www.accesspress.org
June 10, 2007
1
History Note
Inside
“I know of no country in which there is so little independence of mind and real freedom of discussion as in America.”
■ Portraying Disability—p. 4 ■ Hot Weather Tips—p. 10 ■ VA Tech/Mental Health—p. 12
— Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859) Page 2 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Mpls. MN Permit No. 4766
Volume 18, Number 6
Minnesota’s Disability
Community Newspaper
June 10, 2007
Sticks And Stones Local Organizations Take Offense and Respond Quickly to Title of Brave New Workshop’s Latest Show by Sherry Gray
Hennepin Avenue passersby read the Brave New Workshop’s poster for their current show, “Rise of the Celebretards.” The title has provoked protest from a wide spectrum of individuals and disability organizations.
C
an it really be trendy to use the “R” word? Apparently so, at least in pop culture. Certain celebrities, their media watchers, the pop music scene, and numerous internet blogs are using the word “retard,” alone or
The old adage is that words cannot hurt, but groups given negative labels know differently. Words can and do lead to hurtful things like limited access to economic and social opportunities and denial of political rights. That’s why there is another trend emerging: a nationwide reaction of self-advocates, their friends and families against this usage of the “R” word.
as a suffix to other words, to mock people viewed as foolish. Last month, Minneapolisbased theater troop Brave New Workshop (BNW) joined in, titling their show that spoofs celebrities “Rise of the Quick Response Celebretards.” Response to the offensive title
came quickly; BNW was deluged by e-mails and letters from outraged individuals and groups. For example, Mound resident George Linkert wrote on his Web page, “This is wrong …. use of the word retard in this context is inappropriate, insensitive, insulting, and offensive.” In a letter to the BNW, many of Minnesota’s leading disability-rights organizations weighed in, “Using the word “retard” in any reference legitimizes the oppression and
HHS Bill: Mixed Results Both Positive and Disappointing Results in Health and Human Services from the 2007 Legislative Session by Anne L. Henry, MN Disability Law Center
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he 2007 Minnesota Legislative Session ended dramatically; votes on major funding bills happened at the last possible minute, because negotiations with the governor failed to reach final agreements in most areas. From the beginning of the session, efforts to improve services and funding for persons with disabilities faced a number of serious problems: the available revenue to restore cuts from the past four years or fund new services was
very tight, the governor opposed any revenue or tax increases to fund services or programs, and the House and Senate did not have veto-proof majorities to override the governor’s promised vetoes of new revenue. Although there were many disappointments for persons with disabilities, the legislative session did produce some positive changes in the Health and Human Services area:
Significant Improvements for Mental Health Services Adopted A very significant effort to improve mental health treatment throughout Minnesota’s service system for children and adults was successful this year. The resulting legislation, proposed in the governor’s budget, adds mental health services to state health care programs, establishes a demonstration project using managed care and increases in funding to numerous grant programs
and for infrastructure needs. This effort, the result of over three years of work, was supported broadly by mental health consumers, advocates, providers, as well as the Department of Human Services (DHS), the governor and many legislators. The notable changes provide $34 million in increased funding for mental health services over the biennium. (A fuller article on these changes is coming in next month’s issue.) HHS - cont. on p. 15
ridicule many people experience on a daily basis. When you attempt to ridicule [celebrities] by identifying them as “retarded,” you also ridicule those who have been so labeled throughout their lives and make more difficult their struggle to be valued for their contributions and commitments ….” The letter was signed by Self-Advocates Minnesota (network of 30 selfadvocacy groups), Advocating Change Together (ACT), The Arc of Minnesota, Institute on Community Integration (ICI), Minnesota Disability Law Center, Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, Minnesota State Council on Disability, People First Minnesota, and Access Press. Kim Keprios, CEO of Arc Greater Twin Cities, wrote to the BNW, “A history of using countless offensive words in sketches and titles does not justify slurring vulnerable people and using them as the butt of the ‘joke.’ By using the word, the Brave New Workshop appears uninformed, close minded and/or insensitive. Worse yet, some people may conclude that calling others retards is acceptable social behavior.” On May 13, Star Tribune col-
umnist Doug Grow (“Brave New Workshop’s Satire Title Hits a Nerve”) asked if the BNW has “gone a step beyond too far?” A Pioneer Press editorial on May 18 (“A Bully Word”) called the BNW show title “stupid, unfunny, and offensive.” Responses also came from outside Minnesota. This author posted the show title on SibNet (listserv for and about adult brothers and sisters of people with special health, developmental, and emotional needs at www.siblingsup port.org/) provoking protest e-mails to the BNW from around the country. Don Meyer, director of the Sibling Support Project in Seattle and a former special education teacher in Hopkins, Minnesota, wrote, “As a young teacher….one of our favorite entertainment venues was Dudley Rigg’s “Brave New Workshop.”… I could count on comedy that was, well, brave and new. Consequently, it pains me to see you are staging a show that is called ‘Rise of the Celebretards.’ If you don’t know how offensive this title is to people with disabilities and their families, try this: replace the “retard” in CeleSticks/Stones - cont. on p. 11
DISABILITY ISSUES ON THE AGENDA AT THE STATE CAPITOL ill: B S ults s HH e d R ve & e x i M siti sults
A Good Start, But . . .
Tha t’ Zero s It? for T Adv ra ocat Frus es E nsit?
Special Education Funding Improves; nd tr Shortfalls Remain (p2) 2 010 ated as Sessio Plan 1 n Govern Stal 4 by or Vote ls (p s ‘No’ on Vo e 3)
po g re n h t n i o t B in ppo & Huma a s i d e ealth from th H n i ting A ices lative v r ccess e R S eforms gis e l 7 ) (p3) 200 on (p1 i s Living Right? ses
CILs Meet Unprecedented Success at Capitol (p3)
or M o N sets rs n u S slato
r l! overno r i G G s e o s G es Old Pr r) 12-Yea the Bill’ (p4 n to ‘Sig
le A Trip To T b a t he Cap S Ci itol Give (p8) tizens with B D G r a a i O i n n I Advoc SC i acy Ex njury (p8) Leg ing to M p erience d Fun
June 10, 2007
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Tim Benjamin, Editor
T
he legislative session is over, and like a lot of folks I’m left feeling that it was supposed to end up with more positive results for people with disabilities. I’ve talked to many people who say, “But we were supposed to get so much accomplished in this session—the governor even agreed to work with the democratic majority.” Yet, to be fair, there were some compromises that worked for us. I’m grateful that Special Education got some needed extra funding (see below). There is also legislation that mandates a needed reduction in co-pays for those on medical assistance (MA) and general assistance medical care (GAMC)—but the real kicker with the copays is that the reduction doesn’t start until January 1,
The biggest news is the $44.5 million increase in mental health funding. I am not yet really clear on how the new influx in mental health support will be distributed. Next month we will have an article explaining the ins and outs of the complex Mental Health Initiative. Meanwhile, a tenpage question-and-answer summary at the Department of Human Services provides an overview: www.dhs. state.mn. Certainly, it’s good news that us/main/groups/disabilities/ the Centers for Independent d o c u m e n t s / p u b / d h s 1 6 _ Living got big support in this 137705.pdf. legislative session (see p. 3). After several years of them The tragedy at Virginia Tech being almost forgotten, this illustrates, in such a sad way, year just about made up for the vital need for all of us to previous short-falls. The Cen- support our friends and family ters do good work, and now who struggle daily with menwith the state’s backing, they tal health problems. I have been will be able to expand their struggling myself with how to discuss here in Access Press services. the Virginia Tech massacre 2009. And of course, we can’t forget the 2-percent cost-ofliving increase in the next two years for community and institutional long-term care providers that will be effective October 1, 2007, and July 1, 2008. Our personal care attendants will get a much-needed salary increase. They are still sorely under-compensated for the hard work that most of them do.
committed by Cho Seung-Hui, as there are so many questions on what should have been done and what could have been done. How could we have intervened in this young man’s life, keeping in mind his civil rights and the rights of those with whom he lived? Even when the likelihood of someone with a mental illness committing the devastating acts that Hui did is very low, we can’t keep letting down these young people that are having so much trouble with their mental health. Nor can we continue to dishonor their victims. We haven’t done anything about gun control, for instance. Many would say that I’m naive to think that fewer guns would decrease gun violence. Well, not too many years ago I myself argued against increasing gun control, but the time has come when everything has to
be put on the table to be considered! What do you think? I invite your thoughts, arguments or disagreements with me or the articles on page-13. VSA arts is our sponsor this month. As you all know, they do wonderful things for people with disabilities in the state and nationally. I’m proud to be associated with this organization. We all benefit from the fabulous work they do for people with disabilities in the arts. See p. 5 for some details on VSA arts and some of the events that they will be bringing us. If you didn’t know, it is the staff of VSA arts that bring you Accessible Performances each month in Access Press (see p. 14). Thank you, Craig Dunn, Jon Skaalen and Amie Pence. We applaud you! ■
History Note
A Good Start, But . . .
MN Disability Law Center
Special Education Funding Improves, Shortfalls Remain
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n 1972, the Legal Aid Society filed a lawsuit, Welsch v. Likins, to secure appropriate treatment and community placement for people with developmental disabilities living in large state hospitals. The following year the federal government funded a tiny pilot project at Legal Aid to continue this work, staffed by one attorney and a legal assistant. As Congress became aware that people with intellectual disabilities were living in dreadful conditions throughout the nation, in 1975 it created the Protection and Advocacy system to fund advocacy in every state. Legal Aid was designated as the Protection and Advocacy system for Minnesota. Over the next thirty-two years the disability rights movement gained power, people with disabilities moved from institu-
tions into the community and public awareness of disability issues increased. Congress gradually expanded the scope of Protection and Advocacy responsibilities to include civil advocacy for people with all types of disability living in any type of setting. Today Legal Aid carries out its Protection and Advocacy work through the Minnesota Disability Law Center, with a dedicated staff of 14 attorneys and 7 advocates located in six branch offices throughout the state.
By Kim Kang
been closed. We have continued our successful battle to ensure access for people with disabilities in a wide range of community settings, including hospitals, courts, and commercial environments, litigating when necessary. Our younger clients have included many students with special education needs across the state, including students in rural Minnesota who have the benefit of a Northern Advocates Network lead by MDLC staff. Our voting rights project has continued to ensure that citizens with disabilities are enfranchised and informed. We look forward to continuing this work on behalf of Minnesotans with disabilities in the coming year. ■
Our work this year reflected the broad scope of our clients’ needs. The abuse, neglect and community placement issues that led to our creation so many years ago remain at the core of our mission, although now our clients have a range of disabilities and often live in nursing facilities since most large state institutions have [Source: MDLC]
Access Press Co-Founder/Publisher (1990-1996) .................................................. Wm. A. Smith, Jr. Co-Founder/Publisher/Editor-in-Chief (1990-2001) ....................... Charles F. Smith Board of Directors .............. Brigid Alseth, JoAnn Cardenas Enos, Mike Chevrette, Kelly Matter, Anita Schermer, Tom Squire, Carol Streasick & Kay Willshire Editor ......................................................................................................... Tim Benjamin Assistant Editor .............................................................................................. Bret Hesla Office Assistant ........................................................................................... Jordan Selbo Cartoonist ..................................................................................................... Scott Adams Sales/Marketing ...................................................................................... Lance Hegland Production ...................................................... Ellen Houghton at Presentation Images Distribution ......................................................................................... S. C. Distribution 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
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n May 21st, just before the midnight deadline, the big education bill squeaked through the legislature. The contents of the bill, the E-12 (Early Childhood through Grade 12) Education Omnibus bill, remained somewhat of a mystery up until the last moment; three weeks of closed door sessions left much of the public, lobbyists and even some legislators wondering. Nevertheless, the bill was signed by the governor. And there was some good news for special education funding.
