June 2008 Edition - Access Press

www.accesspress.org History Note

Inside

“I choose not to place ‘DIS’ in my ability.”

■ Barriers to voting—p. 3 ■ When a dog guide dies—p. 5 ■ Proud owner of a new Habitat—p. 8

— Robert M. Hensel Page 2 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Mpls. MN Permit No. 4766

Volume 19, Number 6

Minnesota’s Disability

Community Newspaper

June 10, 2008

2008 legislative action ends with a smile Disability community sees gains and losses

by Anne L. Henry

E

xtended negotiations among legislative leaders from both parties and the governor brought the 2008 session of the Minnesota Legislature to a close on May 18. The $935 million state budget deficit was closed by spending cuts, across-theboard state agency administrative reductions and use of substantial funds from the state’s budget reserve. In addition, health care reform legislation and a number of other significant policy bills affecting persons with disabilities were adopted.

budget deficit of $935 million, because health and human services spending areas were targeted for substantial cuts to help balance the overall state budget. Governor Tim Pawlenty proposed, and the House and Senate agreed, to limit home and communitybased waiver services for persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI) to 200 persons per year. Services for those eligible for nursing facility care through the Community Alternatives for Disabled Individuals (CADI) waiver will be limited to 1,500 persons per year, beginning July 1, 2008 for three years. Included in Budget cuts will limit With a jubilant grin, House Speaker Margaret Anderson these caseload caps are limits waiver services Kelliher brings down the last gavel of the session at 11:45 The biggest challenge for per- for persons participating in the p.m. May 18. sons with disabilities during integrated managed care proCredit: Andrew VonBank, MN House of Representatives the session was the significant gram known as Minnesota

Tough year for education Tougher times expected in 2009 session

by Kim Kang

I

t was a rocky road for both the education policy and budget bills during the 2008 session of the Minnesota Legislature on May 13.

Governor Tim Pawlenty vetoed the E-12 Education Policy Bill. That action was followed three days later by the veto of the E-12 Omnibus Education Budget Bill. However, legislators were able to pass a handful of helpful items through the Omnibus Budget Bill. Included in the items approved was an increase of $51 of state aid per student. This will provide a measure of financial relief for schools.

In addition, the special education task force, which was created during the 2007 legislative session, had its work continued another year in order to complete its assigned duties.

The purpose of this task force is to compare the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requirements with Minnesota laws and rules, determine which Min-

nesota laws exceed federal son of Minnesota rules that laws, and provide recommen- exceed federal laws. dations on which state laws to eliminate.

The Legislature extended the task force’s existence for anThe special education task other year and requires memforce is currently composed of bers to submit a final report 10 members: four parent and to the Legislature by Feb.15, parent advocacy organization 2009. Thanks to the work of representatives, five school parents, parent advocates, representatives, and the Min- student advocates and key nesota Department of Educa- legislators such as Represention—a non-voting member. tatives Debra Hilstrom and As part of its analysis during Mindy Greiling, some imthe 2007 year, the task force provements were made to the determined that some Minne- task force such as adding ansota laws exceeding federal other representative from a laws include: transition ser- parent advocacy organization vices beginning at age 14; so equal representation is endispute resolution processes sured, and allowing the task such as conciliation and fa- force to make recommendacilitated Individual Educa- tions on how to change laws tion Programs (IEPs); and the and rules. The latter is parstate law which places the ticularly important because burden of proof on school the task force was previously districts to show that they restricted to recommending complied with special edu- that a law or rule be kept or cation laws. While the task eliminated. As task force force was able to complete a members did their work, they review of state statutes and determined that some laws rules, its members were not and rules could be retained able to complete a compari- with changes.

With a $1 billion total state budget deficit, it was a tough year for education. Projections for 2009 appear to be even worse and this will be even more critical because the 2009 session will determine funding for the 2010-2011 school years. Therefore, it’s important for parents of children with disabilities to continue to be active and informed advocates.

With 2008 being an election year, parents should not be afraid to ask for elected officials and candidates that will stand strong when it comes to maintaining services for children with disabilities and ensuring special education has an adequate, consistent funding stream.

The complete E-12 education bill can be found at www.leg. mn.us/ Use the bill tracker page.

Kim Kang is the Public Policy and Early Childhood Director at PACER Center. For more info visit www.pacer.org. ■

Disability Health Option authority of the county is lim(MnDHO). ited (“levy limit”) through 2010. This problematic proviThe total funding cut for these sion was part of a late-night, important services for the com- end of the session property tax ing three years is nearly $68 negotiation between state lawmillion which includes the makers and the governor. dollar-for-dollar federal match Among programs which reavailable under Medicaid. quire county funding are case Waiver service funding is used management services for chilto pay staff, buy equipment or dren and adult mental health, items and support people to vulnerable adult and developlive as independently as pos- mental disabilities, children’s sible in the community and mental health residential treatavoid institutional placement. ment, chemical dependency services and numerous other Previously, the CADI and corrections and public health Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) programs. Key legislators have waiver programs had caseload agreed with the governor to limits imposed, beginning in repeal this language at the be2003 for four years. During ginning of the 2009 session that time, a waiting list devel- retroactive its effective date in oped for both programs. While order to avoid any lapse in persons eligible for CADI and county funding and to correct TBI are likely eligible for what is now regarded as a misMedical Assistance Home take.

Care, such as personal care assistant (PCA) services, they A 1.8 percent cut for all statewill not be able to access the funded grant programs operwider array of more flexible ated by the Department of services which are crucial to Human Services and the Demaintaining independence and partment of Health, except improving functioning in the children and adult mental community, such as home health services, was imposed modifications, equipment, and for the next three years. supported employment ser- Among the programs which vices. Department of Human will be cut are Semi-IndepenServices (DHS) projections dent Living Services (SILS), indicate that more than 2,400 Disability Link Line, family eligible persons will not be support grant services, Region able to access home and com- 10 Quality Assurance and varimunity services due to these ous aging and chemical decaseload limits over the next pendency services. These serthree years. vices are among those slated for a 2 percent cost of living For those with Medical Assis- increase on October 1, 2008. tance or General Assistance After the 1.8 percent cut, the Medical Care, hospital pay- Cost of Living Allowance ments will be cut approxi- (COLA) will be effectively mately $109 million dollars, reduced to .2 percent, leaving most of which would have been staff and programs without matched with federal Medic- enough funding to cover inaid funds over a three-year creased costs. period. Mental health services are exempt from this hospital Changes to targeted case manpayment reduction. agement, including relocation services, children and adult Additional cuts and changes mental health and child welThe Omnibus Tax Bill pro- fare case management became vides that counties will be re- effective in March 2008 due leased from maintenance of to federal changes. Federal effort and matching fund re- legislation to stop the federal quirements while the taxing 2008 Session - cont. on p. 12

June 10, 2008

2

Tim Benjamin, Editor

S

ince Access Press is a monthly paper, I can hope that by the time you read this issue, summer will really be here and the long, hard spring will be over.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed that the tornadoes that hit Hugo so severely will be the worst of our Minnesota summer weather, and that the town will recover soon from that sudden and hard disaster.

Believe it or not, the legisla-

tive session ended on time. No special session—at least so far!

There was some initial stir-up with the governor’s lieutenant governor falling asleep at the wheel as the transportation commissioner and being removed from that position. The new commissioner has a background in engineering, which will be very helpful, I would think, in running that kind of agency.

debts were covered by budget reserves and those monies will not be there for what is expected to be at least a $1 billion deficit in 2009.

I believe this year marked the first time in his stint as governor that Governor Pawlenty has lost his veto . His veto was overridden by a few Republicans voting along with the Democrats on tax issues. It seemed, though, that most our lawmakers were happy with the outcome of the session. In front of the cameras, at least, they were shaking hands and smiling at their successes. But even those who are happy this year seem concerned about what will happen in the 2009 session, since many of our

I wasn’t at the Capitol as much as I would have liked during this session, but it sure seemed to be kind of quiet. I’m sure some of our disability advocates would argue that it wasn’t a quiet deal at all, for they got no sleep during the late night sessions. I hope readers of Access Press will join me in acknowledging the outstanding contributions of our local disability lobbyists and the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities.

Let’s thank them for all their stressful and sleepless months,

My district representative, Alice Hausman, was very successful in her struggles with the governor and his aboutface on the financial backing of the light rail transportation system.

History Note

Sam Newlund’s storied career

by Luther Granquist

T

hroughout his 32-year career as a reporter for the Minneapolis Tribune, Sam Newlund, who died last month, wrote often about people with disabilities. In the Sunday paper for January 10, 1965, he described the life of the men and women at Faribault State School and Hospital. He told of one of the 104 men in Dakota Building who rocked “endlessly back and forth on a wooden chair, staring blankly at the floor” while dozens of barefoot men and boys milled about. One man was manacled to a bench, while others “with scarred heads” slumped, “dozing in rows of chairs, their knees

pressed hard against their chests in the position of an unborn child.” He showed that more staff was needed if these men and other residents at Faribault were going to be Sam Newlund taught to care for themselves, to be kept clean, to get outside, lature authorized in 1965. But and to experience “the healing Newlund also covered in depth the legislative and administrapower of human affection.” tive actions which affected Newlund wrote other graphic persons with disabilities. Bearticles about state institution cause he combined knowledge practices. In March 1967 he of those issues with an underexposed pernicious restraint standing of and respect for practices at Anoka State Hos- persons who have disabilities, pital. In April of that year he the articles he wrote provide a reported that Faribault was rich and revealing history of much the same because the their lives. ■ institution could not keep staff in the new positions the legis-

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 ......................................................................................... Jane McClure Administrative Assistant ............................................................................ Jordan Selbo Cartoonist ..................................................................................................... Scott Adams 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 Email: access@accesspress.org • Web site: www.accesspress.org

informing and educating the would truly have difficulty legislators on what is most being successful without guaranteed educational opportuneeded in the community. nity. Thanks, Kim, for all your Anne Henry of the Disability efforts.

