April 2008 Edition - Access Press

www.accesspress.org History Note

Inside

“The deep root of failure in our lives is to think, ‘Oh how useless and powerless I am.’”

■ West African musicians—p.3 ■ A comfortable shampoo—p.6 ■ Directory of Organizations—p.7

— The 14th Dalai Lama Page 2 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Mpls. MN Permit No. 4766

Volume 19, Number 4

Minnesota’s Disability

Community Newspaper

April 10, 2008

Advocates: No more cuts Disability Day at the Capitol attendees expect respect

by Mike Gude

A

record number of people attended Disability Day at the Capitol in St. Paul last month.

About three hundred and sixty people came for presentations at the Minnesota History Center and/or visited their state legislators at the State Capitol.

They came from all parts of the state—from Minneapolis to Moorhead, from Redwood Falls to Rochester, from St. Cloud to St. Paul, from Mower County to the North Shore and Iron Range. They were mem-

bers, staff, and volunteer leaders from The Arc of Minnesota and local chapters of The Arc; members and staff from Advocating Change Together (ACT) and People First of Minnesota; staff from United Cerebral Palsy, Brain Injury Association of Minnesota, and PACER Center; and self-advocates and their staff from providers around the state.

formation. After getting the bad news about another difficult state budget situation that faces persons with disabilities and their families, they heard about positive moves as well, including the CAN DO Initiative at the Minnesota Department of Human Services. This program is working to implement recommendations from various task forces and committees to help people with Spending their morning at the disabilities increase their comMinnesota History Center, par- munity participation, gain ticipants received a lot of in- more control over their living

Commentary

A 2003 rerun?

Governor balances the budget on the backs of persons with disabilities

by Steve Larson

R

emember in 2003 when services for persons with disabilities were cut severely? Well, welcome to 2008. In recent weeks there have been several significant announcements at the Capitol impacting the future of services and supports: • Minnesota faces a $935 million budget deficit for the budget years ending on June 30, 2009.

• The governor wants health and human services to be responsible for $500 million worth of budget cuts and funding transfers. The lowlights of the governor’s budget include: • Elimination of the 2% cost of living adjustment (COLA) scheduled for this July • Caps on growth in the CADI and TBI waivers.

• Limits on the growth in MNDHO (Minnesota Disability Health Options).

• Calls for four counties to pay back $4.2 million in past over-expenditures on the developmental disabilities waiver in 2004.

The deficit is not expected to disappear after 2009. The state budget forecast in February 2008 projects a $1 billion deficit in the 2010-11 biennial budget year—$2 billion when inflation is factored in.

Persons with disabilities are tired of making sacrifices to help the state balance its budget. Since 2003, people with disabilities receiving human services and providers of disability supports have experienced more than $500 million in spending cuts, fee increases, additional copayments, and/or budget transfers. In 2008, human services are being asked to bear 50% of the responsibility for eliminating the $935 billion deficit when they make up only about 28% of the state budget.

Some would argue that the continued existence of deficits means we have a spending problem. However, I would argue we have more of a revenue problem. The income tax rebates and cuts from the late 1990s, 2000, and 2001 have helped create a hole that

we haven’t been able to dig out from. We know that we need to be wise stewards of the resources that taxpayers provide, and we know that many Minnesotans are struggling financially as we face a downturn in our economy. But we need adequate resources to provide the services that Minnesotans with disabilities need, too. And these supports help more Minnesotans become contributing, included, and valued members of our communities.

Our elected officials need to make a greater commitment to raising the revenues required to make life better for persons with disabilities, in a way that fairly distributes the contributions Minnesotans are asked to make in taxes.

Our job is not made any easier when Gov. Pawlenty proposes a 1/8 percent cut in the sales tax – a $77 million yearly hit to the budget. This is $77 million more that won’t be available to disability sup-

situation and their supports, improve their health and safety, and increase their chances for gainful employment. Participants also learned how to be more effective public policy advocates and how to put together their stories for state legislators.

Then came brief presentations and fact sheets on a host of issues: increasing access to housing in the community; reducing parental fees and the waiting list for services; re-

Debbi Harris, an Eagan parent of a child with disabilities, speaking to the crowd photo by Jan Pedersen & Scott Schifsky, Arc Greater Twin Cities

ducing the incidence of disability by reducing children’s exposure to environmental toxins; increasing transportation access; special education; getting ready to vote in the 2008 elections; the Remembering with Dignity campaign to put names on grave markers at state institutions instead of numbers; and reducing head injuries through seat belt use.

Thanks should be given to the following presenters for educating participants on these issues: Steve Larson (The Arc of Minnesota), Anne Henry (MN Disability Law Center), Alex Bartolic (DHS), Rick Cardenas and Jim FassetCarmen (ACT), Arc Greater Twin Cities advocates Beth Fondell, Barb Kleist, and Scott Schifsky, self-advocates Mike ports and other valuable state Williams and Heidi Myhre, projects.

Erin Zolotukin-Ridgway (parent), Kim Kang (PACER), and What action can you take this Jeff Nachbar (Brain Injury Assession? The Arc of Minne- sociation of Minnesota). sota and its partners in the Consortium for Citizens with Most of the participants then Disabilities (CCD) will moni- marched up the street to the tor the situation closely at the State Capitol steps to join with Capitol. Please urge your leg- other members of the Minneislators to not balance the bud- sota Consortium for Citizens get on the backs of people with with Disabilities (MN CCD) disabilities. If you don’t know to rally against proposed budwho your legislator is, go to get cuts. The main messages The Arc of Minnesota Web at the rally—indeed the entire site, and click on the “Who day—were, “Don’t Balance Represents Me at the State the Budget on the Backs of Capitol?” link, or call 651- People with Disabilities” and 296-2146 (1-800-657-3550 “Invest in People with Distoll free). You can also check abilities: Create a Taxpayer.” their Web site for updates from the State Capitol and other Then came the trips to offices specific actions you can take of state legislators. Coming before the Legislature ad- from so many parts of the state, journs. ■ participants were able to see a good sampling of government Steve Larson is Public Policy officials—at least 36 state repDirector at The Arc of MN resentatives and 25 senators.

Those visits included talks with members of key committees and with legislative leaders (or the legislators’ staff), including Senate leaders Larry Pogemiller and David Senjem, Speaker of the House Margaret Anderson Kelliher, and House Disability Caucus Chair Shelley Madore.

Hunter Sargent, self-advocate and board member of The Arc Minnesota, was one of the participants who visited with Melissa Parker, Assistant to Speaker of the House Margaret Anderson Kelliher. “We had a good meeting,” Sargent said. “We talked some about “[Disability advocates] came from all parts of the state— from Minneapolis to Moorhead, from Redwood Falls to Rochester, from St. Cloud to St. Paul, from Mower County to the North Shore and Iron Range.” employment and how the unemployment of people with disabilities is so high. I also stressed how the waiver has really helped me live independently—to have staff who can help me with my grocery shopping, doctor appointments, paying my bills, and balancing my checkbook.”

Lee Ann Erickson of The Arc of Minnesota Southwest organized a delegation of 40 people from Southwest Minnesota and reserved a room at the State Capitol to meet with several legislators serving their area, including Rep. Terry Morrell, Rep. Bob Gunther, and Rep. Rod Hamilton. “We Disability Day - cont. on p. 2

April 10, 2008

2

long winter. It sure makes you wonder about global warming when a winter they say was “normal” seemed so much harder and colder than recent ones. I wonder what we will be talking about in the September paper? Probably something about the fact that global warming really is affecting everything. Right now, though, I think I’ll be happy if I get to say, “It’s been the hottest summer ever!”

Tim Benjamin, Editor

M

arch was sure a strange month— snow one day, sun the next. And everyone kept saying they’d had enough of winter, which in itself isn’t odd, but it really seemed to be that for everyone it has been a

As you know, the wrangling is going on at the Minnesota State Capitol. We have a massive deficit ($935 million shortfall) and we need to solve this continuing problem. I do not think that fighting over which side of the aisle you’re on is productive; and I wish more of our politicians felt that way. I believe that in-fighting between the two parties is a big part of how we got into this deficit-cycle problem. Also,

when our political leaders talk about cutting the fat out of the budget, it seems to me that social services (“$298 million from a fund created to pay for MinnesotaCare, a health insurance program for low-income people”) is less fat than a new enclosure at the zoo.

Maybe a new park at one of the most northern locations of Minnesota should be considered a little more fatty. (OK, the new enclosure at the zoo and the new park wouldn’t come close to making up for the $298 million the governor plans on cutting out of the health and human services budget but geez, I wish we could get our priorities straight.)

and it hasn’t been pretty. Some lawmakers suggest that they should send budget bills to the governor that they know he won’t sign—just to force him to do his own allotments cuts.

As we go to press, it’s pretty obvious how bad a strategy this has been. The governor just used his line-item veto to slash funding for the Central Corridor rapid transit and many other items. Have you ever been to Washington, DC, Atlanta, San Francisco, or another city with plentiful, accessible rapid transit? Then you know why we’ve just lost a great opportunity. Maybe we should all get SUVs and move to the suburbs. Wonder why we haven’t thought of that beI do agree with the House and fore?

Senate that we don’t want the governor to just do his own I will likely be talking about thing on line-item cuts, again. the budget cuts next month; We’ve seen the results of his the constitutional deadline is unallotment slashing before May 19 and if the last several

legislative sessions tell us anything, it’s that our politicians aren’t able to make decisions until the eleventh hour. Margaret Anderson Kelliher, DFL, Speaker of the House, and Assistant Senate Majority Leader Tarryl Clark, DFL, are reported to have said, “they’d like the session to end earlier but refrained from predicting that lawmakers would go home before they have to.” Uh, sure.

We received some nice letters this month from readers but the real topper was the success of Sherry Gray’s work in publicizing the need for the hair salons to be more accessible.

See page 6, A more comfortable shampoo, to see her follow-up and how again accessible features are not only helpful to people with disabilities but also to the general population—or in this case, to the beautician doing a service for the community. If there are

DISABILITY DAY -

History Note

Rufus Alexander

heard encouraging words from some legislators who are supporting the COLA increase,” Erickson said. (COLA stands for Cost of Living Adjustment.)

by Luther Granquist

I

n his short story, Rufus at the Door, Jon Hassler, the Minnesota writer who died last month, described a common event of the 1940s, a high school field trip to a Minnesota state hospital.

Hassler told this story from the point of view of a boy shocked by what he saw as the teacher led them through the wards pointing out the “morons,” “imbeciles,” and “idiots.” Before the class could go to lunch, the teacher required them to name a “moron” in their own home town.

The boy knew it was Rufus Alexander. Rufus’s elderly mother would bring him downtown on Saturday afternoons and leave him at the grocery store the boy’s

dad ran. Rufus did not talk, just stood at the door grinning as if he was very content. But, the boy and his dad doubted Rufus felt much or understood anything.

Hassler told how the boy learned otherwise. Rufus’s mother died, and his brothers had him committed to the state hospital. A year or so later, the boy saw him on another field trip to the state hospital. Rufus looked older and had no smile. Their eyes met as Rufus stood at the door to watch the class leave. The boy grasped that Rufus recognized him, knew where he was from, and yearned to leave with him. In ten short pages, Hassler captured the attitudes and beliefs of the time and showed that those

John Hassler, author of “Rufus at the Door” attitudes and beliefs could change.

The History Note is a monthly column sponsored by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, www.mnddc. org or www.mncdd.org and www.partnersinpolicymaking. com. ■

Access Press Co-Founder/Publisher (1990-1996) .................................................. Wm. A. Smith, Jr. Co-Founder/Publisher/Editor-in-Chief (1990-2001) ....................... Charles F. Smith Board of Directors ....................................................... Brigid Alseth, Mike Chevrette, Kelly Matter, Anita Schermer, Tom Squire and Kay Willshire Editor ......................................................................................................... Tim Benjamin Assistant Editor .............................................................................................. Bret Hesla Administrative Assistant ............................................................................ Jordan Selbo Cartoonist ..................................................................................................... Scott Adams Sales/Marketing ...................................................................................... Lance Hegland Production ...................................................... Ellen Houghton at Presentation Images Webmaster ...................................................................................................... Alice Oden Distribution ......................................................................................... S. C. Distribution Access Press is a monthly tabloid newspaper published for persons with disabilities by Access Press, Ltd. Circulation is 10,000, distributed the 10th of each month through more than 200 locations statewide. Approximately 650 copies are mailed directly to individuals, including political, business, institutional and civic leaders. Subscriptions are available for $30/yr. Low-income, student and bulk subscriptions are available at discounted rates.

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

Paid advertising is available at rates ranging from $12 to $28 per column inch, depending on size and frequency of run. Classified ads are $13, plus 60 cents per word over 12 words.

Advertising and editorial deadlines are the last day of the month preceding publication, except for employment ads, which are due by the 25th.