Two key changes will mean school districts have more money for special education. The first change will reinstate the special education “growth factor,” which makes annual funding adjustments to account for inflation. In addition, districts will also have to pay less of their regular education money toward special education. The “cross-subsidy” was reduced by a little over half. Other more minor initiatives explore reducing special education costs and reform.
posal for special education funding opened the session, recommending a mere $37 million increase for the biennium. However, the final bill provides for a $329 million increase, which will primarily be used to pay off the crosssubsidy deficit that has now reached $530 million in Minnesota.
The $329 million increase will provide much needed relief to our schools. Cross-subsidy has been an issue since 2004, when the state legislature voted to The governor’s dismal pro- Good Start - cont. on p. 7
Correction: Letters To The Editor ... In the article “Organizing to Achieve the American Dream” (May 10th, 2007, p. 11), Mahad Abdi’s title was given incorrectly. He is the Executive Director of the Disabled Immigrant Association.
We Know You’re Out There Are you outraged? Encouraged by something in the paper? We welcome reader letters. Please send 150 words or less to access@accesspress.org, or 1821 University Ave. W, Suite 104 South. St. Paul, MN 55104.
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June 10, 2007
Living Right?
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Governor Votes ‘No’
Centers for Independent Living Meet on Voting Access Reforms By Mai Thor Unprecedented Success at the Capitol By David Hancox
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K, so I know it’s impolite to gloat, right? Especially when several issues that were important to people with disabilities, their families, and individuals who provide services did not experience success in the just-ended session. Education, health and human services, transportation and other issues didn’t quite get the attention we had hoped for; you will read more about those topics elsewhere in this edition. Centers for Independent Living, however, experienced unprecedented successes in the 2007 legislative session. First, we added $750,000 to our base funding for core services. This additional allocation will be distributed among the current eight CILs in Minnesota, and will actually bring two of the CILs to the maximum state/ federal dollar amount allowed. Added to the current base funding level, the new money will enable the current eight CILs to further establish and support a more complete statewide network of independent living services. It is important to note that key legislative support on
both sides of the aisle made this Finally, several CILs engaged in efforts to insert language in funding increase possible. the Heath and Human Services Second, after a very shaky be- operational manual that will ginning, the Metro and South- allow Minnesota counties to eastern CILs were successful contract for specific commuin persuading new funding for nity based IL related services. the Disability Linkage Line There was a small allocation (DLL). A new line item was provided in the first year of created in the Health and Hu- the biennium to establish manman Services budget that pro- agement practices within Minvides funding for each year in nesota DHS. More importhe next biennium, and a tail tantly, however, it enables into the 2010 biennium as well. counties to contract for serThis is an exciting outcome vices with CILs in many counbecause the DLL didn’t ap- ties where there are seriously pear until the 13th version of limited options. the budget. Continuation of this valuable service, we be- In summary, Minnesota Assolieve, is largely the result of ciation of Centers For Indetremendous consumer activ- pendent Living (MACIL) purity, which generated an im- sued three specific and critical pressive number of phone legislative pieces this session, calls, e-mails and other con- and we achieved success with tacts to committee leadership each one. Individual CILs also urging continuation of the provided support to more uniDLL. For those who may not versal issues pursued by CCD, be aware, the DLL is a one many of which were successstop call center that provides ful as well. ■ information, referral and assistance (IR/A) on any issue David Hancox is Executive related to disability and/or Director of Metropolitan Cenchronic illness. Trained DLL ter for Independent Living, St. specialists can be reached at Paul, MN. 1-866-333-2466.
So, That’s It Then? Nothing for Transit Again?
D
espite a lot of hard work at the legislature this year, this session saw no action on election issues. Election bills traveled through committees relatively easily and passed both houses without much disagreement, but as the weather warmed up it seemed feelings toward the election bills cooled off. The vetoes didn’t help, of course. The bills covered an array of topics, from clarifying how far someone can stand from the building of a polling place to automatic voter registration. Yet due to disagreements and stalling on the House floor, none of these provisions got heard or voted on before session deadline, and so will have to wait for future sessions. Among the rejected reforms were two that would have expanded voting access for people with disabilities. The first bill would have helped voters who are unable to get to the polling place. It proposed to expand the “agent delivery process” to include individuals who are disabled or otherwise have health issues that prevent them from going to their polling place on Election Day. Under agent delivery, a person can appoint an “agent” to pick up and deliver their ballot on, or four days before, Election Day. The second bill
would have made it easier for people living in group homes to vote. Group home voters can use a group home employee to vouch for them at the polling place. Currently, the group home needs to submit a list of employees in advance to the county auditor. The bill would have eliminated the need to submit such a list. The most controversial issue this session centered on townships’ exemption from having to use accessible voting machines. As you may recall, this issue has been a hot one for the last three sessions. Under state and federal law, polling places must provide accessible voting machines. However, Minnesota townships have sought a legislative exemption due to the financial hardship that purchasing the AutoMark would pose to them. All stakeholders involved in the township issue worked closely with the Office of the Secretary of State to continue discussions in the hopes of finally coming to a compromise. Unfortunately, there was none. Here’s where the township issue stands now. No agreement was reached this year, with one exception. To allow more time for discussion, the deadline for townships to get voting machines was extended
from 2008 to 2010. A task force will continue discussions over the summer. Efforts were made to secure at least some of these accessible voting reforms, but ultimately failed. First, the various provisions were passed by both houses and rolled into the State Government Finance Omnibus Bill. Then, as committee deadlines approached, rumors of vetoes flew around the capitol. The rumors then turned to regular conversations and eventually became bitter arguments in committee hearings and floor debates. The township provision and a few other key election items in the bill were not strong enough to fight off the pen of the governor. This bill was vetoed on May 7th. The governor had specific objections with the election provisions in the bill and described them line by line in his veto message. After doing a strategy check, legislators prepped the bill for a second appearance before the governor. At the final hour, when things couldn’t get any crazier at the legislature, members of the House were debating the Tax Omnibus bill. All election provisions within the State Government Finance omnibus bill had been stripped Reform - cont. on p. 13
Advocates End Session Frustrated, as ‘14 by 2010’ Plan Stalls By John Tschida
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hat began in January as a comprehensive initiative to ensure that each of Minnesota’s 87 counties had some form of accessible transit ended in frustration, as the 2007 session ended with little progress on transit issues. “We had high hopes and a sound strategy,” said Joel Ulland, public policy director for the National Multiple Scle-
rosis Society-MN Chapter, Citizens with Disabilities (MN“but in the end we have very CCD), a cross-disability coalilittle to show for it.” tion of more than 100 disability advocacy and provider organiWhat lawmakers ultimately zations, spent months crafting passed was referred to as a and promoting its “14 by 2010” “lights on” transportation and plan, which sought to impletransit funding package with ment 14 hours of accessible limited new policies and transit in every Minnesota projects. No provisions from county. Today there are seven the disability package were in- counties with no accessible cluded. transit service and another handful with only limited opThe Minnesota Consortium for tions in or near the county seat.
Despite the strong support of House and Senate Transit Subcommittee Chairs Frank Hornstein and Scott Dibble, respectively, limited dollars and gas tax politics prevented the passage of the plan. Efforts late in the session to scale back the proposal and produce a study that would develop a strategic plan and resource estimate to achieve the 14-hour service goal
were also unsuccessful.
crease that would both expand and accelerate road construc“In the end, even the transit tion and transit projects. policy bill, which didn’t have a dime of funding in it, was also On the day after the session left unfinished,” Ulland said. ended, one transit advocate wrote in an e-mail: “So, that’s Disability advocates weren’t it then? Nothing for transit the only constituency left shak- again? Wasn’t there anything ing their heads due to the stalled that could have been done to transportation proposals. A save parts of the bill?” strong coalition of business, transit, and low-income groups While overwhelming majoripushed hard for a gas tax in- Transit - cont. on p. 5
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June 10, 2007
How To Write–And Talk–About Disability Guidelines for Positive Powerful Portrayal from Research and Training Center on Independent Living Editor’s Note: The words and images we use can create either a straightforward, positive view of people with disabilities or an insensitive portrayal that reinforces common myths and is a form of discrimination. Although the following excerpts are from guidelines intended for writers, they can help us all make better choices in terms of lan-
guage and portrayal.
Reporting and Writing about People with Disabilities exINTRODUCTION plains preferred terminology As writers, we should all strive and offers suggestions for acfor accuracy and use current curate ways to describe people terminology regarding people with disabilities. with disabilities. To do otherwise is not only substandard Although opinions may differ journalism, it also can offend on some terms, this booklet readers. reflects input from more than 100 national disability organiThis revised Guidelines for zations and has been reviewed
Go Girl! 12-Year-Old Presses Governor: ‘Sign the Bill’ by Bret Hesla, staff writer
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olitics is about passion and persistence. Twelve-year-old Mary Clara Lawson, of White Bear Lake, showed a big dose of both last month. On May 16, she was among the 200 Minnesotans gathered in the hallway outside the governor’s office holding signs and standing a silent vigil. The group was pressing the governor to sign the newly revised bill to fund Minnesota’s Health and Human Services (HHS) Programs. The bill extends state-sponsored health coverage to an additional 30,000 Minnesota children, and more than 20,000 adults. “I’m here to help my mom and help everybody else,” said the young activist, standing in a crowd of concerned citizens and seasoned professionals. “Mom said this is about me. Just knowing all these people are here to help makes me feel great.” Lawson’s mother, Patricia Waller, was also among the crowd. Waller stressed the enormous importance of the bill, saying “Intervention works. As a family with a single, working mom, we need these supports.”
and endorsed by media and portrayed just like anyone disability experts throughout else in the community. the country. Put people first, not their disability. Say woman with PORTRAYAL ISSUES Please consider the following arthritis, a child who has a when writing about people learning disability, or perGuidelines son with a disability. This with disabilities. for Reporting and Writing puts the focus on the indiAbout People with Disabilities, Do not focus on disability vidual, not the particular 7th Edition, 2007 unless it is crucial to a story. functional limitation. LabelAvoid tear-jerking human in- ing the person as the disability Do not portray successful terest stories about incurable (for example, a quad) dehu- people with disabilities as hediseases, congenital impair- manizes the individual and roic overachievers or long ments or severe injury. Focus equates the condition with the suffering saints. Even though instead on issues that affect person. It is people first, too, the public may find these porthe quality of life for those for indicating disability trayals inspirational, these stesame individuals, such as ac- groups. Say people with cystic reotypes raise false expectacessible transportation, hous- fibrosis or people who have tions that all people—with and ing, affordable health care, cancer. Terms such as without disabilities—should employment opportunities and “the_____ (for example, “the be such “super humans.” discrimination. People with retarded”) imply a homogdisabilities actively participate enous group separate from Avoid Sensalization And in their communities and can society as a whole. Negative Labeling. Saying participate even more when afflicted with, crippled with, victim of or suffers from devalues individuals with disabilities by portraying them as Below is a sample of the consensus-preferred terms helpless objects of pity and for referring to disabilities. charity. It is more neutral to Accessible Blind say an individual with AIDS refers to accommodations for describes a condition in which than a person who suffers from people who have a disability. a person has loss of vision for AIDS. Similarly, do not use Replace disabled or handi- ordinary life purposes. Visu- emotional descriptors such as capped with accessible such ally impaired or living with unfortunate or pitiful. as an accessible parking vision loss are the generic space rather than a handi- terms used by some individu- Emphasize abilities, not limicapped parking space. als to refer to all degrees of tations, for example, uses leg vision loss. Say boy who is braces or walks with crutches, Autism blind, girl who is visually im- rather than confined to a wheelis considered to be a spec- paired, or man who has low chair or wheelchair bound. trum condition, as the symp- vision. For, in reality, wheelchairs and toms may encompass a wide crutches represent indepenarray of physical and behav- Brain injury dence, not a burden. To emioral anomalies. These con- describes a condition where phasize capabilities, avoid ditions may be characterized there is long-term or tempo- words that start with in, dis, by functional limitations in rary disruption in brain func- un, or de that imply lacking or social interactions, language tion resulting from injury to inferiority such as invalid or use and form, and repetitive the brain. Difficulties with defective. actions. Effects can result in cognitive, physical, emomild to severe impairment and tional and/or social function- Bypass condescending eucan be mixed, that is, a person ing may occur. Do not say phemisms. Disability groups with severe limitations in one brain damaged. Say person also strongly object to the use area may have normal or even with a brain injury, woman of euphemisms to describe disextraordinary capabilities in who has sustained brain in- abilities. Terms such as another. Do not say autistic. jury, or employee with an handicapable, differently Say person with autism. acquired brain injury. abled, special, and challenged In future issues we hope to print more of the group’s reinforce the idea that people cannot deal honestly with their consensus-preferred terms for referring to disabilities. disabilities. Excerpted with permission from Guidelines For Reporting Guidelines - cont. on p. 5 And Writing About People With Disabilities.