Law Center has written this year’s end-of-session review Many of the Health and Hu(See pg 1) Thanks Anne, as man Services cuts that were always, for your excellent con- expected, and that we wrote tributions. about in the April edition of Access Press, were not enKim Kang of Pacer Center has acted. Health-care advocates news that I’m not sure how to were pleased (and some were analyze. The legislature con- shocked) when the two pertinued funding for the Special cent cost-of-living raise for Education task force, requir- PCAs was not eliminated and ing them to compare state law so many other expected cuts to federal law and to identify were avoided. As in the 2003 in which areas the state goes session, I wonder, how much over and above the federal the upcoming elections had to mandates. That report will be do with the postponement of due at the next legislative ses- some of these funding cuts. sion. Kang also explains the Well, we can hope that a nahard work of some key legisla- tional single-payer insurance tors and the true need in this plan will soon be put in place election year to seek out and by our new president. Then vote for like-minded legisla- maybe some of the cuts can be tors to keep special education unneeded, with new national funding at the highest levels funds for what are now state possible. Special education is health programs. for those individuals who

Lance Hegland and Bret Hesla have both moved on and left their positions as marketing manager and assistant editor here at Access Press. I want to thank them both for their outstanding contributions.

I will miss the camaraderie in the office that Bret brought, and all of us will miss his outstanding journalism skills in the content of the paper.

Bret has taken a position coordinating a coalition of groups working to the benefit of the border lakes region of Minnesota and Ontario (which includes the Boundary Waters). He'll still be officed in Minneapolis and we can all be thankful for that. Lance's ability to see and analyze the bigger picture and drive us in those directions will also be missed. Lance wants to dedicate more of his time towards pursuing his educational goals.

I wish them both the best! ■

Your dog can count!

First public Service Dog census launches

M

ake sure your dog guide, hearing dog or other service dog counts. The Service Dog Census Project is conducting a count of all service dogs in use in the United States, starting on June 9. It is the first public census of service dogs.

Eighteen years after the U.S. Department of Justice passed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which ensures the rights of disabled people to access public areas with their service animals, many still have to educate the public about their rights and the need for their service dogs. Blayne Douglas, who works at a deaf counseling, advocacy and referral agency in California, often runs into acceptance problems with his hearing dog.

“The lion’s share of my day is educating the public about the use of hearing dogs. I’m always surprised by the number of people who think only guide

dogs for the blind count as service dogs,” said Douglas.

“I’ve even experienced doubt by business owners who hesitated in providing us access because they didn’t understand.”

The Service Dog Census Project and the United States Service Dog Registry are working to change that. The Registry offers free service dog registration through a central online database. This allows service dog owners to register their animals and receive a unique ID number. A look-up feature allows others to securely verify the registration status while protecting the medical privacy of the individual.

The purpose of the Service Dog Census Project is to provide detailed statistical data about the large number of service animals currently working in the United States. The data can be used for various positive

purposes including advocacy, media references, university studies and public support.

“The response has been phenomenal,” said Marc Battaglia, executive director of the project. “Even during our betatesting phase we had people registering from New York to California. We’ve received emails from people thanking us for initiating this project.”

The census is open to all service dogs and their handlers, regardless of certification or training status. Individuals using a service dog for any disability covered by the ADA qualify for this count. (Please see (www.ada.gov/animal. htm) A service dog is any canine trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. Therapy dogs and other working dogs provide many great benefits but are not covered by the ADA law and Dog census - cont. on p. 10

June 10, 2008

3

Having an impact Learning to use disability group listservs can be a way to connect and share information

by Michael Cohn

T

he Internet allows people from across the world to become friends and in many cases, like new members of one’s family.

For families entering the new world of living with a disability there are always unanswered questions about the disability from both the patient and his or her family members.

How does the Web influence dialogue centered on a specific disability? Many advocacy and educational organizations offer programs called “listservs,” which allow Internet users to talk to one another. Participation in a listserv can provide answers and support for persons and families coping with a disability. In most cases, all a person needs to join a listserv is an

email address. Users subscribe nosed less than a year earlier. to a listserv then when someone posts a question on an During the weeks of correopinion, others can respond. sponding I learned a lot about Phyllis’ concerns, fears and I belong to the NBIA Listserv, goals for her daughter. I’m sure which serves families with prior to meeting the family my Neurodegeneration with Brain emails had had a positive imIron Accumulation, a rare neu- pact on them. My concern was rological disorder. Over the that their physician had not years I have met many fami- given the family some of the lies, some at the NBIA confer- tools needed to raise a child ences and some through the with a disability. Many families have a hard time at first NBIA Listserv. seeing beyond the disability A few weeks ago I posted some and realizing that some of the information on the NBAI issues that they are facing are listserv and Phyllis from New part of the normal growing Jersey sent me a note asking pains that all families face. some questions. We carried on a long-distance dialogue. At age 13 any child, disabled When I went to the East Coast or not, goes through difficult to visit my family I was able to times. After I spent a few hours met Phyllis and her daughter, with the family, they realized 13-year-old Victoria. Vic- they needed to make plans for toria’s disability was diag- Victoria to assure her inde-

pendence. There was also the realization that Phyllis should not smother her daughter with care because of her own fears for her daughter. By the end of our time together Victoria was excited about the idea of getting a pink walker to help prevent her from falling and also to allow her to be more active with her friends at school and in the mall.

For me, the highlight of the visit was hearing Phyllis say to Victoria, “ I want you to be as independent as you want!”

Since coming back home, I have heard from Phyllis that both of them are talking more openly now about Victoria’s disability and her fears. The impact on this family has been very positive, both short term and long term and it’s all due

to asking questions on the face-to-face meeting in this internet through a simple article had a positive outcome, Listserv. the Internet can pose dangers from predators or those who Editorial note: While many want to take advantage of othpositive encounters can be ex- ers. Law enforcement profesperienced through participa- sionals recommend that pertion in a listserv, caution sons who correspond on the should be taken by all Internet Internet not meet face-to-face users. Listservs are an excit- unless there is every assuring and useful communica- ance that can be done safely. tions tool but they can also Consider the organization have pitfalls. Consider infor- sponsoring the listserv and mation on a listserv carefully whether or not you consider and remember that it is not a that group to be reputable. substitute for medical or pro- Ask how the listserv is used. fessional advice or care. If There have been situations you are uncertain about in- where listserv users find themformation you have read, ask selves receiving junk mail or a professional or someone you spam as a result of participatrust to verify the information. tion. Make sure sponsoring It is best to not share too much groups use listservs responsipersonal information on a bility. ■ listserv, through emails or in text messages with persons you do not know, yet. While the

Photo IDs: barriers to voting Recent Supreme Court decision upholds controversial photo ID law in Indiana

by Mai Thor

I

n case you haven’t heard—it’s a big election year! Election Day is November 4th and there is no better time than the present to start getting the facts about whom you will be voting for and other important information in the election world.

Access Press will help you along the way. Starting this month, and for the next six months, we will publish at least one voting article to inform you on the candidates, how to register to vote, and other related information to keep you on top of this year’s election.

It is a great opportunity for people with disabilities to get involved and participate in a very important election that will affect all levels of government from federal to local.

Year after year, Minnesota has

live in poverty, the hurdles to getting photo ID can create a substantial financial burden.

Many view this as the poll tax of present day America which could potentially disenfranRecently, the U.S. Supreme chise thousands as it did for Court upheld an Indiana law African Americans before the that requires all voters to show Civil Rights Act. photo identification in order to vote. Those who support Unlike the presence of poll the ruling argue that it makes taxes in history, the presence sense to show ID when voting of voter fraud is unsubstantito avoid voter fraud. How- ated. Proponents of photo IDs ever, voting rights advocates say it prevents voter fraud. In fear this law will create more reality, there is no evidence barriers to those who already that voter fraud exists nor that face challenges to the right to it has ever altered an outcome vote. The costs of obtaining a of an election. driver’s license or state ID card can be considered a barrier. The Indiana ruling has impliAmong those who may face cations for how Minnesota more barriers are individuals elections have been conducted with disabilities. Since so for years. In Minnesota voters many people with disabilities who are registered in a preproven to be a leader in voter turnout in elections. This year—let’s make Minnesota a leader for turning out people with disabilities!

cinct were not required to show a photo ID. In fact, election judges were not supposed to ask for ID for registered voters. The only circumstances in which photo IDs were required in Minnesota are when a person is registering to vote in a precinct on election day.

Why create such a burden for those who are already underrepresented in order to prevent something that doesn’t exist? Minnesotans can prevent what is happening in Indiana from coming here by making sure that the people who are elected into office understand that the right to

vote is not conditional. It is not the same as driving or buying alcohol where showing a photo ID should be required.

Voting is a fundamental right where all people should have access to equally. ■

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June 10, 2008

4

Homeless and with a disability in New Orleans

by Sherry Gray

O

f 118 New Orleans residents left home less in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, a high percentage were persons with disabilities underserved by both government and private social service agencies. Many of these homeless will not go to shelters due to personal or medical limitations. Other solutions must be found which incorporate employment opportunities, physical and mental health care, chemical dependency treatment and life skills training.

A survey was carried out in February 2008 by a consortium of organizations, including UNITY of Greater New Orleans and the Common Ground Institute of New York.

The survey was conducted at the Claiborne Encampment, an area beneath the Claiborne Avenue Bridge in New Orleans’ Ninth Ward. There an estimated 150 displaced persons currently live in tents or sleep on mats in the open air.

(A copy of the press release announcing the findings can

be found on UNITY’s web camp must address the fact page: www.unitygno.org.) that most of its residents have mental or physical disabiliCommon Ground Institute re- ties,” said Martha J. Kegel, ported that, “Before Hurricane Executive Director of UNITY, Katrina, one person camped as quoted in The Times-Picathere; afterward, an entire tent yune on February 28, 2008. city of 150 lived under that “Many disabled people will bridge. Fully 80 percent have not go to emergency shelter, disabilities, yet many of them cannot sleep with dozens of work and pay taxes.” people in an enclosed room or cannot comply with shelter Twenty-three of those sur- rules.... Most of the Claiborne veyed had three or more dis- residents lived in the New Orabling conditions. Another 20 leans area before Katrina. were listed as having two dis- They wanted to come home, abling conditions, including even though they have no substance addiction, mental ill- home. We resolve to keep ness, or a physical disability. working in partnership with Sixty percent of those surveyed the entire community until the were displaced from housing most vulnerable of our neighdue to Katrina; another 30 per- bors again has a home.” cent became homeless after losing Federal Emergency UNITY staff member Frances Management Agency (FEMA) Misenheimer pointed to the assistance. Of those surveyed, Duncan Plaza Re-Housing Ini75 percent had no health in- tiative as a hopeful example surance. Nineteen people sur- for the Claiborne Encampveyed were veterans, but only ment. In November and Dethree of the veterans had VA cember 2007, 278 people livbenefits and another eight had ing in tents and cardboard VA insurance. houses in New Orleans’ Duncan Plaza were moved to “The strategy for the Claiborne short-term or permanent hous-

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ing within a four-week period by a consortium that included federal, state, and city government agencies, 27 nonprofit organizations, and 69 community partners, including churches, hotels, and foundations. Currently, according to Kegel, 233 of Duncan Plaza’s former residents are living in their own homes, most receiving assistance to help them pay rent, with social service agencies cooperating to provide disability and employment services to those who qualified.