Inquiries should be directed to: Access Press • 1821 University Ave. W. • Suite 104S St. Paul, Minnesota 55104 • 651-644-2133 • Fax 651-644-2136 E-mail: access@accesspress.org • Web site: www.accesspress.org

Finally, our own Pete Feigal sent us a very nice letter thanking us and reminding us that it’s ten years this month that he has been writing for Access Press. I know from all the letters and calls we get that Pete is well-loved in our community. I know I always look forward to Pete’s articles. So I will speak for you, the readers of Access Press, and say a heartfelt thanks to our good friend, Pete, for sharing his stories and insight with all of us. Congratulations, Pete, on ten years of writing moving and meaningful—and often very funny— stories with us. I hope you’ll be sharing your thoughts and excellent writing with us for many more decades. ■

Cont. from p. 1

This full day ended with an- plauding with gusto whenever other rally, this time in the a new word was put through Capitol Rotunda, to tape foot- the shredder.

“Spending their morning at the Minnesota History Center, participants reErickson also detailed the story ceived a lot of informaof two young ladies who stood tion.” up with their moms to speak at this meeting. One from Martin County and the other from Jackson County, the two selfadvocates shared their frustration with the lack of waiver funding that limits their services to only a few hours a month and keeps them from moving away from home and becoming more independent.

Another self-advocate from Martin County worried that the staff member whom he likes so well may choose to quit working if the COLA is eliminated. He shared stories about funding cutbacks reducing many of the activities that selfadvocates can get involved in.

Erickson said self-advocates are told frequently, “There’s no staff and no money for that.”

other things out there that we can help with by publicizing, we sure would like to be part of your success. Write us.

All in all, it was a day filled with positive energy and calls for different priorities—priorities that keep the needs of people with disabilities in mind and treat them with greater respect. It is now up to our elected officials to take the participants’ advice to make positive changes in government policy and end the cutbacks to disability services now being threatened. ■

age for the video “Offense Taken” (being produced by ACT). About 100 self-advocates and their supporters gathered. They brought pieces of paper with offensive words on them— “retarded,” “stupid,” and “idiot,” among others—to a paper shredder. They then Mike Gude is Education and took great delight in seeing Communications Associate at those sheets destroyed, ap- The Arc of Minnesota

April 10, 2008

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‘Social Fun-Joyment’ Unique program connects teens who have autism spectrum disorders

by Cynthia Bade

A

sperger’s Syndrome and other autism spectrum disorders are soon expected to be diagnosed in as many as 1 in 150 children living in the United States. This unprecedented phenomenon has left the disability service system struggling to effectively support and train this new and emerging population of people with disabilities. Without the proper support, many high potential individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) will remain at risk and be unable to pursue higher education, gain meaningful employment, or

successfully integrate indepen- high school diplomas and postdently into adult society. secondary educational experiences. However, due to their A common trait of individuals social limitations they are not with ASD is a marked lack of making a successful transition comfort with social interac- to adult independence. Instead, tions. This often leads to social they remain reliant on their isolation and a reluctance to families and social welfare sysattempt new experiences, both tems for support. of which prevent these otherwise intelligent young people In response to these needs, from continuing their educa- Reach for Resources, Inc. tion beyond high school and launched a unique social ultimately finding gainful em- therapy group for teens with ployment. A significant num- autism spectrum disorders in ber of young adults with ASD September 2006 in partnerwho have average to above ship with John Merges, a soaverage intelligence, as well as cial worker who specializes in ASD. Today, Social FunJoyment has become one of Reach’s most requested services.

Neil Shupien and Will Ilika

Merges and Reach had a unique vision to address this unmet need for teens with Asperger’s Syndrome and High Functioning Autism. By collaborating to offer a program that would provide emotional safety and support for these teens, they strove to instill and develop confidence in the teens while they engaged in social interactions.

Reach for Resources began offering one group in 2006, and they now currently offer five groups in the west metro alone: four at the Depot Coffee House in Hopkins, and one at Plymouth Creek Center.

John Merges has also started a group in the White Bear Lake area. They are now seeking funding to collaborate with the Minneapolis Public Schools to start another new group for transition-age students at Minneapolis Community and Technical College in downtown Minneapolis.

Ian McNab and Kelly Merges

ing food from a menu, planwith similar needs and cultining and implementing social According to Merges, “The vate a peer network in a reevents, and participating in Social Fun-Joyment program laxed, supportive environtypical teen activities. is a huge success because it ment. Most importantly, they differs from traditional autism are learning crucial skills that Sheree Drapp, whose fourteentherapy programs.” The prowill help them continue their year-old son Dill participates gram builds on the strengths of education beyond high school, in the program, can attest to the participants rather than have success in finding emthe benefits. “Dill hates social identifying and working on ployment as adults, and ultiskills class in school,” she says, problems or deficits. “The mately integrate into adult so“but he looks forward to comteens in the program are using ciety. ■ ing to this group.” Drapp says their skills, developing confithe group has given her son dence, and having fun,” says For more information about confidence, practice with critiMerges. Participants practice the Social Fun-Joyment procal social skills, and, most an array of social skills such as gram, contact Reach for Reimportantly, camaraderie. Partaking turns, listening and resources at 952-988-4177. ticipants can interact with teens sponding to each other, order-

West African musicians to perform with students

by Jon Skaalen

W

est African musician/dancer Sidiki Conde, who lost the use of his legs from polio as a teenager, will headline a concert in Hopkins on Saturday, May 3. Conde, his group Tokounou and percussionist Balla Kouyate will showcase their African culture in a communal experience that embraces people of all backgrounds and abilities. This will be evident especially in the first half, when students with and without disabilities from Hopkins, Eden Prairie, Savage and Minneapolis will perform with Sidiki.

Sidiki Conde is looking forward to returning to Minnesota for the May public performance.

Target Marketing At Its Finest!

Advertise in Access Press and reach thousands in the disability community every month.

In 2007 the National Endowment for the Arts presented Conde with the National Heritage Award, which recognizes folk artists for their contributions to our national cultural mosaic. He started dancing using his hands instead of his feet in order to participate in the coming-of-age ceremony in his village in Guinea, West

Africa, where disabled people typically were banished from their homes in order not to bring shame or bad luck upon their family. He became so adept that he traveled to the capital city, recruited an orchestra of artists with disabilities from the city’s streets, and began working with popular African musicians. In 1999 he founded the Tokounou AllAbilities Dance and Music Ensemble. Conde spends much of each year teaching in public schools – which he did in his first visit to Minnesota in 2006.

The 7:30 p.m. event is at Hopkins High School Auditorium, 2400 Lindbergh Dr, Minnetonka. The show will be audio described, ASL-interpreted and fragrance-free. For tickets ($15, $10 for students, seniors and groups), contact VSA arts of Minnesota, 612332-3888 voice/tty, info@ vsaartsmn.org, or go online at www.vsaartsmn.org/donations. ■

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Sidiki Conde accepting applause

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4

April 10, 2008

Hope's beautiful daughters

‘Stay Well, Stay Working’

Gratitude for ten years with A.P.

Minnesota’s demonstration to maintain independence and employment

by Pete Feigal

by the Disability Linkage Line staff

T

his column marks the tenth anniversary that I’ve been blessed to work with Access Press. During this past decade I’ve worked with two amazing editors and many wonderful Access Press staff.

It’s on anniversaries that we often reflect back on what’s happened, and wonder about what will happen. This last decade has seen many changes to our world and to me. And now that I am here, with ten years of sharing stories and characters—and insights from people far wiser and braver than myself, I don’t have any eloquent words, or grand emotions. Just a sense of grateful-

ness and joy, of how good it is strong inside us. Access Press to be alive. is about Hope and Change.

I’m so proud to have been a The readership of Access Press small part of that. has always been gracious to me, always held the doors of Maybe the reason I learned to their hearts open to me. They read and write was to share make me thankful for so many these stories with Access Press things. They make me grateful readers. Maybe the reason I for both my depression and learned to speak was to say my MS, for without those two “thank you” or “I love you” to challenges, I probably would all the people who have shared never have had contact with their hearts with me. all these amazing people. So no regrets.

“Hope has two beautiful daughters. Their names are To me Access Press is about anger and courage; anger at abandoning our shame, and the way things are, and courfinding our voices. It’s about age to see that they do not rediscovering our hearts of remain the way they are.” - St. courage and reawakening what Augustine of Hippo. ■ has always been wise and

Book Review

Athlete First A history of the Paralympic Movement

by Steve Bailey; reviewed by Chuck Campbell (Below is the first of a two- ries Unit in 1944, had used part review). sports in the rehabilitation process and saw the benefits of teve Bailey’s history of competition between people the Paralympic move- with similar injuries. The Stoke ment, Athlete First, is a Mandeville games opened the dense but enjoyable account same day as the 1948 London of an exciting athletic tradi- Olympics. Guttmann was also tion. The book begins by trac- involved in the creation of the ing the development of the International Sports OrganizaParalympic movement from tion for the Disabled, which the establishment of the first provided competitive opportuorganized sports for people nities for people with disabiliwith disabilities through the ties other than spinal injuries.

2004 Paralympic Games.

Having separate organizations Bailey credits German neuro- for people with different dissurgeon Ludwig Guttmann for abilities created a problem: establishing organized sports groups were competing against for people with disabilities. one another for assistance from Guttmann, who founded the the International Olympic Stoke Mandeville Spinal Inju- Committee (IOC). Bailey

S

FAQ@DLL

writes that the IOC was “instrumental in prompting confederacy among disability sports organizations.” In the end, the various groups got together to form the International Coordinating Committee of World Sports Organizations for the Disabled (ICC) in 1982. Their goal: “speaking with one voice.” The result became the Paralympic Games.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) was, “the principal force for the Paralympic Movement, identifying as its vision: ‘To enable Paralympic athletes to achieve sporting excellence and inspire and excite the

I work and need health care coverage. They tell me my mental health condition is not severe enough to qualify for disability benefits. But if I don’t get my prescriptions, I won’t be able to maintain my job. What do I do?

The Department of Human Services has a demonstration project called Stay Well, Stay Working (SWSW) that could help. The project is intended to make workers as healthy as they can be by offering coordinated health care, employment assistance and peer support services in a comprehensive, coordinated way.

supports. Health care benefits include physician visits, mental health services and prescription drugs, as well as dental and eye-care coverage. Chemical dependency treatment is also available.

Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Dakota, St. Louis, Pine, Carlton and Lake counties.

Who is not able to enroll?

Unfortunately, people may not enroll if they receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security disability benefits, have been certified disabled by the State Medical Review Team (SMRT) or have Medical Assistance through a county office.

Each participant has access to a personal wellness and employment navigator. Navigators can help enrollees get all the services and supports available through SWSW. They can also help enrollees resolve work or health issues and develop a work and wellness plan. SWSW mem- What does it mean to ‘parbers even have access to career ticipate in a demonstration project’? counseling services!

Who can apply?

What benets are offered to workers in the Stay Well, Stay SWSW is intended for emWorking Service Group? ployed people who are living with a mental health condition.

SWSW enrollees have excel- To be eligible, you have to work lent coverage with very low at least 40 hours per month and co-payments. For a $10 earn at least minimum wage. monthly premium, enrollees You also have to be between receive a full range of health the ages of 18 and 60. The care benefits and employment program is only available in world.’” In 2003, IPC intro- those individuals who are imduced the new Paralympic paired in some way. Inflexibility in organizational polimotto: “Spirit in motion.” cies can be a barrier to enAmong the challenges IPC abling normal functioning of faces is classification of ath- persons with a disability in letes such that athletes with society, as can cultural represimilar disabilities compete sentations that patronize or against each other. Such classi- dehumanize.” Bailey believes fication has been an issue since it is these barriers that should Ludwig Guttmann organized be disabled, and sports help to sports for former spinal patients accomplish that. “The high because it excludes people who profile Paralympic movement has served to force communidon’t fit a category. ties to address questions of Bailey clearly views societal accessibility and inclusion for failings as a bigger barrier for persons with a disability.” people with disabilities than dealing with the physical con- Bailey also cites the role of dition itself. He writes, “Indi- sports in creating community. viduals’ impairments become Anyone who’s every watched a disability when the organi- sports teams compete has seen zation of society prevents them that camaraderie. from participating fully.” He continues, “Effectively, soci- Though many people think the ety causes the disablement of Athlete First - cont. on p. 14

Because SWSW is a demonstration project, there will be two different groups of enrollees. Those eligible for SWSW will be randomly placed in either a “payment only” control group or a “full service” intervention group. People in the control group will receive payment for taking written surveys.

People in the intervention group will get the benefits described above as well as payment for written surveys. Placement in the control group will not affect any other benefits that you may have.

How can I get more information and apply?

If you would like more information or an application, please call 651-431-4300 or 1-866-267-7655 If you have additional questions about community resources, please call DLL at 1-866-3332466. DLL provides free, disability-related info 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 organizations. ■

Diamond Hill Townhomes We are currently accepting applications for our waiting list at Diamond Hill Townhomes, a great property located near the Minneapolis International Airport.

