January 2008 Edition - Access Press

www.accesspress.org History Note

Inside

“There can be no real individual freedom in the presence of economic insecurity. ”

■ Adapted Yoga—p. 4 ■ Directory of Organizations—pp. 7-10 ■ Kevin Kling Book—p. 15

— Chester Bowles (1901 - 1986) Page 2 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Mpls. MN Permit No. 4766

Volume 19, Number 1

Minnesota’s Disability

Community Newspaper

January 10, 2008

Sixty days to plan the move New rules would make it harder to get out of nursing home

by Ann Roscoe 180 days of relocation services, paying someone to help you with the many details of relocating to community living. Under the new rules, most consumers would only have 60 days of paid assistance.

Bottom line: many would not be able to get out of the nursing home at all. Eva Hansen, manager of MCIL’s relocaToni Mitchell (r), back in her St. Paul home, with Maggie Griffit tion program, estimates that 70% or more of relocation and Eva Hansen, MCIL Nursing Home Relocation staff. cases take longer than 60 days. oni Mitchell, a woman paid for with funds from Cenwith multiple disabili- ters for Medicare and Medic- Currently, 180 consecutive ties, is again living in aid (CMS). Without that help, days of relocation coordinaher own St. Paul home after Mitchell, who receives MA, tion are allowed. However, spending several months in a would probably still be in the since this time period includes nursing home. Last fall, she nursing home. holidays, weekends and nonwas able to move back to her work days, the available time home with the assistance of Indeed, if proposed rule for each relocation is closer to MCIL’s (Metropolitan Center changes go into effect, it will 130 days. Because of limited for Independent Living) Nurs- soon be much harder for people housing availability, and the ing Home Relocation Program. like Toni to get out of nursing need to arrange for commuThese relocation services were homes. CMS currently funds nity-based services and paper-

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Traumatic journey Project addresses Traumatic Brain Injury among inmates

by Phil Gonzales

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oo often, the combination of disability due to a brain injury with a limited knowledge of support resources may add up to significant jail time. In 2006, over eighty percent of Minnesota inmates were reported to have Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Lisa’s story is sadly typical.

Lisa entered the Minnesota Corrections Facility in Shakopee in May of 2007, after nearly seventeen years of domestic abuse and over 100 instances of head trauma with six confirmed brain injuries.

From the beginning of her marriage in 1991 to her incarceration, Lisa endured having her head put through windows, being punched, slammed into cupboards and pushed down stairs. Throughout that time, she lost consciousness on sev-

eral occasions and made many trips to the emergency room.

The resulting impact to her Lisa is one of many MN inmemory was enormous. mates reported to have Traumatic Brain Injury.”

“I can read a book and not remember what I’ve read when screened for traumatic brain I’m done,” Lisa says. “So, I injury. This began to change don’t read anymore. It’s sad, in April of 2006 when Minnebecause I used to remember. sota was awarded a state grant You could tell me a phone from the Health Resources and number and I’d remember it Service Administration (HRSA) to identify incidences for years and now I can’t.” of brain injury in correctional Lisa also experienced drug facilities, build awareness of abuse at the urging of her hus- brain injury among correcband. “My husband used to tional facility staff and all permake me do drugs because he sons working within the legal didn’t want me calling the system, and address a system cops,” she says. “But, what of release planning that would could I do? If I fought him, it assist a smooth transition back got worse. I just recently be- into the community. came very addicted. I’m hopAmong the first efforts of this ing it’ll get better.” new TBI in Correctional FaUntil recently, incoming Min- cilities project were inmate nesota inmates were not TBI - cont. on p. 14

work, 180 (or 130) days are 180 days. Moreover, if a consumer has been in a nursing often not enough. home less than 180 days, the CMS has now issued an “in- allowed time for relocation is terim final rule” that reduces 14 days. These proposed the 180 days to 60 days for changes place a severe limitaconsumers who have been in tion on the ability to assist nursing homes for more than individuals with disabilities in their desire to relocate from

nursing homes and other institutional settings.

Had the proposed changes been in effect in 2007, Mitchell would probably still be in the nursing home. If these changes take effect, hundreds of Minnesota nursing home residents Move - cont. on p. 14

Thanks to the Access Press volunteer writers in 2007

A

forum is only as useful as the degree to which it is used. The heart of Access Press is the wide assortment of citizen journalists—folks throughout the community— who take the time to spread the word by writing an article. Thanks to the following people and organizations, Access Press continued to be a key focal point in the Minnesota disability community in the past year.

Sue Abderholden Mark Aronoff Bob Barr Ann Bauer Sarah Bauer Kristine Berg Kevin Bjorkland Amy Blumenshine Terri Bruns Kelly Buckland Chuck Campbell Rick Cardenas Pam Carlson Loren Colman Jim Czechowicz Katie Dolan Ken Duckworth Mel Duncan Laurie Eckblad Anderson Kate Edenborg Lee Ann Erickson Pete Feigal Nemer Fieger Sean Fogarty Beth Fraser Carol Fury-Fistman Vicki Gaylord Luther Granquist Sherry Gray Kathrine Guernsey Bob Guidara Kathleen Hagen Jane Hampton David Hancox Lance Hegland Jill Heins Anne Henry Brian Heuring

Ingrid Hoffman Kelly Hughes Donna Jacobson Jean Jacobson Jodie Johns Mark Kallhoff Kim Kang Rachel Koep Catherine Komp Matt Kramer Traci LaLiberte John Lancaster Dawn Langton Karen Larson Steve Larson Susan Lasoff Elias Luke LaVelle Edward Lecher Nathaniel Lehrman Elizabeth Lightfoot Lolly Lijewski Michelle Lyon Elissa Meyer Harvey Meyer Adrianna Montague-Gray Sandy Moore Ken Moses Alex Moshenko Jeffrey Nurick Mark Olson Pedie Pederson Peter Peterson Charles Pizar Cliff Poetz Elia Powers LA Reed Dave Reynolds Terri Ricci Sharon Rolenc Wendy Roquette Angela Rose Jackie Rough Jenny Sanders

Cheryl Sasse Anita Schermer Lisa Schmidtke Kelly Schroepfer Shauna Sheffer Dawn Short Patricia Siebert Bree Sieplinga Jon Skaalen Galen Smith Nancy Sopkowiak Molly Steinke Dennis Stern Kari Swanson Mai Thor John Tschida Ron Ungar Patrice Vick Carly Walden Julie Wegscheid Rhonda Whitenack ADAPT Autism Perspective Disability Linkage Line Gillette Institute on Community Integration (U of M) Inside Higher Ed Liberator Trikes Metro State University MN Disability Law Center MN News Council MN Consortuim Citizen’s with Disabilities National Disability Rights Network Operation Glass Slipper Research & T raining Institute on Independent Living Social Security Administration Work Incentives Connection Ziegler Magazine

January 10, 2008

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How about those Iowa caucuses? Three months ago, not many people would have thought Senator Clinton would take third place among Democrats, and on the Republican side, who knew then very much about Mike Huckabee? Maybe it is too soon for me to be nudging you to keep up with what is going on with the candidates, but I urge you to listen for any of the candidates who are talking about disability issues. Access Press will be searching to bring you as much information available concerning each candidate’s platform on disability issues. I invite you to send us any disability platform information ow, 2008 is here you come across. already. How did that happen? The Minnesota caucuses are The years seem to be flying February 5, and I hope you are by. This year, Access Press all planning to attend. The Iowa will be 18 years old, and I caucuses had record numbers will be, well, “really old.” of new caucus participants, and

Tim Benjamin, Editor

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dates are all talking about the desperate need for affordable health-care coverage for everyone. Whatever term they use for revamping our healthcare insurance—universal health care, or socialized medicine, or single-payer coverage—this time it is vital that people with disabilities are included and involved in the design and development. The February causus will be prime time to make sure that the disability community’s issues are addressed, including the big issue of livable income for our direct support professionals (DSP). We need a stable workforce to get many of us out of bed and ready for the day. Keeping people up, involved, and active in their communities will not only keep everyone happier and healthier, it can also save My #1 resolution topic: health money that can in turn be used care. It is great that the candi- to pay for qualified DSP and Minnesota can beat those numbers. Although the polls during the last week were awful close, they (CNN, e.g.) say it was the new participants who helped push Senator Obama over the top with 38% of the Democratic Iowa caucus goers’ endorsement. Whoever you decide to vote for is your decision, but you have to participate to have any influence.

By the way, choosing a candidate is only part of the caucus function. The fun stuff is introducing resolutions, which ultimately develop the party’s platform. Go to the web [www.mnblue.com/caucus_ guide] to get a sample and an explanation of how to draft your own caucus resolution.

Writing a simple resolution is a simple procedure that can have some astounding results.

other health prevention op- might not need to raise taxes tions. all that much. (Of course, we still have the war to pay for.)

Need more ideas for causus These things are not too resolutions? We also need much to ask: health-care, available public transportation transportation and jobs. (and safe bridges!) for every- Seems to me like these are one in all parts of the nation, in all opportunities that everyorder to get everyone out into one should have. their communities. Transportation presents even more chal- Finally, the new Twin Cities lenges with gas prices as high chapter of ADAPT is comas they are. And, as long as ing together nicely. They’re we’re out in the community, developing a local mission and as long as we have trans- and direction, and are also portation, we might as well working on plans for a group have good-paying jobs with training with some veterans built-in incentives for employ- of ADAPT. It is a great time ers, so that those who want to to get in on the ground floor. work can find satisfying, gain- I am told volunteers are ful employment that won’t dis- needed at all levels. For more qualify them from the neces- information contact Galen sary social services that keep Smith at adapttc@yahoo them independent or interde- groups.com. pendent. We desperately need more taxpayers to help sup- Happy New Year’s! ■ port these services, since if enough people are working we

Election 2008

Caucus night: get involved

by Mai Thor

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he road to Election Day 2008 has begun.

The first step on this road will occur on February 5, 2008. That’s the night precinct caucuses will take place at a community center, school or other place of gathering in your neighborhood.

What is a precinct caucus?

Basically, it’s a group of individuals who live in a precinct that come together to make decisions about a particular political party. Among these decisions are selecting candidates to run in elections and voting on resolutions that will become the political party’s platform.

For people with disabilities, attending a precinct caucus can help address disability issues.

Your ideas (as resolutions) can

become part of the party plat- ing place and are required to form; it’s a great way to put have the same accessibility people power behind your standards as polling places. ideas. · Interpreter services can be made available. Contact your Other information that is help- political party state office by ful to know about precinct cau- either letter or e-mail in order cuses is: to request an interpreter.

•Anyone who lives within a •Materials can be made availvoting precinct and is a quali- able in alternative formats. fied voter can attend a pre- Contact your political party cinct caucus for more details.