Appropriate Terminology
Mary Clara Lawson, of White Bear Lake, puts the finishing touches on her sign in the hallway outside the governor’s office. Lawson joined a crowd of about 200 people urging the governor to sign the health and human services bill. At one point the “silent vigil” was transformed into simply a “vigil,” with Lawson and her mother joining the throng in chanting “Sign the bill! Sign the bill!….” The marble hallways boomed with sound for 30 seconds, after which the vigil returned to its former decibel level.
school at Minnesota Virtual Academy. The HHS bill affects the respite funding that the family uses, as well as services such as occupational therapy.
Asked what she would say if she could speak directly to the governor, Lawson showed common sense beyond her Carrying a sign that still years, saying simply, “Listen smelled of magic marker, the to what everybody has to say. cheerful Lawson then added, Sign the bill.” “I have two brothers. They’re 17 and 20. We all use support Apparently the governor services.” Lawson attends heard. He signed the bill. ■
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June 10, 2007
VSA arts Of MN Events
This Month’s Issue Sponsor
VSA arts of Minnesota
Focus on Access to Arts by Jon Skaalen
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hen you’re a small organization working with a lot of people who don’t have much money, you must be creative in collaborating with others to accomplish your mission.
coordinators, visitor services managers, volunteers, board members and others to learn how to enhance arts experiences for patrons with hearing, vision, mobility, cognition or hidden disabilities.
In its aim to “create a community where people with disabilities can learn through, participate in and access the arts,� VSA arts of Minnesota engages with artists, educators, disability advocates and the private sector. Here are two examples happening this summer of how these collaborative projects benefit Minnesota.
Workshops will cover new technologies; access for under $100; service animals; wayfinding; effective volunteer & staff training; audio description and access issues for museums, exhibits and outdoor spaces; policy writing; Web site accessibility; and more.
LEAD Conference Minnesota arts administrators involved with ADA and accessibility issues will join national conferees August 1619 at the Guthrie Theatre. The Kennedy Center’s annual Leadership Exchange in Arts & Disability (LEAD) Conference is a collaboration with VSA arts of Minnesota, the State Arts Board and Guthrie. It is a superb opportunity for box office and house managers, outreach and education
GUIDELINES Maintain the integrity of each individual and do not use words or phrases regarded as offensive such as freak, subnormal, vegetable, misshapen, feeble minded, or imbecile. Do not imply disease when discussing disabilities that result from a prior disease episode. People who had polio and experienced after effects have post-polio syndrome. They are not currently experiencing the disease. Do not imply disease with people whose disability has resulted from anatomical or physiological damage (for example, a person with spina bifida or cerebral palsy). Reference to disease associated with a disability is acceptable only with chronic diseases, such as arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis. Individuals with disabilities should never be referred to as patients or cases unless their relationship with their doctor is under discussion.
Special LEAD events include a keynote talk by Minnesota humorist Kevin Kling; presentation of the 2007 Excellence in Accessibility Leadership Awards; and accessible performances such as “1776,� “Private Lives� and “Sher-lock’s Last Case.� Local consumers with disabilities will serve as panelists and volunteers. Registration priority is given to those directly responsible for making cultural arts programs and facilities accessible to people with disabilities. For a brochure (cover design by Minnesota graphic artist Wil-
Cont. from p. 4 Research, have been adopted into the Associated Press Stylebook, a basic reference for professional journalists. Please use the Guidelines when you write or report about people with disabilities. ■To obtain the complete set of guidelines, or an attractive 18� x 24� poster of disability writing style do’s and don’ts, contact: Publications, Research and Training Center on Independent Living, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Room 4089 Dole, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045-7555. You can also contact our Center by e-mail: rtcil@ku.edu, phone: 785-864-4095, TTY: 785-864-0706, or by fax: 785864-5063. Information about the Guidelines is also on the World Wide Web under www.rtcil.org.
Excerpted with permission from Guidelines For Reporting And Writing About People With Disabilities. (Š2007 Seventh Edition.) Research and Portions of the Guidelines, Training Center on Indepenwhich originally were funded dent Living, University of Kanby the National Institute on sas. Lawrence, KS. Disability and Rehabilitation
5
liam Homan) or more information, contact VSA arts of Minnesota or go to www. kennedy-center.org/accessibility/lead/conference.html. Arts Access Awards Nominations Wanted You can join VSA arts of Minnesota in recognizing artists, educators, volunteers, arts venues and producing or performing organizations that enable more people with disabilities to participate in the arts. Nominations for the 10th annual Arts Access Awards are being taken until August 24. Send up to two pages about the nominee and nominator and why the award is deserved. News clippings or photos may be attached. A form is available at www.vsaartsmn.org. Awards will be presented September 23 at VSA’s Autumn Auction & Cabaret at Macy’s Skyroom in Minneapolis. For more info on how VSA arts of Minnesota works with individuals and organizations to use the arts to enhance the lives of people with disabilities, call 612-332-3888 or 1800-801-3883 (V & TTY) or info@vsaartsmn.org. â–
TRANSIT Cont. from p. 3
VSA arts of Minnesota is a statewide nonprofit organization that has been serving the arts, disability and education communities since 1986. Its programs and services make the arts—music, theater, dance, writing and visual arts—accessible and available to children and adults with disabilities throughout the state. With its office in Hennepin Center for the Arts in downtown Minneapolis, it is a member of the network of VSA arts, which currently includes 48 national and 64 international organizations. VSA arts (formerly known as Very Special Arts) was founded by Jean Kennedy Smith and is currently an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. VSA arts of Minnesota consists of three full-time staff— Craig Dunn, Jon Skaalen and Amie Pence—but the number of people and organizations using and benefiting from its programs and services point to something much larger. During the past year, its programs have touched 4,200 students and 1,100 adults in direct programming activities. In addition, at least 6,000 people have become more aware of
ties in both legislative bodies approved gas tax increases between 5 and 10 cents per • intercounty agreements that gallon to increase transporta- would eliminate the current tion funding, in the end, they practice of changing vehicles could not overcome the veto at a county line in order to of Governor Pawlenty. An at- complete a scheduled ride tempt to do so in the session’s • same-day ride guarantees for waning hours fell five votes trips of 25 miles or less short of the two-thirds major- • scheduling of rides up to four ity required by the state con- days in advance stitution. Other areas of the budget that Other elements of the MN- affect transportation for people with disabilities also produced CCD proposal included: •the promotion of regional mixed results. Metro Mobility one-stop call centers to ease service will remain as is, with the scheduling of transporta- no changes in service levels or tion rides, regardless of age fare increases. The Medical or eligibility status for public Assistance transportation system, which is run by a broker programs ³+RZ FDQ , JR WR ZRUN DQG NHHS P\ KHDOWK LQVXUDQFH"´ ´+RZ GR , UHDOO\ NQRZ ZKLFK EHQHILW ,¡P RQ"¾
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the organization’s programming through a newsletter, community visual arts exhibits and a highly accessible Web site (www.vsaartsmn.org). VSA arts of Minnesota conducts its programming across four areas: Arts in Education programs bring artists with and without disabilities into classrooms and community settings to work with young people with disabilities. This includes assembly presentations, extended artist residencies and one-day arts festivals.
Arts provides information, marketing and financial assistance to performing arts organizations to increase their outreach and accessibility to people who are blind, low vision, deaf or hard of hearing. Additional assistance to arts organizations around the state is available to ensure that their facilities and program offerings are usable by people with all types of disabilities. Arts and Disability Awareness programs include, in addition to exhibits, newsletters and Web site, annual Arts Access Awards to recognize individuals and organizations for making the arts available and accessible to people with disabilities. Each awardee receives The Jaehny, an original artwork created by a Minnesota artist with a disability and named for organization co-founder Jaehn Clare. Nominations for this year’s award are being accepted through August 24.
Professional Development workshops provide opportunities for teaching artists and classroom teachers to learn how to work with students across various disabilities and how to use the arts to better engage this diverse group. Two programs for adults – the annual Artist Recognition Grant program (six $1,000 grants to individuals working in the arts) and the Career Development for Artists with Disabilities For news or assistance about program – also fall into this these arts & disability opporcategory. tunities, check the VSA arts of Minnesota Web site, www. Cultural Access is a program vsaartsmn.org, call 612-332less visible to the general pub- 3888 or 1-800-801-3883 (V lic but one with the broadest & TTY), or e-mail info@ impact and the longest exist- vsaartsmn.org. ■ence. Access to Performing in the seven-county metro area, will see the elimination of the brokered system for special transportation services when the contract expires next year. While there have been customer service issues with the
brokered, or MNET, system, many advocates opposed an outright repeal, believing that a call center approach, if done well, offers many more consumer benefits than obstacles. â–
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June 10, 2007
News At A Glance . . . A Victory in the U.S. Supreme Court Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court voted 7-2 that parents of children receiving special education services can represent their child’s education interests in court without hiring an attorney and without having to be an attorney themselves. The case was Winkelman v. Parma City School District. The parents of Jacob Winkelman couldn’t afford an attorney, but they disagreed with decisions made during a due process hearing about educational services Jacob was receiving through the Parma City School District, and they wanted to argue their case in court themselves. The Arc of the U.S. participated in a “friend of the court” brief supporting the Winkelmans. The brief said this decision should help some families who can’t afford attorneys to pursue legal action against school districts. It also said that, because of the ruling, districts may be more likely to work with families, since there is a chance that parents can take them to court with or without an attorney. [Source: The Arc of Minnesota]
Volunteer Opportunities Available at Mental Illness Nonprofit Give a little time, get a lot in return. It only takes a few hours a month to make a huge difference in the life of an adult who experiences depression, anxiety or another psychiatric disability. Being a friendship volunteer helps your new friend stay active, improve their health and fulfill their dreams. And the best part is, you’ll not only see what it does for them, you’ll feel what it does for you. A variety of volunteer positions are available. Learn more by contacting the Volunteer Coordinator at Guild Incorporated: 651-450-2220 ext. 18 or e-mail at volunteer @guildincor porated.org. Check out our Web site at www.guildincorp orated.org for more information. [Source: Guild Incorporated]
New Sleep Health Clinic for Children with Disabilities
UCP Releases Statewide Medicaid Report
United Cerebral Palsy publicly recently released a report, The Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare has opened a first-of- Case for Inclusion 2007, on how states are serving Americans its-kind Sleep Health Clinic for children with disabilities at the with intellectual and developmental disabilities under MedicSt. Paul hospital campus. aid. The report ranks all 50 states and the District of Columbia on how well the states are providing community-based sup“Sleep is a quality of life issue for not only children, but their ports. families as well,” explains John Garcia, M.D. a board-certified sleep specialist at Gillette Children’s. “When a child is strug- The full report and state-by-state breakdowns on more than 40 gling with sleep issues, it affects their overall health and well- data categories (not all of which are included in the report) are being in dramatic ways. Diagnosing sleep issues and taking available at www.ucp.org/medicaid. steps to improve sleep can be one of the most important ways to improve a child’s health and the entire family’s quality of The report provides a tool to compare how your state is doing life.” in comparison to the rest of the country. Whether your state ranks first (Arizona) or 51st (Mississippi) in the overall rankings, The Gillette Sleep Health Clinic will be the regions’ first and the report and data reveal that every state has room for improveonly sleep clinic dedicated to children with disabilities. Up to ment. 70 percent of children with disabilities have sleep problems including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Symptoms of OSA Some of the report’s key findings include: may include snoring, observed apnea, excessive daytime sleepi- • Forty one states have 176 large state institutions (more than 16 ness and seizures, among others. Gillette’s Sleep Health Clinic beds) housing 39,000 Americans; will be particularly beneficial to children with cerebral palsy, • Only 16 states direct more than 80% of funding to people spinal muscular atrophy, craniofacial anomalies, mitochon- living in the community; drial disorders and neuromuscular conditions. • Sixteen states report very large and long waiting lists for services; and Children visiting the clinic will come in during the early • Only one in four people with disabilities participates in evening hours for this all-night evaluation. They will be able to competitive employment. bring comfort items from home with them and can expect to have a parent with them in an adjoining room the entire time. A This is the second year that UCP has scored and ranked states sleep study involves the monitoring and recording of a number on their Medicaid-funded services to Americans with intellecof physiologic variables while a child sleeps. [Source: Gillette tual and developmental disabilities. The 2007 rankings were Children’s] developed with a new methodology that is more comprehensive and focused. UCP plans to use this new methodology as the foundation for any future rankings, providing advocates and elected officials with a vehicle for year-to-year comparisons on how their state is performing. [Source: United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota] News - cont. on p. 11
June 10, 2007
Upcoming Events To list an event, e-mail access@accesspress.org Does Disability Count? Data Conference June 13 The 2007 Minnesota Disability Data Conference, entitled “Does Disability Count?,” will be held on Wednesday, June 13 from 8:30 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. at the U of Minnesota’s Continuing Education and Conference Room, St. Paul. Note that interest is high and space is limited, so register soon if you are interested. FFI: Doug Palmer at 651-201-5484.