Nonetheless, the need for housing remains high. Bill Quigley, a human rights lawyer and law professor at Loyola University College of Law in New Orleans, wrote in the April 2008 issue of Coastal Post Online that, “Government reports confirm that half of the working poor, elderly and disabled that lived in New Orleans before Katrina has not returned. Because of critical shortages in low-cost housing, few now expect tens of thousands of poor and working people to ever be able to return home…. Before Katrina, there were 12,870 disabled workers receiving Social Security Disability in New Orleans, now there are 5,350 – 59 percent

less.” (www.coastalpost.com/ they are serving and their own 08/04/10.html) employees. Suzanne H. Bourgeois, Program Director at USA Today reported that the Volunteers of America of “estimated 12,000 homeless Greater New Orleans accounts for four percent of (VOAGNO) said, “As of New Orleans’ estimated popu- present, affordable housing is lation of 302,000… The New a tremendous issue...Rents are Orleans’ rate is more than four still very high, in some cases times that of most U.S. cities, tripled after Katrina.” which have homeless populations of less than one percent.” VOAGNO, a nonprofit faith (Rick Jervis, “New Orleans’ organization that provides Homeless Rate Swells to 1 in housing and other social ser25,” March 16, 2008) vices to citizens in need in 16 south Louisiana parishes The Associated Press reported (www.voagno.org), evacuated that “hurricanes Katrina and more than 125 residents and Rita destroyed 41,000 apart- direct support professionals ments affordable to people from supported living houses earning less than the area’s in New Orleans during Katrina. median income, and only 43 After successfully overcompercent will be rebuilt under ing the initial evacuation chalfederal programs. Prospects lenge, the organization was are bleakest for those earning confronted with the longerless than $26,150….only 16 term challenge of finding suitpercent of housing affordable able replacement housing for to them is scheduled for feder- their residents and staff. ally funded redevelopment.”

(John Moreno Gonzales, Finding housing space is only “U.N. Weighs in against De- the first problem New Orleans molishing Public Housing,” agencies like VOAGNO have February 28, 2008) in providing services for persons with disabilities. The secIn the face of this overwhelm- ond, according to Bourgeois ing need, New Orleans area is “lack of direct support service agencies struggle to workforce. We are not seeing provide housing and other ser- many qualified folks that are vices, for both the populations Homeless - cont. on p. 12

DIA offers help Immigrants with disabilities seek TC services

by Mahad Abdi

I

mmigrants with disabilities arrive in this country seeking a new life while burdened with physical and sometimes mental challenges.

These challenges may cause immigrants to have low selfesteem and hamper their ability to succeed in their new homeland. But these immigrants also know that they are lucky in coming to this country where they can get better health and education, and can become contributing members to the community.

People with disabilities often lack access to needed services and support. For immigrants with disabilities, especially immigrants who have been victims of torture and ethnic cleansing, and who struggle with negative biases within their own culture toward disability, it is a courageous act to step forward and ask for help. Many of their disabilities are either birth or warrelated. Some of these disabilities are physical including amputees, those born without limbs, the blind and the deaf. The rest of the disabilities are mental including treatable emotional ailments such as depression and culture shock. Many of these immigrants have language barriers

as well and do not speak En- In addition to the numerous glish. reasons why disabled immigrants do not receive or have African immigrants, as a access to proper health educawhole, have many social and tion and care is the issue of cultural barriers to quality what health professionals in health and health care. Mental the Twin Cities metropolitan illness, especially depression, area know and understand is almost never diagnosed or about disabled immigrants. We treated since there is no under- know that Ramsey and standing what it is. There is Hennepin County Public also major stigma associated Health Departments have Sowith immigrants who have mali-born or Somali-speaking symptoms of mental illness. health education staff, but we are unsure of staff availability At a recent Somali town hall for the other five metropolitan meeting on health issues, de- area counties. We believe that pression, STD, tuberculosis, if the major health plans, hosobesity, heart disease, diabe- pitals and clinics that serve tes and interpersonal violence disabled immigrants or that were most often cited as prob- may serve them knew about lems that need addressing in a the Disabled Immigrant Assoculturally sensitive manner ciation (DIA) then our particiwithin the community. In the pants would get better access discussion, Somali doctors and a higher quality of care. also cited health education as a barrier to better health and By utilizing our collective cultreatment. Proper use of medi- tural knowledge and partnercation, for instance, was cited ships with local healthcare oras a problem for many immi- ganizations, DIA will work to grants. Once diagnosed and reduce health disparities given medication, rarely is among the disabled immigrant there appropriate communica- community by providing much tion or understanding about needed information and eduthe pharmaceutical treatment cation. For more information modes such as taking one pill (612) 824-7075 or link to daily at the same time for 10 www.dialink.org. ■ days or taking one pill in the morning and one pill in the evening for a week.

June 10, 2008

5

When a dog guide dies: The legacy of Frisco, a dedicated and special dog guide and friend to the end

by Clarence Schadegg

S

ince the death of Frisco, my first dog guide, on the 7th of May, 2008, I learned something of particular importance. Even in old age, Frisco was not a pet but he lived, retired and died as a dog guide.

for more than nine years, or live for almost 15 years. He was ready for retirement at 10½ years, but he had several more years to live as a dog guide in retirement.

For many years Frisco led me safely around open construction sites, barriers across sidewalks, parked cars, moving vehicles, on and off planes and buses and boats and cars.

As I reflect on what Frisco did over the more then nine years I was often told by instructors of his exceptional guiding, I who taught me how to work realized how special he was. with my dog guide as well as by fellow dog guide users that Some dogs become traumaa helper dog like Frisco was an tized when attacked by large extension of the person it aggressive dogs that roam guides. We became a team, a loose. Not Frisco. He fought partnership and a synchronized off five such attacks in eight unit. The ability for the dog to years. He wasn’t hurt in any of work effectively with a master these attacks and his ability to took time, approximately two continue to work was an exyears. Once the dog and mas- ample of his character, ter truly connected and our stamina, endurance and deterinteraction became fluid and mination. spontaneous, it was clear a deep connection took hold In 2004, several of us who use between us. I put my trust in dog guides testified before the the dog to get us safely to Minnesota Senate, a session wherever we went. Frisco that was videotaped. We retrusted me to give clear and quested stronger law enforceconsistent communication, to ment and protection for dog feed him well, to play with him guide users from unprovoked, and to allow him equal time unleashed and unsupervised off-duty to that of work. Rou- aggressive dog attacks. The tine yearly veterinarian care legislation was passed. was an important part of this process.

My dog guide guided me exceptionally well to and from I had no idea when I got him in work on hot summer nights 1995 that Frisco would work and cold winter days.

He guided me to speaking engagements with my students in schools with children and young adults, church groups, among my students in university classes, college-level classes for people in prisons, committee meetings, and therapy sessions for people in recovery. He guided me on our vacations, to movies, state fairs, theatrical performances, and plays.

Frisco’s size and demeanor was enough to thwart the decision of a fellow who attempted to rob us as he followed my wife and me to our home. He asked the question when he In May, 2004, it was obvious saw the dog, does your dog to me Frisco was ready to retire. My wife and I decided to bite? adopt Frisco. I got another dog As a team we often educated guide from Guide Dogs for the taxi cab drivers who denied Blind. Both dogs had four me a ride only because I used years together to play and socialize. a dog guide.

Frisco got sick sometimes from the food people fed him, something that posed a lethal danger to the dog’s life. On my

Make tracks to travel Learn about GPS device and other tools

by Terry Moakley, Susan Olsson and Lydia Peterson

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n Kalamazoo, Michigan, an older woman who has a spinal cord injury and who uses a power wheelchair wants to visit a friend across town. But she doesn’t have the skills to take public transportation. With the help of a travel trainer at the local independent living center, she learns to make the trip.

In Tacoma, Washington, a young man with a cognitive disability receives travel training services from his local transit agency to learn how to use fixed-route buses safely and on his own. As a result, he is able to commute daily across town to his new job at the YMCA. In New York City, a young woman with cerebral palsy and a speech impairment approaches high school graduation with the promise of a job but with no way to get there.

After an assessment by professional travel trainers, this young woman receives intensive training to use a primary and an alternate subway route independently to her work site.

Success stories like these occur each day in communities

across the nation. Individuals with a variety of physical and developmental disabilities, as well as seniors, learn to use fixed-route public transportation safely and independently from travel instructors and travel trainers who are members of the Association of Travel Instruction (ATI).

way to work one morning, a concerned person told me my dog guide had discharged blood three times. I rushed him to the veterinarian who told me he was a very sick dog. My employer allowed me a week off of work to nurse Frisco back to health, forcing fluids in him, giving him antibiotics and other medications. It took Frisco a week to finally recover. This near-death experience of my dog guide taught me a valuable lesson, I’d do whatever I could to keep my dog guide healthy and safe, whether my dog guide was working or retired. I was vigilant about the food my dog ate.

I often requested people to please not feed my dog as dog guides are oriented to one kind of food, only the food fed to the dog by its master.

Other presentation topics include the development of a GPS device to enhance successful travel for persons with developmental disabilities; the impact of certain medications on disabled persons’ ability to use public transportation safely; tools for growing a high school-based travel training program; progress in the development of a factory-built wheelchair accessible taxi/ ADA paratransit vehicle; a round table discussion on “stranger/danger” issues facing travelers with varying disabilities; and, a second roundtable session about providing travel training services in real/ perceived high crime areas.