•MN statute allows individuals to take time off from work For more information, you can without pay in order to par- contact the Office of the Secticipate in precinct caucuses retary of State at 651-215if they give their employer 1440, www.sos.state.mn.us/ written notice at least 10 days home/index.asp?page=1, or in advance (January 25th in your major political party below. this case).

•You can attend precinct cau- •Democratic-Farmer-Labor, cuses simply as an observer 651-293-1200, www.dfl.org and are not required to vote •Independence, 651-4879700, www.mnip.org on issues.

•Precinct caucuses are typi- •Republican, 651-222-0022, cally held at your usual poll- www.mngop.com

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, Mike Chevrette, Kelly Matter, Anita Schermer, Tom Squire and Kay Willshire Editor ......................................................................................................... Tim Benjamin Assistant Editor .............................................................................................. Bret Hesla Administrative Assistant ............................................................................ Jordan Selbo Cartoonist ..................................................................................................... Scott Adams Sales/Marketing ...................................................................................... Lance Hegland Production ...................................................... Ellen Houghton at Presentation Images Webmaster ...................................................................................................... Alice Oden 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 individuals, including political, business, institutional and civic leaders. Subscriptions are available for $30/yr. Low-income, student and bulk subscriptions are available at discounted rates.

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 $12 to $28 per column inch, depending on size and frequency of run. Classified ads are $13, plus 60 cents 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

If your affiliation is with a directly for further informa- Election Day is November 4, minor political party, caucuses tion.

2008. Whether or not you demay still occur. Contact them cide to caucus this year—make sure you vote! ■

History Note

Operation Citizenship State hospital residents support Johnson/Humphrey in 1964

by Luther Granquist

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avid Vail started Operation Citizenship in 1964 as part of his campaign against dehumanization in the state institutions.

As medical director of the Minnesota Department of Public Welfare, Vail directed the state hospital staff to encourage voluntary patients to vote. He urged the institutions to ask candidates to speak at rallies.

For those not eligible to vote, he asked the institutions to conduct a straw vote. The Lyndon Johnson/Hubert Humphrey ticket received 85%

of the state hospital residents’ vote, defeating Barry Goldwater and William Miller by far more than the 61% of the vote they received nationwide.

In his 1966 book Dehumanization and the Institutional Career, Vail noted that the 1964 election polarized liberals and conservatives along the “axis of privilege” and that the Democratic party appealed to “those without property, those in deprived and lonely circumstances, those hoping for a better day—like those in men-

tal hospitals.” But Vail did not create Operation Citizenship to support one party or another. Rather, he wanted to enable state hospital residents to play an active role in politics and to expand the civil rights movement to include persons with disabilities. ■

ACCESS IS FREEDOM! National Housing Institute, Inc.

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

CALL 651-639-9799

January 10, 2008

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Following talk with action In front of and behind the CAN DO initiative stays local in efforts cameras to improve lives of persons with disabilities

by Alex Bartolic

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ate last year, Minne- abilities and families have the sota began forming a information and assistance new network to im- they need prove the lives of people with •Form coalitions of providers disabilities. to establish direct-support training for staff The DHS launched the CAN •Ensure that schools, counties DO initiative (Collaborative and vocational services beAction Network Developing gin transition services early Opportunities) with a series of enough for young people with meetings in October and No- disabilities vember, in which more than •Improve the quality of services 500 people from around the state met to think creatively CAN DO differs in many ways about how to change our cur- from previous initiatives that rent systems for the better. have addressed the needs of people with disabilities. First, At these meetings, participants CAN DO focuses on turning did more than brainstorm; they talk into action. Needed acdeveloped action plans to ad- tions are defined—and action dress local priorities, such as plans are created—at the local employment, transportation, level by people who attended and transitioning from school the action conferences and who to adulthood. The local action will actually do the work. In plans are focused on what can some cases, that work means be done locally without major connecting with other commulegislative changes. Specific nity members who didn’t parideas to emerge included: ticipate but who can contribute to the success of the action plan.

•Help local employers and business owners understand CAN DO is also unique in that the benefits of employing no single individual, organipeople with disabilities zation or governmental entity •Improve service delivery “owns” the CAN DO process. through use of assistive tech- Each action team establishes nology its own goals in line with its •Make sure people with dis- own local expectations.

The CAN DO Action Network is not a one-time thing. Regional action conferences will be repeated next year. In addition, each action team will report quarterly on its progress.

This on-going communication will help monitor and motivate effective collaboration across the state. It is a process that welcomes surprise. Already, action teams have moved forward in productive and unexpected ways.

Organizers see leadership and participation as critical to CAN DO’s success. One of the key next steps in the CAN DO process is the work of expanding the participation of people with disabilities and their families, both in the existing action teams and during the 2008 conferences. Steps will also be taken to build leadership capacity for individuals who took responsibility for action teams. ■ For more information about the process and projects, and to find out how you organization can get involved, please visit the CAN DO project Web pages at www.dhs.state. mn.us/dhs16_139351.

[With] tv to offer 24-hour programming ‘of, by and for people with disabilities’

by Nancy Sopkowiak

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ouldn’t it be great if our disability community had a 24 hour TV channel by and for people with disabilities? Good news. In the near future, we will. It will be called [with]tv.

Howard Renensland conceived the idea for [with]tv in response to his daughter Victoria’s experiences.

Victoria was born with developmental disabilities, and Renensland has always advocated for her inclusion in the world. As a young adult, Victoria has run into many obstacles to employment. She tried a bookstore position, but she didn’t feel challenged.

Also, the managers would only assign her to work eight hours each week and paid her $8 per hour.

Renensland wanted his daughter to have rewarding, challenging work in a supportive, inclusive environment. He decided to start a company where Victoria and other folks with disabilities could experience

an empowering workplace. He wanted to start a TV channel because of the media’s power to affect public perceptions.

Renensland plans to show programming that portrays those with disabilities in a positive light.

Renensland, who incorporated [with]tv in 2006, says the company is “devoted to providing television and internet programming of, by, and for people with disabilities.” Although not yet on the air, the company has taped some pilot shows. Their programming will include sports, news, drama, comedy, reality, movies, concerts, variety and shopping. One news show will be called “A Different Perspective.”

Internet, and then expand to television. Eventually [with]tv will have programs running 24 hours each day.

As a part of the new broadcast endeavor, Renensland founded the nonprofit company People with Disabilities Broadcasting Corporation. PBDC will train those with disabilities to work at [with]tv in entertainment careers, as writers, as well as make-up, hair, camera and script consultants.

PBDC and [with]tv aren’t set up to train or hire yet, but they are accepting resumes. Also, volunteers are welcome and appreciated.

Victoria Renensland is excited about the [with]tv station. “I dream about having my own All the programs and even TV show and calling it commercials will be accessible Victoria’s TV Show.” for those with hearing or vision difficulties. The channel If you want to check out the will have captioning, narra- soon-to-be TV channel plans, tion, and be screen-reader ac- go to www.with-tv.com. They cessible. Renensland plans to request that you sign their guest start broadcasting on the book. ■

ADAPT Twin Cities: your questions answered

by Galen Smith Author’s note: Last month I introduced readers to ADAPT and announced the formation of a local chapter (“Receiving the Torch,” Dec. 2007). This month I’m answering some of the most frequently asked questions about ADAPT. If you have questions that aren’t answered here, you can contact us at adapttc@gmail.com or call me at 651-792-6395.

Who is ADAPT? ADAPT is a cross-disability organization that includes people with all kinds of disabilities and our allies. The systems have been set up to divide us according to our disability category and make us fight among ourselves for what we need. In ADAPT we are united by our common experience of ableism, and we fight for issues that will strengthen our community.

System/ Direct Administrative Legal Action Political

Media/ Education

A Multi-Prong Strategy

to

Social Change

with disabilities held the first protest for accessible public transit in Denver, Colorado.

They blocked busses and stayed on the streets all night.

Five years later the Colorado activists joined with others What is ADAPT? from around the country ADAPT is a 25-year-old grassroots disability activism What is the history of ADAPT? formed ADAPT and began a In 1978 nineteen young people national campaign for accesorganization.

sible public transit. For seven years ADAPT blocked buses in cities across the US to demonstrate the need for access to public transit. Many went to jail for the right to ride.

guaranteed, ADAPT felt that attendant services must be our next issue. In July 1990, ADAPT targeted the reallocation of one quarter of the federal and state Medicaid dollars from institutional proADAPT played a major role grams to consumer-controlled in gaining passage of the community-based programs.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Passage of this How is ADAPT organized? bill has meant victory for From the national to the local ADAPT in our struggle for level ADAPT has an informal structure. There is a national lifts on buses. leadership group of veteran Once the transit issue was won ADAPT organizers that works and access was begun to be together to plan the strategy

and logistics of the national actions that happen twice a year. Local chapters organize themselves in whatever way works best for the group, with most decisions made by consensus.

How does ADAPT approach issues?

ADAPT uses a strategy we call the “Pitchfork Approach to Advocacy” (see picture).

ADAPT - cont. on p. 14

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January 10, 2008

Commentary

More is not enough

by Kevin Bjorklund

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hank God it’s over. But what just happened?

Maybe now’s the best time to ponder the holiday madness, so we’re guarded and ready when it resumes (maybe July 5th this year).

I recall driving home from work on the Monday before Thanksgiving, and as I flipped over to one of the local stations, soon realized that of course they were already into the 24/7 playing of Christmas tunes. There used to be something special about hearing my favorite holiday music on Christmas Eve; that now seems to have lost some of its magic due to the constant over playing during the weeks before.

This was an early reminder of what was coming—and of what the holidays seemed to

have become: the “more is not enough” way of doing. Blaring holiday music aside, we are constantly bombarded by retailers marketing their wares–from clothes to food; movies to music. In addition, those of us employed by companies that sell a product know the pressure placed on us as the end of the year approaches.

And all of this craziness generated in the spirit of the bottom line. With all of the hype and fast-paced energy swirling around, how could I not get sucked up into it all? What is this holiday spirit stuff I keep hearing about that is so cleverly attached to some marketing campaign that ultimately motivates me to lower my bank account rather than raise my awareness of the true meaning of the holidays?

And so it went. I hustled to work; I rushed home; I pulled myself up to hustle over to the mall to find gifts for all who were on my list. I then rushed from one to another of many holiday gatherings, sharing as much time as I could before moving on to the next. Somehow along the way, if I could have just paused for a moment or two to reflect on the meaning of it all–-to just breathe.

To try to remember the real reason for the season and not just race through it all because this is what I am suppose to do–like checking things off a list and finally exclaiming “It’s over, I’ve made it through another one!”

