February 2008 Edition - Access Press by Access Press

www.accesspress.org History Note

Inside

“It does make a difference what you call things. ”

■ War atrocities—p. 3 ■ Feigal on giving—p. 5 ■ Theater review (new column)—p. 12

— Kate Douglas Wiggin Page 2 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Mpls. MN Permit No. 4766

Volume 19, Number 2

Minnesota’s Disability

Community Newspaper

February 10, 2008

Mellenthin to head Arc of Minnesota New executive director begins work this month by Mike Gude

Pat Mellenthin

at Mellenthin of Marshall, Minnesota has been selected as the new executive director of The Arc of Minnesota. Mellenthin, who officially began her work with the agency last week, comes to the statewide group from The Arc of Minnesota Southwest, where she has served since 2002 as both development director and later executive director. There she helped bring about the successful merger of several local

chapters into The Arc of MN Southwest, expanded the chapter’s programming, and increased the chapter’s fundraising base. She also worked with The Arc of Minnesota as manager of its statewide Civic Engagement Program, helping local affiliated chapters of The Arc develop their skills and knowledge in advocating for public policies that benefit persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

“I am excited to start this position at The Arc of Minnesota,” Mellenthin said. “I strongly believe in its mission, and I have been pleased to have been part of the work of The Arc at the local and state level over the past five years. I look forward to working with local chapters and Arc members as we work for a brighter, more inclusive future for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.”

Mellenthin assumes the executive director position from Steve Larson, who has served in that capacity since October 2002. Larson informed The Arc of Minnesota Board last October that he would like to focus his energies with the agency on public policies affecting persons with developmental disabilities and their families. He will now become the agency’s director of public policy.

The Arc of Minnesota is a statewide, nonprofit organization that supports and advocates for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and their families as they choose how they live, learn, work, and play in their communities. The Arc of Minnesota has 5,000 members and supporters and 13 affiliated chapters across Minnesota. ■

Plenty of work to do MN-CCD coalition maps the road ahead of the 2008 legislative session by Christian Knights

ifty-four million Americans – roughly 1 in 6 – personally experience some form of disability. Yet, seventeen years after Congress enacted the Americans with Disabilities Act, people with disabilities still do not have an equal opportunity to fulfill the key tenet that America was built upon—independence.

2008 legislative session begins this week. One of the key groups leading the drive for change is the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD), a unique coalition of more than 100 organizations founded in the mid-90s. It includes providers, advocates and support organizations all dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities. Co-chaired by Joel Ulland from the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter and Steve Larson from Arc Minnesota, MN-CCD supports policies that provide the most cost-effective delivery of services and helps individuals with disabilities maintain their health and gain independence in their daily living. Many of CCD’s accomplishments have come through collaborating, advocating, educating, influencing change and creating awareness for understanding. Since its founding, this ‘together we’re stronger’ approach has been vital to rolling back barriers in Minnesota.

Real economic barriers still exist. In 2006, people with disabilities were almost three times more likely to live below the poverty line than those without disabilities. The average annual household income for individuals without disabilities was $65,400 in 2006, while the average for people with disabilities was $36,300. In addition, the employment rate for people with disabilities in 2006 was at least forty percent lower than the employment rate of working-age individuals without disabilities. These dismal statistics offer evidence of severe shortcomings in efforts to break down the barriers that exclude people with disabilities and deprive So, what is in store for us all in them of opportunities. 2008? The November 2007 state economic forecast preWith that in mind, there is dicted a general fund deficit of plenty of work to do as the $373 million. This deficit

comes at a time when the legislature is tackling important issues such as transportation and balancing predictions of very tight funding for disability services and needs. Despite these barriers, the disability community has three high profile legislative priorities: universal health care coverage, transportation, and a caregiver tax credit. Health care Health care is high on the radar screen of everyone in 2008. Last spring, the legislature convened the Health Care Access Commission, a group of legislators as well as private sector experts in health care. Their charge was to make recommendations on how to achieve universal health coverage in Minnesota. The commission had subgroups such as the Bridging the Continuum group which focused on many issues specific to disability, and investigated ways to bridge all sectors of health to create a seamless health delivery system. The group also recommended ideas such as a medical home, which focuses on patient-centered, physicianguided, cost-efficient lifelong care. It is yet unclear if the commission’s findings will be

adopted, but dialogue is taking place, and the urgency for reform is palpable. The need for change has never been greater. Transportation In the wake of the I-35W bridge, much of the ‘08 legislative session will likely be devoted to transportation. For people with disabilities, access to transit affects employment, education and even health care. Therefore, the MN-CCD is again pursuing an aggressive transportation agenda. Change is long overdue: there are currently seven counties without any public transit, and District Three, covering central Minnesota, will meet only 19.4 percent of ridership needs by 2010 if current levels are maintained. Last year the MN-CCD launched its ‘14 by 2010’ bill which calls for all 87 counties in Minnesota having a minimum of 14 hours of transportation service per day by the year 2010. Unfortunately, the parties could not pass a transportation bill and the MNCCD bill died. This year the MN-CCD will take a different approach to improve transportation—using the existing

Rep. Paul Thissen speaking about a tax credit for caregivers at Mount Olivet adult day services in Richfield. 2001 Department of Transportation Greater Minnesota Public Transportation plan as their vehicle. The DOT plan calls for 80 percent by 2010—so we have plenty of work ahead. Essentially, the MN-CCD bill will ask the legislature to fund its own transportation plan.

the nation an estimated $196 billion; a figure that dwarfs national expenditure for home health care ($32 billion) and nursing home care ($83 billion). When caregivers are unable to provide the care needed because the other components of life’s resources are no longer accessible, many are forced to make the decision to move a family member or friend to a nursing home. The caregiver tax credit seeks a $100 maximum monthly tax credit for those requiring a level of formal or informal care that meets state PCA standards.

Caregiver tax credit The final big initiative the MNCCD is seeking is a caregiver tax credit. The simple fact is that the most cost-effective and many times most desirable way to provide needed care to older Minnesotans and those with disabilities is through informal caregivers—primarily family members. Eighty to Take action ninety-five percent of all long- This should be an interesting term care services are provided year in Minnesota politics. Of by informal caregivers, saving CCD - cont. on p. 10

February 10, 2008

y the time you read this, we will know the results of the Minnesota state caucuses. I hope you all attended and enjoyed the grassroots style of politics that the caucus offers us, and, that your candidate won. Most of all, I hope that the candidate who did win our delegates and our votes will follow through on all their campaign pledges. Let’s hold them to their words. If after the election, the candidates do not follow through on their word, let’s write them and remind them of what they promised all of us.

Tim Benjamin,

In the Saturday, February 2, 2008, edition of the Saint Paul Pioneer Press, there was an article discussing what’s going on at the capital concerning health care issues, and describing the work of a group that Christian Knights talks about in his front page article

Editor

in this issue, “Plenty of Work to Do.” Representative Huntley (DFL from Duluth), cochair of the legislative commission on health care access, seems to think that Minnesota is about to make health care history. Rep. Huntley said, “I think we’re making dramatic steps towards changing...our sick care system into a health care system.” Governor Pawlenty has appointed another group to make recommendations on health care reform, and it sounds like both groups are on the same track. Senator Berglund (DFL from Minneapolis), said there is momentum on health care reform right now that will not last forever. She is suggesting, I believe, that it’s not going to be an easy task, but the time is right for real reform. On the other hand, Senator John Marty (DFL from Roseville), has said the recommendations to the gover-

nor from his commission didn’t go far enough. So it is possible that legislators are going to butt heads—and we all know what that means: little or nothing will happen. So, If Sen. Berglund is right, maybe there will be some real reform. I hope she’s right, and she is right far more often than many. It’s awfully worrisome when the first thing you hear on a Monday morning is that President Bush’s budget has been released and that he’s cut Medicare and Medicaid by $200 billion. Senator Berglund talks about momentum; this news sure seems to take the momentum out of any kind of health care reform. It’s hard to imagine any way to make President Bush’s ’09 budget work other than by slashing programs. It is, by the way, the largest federal budget ever. I think it’s time for a new presi-

dent who is truly dedicated to an agenda of fiscal responsibility—and not at the cost of the middle class or working poor. Tax credits for the services that the middle class and working poor use certainly would be a good start. Also, putting money into the pockets of the middle class and working poor, with jobs, is another good way to get the economy back on the right track. That is why the Direct Support Professionals Fairness and Security Act (H.R. 1279) is so important. I employ these professionals, and there are not many of them that I know who own stocks or have much in savings accounts. These, too, are some of the people that need public transportation, and ultimately support public transportation with their purchasing power. These are also often, like many of us, people who cannot afford preventive

health care, and end up in emergency rooms costing two or three times what preventive care would have cost. Finally, let’s work for a president and senator who will stop the war. It hasn’t stopped terrorism, and it’s now killed more Americans than 9/11 did. It’s also added more than 150,000 people with disabilities to the population. If the amputations, brain injuries, psychological trauma, blindness, and spinal cord injuries had been caused by Osama bin Laden, we’d be traumatized as a society. Instead, we’re leaving thousands of men and women soldiers to be traumatized by a unwanted—and obscenely expensive—war. Let’s give peace a chance. ■

History Note

Stamps buy state hospital bus by Luther Granquist

n September 1964, the bus used by Cambridge State School and Hospital to transport residents broke down after 900,000 miles. The bus was unsafe to take residents to Twins games, Como Park, or the circus and was too costly to repair. The legislature had not appropriated money to buy or lease a replacement.

Still living in institutions Which states still have institutions housing people with developmental disabilities? States without institutions: • Alaska • District of Columbia • Hawaii • Indiana • Maine

• • • • •

New Hampshire New Mexico Rhode Island Vermont West Virginia

Smallest number of people in state institutions • Minnesota ....... 9 ........ • Idaho ..................... 90 • Oregon ......... 40 ........ • Delaware ............... 99 • Montana ....... 77 ........ • Colorado .............. 116 • Nevada ......... 79 ........ • Michigan ............. 127 • Wyoming ...... 88 ........ • Arizona ................ 134

Largest number of people in state institutions • Texas ............ 4,943 • North Carolina 1,605 • New Jersey ... 3,064 • Virginia .......... 1,452 • California ..... 3,025 • Louisiana ........ 1,419 • Illinois .......... 2,709 • Pennsylvania .. 1,416 • Ohio .............. 1,606 • Mississippi ..... 1,377 • New York ..... 1,605 Source: Braddock, D, ed. State of the States in Developmental Disabilities. (2008, in press). as cited in Self Advocacy Nation, January 2008

Social Security facts for 2008

vices coordinator, Norm Synstelien, asked parents and by Rhonda Whitenack & Jim Czechowicz members of the Association for Retarded Citizens and other •In 2008, about 50 million phia, Phoenix, San Antonio, 10,000 people applying for benefit for a widow or widcivic groups to donate Gold Americans will receive So- San Diego and Dallas com- benefits every day! ower with two dependent chilBond trading stamps to get a cial Security benefits—that’s bined. dren is about $2,243 per bus. They needed 1,785,000 roughly twice the number of • About 70 percent of private month—which for most workpoints or 2,550 filled books. It people who live in the cities • The nation’s first baby- sector workers have no long- ers is more than the value of took a while, but by July 1966 of New York, Los Angeles, boomer begins collecting So- term disability insurance—but their private life insurance. The institution’s volunteer ser- Cambridge had its bus. ■ Chicago, Houston, Philadel- cial Security retirement ben- nearly all workers and their efits in February 2008 … and families have Social Security If you find these facts interestover the next 20 years an- protection in the event of a ing and would like to know other 78 million baby long-term disability. more about any aspect of the Co-Founder/Publisher (1990-1996) .................................................. Wm. A. Smith, Jr. boomers will be eligible to Social Security programs, you Co-Founder/Publisher/Editor-in-Chief (1990-2001) ....................... Charles F. Smith apply for benefits, too. That’s • The average monthly Social can visit our Web )site at Board of Directors ....................................................... Brigid Alseth, Mike Chevrette, an average of more than Security survivors insurance www.socialsecurity.gov. ■ 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 www.NHHIaccessiblehousing.com 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, Community Enrichment Through Housing Diversity 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 At that time, many stores offered trading stamps to customers with each purchase, so many stamps (points) for each dollar spent. Many families collected them and used them to buy household goods and similar items.

