. Our next major opportunity to lobby on behalf our legislative priorities will be when the

members of the conference committees are named. If you belong to an advocacy organization, please stay in touch with their public policy staff to find out who is named to the conference committees. Or go to the CCD Web site at www.mnccd.org for further action steps. ■

April 10, 2007

Losing Parental Rights In Many States, a Parent’s Disability Can Be Grounds for Taking Away Their Children by Elizabeth Lightfoot and Traci LaLiberte

ore than two-thirds of states in the U.S. have laws that include “parental disability” as one of their grounds for termination of parental rights. Although recent research has found that parents with disabilities are not more likely to maltreat their children than parents without disabilities, studies have found very high rates of termination of the rights of parents with disabilities. These legal obstacles to parents with disabilities reflect widespread attitudinal discrimination they face from the general public. For example, in the 2007 MN Governor’s Council Survey 2007 of the general public in Minnesota, over one-third of the respondents to the statement, “People with developmental disabilities should be allowed to have children, just like everyone else,” disagreed. These types of attitudes about disabilities are also reflected in many state laws regarding parenting.

tation Act prohibit state and local governments from discriminating against people with disabilities in their programs and services. However, one area that these anti-discrimination laws do not cover is child custody and child protection proceedings, and many parents with disabilities still face discrimination in these arenas. A recent review of all state laws in the United States found that 36 states and the District of Columbia had laws that included disability-related grounds for termination of parental rights, while 15 states

opmental disability (32 states), emotional illness (18 states) and physical disability (7 states). Many of these state laws used outdated terminology and imprecise definitions for describing people with disabilities. For example, the most common combination of disability descriptions was “emotional illness, mental illness and mental deficiency,” which is the language used by 11 states in their state codes. This type of language was common in the 1940s and 1950s, and is considered very inappropriate today. Also, many states failed to include any definitions for disabilities within their state laws relating to child protection.

“Disability is one of the only grounds for termination that is based on a parent’s condition, All states have state laws outrather than a parent’s lining the grounds for termination of parental rights in rebehavior.”

did not. All of the states that include disability in their grounds for termination specify explicit types of disabilities for courts to consider, Both the Americans with Dis- including mental illness (36 abilities Act and the Rehabili- states), intellectual or devel-

lation to child abuse and neglect. When rights are terminated, parents lose all legal rights and ties to their children. The federal government mandates certain circumstances in which rights must be terminated, such as aban-

donment or excessive time in foster care. States vary in which other circumstances require termination of parental rights, including such grounds as chronic substance abuse, failure to maintain contact with a child, or failure to maintain support of a child.

nation in child protection or child custody proceedings, and specifies that a parent with a disability has a right to demonstrate their parenting ability with the use of adaptive equipment or supportive services.

As a result of this review of state statues and the potential A major concern about the in- for discrimination, the authors, clusion of disability in the both researchers at the Unigrounds for termination is that such inclusion can shift the “Although recent resfocus from a parent’s behav- earch has found that ior to a parent’s condition. Disparents with disabilities ability is one of the only grounds for termination that is are not more likely to based on a parent’s condition, maltreat their children rather than a parent’s behav- than parents without ior. While no state says that disabilities, studies have disability can be grounds by found very high rates of itself for termination of parental rights, if disability is in- termination of the rights cluded as grounds for termi- of parents with disnation, it can become the fo- abilities.” cus of a child protection case. versity of Minnesota, have Several states have recently brought together an advisory removed the disability lan- group to develop model legisguage from their state termi- lation that self-advocates, adnation of parental rights laws. vocacy groups, and disability One of these states, Idaho, has professionals can use to mobialso added language in its state lize efforts in their states to law that both protects people remove disability as a grounds with disabilities from discrimi- for termination of parental

rights (TPR) in their states. It should be noted that the focus and the work of this advisory group extends beyond TPR to include adoption, child custody statutes (separation, divorce, and guardianship). The objectives of the project include the development of a toolkit with strategies for creating legislative change, the provision of technical assistance to four states as they begin efforts to change their state legislation, and wide dissemination of the related research and product materials. While currently parents with disabilities in many states may face discrimination in termination of parental rights proceedings, this can be changed. States should reconsider the inclusion of disability in TPR codes. At the very minimum, states should update the disability-related terminology and definitions in their TPR codes. For additional information about the advisory group started by Drs. Lightfoot and LaLiberte, please contact them at elightfo@umn.edu or lali0017@umn.edu.