Info Session for Consumer Support Grant June 14 If you are disabled and want more control, flexibility and responsibility for your care, attend a free information session that explains the Consumer Support Grant. Sponsored by Hennepin County’s Human Services and Public Health Department, the information session, “Consumer Support Grant,” will answer questions such as “How do I receive funding through this grant?” “What types of services may I buy?” and “What is my responsibility?” Details: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Nokomis Library, 5100 34th Courage Center is a nonprofit Ave. S, Mpls. Dir: 612-630- rehabilitation and resource 6700. Registration required. center that works to advance the lives of people experiencRural Health Conference ing barriers to health and indeon Healthy Communities pendence. Details: Free, reguJune 18-19 lar hours: Monday-Friday, Professionals interested in ru- 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Hennepin ral health are encouraged to County Government Center, register now for this confer- 300 S. 6th St., A Level, Minneence focusing on strengthen- apolis. ing health care in Minnesota’s Disability-Focused rural communities. The MinArt Exhibits nesota Critical Access HospiThrough August 19 tal Conference and the Rural Minnesota Forum is June 18, access/ABILITY is a myth-disand the Minnesota Rural pelling exhibit that presents Health Conference, “Growing people living with disabilities Healthy Rural Communities,” as participants in the world is June 19. Both days will fo- and features engaging activicus on access, quality, tech- ties that show the similarities nology and workforce issues and differences in how each of in rural MN health care. us—with or without disabiliDuluth. FFI: John Stieger at ties—goes places, communi651-201-4998 or Mark cates, has fun and learns. DisSchoenbaum at 651-201-3859. cover What Art Is… from VSA arts, is made up of contribu“Insights and tions from K-12 students with Observations” Exhibit disabilities from around the Through June 28 nation and participating counCourage Center artists present tries. Details: MN Children’s “Insights and Observations” Museum, 10 W. Seventh St., including paintings, drawings downtown St Paul. For inforand ceramics created by art- mation about particular perists with disabilities. The art- formers and times: www. work explores the elements of MCM.org or 651-225-6000. art and the world perspective ■ of people who are disabled.
GOOD START eliminate the special education growth factor and then “capped” funding. With less money coming from the state, special education costs have continued to grow over time. Some more good news was the reinstatement of the special education growth factor (at 4.6% per year), which will help districts with some of the rising costs. Schools that have “extraordinary” special education costs will also have an inflationary factor of 2% per year reinstated. Tracking Costs In order to better understand what’s driving special education cost issues, the legislature asked for several reports over the next years: • The Minnesota Department of Education is required to report annually the amount each school is spending to cross-subsidize special education. • The Commissioner of Education will also be required to track special education litigation costs for school districts every year. • A new “Special Education Task Force.” will compare the Federal IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) requirements with Minnesota requirements. Minnesota has historically exceeded the federal law for special education services. The group will be required to provide a report to the legislature by February 2008.
7
Cont. from p. 2
Although the overall flavor of the final education bill was not one of reform, there was some movement in that direction. A new “School Finance Reform Taskforce” will examine the way we currently finance education in Minnesota. Special education funding formulas and financing will be part of this discussion.
factors this session is a good start, but school deficits will continue to grow over time. For example, all estimates indicate that special education transportation costs will keep going up. Yet these costs have not been addressed in this bill. Therefore, it is important that we continue to insist that legislators adequately fund special education and establish Another reform effort will help stable, consistent funding. districts get money from the federal IDEA law. K-12 pub- It’s important for citizen adlic schools will be encouraged vocates to continue meeting to tap into IDEA funds that are with your legislators during available to help students who the summer and fall to let them need additional academic or know how important special behavioral support to succeed education is to our children. in the general education class- The message should always room. These services seek to be the same—continue to adprovide early, intensive in- equately fund special educastruction (with particular em- tion and provide stability to phasis in grades K-3) to re- education funding. Don’t bow duce the number of children to the lesser federal standards needing special education ser- when considering the future of vices. our children. ■ A Good Start, But … Kim Kang is Communication The reduction of the cross- Director of the Brain Injury subsidy deficit and reinstating Association of Minnesota the special education growth
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With so many PCA providers, how do you choose a service that is right for you? Metropolitan Center for Independent Living offers a consumerdirected PCA service that stands out among other agencies. Are you ready to choose who will provide your supports, decide how and when your needs will be met? The Personal Assistant Services (PAS) program gives consumers the opportunity to hire, negotiate wages, train, schedule and supervise their Personal Care Attendants. Are you ready to choose an agency that respects your workers and offers livable wages? • Starting wages, DOQ, $8.50-$11.75. • PCAs can earn an additional .25/hr upon completing training materials. • PCAs earn increases based on completed performance reviews. • We provide eight paid time-and-a-half holidays. • Professional payroll services include direct deposit and TotalPay debit cards. • We offer advances for PCAs experiencing financial hardships. • We provide extensive training related to independent living, disability awareness, OSHA, HIPAA, Red Cross classes and more! • We will design a training program that is specific to your needs and care plan. Are you ready to choose to work with a team of professionals? PAS Management has a combined 28 years of experience as PCAs and managers of nonprofits. In addition to the interviewing, scheduling, and administrative supports provided by our manager and assistant manager, we also have the following in place to support you: • Metro-wide list of available on-call PCAs. • Friday eve-Monday a.m. on-call emergency staffing line to assist you with staffing. • We offer customized job postings, specific to your disability, scheduling needs and PCA preferences. • We will assist you with screening and interviewing until you find the right match for your needs. • PAS staff network with the Disability Linkage Line, ADA of MN, IL, Deaf IL & Transition Services, Nursing Home Relocation, Ramp Program and more! If you are thinking of switching to a new agency, we can process your PCAs while you are at your current provider, to ensure that your services and supports are not interrupted. Please visit us at www.mcil-mn.org (click on Personal Assistant Services). Want to talk to someone SAME DAY? Give us a call at 651.603.2013 or 651.603.2021.
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June 10, 2007
8
No More Sunsets
A Trip To The Capitol
Legislators Give Stable Funding to MSCOD Citizens with Brain Injury Gain Experience by Kelly Hughes
by Angela Rose
P
articipants in Opportunity Partners’ brain injury program, TBI Metro Services, made a New Year’s resolution as a group to be more involved in the community. After making their resolution, the difficult part began: What could they do to become more involved in their community?
T
he Minnesota State Council on Disability is celebrating at the close of this legislative session, and for good reason: MSCOD is now hardwired into the state’s annual budget. Up to now, they’ve received state funding in two-year blocks— and always with a “sunset clause,” which repeals the funding after a specific date, unless further legislative action is taken to extend it. This session, Governor Pawlenty and the legislature eliminated the “sunset” language from the funding statute. This change will allow MSCOD to be able to devote its energy to other disability issues during future legislative sessions (rather than also working for money to keep the council itself going). Thanks to Representative John Berns (R) of Wayzata and Senator Tony Lourey (D) of Kerrick, who authored this legislation that was passed and signed into law by the governor. Next year MSCOD will celebrate its 35th year. The state legislature created the council in 1973 to supplement the efforts of other advocacy groups.
(l to r) Rep. John Berns (R-Wayzata), Sen. Tony Lourey (DFL-Kerrick), Governor Tim Pawlenty, MSCOD Council Chair David Schwarzkopf, MSCOD Exec. Dir. Joan Willshire Each of the council’s 21 mem- MSCOD also takes its mesbers is appointed by the gover- sage to the community through nor and either has a disability, activities such as the ADA has a family member with a celebration, the Minnesota disability or works with people State Fair booth, and, in the month of October, hosting an with disabilities. annual awards luncheon, MSCOD enhances its role as a which celebrates of employresource by initiating a variety ment of people with disabiliof ongoing activities. These ties. ■ include trainings, on topics ranging from disability aware- The Minnesota State Council ness to building code to emer- on Disability advances the gency preparedness, and town rights of Minnesotans with hall meetings, which are state- disabilities. Call on us if you wide interactive video confer- write the law, need to follow it, ences that are Web streamed need to know your rights or and closed captioned. The need to know the resources town hall meetings give voice available to you. You can conto more than 150 organiza- tact us at 651-361-7800 or at tions by helping them link to council.disability@state.mn.us. Greater Minnesota communi- Visit us on the Web at www. disability.state.mn.us. ties.
IS YOUR PAY IN PREHISTORIC TIMES?
The group bounced ideas off one another such as writing letters to area malls to request doors be made more accessible, taking part in community events, or joining an adap-
tive recreation bowling league. ing a description of current They chose to write a letter to problems and possible soluthe State Capitol. tions, and concluding with a thank you. The next question was, “What should the letter accomplish?” After Nachbar provided the tools participants needed to Jeff Nachbar from the Minne- write to their senators and repsota Brain Injury Association resentatives, narrowing down spoke to participants about issues they wanted changed advocacy. He instructed par- became a challenge. Based on ticipants on how to write to Nachbar’s suggestions, group their elected officials and pro- members chose two issues: vided them with an outline that Medical Assistance (MA) intook group members through come and asset standards inthe letter-writing process, step crease for people with disabiliby step. The outline suggested ties (a bill supported by Minwriting an introduction, includ- Trip - cont. on p. 10
TBI Metro Services participants on their way to the capitol (from left): John Popko, Kris Hanson, Joanne Weise (back), Tony Johnson, Tom O’Toole and Julie Hanf.