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February 10, 2008

Federal legislation aims to stem DSP workforce crisis by Renee Pietrangelo, CEO, ANCOR

ecruiting and retaining a stable direct support workforce is important to the lives of people with disabilities and their families. How else can providers offer consistent, quality supports based upon long-term and well-established relationships? Unfortunately, the direct support professional (DSP) workforce is in crisis. Low wages coupled with physically and emotionally demanding work has resulted in high turnover and heavy vacancies. To alleviate this crisis, the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) created a National Advocacy Campaign and initiated legislation sponsored by Congresswoman Lois Capps (D-CA) and Congressman Lee Terry (R-NE). Together they introduced the Direct Support Professionals Fairness and Security Act (H.R. 1279), which recognizes the urgent national workforce crisis facing our nation. The legislation comes at a critical juncture. It would take the first important step toward stabilizing the direct support professional

workforce—a step needed to ensure that people with disabilities will receive the quality supports and services they need from community-based service providers and that state and federal funding require. This legislation would make a much needed national investment and create an incentive— all through a joint federal-stateprivate partnership—to address one of our most pressing challenges in the 21st century. The bill would empower our nation’s governors with additional resources to help ensure quality supports and services that underpin a productive and meaningful life in the community of choice for people with disabilities. It does so by establishing a 5-year program to provide participating states with additional Medicaid funds in order to increase wages for direct support professionals. The wages for DSPs working in the community are paid almost entirely from a federal and state Medicaid funding. Historically, these governmental funding streams have not kept pace with general market

demands, nor have they kept with Olmstead and continue pace with compensation for to move more individuals state employees who are per- from institutions into the comforming the same job func- munity. tions in state-operated proAdditionally, high turnover grams and institutions. and lengthy vacancies are reThe economic challenges quiring support and service faced by DSPs have led to providers to spend disproporhigh turnover and ongoing tionate amounts of time and vacancies among direct sup- money on recruitment, orienport staff. Annual DSP turn- tation and training, thereby over rates range from 40% to reducing resources for actual over 75%. At the same time, service and support. Systemthere is an increasing demand wide, organizational resources for DSPs for the following rea- are being sapped by staffing crises to the detriment of supsons: •The growing trend for supports and services, advancing porting people with disabili- inclusion and personal safety. ties in smaller residential setYour help is needed tings or in their own homes. With a total of 113 co-spon•Family caregivers are aging sors, H.R. 1279 is well on the and individuals with disabili- road, but hasn’t arrived at its ties are living longer, there- final destination. Congress is fore increasing the demands now in session for the second half of the 110th Congress and for more DSPs. the time is right to make a •In its Olmstead decision, the renewed push to get your repSupreme Court affirmed the resentative in Congress to supright of individuals with dis- port H.R. 1279. You can make abilities to receive commu- a difference by taking action nity-based services as an al- through the American Network ternative to institutional care. of Community Options and The demand for community Resources’ automatic online supports and services is grow- Action Center. Send a letter to ing rapidly as states comply your representative by visit-

Commentary

‘Wrecking ball’ aimed at Medicare “President Bush’s proposed cuts to Medicare would hurt older and disabled Americans and take a wrecking ball to many essential hospitals across the country. It is indefensible for the President to propose hurting America’s grandparents while maintaining his rabid defense of Medicare overpayments to for-profit health insurance companies,” writes Robert M. Hayes, President of

the Medicare Rights Center (MRC) in a press release issued this week.

Among the hundreds of direct support professionals who attended a rally outside the Capitol are YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities staff members, from left, Susan Shaw, Sheereen Rehman, Pearl McGillvery, Trish Neal, Jenae Ross and Jennifer Freedman. Photo courtesy of www.ancor.org ing http://capwiz.com/ancor/ ANCOR’s National Advocacy issues/alert/?alertid=10887 Campaign, visit www.youneed 631. For more info about toknowme.org. ■

Bagdad atrocities on people with disabilities condemned

he National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) and the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) condemned the use of individuals with Down syndrome by terrorists following dual bombings in Baghdad Friday. According to news reports, terrorists used remotecontrolled explosives attached to two women with Down syndrome to kill at least 73 people.

MRC is the largest independent source of health care information and assistance in the United States for people with Medicare. Founded in 1989, MRC helps older adults and people with disabilities get good, affordable health care. Responding to news of the at[Source: MRC] ■ tack, NDSC Executive Director David Tolleson said, “this tragedy is compounded by the terrorist’s vicious exploitation

of individuals with Down syndrome.” NDSS President Jon Colman agreed, noting that “this was not a suicide attack, these women were murdered, as surely as the other victims.” This is not the first time individuals with Down syndrome have been used by terrorists in such deadly attacks in Iraq. On January 31, 2005, an explosive device tied to a boy with Down syndrome was exploded in Baghdad, in an act condemned at the time by NDSC and NDSS and others around the world.

Both the National Down Syndrome Society and the National Down Syndrome Congress urge the Iraqi government to use every available method to end the abuse of individuals with Down syn-

drome and to use this tragedy as a catalyst to enact and uphold policies and laws that will protect the basic human and civil rights of all individuals with disabilities. [National Down Syndrome Congress] ■

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February 10, 2008

Virginia joins respectful language movement

Blaine student wins human rights art contest

How support grew to ban ‘retarded’ from state books

by Rick Cardenas

by Hugh Lessig and Kim O’Brien Root

rin Thompson lives with Down syndrome, but she refuses to use the “R” word. She and others want the state of Virginia to follow suit. Legislation is moving through the General Assembly to remove the phrase “mentally retarded” from thousands of pages of state code. The new phrase would be “persons with intellectual disabilities.” Last week, the Senate Education and Health Committee unanimously endorsed the measure after hearing from Thompson, who is 21, and 31year-old Jill Egle’ of the Arc of Northern Virginia, an advocacy group. A similar bill has already cleared a House panel. A rally at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church — near the General Assembly — on Monday attracted about 500 people and was intended to focus attention on a broad range of mental health issues. The rally, organized by the Richmond-based Coalition for Virginians with Mental Disabilities, is an annual event, but it has taken on added significance this year. Mental health reform has moved to the top of the legislative agenda after last year’s mass shooting at Virginia Tech by a student with a history of mental illness. ”We’re just really trying to bring awareness,” said Lauren Cunningham, a student at Virginia Commonwealth Univer-

sity who works with the Arc of Virginia. “There are hundreds, thousands of people who are affected by this issue, and something needs to change.” As for the language bill, it may just involve a phrase, but the initial positive reception is welcome news to activists such as Pam McGregor, executive director of the Arc of Greater Williamsburg, which works with 140-plus clients. The Arc is a nationwide nonprofit organization that works to improve the quality of life for children and adults with mental disabilities.

Ackerman, a past Special Olympics gold medalist who excels at swimming, doesn’t consider herself disabled. ”Having disabilities, that doesn’t count,” she said. “It’s the abilities that count. I see the good side of people.” The phrase “mentally retarded” can be hurtful not only to the disabled, but also to parents of disabled children who live with the daily challenge of raising them, McGregor said.

“Every parent has the same dreams and expectations for “Society is just not compas- that baby,” she said. “Any time sionate at times,” McGregor society can become gentler, said. “Hopefully, this will rec- more compassionate, it speaks tify that.” volumes for that society.” For Susan Ackerman of York County, a change in the language would be a good thing. She’s spent the last 30 years hearing the teasing and enduring the stares that come from having Down syndrome, a genetic condition that can cause mental difficulties.

Changing the language would cost taxpayers about $75,000 for new letterhead, business cards, signs, plaques, licenses and other documents. Supporters say the investment would be well worth it.

student from Blaine was honored recently as the winner of the Human Rights Day poster contest in the Grades 9-12 category. The winner, Chandra, was recognized at a ceremony last month hosted by the Minnesota’s Commissioner of Human Rights, Velma Korbel. Chandra’s poster, entitled “Humanitarianism,” is now included in the 2008 human rights calendar, put out each year by the Minnesota Human rights collaborative. Chandra is a senior at Blaine High School and is very excited about having her human rights poster published in the Human Rights Calendar. Her friend and art classmate also decided to enter the contest when they heard about it. To their surprise they both won! “I’ve never won anything with my art,” said Chandra. “In fact this is the first time I’ve ever entered an art contest.”

Her mother Melissa was not as surprised that Chandra won and stated “I encouraged Chandra to enter the contest and to do more with her art. I think she’s very good and I am excited and proud for her.”

Chandra, a senior at Blaine High School, Her goals in the is congratulated for her prize-winning near future are to human rights poster by MN Commisgo to the Univer- sioner of Human Rights Velma Korbel. sity of Minnesota and get a degree in psychol- Participants were challenged ogy as well as art, which she to present in art form what eventually hopes will lead to they think the Human Rights becoming an art psychologist. Day theme quote from Marie The Human Rights Collabora- Curie means in our society totive includes Minnesota Ad- day: “You cannot hope to build vocates for Human Rights, a better world without improvLeague of Minnesota Human ing the individual. To that end Rights Commissions, Advo- each of us must work for his cating Change Together, Uni- own improvement, and at the versity of Minnesota Human same time share a general reRights Center, Tolerance Min- sponsibility for all humanity, nesota, and Minnesota Depart- our particular duty being to ment of Human Rights. aid those to whom we think we can be most useful.” ■

“Some words hurt,” said Sen. Janet Howell, D-Fairfax, who Ackerman has never let it slow has sponsored one bill. “Some her down. words sting and some words stigmatize. Retardation is one A 1997 graduate of York High of those words.” School, Ackerman has for the past five years worked at the Ackerman said she sees herWilliamsburg-based Colonial self as so much more than a Services Board, which helps word. people with mental illness, mental difficulties and sub- “I don’t let it get me down, stance abuse. She takes the because I’m a strong person,” bus five days a week to her she said. “It doesn’t matter job, where she performs du- what you have. You can’t help ties such as preparing mailers it. It’s just the way you are.” and doing laundry for the Williamsburg Winery and the Howell said some professional Language - cont. on p 15 Coast Guard. “Humanitarianism,” a poster created by a Blaine high school student, was awarded first prize in the Minnesota Human Rights Day poster contest (Grade 9-12 category).

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February 10, 2008

Living with pain

If I could . . .