Understanding Your Needs Working Toward Your Goals Gillette Lifetime Specialty Healthcare offers a coordinated team of specialty-care providers for adolescents and adults who have disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, traumatic brain injuries, and neuromuscular conditions.

Physician Specialists ■ Cardiology ■ Family practice ■ Internal medicine/ pediatrics ■ Neurology ■ Neurosurgery ■ Orthopaedics ■ Physical medicine and rehabilitation ■ Urology

Assistive Technology Services ■ Alternative and augmentative communication ■ Computer access and environmental controls ■ Customized seating and mobility devices ■ Rehabilitation engineering ■ Upper-limb, lower-limb and spine orthotics

Rehabilitation Services ■ Occupational therapy ■ Physical therapy ■ Speech and language therapy Social Services ■ Psychiatry ■ Psychology ■ Social work

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 651-229-3944.

550 County Road D New Brighton, MN 55112 www.gillettechildrens.org

April 10, 2007

ADA -

FAQ@DLL

Video Remote Interpreting Getting an American Sign Language Interpreter Has Never Been Easier! by the Disability Linkage Line Staff Q: How can I find a good— tages: (1) you usually pay for and affordable—ASL inter- interpreter time in 15 minute preter? increments (versus the required in-person flat-fee A: A new service now makes charge for two hours), (2) it is it easier and more economical to obtain sign language inter- “In rural areas, [VRI] preter services; it’s called can save people money Video Remote Interpreting since they don’t have to (VRI).

providers of VRI services: Sorenson (www.sorensonvri. com/what/) and CSD—Communication Services for the Deaf (www.csdinterpreting online.com/). And remember, VRI can be used in employment, medical, legal, social service and many other settings.

pay for an interpreWith VRI it is no longer nec- ter’s travel time and Finally, many different nonessary for an interpreter to mileage.” profit and for-profit organizaphysically appear where the easier to schedule interpreters “VRI uses internet- on short notice, (3) it can help based video phones to address the issue of interpreter bring a qualified shortage/unavailability by “transporting” an interpreter interpreter to your to your locale via technology, meeting location via a and (4) in rural areas, it can save people money since they television screen.” don’t have to pay for an deaf and hearing person are interpreter’s travel time and meeting. Instead, VRI uses mileage. internet-based video phones to bring a qualified interpreter to To use VRI, all you need is your meeting location via a videophone equipment and a high-speed internet connectelevision screen. tion. More information about Using an interpreter who is the needed technology can be “off-site” has several advan- found online from two local

tions provide VRI services. You can find other providers by calling the Disability Linkage Line (DLL) at 1-866-3332466.

Cont. from p. 1

Congressman F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr., (R-Wisconsin) said, “…I believe the ADA has not reached its full potential because some Supreme Court decisions have gotten it wrong. Significant limitations imposed by the federal courts on the ADA’s protections, particularly in the employment context, have negatively impacted disabled Americans.” Rep. Sensenbrenner, one of the co-sponsors of the original ADA legislation in 1990, has personal reasons for understanding the necessity of providing civil rights to persons with disabilities. His wife was in a serious accident in her 20s and has very limited mobility and uses a wheelchair. She serves on the board of the American Association of Persons with Disabilities (AAPD).