We have two and three bedroom townhomes that are HUD subsidized and rent is 30% of the total household's adjusted gross income.

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To schedule an appointment please call (612) 726-9341.

April 10, 2008

5

News at a glance . . .

Book: How to include at work More people with disabilities lose jobs due to inappropriate social behavior than job performance. Social Inclusion at Work, a new publication from the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD), shows secondary teachers, transitional and vocational specialists, job coaches, service providers, and other practitioners how to integrate people with intellectual disabilities into employment settings. Social inclusion at work increases both job security and quality of life for any employee, including people with intellectual disabilities. In the book author Janis Chadsey discusses what social inclusion entails, how to assess it, how to determine the social skills needed for job success, and how to determine strategies to develop those skills.

Light rail feedback sought

Beginning in April, community outreach staffers for the Central Corridor LRT Project will survey property and business owners on University Avenue for information that will help engineers balance desirable elements such as non-signalized pedestrian crossings, secondary station access, minimization of traffic lane shifts and on-street parking. The initial plan for University Avenue in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement called for the loss of nearly 700 on-street parking spots.

In March, staffers began asking the public if they want nonsignalized pedestrian crossings as frequently as every quarter mile because accommodating these and other desirable elements would mean additional loss of on-street parking. Engineers have spent about 2,000 hours on four traffic studies related to LRT route options on Washington Avenue. For more The best way to ensure social inclusion in the workplace is a information about the project, visit: http://www.central good job match at the outset, explains Chadsey. Once an corridor.org/. [Source: Central Corridor LRT Project] employee with disabilities is working, a service provider can Gaffney to speak evaluate that employee’s social inclusion through various methods. Social Inclusion at Work explains various assessment Karen Gaffney, a young woman with Down syndrome, will be approaches, including direct observation, sociometrics, rating in the Twin Cities to share her presentation, “Imagine the Possibilities,” on Wednesday, May 14th at 6:30 p.m. This free scales, and role playing. event will be held at Oak Grove Middle School in Bloomington, The culture of the workplace often helps dictate the strategy. and is open to the public. Families with youth in transition Intervention can take the form of natural support strategies, would especially benefit from this event. Gaffney is an accomsome of which are as simple as ensuring the employee with plished motivational speaker who enjoys sharing her incredible disabilities arrives at work at the same time as all the other story and message of hope. workers. Intervention can also mean natural support strategies involving coworkers or teaching social skills to the worker with Graduating from Portland Community College with honors, disabilities. Social Inclusion at Work outlines the steps in Gaffney founded a nonprofit organization dedicated to the full designing and delivering a social skills training package. The inclusion and acceptance of all people with disabilities in our book also describes self-directed learning strategies and cogni- schools, workplaces and communities. At the age of 23, Gaffney tive process strategies that teach employees to take responsibil- an avid swimmer, successfully swam the English Channel as part of a six-person relay team, and recently swam nine miles ity for their own social skills. across Lake Tahoe to raise money for the National Down To obtain copies and download a table of contents from the Syndrome Congress. Her primary goal is to call attention to the book, visit http://bookstore.aaidd.org/BookDetail. fact that people with disabilities have tremendous capabilities. aspx?bid=68. [Source: AAIDD]

Partnering with Opportunity Partners for this event are PACER Center, Arc Greater Twin Cities and MN Department of Education, Twin Cities nonprofit organizations that providing employment, housing and educational services to people with developmental disabilities, brain injury, autism and other special needs.

For reservations or for more information, contact Jill Audette at 952-930-4298 or jaudette@opportunities.org or www. opportunitypartners.org. [Source: Opportunity Partners]

Get WISE about Benefits and Work Have you ever thought about working? Would you like some help finding a job? Or, are you worried about how working might impact your benefits or health coverage? The Work Incentives Connection is hosting an event on May 21st that may be of interest to you.

The day consists of two unique activities, held at the Wilder Foundation’s new conference center in St. Paul. In the morning, people who receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSDI, RSDI or SSI) can register to attend a Social Security Work Incentives Seminar Event (WISE training). In the afternoon, the public is invited to an Employment Support Resources Fair, featuring a wide range of employment resources for people with disabilities.

Social Security WISE training will be held from 10:00 a.m. to noon. The training will address how working affects disability benefits and how Social Security’s Ticket-to-Work program can assist you in preparing for, finding and retaining a job.

Attendees will hear about services offered by various Employment Networks, which specialize in helping people with disabilities who want to work. You will have an opportunity to talk one-on-one with staff from each Employment Network.

The WISE training is free, but you must pre-register: Call 1877-743-8237 (voice or TTY) or Register online at www. socialsecurity.gov/work/wise.html. If you require a sign language interpreter or materials in alternate format, please make Glance - cont. on p. 14

6

April 10, 2008

A more comfortable shampoo Local businessman donates accessible sinks to area salons

by Sherry Gray

H

eidi Braylock, a hair stylist at Fantastic Sams in Roseville, had a problem: “We [stylists] need sinks that raise up or down.

And it’s hard to cut hair for people in wheelchairs because they are so low. Kills your back.” Her concern appeared in the article “Getting a Good Haircut: Customers and stylists speak out on using PCAs at the salon,” in Access Press’ October 10, 2007 edition.

Dave Shusterich, president of Accessible Systems in Minneapolis, which makes Adjust-aSink, saw Braylock’s comment and thought, “We have that product!” He immediately contacted Access Press and offered to have his company donate an Adjust-a-Sink to three local salons, seeking to show them that using the right Melanie Dehoop, a stylist at Fantastic Sams on Xerxes equipment is “vital to comAvenue in Brooklyn Center, demonstrates the Adjust-a-Sink. mercial salons that have to accommodate customers in a

more mobile and accessible society.”

Adjust-a-Sink was invented in the early 1990s by Barb Klawitter, a Burnsville resident and licensed beautician who managed salons in senior care facilities in the Twin Cities for more than 24 years. “[The Adjust-a-Sink] raises or lowers twelve inches. So if you have people in a wheelchair, it will come up to their neck height….It reduces the chance for neck injuries and other complications, particularly stroke.” According to Shusterich, the Adjust-a-Sink is the only shampoo sink available today that raises and lowers vertically so handles of a wheelchair can go under the sink. “There are 1500 in use A model demonstrating the use of an Adjust-a-Sink nationwide and never has one able sink for a wide range of afraid of getting a shampoo in been removed.” customers, including himself: this sink.”

Accessible Systems bought the “I’ve never had a comfortable Adjust-a-Sink from Klawitter shampoo [in a salon].”

Ted Halone, proprietor of The in 2007 with the hope of exHair Shoppe in Bloomington panding the business beyond In early 2008 Accessible Sys- was effusive in his praise: “It senior care facilities. Shus- tems made good on their prom- is absolutely the very best tool terich explains that their inter- ise and donated and installed in the business. I just can’t say est in the product was two- the sinks in three area salons: enough good…my clients’ fold. “We thought it had great Fantastic Sams on Xerxes necks love it – and my back is marketing potential but was Avenue in Brooklyn Center, praising its versatility! As a also doing good in society.” the Hair Shoppe in Bloomin- veteran hairdresser of over 40 He saw the need for an adjust- gton, and Riverfront Cutters years I can’t express enough in Oak Park Heights. Response how important this is.” His from the stylists has been over- stylist Jill Fuglsby discovered whelmingly positive. June that the sink was useful for Romann is a stylist at Fantas- shampooing tall customers as tic Sams with 30 years experi- well. “They don’t have to lay ence. She was pleased to find all the way back.” that clients did not have to transfer out of their wheel- Riverfront Cutters owner chairs to get a shampoo: “I’ve Marylene Kurkowski was surhad clients say they’re coming prised when Shusterich offered back just because of that con- to donate an Adjust-a-Sink to venience.” Her fellow stylist her salon several months ago.

Dave Shusterich, president Melanie Dehoop was pleased Although she knew shampoo of Accessible Systems LLC with the sink’s ease of use. “I sinks that could slide forward can get it to the right level were available, she had not seen without straining my back.” a sink with a height adjustment She found that it was great for feature. But the benefits for a wide range of customers too, customers became quickly apnot just the elderly or those parently and now Riverfront with disabilities. “Kids are less Shampoo - cont. on p. 14

A model demonstrating the use of a traditional shampoo basin

April 10, 2008

7

Access Press Directory of Organizations Minnesota’s Disability Community Newspaper VOICE LINE

•

www.accesspress.org

SECOND LINE

E-MAIL/WEB SITE

ADVOCACY Advocating Change Together (ACT) ..................... V-651-641-0297 ..... TF-800-641-0059 .............. www.selfadvocacy.org Arc – Greater Twin Cities ...................................... V-952-920-0855 ....................................... www.arcgreatertwincities.org Arc of Minnesota ........................................... V-651-523-0823x115 ..... TF-800-582-5256 ..... www.thearcofminnesota.org Arthritis Foundation — North Central Chapter ..... V-651-644-4108 .. TTY-800-333-1380 ...................... www.arthritis.org Assoc. of Residential Resources in MN (ARRM) . V-651-291-1086 .. TTY-800-551-2211 ........................... www.arrm.org Courage Center ...................................................... V-763-520-0312 .. TTY-763-520-0245 ..................... www.courage.org/ Mental Health Association of MN ......................... V-612-331-6840 ........ F-612-331-1630 ......... www.mentalhealthmn.org Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) ... V-651-646-8342 .. TTY-651-603-2001 ..................... www.mcil-mn.org MN Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities ...... V-763-520-0439 ........ F-763-520-0562 ........................ www.mnccd.org MN Developmental Achievement Center Association (MnDACA) ......................... V-651-647-9200 ........ F-651-647-9353 ...................... www.mndaca.org ASSISTIVE AND COMPANION ANIMALS Hearing and Service Dogs of MN .......................... V-612-729-5986 F/TTY-612-729-5914 .......................... www.hsdm.org Helping Paws, Inc. ................................................. V-952-988-9359 ........ F-952-988-9296 .............. www.helpingpaws.org ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY Assistive Technology of Minnesota (ATMn*) ...... V-763-479-8239 ..... TF-866-535-8239 ........................... www.atmn.org Courage Center ...................................................... V-763-520-0312 .. TTY-763-520-0245 ...................... www.courage.org Fairview Assistive Technology Program ............... V-612-273-6830 ........ F-612-273-7360 ........... www.fairview.org/rehab Fairview Seating and Wheeled Mobility ............... V-612-273-5560 ........ F-612-273-7360 ........... www.fairview.org/rehab Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare ................ V-651-291-2848 ..... TF-800-719-4040 ......... www.gillettechildrens.org PACER Center, Inc. ............................................... V-952-838-9000 .. TTY-952-838-0190 .......................... www.pacer.org Telephone Equipment Distribution Program ......... V-651-297-1507 .. TTY-888-206-6555 ................ www.tedprogram.org EDUCATION Minnesota Community Education Network on Disabilities (CEND) ...................................... V-651-748-7436 ........ F-651-748-7497 ............. psvendsen@isd622.org Ronald M. Hubbs Center ....................................... V-651-290-4729 .. TTY-651-290-4852 ................. www.hubbs.spps.org EMPLOYMENT/VOCATION Assistive Technology of Minnesota (ATMn*) ...... V-763-479-8239 ..... TF-866-535-8239 ........................... www.atmn.org BLIND, Inc. ................................................................................................................................................. www.blindinc.org CCP Works! ................................................... V-763-540-6833x305 ...................................................... www.theccpinc.com Community Connections Partnership (CCP) . V-763-540-6833x302 ................ www.communityconnectionspartnership.org Cooperating Community Programs (CCP) ...... V-651-917-8322x11 ........................................................ www.ccpcdcs.com Courage Center ...................................................... V-763-520-0564 .. TTY-763-520-0245 ...................... www.courage.org East Suburban Resources ....................................... V-651-351-0190 ........................................................ www.esrworks.org Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota .......................... V-651-379-5800 ........ F-651-379-5803 ... www.goodwilleasterseals.org Kaposia Inc ................................................... V/TTY-651-224-6974 ........ F-651-224-7249 ..................... www.kaposia.com Lifetrack Resources — Eagan ...................................................................................................... www.lifetrackresources.org Lifetrack Resources — St. Paul ............................. V-651-227-8471 .. TTY-651-227-3779 ...... www.lifetrackresources.org Lifeworks Services, Inc. ...................................... TF-866-454-2732 .. TTY-651-365-3736 ....................www.lifeworks.org Merrick, Inc. .......................................................... V-651-789-6231 ........ F-651-789-9960 ................. www.merrickinc.org Metro Work Center, Inc. ............................... V/TTY-612-729-7381 ........ F-612-729-7382 ....... www.metroworkcenter.org Midway Training Services ..................................... V-651-641-0709 .. TTY-651-641-0976 .......... www.midwaytraining.org Midwest Special Services, Inc. .............................. V-651-778-1000 .. TTY-651-772-8592 .............. www.mwsservices.org Minnesota Resource Center ................................... V-612-752-8102 .. TTY-612-752-8019 ...................... www.mrc-mn.org Minnesota Work Incentives Connection ................ V-651-632-5113 ..... TF-800-976-6728 .... www.mnworkincentives.com MRCI WorkSource ....................................... V/TTY-507-386-5600 ........ F-507-345-5991 .......................... www.mrci.info MRCI WorkSource — Burnsville ......................... V-952-894-4680 MRCI WorkSource — Carver/Scott ...................... V-952-445-6811 MRCI WorkSource — Chaska .............................. V-952-448-2234 MRCI WorkSource — Fairmont ........................... V-507-238-4388 ........ F-507-238-4389 MRCI WorkSource — Lakeville ........................... V-952-898-5025 MRCI WorkSource — New Ulm .......................... V-507-233-2700 ........ F-507-354-8146 Opportunity Partners .............................................. V-952-938-5511 .. TTY-952-930-4293 ... www.opportunitypartners.org Directory of Organizations - cont. on next page