At ATI’s August 15-17, Minneapolis conference, travel instructors and travel trainers and other attendees will hear presentations on developments in their profession. One session will focus on the polytraumatic injuries being sustained by many Iraq and Afghanistan conflict veterans, and their need for appropriate travel training services.

ATI also includes a networking social event—a forum in Individuals with disabilities which travel instructors and and seniors learn travel skills travel trainers informally share while following a specific best practices with one anroute, typically to a school, other—and a Saturday evening job, or recreation site. Travel closing banquet complete with training professionals must be entertainment. ATI conference able to determine how differ- registration information is ent disabilities affect a person’s available at www.travel ability to travel. These profes- instruction.org. ■ sionals must develop appropriate methods to teach travel ATI is an inclusive associaskills dependent upon indi- tion, with membership open to vidual needs. anyone interested in the accessible transportation field.

far too serious and it was not fair to him to continue to suffer. The question I asked myself during the final months, weeks and days of his life was: am I keeping him alive for my benefit or for his? I had to accept the fact that Frisco’s quality of life had deteriorated so much that he was in pain more often then not.. The Labrador Retrievers breed of dog will hide serious pain until the pain is too unbearable whereby the dog can no longer hide it.

For Frisco to show his pain meant he was really hurting.

My decision to put him to sleep was a decision I made for Frisco’s benefit, though I was truly saddened to lose a partner, a companion and a special dog.

Frisco died on the front lawn of our home, an area where he loved to roam and lay. He left this world on a beautiful warm spring day amidst all of the smells and sounds and sights as he breathed his last on the soft green grass. After it was obvious he had died, I picked up his body and carried Frisco across our front lawn, his last The decision to put Frisco walk across his favorite place down was one of the toughest of our home. decisions I ever made. I realized, however, his pain was

Clarance Schadegg with Frisco (laying) and Telly in 2006 My wife and I felt Frisco was part of our family. He watched out for both of us. He would often seek us out to keep an eye on both of us.

My current dog guide went around the house in search of Frisco soon after his death.

We’re all adjusting to the change, the empty space in our house. Perhaps an important legacy to Frisco is how this dog touched the lives of so many people and creatures in so many positive ways.

Trained at six weeks of age, Frisco was always a dog guide, even at the time of his death. ■

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

6

June 10, 2008

News at a glance . . .

150 Years of Minneapolis Health Care shown at exhibit The Hennepin County Medical Center History Museum and Metropolitan Medical Center Historical Library have opened an exhibit to celebrate Minnesota’s 150th birthday. The exhibit, “Hospital Stories: 150 Years of Minneapolis Health Care,” began running in May and will go until the end of June at four locations around the hospital. The exhibit is a look at the past 150 years of health care in Minneapolis, focusing on Hennepin County Medical Center and Metropolitan Medical Center but also encompassing changes in hospital care across the city. The exhibit was made possible by a grant from the Minnesota Sesquicentennial Commission.

Hennepin County Medical Center is a nationally recognized Level 1 Trauma Center with the largest emergency department in Minnesota. The comprehensive academic medical center and public teaching hospital includes a 424-bed acute care hospital and primary care and specialty clinics located in downtown Minneapolis, and four primary care clinics in Minneapolis and suburban Hennepin County.

Improvements announced for Ticket to Work Program The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently issued final rules designed to improve the Ticket to Work program, improving the program’s effectiveness in assisting beneficiaries with disabilities who want to work. The new Ticket to Work program rules include: more beneficiaries under the program, with eligible individuals expanded to include beneficiaries who are expected to medically improve; increased incentive payments for Employment Networks (ENs); an increase in the value of the ticket, with rules to enable beneficiaries with disabilities to take advantage of a combination of services; and synergized efforts overall, promoting better alignment of the Ticket to Work Program, the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Program, the Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security Program, and other SSA work incentive initiatives.

“Thus far, the results of the Ticket to Work Program have been less than everyone expected and clearly less than Congress intended,” Commissioner Michael Astrue said. “We need to monitor the results of today’s regulation closely, but it is highly likely that Congress will need to revisit the statute in the next few years in order to achieve the goals that Congress intended.”

correctional facility at Faribault will continue their partnership in training and providing dogs for people who have disabilities.

“It feels good, knowing that a little bit of difference on our end can make all the difference to someone in need,” said one of the inmates. [Source: Tails from Minnesota, a newsletter of the Hearing and Service Dogs of MN]

In preparation, SSA is attempting to increase the number of organizations functioning as ENs, as well as initiating targeted outreach to promote the Program to more beneficiaries and to encourage their participation. In addition, SSA is presenting at national and state conferences and bringing beneficiaries and ENs together at local Work Incentives Seminars (WISE events) throughout the country. The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 established the Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program. Its purpose is to expand the universe of service providers available to beneficiaries with disabilities who are seeking vocational rehabilitation, employment and related support services. These service providers are available to assist beneficiaries in obtaining, regaining and maintaining self-supporting employment. The final rule can be accessed through the Federal Register online at www. regulations.gov. [Source: www.socialsecurity.gov/work]

Court says money discriminates against blind people The U.S. discriminates against blind people by printing paper money that makes it impossible for them to distinguish among the bills’ varying values, a federal appeals court ruled in May. The ruling could force the Treasury Department to redesign its money. Suggested changes have ranged from making bills different sizes to printing them with raised markings. The American Council for the Blind sued for such changes but the Treasury Department has been fighting the case for about six years.

The U.S. acknowledges the design hinders blind people but it argued that blind people have adapted. Some relied on store clerks to help them, some used credit cards and others folded certain corners to help distinguish between bills. The court ruled 2-1 that such adaptations were insufficient. The government might as well argue that, since handicapped people can crawl on all fours or ask for help from strangers, there’s no need to make buildings wheelchair accessible, the court said. The Prison program with service dogs a success Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota (HSDM) and the Treasury Department has redesigned its currency several times Minnesota Correctional Facility- Faribault are celebrating their in recent years, and adding features to aid the blind would come three-year partnership this spring. During 2005, a dog-training at a relatively small cost, the court found. program was initiated at the prison. The program began by placing shelter dogs at the facility and having teams of two Not all blind people agreed the money needed to be changed. The teach the dogs skills required to become a Hearing or Service National Federation of the Blind sided with the government and Dog. Since then, more than 30 dogs have been trained at the told the appeals court that no changes were needed. Charlie facility. The program participants enjoy teaching the dogs new Richardson, the legally blind manager of Charlie’s Express Stop skills—and they say the dogs have taught them a few things as inside the Capitol in Albany, N.Y., said he doesn’t oppose well. “What surprised me most is how much I’ve gotten out of changing the money but disagrees with the ruling. working with the dogs,” said Brent, who’s working with a dog in the program. “When I’m with the dog, I’m more aware of my “To actually be discriminated against is to have something denied to tone of voice and what I say. The dogs have taught me to work you,” Richardson said. “We’re not denied the use of money.” [Source: better with people. It’s really helped me a lot.” HSDM and the http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080520/ap_on_bi_ge/blind_money]

June 10, 2008

7

Upcoming events To list an event, email access@accesspress.org Celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act July 25 Save the date and honor the legislation that provides us with access to pretty much every place we go. Celebrate the 18th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Details: St PaulMidway Area. FFI: ADA Minnesota, 651-603-2015(v) or 651-603-2001(tty).

9:45 a.m. opening session; 9:45 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. workshop sessions. Holiday Inn Select, Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, 3 Appletree Square (I-494 & 34th Ave. S.) Bloomington. FFI: Mary Trierweiler, 612-7988349 or maryt@fraser.org.

MS Youth Camp June 15-20 Youth Camp is for youth who have a parent, grandparent or other close relative with MS in their family. Participants must have completed third grade to attend Youth Camp and the program is open to youth up to age 18. The week long camp will be held at the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, 6282 Cranberry Road, Finland, MN. FFI: Nancy Dawn Van Beest, 612-335-7900, 800-582-5296, or ndvan beest@mssociety.org.

Tour Art at UMN June 12 Courage Center is displaying artwork by individuals with disabilities at the Institute on Community Integration, University of Minnesota, from June through August. Come tour Pattee Hall and meet some of the artists as they talk about their work on June 12 from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm. More information about the program can be found at http:// ici.umn.edu/news/art. Lunch Summer adult art workshop provided. Registration reJune 18-20 quired. FFI: Megan, 612-626- Designed for aspiring artists 8649, or dushi001@umn.edu. ages 14 to adult, this three-day workshop will allow particiChanging the Look of pants to explore a number of Autism conference different mediums and forms June 26 of expression. Work side by Fraser presents a full-day con- side with professional artists ference for professionals and from the Twin Cities to deparents of early childhood and velop theater, visual arts, poschool-age children with au- etry and creative writing skills tism spectrum disorders. This in this exciting workshop faconference will help to build a cilitated by Upstream Arts and knowledge base and skills re- the Courage Center. Details: lated to autism spectrum dis- Courage Center, 3915 Golden orders. There will be a variety Valley Road, Golden Valley. of conference sessions cover- Register at: http://upstream ing: education techniques and arts.org/registration.html. strategies, assessment infor- FFI: 612-331-4584. mation, intervention strategies and much more. Details: 88:30 a.m. registration; 8:30 -

Moving Forward MS meeting June 28 Ask questions, meet others affected by multiple sclerosis and learn everything you need to know after an MS diagnosis. Sponsored by the National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter. Details: Brainerd, MN. FFI: contact Timothy Holtz at 612-335-7930, 800-582-5296 or tholtz@mssociety.org.

WonderWorld art exhibit June-July Fantastic creatures, gods and devils, natural phenomena and striking meteorological events inhabit the mystical terrain of WorderWorld. This is an expanded exhibition of the newest work’s by Interact Center’s artists, and launches their new partnership with The Colonial Warehouse public gallery. Join us to celebrate art, artists and the creative spirit. Details: Open by appointment. 212- 3rd Ave. North, Minneapolis. FFI: 612-339-5145 or www.inter actcenter.com.

Bright Gardens for Fraser tour July 19 The third annual Bright Gardens for Fraser Tour will feature eight breathtaking Twin Cities gardens and benefits children and adults with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other disabilities. The tour includes an opportunity to learn from Hennepin County master gardeners who will be on hand at each garden. Informal gardening classes will also be offered at select locations. The tour will also feature the work of local artists at some of the garAging with intellectual dens. Details: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. disabilities symposium Tickets are $20. FFI: Rose, July 8 The Institute on Community 612-789-8343, or roser@ Integration and the School of fraser.org Web: www.fraser.