The DLL provides free, disability-related information The language of the Restoraand assistance for Minneso- tion Act of 2006 was crafted to address the problem in three tans. ways. First, it would add lanPlease patronize your guage to make it clear that Access Press Congress intended the definiadvertisers — and tell tion of disability cited by the them where you heard ADA to include, in the definition, persons who had taken about them. corrective measures but who They bring you would continue to be disabled your paper. without those measures. Sec-

Rep. Sensenbrenner and his wife Cheryl, who serves on the board of the American Association of Persons with Disabilities (AAPD). Photo by Rick Kopstein This is not the first time it has been necessary to pass restorative language to protect civil rights. In 1991, Congress passed the Civil Rights Restoration Act to restore protections to persons asserting employment discrimination because of race or sex. Advocates hope that the current legIn view of the election results islation aimed at providing in November 2006 and the protections is as successful as changes in composition of both the 1991 language. ■ houses, there is currently more optimism that such a restora- Kathleen Hagen is a staff attion bill could pass, so the bill torney for the Minnesota Diswill be re-introduced this year ability Law Center. by House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, and cosponsored by Representative Sensenbrenner. ond, the bill would introduce language specifically defining disability into the ADA, language which was previously available only in the regulations promulgated by EEOC. Third, the bill is preceded by “findings” that explain why this bill is necessary.

1.866.333.2466 Minnesota’s connection to disability-related information and assistance Housing Personal care assistance Transportation

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April 10, 2007

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Cont. from p. 4

of the waivers, thereby allow- with disabilities in competi- community supports for her more than 15 years of exing individuals to hire family, tive employment and meet people under 65 living in or at perience in providing commufriends and neighbors to help Minnesotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s workforce risk of being placed in nurs- nity service, she amassed a with their care. needs. Pathways to Employ- ing homes. This drive is be- wealth of experience as an inâ&#x20AC;˘Offering additional senior ment, a four-year partnership ing supported with mandatory take coordinator for one of the nutrition, health promotion, begun in 2005 with support face-to-face consultations be- largest adult day programs in transportation, chore and from a federal Medicaid in- fore people under age 65 are Minnesota, a director for both other targeted services to help frastructure grant, is con- admitted to nursing facilities; a day program and transportaseniors remain in their homes. ducted in partnership between funding and care coordination services, and a developer â&#x20AC;˘Providing statewide informa- DHS, the Minnesota Depart- tion to help people relocate of start-up operations for a tion and assistance services ment of Employment and from nursing homes if they Medicare home care agency. for the elderly and people with Economic Development and wish; and more flexibility, Add in her B.A. in sociology disabilities to direct them to the Minnesota State Council choice and control for indi- and gerontology from the Uniproducts and services they on Disability. viduals so their service needs versity of Minnesota, and she was well equipped to co-found need. â&#x20AC;˘Launching a federally-funded at home can be better met. Health Esteem Services, which â&#x20AC;˘Implementing Medical Assis- pilot project, called the Demtance for Employed Persons onstration to Maintain Inde- While other states begin to take provides physical therapy, perwith Disabilities in 1999 to pendence and Employment steps to reshape services for sonal, nursing and concierge allow people with disabili- (DMIE), which will run from people with disabilities and the services. ties to maintain MA cover- 2006 through 2008. The elderly, Minnesota is commitage while working, earning DMIE provides working ted to sustaining and further- Cherie Lee Schmidt went the income and accruing assets. people with serious mental ing its considerable progress franchising route. Home Inâ&#x20AC;˘Forging new partnerships, illness health care coverage in offering quality, cost-effec- stead Senior Care, like Visitimproving coordination of and additional supports to tive services where the vast ing Angels and Comfort Keepservices and communication, enable them to remain em- majority of these populations ers, offers companionship, home helper, personal care and enhancing public policy and ployed and independent. want them. â&#x2013; overnight services to her franstrengthening transition ser- â&#x20AC;˘Since 2001, DHS and other vices and work experiences state agencies have made an Loren Colman is assistant chise in the central & western for youth and young adults extra push, through the Op- commissioner for Continuing suburbs of Minneapolis. As a with disabilities in order to tions Initiative and Options Care at Minnesota Depart- community service representative, she takes special care in increase the number of people Too, to increase access to ment of Human Services. matchmaking her clients with the appropriate caregivers.

BRIANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S STORY dent living skills. I want them to respect me and treat me like I am capable. For example, if I make a mistake, let me figure it out and correct it myself. If I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how to do something, I want people to help me find a method that works for me so I can do it.