As I reflect back on the early years of my childhood, I can remember vividly those feelings that surround the holiday

season. In my family, we celebrated Christmas. The innocent excitement was part of the enormous anticipation of the approaching Christmas holiday. How far away it always seemed; how slow the days would go by while watching the stack of presents grow bigger and bigger under the tree, counting the ones that were just for me, while imaging all the incredible things that must be under those beautiful paper covers. Knowing that there were still days of wait and wonder until I could finally tear through the wrappings to the joy contained inside. And as the years went by, how I slowly shifted from that earlier feeling of the excitement and joy of receiving, to the joy and love of giving and the rewards I received as I watched the eyes light up to those who I give. And as I

stared into the wide eyes of those I love, how it seemed to magically transport me into this place of presence-allowing me to be filled with feelings of joy and love-that illusive spirit of the holidays.

How can we reflect on this past holiday and use it as a reminder of what’s important each day of the year? How do we stay on course through the busyness that has become our lives? Could it be as simple as just taking a few moments each day to simply be–to just breathe with our eyes closed and allow ourselves to slip into The Moment. And during those momentary lapses into presence, inside that long breath, maybe if we’re lucky we might be reminded of the meaning of it all. It contains the space that allows us to appreciate all that we have and all that we are. In

that space we are reminded of the blessings of our family, our friends and co-workers; our health–all those gifts we receive on a daily basis, yet seem to take for granted as they don’t come wrapped in beautiful bows or fancy paper.

If we can only reach deep inside and allow that spirit that is part of each and every one of us to move forward and permeate our existence each and every day of every season. That to me is the true gift of this past holiday season–our reminders of what we all are and all have the capacity to be–giving, loving human beings. ■

Interview

Feeling the body I have Matthew Sanford talks about adapted yoga for people with disabilities

by Clarence Schadegg

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ast month, we reported that Minnesotan Matthew Sanford, a paraplegic, has been nominated as one of the nation’s top 40 heroes in the 6th Annual Volvo for Life Award for his pioneering work with yoga.

During a recent interview, Sanford shared some of his insights with Access Press.

How is the yoga you teach different from that of other yoga practitioners?

I teach adaptive yoga and we don’t use the full range of poses.

I have accessed and learned from a smaller number of poses, to find the very basic core of each pose. Also, I use more props and it looks a little different.

What is the type of yoga you practice?

The type of yoga I practice is called Iyengar yoga. It emphasizes alignment and precision more than other yogas.

Iyengar yoga, in particular, breaks the poses down into smaller pieces. Yoga is a phenomenon that occurs at the intersection of your mind’s intent and your body’s limits.

The essence of yoga is action Since 1998, Matthew Sanford has been teaching a weekly that is occurring in the mind- adaptive yoga class for people living with a wide range of disabilities at Courage Center. A student of Sanford’s for body connection. eight years, Allison Locey (pictured) has cerebral palsy and Does yoga re-channel says the class has changed how she feels and lives in her body. body. They draw away from ute your presence more equally chronic pain?

Mind Body Solutions, our non- the pain. If you have chronic throughout your body. It is a profit, is helping people trans- pain you often vacate that part great way to manage chronic form the experience of pain of your body, and eventually pain. Someone who experiand trauma in their lives. When that’s going to make the pain ences chronic pain may end up people experience pain they even worse. Yoga will help developing fear and anxiety typically move out of their you learn to move and distrib- from it. The focus of their mental awareness is on the pain they are about to experience.

Developing a mind-body practice, you can distribute your

awareness and when you’re in pain you can begin to distribute it more equally and tolerate it easier. Everybody needs to develop a more subtle mindbody connection because it improves quality-of-life.

How do you work with a client?

We have now started a pilot program where Courage Center is on a path to become a holistic rehabilitation leader, using the mind-body approach.

If you leave our health care system more aware of your entire body presence, you’re less likely to come back with secondary conditions. The more present you are in your body the better you will be able to move throughout your life. (The rehab professionals also need to be more present in their own bodies. They need to study the mind-body relationship in order to understand and guide others.)

One of my students at Courage Center, a paraplegic who was injured very young, doesn’t remember ever walking. After one class, he said, “I drove home that night weeping.” He learned how to feel his whole body. He never knew it was possible for him to feel the presence of his legs. He has now become one of my best students. He totally gets it.

Envision a system where it doesn’t take years to feel the presence in your paralyzed body. When I started reporting sensation in the hospital, they knew my spinal cord was damaged and it was never going to heal. They went strictly to the psychological component of the injury. They were worried that I wasn’t going to accept the permanence of my injury, so they told me stories: the whole “phantom feeling” stories, that I should just forYoga - cont. on p. 6

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January 10, 2008

5

News at a glance . . .

AFB launches Rx label campaign The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) has just launched a new campaign—the RX Label Enable Campaign—to ensure that people with vision loss have ready access to the vital information available to all consumers via prescription labeling and related documentation, enabling them to take medications safely, effectively and independently. To achieve this goal, AFB is reaching out to all stakeholders, including consumers experiencing vision loss, policymakers, federal regulators, doctors, the pharmaceutical industry, retailers, assistive technology providers and public as well as private insurers; this outreach is an effort to build consensus and take action.

AFB is asking individuals who have had trouble reading prescription or over-the-counter medication information to tell AFB their stories by answering a short survey, available using the link on the Senior Site Web page entitled, “Call to Action: Are you Having Trouble Identifying your Medications?” (www.afb.org.seniorsite). For more information about the campaign, visit www.afb.org/Section.asp?SectionID=329.

[Source: Radio Talking Book Radio News]

Governor’s Council wins award for achievements with technology The Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities has received a top state award for its innovative and exceptional conversion of the classroom Partners in Policymaking leadership training program to five Web-based, self-directed online courses. The 2007 Minnesota Government Information Technology Recognition Award was presented at the annual state IT symposium.

Accepting the award on behalf of the Governor’s Council, Chair Shamus O’Meara noted that there are 54 million people with disabilities in the U.S. and 700,000 in Minnesota, making the online availability of the classroom program especially important. “The Partners in Policymaking program empowers people with disabilities and their families to speak out, not only

on behalf of themselves but for others who do not have the The bill was passed by Congress last month and signed by the opportunity to speak,” he said. president. The one-time, $95,000 earmark will be used by ACT to support the six regional chapters of the new statewide The Minnesota award follows the Council’s earlier recognition network. ACT will provide Self-Advocates Minnesota (SAM) from the Center for Digital Government, a national organiza- chapters with training materials such as video libraries, along tion focusing on information technology and best practices in with training sessions on how to use the materials to broaden the state and local government. The Council’s 2007 Best of Web work for civil and human rights for persons with disabilities. and Digital Government Achievement Award was given for [Source: ACT] accomplishments in government-to-citizen communications.

In responding to the national award, Minnesota Administration Headwaters Foundation’s Walk for Justice Commissioner Dana Badgerow, whose agency houses the ends after 12-year run Governor’s Council, said its Partners online courses again After an extensive evaluation process, the Headwaters Founda“demonstrate Minnesota’s commitment to delivering effec- tion for Justice Board of Directors came to a unanimous tive, efficient and economical government services.” decision to bring the foundation’s 12-year-old Walk for Justice to an end last month. The Walk was the largest grassroots The easy-to-navigate leadership courses can be accessed through gathering in the state, providing a mechanism for social justice the Council and Partners in Policymaking Web sites, groups to raise money and visibility, while creating a unique www.mnddc.org and www.partnersinpolicymaking.com, re- opportunity for the progressive community to come together spectively. [Source: The Wallace Group] and celebrate their work.

McCollum secures earmark for Minnesota disability rights Advocating Change Together, the St. Paul-based disability rights organization, has received federal funding in the latest health education and labor appropriation bill, sponsored by Congresswoman Betty McCollum. McCollum, who Congresswoman Betty was a strong supporter McCollum with ACT of ACT’s many past efforts co-directors Mary Kay when she was a member of the Kennedy and Rick Cardenas state of Minnesota legislature, explained that, “Respect for human rights is fundamental to a just society. Through its training initiative, Advocating Change Together is empowering individuals to bring about societal change necessary to protect human rights for all people.”

Changing times, new resources and opportunities have placed Headwaters in a unique position to support the social justice movement in more strategic ways. “So like many great programs that had served their purpose, this one too had to end,” said board member Brandon Lacy Campos. “Putting on a special event is expensive and the resources raised have not kept pace with the costs. As an organization we felt our resources could be best utilized by helping groups learn and use new techniques to raise money in more cost effective ways.”

“Some groups have participated in every Walk—raising it a dollar at a time,” said Monica Bryant, Headwaters program officer. Bryant also said Headwaters is working with social change groups to take advantage of the new tools available for fundraising and for increasing visibility. “We will continue to bring the community together in a variety of new ways,” she said.

News at a glance - cont. on p. 14

6

January 10, 2008

Upcoming events To list an event, e-mail access@accesspress.org Disability Viewpoints television taping January 14 Disability Viewpoints is an award winning cable TV show that airs on CTV 15 in the NE Metro area. Mark Hughes hosts the interview format show. A new show is taped the 2nd Mon. of each month. All nonprofit disability-related organizations are provided the opportunity to promote their services/events.

A studio audience is encouraged. Details: Mon.at 7:30 – 8:00 p.m. CTV Studio, 950 Woodhill Dr, Roseville MN 55113. FFI: Jo Ann Erbes, 651646-7588, or www.ctv15.org for schedules/topics.

Iron Range learn-to-ski event January 15-16 This two-day, learn-to-ski event is growing every yr with the help of the Cleveland Cliffs Foundation & Courage Ctr Duluth. Receive a private ski lesson with expert instruction.

Reg. is limited to Iron Range residents. Details: Sat.-Sun., $10/session. FFI: Jamie Tupper, 218-726-4834, jamie. tupper@courage.org.

Newly diagnosed counseling group January 16 The MN chapter of the National MS Society is sponsoring the Newly diagnosed counseling group, which helps people recently diagnosed w/ MS navigate the new, sometimes frightening surroundings after an MS diagnosis. Details: Jan. 16 through March 5 in Burnville. FFI: Jeff Fisher, 612-335-7951 or TTY/TDD 800-582-5296, & online at jfisher@mssociety. org or www.MSsociety.org.

Connect with Courage tour January 17 An hour w/Courage Center could give you a lifetime of opportunity—a connection you won’t want to miss! Special grp tours are avail. by appt.

Learn what Courage Center is all about, gain information that can help a family member or friend, or just be in the know about one of MN’s great institutions. 9:30-10:30 a.m. FFI: Jamie Tupper, 218-726-4834, jamie.tupper@courage.org.

Wellness conference January 19 The National MS Society of MN, along with the College of St. Catherines, invites you to learn new ways to achieve physical, emotional, spiritual & social well-being in spite of a chronic illness or disability at this day-long event. Details: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Holiday Inn Select, 3 Appletree Sq, Bloomington MN 55425. FFI: Timothy Holtz, 612-335-7930 or TTY/TDD 800-582-5296, & online at tholtz@mssociety. org or www.MSsociety.org.