Grad of Courage Center program uses variety of coping skills

by Pete Feigal

by Nancy Sopkowiak Access Press first introduced Julian Coffman back in October 2006 [Painfully Closed] as he waited to attend the Courage Center’s pain clinic. Since then, he has graduated from the pain clinic and finds himself coping with his pain differently.

magine experiencing horrible pain every day for years. Not fun. That’s what Julian Coffman faces head on—his pain interferes with sleeping, eating, daily activities and even holding a pencil. Coffman suffers from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSDS), an extremely painful neurological condition. To handle a really bad day, Coffman, a recent grad of the Courage Center pain clinic program, consults his pain clinic notebook and reviews the coping strategies. “I find myself learning about breathing techniques and meditation,” relates Coffman. Coffman attends a class called Exploring Elements of Art at Courage Center. The class helps him express emotions about his pain. Coffman’s latest drawing illustrates his topsy turvey last four years. Drawing takes him longer now because of his pain. Before his injury a picture might take him ten minutes, and now he needs six hours. Each pencil stroke feels like sticking his hand in a bucket full of fire. He’s learn-

ing to “concentrate on what I’m doing and not the pain.” Coffman enjoys attending the Courage support group. He finds the group inviting: “They are very nice people.” He appreciates the open discussions about how to cope with daily disability challenges. He also swims in the Courage therapeutic pool five to six days each week, which he finds beneficial and enjoyable. When asked what inspires him, Coffman describes an article he read recently from the RSDS Association Web site (see below). The article tells the story of a 13-year-old girl with RSDS who experienced a new treatment in Germany: the doctors put her in a medically induced coma for seven days. When she awoke her pain was gone. Coffman wants some of that action, so he plans to ask his doctor how to get this experimental treatment. He hopes to wake up with no pain and a new beard. Coffman knows firsthand that reducing pain is possible: “Try teaching yourself to go on 30 second vacations from your pain—crossword puzzles, watching an old movie, gardening, conversation with a friend. Then try expanding to two minutes, then ten times a day for two minutes.” ■ FFI: RSDS article: www.rsds. org/5/news/2008/NJBill_ 01092008.html

here are angels every- ganging up on him, and making him sick. I told Dave that I where. had stopped eating about a I was sitting in a circle with week before, and that it seemed about twenty other people at I had no appetite for anything the Day Treatment Center at anymore, my Harley included. Abbott-Northwestern Hospi- He unselfishly offered to take tal, when Jane, our always- it off my hands. centered, always-compassionate group leader challenged us The woman on my right was to throw caution to the wind, June. Very quiet, very shy, 40 and try a new exercise in giv- something, faded sweaters. ing. Jane asked us to talk for Before this exercise I’d only five minutes with the people heard her quiet voice once or on either side of us, sharing twice. We spoke for a few with them some of ourselves. moments and she never made As much or as little, as inti- eye contact with me. I tried to mate or as guarded as we felt be open and vulnerable for the comfortable with, but Jane, both of us, “open and vulneroptimistic psychic explorer as able” from a guy’s vocabushe was, always hoped and lary, telling her that Oh, yeah believed in trying to take two my life was messed up, and I knew exactly why that was. steps forward. She asked why and I told her The guy on my left was David, that my life was screwed up a “tin bender” or sheet metal because THIS person had done worker to the uninitiated. He THIS to me and THAT person was, like me, a motor head had done THAT to me, and loving bikes and cars, who was then THIS had happened and in love with the jet black Harley then THAT had happened, and I rode to treatment every morn- I told her that Hell, I never had ing. I think in his mind, having a chance, that I had been a Harley like that would cure stopped before I had even got all ills; it was or should be that going. simple. I told him a thousand times that life with a custom I asked her what was wrong Harley is still just life. He was with her, and she said, ‘I hurt.” also dealing with a failing I asked her to elaborate of what, marriage due to his chronic why or who had hurt her and depression and substance she said that she just “hurt.” abuse, both of which he still Jane got control of the group refused to acknowledge. again and chose one of the We talked Harley’s and members and said: “OK, now Hemi’s and when I asked about turn to the person on your left how his family meeting with and using a little of what you his wife went, he told me that learned from them and from the therapist and his wife were yourself, I want you to “give”

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them an imaginary present, something special that you think they would like or need. Something to help them on their journey.” At the start it was kind of embarrassing and slow to get going so most of the “gifts” were silly things, “Here’s the number to your secret Swiss bank account!” “I give you the power to shake out exactly TWO aspirins out of the bottle each time!” And people would laugh and joke. But the mood started to change and the “gifts” became more appropriate, intimate, more thought out. For a depressed woman there was a magic Pegasus who would fly her far, far away to a place where she’d be happy. A refrigerator that would never be empty for the gal that was on assistance with four kids. A time machine for the man who had lost his wife in a traffic accident so he could go back and tell her how much he loved her, could tell her goodbye. The circle came around to June, and I didn’t know what to expect. I don’t think I understood then the difference between still and calm and just plain quiet, so I expected maybe three words from her. She looked me in the eyes and held me spellbound as she gave me her gift:

darkest places, a map that could take you to all the places you’d ever dreamed about going. A map that could help turn your wanderings into a journey.” “If I could, I’d give you a shield that was impregnable, a protection that would hold all attackers at bay, a power that would allow you to remain unharmed while whole armies attacked you.” “If I could I’d give you a beautiful little woodland cottage next to a stream. A place for solitude when you need time and space for thought and creativity, wonderful rooms filled with art and magical treasures from your adventures, places for a child’s crayon drawing in a place of honor next to a Van Gogh. A place where your garden flourished, your kittens frolicked and your many, many friends and family would gather around the perfect fireplace feeling this was their home as well. A place where you and they would never, ever be lonely again.”

“If I could I’d give you a key that could open every lock in the world, every shut place, every closed heart.” You could have heard a pin drop in the room. Then she “If I could I’d give you a book said with her voice breaking: that had every answer to every “I can’t give you those things, question, big and small, a book Pete, because you already have that could give all knowledge, them. They’re in your heart, and explain all things.” right where they’ve always been and always will be.” And “If I could I’d give you a map she softly put the palm of her that could find every hidden hand against my chest and I place, and would make it so could feel in that moment that you’d never be lost even in the she was right. ■

February 10, 2008

Upcoming events To list an event, e-mail access@accesspress.org Disability Viewpoints February 11 This month’s show features assistive technology services and equipment. DV is an award-winning cable television show that airs on CTV 15 in the northeast metro area. All nonprofit disability-related organizations are provided the opportunity to promote their services and events. A studio audience is encouraged. Details: Monday nights at 7:30 – 8:00 p.m. CTV Studio, 950 Woodhill Drive, Roseville MN 55113. FFI: Jo Ann Erbes, 651646-7588, or www.ctv15.org. ADAPT Twin Cities Meeting February 13 Be a part of the newest chapter of ADAPT, the 25-year-old disability rights activism group. Come learn more about ADAPT and why we need a chapter here. Talk about the changes YOU want to see. Be a part of making those changes happen! Details: 6 – 7:30 p.m. Griggs-Midway Building, Room S-127, 1821 University Aveenue West, St Paul. FFI: Galen Smith, 651-792-6395 or adapttc@gmail.com.

Game day February 25 Be social, have fun, meet new people. Host MCIL provides games such as Cribbage, Trivial Pursuit, Uno, social skills games and more. Bring your favorites! Details: 1 to 3 p.m. at MCIL,1600 University Ave W, Suite 16, St. Paul. FFI: Julie at 651.603.2002 or juliew@mcil-mn.org. Bowl-a-thon to help fight Crohn’s disease March 2 The Strike Out Crohn’s and Colitis Bowl-a-thon is just one of our great chapter’s signature events that raises money to find a cure. Help us raise vital funds and be part of a winning solution. Bowl individually, as a family, or form a team—or volunteer. Details: Flaherty’s Arden Bowl, St. Paul. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. FFI: www. ccfa.org/chapters/minnesota or minneosta@ccfa. org.

with disabilities, their families, advocates and allies in order to learn more about policies and legislation affecting them in 2008 and to meet with their state legislators. Presentations are in the morning, legislative visits are in the afternoon. Details: The MN History Center, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Fee for lunch FFI: Mike Gude 651-523-0823 or 1-800-582-5256, ext. 113 e-mail: mikeg@arcmn.org; www. TheArcOfMin nesota.org.

Digital scrap booking April 24 This class will give you the basics of digital scrap booking. We will show you how to upload your pictures and format them into personalized scrap book pages that can be printed and bound. We will introduce you to different software and internet sites you can utilize. Details: 1600 University Ave W, #16, St. Paul. Abilitybots Robotic Mini April 24th at 10 am to 12 pm; Day-Camp May 29th at 10 am to 12 pm. March 8 FFI and RSVP to Corbett Robotics and Bionics are fun Laubignat, 651-603-2028 or for everyone. Boys and girls 8 corbettl@mcil-mn.org. to 12, with and without disabilities, will build circuits, Earth, Wind & Fire benefit build a robotic bug to bring April 26 home, learn to program the The legendary R&B group Mind Storms Lego robot, and Earth, Wind & Fire brings its improve understanding of ter- energetic music to PACER minology through Geek Speak. Center’s 26th Annual Benefit Details: Free. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mpls Convention CenCourage Center, Ed. Center 2, ter. The annual benefit also 3915 Golden Valley Rd, GV. includes silent and live aucLunch provided; accommodations, and a pre-benefit gourtions for dietary needs. FFI: met dinner, available by sepaJen Mundl, 763-520-0567 or rate ticket. Reserve: www.PAC jenim@courage.org. ER.org, or call 952-838-9000.

Art workshop for youth February 24 Upstream Arts is leading an art workshops for youth with disabilities with Edina Parks and Recreation. Use your imagination, express yourself and have fun interacting with your peers in this last of a three-part program. Participants use the arts to build their social and communication skills. Details: February 24, 2008, 2 - 4 p.m., ages 16-22. Disability Day at the Capitol ADAPT’s 25-year Celebration FFI: Upstream Arts, 612-331March 12 April 27-May 1 4584, www.upstreamarts.org. This is a gathering of people ADAPT, the national activist

organization that recently opened its MN chapter, invites you to celebrate 25 years of activism/progress with them in our nation’s capital. The five day celebration kicks off with a Fun Run for Disability Rights, includes a variety of workshops/presentations throughout the week, and culminates with an exhibition/dinner. Details: Washington, D.C. FFI: Bob Kafka, 512-4420252, bob.adapt@sbc global. net or www.adapt25.org. National ADAPT Youth Summit June 20-23 The ADAPT Youth Summit is now accepting applications for the 2008 summer gathering in Chicago. If you or someone you know is between the ages of 18-30, has a disability, is looking for direct-action training and/or wants to be in an ADAPT chapter, this is the place to be. Come learn about direct action, and be challenged on your assumptions about power and who has it. Details: Applications due by March 16th. FFI: Rahnee Patrick, 312-320-5111, rah neek@hotmail.com, www.joz soft.com/outside.pdf, or www.jozsoft.com/inside.pdf. Anxiety support group Ongoing The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Minnesota (NAMI-MN) sponsors Open Door Anxiety and Panic support groups for persons with anxiety disorders. The groups help individuals develop better coping skills and find strength through sharing their experiences. Details: Free, two groups that meet twice monthly at 6:30 p.m.: second and fourth

Mondays at Lenox Community Center, 6715 Minnetonka Blvd, Fire Place Room 2 (lower level), St. Louis Park; and first and third Thursdays, 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 Saturdays/Sundays, ongoing Come visit a unique housing offering. Open houses are scheduled to showcase 3500 square foot town homes with elevators selling from $355,000 to $500,000 and renting at $1,650+ per month from JJohnson Builders, Inc. So large two families could live in one unit; this is a unique offering. 5733 Brent Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN, 55076; I-494 to Hwy. 52 S., exit upper 55th E. 10 minutes to downtown St. Paul, 15 minutes to Crocus Hill or Highland Park. 5733 Brent Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076. FFI: Georgia Platte, 651-645-5242, georgiamp@ comcast.net or www.jjohn sonbuilders.com.

Art & Healing: Mind Fields exhibit Ongoing Explore the many dimensions of the invisible and make psychological realities tangible. This is a unique opportunity to see the mind from the inside out. This new exhibit from Intermedia Arts takes a frank and creative look at neurological and mental health—inviting local artists and health care practitioners to address the ways in which artistic expression can be used as a tool for healing. Details: Mon—Sat, 12-5 p.m. 2822 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls. FFI: wwwintermedia arts.org or 612-871-4444. Support group for families Ongoing NAMI-MN is sponsoring free support groups for families who have a relative with a mental illness. Led by trained facilitators who also have a family member with mental illness, the support group helps families develop better coping skills and find strength through sharing their experiences. Details: St. Paul at 6:30 p.m., 2nd and 4th Wed. ea mth. FFI: Anne Mae at 651-730-8434.