Social Work at the U of M org/calendar. offer this event designed to improve the lives of older adults with intellectual disabilities. The event will identify challenges faced by older adults with intellectual disabilities and discuss creative opportunities to improve their lives in the community. Participants will learn about current policies and practices and how to effect change in the disability and aging service

A matter of life and death From paper to digital: revolutionizing health records

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t seems intuitive in this day and age that we have electronic health records.

Most of us assume our medical records are digitized to save us time down the road and help our doctors track our medical history. Americans would probably be surprised that a mere 14 percent of doctors in the United States use electronic medical records.

Jennifer and Randy Queen are all too familiar with the issues of both types of recordingkeeping. In 1997 they welcomed their daughter Courtney into the world. Courtney was born with DiGeorge Syndrome, a rare disease caused by a large deletion from chromosome 22. Evident at birth, DiGeorge causes medical problems with the cardiac,

pulmonary, endocrine, and immune systems. Courtney spent the first six months of her life in the hospital. At 10 years old, she had been hospitalized approximately 24 times and had undergone more than 400 medical procedures.

For the first years of Courtney’s treatments at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, the hospital relied on the typical paper medical records. The Queens maintained their own medical notes for Courtney and constantly transported them to various medical facilities. With no easy way to provide her medical history in the case of an emergency, they would have to explain Courtney’s situation all over again. This made the family reluctant to travel.

systems. All community members interested in learning more about how to effectively support people with disabilities in the community are welcome.

Details: Free, but registration required. 8 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Johnson Great Room, McNamara Alumni Center, University of Minnesota. FFI: www.alumnicenter.umn.edu, Jill Beaudette at 612-624-4243 or jbeaudet @umn.edu.

Even at Vanderbilt, the Queens constantly completed new forms and repeated information. The problems with this record-keeping system were never more evident than when a procedure was delayed for more than four hours while doctors and nurses waited for Courtney’s lengthy file to arrive from another hospital floor. Finally, the records arrived thanks to an aide transporting the soaring stack of papers and manila folders on a wheelchair.

In 2005 Vanderbilt moved into new facilities featuring an advanced health IT infrastructure. The buildings and medical departments are now connected through a single computerized electronic medical Life/Death - cont. on p. 15

Bike MS: Star Tribune TRAM July 20 The Ride Across Minnesota (TRAM) is the ultimate Minnesota road trip: small town hospitality, Midwest cooking and the five best days of cycling the Iron Range and North Shore have to offer. Enjoy more than 250 miles from Grand Rapids to Chisholm, Biwabik, and Two Harbors, with a finish in Duluth. FFI: 612-335-7900 or 800-5825296.

UCP-MN Golf Tournament July 21 This is a golf tournament with hole-in-one opportunities. In addition to the tournament, there will be a silent auction.

Sponsorships are available, and individual golfers are also encouraged to participate.

Details: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm, Oak Marsh Golf Course, 526 Inwood Avenue North, Oakdale, MN. FFI: Jo Ann Erbes, 651-646-7588, or ucpmn@cpinternet.com. ■

Driver Assessment and Training – Specific programming for seniors and people with disabilities – Recognized leader with certified professional staff – More than 30 years experience – Confidential; no doctor referral necessary Available in these convenient locations Burnsville – Duluth – Forest Lake Golden Valley – Monticello Rochester – Spring Lake Park St. Cloud – Stillwater For information or an appointment: 1.888.846.8253 763.520.0425 courage.org

June 10, 2008

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Home sweet home AXIS member a proud owner of a new Habitat dwelling

by Jon Bauer

A

XIS Healthcare member Ron Thomas, a quadriplegic, didn’t know what to expect when he attended a Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity (TCHFH) meeting about accessible housing for people with disabilities. “I saw an article in Access Press that Habitat for Humanity was planning to build accessible housing in Plymouth and that people interested could attend a meeting for more information,” Thomas said.

Although Thomas and his girlfriend, Tari Ricci were the only people who attended the meeting, TCHFH encouraged them

to apply for consideration.

“Unfortunately we were the only two people to attend the meeting,” Thomas said. “We only attended the meeting to show support for the need for accessible housing, but they encouraged us to apply and I’m glad we did.”

Thomas and Ricci were selected as future homeowners and will soon be moving into a new one-level, two-bedroom, accessible townhome in Plymouth. Construction on the home began in August, 2007 and the TCHFH homebuilding process generally takes 10 months to complete. “We will

probably be moving in at the volunteers from Wells Fargo, end of June or early July,” Boston Scientific, General Thomas said.

Mills and other companies and individuals worked on compleThomas and Ricci were re- tion of the home. quired to finish 300 hours of sweat equity before they could “At the start of building, I was move into their home. Habitat out at the site just about every for Humanity requires that all day,” Thomas said. “I ennew homeowners put in a set joyed meeting all the volunamount of time. “100 hours teers and I know it was imporcan be proxied out to other tant for them to see the person people,” Thomas said. “I com- who would be living in the pleted most of my hours by home. Now, Tari and I try to visiting the construction site, make it out to the site weekly taking photos of the progress to document the progress of and sending the pictures into our new home and to meet the Habitat for Humanity. They people working on it.” were very accommodating about how we could complete our sweat equity hours. Ricci and I even worked at the Habitat for Humanity office for part of our hours.” Ricci also worked at the site throughout the winter.

Volunteers from a number of different organizations helped out with the building of the home. “I’m really grateful for all the help from my friends, family and the volunteers at A brand new home for Ron Thomas gets some help from AXIS Healthcare and other AXIS Healthcare employees Nancy Rector (far left) and companies.” Thomas said. In addition to AXIS Healthcare, David Heitzman and Diane Gerig (far right)

Teamwork: AXIS Healthcare staff help build member Ron Thomas’ new home Volunteers from AXIS Healthcare helped out at the construction site on March 29th.

“It was so much fun doing something outside of work with all of my work friends,” said AXIS Healthcare Member Services Coordinator Missy Bottila. “It just goes to show

you what wonderful people I work with. I was very proud!

I would love to organize a future project with people here at AXIS to do another Habitat for Humanity project.” ■

AXIS Healthcare is a disability care coordination organization founded in 1997 by Courage Center and Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute as an innovative model of care for people with disabilities.

AXIS staff has extensive experience working with people with physical disabilities and use this expertise, and community relationships, to ensure that members get the right care, at the right time, in the right place. More information about AXIS Healthcare and the services available to individuals with disabilities can Missy Bottila and Kris Terpening, AXIS Healthcare employ- be found at www.axishealth. com. ees, volunteer with Habitat For Humanity.

Gillette and Courage offer test drives Children with disabilities ride bikes, play sports at event

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hildren with disabilities rode bicycles and enjoyed other adaptive sports at the seventh annual adapted Bike Expo and Sports Jam on May 3 at Courage Center. Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare and Courage Center organized the event so that children, parents, teachers, therapists and others could see and try out the latest adaptive sports equipment available. Handcycles, bicycles and tricycles were among the items available.

especially children with disabilities, to be active and engaged,” said Tammy Larson, therapeutic recreation specialist at Gillette. “By partnering with Courage Center, we can offer a number of life-enhancing activities for children and adults.”

Children and parents also took part in the used bike swap sale, trading models they may have outgrown for a new one, or made a first-time purchase. Information was available for adaptive Tyler Jurmu and Brennan Barnes, both patients at Gillette, sports programs in the summer enjoy the activities at the Bike Expo.

Faith Monarrez, a patient at Gillette,riding a bike “It’s important for all children, and throughout the year. ■ at the Bike Expo.

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.

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June 10, 2008

9

Starry Night Prom Dancing the night away at the popular DeLaSalle spring event

by Nancy Sopkowiak

D

o you remember the excitement of attending your high school prom? Did you skip the experience due to disability concerns? Or did you feel uncomfortable attending because of the lack of inclusion and accessibility. Never again! On May 3 rd , DeLaSalle High School hosted the memorable Starry Night Prom for persons living with disabilities.

DeLaSalle Vice-President Peg Hodapp chairs the complimentary Starry Night Prom. She fondly recalls the first Starry Night Prom back in 2001 which hosted 70 party revelers. Starry Night Prom enthusiasm has spread throughout the disability community, mostly by word of mouth. This year 1015 people attended, which included family and helpers for the guests. Ms. Hodapp estimates about 750 party attendees were guests with disabilities. Guests of all ages came with a date, in a group, or stag and reveled in the festivities, refreshments, and dancing.

One hundred seventy-five DeLaSalle students volunteered their time and enthusiasm to Starry Night Prom this year. The 9th - 12th graders from the DeLaSalle Diversity Committee spent months planning the event, including attendance at sensitivity training. A training highlight involved someone with a disability talking

purse. The staff even photographed Monika in her finery.

Monika attended Starry Night Prom with her fiance Angelo Garcia, as they have for several years. They both appreciated the classy evening.

Angelo enjoyed his ice cream treat and the fun crowd.

Monika loved dancing and having pictures taken.

Monika Dizer with her fiance, Angelo Garcia

about life’s ups and downs.

On May 3rd the kids put up decorations, directed parking, manned registration tables, served treats, and danced with the guests.

The Grand March, held in the dance hall, opened the evening with much zest. As each couple or group came under the sparkling Grand March Arch, the crowd cheered. Some guests loved the march so much, they went through twice.

The dancing broke out after the Grand March. Groups, individuals, couples, and line dancers grooved to the resounding music. In an adjoining room, some guests sampled

snacks and drinks in café atmosphere. Another large room held the photography studio, where guests could have pictures taken. Other folks relaxed in the quieter hallways.

If you are interested in attending Starry Night Prom next year, visit: www.delasalle. com/web/NStarryNight Prom.html. For more information about Ever After Gowns, look up:www.ever Many areas bustled with ac- aftergowns.org/ tivity. Due to the amazing growth of the prom, the Diversity Committee will continue discussing ideas to maneuver Monika Dizer in a gown from Ever After Gowns Boutique. the crowds for more fabulous fun in years to come.