BDC Management Co. is now accepting applications for our waiting lists at the following affordable communities Albright Townhomes Buffalo Court Apartments Elliot Park Apartments Evergreen Apartments Franklin Lane Apartments Hanover Townhomes Lincoln Place Apartments Olson Towne Homes Prairie Meadows Talmage Green Trinity Apartments Unity Place Vadnais Highlands Willow Apartments Woodland Court Apartments

Minneapolis Buffalo Minneapolis Hutchinson Anoka St. Paul Mahtomedi Minneapolis Eden Prairie Minneapolis Minneapolis Brooklyn Center Vadnais Heights Little Falls Park Rapids

(612) 824-6665 (763) 684-1907 (612) 338-3106 1-800-661-2501 (763) 427-7650 (651) 292-8497 (651) 653-0640 (612) 377-9015 (952) 941-5544 (612) 623-0247 (612) 721-2252 (763) 560-7563 (651) 653-0640 (320) 632-0980 1-888-332-9312

1 BR 2 BR 2 BR 1 BR 1 & 2 BR 1 BR 2 BR 1 BR 2 & 3 BR 2 BR 1 BR (sr) 2 BR 3 BR 1 & 2 BR 1 BR

(Please call each individual site for specific building information.

All listings are accessible.)

8

April 10, 2008

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

•

www.accesspress.org

VOICE LINE SECOND LINE E-MAIL/WEB SITE EMPLOYMENT/VOCATION (CONTINUED) ProAct Inc. ............................................................. V-651-686-0405 ........ F-651-686-0312 .................... www.proactinc.org Rise, Inc. ....................................................... V/TTY-763-786-8334 ........ F-763-786-0008 ............................. www.rise.org TBI Metro Services — Richfield ........................... V-612-869-3995 .. TTY-952-930-4293 ... www.opportunitypartners.org TBI Metro Services — W. St Paul ........................ V-651-457-4756 .. TTY-952-930-4293 ... www.opportunitypartners.org TSE, Inc. ................................................................ V-651-489-2595 ........ F-651-489-0410 ........................ www.tse-inc.org Vinland National Center ............................... V/TTY-763-479-3555 ........ F-763-479-2605 ............. www.vinlandcenter.org GOVERNMENT/PUBLIC PROGRAMS Social Security Administration and the St. Paul PASS Cadre (SSA) ......................... V-651-290-0054 ........ F-651-290-3811 ............ www.socialsecurity.gov MN Governor’s Council on Developmental DisabilitiesV-651-296-4018TF-877-348-0505 ........................ www.mncdd.org HEALTH CARE PLANS UCare ..................................................................... V-800-707-1711 .. TTY-800-688-2534 .......................... www.ucare.org HOUSING/REAL ESTATE — RENTAL Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI) ................................. V-651-645-7271 .. TTY-800-627-3529 ......... www.accessiblespace.org Community Involvement Programs (CIP) — Bloomington ....................................................... V-952-854-4007 ............................................................. www.cipmn.org CIP — Crystal ........................................................ V-763-504-1008 ............................................................. www.cipmn.org CIP — Minneapolis ............................................... V-612-362-4400 ........ F-612-362-4476 ......................... www.cipmn.org Cooperating Community Programs (CCP) — Residential Services ..................................... V-651-917-8322x11 ........................................................ www.ccpcdcs.com HousingLink .......................................................... V-612-522-2500 ........ F-612-521-1577 ................ www.housinglink.org Mary T. Inc. ........................................................... V-763-754-2505 ..... TF-888-255-6400 ................... www.marytinc.com National Handicap Housing Institute, Inc (NHHI) .. V-651-639-9799 ................................. www.nhhiaccessiblehousing.com Rise, Inc. ....................................................... V/TTY-763-786-8334 ........ F-763-786-0008 ............................. www.rise.org HOUSING/REAL ESTATE — CONSTRUCTION/REMODELING Accessibility Design .............................................. V-952-925-0301 ........ F-952-926-7712 ... www.accessibilitydesign.com Accessible Homes, LLC ........................................ V-612-978-1054 ........................................ www.accessiblehomesllc.net Assistive Technology of Minnesota (ATMn*) ...... V-763-479-8239 ..... TF-866-535-8239 ........................... www.atmn.org Susan Lasoff & Associates .................................... V-612-872-7520 INDEPENDENT/COMMUNITY LIVING SKILLS TRAINING BLIND, Inc. ........................................................... V-612-872-0100 ..... TF-800-597-9558 ..................... www.blindinc.org Community Involvement Programs (CIP) - BloomingtonV-952-854-4007 .................................................... www.cipmn.org Community Involvement Programs (CIP) — CrystalV-763-504-1008 ........................................................... www.cipmn.org Community Involvement Programs (CIP) — MinneapolisV-612-362-4400F-612-362-4479 ........................ www.cipmn.org Cooperating Community Programs (CCP) ...... V-651-917-8322x11 ........................................................ www.ccpcdcs.com Courage Center ...................................................... V-763-520-0312 .. TTY-763-520-0245 ...................... www.courage.org DeafBlind Services Minnesota (DBSM) ............... V-612-362-8454 .. TTY-612-362-8422 .......................... www.dbsm.org Dungarvin, Inc. — Minnesota ................................ V-651-699-6050 ..................................................... www.dungarvin.com Howry Residential Services ........................... V-651-917-9111x204 ........ F-651-917-1018 .................. www.howryinc.com Metro Work Center, Inc. ........................................ V-612-729-7381 ........ F-612-729-7382 ....... www.metroworkcenter.org Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL)V-651-646-8342 TTY-651-603-2001 ..................... www.mcil-mn.org Opportunity Partners .............................................. V-952-938-5511 .. TTY-952-930-4293 ... www.opportunitypartners.org People Incorporated Epilepsy Services ..................................................................................... www.peopleincorporated.org Reach for Resources .............................................. V-952-988-4177 ........ F-952-988-6728 ...... www.reachforresources.org RESTART, Inc. ..................................................... V-763-588-7633 ........ F-763-588-7613 ............... www.restartincmn.org Southern MN Independent Living Enterprises and Services (SMILES) ...................................... V-507-345-7139 ..... TF-888-676-6498 .................... www.smilescil.org TBI Metro Services — Richfield ........................... V-612-869-3995 .. TTY-952-930-4293 ... www.opportunitypartners.org Directory of Organizations - cont. on next page

Imagine the possibilities Navigating Life's Currents and the English Channel

INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS TRANSITION SERVICES HOUSING NEEDS PEER MENTORING RAMP PROJECT NURSING HOME RELOCATION DISABILITY LINKAGE LINE www.mcil-mn.org ADVOCACY Phone: 651.646.8342 ACCESSIBILITY Fax: 651.603.2006 ADA INFORMATION TTY: 651.603.2001 TECHNOLOGY PERSONAL ASSISTANCE

CONSUMER-DIRECTED SUPPORTS AND SERVICES MissionStatement:

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

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

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

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

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

SCHNEIDER DRUG We accept all insurance, including Health Partners.

Free prescription delivery.

Specialty gift items and greeting cards.

3400 University Ave. SE, Mpls.

612-379-7232 • M-F 8-7 Sat. 8-6 ¼ mile west of Hwy. 280 Across from KSTP Target Marketing At Its Finest!

Advertise in Access Press and reach thousands in the disability community every month.

Call Access Press at 651-644-2133

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

Be inspired to envision hope for the future and explore new possibilities.

That ENHANCE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES.

Be encouraged to establish goals and have positive expectations.

Be motivated to learn more about opportunities for living, learning and working in our communities.

This event is for anyone who aspires to achieve their full potential.

Wednesday, May 14 Time: 6:30 p.m.

Join

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

Oak Grove Middle School

Featuring Karen Gaffney,

1300 West 106th Street an inspirational young

Bloomington, MN 55431

woman who has overcome limitations to achieve incredible goals.

She was born with Down syndrome, but that didn't stop her from swimming the English Channel, graduating from Portland Community College with honors, or starting her own foundation.

FREE Reservations preferred, contact Jill Audette at

Hosted by

OpportunityPartners

952.930.4298 or jaudette@opportunities.org.

opportunitypartners.org Joined by PACER Center, Arc Greater Twin Cities and Minnesota Department of Education.

Special thanks to Tom Tuttle for his generous contribution.

PRECISA, Inc.

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

April 10, 2008

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

•

www.accesspress.org

SECOND LINE

E-MAIL/WEB SITE

INDEPENDENT/COMMUNITY LIVING SKILLS TRAINING (CONTINUED) TBI Metro Services — W. St Paul ........................ V-651-457-4756 .. TTY-952-930-4293 ... www.opportunitypartners.org Vinland National Center ............................... V/TTY-763-479-3555 ........ F-763-479-2605 ............. www.vinlandcenter.org Vision Loss Resources ........................................... V-612-871-2222 ........ F-612-872-0189 ... www.visionlossresources.org INFORMATION AND REFERRAL RESOURCES/HOTLINES Arc – Greater Twin Cities ...................................... V-952-920-0855 ....................................... www.arcgreatertwincities.org Arthritis Foundation — North Central ChapterV/TTY-651-644-4108TF/TTY-800-333-1380 .................. www.arthritis.org Assistive Technology of Minnesota (ATMn*) ...... V-763-479-8239 ..... TF-866-535-8239 ........................... www.atmn.org Brain Injury Association of Minnesota .................. V-612-378-2742 .. TTY-800-669-6442 ............ www.braininjurymn.org Center for Inclusive Child Care (CICC) ................ V-651-603-6265 ..... TF-800-333-4705 ...... www.inclusivechildcare.org Disability Linkage Line ....................................... TF-866-333-2466 .............................................. www.minnesotahelp.info Hearing Loss Association of America — Twin Cities Chapter (HLAA TC) .............. V/TTY-763-537-7558 ............................................................. www.hlaatc.org Institute on Community Integration ....................... V-612-624-6300 ........ F-612-624-9344 .......... ici@umn.eduici.umn.edu Minnesota State Council on Disability ......... V/TTY-651-296-6785TF/TTY-800-945-8913 ..... www.disability.state.mn.us National Alliance on Mental Illness of Minnesota (NAMI-MN)V-651-645-2948 ...................................... www.namimn.org PACER Center, Inc. ............................................... V-952-838-9000 .. TTY-952-838-0190 .......................... www.pacer.org Parents as Teachers/MELD ................................... V-612-332-7563 ........ F-612-455-2058 ....... www.parentsasteachers.org United Cerebral Palsy of MN (UCPMN) .............. V-651-646-7588 ..... TF-877-528-5678 ........................ www.ucpmn.org LEGAL Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis (LASM) .......... V-612-334-5970 .. TTY-612-375-4668 ................ www.midmnlegal.org MN Disability Law Center (MDLC) ..................... V-612-334-5970 ..... TF-800-292-4150 ......................... www.mndlc.org Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, Inc. (SMRLS)V/TTY-651-222-5863F-651-297-6457 ........... www.smrls.org MEDICAL — MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS Community Involvement Programs (CIP) — BloomingtonV-952-854-4007 ................................................. www.cipmn.org Community Involvement Programs (CIP) — CrystalV-763-504-1008 ........................................................... www.cipmn.org Community Involvement Programs (CIP) — MinneapolisV-612-362-4400F-612-362-4476 ........................ www.cipmn.org Courage Center ...................................................... V-763-520-0312 .. TTY-763-520-0245 ...................... www.courage.org Cristo Vive International (CVI) ............................. V-763-263-1526 ....................................................... www.cristovive.net Healthy Life Coaching (HLC) ............................ V/F-320-963-5976 ...... M-612-998-6452 ............ www.healthsangels.com Howry Residential Services ........................... V-651-917-9111x204 ........ F-651-917-1018 .................. www.howryinc.com Lifetrack Resources ............................................... V-651-227-8471 .. TTY-651-227-3779 ...... www.lifetrackresources.org People Incorporated ............................................... V-651-774-0011 .. TTY-651-774-6535 ... www.peopleincorporated.org Rise, Inc. ....................................................... V/TTY-763-786-8334 ........ F-763-786-0008 ............................. www.rise.org Tasks Unlimited ..................................................... V-612-871-3320 ........ F-612-871-0432 ........... www.tasksunlimited.org

Want to be seen on potential clients' tables for 3 months at a time?