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February 10, 2008

News at a glance . . . New text-to-speech cell phone technology announced

Broussard remembered a common problem people who are deaf face when searching for an address and people in the Kurzweil Technologies, a joint venture with the National neighborhood don’t speak ASL. He came up with the idea for Federation of the Blind, has announced a new text-to-speech “Bob’s House” and then ran it by other ENABLE members. cell phone that allow the user to read mail, receipts, handouts They loved the idea so much they decided to make the demo and many other documents wherever they happen to be. tape themselves. In the spot, two men who are deaf drive through a suburban neighborhood where it’s dark and tough to see the home addresses. Compounding their trouble is that neither can remember which house is Bob’s. As they quarrel in ASL, the driver gets the bright idea to honk the car horn. After he honks a few times, lights in the homes turn on and Bob’s neighbors stick out their heads. This is a truly pocket-sized solution to reading on the go, Once the pair sees the house that remains dark, they know it’s enabling users to take pictures of and read most printed mate- “Bob’s House.” [Source: www.diversity inc.com] rials at the push of a button. Vision-impaired users hear the contents of the document read in clear synthetic speech, while Down syndrome organization has concerns users who can see the screen and those with learning disabilities about new prenatal testing policy can enlarge, read, track, and highlight printed materials using A new policy with biased connotations towards babies with the phone’s large and easy-to-read display. The combination of Down syndrome is being criticized. The American College of text-to-speech and tracking features makes interpreting text Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recently expanded on much easier for individuals with learning disabilities. [Source: its position regarding invasive prenatal diagnostic testing for www.knfbreader.com, www.gizmag.com/k-nfb-cell-phone- Down syndrome. The main recommendation (Practice Bulletin solutions-for-the-blind/8722] 88) is “invasive diagnostic testing should be available to all women … Maternal age of 35 years alone should no longer be Soundless Super Bowl commercial breaks barriers used as a threshold to determine who is offered screening versus The idea for this Super Bowl commercial was a little different: who is offered invasive testing.” Although the guideline states no celebrity, no hip tune — no sound at all. And it was to feature “prenatal diagnosis is not solely performed for assistance in the two people “speaking” to each other using American Sign decision of pregnancy termination,” the implication is that a baby Language (ASL) while drinking Pepsi and eating Fritos. with Down syndrome is a bad outcome that should be avoided. The Mobile Reader Product Line from knfbReading Technologies, Inc, is a major advancement in portability and functionality of print access for the blind, the vision impaired and those with reading difficulties. It is being billed as the smallest textto-speech reading device available on the market.

This idea came from Clay Broussard, a PepsiCo employee without disabilities who is a member of ENABLE, the company’s employee-resource group for people with disabilities. Because the general market rarely showcases advertising for people with disabilities, the idea may sound like more of a publicservice announcement than a commercial for the Super Bowl. But “Bob’s House”— while silent— is a commercial sure to be the talk of the nation.

The National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) believes that individuals with Down syndrome have innate worth and should be treated with dignity and respect. The NDSC calls upon ACOG to require that all patients be given information that accurately reflects the realities of a life with Down syndrome.

choices. Rather, it is to ensure the screening and diagnostic process is done in the context of an informed personal conversation with the woman’s doctor, during which balanced information is given about the reality of Down syndrome today. In this way, we hope decisions can be made based on knowledge and not fear.” [Source: National Down Syndrome Congress]

Mental health help for returning vets The Minnesota National Guard has been selected to be a part of a TriWest Healthcare Alliance pilot program that will provide on-site mental health consultation, education and referral at no cost to soldiers. Licensed mental health professionals will be stationed in 22 Minnesota Army National Guard armories around the state to further support the 2,600 men and women who have recently returned from Operation Iraqi Freedom deployment. In addition, LinkVet, a veterans helpline for Minnesota veterans and their family members, was recently launched. The toll-free line provides information referrals, immediate crisis intervention and psychological counseling 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-888-LINKVET. [Source: NAMI MN]

Sanford Everyday Hero winner Mathew Sanford, an adaptive yoga instructor recently featured in Access Press, is now a finalist in the 6th Annual Volvo for Life Awards, a grassroots campaign that recognizes and rewards everyday heroes across America. Because of receiving enough votes, Sanford’s nonprofit Mind Body Solutions will now receive $25,000, and he still has a one-in-three chance of winning another $75,000. A panel of judges will decide the final winners.

Matt’s powerful message about the mind-body connection, the work of his non-profit, and his memoir Waking: A Memoir of Trauma and Transcendence has inspired and enhanced the lives of thousands. Mind Body Solutions has just completed a 2-year strategic plan and this generous donation will further their work transforming trauma and loss into hope and poten“Our goal is not to limit a woman’s access to prenatal screen- tial. [Source: www.mindbodysolutions.org] ing,” says a NDSC press release, “nor to limit her reproductive

February 10, 2008

Lucas v. Kmart by Tamara Chapman

olorado native Carrie Ann Lucas challenged a retail giant in a ground-breaking disabilities access case-and won. From her vantage point as lawyer, activist, advocate, parent of three and wheelchair occupant, Carrie Ann Lucas knows that progress in disability rights is measured painstakingly: For every faltering step forward, there’s a setback. For every great leap, another chasm materializes. The equation may be cursed by minuses, but as Lucas sees it, the positives are beginning to add up. She herself can take some of the credit. In summer 2006, a disability-access suit that she had launched against Kmart in 1999 was settled for $13 million, plus $3.25 million in attorneys’ fees. That makes it the largest settlement ever in a disability-access case-a sit-upand-take-notice precedent for the nation’s retailers. As the lead plaintiff in the class action suit, Lucas considers the victory-and the years of toil that produced it-another chapter in a story of personal indignation against injustice. “I was always a rabble rouser,” she explains. “I remember being in third or fourth grade and they had a limit that kids could only have five books from the library. I got them to change that policy.”

It’s a hot afternoon in late July, a special day for Lucas. “It’s the 17th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities

Act,” she points out. She’s in her office at the Denver-based Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, where she is director of the Center for Rights of Parents with Disabilities. In this position, Lucas helps parents with disabilities resolve child custody issues, tackle housing discrimination and gain access to social services. “We’re really the only place in the country with a program that specializes in parents with disabilities,” she says. The 36-yearold Lucas channels the bulk of her energy and passion into the center-after all, she can iden-

tify with her clients. She’s both a parent and a citizen with disabilities. She’s fought the battles her clients face-with her disability, with the system, with public perception. Because she has central core myopathy, a muscle wasting disease, Lucas uses a wheelchair. In addition, her vision and hearing are severely impaired, and she breathes with the assistance of a ventilator. Over the years, she has developed a serious allergy to many antibiotics, meaning that a simple infection can bring on

a host of complications. “I hit some bizarre genetic jackpot,” she says, summing up the source of her challenges. None of this keeps her from dashing around the office at mach speed, piloting her wheelchair with NASCAR flair. In, out, back, forth, zip, zoom. Nor does it keep her from taking her three adopted daughters-17-year-old Heather, 12-year-old Asiza and 8-yearold Adrianne, each one of them a child with disabilities-on weekend camping trips. And it certainly doesn’t keep her from crossing the state for court dates on behalf of clients. “I drove to Pueblo to go to a hearing last week,” she says matter-of-factly, no hint of exasperation in her voice, “only to discover the elevator was broken and there was no signlanguage interpreter. So I drove four hours for nothing.” Not quite for nothing. Lucas knows from experience that justice is full of stays and delays-some of them judge ordered, others, like the elevator failure, the result of benign negligence or bureaucratic bungling. In the face of lady justice’s slow and deliberate habits, patience is too often required.

Unconditional friendship by Jeanine McClellan

eing friends with Hope Hoffman has taught my daughter, Naomi, patience, inclusion and anonymity. Patience when all of their classmates run out of the room for recess and Naomi hangs back to help Hope with her boots or shoes. Inclusion to the point that Naomi automatically says, “let’s play ‘this’ game ‘this way’ so Hope can do it too!” Anonymity when Hope gives Naomi the nod and they both walk down to the nurse’s station together. Forever trusting, understanding, unconditional friends! Naomi doesn’t think of Hope as having a disability. She thinks of Hope as her very best friend! A friend that she can do anything and go anywhere with. Hope thinks of Naomi as her closest friend. Someone she can say anything to, tease, play with and trust wholeheartedly. They play, debate, and relate like sisters. They share a few friends and have some separate friends too. They are great role models to their peers. They’ve even banded together to turn in bullies! Their relationship is more genuine than those of some adults I know.

As a parent I have tried to teach my children to focus on the opportunity instead of the deficits--to look for the successes and accomplishments in people. I can tell that Naomi Just ask the home of the blue wants to be part of Hope’s light special. Just follow the Carrie Ann Lucas, whose Denver-based class-action lawsuit miles-long document trail in forced Kmart to increase its accommodations for people with Lucas v. Kmart. disabilities. Photo courtesy of University of Denver Magazine Lucas - cont. on p. 11 But Lucas isn’t a patient person. Or so she says. She does, however, possess something just as effective: persistence.

Hope Hoffman and Naomi McClellan rocking out at the Hillary Duff concert in Mpls. future successes. In turn, Hope gets equally excited when Naomi reaches another level in reading or wins a ball game. Their support of each other’s activities is also amazing. Naomi plays basketball and softball. Hope is learning piano, plays the drums, and plays chess. But these differing interests bring them closer together when they share the same hobbies like swimming, singing, art and drama. If they did everything together they would get bored with each other and possibly grow apart. There are times when each of them is jealous of what the other can do better, but they find a way to learn from each other instead of letting it bother them for long. “Friends help friends,” Naomi said the other day. In a world where people pass judgment on a daily basis, their friendship perseveres through adversity and remains unconditional! ■

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February 10, 2008

Operation Confidence helps job seekers look good by Sherry Gray

onsuella Mackey had an epiphany nearly 30 years ago when she discovered first-hand the connection between good looks and social success. In fact, this link is so important in American society that it poses a career barrier for persons with disabilitiesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;especially for those seeking work in the media, fashion, and beauty industries.

suitable for a person sitting in a wheelchair. She felt frumpy, not comfortable or confident, when her suit jacketâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;styled too long for wheelchair useâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; bunched up around her.

its work with fashion shows featuring â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Totally Confident Fashion Models.â&#x20AC;? OC went on to offer beauty makeovers through its Dress for Success program and organize job fairs and career preparation workshops. They pushed the fashion industry to design clothes for wheelchair users and pressured media companies and advertisers to hire persons with disabilities and show dignified role models and attractive images of persons with disabilities.

To fill the void, Mackey founded Operation Confidence, a nonprofit that encourages beauty and media companies to provide jobs, products and services for consumA New Orleans native living ers with disabilities. in Los Angeles and working as a hair stylist, Mackey knew To show that people with disthat when her clients looked abilities could project positive good, they felt confident. And and beautiful images, Opera- Today OC continues to branch confident people exuded a tion Confidence (OC) began Confidence - cont. on p. 15 positive image that helped them succeed in their communities, relationships and jobs. But when a sports injury that left her temporarily unable to walk, she gained new insight into the lack of beauty and fashion resources available for persons with disabilities. Although her first frustrations centered on the basics of getting around a community and work place not made accessible, she eventually noticed the small things that kept her from feeling attractive. For example, she could find no Operation Confidence founder Consuella Mackey (c) with company that designed clothes two members of The Totally Confident Fashion Models.

MNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disability history exhibit tours Hungary

Minnesota clothing resources Job Seekers with Disabilities. The workshop â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dressing for Success for Men and Women,â&#x20AC;? cosponsored by Hennepin S. WorkForce Center and the Hennepin S. Rehabilitation Services, helps job seekers with disabilities prepare for interviews and jobs. Instructors provide information on appropriate clothing, hairstyles, and accessories; give clothing care, grooming and shopping tips; and suggest places for tailoring or altering clothes to fit individual needs. Registration at 952-346-4028. Web: www.mnwfc.org/hennepinsouth. Women Job Seekers. The following Minnesota organizations assist women who are transitioning into the workforce by providing donated professional clothes suitable for interviews and office work environments. Although all agencies have served clients with disabilities, none offer assistance, tailoring, or make-overs designed to serve the particular needs of individuals with disabilities. â&#x20AC;˘ The Episcopal Community Services Ready for Success program provides women transitioning into the workforce with â&#x20AC;&#x153;new or gently-used professional clothing, accessories, and new personal care items suitable for job interviews and the workplace.â&#x20AC;? Job seekers schedule two-hour individual appointments with volunteer â&#x20AC;&#x153;personal shoppersâ&#x20AC;? who help them put together outfits and personal care kits suitable for a business environment. Mpls office: 425 Oak Grove St; St. Paul office: 1831 Minnehaha Ave E. Contact them at: 612871-4086 or 651-731-6400. Web: www.ecsmn.org/site/assets/2005/rfs_3panel.pdf â&#x20AC;˘ Dress for Success Northwest Minnesota, an affiliate of Dress for Success Worldwide (based in New York City) assists economically disadvantaged women to find jobs through career counseling and interview coaching and by providing professional clothing. The only Minnesota affiliate is at 421 5th Street in Hawley. Contact them at: 218-483-3145. Web: www.dressforsuccess.org/affiliate.aspx?sisid=52&pageid=1 â&#x20AC;˘ Marthaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Closet provides professional clothing, and sometimes dressing advice, for lowincome women starting a job search. They are located in Central Presbyterian Church, 500 Cedar St, St Paul. Contact them at: 651-224-4728 x112. Web brochure: www.cpcstpaul.org/ attachments/mcbrochure.pdf â&#x20AC;˘ League of Catholic Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First Impression program provides two complete new or â&#x20AC;&#x153;gently usedâ&#x20AC;? professional outfits for women returning to work. Volunteers provide counseling on appropriate clothing for work environments and assist with matching accessories (provided). They are located at 207 S. 9th St, Minneapolis. Contact them at: 612332-2649. Web: http://mplsleagcatholicwomen.org/projects.htm#firstimpression â&#x20AC;˘ Women Achieving New Directions, a program of the Employment Action Center, provides a Career Clothes Closet for single working mothers. Contact them at: (west metro) 612-752-8554 or e-mail aumoeka@resource-mn.org; (east metro) 651-604-3516 or ecarnahan@ resource-mn.org. Web: www.eac-mn.org/womenprog.shtml Male Job Seekers. Many charitable and career counseling agencies in MN will assist male job seekers with clothing, but there are no programs available for men that provide the level of attention to professional dressing that is available for women.

Courage Center offers Breakthrough Rehabilitation Technology

by Bret Hesla Last March, St. Paul-based Advocating Change Together (ACT) was approached by the Hungarian Eotvos Larand University asking for translation rights to make ACTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Disability History Exhibit accessible to Hungarians. The answer was a quick YES! The partnership between ACT and Hungary has resulted in an exhibit that will reach thousands of Hungarians as it tours the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s major cites throughout 2008. A press release by the Budapest History Museum states that â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Disability History Exhibit, a truly outstanding international undertaking in the field of disability studies, showcases collaboration on par with the Encyclopedia of Disability and similar projects.â&#x20AC;?

ity stories and issues,â&#x20AC;? says Cardenas, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The great thing about the ACT history exhibit is that it helps people see how far weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve come, and how far we still need to go.â&#x20AC;?

Courage Center is among the ďŹ rst in the region to offer evaluation and treatment with BionessÂŽ functional electrical stimulation: â&#x201E;˘

By coincidence, BlueLaw Internationalâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s Janet Lord, who has been collaborating with ACT in its work at the United Nations, happened to see the exhibit on a recent trip. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was in Budapest attending a conference of the Hungarian Association for the Deaf. A couple of the organizers told me about a powerful exhibit they had just seen at the local history museum. I went to see it for myself and, surprise, it was from ACT. Oh my gosh, I thought, what a small world. I was really struck by how all of our separate empowerment efforts are really starting to

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The exhibit consists of twentyseven panels of photos showing the milestones of the history of disability. Twenty-one of the panels were created by ACT. The remaining sixâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;two focusing on Hungary, two on Europe as a whole, and two on the UNâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;were created by the Hungarian organizers.

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The press release from the museum calls the exhibit â&#x20AC;&#x153;an effective tool of subverting set social attitudes and thinking regarding disability.â&#x20AC;? â&#x2013;

ACT Co-Director Rick Cardenas is pleased with the partnership and hopes that ACT will continue to make connections to spread the word about disability as a human right issue. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With the recent adoption of the UN Convention on the Right of People with Disabilities, folks in many places are ACTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disability history exhibit, translated into Hungarian just starting to think for the and expanded with European history, is currently on tour in first time about these disabil- Hungary.

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February 10, 2008

CCD -

FAQ@DLL

Cont. from p. 1

course, it is also a presidential election year with the certainty of a new president, and many possible changes in Congress and the Minnesota House of Representatives. Therefore, now is the time to take action. The MN-CCD needs your support for our initiatives to succeed. The adage that â&#x20AC;&#x153;decisions are made by those who

show upâ&#x20AC;? is genuine. Attending advocacy days, visiting legislators, making calls, writing letters and testifying at legislative hearings all affect a billâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success. So, please contact organizations you are linked with and speak to their advocates. We also encourage you to visit the MN-CCD Web site for a list of events you can

attend and support, as well as contact details for disability organizations around the state. We need your help to continue breaking down barriers and to keep showing that together weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re stronger. â&#x2013;

Health coverage through SSI 1619(b) by the Disability Linkage Line and Work Incentives Connection

Check out the Minnesota-Con- I receive Supplemental Se- How do I apply for SSI sortium for Citizens with Dis- curity Income (SSI). Will I 1619(b)? abilities at www.mncdd.org lose my Medical Assistance if I work? First, talk to your county financial worker. When your As long as you receive at least SSI is reduced to $0 due to $1 of SSI, you are eligible to your earnings, the Social Sereceive Medical Assistance curity Administration (SSA) (MA). If you work enough notifies the county that you that your SSI payment goes to still qualify for MA through zero, you will likely qualify SSI 1619(b). If your financial for continued MA coverage worker has not received this through the work incentive, information, you may need to called SSI 1619(b). Like those talk to your SSA representaon regular SSI, individuals re- tive at your local SSA office. ceiving MA coverage through Ask them to send a letter to SSI 1619(b) canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have more your county financial worker, than $2,000 in savings or other confirming that you qualify for assets. continued MA through SSI 1619(b). Is there a limit on how much I can earn? What else do I need to know? In 2008, people on SSI 1619(b) may earn up to $44,799 per year. Those with high health care expenses (for example, those who need a lot of personal care assistance) are allowed to earn more.

Although you no longer receive an SSI payment and you receive your MA through the county, being on SSI 1619(b) means you are still connected to the SSA. It is critical that you continue to respond to all letters and requests for information you receive from SSA. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, you

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For more information, contact the Work Incentives Connection at 651-632-5113 or 1-800976-6728 (TTY: 651-6325110 or MN Relay â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 711). The Work Incentives Connection can clarify the effect work will have on your benefits, uncovering new choices and opportunities for you to be more in charge of your life. In addition to giving you detailed information about SSI 1619(b), they can tell you about other work incentives that may apply to your situation. If you have additional questions about community resources, please call DLL at 1866-333-2466. DLL provides free, disability-related information and assistance for Minnesotans. DLL does not endorse any particular Web site or provider. They assume no responsibility for transactions between the readers of this article and listed orgs. â&#x2013; Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Council

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Is Self-Advocacy important to you? Take action. Join the Self-Advocacy Resourec Network, a free, no-obligation opportunity to connect with other promoting self-advocacy for people with developmental and other disabilities. ACT is a nonprofit group of selfadvocates who support the work of self-advocacy across the country with training and materials. As part of the network you get a weekly email about community organizing and training, the printed Self-Advocacy Quick Guide and links to activists nationally. GPS

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The SILC is currently seeking new members. If you embrace the principles of independent living for people with disabilities, the council offers an opportunity to influence statewide policies, improve your advocacy skills, and forge collaborative networks and relationships. Any Minnesotan is eligible. Appointments are made by the governor based on personal qualifications and the councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s need for statewide representation. For more information contact: Brad Westerlund Direct: (651)-259-7351 Toll Free: (800) 328-9095 TTY: (800) 657-3973 E-mail: brad.westerlund@state.mn.us Web: www.mnsilc.org

February 10, 2008

LUCAS -

Cont. from p. 8

The suit grew out of Lucas’ longtime patronage of Denver-area Kmart stores. Visit after visit, she found herself increasingly frustrated by the stores’ careless disregard for accommodation issues: a

The stories began to pile up, tales of frustration from throughout Colorado and across the nation. One Virginia man told of the humiliation he experienced when his wheelchair knocked over a tower of snack foods. A Cali“Visit after visit, she fornia woman described how found herself increas- her wheelchair got stuck in ingly frustrated by the one narrow aisle, forcing her to yell for help. Still another stores’ careless disre- California customer told how gard for accommodation she could never access the clothing aisles and had to shout issues. . . .” out requests for styles, sizes shortage of accessible parking and colors to a sales associate. spaces; dressing rooms rendered inaccessible by piles of With similar stories from 27 merchandise; aisles consis- states, Lucas and her attorneys tently blocked by crates and decided to file for class action boxes. Perhaps most frustrat- status, if only to ensure that ing, she recalls, “I would go to Kmart couldn’t dismiss the check out and the accessibility grievances as isolated problane would be closed. And I lems indicative of nothing couldn’t check out because all more than an individual store’s of the other aisles were inac- negligence. cessible. So I would put things down and leave.” “Especially in cases like this, [a class action suit] was very Just as often, she took the time desirable because then you can to complain. “I would ask for get access to policies and practhe manager on duty, and I tices chain-wide,” Robertson would be assured that the says. “The biggest effect of problem would be fixed by the the class was to get at the whole time I came back again,” she chain.” says. “But they were just telling me they would fix it to get That was Lucas’ goal as well. me to go away.” She didn’t want to see all the Denver stores brought into Eventually, Lucas filed a claim compliance with the ADA, only with the Department of Justice, to venture into a Grand Junchoping to mediate a resolution tion outlet and encounter the to the ongoing problem. “I had same old problems. “If we’re done mediation with some going to go to all of the trouble smaller outfits, where they of filing a lawsuit, we’re going didn’t have a ramp, and had to fix the problem,” she rebeen successful,” she says. members thinking. Surely, she thought, a complaint filed with a federal agency The case proceeded, with conwould capture Kmart’s atten- tentious hearings and motions tion. “But Kmart refused to and petitions and even attempts mediate because they said they to undermine the plaintiffs’ had already fixed everything.” credibility. “Carrie was just the most fantastic client,” That’s when she took the case Robertson says, noting that to Denver-based Fox & Rob- Lucas’ photographic recall of ertson, a law firm specializing every Kmart visit just made in civil rights cases and headed her case stronger. “They took by the husband-and-wife team her deposition for three days, of Tim Fox and Amy Robert- about shopping at Kmart. son. At the same time, she ap- Pllllease.” proached the Colorado CrossDisability Coalition’s Kevin In fact, Kmart’s aggressive Williams, who teamed with Fox defense struck Lucas and her & Roberson as co-counsel. attorneys as surprisingly strident. “We were very, very At first perusal, Robertson puzzled at how hard they thought the case was simple fought ... they just fought tooth and routine: One plaintiff of and nail,” Robertson says. sound mind and good will takes “They had the opportunity to on a respectable retailer to go to Carrie and say, let’s readdress obvious-and seem- solve this. But initially, the ingly indisputable-violations attitude was, just go away.” of federal requirements, specifically those outlined in Title And then, in January 2002, III of the ADA, which pertains Kmart filed for Chapter 11 to private entities open to the bankruptcy, which meant that public. all litigation was subject to a stay. Since the Lucas suit The case quickly became sought only injunctive reliefdownright complex and in other words, it asked the trailblazing. “We initially filed court to order Kmart to comwith just Carrie,” Robertson ply with the law-Robertson says, “and then we started to tried to pursue the case, thinkhear from people in other parts ing that Kmart could still bring of the country. Once we had its stores into compliance with these anecdotes, we sent out ADA standards. After all, requeries: Had anyone else had lief meant nothing more elabosimilar issues?” rate than reconfiguring park-