Courage Cup benefit ski race January 27 Help raise money for Courage Alpine Skiers, a ski/snowboard teaching school for people with physical disabilities or visual impairments. The Courage Cup Benefit Ski Race is a day of skiing, competition & fun, & is part of Courage Center’s adaptive ski/snowboard program. Teams of three will be matched with a Courage Alpine Skier. Individuals may register & will be assigned to a team at registration. Details: Wild Mt in Taylors Falls. Registration for teams of three is $75+ lift tic; $25 indv’l reg.

On-site reg.: 9:30 a.m. - noon.

Race at 1 p.m. FFI: Jenny Walsh at 763-520-0495 or jennifer.walsh@courage.org.

ADAPT Twin Cities community meeting January 28 Organizers of the recentlyformed ADAPT Twin Cities chapter invite you to be a part of the newest chapter of ADAPT, the 25-year-old disability rights activism grp!

Come learn more about ADAPT & why we need a chapter here.

Tell us about the changes YOU want to see. Be a part of making those changes happen!

Details: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m., Griggs Midway Building, Room S-127, St. Paul. FFI: Galen Smith, 651-792-6395 or adapttc@gmail. com.

Care partner getaway January 25-27 This getaway, sponsored by the National MS Society MN chptr, is for people who care for a loved one w/multiple sclerosis & includes two nights lodging, meals & activities, which include self-care workshops, discussion grps, entertainment & more. Details: Radisson Hotel & Conference Moving Forward MS Center, 3131 Campus Dr, PlySociety group meeting mouth MN 55441. FFI: TimoFebruary 2 thy Holtz, 612-335-7930 or This meeting will give you a tholtz@mssociety.org. chance to ask questions, meet others affected by multiple sclerosis & learn everything

you need to know after an MS diagnosis. Details: 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Ramada Inn & Conference Ctr, 1517 16th St SW, Rochester MN 55902. FFI: Timothy Holtz, 612-335-7930 or tholtz@mssociety.org.

Spinal cord support group February 6 North Memorial Medical Center sponsors this support grp, designed to help find support, encouragement, & educational & community resources. It is open to anyone who has a spinal cord injury, their family, caregivers, & interested professionals. Details: No fee to attend. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

1st Wed of Feb.; April; June; Aug.; Oct.; & Dec.. Ed. Center #1, Courage Ctr, 3915 Golden Valley Rd, Golden Valley MN 55422. FFI: Twyla Misselhorn, 763-520-1449 or twyla. misselhorn@northmemorial.com.

MS Men’s Getaway February 8-10 The Men’s Getaway offers men living w/MS an opportunity to meet other men with MS & learn ways to cope with the disease. The getaway includes two nights lodging, meals & activities, wrkshps, discussion grps, ice fishing & more. Sponsored by the National MS Society’s MN chapter. Details: Arrowwood Resort, 2100 Arrowwood Ln NW, Alexandria MN 56308.

FFI: Timothy Holtz, 612-3357930 or tholtz@mssociety.org.

Anxiety support group Ongoing The National Alliance on Mental Illness of MN (NAMI-MN) sponsors free support grps for persons with anxiety disorders.

The grps help individuals develop better coping skills & find strength through sharing their experiences. An Open Door Anxiety & Panic support grp meets twice monthly.

Details: two grps; 6:30 p.m., second & fourth Mon each mnth at Lenox Community Ctr, 6715 Mntka Blvd, Fire Place Rm 2 (lower lvl), St. Louis Pk; & 6:30 p.m., first & third Thur each mnth, Gloria Del Church, 700 Snelling Ave. S., St Paul.

FFI: Judy at 612-377-2467 or www.namimn.org.

Open house for elevator town homes Sats/Suns, ongoing Come visit a unique housing offering. Open houses are scheduled to showcase 3500 sq ft town homes with elevators selling from $355,000 up to $500,000 & renting at $1,650 & up per mnth from JJohnson Builders, Inc. So large two families could live in one unit, this is a unique

Yoga -

offering. 5733 Brent Ave., Inver Grove Heights, Mn. 55076; 10 min to dwntn St. Paul, 15 min to Crocus Hill or Highlland Pk. 5733 Brent Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076. FFI: Georgia Platte, 651-645-5242, geor giamp@comcast.net or www. jjohnsonbuilders.com.

Art workshops for youth January – February Upstream Arts is leading a series of art wrkshps for youth with disabilities with Edina Parks & Recreation. Use your imagination, express yourself & have fun interacting with your peers in this three-part program. Participants will deliberately use the arts in a unique social environment to build their social & communication skills. Details: Jan. 27, Feb. 10 & 24, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m., ages 16-22. FFI: Upstream Arts, 612-331-4584, www.up streamarts.org.■

Cont. from p. 4

get about my paralyzed body parts. That was the treatment.

The real injury was a mindbody injury.

How did your hospital experiences influence your decision to learn, practice and teach yoga to people with disabilities?

One of the things I try to say when public speaking is that the violence that I sustained and survived didn’t stop at the accident; it began. Some of the corrective violence I went through (which you heard about in Waking: A Memoir of Trauma and Transcendence, my recently published book, which is coming out in paperback in June) was well-intended, and it saved my life.

When you’re having surgery, just because you’re asleep, doesn’t mean your body doesn’t absorb the violence of being cut open. That’s part of the message we need to get out. Rehabilitation is subtlely but essentially violent. You’re working hard. You’re trying to restore your life. There needs to be more nonviolent mindbody experiences in the hospital. Not everything is push, pull, yank, yank, pull; but it needs to be a balanced experience. There are ways to teach balance. Breathing helps a lot with perception; it helps you feel where you are in space, helps you feel your body.

Those types of things need to be part of the rehabilitative experience.

Where do you teach yoga?

I’m teaching the adaptive yoga class once a week at Courage Center. I’m also training teachers to teach this class, so that

we can expand our adaptive yoga program. We are designing a program that is going to change the way rehabilitation is delivered, and improve the outcomes.

Do you have any final thoughts you would like us to know?

Through yoga, I have gained a MIND-BODY insight that transforms the experience of living. I’m not a Yoga teacher because I overcame my disability. I’m a Yoga teacher because I have altered my mind-body relationship. This is the message our culture doesn’t totally get. This is the message I want to get out to everybody who lives with a disability.

We get so much pressure to overcome our disabilities. And often, it’s at the expense of being present and feeling whole. I want to be in the body I have. I want to feel the body I have. I know good things will happen when I’m in the present. Anxiety will change.

Depression will change. A whole bunch of things will change. ■

January 10, 2008

7

Access Press Directory of Organizations Minnesota’s Disability Community Newspaper VOICE LINE SECOND LINE E-MAIL/WEB SITE ADVOCACY Advocating Change Together (ACT) ......................... 651-641-0297 ..... TF-800-641-0059 .............. www.selfadvocacy.org Arc–Greater Twin Cities ............................................ 952-920-0855 ...................................... www.arcgreatertwincities.org The Arc of Minnesota ................................................ 651-523-0823 .. TTY-651-523-0823 .... www.thearcofminnesota.org Arthritis Foundation, North Central Chapter ............. 651-644-4108 ..... TF-800-333-1380 ..................... www.arthritis.org Assoc. of Residential Resources in MN (ARRM) ..... 651-291-1086 ........... 800-551-2211 .......................... www.arrm.org MN Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities .............. 763-520-0439 ........ F-763-520-0562 ........................ www.mnccd.org Mental Health Association of MN ............................. 612-331-6840 ........ F-612-331-1630 ....... www.mentalhealthmn.org MN Developmental Achievement Center Assoc. ...... 651-647-9200 ........ F-651-647-9353 ..................... www.mndaca.org National Alliance on Mental Illness of MN (NAMI-MN) 651-645-2948 TF-888-NAMIHELPS ..................... www.namimn.org PACER Center, Inc. ................................................... 952-838-9000 .. TTY-952-838-0190 ......................... www.pacer.org BRAIN INJURY Brain Injury Assoc. of MN ....................................... 612-378-2742 ..... TF-800-669-6442 .......... www.braininjurymn.org Courage Center .......................................................... 763-588-0811 .. TTY-763-520-0245 .................... www.courage.org Cristo Vive International ........................................... 763-263-1526 ........................................................ www.cristovive.net Dungarvin Minnesota ................................................. 651-699-6050 .................................................... www.dungarvin.com Howry Residential Services ............................... 651-917-9111x204 ........ F-651-917-1018 .................. www.howryinc.com Opportunity Partners .................................................. 952-938-5511 .. TTY-952-930-4293 ............. www.opportunities.org Mary T. Inc ................................................................ 763-754-2505 ........... 888-255-6400 ................... www.marytinc.com People Incorporated Epilepsy Services ..................... 612-338-9035 ........ F-612-338-1160 ... www.peopleincorporated.org RESTART, Inc. ......................................................... 763-588-7633 ........ F-763-588-7613 .............. www.restartincmn.org Rise, Inc. ....................................................... V/TTY-763-786-8334 ........ F-763-786-0008 ............................. www.rise.org TBI Metro Services ................................................... 612-869-3995 ....... V-651-457-4756 ............. www.opportunities.org