Ever After Gowns, a local nonprofit company, provided beautiful formal gowns for those in need. Ladies were invited to a complimentary Boutique to pick out their dress and accessories. “It’s not just about the dress,” said Maggie Monika Dizer showing off her Harris, president and co- engagement ring founder of Ever After Gowns.

“It’s about the experience we feel every girl deserves to have.

Monika Dizer, a prom attendee, enjoyed her special day of pampering at the Ever After Gowns Boutique in April.

When Monika arrived, she felt flattered when they presented her a special flower with her name. Soon a personal shopper brought Monika back to the boutique. Held in a school cafeteria, the room looked like a beautiful upscale shop with racks and racks of dresses.

Assisted by the staff, Monika chose a stunning black gown.

Next her shopper guided Monika around the room to find accessories: shoes, shawls, jewelry, nail polish, make-up, and a black silk

Monika Dizer in a gown from Ever After Gowns Boutique.

The students seemed to have as much fun as the guests. “By the end of the night, it’s like we are best friends. I like being a part of that,” a student said. As each guest departed, a committee member gave them a “Starry Night 2008” ceramic star as a memento of the evening. ■

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June 10, 2008

ADAPT rolls into capital The group that defined grassroots disability activism is turning 25 years old

by Dave Reynolds

I

t’s always a big week in the nation’s capital when ADAPT rolls into town.

But the organization’s conference this spring was really, really big.

When it was formed in 1983, ADAPT was the acronym for the Americans Disabled for Accessible Public Transit.

Organizers at that time linked up to protest accessibility problems with the transportation system in Denver, Colorado.

Largely because of their acts of civil disobedience, both city and long-distance buses across

the country are now required and other disability rights to be accessible to riders with groups have been pushing for disabilities. changes in Medicaid policies that currently favor nursing Since then, ADAPT’s non-vio- homes for long-term care. lent, civil actions have been instrumental in passing the 1990 April 27 - May 1, 2008, about Americans with Disabilities Act 500 ADAPT activists were in (ADA), the Money Follows the Washington, DC, not only to Person legislation, and several celebrate the group’s 25th another projects and measures niversary, but also to continue designed to help people better the push for Congress to pass access their communities, and the Community Choice Act. to live as independently as possible outside nursing homes and They also participated in a Fun Run (& Roll) at Upper Senate other institutions.

Park to raise money to help For more than a decade, ADAPT members with low and fixed

incomes to attend local and national actions in the future.

The national honorary runner for the fundraiser was Marca Bristo, President and CEO of Access Living in Chicago, who helped found the National Council on Independent Living. Bristo was appointed by President Bill Clinton as Chairperson of the National Council on Disability.

Department of Health and in their community,” said naHuman Services, and de- tional ADAPT organizer Bob manded to meet with HHS Kafka. ■ Secretary Michael Levitt.

Those interested in supportLevitt eventually agreed to set ing the ADAPT can do so a time to meet with ADAPT through www.adapt.org members to discuss the policy [Source: Inclusion Daily Exbarriers that force seniors and press] people with disabilities into nursing homes and other facilities.

For about six hours during one day of the conference, ADAPT members shut down the Hubert H. Humphrey Building, which is headquarters for the U.S.

“We’re hoping that after today HHS will work with us to reverse the current trend, and assure older and disabled Americans can live full lives

DOG CENSUS

- Cont. from p. 2

Dating, relationships, romance and sexuality Opportunity for discussion and exploration

by Lance H. Hegland

M

embers of the disability and aging communities are often so focused on issues surrounding health care, transportation, and employment that some of the basic human needs—forming friendships, dating, developing long-term romantic relationships and exploring sexuality—remain relatively untouched. I’m guessing the very personal, private and sensitive nature of these topics contribute to the lack of dialogue. However, discussion-oriented workshops in June may spark new conversation surrounding these topics. Participation in these discussions are free and open to anyone—individuals experiencing various effects of disability/aging, family, friends, past/present partners,

colleagues, professionals and Sexy Spring is June 13-15, 2008 at Blegen Hall, 269 19th the general public.

Ave South, which is located The discussions are a part of on the West Bank of the Unithe 5th annual Sexy Spring versity of Minnesota’s MinSkill-Share. Sexy Spring is a neapolis Campus. free, radical, sex- and bodypositive gathering geared to- The first discussion is “Minward addressing the many gling Disability and/or Aging ways in which sex, gender, with Dating, Romance, Relarelationships, our bodies and tionships, and Sexuality”. The our choices impact our lives. informal and open conversation The variety of events includes will provide everyone with an guided discussions, workshops opportunity to pose questions, and demonstrations. Sexy portray experiences, share Spring is organized by the Sexy knowledge, describe opinions/ Spring Collective, a local con- beliefs, and comment on dating, sensus-based collective of vol- romance, relationships, and unteers dedicated to improv- sexuality in light of disability ing access to sexuality educa- and/or aging. This workshop tion and helping all people, will offer an excellent opporturegardless of income, gender, nity for individuals who do not body type or race, create con- experience or have little familnections and intimacy in their iarity with the effects of disabildaily lives. ity/aging as well as potential future dates, lovers, and part-

ners to share their curiosities, questions or concerns. Potential topics may include but are not limited to common effects, challenges, myths, stereotypes, prejudices, solutions, resources, strategies, techniques and assistive technology.

The second discussion, entitled “A Look at the Experiences and Perceptions of Relationships: What Happens When Disability Is Thrown into the Mix?”, will be an engaging open conversation discussing the challenges, perceptions and stigmas related to entering and sustaining an intimate relationship when one person has a disability and the other does not.

Both discussions aim to cover both heterosexual and homosexual relationships as well as perspectives from people with

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therefore not eligible to be included in the census.

The United States Service Dog Registry collects the data for the Service Dog Census Project. To participate in this census please go to usser vicedogregistry.org.

The Service Dog Census Project is looking for help from the news media, bloggers and other individuals to help get the word out about their efforts. There are also several affiliate membership levels available at censusproject.org/ affiliate

and without disabilities. In addition, both discussions highly encourage the attendance of couples and individuals who have first-hand experience with any of these topics to assist provide resources, The Service Dog Census knowledge and mentorship.

Project is headed by Battaglia Participants are welcome to who leads the four-person team simply listen and are equally in his spare time. Battaglia is welcome to participate de- the associate creative director pending on comfort. Partici- for an advertising agency where pants who don’t feel comfort- he works with his German Shepable posing questions or shar- herd, Indiana, by his side. ing information with the group are welcome to provide ques- Battaglia was diagnosed with tions and information prior to epilepsy in 1999 after sufferthe discussion via email to ing from it since childhood. “I lhhegland@precisainc.com don’t really like to talk about or put the questions in writing it, and that’s part of what is to the facilitator immediately important about how this regbefore the discussion begins. istry and census are being conducted. It’s private,” he said. .

■ “You shouldn’t have to exFor more information, includ- plain your medical history to ing full workshop schedules, everyone.” ■ see the web site www.sexy spring.org or contact the Sexy More info: email marc@cen Spring Collective by email at susproject.org - www.census info@sexyspring.org or by project.org, - www.usservice dogregistry.org telephone 612-435-5490.

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11

From the front row

Theater Review: A Midsummer Night’s Dream Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis, MN

by Raymond Luczak; seen May 16, 2008

O

f the most performed plays in Shakespeare’s canon, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is high on the list. It’s all about unrequited love and its many disguises. According to Wikipedia, it appears that Shakespeare may have been writing this play as a light-hearted anecdote while working on the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.

To simplify its overcomplicated story, involving everchanging alliances and desires, for those who’ve never read or seen the play at least once in its many adaptations: Four days before the wedding of Duke Theseus and Hippolyta (otherwise known as Queen of the Amazons), two couples run away from their parents to a forest led by the fairy king and queen Oberon and Titania. The

two couples fall for the other couple’s half thanks to Puck, by far the play’s most memorable character and certainly one of Shakespeare’s most Dionysusian characters. He easily causes such havoc by rubbing a powerful love potion onto the sleeper’s eyes which causes the sleeper, upon awakening, to fall in love with the first living thing he or she sees. This provides for a particularly comic moment when Titania awakens to see the vainglorious bad actor Bottom, played by Stephen Pelinski, transformed as an ugly ass for the first time, and even funnier when she begs to kiss his face.

Yet, one has to wonder how the audience would feel if the ass was not a donkey but a disabled person, say, with cerebral palsy; as we all know,

not all disabled people can fit into most able-bodied people’s definitions of beauty, whatever they may be.

played with aplomb by Emily Swallow. There were moments when the fairies decked out in their full splendor prancing about made me feel as if I was Of all the Guthrie productions watching Andrew Lloyd that I’ve seen by Joe Dowling, Webber’s music-free version Dream truly works on many of Cats on acid. levels. Yes, it’s gleefully overthe-top and filled with all sorts The production had a few of pop cultural references, but standout performances: Erin in the world of fairies, literally Cherry as the First Fairy was anything goes. The fairy cos- amazing to watch in the few tumes designed by Paul moments when she made her Tazwell were pure eye candy, presence felt; Valeri Mudek and the Rorschach blob-in- was delightful and funny as spired set by Frank Hallinan Helena, torn between two men Flood allowed for a fluid sense who’ve fallen in love with her of staging, an easier shift from (thanks to Puck’s sly mischiereality into the fantastic world vous potion), and the one she of fairies. The huge cauldron- wants; and Randy Reyes as like ball that opened up like a Frank Flute nearly stole the clam to reveal a lavish boudoir show in the play-within-thewas truly extravagant, a bou- play in which he and a group doir fitting for the queen, of truly bad actors, featuring the pompously overacting Bottom, present an amateurish playlet in honor of the Duke and Hippolyta’s wedding.

Randy Reyes is a fine comic actor.

Web sightings

Possibilities galore

Five web favorites from Britta Beeck What are your favorite video clips? May’s picks were submitted by Britta Beeck, a Maple Grove resident who has worked on web accessibility issues in Minnesota since 2002. Believing that the World Wide Web’s technology should be creatively exploited to learn about new possibili-

ties for promoting diversity and advancing our understanding of cultural, physical and other differences, she is hopeful that someday the web will truly be universal. Britta has built web sites for groups including VSA arts of Minnesota, the Minnesota STAR Program and other organiza-

tions and companies. She holds degrees as an attorney and in accessible web design. See samples of her work at www.brittabeeck.info/ Happy surfing! ■ Ps. Join in. Send your top five (with comments) to access@ accesspress.org.