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June 10, 2007
Fired Up! Big Turnout for Self-Advocacy Conference Shows Strength of this Disability Rights Movement
t Las , th mon l e p peo o m f r d the n at a r o u a t h e r e d eg nn s t a t e 07. Mi c a c y 0 o 2 v the e l f - A d t. Paul. S S o s o t a rence in r e d t w u t e rk f a Con v e n t f e t o r y w o a i n a e p rt The f partici g of ente nging o in ha days an even or just t brings d f , en s e ge v p sho and tim l year e ition-a llies s a a , n i t men e bienn and tra well as Here’s h . s t T ts o u t . r a d u l i l i t i e s , a ovemen e b h m a t s e t o g w i t h d i vocacy his ad ows a c y h h t f s l u e o c s y B l u e f - A d v o rian the l i k e . h n s i l o h e d t J e , S n, B wi ssio n d s c h i t l e look om: ts play e t t i s t t o i a n A b ol a h r D W p o w na p t p a r t i c i n at A M a r i e i o t s t ss, ipan rom nce estio e d f c o n f e r e asks qu e r t i v e n e o p a r t i c r u t s Pic skills, n as e. ds tw ayer er erm k s h o p o h a t ) l e a e d a n c c b c O o m r s i z t o n i i old ts w o, L ree ( Bing g p r e s e n T i m T y p f o r t h e u s' rin Heu Brother ants line p s i t c Righ nd parti a , y pla
For information on the 2009 Conference, e-mail act@ selfadvocacy.org
9
June 10, 2007
10
FAQ @ DLL
Living Independently
Untapped Resources
Beat The Heat
The Food Support Program
by Lisa Schmidtke
by the Disability Linkage Line Q: I need help paying my bills. or ATM card. Food support Can I get some financial help? benefits can be spent like cash in most food stores. A: Disability Linkage Line (DLL) receives numerous calls How Do I Know If I Qualify? from people living on fixed If you answer “Yesâ€? to any of incomes who struggle making the following questions, you ends meet during the month. MAY qualify for Food SupBesides looking at financial port. resources, DLL explores other supports that help someone’s ¡ Do you and everyone who income stretch further. One lives with you receive such benefit, the Food SupSupplemental Security Inport Program, is an often uncome (SSI), General Assistapped resource that can add tance (GA) or Minnesota money into someone’s pocket Supplemental Aid (MSA)? for other bills. According to a ¡ Do you get either Transition report by the Legal Services Year Child Care or Basic Advocacy Project (LSAP), Sliding Fee Child Care asonly 59% of Minnesotans sistance? who qualify for Food Sup- ¡ Do you participate in the port are actually enrolled in Diversionary Work Program the program. (DWP)? What is Food Support? The Food Support Program helps Minnesotans with low income get the food they need for sound nutrition and wellbalanced meals. The program is meant to provide some additional help, not meet all of someone’s food budget needs. Once enrolled, the program issues benefits electronically through what looks like a credit
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If you did not answer “Yes� to any of those questions, you still may qualify. To find out, get on the internet and complete the eligibility screening tool at www.foodstampsstep1.usda.gov. (Your local library usually has computers you can use.) How do I apply? To apply for the Food Support
lighted concerns such as bus stops not always being pedestrian-friendly. Some stops do not have sidewalks and others do not have traffic control for pedestrians. The group workThe transportation group high- ing on MA income and asset
NP
If you have additional questions about Food Support or other community resources, please call DLL at 1-866-3332466. DLL provides free, disability-related information and assistance for Minnesotans. â– DLL does not endorse any particular Web site or provider. They assume no responsibility for transactions between the readers of this article and listed organizations.
S
ummer time in Minnesota means an end to icy sidewalks, plenty of walks (or rolls) around the lakes and HEAT. It’s about this time of year that I start getting inquiries about energy assistance and cooling vests. For the elderly and those with conditions such as MS and Spinal Cord Injury, heat is a serious topic—so let’s address it early. To find resources for staying cool in your home, visit the Minnesota Department of Commerce Web site. In addition to energy incentives, grants and financial assistance, their Minnesota Weatherization and Field Guide provides Best Practices for Improving the Comfort, Safety, and Efficiency of Existing Homes. Their Home Energy Guide Techniques, Tactics & Tips will teach you how to cool efficiently to lower monthly energy bills and also help the environment. This guide presents a wide range of energy saving strategies, including passive cooling methods, effective use of fans, guidelines for purchasing air condition-
RESOURCES AgapÍ Transition Services: 612-849-8811 Arctic Heat: www.arcticheatusa.com Body Cooler: www.housecalls-network.com Xcel Energy: www.xcelenergy.com Hennepin County: wwwa.co.hennepin.mn.us MN Depart. of Commerce: www.state.mn.us MN Valley Action Council: www.mnvac.org Sr Community Services: www.seniorcommunity.org Silver Eagle: www.coolingvests.com.au ers, and tips on efficient operation and maintenance of air conditioning equipment. If you’re a senior or low-income household living in Blue Earth, Brown, Faribault, Le Sueur, Martin, Nicollet, Sibley, Waseca, or Watonwan counties, the Minnesota Valley Action Council will help you pay your energy bills. For financial assistance in Hennepin County, contact their Health, Housing and Social Services department. You can also go straight to the source. Xcel Energy provides programs to assist at-risk and special-needs households. Through the collaborative efforts of state and local agencies, low-income advocates and Xcel Energy’s Personal
Cont. from p. 8
nesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities) and transportation concerns. They then split up into two teams to follow through on each issue.
GPS
Program, call your local county office and request an application. If you need help finding the application on-line, call DLL. Either way, you will need to complete the application and give it to your county human services office. You will also need to be interviewed and provide proof of items such as your income, assets and housing costs. If you are unable to go to your county office for an interview, you can authorize a friend or relative who is familiar with your circumstances to apply on your behalf. If you are unable to authorize someone, you can request to be interviewed over the telephone.
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standard increases focused on gether preparing what they fered to help organize a meetcurrent MA qualifications and would say when meeting with ing with the Met Council and reasons for change. legislators. to work on transportation concerns. She told TBI group The group members re- TBI staff contacted represen- members they were the third searched who their lawmakers tatives to arrange meetings. On group this session to speak with were by using the Minnesota April 12, group members met her regarding transportation Legislature Web site. Partici- with Rep. Jean Wagenius in a and encouraged them to conpants also made phone calls to State Office Building hallway tact her when the session Metro Mobility to research is- during a committee break. Rep. ended. sues such as weekend rides. Sandy Peterson also spoke The two groups practiced to- with group members and of- There were two rallies the same day, and the group attended both: one in the Rotunda put on by Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, and another for transportation on the Capitol steps.
Accounts department, customers can get help with bill payment problems and gain access to weatherization services for their homes. These services promote the efficient use of energy, while making energy bills more affordable. Staying cool by holing yourself up is not an option for many. Going to the grocery store, getting prescriptions and working outside the home are necessities that can be dangerous when temperatures reach into the 90s. Let alone gardening, working outdoors or just watching a baseball game. Cooling vests have special technology sewn right into them to help the wearer stay cool for two to eight hours. Silver Eagle offers cooling vests, headwear, blankets and even cooling products for animals. The Arctic Heat Cooling Vest was used by the USA Olympic Teams in Athens 2004. Body Cooler offers neck wraps, wrist bands and a stylish cooling vest option for ladies that features a calico-print fabric in soft colors.
While you’re out and about you might as well go someplace cool! Malls, senior centers and libraries are all free and, most importantly, air conditioned. So are the public transportation vehicles. For a 2006-2007 Specialized Transportation Service Directory for Senior & Disabled Citizens in The TBI group members were the Metro Area, visit the Seempowered by the process. “It nior Community Services Web took many steps to get there, site. but we did it,� said program Enjoy the summer, take the participant Joanne Weise. heat seriously and as they said John Popko was asked if he in the 70s, “Stay Cool!� ■enjoyed meeting with the legislators. “Fine,� he said, and Lisa Schmidtke is president when asked if he would do it and founder of Housecalls Netagain, responded with a work, a directory of resources to help seniors, people with thumbs up. disabilities and their care-givKris Hanson added: “You learn ers live independently. Houseto hurry up and wait, and the calls Network does not endorse true meaning of patience.� ■any particular provider. They assume no responsibility for Angela Rose is a Community transactions between readers Integration Service (CIS) in- and listed organizations. FFI: structor for TBI Metro Ser- lisa@housecalls-network. vices, a division of Opportu- com, 952-221-0722, www. nity Partners. More infor- housecalls-network.com. ma tion is available at opportunitypartners.org.
June 10, 2007
STICKS/STONES-
Cont. from p. 1
bretard with the n-word or other racial or ethnic slur of your choice. It really is that offensive. Instead of being brave and new, BNW is taking a giant step into the bad old days of the 50s.”
Farmer, BNW’s director of marketing/audience development said, “…we sometimes use language that many consider offensive, for the purposes of satire and parody, or simply to mimic bad-taste cultural references as a mirror of Marisa Wiesman, of St. Paul, society.” agreed, “It hurts me deeply to hear people use the terms ‘re- In response to another letter, tard’ and ‘retarded’….[It] dis- Julia Schmidt, BNW’s presiappoints me to see that the ‘R’ dent, indicated that they were word is so carelessly and pub- “considering doing a commulicly used in a community as nity dialogue around this isprogressive and supportive to sue.” They have since set up a people with disabilities as the Web-based forum (BNW Twin Cities.” Cassie Quinlan forum.freepowerboards.com). from Massachusetts challenged the BNW’s comedic Protestors noted the irony of sense, writing, “Seems to me the forum’s ground rules, like a cheap shot - a way to which state, “… We want to have a cool, catchy title to make sure the discussion repromote your show ….” And mains civil and productive, so Nora Fox Handler of Seattle please, no personal jabs at any suggested that BNW “...try a other participants ….” word that does not offend people with disabilities and Next Steps, Local and National their families.” Many individuals and organizations are interested in doing Response from BNW more to combat the rising use The BNW defended the title of the “R” word in media and by highlighting their mission society. of producing “original social and political satire.” In reply On May 30, representatives of to one of the letters, Erin ACT, the Arc of Minnesota,
NEWS -
11
the ICI, and the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living met to discuss a coordinated response to the BNW situation. The group recommended a three-step project. The first step will be for ACT and other groups to host a community dialogue and invite BNW staff to participate. The purpose of the dialogue will be to respectfully share views and clarify issues. The meeting will be videotaped and used for the second step: The creation of a short, educational video. The purpose of the video will be to raise challenging questions about the “R” word, but not to decide the issue for viewers. The third step will be the development of a tool kit (including the video) that community groups, schools, and churches can use to host discussions. Other local groups are working to educate schools and local media outlets about the “R” word and provide them with inclusive, “person first” language guidelines. For example, Joe Bissen, sports copy editor of the Pioneer Press and parent of a child with a disability,
has been charged by the paper’s newsroom style committee to draft a proposal on reporting about people with developmental disabilities. In recent years, groups around the country have successfully fought the use of the “R” word. Several major media outlets, including Fox network and the New York Post, have adopted policies against its use. Many states have taken action to remove the “R” word and similar offensive terms from all state laws and policy documents. Organizers in the Twin Cities will contact counterparts around the country about working cooperatively on this issue of oppressive language, perhaps by forming something like a “Persons With Disabilities Anti-Defamation League.” Every protestor interviewed for this article expressed hope that this controversy will lead to a positive outcome, whereby our disability community can illustrate the powerful role of language in defining and creating an accepting society. ■
The “R” Word Debate Online •UPI on Fox TV banning the “R” word: www.upi.com/ NewsTrack/Entertainment/2006/03/10/fox_tv_ban s_the_word_retarded_from_air/5070/ National Down Syndrome Society successfully petitions Fox Broadcasting to ban the use of the word “retarded” (March 2006). •The Boston Globe: www.boston.com/news/local/ massachusetts/articles/2007/03/25/lets_not_use_ words_that_wound_1174660840/ Beverly Beckham, columnist for The Boston Globe and grandmother of a child with Down syndrome, writes about the “R” word going mainstream in pop culture. •Urban Dictionary: www.urbandictionary.com/ define.php?term=celebretard Online slang dictionary created by web users which includes the term “celebretard.” Click on link for “retard” and you will find a debate on the term. •SFGate.com (San Francisco Chronicle):www.sfgate.com/ cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=3&entry_id=11735 Short editorial statement with web user comments highlighting debate over the term “celebretard.” •The BBC (UK): www.bbc.co.uk/ouch/yourspace/ worstwords/ Results of poll done by Ouch!, the BBC’s Web site for the disability community, to determine the words most offensive to their readers. •The Huffington Post: www.huffingtonpost.com/topics/ retarded Rick Cardenas of ACT sent this link highlighting various usages of the “R” word in recent news stories and online blogs.