Cont. from p. 5

spends an average of 20 hours- remember their stories and per-week on caregiving duties give them a call. â&#x2013; (Family Caregiver Alliance). Lisa Schmidtke is president With 76 million baby boomers and founder of Housecalls Netin our society today and con- work, a directory of resources sidering that a full 45% of to help seniors, people with working baby boomers intend disabilities and their care-givto work past the traditional ers live independently. Houseretirement age of 65, this gen- calls Network does not endorse eration will be looking for ser- any particular provider. They vices to support them in non- assume no responsibility for traditional working roles transactions between readers (AARP). If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for and listed organizations. FFI: the services that these women lisa@housecalls-network. provide, consider your options, com, 952-221-0722, www. housecalls-network. com.

Cont. from p. 8

encourage everyone to work towards their dreams and goals even when it gets difficult. Never underestimate the abilities of any person and never give up on their dreams! â&#x2013;

Brian Heuring lives in Litchfield, MN. The title of this article is from a song in the Even though I did not have the Disney film Cinderella (1950). advantage of early diagnosis, I did not give up. I have achieved Reprinted with permission a successful, satisfying life. I from Impact: Feature Issue

on Supporting Success in School and Beyond for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Fall/Winter 2006/ 07, published by the Institute on Community Integration, University of Minnesota. The entire issue can be found online at http://ici.umn.edu/ products/impact/193/ default.html; a free printed copy can be requested from the Institute at 612-624-4512.

Adina Goldsteinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story is unique in that she knows her clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s challenges first-hand. Not only did she create Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Sweat the Small Stuff to provide concierge services to homebound individuals, but she herself is living with multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. Despite vision and cooling issues, Adina is a woman on the go, with a mission that, ironically, aligns perfectly with the MS Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Join the Movementâ&#x20AC;? campaign. It is no coincidence that these entrepreneurs in the caregiving industry are women. The typical informal caregiver is a married woman in her midforties to mid-fifties. She is employed full time and also

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April 10, 2007

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. Selected performances offer reduced admission prices for the patron and one companion. When calling a box office, confirm the service (ASL or AD), date, time, ticket price and anything else needed, e.g. length of performance, etc. If you attend a show, please share your feedback with the performing organization, interpreter, and VSA arts of Minnesota. Accessible performance information is compiled by VSA arts of Minnesota, 612-332-3888 or www.vsaartsmn.com.

See www.accesspress.org for complete listing. All Shook Up May 8 - 13 Touring show at Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls. ASL: Sun., May 13, 1:00 p.m. Tix: $22-72; AD upon requested in advance: 612-373-5639 or 5609; hotline 612-373-5650; TTY: 612373-5655; E-Mail: accessible @orpheum.com; Web: www. hennepintheatre district.org/ guestservices/aslad/

Art in Bloom Apr. 25 - 29 Mpls. Institute of Arts, 2400 Third Ave. S., Mpls. ASL: Thurs., Apr. 26, 7:00 p.m.; Fri., Apr. 27, 11:30 a.m.; Interpreted public tour begins in Rotunda, second floor; Tix: 870-3131, TTY 612-8703132, E-mail: dhegstro@arts mia.org; Web: www.artsmia.org

ASL Storytelling w/Kari Sipple Apr.14 The Arabian Nights Barnes and Noble (children’s Apr. 19 - 28 books area), Mankato. ASL: U of M Theatre at Rarig Sat., Apr. 14, 10:00 a.m.; Free. Center’s Kilburn Arena Theatre, 330 - 21st Ave. S., Mpls. Autistic License ASL: Sat., Apr. 28, 8:00 p.m. May 4 - 20 Tix: $12-14, 612-624-2345 or Illusion Theater, Hennepin E-mail: utheatre@umn.edu; Center for the Arts, 8th floor, Web: http://theatre.umn.edu 528 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. AD: Fri., May 18, 8:00 p.m. Tix: Animals Galore Reduced to $10 for AD patron May 4 + companion; reg. $20; 612College of St. Benedict/Saint 339-4944; Web: www.illusion John’s University (CSB/SJU) theater.org Symphony at Petters Auditorium, Benedicta Arts Ctr, ColBarefoot in the Park lege of Saint Benedict, St. JoApr. 12 - 29 seph. ASL: Fri., May 4, 10:00 Bloomington Art Center Gala.m. Tix: $5 school groups lery Players at Bloomington only; 320-363-3390 or E-mail: Center for the Arts Black Box janelson@csbsju.edu; Web: Theater, 1800 W. Old Shakwww.csbsju.edu/finearts opee Rd. ASL: Sat., Apr. 28,