ing spaces, providing suitable fitting rooms and restrooms, adjusting aisles, removing boxes and keeping the accessible checkout lane open. Robertson’s efforts proved futile, and Lucas v. Kmart was put on a back shelf. For Lucas, the bankruptcy filing represented a dispiriting development, not just because the case might fail to make a tangible difference in the disabled population’s shopping experiences. By this time, Fox & Robertson had spent three years pursuing the costly case. “I knew how much this little firm had in it,” Lucas says. With Kmart’s future in question, she was afraid that Fox & Robertson might lose everything. When Kmart—which could not be reached for comment for this article—emerged from bankruptcy in 2003, its new management and legal team took a fresh look at the ADA case. Suddenly, Lucas recalls, “they were ready to roll up their sleeves and go to work.” There was plenty of work to do. The two sides had to reach agreement on just what an accessible and ADA-compliant Kmart would look like. To that end, the plaintiffs and defendants worked together to revise store policies, improve employee training and refine store layout. Lucas herself went on-site at Denver-area Kmart stores, wheeling through the clothing sections to show store designers just how a shopper with disabilities negotiates aisles and fitting rooms. Just as important, Kmart agreed to implement an innovative online feedback mechanism, allowing customers with disabilities to report on their shopping experiences. This way, Kmart is able to address emerging access and accommodation issues immediately and across the chain. With that work underway, the two parties also had to arrive at a settlement. Although Title III of the ADA makes no provision for damages, several of the plaintiffs came from states that do. Colorado allows for nominal damages, while California calls for up to $4,000 per incident. By the time the lawyers were negotiating the settlement, Robertson says, Kmart wanted to expand the class action pool to ensure that no additional suits would follow and that it would be responsible for a one-time payment. Ultimately, the corporation agreed to pay $8 million in cash and $5 million in gift cards, with $10,000 going to each of the three main plaintiffs, Lucas included. “I have to give a lot of credit to Kmart’s managers and attor-

neys post-bankruptcy,” Robertson says. “They didn’t cave, but it was clear that their goal was to make things right.”

case. ... I would say any lawyer ... should examine this file to see how a class action should be handled. The rights and obligations of all the parties have Looking back, Robertson sees been represented, and this has the Lucas case as a textbook not taken on the aspects of a example of how to effect barroom brawl.” change in a national chain. “In many ways, we were plowing So just what has justice delivnew ground. There had never ered-however languorously? been a contested class action [of a Title III ADA case] of Laura Rovner, an assistant prothis size,” she says, noting that fessor at the Sturm College of the years-long struggle was al- Law and an expert in disability ways civil, even in the midst of rights, notes that Lucas v. “scorched-earth” litigation. Kmart sends a compelling message: Title III of the ADA Lucas, who earned her law de- has to be taken seriously. Failgree at the University of Den- ure to do so may prove costly. ver while the case played out, takes pride in the way it was “I think this was a huge wake pursued, in its unrelenting fo- up call,” Rovner says, noting cus on improving life for that the settlement tells retailKmart’s disabled customer ers-many of whom have felt base. She points to a courtroom sheltered by Title III’s failure to provide for damages-that “Looking back, Robert- attorneys can and will pursue son sees the Lucas case these cases vigilantly. “There are not a ton of lawyers who as a textbook example of take on these kinds of cases how to effect change in a because there are no damages,” national chain.” she explains. But Lucas v. Kmart shows an alternate path statement by Senior U.S. Dis- that relies on class action statrict Court Judge John Kane, tus and parallel legislation in delivered during the case’s fi- the states to arrive at damages nal fairness hearing and posted and achieve relief. “Seeing one on the Colorado Cross-Disabil- [case] go the distance and get ity Coalition’s Web site: “It is the kind of comprehensive revery difficult to find justice, lief that was awarded in this but you develop a gestalt when case may get retailers to act justice has been achieved, and proactively,” Rovner says. I think that happened in this

Lucas believes that’s already happening. “At the macro level,” she says, “we’ve already seen [retailers] say, let’s not spend money fighting this, let’s just make the changes.” At the micro level, where Lucas invests her emotional capital, the results are just as gratifying. “People with disabilities generally are not wealthy. Most of us are poor. We’re buying our kids’ school clothes at Kmart,” she explains. “People with disabilities often don’t have the option of traveling across town to a Kmart that might have a better set-up. They’re stuck with their Kmart. For these people, it makes a big difference in their day-to-day lives that they can go buy shampoo and toilet paper.” And on the purely personal level, the settlement represents an enormous relief to Lucas and her family. No more hearings, no more depositions, no more taxations of her overtaxed patience. Perhaps best of all, the Lucas clan-Heather, Asiza, Adrianne and Carrie Ann-can now visit their neighborhood Kmart in search of bargains. Just like everyone else. ■ Copyright 2007 University of Denver Magazine. Reprinted with permission.

February 10, 2008

Web sightings

From the front row

Being disabled in an uninformed world Five Web favorites from Access Press staff

hat are your favorite disability-related video clips? With this new feature, we will present a handful of recentlydiscovered informative or entertaining disability-related Web sites, video clips and news items. Each month, we will be asking a different Web-savvy member of the local disability community to contribute some of their favorite recent online finds. For this inaugural installment, our marketing director, Lance Hegland, contributes videos and photographs that highlight what it means to be disabled in a world that isn’t always understanding or aware, and how to deal with uninformed people and unenlightened situations with both humor and grace (though not necessarily both!).

Flex your ‘access,’ click and enjoy! p.s. Send us your five favorites and we’ll feature you next! (access@accesspress.org) ■

“I Define Me” www.youtube.com/watch?v=opg UMJTXTYY This video deals with the ongoing struggle to stay out of the box people keep putting you in. It reminds us how the personal is political, and vice versa.

“Disability Awareness” www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_cggn9uYGc

“Disability Awareness (take 2),” www.youtube.com/watch?v=55uKkerXRR0 The above two clips attempt to publicize the very real presence of people with disabilities in everyday life; although not surprising to Access Press readers, many people may be enlightened by these short public service announcements. “Creature Discomforts” www.creaturediscomforts.org This British public service announcement attempts to mix actual confessions from people with a disability with whimsical animations to both educate and entertain. It is effective as both a tool for dispelling myths and as a fun bit of identity subversion.

Parking Signs (Rated R) www.frostfirepulse.com/your-spine-or-mine Though not for the faint of heart within the disability community, these biting parking signs are effective at expressing the justified frustration felt toward those who park in designated spots in an unauthorized manner. This is perhaps what some of us fantasize could be hung up for particularly ignorant drivers!

Well

Park Square Theater; Seen Feb 2nd by Raymond Luczak Editor’s note: Access Press is pleased to welcome author and playwright Raymond Luczak as our new theater reviewer. Mr. Luczak (www.raymondluc zak.com) will be reviewing an ASL-interpreted play each month under the heading “From the front row.” Reviews will be posted first to access press.org, and printed the following month. Coming next: Peer Gynt (reviewed Feb 17th)

n the surface, Lisa M. Kron’s Well sounds fairly straightforward and humorous: A playwright incidentally named Lisa Kron tries to write a play about how she recovered from her allergies while her allergy-laden mother constantly interrupts from her La-Z-Boy with corrections. But the execution— and the journey that the audience takes—is much more complex and ultimately satisfying. Impeccably directed by Michael Bigelow Dixon, the cast is able to anchor a script that could’ve been confusing for those with little exposure to experimental and nontraditional theater. Throughout the show the focus explores the

Commentary

Disability: a social construct

could never reach self-actualization, self-sufficiency or independence. These thoughts were never conscious thoughts, but subconscious beliefs that I quietly held for a long time.

The time came when I was made to confront my subconscious beliefs. I started work as a personal care assistant for a permanently seated guy named Lance. Lance has Spinal Muscular Atrophy, which is a genetic disease that causes motor nerves to die, leaving sensory nerves behind. Lance can feel you poke his leg, but Until recently, I was an he cannot move it away. “ableist,” someone who used nondisabled people as a bar When I started this job, all I for what’s normal. I had been knew was that Lance was in a raised in a household where wheelchair and needed help self-efficacy, hard work and with cooking, toileting and independence were valued bathing. With what little I knew highly. Above all, my house- about him, I made the assumphold perceived weakness as a tion that he was living with fault. It followed that disabil- family, had never been marity was wholly undesirable and ried, and never had a job or intolerable. any achievements under his belt. I even thought that he In my cruder moments, I might be cognitively impaired. thought about how “disabled I had not anticipated that Lance people” were a “burden” to the was a college graduate with a nondisabled and “how sad it bachelor’s degree in mathwas that they would not be able ematics (summa cum laude to live out lives as full as mine.” from St. Thomas University). I assumed that persons with I was surprised to find that he disabilities were sad souls who had created a consulting busi-

ness, had been married before and was living by himself in a posh, upscale apartment. I did not think that we would get in intense, deep and philosophical discussions about life, disabilities and love. Everything I ever believed to be true about people with disabilities proved to be completely and utterly wrong.

mother-daughter—and indirectly, playwright-muse—relationship between Lisa and her mother Ann. There are plenty of chuckles and some outright laughs sprinkled throughout. The set, designed by Kate Sutton-Johnson, is distinctive, conveying Ann’s world with its comfortable evocations of home and contrasting it with the abstract gray boxes and wide stripes on the floor for Lisa’s state of mind. In a part that a younger Diane Keaton might have made predictable with her tics and mannerisms, Christina Baldwin imbues her character Lisa instead with a more realistic rendition of someone who thinks she knows what she wants, and yet her emotional intents are clear as day. She is totally likeable, but I think we eventually share her mother’s exasperation with Lisa’s need to “explain.” The whole show plays havoc with the very concept of “show and tell,” which is ironic, given how the other cast members—four performers who portray a wide variety of characters from Lisa’s childhood— do often show what Lisa tells, or tries to explain. Sometimes Lisa participates in their reenactments; sometimes not. I found two particular elements of great interest to the disability community.

by Quynh Nguyen o one ever calls himself or herself racist, bigoted, smallminded or ignorant. Those are titles you give to others while looking into their narrow perspective and sighing at their lack of understanding and tolerance for other cultures. As a woman, a member of a minority culture and an outspoken person, I have smacked those titles on unwitting people before. It was not long until I found the opportunity to slap one of those labels on myself. Namely, “ableist.”

make you gag—as they should until you understand where they come from—try providing personal care to a person with disabilities. It is bound to change your perspective. ■

Originally published in the Minnesota Daily, Sept 12, 2007. Reprinted with permission. Quynh Nguyen welcomes comments at qnguyen@mn Through Lance, I realized that daily.com. my misgiving toward people with disabilities was out of pure ignorance. I had believed that people with disabilities were pitiful because medicine could not fix their “broken” parts. I couldn’t have been further from the truth.

While examining how her parents felt it important to push for racial integration with African-American neighbors and classmates, it is fascinating to see the characters grapple with what it means to be part of the community. Many people within the disability community do not feel accepted by those who are able-bodied or those who consider themselves “normal” (whatever that

The friendly corner drugstore is not a thing of the past!