Cont. from p. 6
New Bus Routes to Courage Center Announced minors with developmental disabilities without zealous advoAs mentioned last month, Metro Transit service to the Courage Center changed as of June 2, 2007. Here are some further details about the shift: Buses marked 14 with the letter C, G, and D will now go past Courage Center from downtown. You can catch them along 7th St, but there is no pickup at Hennepin on 7th, which is a change. The bus letter designation is as follows: 14C goes past Courage Center to Noble and takes a right to the Robbinsdale transit station (42nd & Broadway); 14D passes Courage Center and onto Duluth St to Douglas (Honeywell), then North to 36th, and East to Noble onto the transit station; finally, 14G ends at the Park and Ride on Duluth and Lilac. From the Courage Center, take either 14A or 14E, depending on how far past downtown you want to go. While ‘A’ will take you all the way to 54th and Bloomington Avenue in South Minneapolis, ‘E’ ends at 38th Street and Hiawatha. [Source: Courage Center]
‘Pillow Angel’ Surgury Illegal, Admits Hospital Last week, the Children Hospital and Regional Medical Center admitted that they broke Washington state law three years ago by performing a hysterectomy on Ashley, a girl with severe cognitive and physical disabilities, who is now 9 years old. Her parents refer to her as their “Pillow Angel.”
Understanding ADHD Begins
cacy on their behalf and court approval,” stated Mark Stroh, Where Traditional Literature Ends executive director of Washington Protection and Advocacy “They Say I Have ADHD, I Say Life Sucks!”: Thoughts from System, the organization which investigated the incident. Nicholas, a new book by Lisa-Anne Ray-Byers, is an insightful narrative that reveals how ADHD impacts a child’s life soThe hospital blames a miscommunication stemming from a cially, academically, emotionally and physically. note written by Ashley’s parents’ attorney, which indicated that a court order was not required for the operation. “They Say…” is based on the author’s years of experience in meeting children who have ADHD, her own experiences as a “Not being lawyers, we just assumed that the opinion must have child, and her son who has ADHD. Readers follow Nicholas been sufficient, and that it had been reviewed by someone who and his animated clock companion through a typical day, a day would know that,” said Dr. Douglas Diekema, who served on in which he talks too much, loses a friend or two, forgets his the hospital’s ethics committee. homework, loses track of time, gets sent to the principal’s office and feels all-around inadequate. Ray-Byers’ writing—as inDespite lacking the court’s blessing, Diekema says the hospital formed by her own daily experience—provides readers with a made the right decision in performing the treatment on Ashley. close glimpse into the mind of a child who has ADHD. “Nobody has been able to say that what we did to Ashley has harmed her,” he said. Ray-Byers, a speech-language pathologist, wrote the book to inspire empathy in parents, teachers, administrators, and even The Washington Department of Health is investigating whether psychological and neurological specialists. She also strived to further action, if any, should be taken against the hospital or demonstrate the thoughts and feelings behind many of the physicians. Ashley was diagnosed with severe brain damage behaviors exhibited by children who have ADHD and to put shortly after birth. Her hysterectomy was one of a number of into words what most young children can not. “They Say I Have methods her parents have implemented to stunt her growth so ADHD…” is a valuable reference for anyone who works with they could care for her at home more easily as she grows. children who have ADHD and an effective discussion piece for [Source: UCPeople, United Cerebral Palsy ] parents and their children. [Source: Booksurge LLC]. ■
“Washington law specifically prohibits the sterilization of
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June 10, 2007
Commentaries On Virginia Tech & Mental Health Helping Troubled Students Forced Treatment Has Suggested Mental Health Policy for Colleges Undesired Side Effects by Elia Powers
O
ne of the major questions to emerge from the Virginia Tech shootings is whether colleges are prepared to handle a situation in which a student with mental illness is identified as posing a potential threat to campus.
above scenario and others. The policy, which Bazelon officials hope colleges use as a model, calls on institutions to stay away from rigid rules that could discourage students from seeking treatment but that still allow campus officials to intervene when necessary.
An advocacy group for people with mental disabilities says there is no consensus among college leaders on how to respond. Many campuses have free counseling services, but when a student’s behavior raises red flags, colleges often worry about legal liability, lack a comprehensive plan or having a plan that is overly punitive, according to officials at the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law.
“One of our goals here is to send a clear message to students that they can seek help early on and not be penalized,� said Robert Bernstein, the center’s executive director.
In dealing with cases of troubled students, the report says that colleges should make clear all counseling options and allow them to voluntarily decide whether to seek help. Colleges should suggest that students visit a counseling center when it learns that the student shows academic or behavioral difficulties that “appear to be due to depression or another mental health condition,� or when the student has been known to have contemplated suicide.
Late last month, center officials said they were troubled by the response to Virginia Tech, which Bernstein called a “hunger for quick fixes and quick legislation� instead of a closer look at what could have been done to treat the gunman long before he attacked. (The center began work on its policy before the Virginia Tech tragedy, although Bernstein said that event makes the recommendations “timely.�)
If a referred student doesn’t proactively seek the help, the center officials should then reach out. As state law permits, colleges may seek involuntary treatment of the student in “exceptional circumstances,� which the report doesn’t define, in order to “encompass a range of behaviors,� said Karen Bower, senior staff attorney at Bazelon. As a last resort, a college can consider Policy - cont. on p. 13
In a new report, “Supporting Students: A Model Policy for Colleges and Universities,� the center outlines what it describes as best practices for colleges when dealing with the
by Ron Ungar who avoided the system after seeing what it did to his older brother).
M
any people imag- trauma contributes to future ine that a mental mental health problems which health treatment in turn contribute to future system that relies on force will suicidality. The system be more effective, for example, doesn’t keep people forever, at keeping people from hurt- so they just commit suicide sometime after being reing themselves or others. Typically, people think of a leased. (Like my partner’s situation where someone re- flute teacher, who was not fuses treatment, but then is a only coercively treated danger to themselves or oth- but also with unnecessary ers: they imagine it going rudeness, and then killed himmuch better if the system is self shortly after he got out.) allowed to force treatment on the person. But from a “whole • Clients who have been coersystemsâ€? viewpoint, we have cively treated in the past, or to look at all the consequences those who are aware of the of forced treatment, and then system’s capacity for coerwonder if we are really creat- cion, are likely to avoid the ing more safety in the overall mental health system. They won’t reach out for voluntary picture. treatment because they know Forced treatment has many un- they could lose control of desired “sideâ€? effects, such as: what treatment they get. Lack • Many people are traumatized of treatment can then lead to by coercive treatment. This suicide (as with my brother,
• When treatment is forced, people often end up on medications they don’t really want. So when they get out, they quit the medications suddenly. This causes withdrawal reactions that can lead to more instability than was ever present to begin with. (Also, of course, people often end up on medications that increase suicidality, though this seldom gets noticed; it is just attributed to their “mental illness.â€?) With all these negative effects related to the use of force, the overall suicide (and other complication) rate may be going up due to the use of force, Side Effects - cont. on p. 15
Mental Health Services And The VA Tech Tragedy The VA Tech Massacre Distinguishing Mental Illness from Violence by Nathaniel S. Lehrman
mental illnesses—what they are and what they are not— with regard to symptoms, treatment and risks of violence. The U.S. Surgeon General has reported that the likelihood of violence by people with mental illness is low. In fact, “the overall contribution of mental disorders to the total level of violence in society is exceptionally small.� More often, Despite media reports, Cho people living with mental illSeung Hui, the shooter in the ness are the victims of viotragedy, may not actually have lence. had a serious mental illness relative to other diagnoses. But Severe mental illnesses are the possibility opens the door medical illnesses. They are for reflection on the nature of different from episodic condi-
tions. They are different from sociopathic disorders. Acts of violence are exceptional. Treatment works, but only if a person gets it. Questions must be answered about whether the mental health care system responded appropriately in this case. We know that Cho Seung Hui was referred to a mental health facility for assessment. Did he receive the right treatment and follow-up? If not, why not? â– [April 18, 2007]
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ore mental health services, and even involuntary mental health screenings, have been proposed to prevent repetition of the Virginia Tech massacre. But mass murderer Cho Seung Hui did get mental health care in a hospital. He then rejected further treatment. The drug-only treatment he got may well have aggravated his disturbance. Good mental health care is based on continuing, caring human contact: knowledgeable people helping troubled people with problems, while
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Nathaniel S. Lehrman, Roslyn NY, is former Clinical Director, Kingsboro Psychiatric Center, Brooklyn NY; former Assistant Clinical Professor of When considering the effec- Psychiatry, Albert Einstein tiveness of mental health ser- and SUNY Downstate Colvices, we should recognize that leges of Medicine in the fifty years since drugs began to be psychiatry’s main This letter was first published treatment modality, there has in Newsday. been a five-fold increase in the 5$03 &2168/7,1*
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fraction of mentally disabled in the population. Before hurrying to expand mental health services, we should examine more critically the results of current treatment methods. â&#x2013;
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strengthening and reassuring them. Medication, often with little or no meaningful human contact, has now almost entirely replaced that older care pattern. And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what Cho got. And anti-depressant drugs, like those he was given, can themselves intensify suicidal and homicidal thoughts and behavior.
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he National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) extends its sympathy to all the families who have lost loved ones in the terrible tragedy at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute. We are an organization of individuals and families whose lives have been affected by serious mental illnesses.
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statement of Ken Duckworth, NAMI Medical Director
June 10, 2007
Thoughts On Why The Virginia Tech Shooting Happened by Pete Feigal
T
he toughest part of my job as a speaker is that I’m often called into a school or community after there has been a tragedy, a suicide or violence. People want to know “why?” and I don’t have the “whys.” “Why?” was the question that defined my own life: Why was I struck with terrible depression as a young teenager? Why did I have to spend years in “The System?” Why was I so lonely and had to live in such pain and fear? The breakthrough for me came when I was diagnosed with MS, and asked the doctor, “Why did I get MS? I’ve been battling mental illness almost my whole life.” I didn’t think I needed another “character builder.” And the doctor answered my question and said that I didn’t do anything wrong. I had simply got MS. Like Buddha said, in our lives we’re going to have ten thousand joys and ten thousand sorrows and we don’t get the one without the other. We wouldn’t KNOW the one without the On June 15th, Pete Feigal will be keynoting a program in Philidelphia on mental illness and the Parity Bill, where the guests will include Senator Ted Kennedy, his son Representative Patrick Kennedy, actor Martin Sheen, and his son Charlie Sheen. It’s a program being put on jointly by the Piece Of Mind Project and NAMI of Pennsylvania. It will also start the beginning of a five year program where Pete Feigal will be speaking at some of the biggest churches in the state to break stigma about mental illness/brain disorders, and help bring more churches into the struggle to help those struggling with brain disorders. Pete served on NAMIMinnesota’s State Board, was the President of NAMIHennepin County for six years, and now serves as their President Emeritus. Pete works with NAMI affiliates around the country and in May was the keynote speaker for the NAMI-Wisconsin State Conference.”