“The job” www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XGJq8wrw5I Are you struggling to find the right job? This movie about white-collar and immigrant workers has a clever and funny twist! Britta especially liked the appropriate music, acting and camera angles. [Forward to: anyone considering a career change] “Kids start early” www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4qgnH7eOcc Yoga is something many people have tried or would like to try. There are many very easy ways to enjoy this form of exercise. These kids start early. Watch KindaYoga (part 1).

[Forward to: anyone who likes cute kids and yoga] “Dogs” www.youtube.com/watch?v=pg92EIawbaw Wonder what a service dog is capable of? Check out this well-trained super service dog.

The dog cleans up and even puts his buddy to bed.

[Forward to: your favorite dog guide and its partner] “British humor” www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJYTU-uYwgM If you enjoy a British sense of humor, Britta recommends this clip.

Here is Mr. Bean in the hospital’s waiting room.

[Forward to: anyone who must visit a doctor] “Elektrokardiogramm” www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovCK97hFiSI&feature=related Can medical devices be included in art? Yes, it’s possible, according to the German band Kraftwerk. Kraftwerk’s “Elektrokardiogramm” shows that medical technology can be presented in pleasing and fun ways. “This gives me a new cool attitude towards electrocardiograms and other medical devices,” Britta said. “Maybe I could also create something cool like Kraftwerk and change what is downbeat into something upbeat.”

[Forward to: anyone who needs a jump-start for their day] “Evolution of Dance” http://youtube.com/watch?v=dMH0bHeiRNg Love to dance? Here is a fun video showing various dance styles, by one of the most unself-conscious people ever.

[Forward to: dancers or those who enjoyed watching “Dancing With The Stars” on television]

Most of the performers in this production were graduates of the University of Minnesota Guthrie’s BFA Program and Guthrie’s summer program, as well as those who had been in

the theater’s 1997 production.

I have not seen such a show that brimmed with so much vitality as this one, and the mix of experienced actors and young upstarts surely helped that energy.

Due to the complexity and cast size of this show, three American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters were used: Patty Gordon, Tammy A. Hansen, and Nancy Niggley. They all wore jackets or dresses that were more festive than usual; this worked very well with the exception of Ms. Hansen, who wore an orange-flavored dress that provided insufficient contrast against her skin. While the ASL translation was superb overall, the richness of Ms. Gordon and Ms. Niggley’s character work showed how much more Ms. Hansen can improve, in terms of varying her rhythm and facial expressions, especially when she interpreted Puck. However, I do applaud the Guthrie for including an interpreter of color, as we truly need to see more minorities involved in theater.

And once again, the ASL Interpreted Show Program is exemplary; it provided a face picture for each of the actors playing important characters

and indicated which interpreters would translate which characters. This helped keep track of who’s who on stage.

On a separate note, I disconcertedly learned from a wheelchair patron that while the theater does provide an accessible bathroom, it had taken her more than 15 minutes to visit the facilities and get back to her seat, which is longer than most intermissions. I was rather surprised and very disappointed because the theater is very new. No one seemed to have thought about the logistics of time for such wheelchair patrons, particularly if the show is longer than three hours. It is my hope that the Guthrie can find a way to streamline the amount of time required. For instance, the elevator next to the area set aside for wheelchair users shouldn’t necessitate looking around for someone with a card to operate it during intermission.

That said, if you haven’t seen this production, go see the fairies and laugh. You’ll come out of the theater with buoyant smiles plastered across your face. ■

12

June 10, 2008

HOMELESS interested in the type of dedication this work requires and needs. Weekend shifts are almost impossible to cover. I believe lots of folks can go out into industry and make more money. I also believe we have some capacity issues within our current waiver system. The state [of Louisiana] has released an increase of waiver slots, but providers are having difficulty securing staff.”

Cont. from p. 4 Readers who want to help can donate funds to nonprofit and charitable organizations working in south Louisiana, or volunteer with an organization working to alleviate these issues. Most important, though, is to increase public awareness and government attention to this critical situation. Even non-citizens of Louisiana can have a voice by writing to their Congressional representatives and letting them know that providing affordable housing, supported employment and housing initiatives for the city’s most vulnerable, and a living wage for social service employees, is critical to providing a humane environment for all citizens, those with and without disabilities, in New Orleans and around the country.

The Wage Facts page on the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council Direct Support Professionals website states that “Louisiana ranks last in the nation in direct support professional wages and benefits.” (www.la-dsp.org/ dspla.php) As Suzanne Bourgeois added “I do not believe our legislators have a true picture of the important role that direct support staff has…the The dedication of VOAGNO’s impact of that on services to direct service providers in those with disabilities.”

New Orleans—themselves

2008 SESSION agency limitations on case management services is pending in Congress now. Because of uncertainty over federal action, legislation which is contingent on federal action was adopted so that Minnesota would be in compliance with federal law. Relocation service coordination, mental health targeted case management and vulnerable adults/ developmental disabilities targeted care management will be more limited when assisting persons to move out of institutions effective July 1, 2008, unless Congress delays the federal interim rules.

All state agencies are required to reduce administrative spending by 4 percent, which means vacant staff positions will not be filled. Other activities and services will be reduced.

The 2 percent COLA increase for community service providers, which the governor proposed to eliminate, was maintained. But its implementation will be delayed for three months, until October 2008.

Cuts proposed but not adopted Cuts were proposed by the Senate to PCA providers which had high administrative costs.

Because there is no way to determine administrative costs in the PCA program, this proposal could not be implemented and was not adopted.

Also, a proposal to eliminate specific medical services for persons with particular diagnostic conditions was adopted in the conference committee, but later removed and not included in the supplemental budget bill. This proposal was based on a method used in Oregon. But it was very complex, had no hearings and was strongly opposed by disability

rendered homeless by Katrina—to their clients, as well as the critical shortage of housing, has been carefully documented in a 2007 report by the Research and Training Center on Community Living (RTC) at the University of Minnesota, You Know that It’s Got to be Dedication that I am Still Here: The Experiences of Direct Support Professionals during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and Aftermath, and accompanied by an emotional and inspiring video entitled “Higher Ground,” directed by RTC’s Jerry Smith.

The RTC project was undertaken on behalf of VOAGNO and funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR).

ANCOR is distributing the video as part of its National Advocacy Campaign, “You Need to Know Me,” which highlights personal stories of dedication and heroism from direct support professionals around the country. Visit the Campaign’s web page at http:/ /youneedtoknowme.org/content/stories/stories.html Readers are also reminded to be prepared for disasters. Reminding us to consider carefully the implications of the New Orleans situation for other communities, Glen W. White, Director of the Research and Training Center on Independent Living at the University of Kansas and co-author of the report, Assessing the Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Persons with Disabilities (www. rtcil.org/products/NIDRR_ ExecutiveSummaryKatrina Report.pdf), wrote recently that “the disaster that struck

New Orleans is a ‘canary in the coal mine.’ We have volatility in our lives due to natural events, crumbling infrastructure and more contentious for-

eign relations. How a disaster impacts people with disabilities can be studied here and proactive steps taken to alleviate in other situations.” ■

Disaster preparation resources Online and print resources for disaster preparation are available. The Center for Disability and Special Needs Preparedness, based in Washington, DC, has publications and information available through its website: www.disabilitypreparedness.org ANCOR has an emergency preparedness page on its website: www.ancor.org/issues/emergency/index.html The American Red Cross has a booklet, Disaster Preparedness for Persons with Disabilities, available at: www.redcross. org/services/disaster/beprepared/disability.pdf The DRM WebWatcher lists a number of resources, including links to FEMA publications, at: www.disabilityresources.org/DISASTER.html Disastersrus.org encourages everyone to “have a plan” on its website at: www.disastersrus.org/MyDisasters/disability/ disability_preparedness.htm

Cont. from p. 1

advocacy groups, especially out children will be raised from those concerned with mental 200 percent of the poverty level health services. to 250 percent on July 1, 2009.

Tax credits for private coverCuts to Self-Advocacy Min- age for up to 5,000 persons nesota funding (SAM) and a was also included in the bill. proposal to require a repay- The new legislation will esment by three counties for tablish health care homes for overspending of the develop- persons on public health care mental disabilities waiver were programs, including Medical opposed by disability advo- Assistance. Beginning July 1, cates and not included in the final budget agreement.

New programs with funding As part of the significant cut to CADI and TBI services, the governor proposed two modest but positive additions to funding for housing for persons with disabilities. The Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA) Shelter Needy Program has been expanded to include people eligible for home and community waiver services.

This change will also cover persons who will use the new self-directed personal supports option passed last session and not yet implemented. This new housing option will begin July 1, 2008, and is estimated to provide nearly $2 million in housing subsidies over the next three years. Also, the new housing access grant program will be funded with $1.25 million over three years, beginning July 1, 2008. This program will provide funding for public and private agencies to assist individuals eligible for home and community-based services, including home care services, to access and maintain appropriate homes

2009, the Commissioner of Human Services shall encourage those with Medical Assistance, General Assistance Medical Care and MinnesotaCare to choose a health care home which has been certified by the commissioner. For persons with complex conditions, care coordination payments will be made beginning A scaled back Health Care July 2010.

Reform bill, Chapter 358, was adopted after the initial bill The Health Care Reform bill was vetoed by the governor in also requires the Commisearly May. Health coverage sioner of Health to convene a will be extended to 7,000 Min- work group. This group will nesotans due to improvements make recommendations on the in MN CARE beginning in design of an essential health July of 2009. The MN CARE care benefit set with a report income limit for adults with- due to the Legislature by Janu-

ary 15, 2010. Also of importance to persons with disabilities is the development of a health care affordability proposal for persons under 300 percent of the federal poverty guidelines ($31,213 for one person in 2008) to assist with employer-subsidized coverage. Additionally, $50 million from the Health Care Access

Fund will be used to help cover the budget deficit. But it is to be repaid to the fund based on reductions in overall health care spending in the future.

Policy changes which did not require funding Numerous policy changes were adopted which affect privacy, children’s mental health and transportation. A bill which protects individuals’ privacy in marketing of the new Special Needs Basic Care (SNBC) managed care plan for persons with disabilities on Medical Assistance was adopted. The bill prohibits DHS from providing the names and addresses of persons with

disabilities to health plans for mailing of marketing materials. Instead DHS itself will mail health plan materials.