People with disabilities do not want cures, pity or special treatment. They want jobs, education, housing and the transportation to get to them. Disability is no problem to the disabled; how others perceive disabilities is the real problem. In short, people with disabilities want a world where ableism gives way to acceptance. I use terms like “persons with disability” and “permanently seated” with love and profound respect. If politically correct terms like “handicapable”

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means), so in this context, it’s always illuminating to observe and learn from other minorities seeking acceptance, and yes, assimilation. For instance, when Lisa as a younger child tries to emulate her AfricanAmerican friends and their mannerisms, it’s quite funny. How many of us in the disability community have tried to imitate others in hopes of being accepted, even though it’s already painfully clear that being disabled is so not cool? Lisa also explores how other people she’d met while growing up interact with their doctors and how they view themselves through the restrictive lens of what is wrong with them, as opposed to what is good with them (sound familiar, anyone?). At the “allergy hospital,” Lisa meets Joy, a very depressed person obsessed with the state of her own physical health, who is played with great aplomb by Heidi Bakke. It is through their interactions that she begins to see how some people need to feel unwell, and how she had to stop seeing the world through her mother’s eyes. As Ann Kron, Barbara June Patterson gives her character a feisty demeanor. That a performer “past a certain age” is even up there points out the unfortunate dearth of complex and engaging parts for older performers who are so rarely seen aside from second-tier parts (grandmother and the like) in contemporary theater. The ASL interpreters Susan Masters and Stephen Medlicott prove themselves capable of making a “messy” play clear to us Deaf audience members, especially with its plethora of characters. Their translation was very good. The playbill warned that strobe lighting would be used in the production, but that is only to convey a photographic flashbulb going off. The sign for the wheelchair-accessible restrooms in the lobby was clearly easy to see; these restrooms seemed quite a ways from the lobby itself, however. That this unconventional play has done so well on Broadway is a testimony to its universal humanity and its empathetic humor. If you’ve ever been exasperated by your own mother—and who hasn’t?— this play is for you. Park Square Theater is located at: 20 W. 7th Place, St. Paul.

February 10, 2008

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. Also see Accessible Movie Theaters on page 14.

See www.accesspress.org for complete listing 9 Parts of Desire Mar. 1 - 23 Guthrie Theater, Dowling Studio, 818 - 2nd St. S., Mpls. ASL and AD: Sat., Mar. 22, 1:00 pm, Tix: Reduced to $18 (reg. up to $34), Phone: 612-3772224, TTY: 612-377-6626, www.guthrietheater.org/visit/ the_building/access_services Arts of Japan: The John C. Weber Collection Feb. 24 - May 25 Mpls. Institute of Arts, 2400 Third Ave. S., Mpls. ASL: Sun., Mar. 2, 1:00 pm; free tour begins by the Information Desk in the museum lobby, Tix: special exhibition admission charged, Phone: 612-8703131, TTY: 612-870-3132, Email: dhegstrom@artsmia. org Web: www.artsmia.org Box Office of the Damned Mar. 6 - 16 Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre, 333 Fourth St. S., Fargo. AD: Sat., Mar. 8, 7:30 pm; pre-show description at 7:10 pm, ASL: upon request in advance, Tix: Reduced to $12.50, $10 senior 65+, $7.50 student (reg. $15, $12, $9), Phone: 701-235-6778, 877687-7469, www.fmct.org Charlotte’s Web Feb. 29 - Mar. 9 Rochester Civic Theatre, 20 Civic Center Drive SE. ASL: Sun. Mar. 2, 2:00 pm, Tix: $17, $14 senior, $12 student, Phone: 507-282-8481, Web: www.rochestercivictheatre.org Church Basement Ladies Through March 2 Plymouth Playhouse at the Best Western Kelly Inn, 2705 Annapolis Lane (I-494 and Hwy 55), Plymouth. ASL: Sat., Dec. 29, 8:00 pm, Tix: Reduced to $30 (code ASL; reg. $34, senior, $32, student $17), Phone: 763-558-1600 ext. 1, E-mail: bompp@plymouth playhousecom Web: www. plymouthplayhouse.com

Fishtank Feb. 16 - Mar. 22 Theatre de la Jeune Lune, 105 N. First St., Mpls. AD and ASL: Thurs., Mar. 13, 8:00 pm, Tix: Reduced to $13; reg. $20, $15 senior; $9 age 25 or under; other nights up to $30, Phone: TicketWorks: 612333-6200 or 612-332-3968 x100, www.jeunelune.org

For a Time Such As This Mar. 21 - 30 Bridge Productions at Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls. AD and ASL: Sat., Mar. 22 and Fri., Mar. 28, 8:00 pm (reservation required 3 days before show for ASL or AD services), Tix: Reduced to $12 AD/ASL patron, student, senior, preview, Fringe button (reg. $15, $10 groups, theater industry), Phone: 651-5019273, E-mail: tickets@bridge productions.info Web: www. bridgeproductions.info or www.intermediaarts.org

Heartbeat of the Drum Mar. 14 - 30 SteppingStone Theatre, 55 Victoria St. N., St. Paul. ASL: Sun., Mar. 16, 2:00 pm, AD: Fri., Mar. 21, 7:00 pm, Tix: $11, student/senior $9, Phone: 651-225-9265, www.stepping stonetheatre.org The House at Pooh Corner Feb. 22 - Mar. 16 Stages Theatre Co. at Hopkins Center for the Arts Jaycee Studio, 1111 Main Street. ASL: Sun., Mar. 2, 2:00 pm, and Wed., Mar. 5, 10:00 am (Audio Description available upon request), Tix: $15, $11 child (age 2-17) and senior (age 60+) plus $1.50 fee per ticket for phone/web orders, Phone: 952-979-1111, www.stages theatre.org

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Feb. 26 - Mar. 6 Children’s Theatre Co., Mainstage, 2400 - 3rd Ave. S., Mpls. AD and ASL: Fri., Mar. 28, 7:30 pm; student matinees available on request, Tix: The Fortunes of King Croesus Mention VSA Offer for $13 Mar. 1, 4, 6, 8, 9 tickets; regular discount is $20, A co-production with Minne- Phone: 612-874-0400, Web: sota Opera Company and Op- www.childrenstheatre.org era North (Leeds, England), at the Ordway Center for PerInto the Woods, Junior forming Arts, 345 WashingFeb. 8 - 17 ton St., St. Paul. Sung in Ger- Fargo-Moorhead Community man with English captions Theatre, 333 Fourth St. S., projected, AD: Sun., Mar. 9, Fargo. ASL: upon request in 2:00 pm; pre-opera discussion advance, Tix: Reduced to at 1:00 pm, Tix: Reduced to ½ $12.50, $10 senior 65+, $7.50 price for AD patrons, Phone: student (reg. $15, $12, $9), 612-333-6669, TTY: 612- Phone: 701-235-6778, 877729-6023, www.mnopera.org 687-7469, www.fmct.org Friends Are Benefits Mar. 29 - 30 Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus at Ted Mann Concert Hall, 2128 - 4th St. S., Mpls. ASL: Sun., Mar. 30, 2:00 pm, Tix: $23-43 (includes fees), child half-price, Phone: 612-6242345, Web: www.tcgmc.org or www.northrop.umn.edu

Frozen Mar. 7 - 30 Park Square Theatre, 408 Saint Peter St. (20 W. 7th Place), St. Paul. AD/ASL: Sat., Mar. 22, 7:30 pm, Tix: Reduced to halfprice, Phone: 651-291-7005, www.parksquaretheatre.org

The Drowsy Chaperone Mar. 18 - 30 Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Main Hall, 345 Washington, St. Paul. ASL: Wed., Mar. 26, 8:00 pm, AD: Sat., Mar. 29, 8:00 pm, Tix/ The Giver Phone: 651-224-4222, TTY: Mar. 7 - 30 651-282-3100, www.ordway. Stages Theatre Co. at Hopkins org/services/access.asp Center for the Arts Mainstage, 1111 Main Street. ASL: Wed., Eurydice Mar. 12, 12:30 pm, Wed., Mar. Feb. 14 - Mar. 9 Ten Thousand Things Theater 19, 9:30 am, and Sun., Mar. at Open Book, 1011 Washing- 30, 2:00 pm, Tix: $15, $11 ton Ave. S., Mpls. (Open Book, child (age 2-17) and senior Feb. 29-Mar. 2; MN Opera (age 60+) plus $1.50 fee per Center, Mar. 7-9), AD: Sun., ticket for phone/web orders, Mar. 2, 8:00 pm, Tix: Reduced Phone: 952-979-1111 (AD to $13 (reg. $20), Phone: 612- available upon request), Web: 203-9502, www.tenthousand www.stagestheatre.org things.org

Invigorate the Common Well: Beneath the Surface: When Life Stirs Again Feb. 19 - Mar. 16 In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre in collaboration with the Tomales Bay Institute at the Avalon Theater, 1500 E. Lake St., Mpls. AD: Sun., Mar. 16, 2:00 pm; tactile tour available at 1:30 (register with the theater); school performance Fri., Mar. 14, 10:30 am, ASL: Call the theater, Tix: $17, $12 for child, student, senior or group; weekday matinees $5 for groups and $10 for individuals, Phone: 612-721-2535, Email: info@hobt.org Web: www.hobt.org Jane Eyre Mar. 8 - 30 Guthrie Theater, Wurtele Thrust Stage, 818 - 2nd St. S., Mpls. ASL: Fri., Mar. 28, 7:30 pm, AD: Sat., Mar. 29, 1:00 pm; tactile tour at 10:30 am, Tix: Reduced to $18 for AD/ ASL (reg. $27-$57), Phone: 612-377-2224, TTY: 612377-6626, Web: www.guthrie theater.org/visit/the_build ing/access_services

Jersey Boys Mar. 19 - Mar. 20 Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls. ASL: Sun., Mar. 30, 1:00 pm, Tix: $28.50 - 133.50; AD if req. in adv, Phone: 612-373-5639 or 5609, Hotline; 612-373-5650, TTY: 612-373-5655, E-mail: accesible@orpheum.com Web: www.hennepintheatr district.org/guestservicesaslad/ The Little Foxes Mar. 20 - Mar. 6 Tin Roof Theatre Co. at Main Avenue Theatre, 716 Main Ave., Fargo. AD: Sat., Mar. 29, 7:30 pm, Tix: $8 (reg. $15, student/ sr $10), Phone: 701-3065843, www.tinrooftheatre.org Love Person Feb. 29 - Mar. 22 Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 S. 4th St., Mpls. (Performed in 3 languages: English, Sanskrit, ASL/projected E-mail), ASL: every performance is interpreted: Feb. 28-29, Mar. 1-2, 6-9, 12-16, 19-22, AD/Caption-ing: Fri., Mar. 7, 7:30 pm, Tix: Access tix $12, Phone: 612-338-6131, E-mail: box office@mixedblood.com Web: www.mixedblood.com

Max and Ruby Feb. 22 Theatreworks USA at Stephen B. Humphrey Theater, St John’s University, Collegeville. ASL: Fri., Feb. 22, 7:00 pm, Tix: $16; sr/youth $8, Phone: 320363-5700, E-mail: DWolford @csbsju.edu Web: www.csb sju.edu/finearts My Fair Lady Feb. 20 - Mar. 2 Historic Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls. ASL: Sun., Feb. 24, 1:00 pm, Tix: $23-78, AD: 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/ Nunsense Feb. 8 - 17 Cross Community Players at Crosswinds United Methodist Church, 15051 Weaver Lake Road, Maple Grove. ASL: Fri., Feb. 15, 7:30 pm, Tix: Reduced to $3.50-5.50 for AD/ ASL (reg. $7-11), Phone: 763391-2787, E-mail: mail@ crossplayers.org Web: www. crossplayers.org

Peace Crimes: The MN Eight vs. The War Feb. 21 - Mar. 9 A co-production of the History Theatre and the University of MN Theatre Dept. at Rarig Center, 330 - 21st Ave. S., Mpls. ASL and AD: Sat., Mar. 1, 8:00 pm, Tix: Reduced to $15, Phone: 651-292-4323, Web: theatre.umn.edu or www.historytheatre.com The Piano Lesson Feb. 21 - Mar. 16 Penumbra Theatre at Martin Luther King Center, 270 N. Kent St., St. Paul. ASL: Sat., Mar. 1, 8:00 pm, AD: Sun., Mar. 16, 2:00 pm, Tix: Reduced to $8-$28 (reg. $35, $15 student), Phone: 651-2243180 (specify ASL or AD), Email: boxoffice@penum bratheatre.org Web: www. penumbratheatre.org 7th Annual Political Theatre Festival Feb. 14 - Mar. 2 Out of Cordoba and American Latino! (in English with some Spanish), For Mi ChiChi (in Spanish with some English). Teatro del Pueblo at Perform - cont. on p. 14