Contact us TODAY to reserve this space!

651- 644-2133 or access@accesspress.org

Ellen Houghton

952-404-9981

MEDICAL — PHYSICIANS Courage Center ...................................................... V-763-520-0453 .. TTY-763-520-0245 ...................... www.courage.org MEDICAL — REHABILITATION (Physical, Occupational, Speech, Audiology Therapists) BLIND, Inc. ........................................................... V-612-872-0100 ..... TF-800-597-9558 ..................... www.blindinc.org Courage Center ...................................................... V-763-520-0312 .. TTY-763-520-0245 ...................... www.courage.org DeafBlind Services Minnesota (DBSM) ............... V-612-362-8454 .. TTY-612-362-8422 .......................... www.dbsm.org Fairview Acute Rehabilitation Center .................... V-612-273-4277 ........ F-612-273-4706 ............... www.fairview.org/arc Fairview Balance Center ........................................ V-612-273-6521 ........ F-612-273-7360 ........ www.fairview.org/balance Fairview M.S. Achievement Center (MSAC) ........ V-612-672-2815 ........ F-651-645-2254 ............ www.fairview.org/msac Fairview Rehabilitation Services ........................... V-612-672-2100 ..... TF-800-824-1953 ........... www.fairview.org/rehab Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare ................ V-651-291-2848 ..... TF-800-719-4040 ......... www.gillettechildrens.org Lifetrack Resources ............................................... V-651-227-8471 .. TTY-651-227-3779 ...... www.lifetrackresources.org North Memorial Rehab Services ............................ V-763-520-5690 ........ F-763-520-5697 ......... www.northmemorial.com Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute ..................... V-612-863-4466 .. TTY-612-863-5486 ... www.sisterkennyinstitute.com MEDICAL SUPPLIES/EQUIPMENT Assistive Technology of Minnesota (ATMn*) ...... V-763-479-8239 ..... TF-866-535-8239 ........................... www.atmn.org RECREATION — ADAPTIVE HOBBY/EXERCISE/SPORTS/ARTS Arthritis Foundation — North Central ChapterV/TTY-651-644-4108TF/TTY-800-333-1380 .................. www.arthritis.org Courage Center ...................................................... V-763-520-0537 .. TTY-763-520-0245 ...................... www.courage.org Reach for Resources .............................................. V-952-988-4177 ....... V-952-988-6728 ...... www.reachforresources.org Special Olympics Minnesota ................................. V-612-604-1264TF-800-783-7732x264 ...................................................................................................................................... www.specialolympicsminnesota.org Upstream Arts ........................................................ V-612-331-4584 ........ F-480-393-5587 .............. www.upstreamarts.org VSA arts of Minnesota ................................. V/TTY-612-332-3888 ..... TF-800-801-3883 .................. www.vsaartsmn.org RECREATION — TRAVEL/CAMPING Camp Winnebago .................................................. V-507-724-2351 ........ F-507-724-3786 ........ www.campwinnebago.org Courage Center ...................................................... V-763-520-0504 .. TTY-763-520-0245 ...................... www.courage.org Cristo Vive International (CVI) ............................. V-763-263-1526 ....................................................... www.cristovive.net Friendship Ventures ............................................... V-952-852-0101 ..... TF-800-450-8376 ..... www.friendshipventures.org Ventures Travel Service ......................................... V-952-852-0107 ..... TF-866-692-7400 ............ www.venturestravel.org Directory of Organizations - cont. on next page

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April 10, 2008

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

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www.accesspress.org

VOICE LINE SECOND LINE E-MAIL/WEB SITE RECREATION — TRAVEL/CAMPING (CONTINUED) Wilderness Inquiry ................................................. V-612-676-9400 .. TTY-612-676-9475 ...... www.wildernessinquiry.org RECREATION — OTHER Hennepin County Library - Homebound Services Hennepin Co. ERCI Minneapolis ....................... V-952-847-8850 ........... www.hclib.org/pub/info/outreach/at_home.cfm SUPPORT SERVICES — ASSISTED-LIVING PROGRAMS Dungarvin, Inc. — Minnesota ................................ V-651-699-6050 ..................................................... www.dungarvin.com People Incorporated Epilepsy Services ................. V-612-338-9035 ........ F-612-338-1160 ... www.peopleincorporated.org RESTART, Inc. ..................................................... V-763-588-7633 ................................................... www.restartincmn.org SUPPORT SERVICES — HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICES Dungarvin, Inc. — Minnesota .................................................................................................................. www.dungarvin.com Fairview Home Care and Hospice ......................... V-612-728-2468 ..... TF-866-827-5039 ........... www.fairview.org/home Fairview Lifeline .................................................... V-612-728-2468 ..... TF-866-827-5039 ......... www.fairview.org/lifeline In Home Personal Care .......................................... V-763-546-1000 ........ F-763-546-1018 ... www.inhomepersonalcare.com Mary T. Inc. ........................................................... V-763-754-2505 ..... TF-888-255-6400 ................... www.marytinc.com MCIL Personal Assistant Services (PAS) ProgramV/F-651-603-2013 TTY-651-603-2001 ..................... www.mcil-mn.org SUPPORT SERVICES — RESIDENTIAL/GROUP HOME PROGRAMS Community Involvement Programs (CIP) — Bloomington ...................... V-952-854-4007 Community Involvement Programs (CIP) — Crystal ................................ V-763-504-1008 Community Involvement Programs (CIP) — Minneapolis ....................... V-612-362-4400 ................................................................................................................. F-612-362-4476 ......................... www.cipmn.org Cooperating Community Programs (CCP) — Home Based Support .... V-651-917-8322x11 .................... www.ccpcdcs.com Cooperating Community Programs (CCP) — Residential Services .... V-651-917-8322x11 .................... www.ccpcdcs.com Dungarvin, Inc. — Minnesota ................................ V-651-699-6050 ..................................................... www.dungarvin.com Fraser ..................................................................... V-612-861-1688 ........ F-612-861-6050 ......................... www.fraser.org Howry Residential Services ........................... V-651-917-9111x204 ........ F-651-917-1018 .................. www.howryinc.com Mary T. Inc. ........................................................... V-763-754-2505 ..... TF-888-255-6400 ................... www.marytinc.com Opportunity Partners .............................................. V-952-938-5511 .. TTY-952-930-4293 ... www.opportunitypartners.org Phoenix Residence ................................................. V-651-227-7657 ........................................... www.phoenixresidence.org SUPPORT SERVICES — SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES Courage Center ...................................................... V-763-520-0307 .. TTY-763-520-0245 ...................... www.courage.org TRANSPORTATION — RENTAL/SALES/MODIFICATION Assistive Technology of Minnesota (ATMn*) ...... V-763-479-8239 ..... TF-866-535-8239 ........................... www.atmn.org IMED Mobility ...................................................... V-651-635-0655 ..... TF-800-788-7479 ............ www.imedmobility.com Wheelchair Getaways of MN, Inc. ................... TTY-888-256-5807 ........ F-320-685-5346 ... www.wheelchairgetaways.com

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Commentary

Friendship Club Care, not cuffs allows for fun, camaraderie Advocating mental health

by Kathryn McLaughlin

prevent police abuse

T

he Highland Friendship Club (HFC) was created early in the summer of 2002 by two mothers of teenagers with disabilities. They sought to expand their sons’ social opportunities by starting a club for kids with disabilities. The club’s beginnings were as simple as making calls to the parents of their sons’ fellow classmates at Highland Park Senior and Junior High School to try to get them interested in the idea.

The club sponsors many activities involving the arts. Early in its history, HFC put on a sock-puppet play entitled, “Sockarella.” This production involved making the sock puppets, props and sets. Another original activity that continues to this day is regular music -therapy sessions resulting in one or two shows per year. These shows take approximately twelve weeks to put together. Another annual activity is art nights that culminate in an art show in the HFC started out small, by mak- spring to help raise money for ing a list of community and various programs. service projects to do around the city, as well as doing age- Many club activities take place appropriate group activities. in the summer. These include In 2004 HFC became an offi- trips to museums, zoos, sportcial nonprofit organization. ing events and outdoor picThis move allowed the club to nics. In addition, for the past expand its fundraising efforts two years the club has orgato include contributions from nized a bell ringing day at the local businesses, individuals, Mall of America during the foundations and various grants, holidays for the Salvation ensuring that no member Army, and this past Novemwould be excluded from par- ber the HFC had their first ticipating due to money issues. bowling fundraiser, featuring A board of directors was es- Joe Mauer along with other tablished, along with the hir- sports personalities. ing of an executive director.

From its small start in 2002, In recent years the club has the club has expanded to appartnered with Cretin-Derham proximately 150 members Hall and the Jewish Community throughout the metropolitan Center of St. Paul to provide area, with a goal of having facilities for various activities, over 200 members in the near as well as having students vol- future. As mentioned earlier, unteer with part-time staff mem- no member is excluded from bers in club activities.

Commentary

participating in any club activity simply because they cannot afford it.

by LeRee Etter

C

Who came up with this idea that we were not patients, not people with an illness, but consumers? Brilliant. While I stand in front of classrooms enlightening the charges that mental illness is no different than cancer, MS, or any other illness, someone somewhere decided that it would be too stigmatizing to call us patients?

People? In an effort to make us less different, we just rocketed ourselves into another plane of difference! How can we say “We are the same, but please don’t call us the same”?

We have a biological, treatable illness, but the word pa-

tient is pejorative? Cancer patient, woman with MS, guy with heart disease; no problem, it is OK for them. But we are different. We, those of us with depression, schizophrenia, and eating disorders, have an illness just like they do, but please don’t refer to us in the same way. We are not patients.

We are consumers. Huh? Consumer? Talk about stigmatizing!! I have a biological brain disease! When I am hospitalized, I am not there to choose between a green gown or a blue gown. I am there because my symptoms have gotten worse, and I need specialized medical care to manage my illness. This is true whether I have appendicitis, scoliosis, diabetes, or depression! All are illnesses that may lead to death if we do not allow ourselves to be treated, to be patients.

I am a person with a mental illness. While visiting my psychiatrist, I am her patient.

While visiting my psychologist, I am her patient. While

by Sue Abderholden

T

oo many adolescents and adults with mental illnesses have potentially dangerous contact with the police. That contact comes in a number of forms, such as the person with mental illness being a victim or a witness of a crime, being the subject of a nuisance call, committing a crime themselves, or having a mental health crisis and being in danger of hurting themselves or others.

I have been involved with the Friendship Club since it started. My favorite aspect of HFC is the ability to choose my own activities. A list is regularly provided to the members who choose what they want to do. Their decisions are based on whether they are physically able to do the activity, what they enjoy doing the most and whether their schedule permits participation, not on financial or administrative All too often they end up in the criminal justice system. As a factors. result, approximately 25% of I particularly enjoy the art ac- the U.S. prison and 60% of the tivities and the music program. jail population has a serious I am very fond of the music mental illness. In cities with a instructors and love picking population of 100,000 or more, my own songs and singing on approximately 7% of all pomy own. I have one of the lice contact involves people with a mental illness. People loudest voices in the group. with a mental illness are twice I like interacting with people as likely to be arrested for rethat are facing the same chal- peated behavior. lenges as I am because then it makes me aware that I am not The increased contact is due the only one going through it. to the fact that people’s behavI also love to laugh and that’s iors, which are symptoms of one thing the Friendship Club their illness, are more likely to trigger a police response rather is all about. ■ than a mental health response.

For more information, con- Unfortunately, the only easy tact HFC at www.highland way to obtain help for a mental health crisis is to call 911. frienshipclub.org.

Typically, police are then sent out to deal with the mental health crisis, resulting in a possible arrest rather than an appropriate intervention.

Don’t call me a ‘consumer’! onsumer. Who’s idea was that? When did patient become a four-letter word? And why is it only a four-letter word for me, a person with depression, but not for my neighbor with cancer? Please do not call me a consumer! When I am in line at Starbucks, I am a consumer.

Shopping at Wal-Mart I am a consumer. But while conversing with my doctor, I am a patient!

awareness to

getting my blood drawn, having an MRI or getting an EKG, I am a patient. Regardless of my diagnosis, when getting treatment, I am a patient. Why, if the diagnosis is depression, undergoing the same tests and treatment, must I be a consumer?