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CHEMICAL HEALTH Vinland National Center ............................... V/TTY-763-479-3555 ........ F-763-479-2605 ........... www.vinlandcenter.org COMMUNITY-LIVING The Cooperating Community Programs (CCP) . V-651-917-8322 x11 ......................... jrentschler@menwetherventures.com Community Involvement Program (CIP) ................... 612-362-4400 ........ F-612-362-4479 ....................... www.cipmn.org CIP - Bloomington ................................................. 952-854-4007 ............................................................ www.cipmn.org CIP - Crystal ........................................................... 763-504-1008 ............................................................ www.cipmn.org Courage Center .......................................................... 763-588-0811 .. TTY-763-520-0245 ..................... www.courage.org Dungarvin Minnesota ................................................. 651-699-6050 ................................................... www.dungarvin.com Hennepin County Library - Outreach Services (HCL) .. 952-847-8850 ......................... www.hclib.org/pub/info/disabled.cfm Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) 651-646-8342 .. TTY-651-603-2001 .................... www.mcil-mn.org Mary T. Inc ................................................................ 763-754-2505 ........... 888-255-6400 ................... www.marytinc.com Opportunity Partners .................................................. 952-938-5511 . TTY–952-930-4293 ............. www.opportunities.org People Incorporated Epilepsy Services ..................... 612-338-9035 ........ F-612-338-1160 .. www.peopleincorporated.org Reach for Resources .................................................. 952-988-4177 ........ F-952-988-4020 .... www.reachforresources.org RESTART, Inc. ......................................................... 763-588-7633 ........ F-763-588-7613 ............. www.restartincmn.org Southern Minnesota Independent Living Enterprises & Services (SMILES) ......................... 507-345-7139 ..... TF-888-676-6478 ................... www.smilescil.org EDUCATION Adult Basic Ed/Special Needs ................................... 651-290-4729 .. TTY-651-290-4852 ................ www.hubbs.spps.org Arthritis Foundation North Central Chapter .............. 651-644-4108 .. TF-1-800-333-1380 .................... www.arthritis.org Community Ed—Programs for Adults with Disabilities . 651-748-7436 ........ F-651-748-7497 ............. psvendsen@isd622.org Family Institute for Creative Well-Being .................. 651-639-2527 Minnesota Resource Center ...................................... 612-752-8102 .. TTY-612-752-8019 .................... www.mrc-mn.org PACER Center, Inc. ................................................... 952-838-9000 .. TTY-952-838-0190 ........................ www.pacer.org Upstream Arts, Inc. .................................................... 612-331-4584 ........ F-480-393-5587 ............ www.upstreamarts.org EMPLOYMENT East Suburban Resources ........................................... 651-351-0190 ........................................................ www.esrworks.org Lifetrack Resources ................................................... 651-227-8471 .. TTY-651-227-3779 .... www.lifetrackresources.org Opportunity Partners .................................................. 952-938-5511 .. TTY-952-930-4293 ............ www.opportunities.org Rise, Inc. ....................................................... V/TTY-763-786-8334 ........ F-763-786-0008 ........................... www.rise.org GOVERNMENT MN Governor’s Council On Developmental Disabilities 651-296-4018 ................... TTY-711 ...................... www.mncdd.org www.partnersinpolicymaking.com MN State Council On Disability (MSCOD) .... V/TTY-651-296-6785 TF/TTY-800-945-8913 ....... www.disability.state.mn.us Social Security Admin & the St. Paul PASS Cadre ... 651-290-0054 ........ F-651-290-3811 ........... www.socialsecurity.gov

Offering Organizations Working throughout Minnesota's Aging and Disability Community a Variety of TOOLS AND ASSISTANCE with STRATEGIC PLANNING AND MARKETING

That ENHANCE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES. Join

our NETWORKED TEAM that BUILDS PARTNERSHIPS to gain and retain ACCESS TO RESOURCES, including the KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL to efficiently use those resources, in order to EMPOWER each toward SUCCESSFUL PURSUIT OF GOALS .

Directory of Organizations - cont. on next page

Established in 1991 Nurses z Live-ins z Home Health Aides z Personal Care Assistants z Serving Adults & Children with Long-Term Needs z PCA CHOICE Option z

Also a Provider for: UCare & Axis

IN HOME

PERSONAL CARE

763-546-1000

PRECISA, Inc.

701 Main Street Southeast, #517 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414-2958 Voice: 612.378.7028 E-mail: info@precisainc.com Website: http://www.precisainc.com/

8

January 10, 2008

Dir ector y of Or ganiza tions Director ectory Org anizations www.accesspress.org VOICE LINE INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS TRANSITION SERVICES HOUSING NEEDS PEER MENTORING RAMP PROJECT NURSING HOME RELOCATION DISABILITY LINKAGE LINE www.mcil-mn.org ADVOCACY Phone: 651.646.8342 ACCESSIBILITY Fax: 651.603.2006 ADA INFORMATION TTY: 651.603.2001 TECHNOLOGY PERSONAL ASSISTANCE

CONSUMER-DIRECTED SUPPORTS AND SERVICES MissionStatement:

“To work with people with disabilities in fulfilling their desire to lead productive, self-determined lives.”

MCIL provides Nursing Home Relocation, Personal Assistant Services (PCA), Transitional & Independent Living Services to individuals through Medical Assistance, Vocational Rehabilitation, County Waivers (CADI, CDCS, EW, TBI) and private pay.

Individuals and their support networks can also utilize the Disability Linkage Line, Individual Advocates, the ADA, and our computer resource lab at no additional cost.

1600 University Ave. West Suite 16, Saint Paul, MN 55104 Located on the first floor in the Spruce Tree Building

SECOND LINE

E-MAIL/WEB SITE

HEALTH Arthritis Foundation North Central Chapter .............. 651-644-4108 ..... TF-800-333-1380 ..................... www.arthritis.org Dungarvin Minnesota ................................................. 651-699-6050 .................................................... www.dungarvin.com Family Institute for Creative Well-Being .................. 651-639-2527 ....................................... www.familyinstitute-cwb.org Gillette Children’s Hospital Specialty Healthcare ..... 651-291-2848 ..... TF-900-719-4040 ....... www.gillettechildrens.org Healthy Life Coaching (HLC) ............................ V/F-320-963-5976 ....... C-612-998-6452 .......... www.healthsangels.com Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute ......................... 612-863-4466 ........ F-612-863-8942 www.sisterkennyinstitute.com UCare ......................................................................... 800-707-1711 .. TTY-800-688-2534 ........................ www.ucare.org HEARING IMPAIRMENT DeafBlind Services MN ............................................. 612-362-8454 .. TTY-612-362-8422 ......................... www.dbsm.org Hearing Loss Assoc. of America TC Chapter ................................... V/TTY-763-537-7558 ........................ www.hlaatc.org Telephone Equipment Distribution Program ............. 651-297-1507 .. TTY-800-657-3513 .............. www.tedprogram.org HOUSING Accessibility Design .................................................. 952-925-0301 ........ F-952-926-7712 .. www.accessibilitydesign.com Accessible Homes, LLC ............................................ 612-978-1054 ........................................ www.accessiblehomesllc.net Accessible Space, Inc. ............................................... 651-645-7271 .. TTY-800-627-3529 ........ www.accessiblespace.org The Cooperating Community Programs: ............. 651-917-8322x11 ..................................................... www.ccpcdcs.com or Residential Services (CCP) ....................................................................................... jrentschler@menwetherventures.com Community Involvement Programs (CIP) Broadway ..... 612-362-4400 ........ F-612-362-4476 ....................... www.cipmn.org CIP - Bloomington ................................................. 952-854-4007 ............................................................ www.cipmn.org CIP - Crystal ........................................................... 763-504-1008 ............................................................ www.cipmn.org HousingLink .............................................................. 612-522-2500 ........ F-612-521-1577 .............. www.housinglink.org Mary T. Inc ................................................................ 763-754-2505 ........... 888-255-6400 ................... www.marytinc.com National Handicap Housing Institute, Inc. ................. 651-639-9799 ................................ www.nhhiaccessiblehousing.com RESTART, Inc. ......................................................... 763-588-7633 ................................................. www.restartincmn.org Rise, Inc. ....................................................... V/TTY-763-786-8334 ........ F-763-786-0008 ............................. www.rise.org Susan Lasoff & Associates ........................................ 612-872-7520 LEGAL Legal Aid Society of Mpls .................... 612-334-5970 (new clients) .. TTY-612-375-4668 .............. www.midmnlegal.org Minnesota Disability Law Center ......... 612-334-5970 (new clients) ..... TF-800-292-4150 ...................... www.mndlc.org Southern MN Regional Legal Services, Inc (SMRLS) 651-222-5863 . TTY-651-222-5863 .......................... www.smrls.org MENTAL HEALTH Community Involvement Programs (CIP) Broadway 612-362-4400 ........ F-612-362-4476 ....................... www.cipmn.org CIP - Bloomington ................................................. 952-854-4007 ........................................................... www.cipmn.org CIP - Crystal ........................................................... 763-504-1008 ........................................................... www.cipmn.org Courage Center .......................................................... 763-588-0811 .. TTY-763-520-0245 .................... www.courage.org Cristo Vive International ........................................... 763-263-1526 ....................................................... www.cristovive.net Family Institute for Creative Well-Being .................. 651-639-2527 ....................................... www.familyinstitute-cwb.org Howry Residential Services ............................... 651-917-9111x204 ........ F-651-917-1018 .................. www.howryinc.com Lifetrack Resources ................................................... 651-227-8471 .. TTY-651-227-3779 .... www.lifetrackresources.org Mental Health Assoc. of Minnesota ........................... 612-331-6840 ..... TF-800-862-1799 ....... www.mentalhealthmn.org People Incorporated ................................................... 651-774-0011 .. TTY-651-774-6535 .. www.peopleincorporated.org Rise, Inc. ....................................................... V/TTY-763-786-8334 ........ F-763-786-0008 ............................ www.rise.org Tasks Unlimited ......................................................... 612-871-3320 ........ F-612-871-0432 ........... www.tasksunlimited.org

Ellen Houghton

952-404-9981

PHYSICAL THERAPY Courage Center .......................................................... 763-588-0811 .. TTY-763-520-0245 .................... www.courage.org Lifetrack Resources ................................................... 651-227-8471 .. TTY-651-227-3779 .... www.lifetrackresources.org

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January 10, 2008

Dir ector y of Or ganiza tions Director ectory Org anizations Minnesota’s Disability Community Newspaper VOICE LINE

SECOND LINE

E-MAIL/WEB SITE

RECREATION Camp Winnebago ...................................................... 507-724-2351 ............................................ www.campwinnebago.org Courage Center .......................................................... 763-588-0811 .. TTY-763-520-0245 .................... www.courage.org Cristo Vive International ........................................... 763-263-1526 ........................................................ www.cristovive.net Friendship Ventures ................................................... 952-852-0101 ..... TF-800-450-8376 .... www.friendshipventures.org Ventures Travel LLC ................................................. 952-852-0107 ..... TF-866-692-7400 ........... www.venturestravel.org Wilderness Inquiry ..................................................... 612-676-9400 .. TTY-612-676-9475 .... www.wildernessinquiry.org REHABILITATION CENTERS Courage Center .......................................................... 763-588-0811 .. TTY-763-520-0245 .................... www.courage.org Courage Center Burnsville ......................................... 952-898-5700 Courage Center St. Croix ........................................... 651-439-8283 Courage Center Forest Lake ...................................... 651-439-8283 DeafBlind Services MN ............................................. 612-362-8454 .. TTY-612-362-8422 ......................... www.dbsm.org Fairview M.S. Achievement Center ........................... 612-672-2815 ................................................ www.fairview.org/msac Lifetrack Resources ................................................... 651-227-8471 .. TTY-651-227-3779 .... www.lifetrackresources.org Midwest Special Services .......................................... 651-778-1000 .. TTY-651-772-8592 ............. www.mwsservices.org Rehabilitation Centers (MRCI) .......................................................................................................................... www.mrci.org Burnsville ............................................................... 952-894-4680 Carver/Scott ............................................................ 952-445-6811 Chaska .................................................................... 952-448-2234 Fairmont ................................................................. 507-386-5600 .. TTY-800-627-3529 Industrial Operations .............................................. 507-386-5600 Lakeville ................................................................. 952-898-5025 New Ulm ................................................................ 507-233-2700 North Memorial Rehab Services ................................ 763-520-5690 ........ F-763-520-5697 ....... www.northmemorial.com Opportunity Partners .................................................. 952-938-5511 .. TTY-952-930-4293 ............ www.opportunities.org ProAct, Inc. ................................................................ 651-686-0405 ........ F-651-686-0312 ................... www.proactinc.org Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute ......................... 612-863-4466 ........ F-612-863-8942 www.sisterkennyinstitute.com