Jennifer Hudson Performs at 25th Annual PACER Benefit May 5 Mpls. Convention Center, 1301 Second Ave. S. ASL: Sat., May 5, Silent Auction 6:00 p.m.; Show 8:00 p.m. Tix: start at $55; 952-838-9000 or Web: www.pacer.org

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Jill Trinka Music in the Park Family Concert Apr. 27 Folksong artist at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 2136 Carter Ave. (at Chelmsford) in St. Anthony Park. ASL: Fri., Apr. 27, 6:15 and 7:30 p.m. Tix: $5 in advance; $6 at the door; 651-645-5699; Web: www.musicinthepark series.org/pages/ family_concerts.html

PERFORMANCES INTERPRETED IN

AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE:

N O W P L AY I N G

• Friday, April 13 at 7:30 p.m.

AUDIO DESCRIBED

N O W P L AY I N G

Tickets are $17 for patrons who use the ASL or AD service and for one companion.

PERFORMANCES:

• Friday, April 6 at 7:30 p.m.

PHOTO: MATT GRAY

N O W P L AY I N G

C C

7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $6: Edward Scissorhands Reg. $15, $12 senior/student; Apr. 10 - 15 952-563-8587; Web: www. Touring show at Ordway Cenbloomingtonartcenter.com ter for the Performing Arts, 345 Washington, St. Paul. AD: The Baron Sat., Apr. 14, 2:00 p.m. Tix: Apr. 14 - May 20 651-224-4222, TTY: 651History Theatre, 30 E. 10th 282-3100; Web: www.ord St., St. Paul. AD: Sun., Apr. way.org/services/access.asp 22, 2:00 p.m. ASL: Sun., May 4, 2:00 p.m. Tix: Reduced to Figaro $15; 651-292-4323; Web: Apr. 11 - June 23 www.historytheatre.com Theatre de la Jeune Lune, 105 N. First St., Mpls. AD: Sun., Blood Wedding Apr. 22, 7:00 p.m. ASL: TBA. Mar. 28 - Apr. 15 Tix: Reduced to $13 (reg. MN Opera Center, 620 N. First $20); TicketWorks: 612-333St., Mpls. on Apr. 5-7 and 6200 or 612-332-3968 x100; Apr. 13-15 at Open Book, Ten Web: www.jeunelune.org Thousand Things Theater, 1011 Washington Ave. S., Funny Girl Mpls. AD: Fri., Apr. 13, 8:00 Apr. 27 - May 20 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $13, Reg. Bloomington Civic Theatre at $20, 612-203-9502; Web: Bloomington Center for the www.tenthousandthings.org Arts Schneider Theater, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd. AD: The Color of Justice Sat., May 5, 7:30 p.m. ASL: May 9 - 10 Sat., May 12, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Theaterworks/USA at Saint Reduced to $18 (reg. $25, seJohn’s University, Stephen B. nior $22, student $19); 952Humphrey Theater, College- 563-8575; Web: www.bloom ville. ASL: Wed., May 9, 11:15 ingtoncivictheatre.org a.m. Tix: $5 school groups; 320-363-3390 E-mail: Gypsy janelson@csbsju.edu; Web: Apr. 12 - 22 www.csbsju.edu/finearts.edu Mn State University Mankato Theatre at Ted Paul Theatre, Performing Arts Center. ASL: Sat., Apr. 14, 7:30 p.m. Tix: $12-17.50; 507-389-6661; Web: www.MSUTheatre.com

Now – May , 

April 2007 Edition - Access Press

Articles inside

Changing Technology, Growing Needs