We can’t have it both ways. If our premise and platform is that we have biological, treatable illnesses, just like everybody else, how can we define “patient” as a stigmatizing word? We can’t have it both ways. We can’t fight for research dollars. We can’t educate the school children. We can’t demand equal insurance coverage. We can’t reduce stigma. We can’t align ourselves with other biological, treatable illnesses if we continue to separate ourselves by denying our status as patients.

We can’t have it both ways.

Choosing between Ajax and Comet? Consumer.

Choosing between Prozac and Paxil? Patient. ■

Thus it is critical that police officers understand the biological nature of mental illness and know how to quickly assess and if possible de-escalate the situation. Poor understanding and ineffective responses often lead to an escalation of the crisis and the person ending up in jail instead of an appropriate mental health care setting.

In response to some very tragic incidents, relatively new models to educate police officers have emerged. One of the best is CIT (Crisis Intervention Team), Developed by Major Sam Cochran in 1988, the CIT program is a community collaboration, not just a training program, where officers are taught about mental illness and are trained both to prevent and de-escalate crises.

Studies have repeatedly shown that specialized training for police results in better outcomes for everyone. CIT produces the lowest rates of arrest and the highest rates for bringing people in for treatment.

There are also decreased rates in officer injuries for mentalhealth related calls. Minneapolis has a CIT program and the police department has encouraged officers from around the state to participate in their training.

Legislation introduced this year could make more funding available for CIT. In addition, knowing that for some communities, particularly in rural areas, a 40-hour training session is very difficult, the legislation could also fund a fourhour training that would cover basics of the CIT program, including: types and forms of mental illness, including their symptoms; the impact that mental illnesses have on individuals, families, and communities; and legal issues pertaining to the mentally ill, including civil commitment and data practices.

Other legislation would require the Department of Human Services to create a task force to determine if one mental health crisis number could be developed and used throughout the state. Funding the development of more Mental Health Courts would also serve to divert people away from jails Yet CIT is only effective when and into treatment. law enforcement, the mental health system and various ad- The Consensus Project, which vocates collaborate to make is the premiere report from the sure that when officers divert Council on State Governments someone, the treatment sys- on how to “decriminalize” tem is willing and able to pro- mental illness, points out the vide appropriate treatment. importance of providing a userThis means that in order to friendly entry to the mental reduce the criminalization of health system. In the end, the mental illness, we also need to best way to prevent a criminal build up our community men- justice response is still to retal health system. duce the stigma surrounding mental illness, eliminate any Minnesota is currently devel- barriers to accessing treatment, oping mental health crisis teams fully develop crisis services which can respond to people in and community supports, and their own homes. Each regional ensure that our first respondteam can provide stabilization ers (police, EMTs, etc.) unservices, consultation by phone derstand mental illness and or in person, and assessment how to de-escalate a crisis. and intervention. Currently, there are multiple phone num- We have much to do in Minnebers to call, making these im- sota to prevent a criminal jusportant new services potentially tice response, but we are makdifficult to access – especially ing progress. ■ in a crisis.

12

April 10, 2008

Upcoming events To list an event, e-mail access@accesspress.org Nursing home relocation and mental illness conference April 11 MCIL and MN State Council on Disability present a conference for professionals about the role of mental illness in nursing home relocation. It will include a case study of a successful relocation from a nursing home into the community by a person with mental illness, overviews of major mental illnesses and two panels discussing resources. Details: Department of Health, 1645 Energy Park Drive, St. Paul.

FFI: Ann Roscoe, 651-6032026, 651-603-2001 or annr @mcil-mn.org.

National MS Society Women’s Getaway April 11-13 The Women’s Getaway provides women with multiple sclerosis an opportunity to socialize with other women affected by MS, have fun, build support relationships and learn ways to cope with the changes MS brings to life. Details: Radisson Plaza Hotel, 35 S. Seventh St., Mpls. FFI: Tim Holtz, 612-335-7900, 800582-5296 or tholtz@ms society.org.

Men and Depression speakers April 14 “Even Tony Soprano Takes Prozac: Men and Depression” will feature two expert speakers on male depression. Dr. Ron Groat is listed as one of the Twin Cities’ “Best Psychiatrists” according to the Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine. Pete Feigal is an engaging and dynamic national speaker. These two speakers have been our guests at Our Lady of Grace before and they filled the room. Details: Our Lady of Grace Church, Center for Spirituality and Wellness, 5071 Eden Avenue, Edina. 78:30 p.m. Free. FFI: 952-9293317 or www.olgparish.org

Special education in MN April 17 PACER Center is sponsoring a talk by Dan Stewart, supervising attorney at the Minnesota Disability Law Center. He will discuss how Minnesota educates its children with disabilities. He will address legislative and other issues that parents should know about.

Details: PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd, Minneapo-

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

lis, MN. 7-9 p.m. FFI: 952838-9000, 952-838-0190 (TTY), or www.PACER. org/ workshops.

Power of Work Week April 28-May 4 Join Goodwill and Easter Seals of Minnesota in celebrating the success of program participants and their model of workforce development to strengthen families through the power of work. The celebration dinner is on April 30 at the International Market Square in Minneapolis, but other events include a workforce reentry forum, a friends and family open house, a fashion show, and a living green expo. RSVP or FFI: Deanna Smiley Gulliford, 651-379-5940 or www.goodwilleasterseals.org.

MCIL Social Night April 29 You are invited to an evening of fun. MCIL is opening its doors for anyone who would like a place come socialize,

use our computer, watch a movie, eat, gather information, find an outlet or just chill.

Please feel free to bring a friend, mentor, or mentee— all are welcome! You can stay the whole time, come for an hour or just stop in. Details: 46 p.m., last Tuesday of every month. 1600 University Ave W. #16, St. Paul. FFI: Corbett Laubignat, 651-603-2028 or corbettl@mcil-mn.org.

and dance 7:00–9:30 pm.

DeLaSalle’s Gymnasium.

Dresses and tuxedos are not available at the school. RSVP before Thursday, May 1. FFI: Peg Hodapp, peg.hodapp@ delasalle.com or 612-6767611.

Walk MS: Christopher & Banks Walk May 4 You’ll move. You’ll be moved.

Joining the movement with hundreds of thousands of people across the country is an experience like no other. Participate in an event happening in 17 cities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

Sponsored by the National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter.

FFI: Voice: 612-335-7900 or 800-582-5296

Starry Night Prom May 3 DeLaSalle High School invites you to an elegant evening under the stars! The 2008 Starry Night Prom is a semi-formal prom for persons with disabilities. DeLaSalle High School Diversity Committee hosts the event. Entertainment, snacks, Interfaith Network for and beverages will be availMental Health luncheon able throughout the evening.

May 8 Details: No date required, parents and escorts are welcome. This luncheon will gather inAll ages. Free. Doors open at dividuals interested in discuss5:30 pm. Grand March at 6:30 ing ways to improve and sup-

port mental health across faiths. Sharing strategies among faith communities that can be used to support the mental health of individuals and families will be the speaker Hollie Holt-Woehl. FFI: Ron Cottone, INMH Steering Team, 612-230-3264, ron.cot tone@disability-awareness. org or www.disabilityawareness.org.

Allianz Twin Cities Ride May 10 Dust off your bike and choose a 60- or 30-mile scenic route along the Gateway Trail. This is one of the best supported one-day rides the Twin Cities has to offer. Sponsored by the National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter. Details: The ride starts and finishes at Maplewood Community Center in Maplewood, Minnesota.

FFI: 612-335-7900 or 800582-5296. ■

Book Review

Left For Dead: A Second Life After Vietnam

by Jon Hovde and Maureen Anderson; reviewed by Clarence Schadegg Left For Dead, A Second Life After Vietnam received the Minnesota book award for Best Non-Fiction for 2006.

Actor Fess Parker said it was the best Vietnam account he’d read in twenty years. The book describes co-author Jon Hovde’s journey from a fully ambulatory young man to a double amputation. Left For Dead is the 59-year-old veteran’s poignant memoir.

Hovde wouldn’t talk about his experiences in Vietnam before he visited the Vietnam War Memorial. Yet he says that after his visit to the wall “you couldn’t shut me up.” Hovde

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

was one of thousands of Vietnam Veterans at the commemoration of the Vietnam Memorial on November 13, 1982. Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger’s words at the time echoed what many of the veterans felt but rarely said out loud.

“When your country called you, you came. When your country refused your honor, you remained silent. With time our nation’s wounds have healed. We have finally come to appreciate your sacrifices and pay you the tribute you so richly deserve. Welcome home.”

at 19 years of age, his tour of duty came to an abrupt end.

An anti-tank mine explosion ripped through the Armored Personnel Carrier he drove.

As he was pulled from the burning wreckage, he wasn’t expected to live. His injuries were extremely severe and he lost a lot of blood. “When I woke up six days later…I wanted to die. I knew right away I’d lost an arm and a leg, but that wasn’t it. Everything hurt so much. God it hurt.”

The medical treatment he was given sometimes felt worse then his injuries. Hovde wasn’t sure he’d live, but if he did he wanted to keep his three-part pledge These words reflect Hovde’s with God: “I will have the fastlife story. On January 8, 1968, est car in Polk County, Minne-

sota; I will not be dependent on the government (I didn’t know how I was going to become a productive member of society given my amputations, but I knew I could figure that one out.); and, I will make a difference with my life.”

Hovde met the first two, and he’s still working on the third.

Left For Dead is a powerful story about what it took for one man to move forward as he healed from physical and mental disability. Now an author, Hovde is also a much sought-after public speaker. To get a copy of this book and to know more about the author, go to www.jonhovde.com. ■

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13

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 15.

See www.accesspress.org for complete listing 12 Angry Men/Women Apr. 4 - 13 Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre, 333 4th St. S., Fargo.

AD: Sat., Apr. 12, 7:30 pm ASL: upon req in adv. Tix: $1250, $10 Sr 65+, $750 student (reg. $15, $12, $9), Phone: 701-235-6778, 877-687-7469, www.fmct.org Anansi, The Trickster Spider May 9 - June 1 SteppingStone Theatre, 55 Victoria St. N., St. Paul. AD: Fri., May 16, 7:00 pm, ASL: Sun., May 18, 2:00 pm, Tix: $11, student/Sr $9, Phone: 651-225-9265, www.stepping stonetheatre.org Art in Bloom Apr. 30 - May 4 Mpls. Institute of Arts, 2400 3rd Ave. S., Mpls. ASL: Thurs., May 1, 7:00 pm & Sun., May 4, 1:00 pm Tour begins by the Info dsk in the museum lobby, Tix: Spcl exhibition adm cost, Phone: 612-870-3131, TTY: 612-870-3132, E-mail: dheg strom@artsmia.org Web: www.artsmia.org Arts of Japan: The John C. Weber Collection Feb. 24 - May 25 Mpls. Institute of Arts, 2400 3rd Ave. S., Mpls. Tix: spcl exhibit adm cost, Phone: 612870-3131, TTY: 612-8703132, E-mail: dhegstrom@ artsmia.org Web: www. artsmia.org Blues in the Night Mar. 11 - May 18 Ordway Ctr for the Performing Arts McKnight Theatre, 345 Washington, St. Paul. Tix/ Phone: 651-224-4222, TTY: 651-282-3100, www.ord way.org/services/access.asp The Broken Brain Summit Apr. 3 - 26

Interact Ctr for Visual & Performing Arts at Old AZ Studio, 2821 Nicol-let Ave., Mpls.

ASL: Thurs., Apr. 10, 7:30 pm (offering) & Sat., Apr. 26, 7:30 pm, AD: Fri., Apr. 25, 7:30 pm & Sat., Apr. 26, 3:00 pm, Captioning: On req, Tix: $10 (reg. $16), Phone: 612-3395145, www.interactCtr. com or www.oldarizona.com

Cabaret May 6 - 18 Ordway Ctr for Performing Arts, 345 Washington, St. Paul. ASL: Wed., May 14, 8:00 pm, AD: Sat., May 17, 8:00 pm, Tix/ Phone: 651224-4222, TTY: 651-2823100, Web: www.ordway.org/ services/access.asp Earth, Wind & Fire PACER Benefit Apr. 26 26th annual PACER Benefit at Mpls. Convention Ctr, 1301 2nd Ave. S. ASL: Sat., Apr. 26, Silent Auction 6:00 pm; Show 8:00 pm; To req AD, call PACER, Tix: start at $55, Phone: 952-838-9000, Web: www.pacer.org Esperando La Carroza (Waiting for the Hearse) Apr. 18 - 27 Mixed Blood Theatre at SteppingStone Theatre, 55 N. Victoria St., St. Paul. AD, ASL & Captioning: Thurs., Apr. 24, 7:30 pm, Tix: access tixs $12, Phone: 612-338-6131, E-mail: boxoffice@mixedblood. com Web: www.mixedblood.com French Twist May 8 - 17 Joe Chvala’s Flying Foot Forum at the Guthrie Theater, Dowling Studio, 818 - 2nd St. S., Mpls. ASL/AD: Sat., May

17, 7:30 pm, Tix: $18 (reg.