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A GREA T RESOURCE! GREAT

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

RESIDENTIAL The Cooperating Community Programs— Residential Services (CCP) .............................. 651-917-8322x11 ......................... jrentschler@menwetherventures.com Community Involvement Programs (CIP) Broadway ............................................................... 612-362-4400 ........ F-612-362-4476 ....................... www.cipmn.org CIP - Bloomington ................................................. 952-854-4007 ............................................................ www.cipmn.org CIP - Crystal ........................................................... 763-504-1008 ............................................................ www.cipmn.org The Cooperating Community Programs (CCP) .. 651-917-8322 x11 ........................................................ www.ccpcdcs.com Courage Center .......................................................... 763-588-0811 .. TTY-763-520-0245 .................... www.courage.org Dungarvin Minnesota ................................................. 651-699-6050 .................................................... www.dungarvin.com Howry Residential Services ............................... 651-917-9111x204 ........ F-651-917-1018 .................. www.howryinc.com Fraser ......................................................................... 612-861-1688 .. TTY-800-627-3527 ........................ www.fraser.org In Home Personal Care .............................................. 763-546-1000 ........ F-763-546-1018 www.inhomepersonalcare.com Mary T. Inc ................................................................ 763-754-2505 ........... 888-255-6400 ................... www.marytinc.com Opportunity Partners .................................................. 952-938-5511 . TTY–952-930-4293 ............. www.opportunities.org The Phoenix Residence .............................................. 651-227-7657 .......................................... www.phoenixresidence.org RESTART, Inc. ......................................................... 763-588-7633 .................................................. www.restartincmn.org RESOURCE CENTERS Family Institute for Creative Well-Being .................. 651-639-2527 Center for Inclusive Child Care ................................. 651-603-6265 ..... TF-800-333-4705 .... www.inclusivechildcare.org Disability Linkage Line .......................................... 1-866-333-2466 . www.mcil-mn.org/modules/DLL/DLLFactSheet.pdf Parents as Teachers/MELD ....................................... 612-332-7563 ........ F-612-455-2058 .. www.ParentsasTeachers.org United Cerebral Palsy (MN) ...................................... 651-646-7588 ............................................... ucpmn@cpinternet.com

UPCOMING EVENTS 2008 Legislative Forum Tuesday, January 15, 2008 - 1:30 to 3:30 PM

Come Hear About:

SERVICE DOGS Hearing & Service Dogs of Minnesota ...................... 612-729-5986 .. TTY-612-729-5914 ......................... www.hsdm.org Helping Paws, Inc. ..................................................... 952-988-9359 .................................................. www.helpingpaws.org

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Legislative Commission to End Poverty by 2020

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Health and Human Services Disability working group - Rep. Shelley Madore (Dist. 37A)

SOCIAL SERVICES The Cooperating Community Programs (CCP) ......... 651-641-0041 Metro Work Center, Inc. ............................................ 612-729-7381 ........ F-612-729-7382 .......................... www.mwc.org Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) 651-646-8342 .. TTY-651-603-2001 .................... www.mcil-mn.org

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State Budget Update - Anne Henry, Disability Law Center

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Transportation Issues - Senator Scott Dibble (Dist. 60)

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Updates from the CAN-DO Project

TECHNOLOGY Assistive Technology of Minnesota (ATMn*) .......... 763-479-8239 ..... TF-866-535-8239 ......................... www.atmn.org Courage Center .......................................................... 763-588-0811 .. TTY-763-520-0245 ..................... www.courage.org Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare .................... 651-291-2848 ..... TF-800-719-4040 ....... www.gillettechildrens.org PACER Center, Inc. ................................................... 952-838-9000 .. TTY-952-838-0190 ........................ www.pacer.org

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Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MnCCD) will speak on statewide disability issues

TRANSPORTATION IMED Mobility .......................................................... 651-635-0655 ..... TF-800-788-7479 ........ www.IMEDmobility.com Wheelchair Getaways of MN, Inc. ............................ 888-256-5807 ........ F-320-685-5346 www.wheelchairgetaways.com U OF M AFFILIATED PROGRAMS Institute on Community Integration ........................... 612-624-6300 ........ F-612-624-9344 ..................... http://ici.umn.edu VISION IMPAIRMENT BLIND, Inc. ............................................................... 612-872-0100 ..... TF-800-597-9558 ..................... www.blindinc.org Cristo Vive International ........................................... 763-263-1526 ........................................................ www.cristovive.net DeafBlind Services MN ............................................. 612-362-8454 .. TTY-612-362-8422 ......................... www.dbsm.org Vision Loss Resources ............................................... 612-871-2222 ........ F-612-872-0189 ... www.visionlossresources.org Directory of Organizations - cont. on next page

Target Marketing At Its Finest!

Advertise in Access Press and reach thousands in the disability community every month. Call Access Press at 651-644-2133

______________________________

Town Hall Meeting on Health Care Monday, February 4, 2008 – 1:30 to 3:30 PM x

Senator Linda Berglin (Dist. 61) and Representative Thomas Huntley (Dist. 07A) will present and update on the HealthCare Access Commission

x

Recommendations

x

Discussion on State’s changes in managed care program

Both events are available via videoconferencing and web streaming, and will be closed captioned Register by contacting the Minnesota State Council on Disability or for more information, visit our website at

www.disability.state.mn.us Reasonable accommodation requests should be made during registration. council.disability@state.mn.us 121 East 7th Place Suite 107, St. Paul, MN 55101 651-361-7800 V/TTY or 1-800-945-8913 V/TTY

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January 10, 2008

Dir ector y of Or ganiza tions Director ectory Org anizations www.accesspress.org VOICE LINE SECOND LINE E-MAIL/WEB SITE VISUAL/PERFORMING ARTS Upstream Arts ............................................................ 612-331-4584 ........ F-480-393-5587 ............. www.upstreamarts.org VSA arts of MN ............................................ V/TTY-612-332-3888 ........ F-612-305-0132 .................. www.vsaartsmn.org VOCATIONAL The Cooperating Community Programs (CCP) ....... 651-917-8322 x11 ......................................................... www.ccpcdcs.com Community Connections Partnership .............. 763-540-6833 x 302 .............................................. marya@comconpar.com Courage Center .......................................................... 763-588-0811 .. TTY-763-520-0245 .................... www.courage.org Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota .............................. 651-379-5800 ........ F-651-379-5803 ... www.goodwilleasterseals.org Kaposia inc ................................................... V/TTY-651-224-6974 ........ F-651-379-5803 .................... www.kaposia.com Lifeworks Services ............................................... TF-866-454-2732 .. TTY-651-365-3736 ................... www.lifeworks.org Merrick, Inc. .............................................................. 651-789-6200 ................................................... www.merrickinc.com Metro Work Center, Inc. ............................................ 612-729-7381 ........ F-612-729-7382 .......................... www.mwc.org Midway Training Services ......................................... 651-641-0709 .. TTY-651-641-0976 ........ www.midwaytraining.org Midwest Special Services .......................................... 651-778-1000 .. TTY-651-772-8592 ............. www.mwsservices.org MN Resource Center ................................................. 612-752-8102 .. TTY-612-752-8019 .................... www.mrc-mn.org MN Work Incentives Connection .............................. 651-632-5113 .. TTY-651-632-5110 .. www.mnworkincentives.com Opportunity Partners .................................................. 952-938-5511 . TTY–952-930-4293 ............ www.opportunities.org Rise, Inc. ....................................................... V/TTY-763-786-8334 ........ F-763-786-0008 ............................. www.rise.org TSE, Inc. .................................................................... 651-489-2595 ........ F-651-489-0410 ....................... www.tse-inc.org Vinland National Center ............................... V/TTY-763-479-3555 ........ F-763-479-2605 ........... www.vinlandcenter.org

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11

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.

36 Views Feb. 8 - 23 Walking Shadow Theatre Co. at Red Eye Theater, 15 W 14th St., Mpls. ASL/AD: Fri., Feb. 15, 7:30 pm, Tix: Reduced to $7, Phone: 612-375-0300, www.walkingshadowcompany.org/ After Ashley Feb. 8 - 23 20% Theatre Co Twin Cities at Bedlam Theatre, 1501 S. 6th St., Mpls. ASL: Sun., Feb. 17, 2:00 pm, Tix: ASL patrons $10 Phone: 612-341-1038 (resv ASL by Feb. 15), E-mail: info @tctwentypercent.org Web: www.bedlamtheatre.org or www.tctwentypercent.org Almost to Freedom Feb. 8 - Mar. 2 SteppingStone Theatre, 55 Victoria St. N., St. Paul. AD: Fri., Feb. 15, 7:00 pm, ASL: Sun., Feb. 17, 2:00 pm, Tix: $11, student/sr $9, Phone: 651-225-9265 Web: www. steppingstonetheatre.org Blue Door Jan. 17 - 27 Emigrant Theater at Dowling Studio, Guthrie Theater, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. ASL/AD: Fri., Jan. 25, 7:30 pm, Tix: $18-34, Phone: 612-377-2224, TTY: 612-377-6626, Web: www.emigranttheater.org or www.guthrietheater.org/visit/ the_building/access_services Bud, Not Buddy Jan. 15 - Feb. 16 Children’s Theatre Co.,

Mainstage, 2400 - 3rd Ave. S., Mpls. AD/ASL: Fri., Feb. 8, 7:30 pm; student matinees upon Req, Tix: Mention VSA Offer for $13 tixs; $20 reg disc, Phone: 612-874-0400, www.childrenstheatre.org Dancing with the Divine: Arts of India, Tibet, SE Asia Feb. 3 Mpls. Institute of Arts, 2400 3rd Ave. S. ASL: Sun., Feb. 3, 1:00 pm at Info Desk, Tix: 612-870-3131, TTY: 612870-3132, E-mail: dhegstrom @artsmia.org Web: www.arts mia.org The Fantasticks Jan. 25 - Feb. 23 Blmgtn Civic Theatre at Blmgtn Ctr for the Arts Schneider Theater, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd. ASL: Sat., Feb. 9, 7:30 pm, AD: Fri., Feb. 15, 7:30 pm, Tix: Reduced to $18, Phone: 952-563-8575 (Req ASL service 7 days before show; with online Reqs, indicate seating need in “Order Comments” section; no ASL if no Reqs are made), www. bloomingtoncivictheatre.org Fuddy Meers Jan. 18 - Feb. 3 Rochester Civic Theatre, 20 Civic Ctr Dr SE. ASL: Sat., Jan. 26, 8:00 pm, Tix: $17, $14 sr (65+), $12 student (25 & under), Phone: 507-2828481, www.rochestercivic theatre.org

Jan. sampling of Radio Talking Book •4:00 a.m. Chautauqua– Adult education and culture for the whole community •9:00 a.m. Past is Prologue– Readings of historical nonfiction •11:00 a.m. Bookworm– Novels and nonfiction books for daytime reading. This month: Here If You Need Me, Nonfiction by Kate Braestrup, 2007. In despair after her husband’s death, Kate pursued his dream and became a minister. As a chaplain, she found her own faith and happiness. Read by Carol Lewis. 6 broadcasts. Begins January 15.