February 10, 2008

PERFORM -

Cont. from p. 13

Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls. ASL: Fri., Feb. 22, 8:00 pm, Tix: $12 (reg. $15; $13 student/senior), Phone: 612-871-4444 or 651224-8806, Web: www.teatro delpueblo.org or www.inter mediaarts.org

tory Theatre, 30 Tenth St. E., St. Paul. AD: Sun., Mar. 2, 2:00 pm, Tix: Reduced by $7 (reg. $25-35), Phone: 651292-4232, www.mnjewish theatre.org

Tix: Reduced to $18 (reg. $27$57), Phone: 612-377-2224, TTY:: 612-377-6626, Web: www.guthrietheater.org/visit/ the_building/access_services

Reduced to $10 for AD patrons; Reg. $18, $16 student/ senior, Phone: 651-645-3503, Web: www.startinggate.org or www.moundstheatre.org

Read Peer Gynt review, Peer Gynt Feb. 18 at Jan. 12 - Mar. 2 www.accesspress.org Parade Guthrie Theater, Wurtele Feb. 23 - Mar. 16 Thrust Stage, 818 - 2nd St. S., Sabrina Fair Minnesota Jewish Theatre Co. Mpls. ASL: Fri., Feb. 15, 7:30 Mar. 14 - Mar. 6 and Theater Latté Da at His- pm; Thurs., Feb. 21, 7:30 pm, Theatre in the Round, 245 Cedar Ave., Mpls. AD: Sun., Mar. 30, 2:00 pm, Tix: $20, senior/student discount, Phone: 612-333-3010, Web: Radio Talking Book (RTB) is a closed-circuit reading net- www.theatreintheround.org

The Sound of Music Feb. 15 - Mar. 16 Lyric Arts Company of Anoka at Main Street Stage, 420 E. Main St., Anoka. ASL: Sat., Feb. 16, 7:30 pm (request must be made at least one week in advance) Tix: $15, $13 student/senior, $17 box seats, Phone: 763-422-1838, Web: www.lyricarts.org

Radio Talking Book schedule

work broadcasting twenty-four hours daily to more than 7,500 handicapped persons (with a potential of 35,000) in Minnesota and South Dakota. Through satellite distribution, thousands of listeners nation-wide receive RTB broadcasts via their local radio reading services. Receivers are available on loan without charge to those who are eligible and who want to keep up to date with the latest word in newspapers, magazines and best-sellers. FFI: www.mnssb.org/allages/commcenter/rtb •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: The Rest of Her Life, Fiction by Laura Moriarty, 2007. Leigh’s relationship with her daughter Kara is already strained when, in a moment of carelessness, Kara makes a mistake that ends in tragedy. The effects divide Leigh’s family and polarize the community. L- Read by Jodi Furness. 11 broadcasts. Begins Feb. 19. •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 the 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: Trespass, Fiction by Valerie Martin, 2007. Chloe is disturbed about her son Toby’s new girlfriend, a Croatian refugee whose past is a mine of dangerous secrets. V, L, SRead by Bonita Sindelir. 10 broadcasts. Begins Feb. 18. •12:00 a.m. Good Night Owl– A wide-ranging assortment of books •1:00 a.m. After Midnight– Adventures of the heart and body *Abbreviations: V- violence, L- offensive language, S- sexual situations

RTB books available through Faribault All books broadcast on the Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network are available through the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library in Faribault. 800-722-0550 and hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Online at www.klas.com/mnbph

The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window Feb. 22 - Mar. 16 Starting Gate Productions at Mounds Theatre, 1029 Hudson Road, St. Paul. AD: Sun., Mar. 9, 2:00 pm, Tix:

Summer of ‘42 Mar. 7 - 30 Mpls. Musical Theatre at Hennepin Stages, 824 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. AD/ASL: Sun., Mar. 16, 7:30 pm, Tix: Reduced to $18 (reg. $25), Phone: 612-673-0404; 612-

Disability Viewpoints schedule Channel 15, third Mondays, 7:30 p.m. hosted by Mark Hughes co-produced by United Cerebral Palsy of MN “Disability Viewpoints” is an award winning cable television show for people with disabilities that features topics pertaining to community services, programs and supports. February: Assistive technology services and equipment. Guests will be Kim Moccia, the Minnesota STAR Program and Jo Ann Erbes, the MATLN program of United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota. March: The up-coming legislative session and issues pertaining to people with disabilities. Guests will be Steve Larson, from The Arc of Minnesota and co-chair of Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD) and Jeff Nachbar, the Brain Injury of Minnesota, also a member of MN-CCD. April: The program and services of MRCI Work Source in Rosemount with guest Lynn Korab The show airs the third Monday of every month at 7:30 p.m. on CTV 15 and channel 15 in Arden Hills, Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Little Canada, Mounds View, New Brighton, North Oaks, Roseville, Saint Anthony and Shoreview. A monthly topics schedule can be found at http://www.ctv15.org/ dv.php or the show can be viewed at the same site though video casting. If you have a program that you would like to promote on ”Disability Viewpoints” contact Jo Ann Erbes at 651646-7588 or ucpmn@cpinternet.com.

373-5639 or 5609; TTY: 612373-5655; ASL/Audio Described Hotline: 612-3735650, E-mail: accessible@or pheum.com, Web: www. aboutmmt.org or www.henne pintheatrdistrict.org/ guestservices/aslad/

Utopia, Limited Feb. 21 - Mar. 16 Gilbert and Sullivan Very Light Opera Co. at Howard Conn Fine Arts Center, 1900 Nicollet Ave. S., Mpls. AD: Sun., Feb. 24, 2:00 pm; 1:15 tactile tour, Tix: $15, child under 12 $8, GSVLOC TickThe Stones ets, 1412 W. 47th St., Mpls. Feb. 12 - Mar. 9 55419, Phone: 651-255-6947 Children’s Theatre Co., Cargill M-F 11:00 am-2:00 pm, www. Stage, 2400 - 3rd Ave. S., Mpls. gsvloc.org/Utopia08.htm AD and ASL: Fri., Feb. 29, You’re My 8:00 pm; student matinees Favorite Kind of Pretty available upon request, Tix: Feb. 28 - Mar. 9 Mention VSA Offer for $13 tickets; regular discount is $20, Southern Theater, 1420 WashPhone: 612-874-0400, Web: ington Ave. S., Mpls. AD / ASL: Fri., Mar. 7, 8:00 pm, www.childrenstheatre.org Tix: Reduced to $13 for AD/ ASL patrons w/code VSA (reg. Third $20), Phone: 612-340-1725, Feb. 16 - Mar. 30 Guthrie Theater, Whitney www.southerntheater.org Proscenium, 818 - 2nd St. S., Well Mpls. AD: Sat., Mar. 8, 1:00 Jan. 18 - Feb. 10 pm; Fri., Mar. 14, 7:30 pm, ASL: Fri., Mar. 21, 7:30 pm; Park Square Theatre, 408 Saint Thurs., Mar. 27, 7:30 pm, Tix: Peter St. (20 W. 7th Place), St. Reduced to $18 (reg. $27- Paul. AD and ASL: Sat., Feb. $57), Phone: 612-377-2224, 2, 7:30 pm, Tix: Reduced to ½ TTY: 612-377-6626, www. price, Phone: 651-291-7005, guthrietheater.org/visit/ www.parksquaretheatre.org the_building/access_services

Accessible movie theaters The movie complexes listed below offer MoPix-equipped captioning or description services. For show times, call the theater; sign up to receive their e-mail list; contact MN Open Captioned Films, www.mnoc films.org/ movies.html or Rear Window Captioned Film http:// ncam.wgbh.org/mo pix/ nowshowing.html#mn

494, 952-656-0010. Park in upper level lot between Sears and Kohl’s. Accessible films in Auditorium 4. Science Museum of Minnesota Omnitheater, 120 Kellogg Blvd. W., St. Paul. Rear view captioning and DVS for most films in the Omnitheater or the 3D Cinema. TTY: 651-221-4585, E-mail: info@smm.org, Web: www.smm.org/ visitorinfo/hours/ showtimes_dynamic.php or www.smm.org/info/ accessibility.php.

Crown Theater Block E Movie Complex, 600 Hennepin Ave., third floor, Mpls. Enter parking ramp on 7th Street next to the Hard Rock Café. 612-338-1466. Accessible films in Audito- Lakes 10 Theatre, 4351 riums 2 and 12. Note: DVS Stebner Rd., Hermantown. patrons: request headset. Twelve accessible parking spaces near theater. Movie AMC Eden Prairie Mall 18 Line: 218-729-0335, EmerTheatres, 4000 Flying Cloud gency Line: 218-729-0334, Drive at Eden Prairie Shop- E-mail: Sfennessey@cec ping Center, Hwy 212 and theatrescom ■

Assistive Technology @ Your Library FREE Internet and word processing services are available to persons with vision, mobility, and special learning needs at three Saint Paul Public Library locations: Hayden Heights Library, Highland Park Library and Rondo Outreach Library. For additional details, or to make an appointment, call a library listed below: Hayden Heights (651) 793-3934 1456 White Bear Ave. Highland Park (651) 695-3700 1974 Ford Pkwy. Rondo Outreach (651) 266-7400 461 N. Dale St.

A c c e s s for S u c c e s s Assistive technologies are provided by a grant from Minnesota Library Services and School Technology

February 10, 2008

CONFIDENCE out. It sponsors a number of wheelchair dance, sports and drill teams that have performed around the world. It also offers the inspirational and mentoring work of the Positive Redirection Team (PRT). PRT is a group of motivational speakers, dancers, actors, fashion models, and fitness instructions who all use wheelchairs, promote access to their fields for persons with disabilities, and mentor others with disabilities interested in these careers. Taking advantage of its location at the center of

Cont. from p. 9

American film and TV production, OC has sponsored dances, fashion shows, comedy shows, jazz concerts, and been itself the recipient of a beauty make-over when the TV show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition remodeled Mackey’s home and helped her move the OC offices from her home to a new building. ■ Info about OC and its activities can be found on the web at www.operationconfidence.org or by calling 818-368-4407.

Minnesota beauty activist Tiffiny Carlson Self-described “wheelchair fashion guru” Tiffiny Carlson is a Minneapolis writer and beauty activist for women with disabilities. She founded BeautyAbilty in 1999. Visit her webpage: http://beautyability.com/2.0/about/

LANGUAGE groups that deal with this issue have already undergone a name change, such as the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. Virginia is one of only seven states that has not made the switch, according to testimony at the Senate meeting.

Cont. from p. 4 mentally retarded, but like Thompson and Ackerman, she rejects the label. As she spoke with reporters about the importance of changing people’s attitudes, she broke down in tears.

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The measure also received an endorsement from the Virginia Association of Community Services Boards. “This is a consumer movement to change it,” said Mary Ann Bergeron, executive director. “I think we’re moving in the right direction.” The power of words was evident after the Senate hearing. Egle’ has been diagnosed as

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Moments later, she regained her composure.

There are a few hurdles to overcome. “I’m just feeling proud for myself,” she said. ■ Because it affects state spending, budget committees will Reprinted with permission have to approve it. The Senate from dailypress.com, Newversion of the bill is headed to port News, Va. the Courts of Justice Committee because of concerns over capital punishment. Virginia does not execute people if they are deemed mentally retarded, and lawmakers want to examine that portion of the state code to make sure the switch does not result in any confusion.

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