The Hollow May 9 - June 1 $30), Phone: 612-377-2224, TTY: 612-377-6626, www. Starting Gate Prod. at Mounds guthrietheater.org/visit/ Theatre, 1029 Hudson Rd, St. the_building/access_services Paul. AD: Sun., May 25, 2:00 pm, Tix: $10 (reg. $18, $16 A Funny Thing Happened student/Sr), Phone: 651-645on the Way to the Forum 3503, www.startinggate.org Apr. 11 - May 4 Honk!

Rochester Civic Theatre, 20 Apr. 30 - May 18 Civic Ctr Dr SE. ASL: Sun., Apr. 20, 2:00 pm, Tix: $22, Sr Youth Performance Co. at $17, student $12, Phone: 507- Howard Conn Fine Arts Ctr, 282-8481, www.rochester 1900 Nicollet Ave., Mpls. AD/ ASL: Sat., May 17, 7:30 pm, civictheatre.org Tix: ½ price (reg. $10, student/Sr $8); adv resrv req for Gem of the Ocean AD, Phone: 612-623-9080, Apr. 22 - May 18 Penumbra Theatre at the www.youthperformanceco.com Guthrie Theater, 818 - 2nd St. Jack & the Beanstalk S., Mpls. AD: Sat., May 10, Apr. 19, 26 1:00 pm; sensory tour at 10:30 pm, ASL & Captioning: TBA, Lyric Arts Co , Lyric Arts Main Tix: $18 (reg. $24-69), Phone: St. Stage, 420 E. Main St., 612-377-2224, TTY: 612- Anoka. ASL: Sat., Apr. 19, 377-6626, 877-44-STAGE, 11:00 am (req at least 1wk in www.penumbratheatre.org adv), Tix: $12, $10 student/ Sr, Phone: 763-422-1838, or www.guthrietheater.org Web: www.lyricarts.org Goodnight Desdemona Jersey Boys (Good Morning Juliet) Mar. 19 - Apr. 20 Apr. 11 - 27 Theatre Unbound at the Neigh- Orpheum Theatre, 910 Henneborhood House, Paul & Sheila pin Ave. S., Mpls. Tix: $28.50 Wellstone Ctr, 179 Robie St. - 133.50; AD adv req, Phone: E., St. Paul. AD/ASL: Sun., 612-373-5639 or 5609, HotApr. 27, 2:00 pm, Tix: $11 line: 612-373-5650, TTY: (reg. $18, $15), Phone: 612- 612-373-5655, E-mail: acces721-1186, E-mail: info@theat sible @orpheum.com Web: reunbound.com Web: www. www.hennepintheatredistrict.org/ theatreunbound.com guestservices/aslad/

Radio Talking Book schedule Radio Talking Book (RTB) is a closed-circuit reading network 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. This month: Proust and the Squid, nonfiction by Maryanne Wolf, 2007. Cognitive neuroscientist Maryanne Wolf says the pre-literate brain is configured differently than the brain of readers. And the brain of those literate in today’s technology will be even more different. Read by Leila Poullada. Nine broadcasts. Begins April 22.

• 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: Dog Days: Dispatches from Bedlam Farm, nonfiction by Jon Katz, 2007. There are days when Bedlam Farm lives up to its name. Katz writes, “The perfect life is like the perfect dog: Neither exists. And joy is a fraction of the experience of owning a farm.” Read by Bert Gardner. Eight broadcasts. Begins April 22.

• 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: The Sabotage Cafe, fiction by Joshua Furst, 2007. When Julia’s daughter Cheryl is sixteen, she re-enacts her mother’s coming-of-age in her own rebellion. L -Read by Sherri Afryl. Eight broadcasts. Begins April 16.

• 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: L-offensive language

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

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.

April: The program and services of MRCI Work Source in Rosemount with guest Lynn Korab. Mankato Rehabilitation Center Inc. known as MRCI, is a nonprofit organization that creates a transition plan to enable adults with disablities to find and retain jobs. MRCI has adults that work in their facility and/or out of their community.

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 www.ctv15.org/ dv.php or the show can be viewed at the same site though video casting.

The King & I Apr. 18 - May 3 Morris Park Players at Folwell Middle Sch, 3611 20th Ave S., Mpls. AD: Sun., Apr. 27, 2:00 pm, Tix: $12 (AD patrons, student, Sr; reg. $15), Phone: 612-724-8373, www.morris parkplayers.org Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill Apr. 11 - May 4 Park Sq Theatre, 20 W. 7th Place, St. Paul. AD & ASL: Sat., Apr. 26, 7:30 pm, Tix: ½ price, Phone: 651-291-7005, www.parksquaretheatre.org

The Lady with All the Answers Apr. 3 - 20 History Theatre, 30 E. 10th St., St. Paul. AD & ASL: Sun., Apr. 13, 2:00 pm, Tix: Disc to $15, Phone: 651-292-4323, www.historytheatre.com Les Miserables Opens June 15, 2007 Chan. Dinner Theatres, 501 W 78th St, Chanhassen. Tix: Vision Loss Resources grp $37 incl lunch: contact Stacy Shamblott, VLR, 612-871-2222; other tix (reg. $40-52), Phone: 952-934-1525 or 800-362Perform. - cont. on p. 15

Regions Hospital celebrates disability awareness Regions Hospital is committed to a diverse work environment that respects and values differences.

Regions Hospital is a Level I Trauma Center and teaching hospital serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin for more than 130 years. We are proud of the many partnerships within our community designed to improve the health of those we serve. We also consider it a privilege to provide more than $41 million a year in charitable care to those who need it.

Regions is well positioned for the future with a new $179 million expansion project scheduled to open in 2009. At the center of the expansion project is an 11-story tower that will provide private patient rooms, 20 new operating rooms, a renovated emergency department and convenient, underground patient parking.

Regions Hospital celebrates the diverse talents and backgrounds of our employees. You will discover a respectful, values-driven environment that will energize your career and enhance your personal growth. For a list of our current openings and to apply, please visit us online at: www.RegionsHospital.com. EOE

Part of the HealthPartners family of care.

April 10, 2008

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Web sightings

4-legged fun Five Web favorites from the staff desk

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his month, staff writer Nancy Sopkowiak contributes videos that display some of the abilities that our four-legged friends have perfected. Many of us are animal lovers and will enjoy these little clips.

ability-related Web sites, video clips and news items. Disability -related is optional, as you’ll see in Nancy’s contributions, as long as the website is fun.

Each month, we ask a different Web-savvy member of the local disability community to contribute some of their favorite Ps. Send us your favorites! This recent online finds. Send your column features a handful of top five (with comments) to informative or entertaining dis- access@accesspress.org. ■ “DOG DANCING” www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqbVbPvlDoM&NR=1 This is a dog and a woman doing a dance from the movie “Grease.” A friend sent this one to me. I watched it at least four times. [Forward to: your dancing partner] “Hip Hopping” www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhOuCO07ENE Next I saw a dog named Faith who walks on two legs like a human, because of missing front legs. Her family trained Faith to hop. Faith started walking on her own— one day she took off after a puppy that was teasing her!

[Forward to: someone who needs a smile] “DEMON CATS” www.youtube.com/ watch?v=CjNLxnVCRpk&feature=related I found this one myself: pictures of scary cats—called Demon Cats. Don’t watch this one before going to bed; you might get nightmares. [Forward to: only adult friends] “GHOSTS” www.youtube.com/ watch?v=kE_C1FXRo20&feature=related Next I watched this video of “Ghost” caught on tape in a gas station. It could happen.

[Forward to: again, just your adult friends] “HIGH PRICE GAS” www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbsaaiCmA-A I actually ended up watching this goofy song about high gas prices.

[Forward to: your friendly gas station attendant]

Why not ‘Yes, thanks’?

by Michael Cohn

I

t’s funny how life’s small gestures of kindness can be taken in different ways.

The other day, a family member and I cleaned the ice off the driveway of a neighbor while he was away. Over the past year my neighbor, Tom, has become more disabled due to his diabetes and eye troubles.

A year ago he was walking fine, you wouldn’t have known anything was wrong. Tom was the picture of a person with a hidden disability. Now he’s walking hunched over using a walker and has already taken a few serious falls. Clearing his own driveway of Minnesota’s

SHAMPOO -

inevitable winter droppings others struggle to prove their has become a very difficult independence. Throughout my life many people have offered chore. me help in many ways; holdThe following day we stopped ing a door when I’m using my by to ask if he wanted any walker, if I’m asked a question more help clearing the rest of and the person doesn’t underthe driveway, he replied, “Be- stand my speech, someone will tween the job I did yesterday ask if they can repeat my anand the ice melting on its own, swer. I’ve always felt that if I don’t need any help.” He did the offer made life easier, then not even realize that we had why not accept the offer? I spent the previous afternoon realize that some people may think if they accept the help, cleaning his driveway. then they are accepting charity Why is it that people react or are proclaiming their own differently to having help of- inabilities. Quite honestly, I fered? Some people come to see the offer as just the oppogrips with their disability while site; I’m out leading a full life

and everyone at sometime needs assistance, regardless of age or ability. Aren’t we all dependent on the help of others? I always feel better after helping someone; why not let someone else get the good feeling of being able to help me?

Other issues remain, of course.

At what point is help accepted or not? And how do you acknowledge the offer? If you would rather not have assistance from someone, just politely say “No, thank you.” But remember, there is no shame or harm in getting help to make life easier. ■

Cont. from p. 6

stylist Alisa Kolongowski uses homes.” But after trying a sink it for all her clients. she realized it was “very comfortable” and agreed to add Tae Choi, owner of three Fan- one to her new salon in Brooktastic Sams franchises, includ- lyn Center. To her surprise, a ing the salon in Roseville wide range of clients liked uswhere Braylock is employed ing the sink, including little and two salons in Brooklyn children and the elderly. Now Center, said she was not inter- she describes the sink as “reested when Shusterich offered ally great” and laughs to rean Adjust-a-Sink for one of member that she initially “reher salons, imagining it was fused four times” to accept “only useful for nursing Shusterich’s donation.

Kolongowski also laughed at the thought of anyone being particularly interested in a shampoo sink: “there is only so much you can say about a sink.” But she and other stylists interviewed agreed that reducing strain on them and their clients made for a more accessible salon and allowed stylists to provide better service to all customers. Halone summed it up for many styl-

ATHLETE FIRST -

GLANCE -

“para” in Paralympics refers to paraplegia, Bailey explains that it actually derives from Greek and Latin words meaning “alongside” and “similar” respectively.

Use of the word “Olympic” began with Ludwig Guttmann in 1949, and at first was opposed by the IOC, which saw the word as its copyright. There have been a variety of names over the years, but Paralympics has been the official name since 1988.

Cont. from p. 4

ists: “If only I would have had this earlier.” He recalled “many situations” when a customer with disabilities “struggled receiving hair services. With the Adjust-a-Sink the dignity and comfort are not compromised…I truly believe that this is a must for every salon that opens their doors for business.” ■

Cont. from p. 5

ment of organized sports for people with disabilities was impeded by the misperception that these sports were about rehabilitation rather than world championship competition between elite athletes. The Paralympic Movement today is helping to dispel that myth. ■

your request at least 5 days in advance, either by phone or at the online registration site.

Athlete First, copyright 2008, is published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. of Chichester, West Sussex, England. Their email for orBailey notes that early develop- ders is cs-books@wiley. co.uk.

Other agencies committed to attending include: the MN Disability Law Center, State Rehabilitation Services, State Services for the Blind, and many other non-profit, vocational agencies serving people with disabilities. The Wilder Center is located at 451 Lexington Parkway North in St. Paul, north of I - 94 on Lexington Ave, just south of University Avenue. The Wilder Center is accessible from the #16 and #50 buslines.

Do you need a home already adapted for wheelchair accessibility?

Group Home?

The Employment Support Resources Fair is open to the public from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Staff from up to twenty employment support agencies will be available to answer questions about their programs and explain how you can use their services. The Social Security Administration will be on-site to provide specific information about your disability benefits.

For more information, call Kris at the Work Incentives Connection at 651-632-5119, or 1-800-976-6728 ext. 5119, or TTY 651-6325110. To register for the WISE, you must call 1-877-743-8237 (voice or TTY). [Source: Work Incentives Connection]

Asylum renaming offends advocates

Check out 2411 Indian Way, N. St.Paul to see your dream home!

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his home has been expensively modified to meet the needs of a brain injured daughter. There are 4 bedrooms on one level and a personal elevator to safely move between levels of the home. Two adapted baths, one with a roll in shower and one with a raised tub to accommodate a Hoyer type lift. Wide hallways and doors, tuckunder garage with properly placed door to give direct access to home. Lovely family neighborhood. Access to deck overlooking a beautifully landscaped, very private yard.