•2:00 p.m. Potpourri– A wide variety of books, both fiction and nonfiction, for afternoon reading •4:00 p.m. Choice Reading– Critically acclaimed books on a wide variety of subjects •5:00 p.m. Commentary– The latest issues of national news magazines •6:00 p.m. Evening Newspapers– Live broadcast of NY Times •7:55 p.m. Radio Talking Book schedule for the rest of the broadcast day •8:00 p.m. PM Report– Books discussing critical, contemporary and controversial issues •9:00 p.m. Night Journey– Books of intrigue and suspense •10:00 p.m. Off the Shelf– Mostly best sellers. This month: Then We Came to the End, Fiction by Joshua Ferris, 2007.

Business is bad for this ad agency, but everyone pretends there is work. Meanwhile, tempers flare, furniture disappears, and employees get paranoid. V,L- Read by Dan Sadoff. 15 broadcasts. Begins January 15.

•12:00 a.m. Good Night Owl– A wide-ranging assort. of bks •1:00 a.m. After Midnight– Adventures of the heart and body *Abbreviations: L- Language

Henry V Feb. 8 - Mar. 2 Theatre in the Round, 245 Cedar Ave., Mpls. AD: Sun., Feb. 17, 2:00 pm, Tix: $20, sr/ student disc, Phone: 612-3333010, www.theatreinthe round.org Into the Woods, Junior Feb. 8 - 17 Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre, 333 4th St. S., Fargo.

AD: Sat., Feb. 9, 7:30 pm, ASL: Req in adv, Tix: $1250, $10 sr 65+, $7.50 student, Phone: 701-235-6778, 877687-7469, www.fmct.org Martha, Josie, and the Chinese Elvis Jan. 4 - 27 Theatre in the Round, 245 Cedar Ave., Mpls. AD: Sun., Jan. 27, 2:00 pm Tix: $20, sr/ student disc, Phone: 612-3333010, www.theatreinthe round.org

Mpls. AD: Sat., Feb. 2, 1:00 pm; Fri., Feb. 8, 7:30 pm, ASL: Fri., Feb. 15, 7:30 pm; Thurs., Feb. 21, 7:30 pm, Tix: $18 (reg. $27-$57), Phone: 612377-2224, TTY: 612-3776626, Web: www.guthrie theater.org/visit/the_build ing/access_services The Poetry of Pizza Jan. 18 - Feb. 10 Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 S. 4th St., Mpls. AD/ASL/Captioning: Fri., Jan. 25, 7:30 pm, Tix: Access tixs $12, Phone: 612-338-6131, E-mail: boxoffice@mixedblood.com Web: www.mixedblood.com

Romeo and Juliet Jan. 26 - Feb. 3 MN Opera Co. at Ordway Ctr for Performing Arts, 345 Washington St., St. Paul. Sung in French w/English captions projected, AD: Sun., Feb. 3, 2:00 pm; pre-opera discussion 1:00 pm, Tix: Reduced to halfprice for AD patrons, Phone: The Meeting Jan. 21 - Feb. 9 612-333-6669, TTY: 612History Theatre, 30 E. 10th St., 729-6023, Web: www.mn St. Paul. AD/ASL: Mon., Jan. operaorg 21, 7:30 pm, Tix: Reduced to Sweeney Todd $15, Phone: 651-292-4323, Feb. 5 - 10 www.historytheatre.com Historic State Theatre, 805 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls. ASL: The Mitten Jan. 18 - Feb. 18 Stages Theatre Co. at Hopkins Ctr for the Arts, 1111 MainSt. ASL: Sun., Feb. 3, 2:00 pm, Wed., Feb. 6, 10:00 am, AD: upon Req, Tix: $15, $11 child (2-17) & sr (60+) plus $150 service fee per tix for phone/ web orders, Phone: 952-9791111, www.stagestheatre.org The Odd Couple Jan. 10 - 27 Tin Roof Theatre Co. at Main Ave Theatre, 716 Main Ave., Fargo, ND. AD: Sat., Jan. 12, 7:30 pm, Tix: Reduced to $8, Phone: 701-306-5843, www. tinrooftheatre.org On Golden Pond Feb. 8 - 24 Bloomington Art Ctr Gallery Theater at Bloomington Civic Plaza Black Box Theater, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd. AD/ ASL: Sun., Feb. 24, 2:00 pm, Tix: $17, $14 sr/student, Phone: 952-563-8575, Web: www.bloomingtonartCtr.com

RTB books available through Faribault

Over the River and Through the Woods Jan. 11 - 27 Lyric Arts Co. at Lyric Arts Main St Stage, 420 E. Main St., Anoka. ASL: Sat., Jan. 12, 7:30 pm if a req is made at least one wk in adv Tix: $14, $12 students/srs, $16 box seats, Phone: 763-422-1838 Web: www.lyricarts.org

All books broadcast on the MN Radio Talking Book Network are available through the MN Braille & Talking Book Library in Faribault. Their phone is 800-722-0550 and hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Their catalog is also online at www.klas.com/mnbph

Peer Gynt Jan. 12 - Mar. 2 Guthrie Theater, Wurtele Thrust Stage, 818 - 2nd St. S.,

Sun., Feb. 10, 1:00 pm, Tix: $27-67, AD: if req in adv, Phone: 612-373-5639 or 5609, Hotline: 612-373-5650, TTY: 612-373-5655, E-mail: acces sible@orpheum.com Web: www.hennepintheatredistrict. org/guestservices/aslad/ The Syringa Tree Feb. 1 - Mar. 9 Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls. AD: Thurs., Feb. 21, 7:30 pm, Tix: $10 (reg. $26-36), Phone: 612-8227063, E-mail: boxoffice@ jungletheater.com Web: www.jungletheater.com Tuck Everlasting Jan. 23 - Feb. 10 Youth Performance Co. at Howard Conn Fine Arts Ctr, 1900 Nicollet Ave., Mpls. AD/ASL: Sun., Feb. 3, 2:00 pm, Tix: ½ price; reg. $10, student 14 & under/sr $8; adv reserv. req for AD, Phone: 612-623-9080, www.youthperformanceco.com Uncommon Light: Brahms and the Beauty of Shadow Jan. 25 - 26 One Voice Mixed Chorus with Central HS Concert Choir & conductor Dr. Vance George at Central Presbyterian Church, 500 Cedar St., St.

Paul. AD/ASL: Sun., Jan. 26, 7:30 pm, Tix: $18 (reg. $1825), Phone: 651-298-1954, www.ovmc.org

The Walleye Kid: The Musical Jan. 18 - Feb. 3 Mu Performing Arts at Ordway Ctr for the Performing Arts McKnight Theatre, 345 Washington, St. Paul. AD: Sat., Jan. 26, 8:00 pm, ASL: Sat., Feb. 2, 8:00 pm, Tix: $25, $23 college/sr, $20 grps, $16 age 17 & under, Phone: 651-2244222, TTY: 651-282-3100 Web: www.ordway.org/services/access.asp or www. muperformingarts.org Warm Beer Cold Women Feb. 1 - 17 Guthrie Theater, Dowling Studio, 818 - 2nd St. S., Mpls. ASL & AD: Sat., Feb. 16, 7:30 pm, Tix: $18 (reg. $18-34), Phone: 612377-2224, TTY: 612-377-6626, www.guthrietheater.org/visit/ the_building/access_services Well Jan. 18 - Feb. 10 Park Square Theatre, 408 St Peter St., St. Paul. AD/ASL: Sat., Feb. 2, 7:30 pm, Tix: ½price, Phone: 651-291-7005, www.parksquaretheatre.org

12

January 10, 2008

January 10, 2008

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14

January 10, 2008

Move -

Cont. from p. 1

will not be able to move back The author is on staff at MCIL and can be reached at 651to the community. ■ 603-2026 or annr@mcilmn.org.

Get involved!

Tell CMS how you feel It’s not too late to reject these rule changes. People need more time than 60 days—or 14—to get out of nursing homes.

These “interim final rules” were made public on December 4, 2007. The time for public comment will end February 4, 2008. The interim final rule will become permanent on March 3, 2008, unless the Department of Health and Human Services receives a large number of comments from the public.

Comments can be posted at: www.cms.hhs.gov/eRulemaking, or sent by regular mail address to: Secretary Michael O. Leavitt Department of Health and Human Services Attention CMS -2237 -IFC. P.O. Box 8016 Baltimore, MD 21244-8016 Correspondence should include: “Attention CMS -2237 IFC.”

ADAPT -

Cont. from p. 3

Each prong of the pitchfork is made more powerful by all of the other prongs working together.

Why do we need ADAPT when we have so many other disability organizations?

While many disability advocacy groups are very good at using legal, political, systems or media strategies very few include direct action. ADAPT is able to demonstrate the power of our community through nonviolent direct action in a way that few other groups can.

power of ADAPT behind you, you quickly learn that those people who are denying our rights have much more to fear than we do.

Will I get arrested if I join ADAPT? You won’t get arrested for coming to an ADAPT meeting. Sometimes ADAPT chooses to engage in civil disobedience that can result in arrest, particularly in actions at the national level. In all cases, each individual is free to make their own choice about what level of civil disobedience they engage in and whether or not they are willing What is direct action?

Nonviolent direct action can and/or able to risk arrest. take many forms. Sometimes direct actions include some Do I have to pay dues to join level of civil disobedience, but ADAPT? not always. Examples of di- ADAPT does not collect rect action include sit-ins, money dues but members do street theater, marches and pay dues of time and energy. demonstrations. Direct action ADAPT chapters raise money works best when used as part through grassroots fundraising such as selling items made by of a multi-prong strategy. members or taking advantage Why use direct action? Isn’t of other local fundraising opportunities. negotiation a better path?