other. They are all gifts, teachers and meditations in our lives, wanted or not. I’ve learned now that there are often no “whys,” no one to blame, no test of faith, or punishment for some broken law. Sometimes things are within our power to change, and sometimes they aren’t. Sometimes drunks run red lights, sometimes we get MS or schizophrenia or cancer, sometimes our sons get addicted to Meth or our daughters get pregnant. Sometimes there are divorces or diagnoises of terrible illnesses, or even deaths. But if we try to find “why,” to lay blame for everything that happens to us in our lives, good or bad, it can distract us from living our lives and seeing that even in those tough times, there are great insights learned, deeper connection with others, and a reawakening of our hearts of courage. When asked about the poor young man who did the shooting at Virginia Tech, or the young man who did the shooting at Red Lake or the two at Columbine, or the man at the Amish school, or any of the other places of pain that seem to be epidemic in our country these days, I tell people that if these young men are to be pityed as much as their victims. That the illness or abuse or bullying or torture or isolation that they went through as mere children must have been a hell too terrible to imagine. That if their bodies were as ill, twisted and in as much agony as their minds and souls were, we would have all taken pity on them and taken them into our own homes so we could care for them. That spirits can become ill just as flesh can. That if we want this terrible toll to end, we have to honestly examine and change and fund the kind of culture and programs that will not allow anyone to slip through the cracks. That the price for helping those in crisis, illness and pain will be high in money, but worth it a thousand times over for the human suffering it will ease. That we must wake up from the selfish nightmare that has made our culture one where
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POLICY -
Cont. from p. 12
using an outside crisis outreach Depending on state law, a centeam to contact the student. ter should only disclose information about a student “to the Bower said the policy ad- extent needed to protect the dresses the two areas that are student or others from a serioften the stickiest for colleges: ous and imminent threat to confidentiality and student safety,” the report says, addkindness is weakness, honesty leaves of absence. The report ing that “disclosures are peris foolishness and cruelty is says that in almost all cases, mitted only if the student will entertainment. And to struggle the counseling center should not consent to interventions to have the wisdom and grace not share information about a that will ameliorate the risk.” to understand that sometimes student with faculty, staff, ad- Colleges should “reasonably” there is nothing anyone could ministrators or others unless accommodate students who have done differently, no cru- the student consents. When are mentally ill by allowing cial ingredient that could have appropriate, the counseling them to remain enrolled, or been discovered, and that, center can encourage the stu- make concessions such as alfrighteningly and frustrating as dent to consent to sharing the lowing them to take a reduced it sometimes can be, there are information. course load and work from no “whys.” ■ home, according to the report. Bower said it’s also important that colleges don’t take disciCont. from p. 3 plinary action against students with the hopes that they would State. Not to mention every who choose to take time off or who display “self-injurious” be put into their own omnibus eligible voter in Minnesota. behavior. A counselor’s role bill. Unfortunately, time ran out and no action was taken. One of the main objectives of is to help the student decide voting reform proponents be- whether to take a leave, and in The inaction of the legislature tween now and the next ses- some cases to help the student on election legislation is dis- sion will be to educate the gov- secure time off. The report says appointing not only for the dis- ernor and key members of the the student should be able to ability community, but also for legislature about these voting attend campus events while on many other affected parties, barriers and why the right ac- leave, unless there are docuincluding the townships, tion is needed to provide ac- mented safety concerns. county and city elections, and cess to voting for people with Only in “uncommon circumthe Office of the Secretary of disabilities. ■ stances,” in which students cannot remain safely on campus or meet academic standards, should a college require a student to take a leave — and the decision should be made by a committee that includes the counseling center director, the report says. (It adds that the committee can look into the student’s mental condition and seek records, but the search should be limited to essential documents and not rely on access to all confidential records.)
REFORM -
13
Robb Jones, senior vice president and general counsel for claims management and risk research at United Educators, an insurance company for colleges, said that while he supports the idea of a policy that promotes the individual rights of students with mental illness, colleges should go beyond Bazelon’s guidelines by considering the rights of all students and faculty members, and by including safeguards for counselors who find it necessary to share student records. It would be easier to agree with the report if its rules applied only to cases of depression, Jones said. “But since colleges are often dealing with more serious forms of mental health problems, and determining a student’s prognosis can be difficult, there’s a problem with coming up with guidelines that will apply to virtually all cases,” he added. Jones said a complete report would go further by noting that in some cases, students are better off seeking treatment away from campus, and that the campus would be better off without the student’s presence. The company agrees with Bazelon that the best practice is to begin with a voluntary leave policy, and that involuntary removal should be the last resort. Bernstein said the center is working on another guide that covers what students should know about their rights in mental health cases. ■ Reprinted with permission from Inside Higher Ed., Editor Doug Lederman. http:// insidehighered.com
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June 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.org. See also Accessible Movie Theaters below.
See www.accesspress.org for complete listing. 1776 June 23 - Aug. 26 Guthrie Theater, 818 - 2nd St. S., Mpls. AD: Sat., July 14, 1:00 p.m. (sensory tour 10:30); also Fri., July 20, 7:30 p.m.; Thurs., Aug. 16, 7:30 p.m. ASL: Fri., July 27, 7:30 p.m.; Thurs., Aug. 16, 7:30 p.m. Captioned: Thurs., Aug. 16, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Disc to $17 (reg. $27-$57) Phone: 612-3772224, TTY 612-377-6626, www.guthrietheater.org Barbie Seguy June 16 Barry R. Segal at Thompson Hall, 1824 Marshall Ave., St. Paul. ASL: Sat., June 16, 8:00 p.m. Tix: $10, Phone: 651544-3455, E-mail: brscityman 20@aol.com Web: www. uniquetouchart.com/brsegal theater Chicago July 10 - 15 Ordway Center for the Performing Arts - Main Hall, 345 Washington, St. Paul; ASL: Wed., July 11, 8:00 p.m. AD: Sat., July 14, 7:30 p.m. Tix/ Phone: 651-224-4222, TTY 651-282-3100, www.ordway. org/services/access.asp Crimes of the Heart April 7 - July 1 Commonweal Theatre, 206 Parkway Ave. N., Lanesboro. ASL: Sun., June 10, 2:00 p.m. Tix: Half price (reg. $25. student $12) Phone: 507-4672525, Toll Free: 800-6577025, E-mail: tickets@com monwealtheatre.org Web: www.commonwealtheatre.org Don Juan Giovanni Mar. 3 - June 24 Theatre de la Jeune Lune, 105 N. First St., Mpls. AD: Sun., Mar. 18, 7:00 p.m. ASL: TBA Tix: Reduced to $13 (reg. $20) TicketWorks Phone: 612333-6200 or 612-332-3968 ext. 100, www.jeunelune.org Fat Pig June 15 - 30 Walking Shadow Theatre Co. at Playwrights’ Center, 2301 E. Franklin Ave., Mpls. AD and ASL: Fri., June 22, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $7 (reg. $16, $14 student/senior) Phone: 612-375-0300, www. walkingshadowcompany.org Figaro Apr. 11 - June 23 Theatre de la Jeune Lune, 105 N. First St., Mpls. AD: Sun., Apr. 22, 7:00 p.m. ASL: TBA Tix: Reduced to $13 (reg. $20) TicketWorks Phone: 612333-6200 or 612-332-3968 x100, www.jeunelune.org Fools July 13 - Aug. 12 Theatre in the Round, 245
Cedar Ave., Mpls. AD: Sun., Aug. 12, 2:00 p.m. Tix: $20, senior/student discount, Phone: 612-333-3010, www. theatreintheround.org
ing at 11:00 a.m. Specify accommodations needed at time of purchase for proper seating. Tix: Vision Loss Resources grp $37 w/lunch: contact Stacy Shamblott, VLR, 612-871-2222; other tix (reg. $40-52) Phone: 952-9341525 or 800-362-3515, Email: information@chanhas sendt.com Web: www.chan hassentheatres.com
Generations ROCK! June 17 One Voice Mixed Chorus with special guests Teens Rock the Mic at the History Theatre, 30 E. 10th St., St. Paul. AD and ASL: Sun., June 17, 3:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $15-21 in seatA Little Night Music ing area near interpreter (reg. Aug. 17 - Sept. 9 $18-25) Phone: 612-332- Bloomington Civic Theatre at 1302, www.ovmc.org Bloomington Center for Arts Schneider Theater, 1800 W. Get Ready Old Shakopee Rd. AD: June 7 - July 1 Fri., Aug. 24, 7:30 p.m. ASL: Penumbra Theatre, Martin Sat., Sept. 1, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Luther King Ctr, 270 N. Kent Reduced to $18 (reg. $25, sr St., St. Paul. ASL: Sat., June $22, student $19) Phone: 95216, 8:00 p.m. Tix: $15-40, 563-8575, www.bloomington Phone: 651-224-3180 (specify civictheatre.org ASL) E-mail: boxoffice@ LOW penumbratheatre.org Web: May 30 - June 16 www.penumbratheatre. org Pillsbury House Theatre, 3501 Chicago Ave. S., Mpls. AD: Glitter and Be Gay Fri., June 8, 7:30 p.m. ASL: June 22 - 23 Twin Cities Gay Men’s Cho- Thurs., June 14, 7:30 p.m. Tix: rus at Ted Mann Concert Hall, Reduced to $11 (reg. $18) 2128 - 4th St. S., Mpls. ASL: Phone: 612-825-0459, Web: Sat., June 23, 8:00 p.m. Tix: www.pillsburyhousetheatre.org $19-39, children ½ price, Phone: 612-624-2345, www. Major Barbara tcgmc.org May 5 - June 17 Guthrie Theater, 818 - 2nd St. Grease S., Mpls. AD: Sat., May 26, 1:00 p.m. (sensory tour 10:30); June 15 - 24 Cross Community Players at also Fri., June 1, 7:30 p.m. Osseo Sr HS, 317 2nd Ave. ASL: Fri., June 8, 7:30 p.m. NW, Osseo. ASL: Sat., June Tix: Reduced to $17 (reg. $2216, 7:30 p.m. AD: Sat., June $52) Phone: 612-377-2224, 23, 7:30 p.m. Tix: ½ price (reg. TTY: 612-377-6626, Web: $14, $12 student/sr, $10 child) www.guthrietheater.org Phone: 763-391-2787, EMeet Me at the Fair mail: mail@crossplayers.org July 20 - 22 Web: www.crossplayers.org Lakeshore Players, 4820 Stewart Ave., White Bear Lake. Honk! ASL: Sat., July 21, 7:00 p.m. June 29 - Aug. 2 Stages Theatre Co. at Hopkins Tix: Disc; reg. $12, $10 stuCenter for the Arts, 1111 dent/sr, Phone: 651-429Mainstreet, Hopkins. ASL: 5674, www.lakeshoreplayers. Sun., July 22, 2:00 p.m., and com Wed., July 25, 10:00 a.m. Tix: $14, $11 age 2-17 or 60+ Minnesota Fringe Festival Phone: 952-979-1111, www. Aug. 2 - 12 stagestheatre.org AD, ASL-interpreted, Captioned performances by over Kiss of the Spider Woman 100 companies at many venJune 1 - 24 ues in Mpls. TBA in July. Tix Mpls. Musical Theatre at Hen- by Phone: 651-209-6799, nepin Stages, 824 Hennepin Phone: 612-872-1212, Web: Ave., Mpls. AD/ASL: Sat., www.fringefestival.org or June 9, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Disc. to www.uptowntix.com $17 (reg. $24) Phone: 612673-0404, ASL/AD Hotline: Monty Python’s Spamalot 612-373-5650, TTY: 612July 24 - Aug 12 373-5655, E-mail: acces Ordway Center for the Persible@orpheum.com Web: forming Arts Main Hall, 345 www.aboutmmt.org or www. Washington, St. Paul. ASL: hennepintheatredistrict.org/ Fri., Aug. 3, 8:00 p.m. AD: g u e s t s e r v i c e s / a s l a d / Sat., Aug. 4, 2:00 p.m. Tix/ Phone: 651-224-4222, TTY: Les Miserables 651-282-3100, www.ordway. Opens June 15 org/services/access.asp Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, 501 W 78TH Street, Chanhas- The Mystery of Irma Vep sen. AD/ASL: Sat., July 21, May 19 - Sept. 2 curtain 1:00 p.m., lunch seat- Commonweal Theatre, 208
Pkwy Ave. N., Lanesboro. ASL: Sun., July 29, 2:00 p.m. Tix: ½ price (reg. $25. student $12) Phone: 507-467-2525, 800-657-7025, E-mail: tic ket@commonwealtheatre.org Web: www.commonwea ltheatre.org Oklahoma! July 13 - 29 Mounds View Community Theatre at Irondale HS, 2425 Long Lake Rd, New Brighton ASL: Sat., July 21, 7:30 p.m. upon request at least 2 weeks in advance. Tix: Reduced to $7 (reg. $14, $10 sr (65+), $6 child) Phone: 651-638-2139, E-mail: goseemvct@aol.com Web: www.mvct.org Once Upon a Mattress June 6 - 17 Silver Follies of Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre, 333 4th St. S., Fargo. AD: Thurs., June 7, 7:30 p.m. ASL: upon request in advance. Tix: Reduced to $7.50, Phone: 701235-6778 or 877-687-7469, www.fmct.org Pirates of Penzance July 26 - Aug. 11 Off Broadway Musical Theatre at New Hope Outdoor Theatre, 4401 Xylon Ave. N., New Hope. ASL: Fri., Aug. 10, 9:00 p.m. (Aug. 11 rain make-up) Tix: Free, Phone: 763-531-5151, TTY: 763531-5109, E-mail: srader@ ci.new-hope.mn.us Web: www.ci.new-hope.mn.us The Prince & The Pauper July 7 - 29 SteppingStone Theatre at Landmark Center, 75 W. 5th St., St. Paul. ASL: Sun., July 15, 2:00 p.m. AD: Tues., July 17, 11:30 a.m. Tix: $11, student/sr $9, Phone: 651-2259265, www.steppingstone.org Private Lives July 21 - Sept. 2 Guthrie Theater, 818 - 2nd St. S., Mpls. AD, ASL, Captioned: Fri., Aug. 17, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $17 (reg. $27$57) Phone: 612-377-2224, TTY: 612-377-6626, www. guthrietheater.org/visit/ the_building/access_services Seussical Apr. 24 - June 17 Children’s Theatre Co., 2400 - 3rd Ave. S., Mpls. AD and ASL: Wed., May 23, 10:30 a.m.; Fri., June 1, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Mention VSA Offer for $13 tix (reg. discount is $20) Phone: 612-874-0400, www. childrenstheatre.org Sherlock’s Last Case June 15 - Aug. 25 U of M Centennial Showboat Players at Showboat, Harriet Island Regional Park, St. Paul.