For more information or to schedule a private showing, please contact

Linda Leicht • 612-751-1367 Edina Realty

It’s an intriguing and provocative name that translates to Web hits, phone calls and tour tickets: the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum.

To some, the title acknowledges history by readopting one of the many names previously held by the long-vacant, 19th century mental institution known most recently as Weston Hospital.

But others say the new owners of the massive Gothic Revival hospital have gone too far, disparaging the suffering of former patients and reopening wounds with planned events like “Psycho Path” dirt bike races on the grounds. They say words like “lunatic” and “retarded” have gone the way of “colored” and “Negro” and should never be resurrected.

Rebecca Jordan, whose family owns the 307-acre complex, sees things differently.

“This part of history is vital, and you cannot bury what you don’t like,” she said. “Should we take down the Holocaust museum? Should we completely deny all that happened because it’s not favorable? Because it might hurt a few feelings?”

The hospital is one of the world’s largest hand-cut sandstone structures, a National Historic Landmark that once housed more than 2,000 patients but has stood largely silent since 1994. [Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080321/ ap_on_re_us/lunatic_asylum]. ■

April 10, 2008

PERFORM. -

Cont. from p. 13

3515, E-mail: Info@chan W of Hiawatha). Tix: $12 (reg. hassendt.com Web: www. $14-20), Phone: 612-724-3760, chanhassentheatres.com www.franktheatre.org The Lilies of the Field Apr. 11 - 27 Lyric Arts Co at Lyric Arts Main St. Stage, 420 E. Main St., Anoka. ASL: Sat., Apr. 12, 7:30 pm (least one wk in adv), Tix: $14, $12 student/ Sr, $16 box seats, Phone: 763422-1838, www.lyricarts.org A Long Day’s Journey Into Night Apr. 25 - May 18 Theatre in the Round, 245 Cedar Ave., Mpls. AD: Sun., May 11, 2:00 pm, Tix: $20, Phone: 612-333-3010, www. theatreintheround.org Loudmouth George & the Sixth Grade Bully Apr. 25 - May 10 Nine Mile Creek Theater Co. at Bloomington Civic Plaza Black Box Theater, 1800 W Old Shakopee Rd. AD/ASL: Sun., May 4, 2:00 pm, Tix: $12, $10 Sr/student, Phone: 952-563-8575, www.bloom ingtonartCtr.com Magic Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle Apr. 22 - June 15 Children’s Theatre Co., 2400 3rd Ave. S., Mpls. AD/ASL: Fri., May 30, 7:30 pm; student matinees avail. on req, Tix: $13 VSA offer Phone: 612-874-0400, www.childrenstheatre.org Mr. Puntila & His Hired Man Matti Mar. 20 - Apr. 13 Frank Theatre at the Bridge Bldg, Mpls. Public Wrks yrd, 1907 E. 27th St. (enter 27th & Longfellow,

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.mnocfilms.org/ movies.html or Rear Window Captioned Film http:// ncam.wgbh.org/mo%pix/ nowshowing.html#mn Kerasotes Block E Stadium 15, 600 Hennepin Ave., 3rd floor, Mpls. 612-338-1466, bloc@kerasotes.com Accessible films in Auditoriums 2 & 12. (Note: DVS patrons, if your show is in Theatre 2, req headset with Letter C. If your show is in Theatre 12, req headset with Letter G.) Enter parking ramp on 7th St next to the Hard Rock Café. www. kerasotes.com/ (Scroll down the lower right column every Friday to see what two films will have rear view captioning or DVS that wk at Blk E.)

Classifieds

Access To Employment

Mrs. Mannerly Employment ads are $20-$22 per col. inch. April 30 is the Mar. 14 - Apr. 12 deadline for the May 10 issue. Mail to: Access Press, Illusion Theater, 528 Hennepin 1821 University Ave. #104S, St. Paul, MN 55104 FAX Ave., Mpls. Tix: Disc to $10 for 651-644-2136 • E-mail: access@accesspress.org AD patrons & a companion; reg.

ATTORNEY OR ADVOCATE $15-25, Phone: 612-339-4944, MN Disability Law Ctr seeks PT (.50 FTE) temp (June-Dec) www.illusiontheater.org atty or legal advocate to assist persons w/dev disabilities.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Disability law, special ed, service system or prof exp pref.

Total salary up to $14,420 for 7-month period DOE. Ltr & Apr. 12 - June 22 Guthrie Theater, Wurtele Thrust resume by 4/25: Tarah Cunningham, Ad #325, MDLC, 430 1st Stage, 818 - 2nd St. S., Mpls. Ave. N., #300, Mpls, MN 55401. No calls. EOE AD: Sat., May 3, 1:00 pm; senThe Silver Follies’ sory tour at 10:30 pm; Fri., May Sun., May 11, 1:30 pm Tix: ½ 9, 7:30 pm, ASL: Fri., May 16, price (reg. $25, student $12), Production of Lil’ Abner May 8 - 18 7:30 pm; Thurs., May 29, 7:30 Phone: 507-467-2525, 800pm, Tix: $18 (reg. $24-$69), 657-7025, E-mail: tixs@ Fargo-Moorhead Community Phone: 612-377-2224, TTY: commonwealtheatre.org Web: Theatre, 333 4th St. S., Fargo.

612-377-6626, www.guthrie www.commonwealtheatre.org AD: Thurs., May 8, 7:30 pm, ASL: On req in adv, Tix: theater. org/visit/the_building Pirates of the Great Lakes $12.50, $10 Sr, $7.50 student /access_services May 30 - June 22 (reg. $15, $12, $9), Phone: Lyric Arts Co. of Anoka, 420 E. 701-235-6778, 877-687-7469, Once on This Island Main St., Anoka. ASL: Sat., May www.fmct.org Apr. 17 - May 18 Ten Thousand Things Theater 31, 7:30 pm (make req at least 1 These Shining Lives at Open Bk, 1011 Washington wk in adv), Tix: $14, $12 student/ May 8 - June 1 Ave. S., Mpls. AD: Sun., May Sr, $16 box seats, Phone: 7634, 8:00 pm, Tix: $13 (reg. $20), 422-1838, www.lyricarts.org History Theatre, 30 E. 10th St., St. Paul. AD & ASL: Sun., Phone: 612-203-9502, www.

Q&A May 25, 2:00 pm, Tix: Disc to tenthousandthings.org May 22 - June 8 $15, Phone: 651-292-4323, Mu Performing Arts at Mixed www.historytheatre.com The Pajama Game Blood Theatre, 1501 S. 4th St., Apr. 18 - May 17 Bloomington Civic Theatre at Mpls. AD: Sat., May 31, 8:00 The Triangle Factory Fire May 3 - 25 Blmgtn Ctr for the Arts, 1800 W pm, ASL: Sat., June 7, 8:00 Old Shakopee Rd ASL: Sat., May pm, Tix: $18, $16 student/Sr, MN Jewish Theatre Co. at 3, 7:30 pm, AD: Fri., May 9, 7:30 Phone: 612-338-6131, www. Hillcrest Ctr Theater, 1978 Ford pm,Tix:$18(reg.$19-25),Phone: muperformingarts.org or 952-563-8575 (Order ASL tixs www.mixedblood.com 7+ days b/4 - req ASL area), Rabbit Hole wwwbloomingtoncivictheatre.org Mar. 28 - May 11 Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Peer Gynt Ave. S., Mpls. AD: Thurs., Apr. 26 - May 18 Commonweal Theatre, 208 Apr. 17, 7:30 pm, Tix: $10 Pkwy Ave. N., Lanesboro. ASL: (reg. $26-36), Phone: 612822-7063, E-mail: boxoffice @jungletheater.com Web: www.jungletheater.com

Reach 11,000 Active, Interested Readers with Access Press Classifieds. $13 up to 12 words, 60¢/word thereafter. Must be prepaid. Mail with check to: Access Press, 1821 University Ave W, #104S, St. Paul, MN 55104 • 651-644-2133 FOR RENT Holmes-Greenway Housing: One- and two-bedroom wheelchair-accessible apartments.

Section 8 subsidized. Convenient SE Minneapolis location.

Call 612-378-0331 for availability information. Equal Opportunity Housing.

Oak Park Village: One-bedroom wheelchair-accessible apartments. Section 8 subsidized. Convenient St. Louis Park location. Call 952-9359125 for availability information. Equal Opportunity Housing.

Seward Square ApartLewis Park Apartments: ments: We are currently acBarrier-free housing with cepting applications for our wheelchair users in mind. Sec- waiting list for barrier-free tion 8 subsidized. One- and housing, in Minneapolis, that two-bedroom units. For more is federally subsidized. For information on availability call an application, please call 651-488-9923. St. Paul, MN. 612-338-2680. Equal OpporEqual Opportunity Housing. tunity Housing.

FOR SALE 2004 Legend Pride Scooter champagne/black colored. Good runner lights work well 2 Miners basket with 1 bottle holder.

3 wheel. 612-306-5690 Pkwy, St. Paul. AD: Sun., May The Wiz 18, 2:00 pm, Tix: Disc by $7 Apr. 11 - 19 (reg. $17-24), Phone: 651-647- Uof M Theatre at Rarig Ctr’s 4315,www.mnjewishtheatre.org Stoll Thrust Theatre, 330 - 21st Ave. S., Mpls. AD/ASL: Sat., Triple Espresso Apr. 19, 8:00 pm, Tix: $17Ongoing 19, Phone: 612-624-2345, EMusic Box Theatre, 1407 Nic- mail: utheatre@umn.edu ollet Ave, Mpls. Tix: $17 (reg. Web: http://theatre.umn.edu $3250) Phone: 612-874-9000, E- ■ mail: tixs@tripleespresso. com Web: www.tripleespres so.com

Fairview Health Services

Accessible movie theaters

AMC Eden Prairie Mall 18 Theatres, 4000 Flying Cloud Dr at Eden Prairie Shopping Ctr, Hwy 212 & 494, 952-656-0010. Park in upper level lot between Sears & Kohl’s. Accessible films in Auditorium 4.

Science Museum of Minnesota Omnitheater, 120 Kellogg Blvd. W., St. Paul.

Rear view captioning & DVS for most films in the Omnitheater or the 3D Cinema. Show times vary but are approximately hourly during regular museum hours: Monday-Wednesday 9:30 am-5:00 pm, ThursdaySat. 9:30 am - 9:00 pm, Sun. 12:00 noon - 5:00 pm, 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.

Lakes 10 Theatre, 4351 Stebner Rd., Hermantown. 12 Handicapped Parking spaces near theater. Movie Line: 218729-0335, Emergency Line: 218-729-0334, Fax: 218-7290334, E-mail: Sfennessey@cectheatres.com ■

The Reluctant Dragon Apr. 18 - May 18 Stages Theatre Co. at Hopkins Ctr for the Arts, 1111 Main St. ASL: Sun., May 4, 2:00 pm, Wed., May 7, 10:00 pm, AD: on req, Tix: $15, $11 child/Sr+ $150 fee per tix, Phone: 952-9791111, www.stagestheatre.org

Exceptional care starts with me.

I am Fairview.

Christopher, MRI Technologist 15 years

YO U R P L AC E F O R A R E WA R D I N G C A R E E R I N H E A LT H C A R E

Rusalka Apr. 12, 15, 17, 19, 20 MN Opera Co at Ordway Ctr for Performing Arts, 345 Washington St., St. Paul. Sung in Czech w/English captions projected above stage. AD: Sun., Apr. 20, 2:00 pm, preopera disc. 1:00 pm, Tix: AD patrons ½ price, Phone: 612333-6669, TTY: 612-7296023, www.mnopera.org

Join my team at fairview.org/divjobs

Sidiki Conde & Tokounou May 3 VSA arts of MN presents W. African musician/dancers Sidiki Conde & Tokounou w/ students with & without disabilities at Hopkins HS, 2400 Lindbergh Dr, Mtka. AD/ASL: Sat., May 3, 7:30 pm, Tix: $15, student $10, Phone: 612-3323888 or 800-801-3883 v/tty, www.vsaartsmn.org

• Nursing • Imaging • Lab

Build your career where breakthrough medical care and a progressive work environment are parts of everyday life. At Fairview, we believe the only way to deliver our promise of exceptional care to our patients is by supporting the health and well-being of our employees. Join us, and you join a close-knit network of professionals whose shared values of dignity, integrity, service and compassion guide everything we do to improve the health of our communities.

Learn more about opportunities in: • Respiratory • Pharmacy • Rehabilitation

• IS • Administration

• Medical Records, and more…

Explore our current job opportunities and apply online or call toll-free 1-866-871-JOBS (5627).

fairview.org/divjobs TTY 612-672-7300 EEO/AA Employer

15

16

April 10, 2008

We would like to acknowledge the GENEROUS donations of these Issue Sponsors:

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