Martin Luther King Jr. addressed this very question in What’s in it for me? his “Letter from Birmingham There are lots of things you, as Jail:” You are quite right in an individual, will get out of calling for negotiation. In- being involved in ADAPT but deed, this is the very purpose most of all you will come to of direct action. Nonviolent understand that ADAPT is not direct action seeks to create about “you” or “me” but about such a crisis and foster such a US. What we will get out of tension that a community ADAPT is a stronger commuwhich has constantly refused nity, a sense of our own power, to negotiate is forced to con- and the rights we deserve. front the issue. It seeks so to dramatize the issue that it can How can I get involved with ADAPT Twin Cities? no longer be ignored.

ADAPT Twin Cities is just in Is ADAPT scary and radical? the process of being formed.

Demanding our rights is no To express your interest, emore radical than voting. It is mail adapttc@gmail.com or an essential part of what makes call Galen at 651-792-6395. our democracy function. It can We’re planning a three-day feel scary to fight for your ADAPT training soon, so stay rights when you’re all alone tuned for more details! ■ but when you have the people

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University of Minnesota — Director of Disability Services The Office of the Vice President and Vice Provost for Equity and Diversity at the University of Minnesota is seeking a highly qualified, motivated and creative leader for its Disability Services office. Considered to be one of the nation’s leaders in providing progressive services to people with disabilities, the Disability Services office is a catalyst for ensuring equal learning and working opportunities for students, faculty, staff and guests with disabilities. The office is within an organizational structure that provides exciting opportunities for collaboration with units with consistent and complementary missions as well as opportunities to work with academic and administrative units on all campuses throughout the U of M system. More information about the position and the application process can be found at https://employment.umn.edu/ The requisition number is: 152702. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

TBI -

News at a glance -

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.

Cont. from p. 1

screenings in the fall of 2006; the results were astounding.

82% of 998 male inmates were reported to have TBI. These rates were consistent with findings from studies done in New Zealand (86%), U.S. county jails (87%) and the U.S. Bureau of Prisons (88%). In the summer of 2007, 100 female inmates were screened with 96 percent reporting a TBI. A screening of fifty juvenile males at the Red Wing facility resulted in 98% reporting a TBI. One of the goals of the TBI in Correctional Facilities project is a re-evaluation of the intervention strategies used in situations involving prisoners with TBI. By identifying offenders with TBI like Lisa at the time of entering the corrections system, the potential for recidivism is decreased. Offenders with an understanding of their disability and the services available to them may develop a sense of self-determination that makes the possibility of returning to past behaviors that much smaller. Corrections staff equipped with the training and resources needed to work with individuals with TBI will be able to develop intervention strategies and systems that decrease the potential for infractions among the prison population.

The TBI in Minnesota Correctional Facilities project is using its findings to supplement the already effective systems the Department of Corrections and Department of Human Services have for working with offenders who have serious and persistent mental illness. The project’s developers, headed by the Interagency Leadership Council, include the Department of Human Services, Minnesota Department of Health, Department of Education, Department of Employment and Eco-

nomic Development/Vocational Rehabilitation, Disability Law Center, Department of Corrections and the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota.

As part of this grant, these departments have been collaborating to develop educational programs for correctional staff and presentations for correctional administrators. So far, the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota’s educational service has conducted thirty trainings.

Cont.

from p. 5 Headwaters will be hosting a community gathering on January 17th at the Neighborhood House, 179 East Robie Street, Room 212, in St. Paul from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. All former Walk participants are invited to attend. Headwaters staff will report findings and explore various avenues that would more effectively accomplish the Walk’s goals. A group discussion will follow the presentation. [Source: Headwaters Foundation for Justice]

AT&T expands wireless offerings for customers with disabilities

AT&T Inc. announced recently that they are planning on launching two new applications that will increase usability for wireless customers who are blind or have low vision. AT&T is Lisa faces an upcoming re- partnering with Code Factory to offer Mobile Speak and lease this month. Previous at- Mobile Magnifier, both for Windows Mobile and Symbian tempts at a work release pro- Series 60 operating system devices. gram proved problematic as she was forced to return to “At AT&T, using technology to increase mobile accessibility prison after less than a month. for all individuals is a priority,” said Carlton Hill, vice presiLisa cites her brain injury as a dent of Product Management for AT&T’s wireless unit. “We reason she finds it difficult to work closely with organizations that are committed to serving hold a job. “I can’t even tell seniors or people with disabilities to help us better understand why I left some really good the unique needs of our customers. AT&T is excited to make it easier for all individuals to enjoy a digital lifestyle when they’re jobs,” she says. on the go.”

With her husband now in jail, no home and her family hav- Mobile Speak is a powerful, full-fledged screen reader with an ing cut ties, Lisa faces a diffi- easy-to-learn command structure, intuitive speech feedback in cult road. Housing is hard to several languages and Braille support, which can be used with come by for an ex-offender, or without speech. Unlike other screen readers for mobile and memory and impulsivity phones, Mobile Speak automatically detects information that issues only exacerbate the the blind user should know, just as a user with sight would easily problem. But, she has a goal. find highlighted items or key areas of the screen at a glance.

Supported applications and functions include: speed dial, call “I want to get my kids back,” lists and contacts; text messaging; an internet browser; and she says, referring to her four Word, Excel and PowerPoint. children who are currently in foster care. “I have business Mobile Speak is also offered with a choice of three Text-Toskills. I’d like to go back to Speech engines, Fonix, Acapela or Loquendo, allowing the phone to speak English, Spanish or both. school. Get a degree.”

One of the first contacts Lisa will have on release is the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota. Her assigned resource facilitator will help her identify the services and programs in her area to achieve her goals.

She also wishes to increase her understanding of her brain injuries by participating in the association’s classes. ■

The second device Mobile Magnifier is a flexible, full-screen magnification application that supports low- and high-resolution screens and can be used with or without speech feedback.

Magnification software is compatible with a wide range of mobile devices. Unique features include: magnification levels from 1.25x to 16x; font-smoothing for easier readability; and automatic panning and cursor-tracking.

Mobile Speak and Mobile Magnifier are each available for a one-time charge of $89, which is billed directly to the customer’s credit card. For more information about wireless product or service offerings for those with disabilities, visit http:// The author is on staff at the www.wireless.att.com/about/disability-resources/mobileBrain Injury Association of speak-magnifier.jsp.

[Source: AT&T] ■ Minnesota.

January 10, 2008

15

FAQ@DLL

Special Needs Basic Care New coordinated care option for people with disabilities by the Disability Linkage Line Staff What is this Special Needs Basic Care?

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has developed a NEW managed care option for people with disabilities ages 18-64 called Special Needs Basic Care (SNBC). This new option integrates Medicare and Medical Assistance (MA) primary and acute services. It will also include Medicare- and MAcovered prescription drugs, MA-covered over-the-counter medications, and most MA mental health services.

SNBC will NOT include major long-term care services such as home-care waivers, county case management and

includes office visits, eyePersonal Care Assistance • be certified disabled by the Social Security Administraglasses and Medical assis(PCA). These services will tance drugs. –Medicare Part remain covered under fee-fortion, State Medical Review D copays will remain. service.

Team; or be receiving DD • All plans provide care coorwaivered services dination, case management DHS has contracted with seven • live in a county that is part of or navigation assistance.

Minnesota-based nonprofit the SNBC service area • All plans provide access to health plans to provide SNBC primary and preventive care, services in 83 counties, begin- If I enroll what are the benas well as direct access to ning this month. Most coun- efits? specialty care. ties have more than one plan • You will need only ONE card to get services for both MA • Some plans also provide adoption to choose from. and Medicare, including preditional benefits such as enscription drugs. hanced dental care, fitness Who qualifies and • MA co-pays are waived. This programs, transportation, do I have to join?

All enrollment is VOLUNTARY: people can enroll and disenroll monthly. To qualify you must: • be 18 to 64 years old • receive MA, with or without Medicare

Book Review

The Dog Says How book by Kevin Kling; reviewed by Jon Skaalen

L

istening to Minnesota humorist Kevin Kling tell a story is pure pleasure. Whether we hear him on National Public Radio or as a keynote speaker, we smile at a masterfully-told tale that takes a whimsical, capricious or increasingly wise twist on reality. He observes, he reflects, he connects different elements of his experiences growing up, traveling around the world, recovering from his motorcycle accident, conversing with characters of every flavor. He shares his own wry take on “that’s different” (Minnesotan for “what are you thinking?”).

He introduces “the moments one feels the tingle that he is about to do something he ought to know better than, perhaps requiring stitches.” He assures us that “everything has its reason even though I’m not sure on which side of calamity the reason sits.”

The Dog Says How collects 29 of Kling’s stories. Their comic timing on the printed page may make you think he’s in the room with you, spontaneously reenacting them. I feel I have heard some of his scenarios (e.g., his wiener dog, his childhood friend who ran like a girl, Dick the Tird, and others) in different configurations before. Perhaps that is just because the stories play with the reader’s memory as they play with his own memory, and each emergence is fresh – the mark of an exceptional storyteller.

As Kling says, “Often when I ask memory to serve me, it doesn’t always bring what I ordered. But luckily I’m from Minnesota so I figure it’s probably what I really wanted anyway.”

Kling's book is a collection of 29 stories.

Perhaps folks with connections to disabilities gravitate naturally toward Kling’s perspectives on “dis” and the realm of stories that flow between people in order to help each other cope. Or maybe it’s his ability to make us “feel at home among fellow fools. In these days where the news has become entertainment and entertainment, news, we get the truth where we can find it. A story, or a place of solace.”

Here, in 29 different stories, we feel and are consoled by the truth and our own humanity. What a wonderful gift!

Published by Borealis Books, an imprint division of Minnesota Historical Society Press www.borealisbooks.org or www.kevinkling.com. $22.95, cloth, ISBN 0-87351-582-X 224 pp. Phone: 1-800-6212736 P.S. By the way, Kevin Kling and Nancy Donoval (who has chemical sensitivity disabilities) are presenting a “Theatre Storytelling and Solo Performance” class during the Winter/Spring 2008 semester at the University of Minnesota. http:/ /onestop2.umn.edu/ courseinfo/. ■

and extra eyeglasses or wheelchair seat cushions.

• You can stay with the same agency and case manager for your community-based services, residential home or personal care. These services are not affected if you join this program.

tance about the SNBC options in their service area later in January. Plans may differ in their care coordination models, provider networks, Part D formularies and additional benefits provided. You will want to make sure the providers and prescriptions you need are covered. For additional How do I learn more? information and help weighBoth DHS and contracted ing your choices, contact the health plans will be sending Disability Linkage Line at 1information to all people with 866-333-2466. ■ disabilities on Medical Assis-

16

January 10, 2008

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