ASL: Fri., Aug. 17, 8:00 p.m. Triple Espresso Tix: $19, Phone: 651-227Ongoing 1100, E-mail: showboat@ Music Box Theatre, 1407 umn.edu Web: www.show Nicollet Ave, Mpls. AD: boattheater.com Thurs., July 5, 7:30 p.m.; preshow at 7:00. Tix: Reduced to The Student Price $17 (reg. $32.50) Phone: 612June 9 - 17 874-9000, E-mail: tickets Skylark Opera at E.M. Pearson @tripleespresso.com Web: Theatre, Concordia Univer- www.tripleespresso.com sity, 312 N. Hamline Ave., St. Two for the Seesaw Paul ASL: Fri., June 15, 8:00 June 22 - July 29 p.m. Tix: $20-45, Phone: TicketWorks 651-209-6689, Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale 800-762-6353, E-mail: info Ave. S., Mpls. AD: Thurs., @ticketworks.com Web: July 12, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Rewww.skylarkopera.org or duced to $8 (reg. $24-36) Phone: 612-822-7063, Web: www.ticketworks.com www.jungletheater.com Taking Steps Uncle Vanya June 1 - 24 June 1 - 24 Park Square Theatre, 408 Saint Peter St., St. Paul. AD/ASL: Theatre in the Round, 245 Sat., June 16, 7:30 p.m. Tix: ½ Cedar Ave., Mpls. AD: Sun., price. Phone: 651-291-7005, June 24, 2:00 p.m. Tix: $20, www. parksquaretheatre.org senior/student discount, Phone: 612-333-3010, Web: Thoroughly Modern Millie www.theatreintheround.org July 12 - 29 Trollwood Performing Arts You Can’t Take It with You June 7 - 24 School at Trollwood Park, 200 Kandi Lane, Fargo, ND. AD: Bloomington Art Center GalFri., July 13, 8:15 p.m. ASL: lery Players at Bloomington Fri., July 20, 8:15 p.m.; spe- Center for the Arts Black Box cial seating required. Tix: $10- Theater, 1800 W. Old 18.50 at Hornbacher’s, the gate Shakopee Rd. ASL: Sat., June or by calling 701-241-6041 23, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to Phone: 701-241-4799, $6 (reg. $15, $12 senior/stuwww.trollwood.org or dent) Phone: 952-563-8587, www.bloomingtonartcenter. www.fargostuff.com com. ■
ACCESSIBLE MOVIE THEATERS The movie complexes listed below offer MoPix-equipped captioning or description services. For show times, call the theater; sign up to receive their e-mail list; contact MN Open Captioned Films, www.mnoc films.org/movies.html or Rear Window Captioned Film, http://ncam.wgbh.org/ mopix/nowshowing. html#mn
level lot between Sears and Kohl’s. Accessible films in Auditorium 4. Science Museum of MN Omnitheater, 120 Kellogg Blvd. W., St. Paul. Rear view captioning and DVS for most films in the Omnitheater or the 3D Cinema. Showtimes vary but are approximately hourly during regular museum hours: Mon-Wed 9:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., Thur-Sat. 9:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. , Sun. 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m. TTY 651-221-4585; E-mail: info@smm.org ; Web: www.smm.org/visitorinfo/ hours/showtimes_dynamic. php or www.smm.org/info/ accessibility.php.
Crown Theater Block E Movie Complex, 600 Hennepin Ave., third floor, Mpls. Enter parking ramp on 7th St next to the Hard Rock Café. 612-338-1466. Accessible films in Auditoriums 2 and 12. Note: DVS patrons: If show is in Theatre 2, request headset with Letter C. If show is in Theatre 12, request head- Lakes 10 Theatre, 4351 set with Letter G. Stebner Rd., Hermantown. 12 Accessible Parking spaces AMC Eden Prairie Mall 18 near theater. Movie Line: Theatres, 4000 Flying Cloud 218-729-0335; Emergency: Dr at Eden Prairie Shopping 218-729-0334; Fax: 218Center, Hwy 212 and 494, 729-0334; E-mail: Sfen 952-656-0010. Park in upper nessey@cectheatres.com. ■
June 10, 2007
HHS -
Cont. from p. 1
SSI Penalty for LowIncome Families Removed The legislature removed the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) penalty for low-income families using the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP). This very harsh penalty was established during the budget crisis of 2003. Very low-income families had their MFIP grants cut if a family member who was disabled received an SSI payment. Lowincome families affected by disability will no longer be subjected to this penalty, effective July 1, 2007. Self-Directed Supports for PCA Users Established A new self-directed personal supports option was authorized for Minnesota’s Medical Assistance program. The new self-directed option for those eligible for personal care assistance (PCA) allows use of funding in a more flexible manner for items or services that maintain or increase independence. Potentially, many of the over 18,000 PCA users could benefit from this new option. DHS is required to establish a stakeholder group with which to work on developing the parameters for the program, which is expected to begin in 2008. Improvements for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services A comprehensive package of changes which improve services for those who are deaf or hard of hearing was adopted. Significant items include a newborn infant hearing screening program, services for persons who are deaf and blind, a hearing aid loan bank and a hearing loss mentor program. Modest Cost-of-Living Increase for Service Providers A small cost-of-living increase of only two percent per year for the biennium will become effective on October 1, 2007 and July 1, 2008 for community service and institutional providers. The governor proposed two percent but service providers and advocates sought a larger increase given our state’s failure to provide
needed increases over the last four years. MA and GAMC Co-Payments Reduced Another positive change is the elimination of the physician or other health care visit co-payment and the eyeglasses copayment; plus the reduction of pharmacy co-payments from the $12 out-of-pocket limit to $7 for Medical Assistance (MA) and General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC). However, these changes only become effective Jan 1, 2009.
NOT ADOPTED Significant provisions which were not adopted in the final Health and Human Services bill include: •relief from Medicare Part D co-payments for those on MA and Medicare •an increase in the MA income and assets standards for persons with disabilities and seniors •improvements for those who turn 65 using the Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MAEPD) option •increased services for those on waiting lists for the home and community waiver for persons with developmental disabilities, family support grants and semi-independent living services •a reduction in parent fees for families with children with significant disabilities eligible for institutional care; •continued funding for the Options Too effort to remove barriers to community living.
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DLL Funded Despite the fact that the governor’s budget did not con- · Self-Advocacy Network improve the lives of many pertain any funding for the DisFunding: $280,000 to be ad- sons with disabilities. It is ability Linkage Line (DLL), ministered by the Council for clear, however, that numerous the legislature provided the Developmental Disabilities. important changes were not needed funding to DHS to conadopted this session, leaving tinue this information and reOther Changes much important work to do. ferral service. There were additional important policy changes, many of If you would like specific inMedical Assistance STS which had little or no funding formation about legislation Changes attached. Among these from the session, it is available The Special Transportation changes are new requirements through the State of MinneServices (STS) broker system for disability waiver program sota legislative Web site, will be eliminated when the providers (CADI, TBI, CAC), www.leg.state.mn.us, disabilcontract expires next year. New a delay in the expansion of the ity advocacy groups and the requirements for eligibility as- Minnesota Disability Health Consortium for Citizens with sessment by medical profes- Options managed care pro- Disabilities Web site, www. sionals were established. gram to July 1, 2009, clarifica- mnccd.org. ■ tion that parent fees qualify Additional positive provi- for employee health flexible Anne L. Henry is a staff attorsions which received fund- spending accounts, and ney at the Minnesota Disabiling for the coming biennium: changes which will allow the ity Law Center • Assistive Technology: Centers for Independent Liv$300,000 to be used to ob- ing to provide information on tain federal matching funds community services and assisto increase the low-interest tance to persons in nursing famicroloan program and the cilities who want to relocate. regional collaboratives. Also, a review of MN’s Also, the legislature made subassistive technology needs stantial improvements in will be conducted by the MinnesotaCare, including the Council on Disability. repeal of the limited benefit • Statewide Quality Assur- set and an increase in the eligiance System Development: bility income level for adults $200,000 per year to begin without children to 200% of work on a statewide quality the poverty level in January, assurance system for home 2008, and 215% in July, 2009. and community-based Also, important changes were waiver services was autho- made to increase the number Kelly, R.N. rized. The system will in- of children who qualify for 7 years clude a participant survey Medical Assistance and and improved incident re- MinnesotaCare. YO U R P L AC E F O R A R E WA R D I N G porting for persons with disC A R E E R I N H E A LT H C A R E abilities in Minnesota. SUMMARY • Remembering with Dig- In sum, despite the disappointnity: $200,000 for marking ments, the 2007 legislative unmarked graves at Regional session produced significant Treatment Centers. positive changes which will
Oak Park Village: One bedroom wheelchair-accessible apartments. Section 8 subsidized. Convenient St. Louis Park location. Call 952-9359125 for availability information. Equal Opportunity Housing. Seward Square Apartments: We are currently accepting applications for our waiting list for barrier-free housing, in Minneapolis, that is federally subsidized. For an application, please call 612-338-2680. Equal Opportunity Housing.
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SIDE EFFECTS-
Cont. from p. 12
rather than being reduced. A voluntary system could reach many people who are frightened by the coercive system, and it would ultimately discharge people who are less traumatized and more emotionally healed.
force, a system that doesn’t have any pressure on it to minimize the use of force. We’d at least like to see a goal of minimizing force, along with some accounting of how much force is used, so that progress can be tracked. ■
A system allowed to use force may easily learn to rely on it instead of going to more effort to “sell” its services to clients, so that much of the force used may be unnecessary in that respect. This is especially true for a system that doesn’t have to even count how often it uses
Ron Unger is a mental health counselor in Eugene, Oregon, specializing in recovery-focused psychosocial methods, and is also a county coordinator for MindFreedom, advocating for change in the mental health system.
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June 10, 2007
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