Health plans will pay the cost of the mailings as they do now.

Two important bills affecting children’s mental health treatment were adopted. Aversive practices such as seclusion and restraint have been limited in children’s mental health treatment programs and facilities.

Also, a bill which strengthens and clarifies the voluntary placement rights of parents and children was adopted. The new law allows parents to place children with mental health conditions or developmental disabilities in residential treatment settings without having to give up legal custody.

also, expands agent delivery of an absentee ballot to include those who have incapacitating health reasons and individuals with disabilities increases to seven days the time before an election during which an agent can deliver an absentee ballot and requires an agent to have a pre-existing relationship with the voter, effective for elections held on or after June 1, 2008.

For information on changes to education and special education, see Kim Kang’s article.

What’s ahead While the $935 million budget deficit was resolved; the projections for next legislative session are dire. The state could well face a deficit of nearly $2 billion, counting proThe statute governing the Of- jected inflation due in part to fice of the Ombudsman for the ever-increasing costs of Mental Health and Develop- fuel and health care. ment Disabilities has been clarified to include a deceased Disability services have alperson within the term “client” ready been cut substantially in and to assure that the office can six of the past seven years. obtain copies of documents Because health care, includneeded for investigations. ing long-term and community support services, is a signifiThe Consortium for Citizens cant and growing portion of with Disabilities transportation the state’s budget, it is likely planning bill was included in that even more painful cuts the omnibus transportation affecting disability services policy bill. For greater Minne- will be proposed next session. sota, the bill requires the Department of Transportation Persons with disabilities, fami(MnDOT) to plan to meet 80 lies and organizations have percent of the unmet need for much at stake in the upcoming persons with disabilities for elections which will determine transportation by 2015 and 90 who makes the decisions about percent of unmet need by 2025. how to balance the state budget for the coming biennium.

A bill to improve election par- The Consortium for Citizens ticipation for persons with dis- with Disabilities is working abilities was adopted, Chapter on candidate forums and other 295. The new law requires election-related activities. Incandidates who receive public formation can be found at funding to use closed www.mnccd.org. Further incaptioning for political TV formation about legislation and advertisement and have tran- your legislator, can be found scripts available on websites at www.leg.state.mn.us. ■ for radio and web ads. The bill

June 10, 2008

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 14.

See www.accesspress.org for complete listing After a Hundred Years June 7 - 29 Guthrie Theater, Dowling Studio, 818 - 2nd St. S., Mpls.

ASL and AD: Sat., June 28, 1 pm; sensory tour at 10:30 am, Tix: Reduced to $18 (reg. $27-$57), Phone: 612-3772224, TTY: 612-377-6626, www.guthrietheater.org/visit/ the_building/access_services The Boyfriend July 11 - 27 Lyric Arts Company of Anoka, Main Street Stage, 420 E. Main St., Anoka, ASL: Sat., July 12, 7:30 pm (request at least 1 wk in adv), Tix: $15, $13 student/senior, $17 box seats, Phone: 763-422-1838, www. lyricarts.org The Count of Monte Cristo June 13 - Aug. 23 U of M Centennial Showboat Players, Harriet Island Regional Park - East Gate entrance to Showboat Landing, St. Paul. ASL and AD: Sat., August 2, 2:30 pm, Tix: $20; Email: showboat@umn.edu, Phone: 651-227-1100, Web: www.riverrides.com or www.

Showboat.umn.edu.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast July 11 - 27 Mounds View Community Theatre, Irondale High School, 2425 Long Lake Road, New Brighton. ASL: Sat., July 19,

2 pm (req at least 2 wks in adv), Tix: Reduced to $9 (reg. $16, $12 senior, student, $8 child), Phone: 651-638-2139, Email: goseemvct@aol.com, Web: www.mvct.org.

The Government Inspector July 5 - August 24 Guthrie Theater, Wurtele Thrust Stage, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. AD: Sat., July 26, 1 pm; sensory tour at 10:30 am; Fri., Aug. 1, 7:30 pm ASL: Fri., Aug. 8, 7:30 pm; Thurs., Aug. 14, 7:30 pm Captioning: Sat., Aug. 16, 1 pm Tix: Reduced to $18 (reg. $24-69); captioning users half-off; Phone: 612377-2224, TTY 612-3776626; www.guthrietheater. org/accessibility

Four Stand Up Dads June 15 Dan St. Paul, Kelly McDonald, Tim Bedore and Milt Abel, Stephen B. Humphrey Theater, Saint John’s University, Collegeville. ASL: Sun., June 15, 5 pm, Tix: $22; senior/youth $19; Phone: 320-363-5700 or Harvey 5777, Email: DWolford@ May 30 - June 29 csbsju.edu Web: www.csbsju.

Theatre in the Round, 245 edu/finearts Cedar Ave., Mpls. AD: Sun., June 29, 2 pm. Tix: $20, seThe Gin Game nior/student discount, Phone: May 30 - June 29 Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale 612-333-3010, www.theatre Ave. S., Mpls. AD: Thurs., intheround.org June 19, 7:30 pm, Tix: ReHarvey duced to $10 (reg. $26-36), May 31 - Oct. 25 Phone: 612-822-7063, Email: b o x o f f i c e @ j u n g l e Commonweal Theatre, 208 theater.com Web: www. Parkway Ave. N., Lanesboro.

ASL: Sun., June 29, 1:30 pm. jungletheater.com Tix: Half price (reg. $25, student $12), Phone: 507-467The Girls in 509 June 6 - 22 2525, 800-657-7025, Email: Bloomington Art Center Gal- tickets@commonwealtheatre. lery Theater Co. at Bloom- org Web: www.common ington Civic Plaza Black Box wealtheatre.org Theater, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd. AD and ASL: Hedwig and the Angry Inch Sun., June 22, 2 pm, Tix: $17, July 18 - August 31 $14 senior/student, Phone: Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale 952-563-8575, www.bloom Ave. S., Mpls. AD: Thurs., ingtonartcenter.com August 7, 7:30 pm Tix: Reduced to $10 (reg. $26-36);

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. 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 bestsellers. FFI: www.mnssb.org/allages/commcenter/rtb • 4:00 a.m. Chautauqua–Adult education and culture for the whole community. This month: Elvis is Titanic, Nonfiction by Ian Klaus, 2007. Ian Klaus spent a semester teaching U.S. history and English at Salahaddin University in Iraqi Kurdistan. His goal is to illuminate the American way for people more attuned to our pop culture than our national ideals. Read by Bruce Hanson. 10 broadcasts. Begins June 17.

• 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: Loving Frank, Fiction by Nancy Horan, 2007. Frank Lloyd Wright met Mamah when she and her husband commissioned Wright to design a home for them. When they became lovers, they shocked society and changed both their lives. Read by Ann Reed. 15 broadcasts.

Begins June 23.

• 2:00 p.m. Potpourri– A wide variety of books, 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 New York 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: Stone Cold, Fiction by David Baldacci, 2007. Oliver Stone is the leader of the Camel Club. Stone is feared by many. But when Harry Finn sets his sights on him, Stone may have met his match. L -Read by John Schmidt. 10 broadcasts. Begins June 26.

• 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. Their catalog is also online, and you can access it at www.klas.com/mnbph

Phone: 612-822-7063; Email: boxoffice@jungle theater.com, Web: www. jungletheater.com Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat July 17 - August 3 Trollwood Performing Arts School amphitheater, 200 Kandi Ln, Fargo, ND. AD: Fri., July 18, 8:15 pm, ASL: Fri., July 25, 8:15 pm – special seating req. Tix: Reduced to $10 (reg. $16.50-18.50); Phone: 701-241-6041, 701241-4799; www.trollwood. org or www.fargostuff.com

MN comm. theatres perform 11 20-min. plays, each followed by brief discussion. The Half Steps, an a capella group, perform Fri. at 7:30 pm, followed by a reception. Sat. eve party. Sunday am annual meeting. AD and ASL: Sat., June 21, 10 am, 2 pm, 7 pm (if requested. by June 3). Tix: $40 (Fri. concert and reception, Sat. all plays and party), or $10 per play session, $15 for concert only, $12 Fast Fest attendees), Phone: 612-706-1456 or 800290-2426, Email: jon@vsa artsmn.org, Web: www.mact. net

The Merchant of Venice June 27 - July 27 Great River Shakespeare Festival at Winona State University Performing Arts Center at Johnson and 10th (Howard) streets. ASL: Sun., July 20, 4:30 pm (1:00 pre-show conversation with William Cope Moyers available in ASL upon request). Tix: Reduced to $10 (reg. $20), Front Porch ConMACT FAST FEST versation reduced to $5, June 21 Phone: 507-474-7900, Web: MN Assn. of Community The- www.grsf.org atres, Pioneer Place on Fifth, 22 Fifth Ave. S., St. Cloud.

Love Is a ManySplendored Thing June 27 - 28 Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus, Ted Mann Concert Hall, 2128 - 4th St. S., Mpls. ASL: Fri., June 27, 8 pm, Tix: $2343 (includes fees), child halfprice, Phone: 612-624-2345, www.tcgmc.org or www.north rop.umn.edu

Minnesota Fringe Festival July 31 - August 10 15th annual MN Fringe Festival in Mpls. Schedule of selected AD, ASL, Captioned shows in July Access Press.

Phone: 612-872-1212, Email: access@fringefestival. org, Web: www.fringefestival. org or www.uptowntix.com Murder Is Announced July 11 - August 10 Theatre in the Round, 245 Cedar Ave., Mpls. AD: Sun., July 27, 2 pm. Tix: $20, senior/student discount; Phone: 612-333-3010,www.theatre intheround.org Old New Borrowed Q – Celebrating 20 Years!

June 21 - 22 One Voice Mixed Chorus with host Dan Chouinard and guests, Kairos Dance History Theatre, 30 E. 10th St., St. Paul.

AD and ASL: Sun., June 22, 3:30 pm. Tix: Reduced to $18 with special seating (reg. $1025); Phone: 651-298-1954. www.ovmc.org Perform. - cont. on p. 14

Special Needs BasicCare Forums Arc Greater Twin Cities invites St. Paul and Minneapolis residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their family members, to a free forum about Special Needs BasicCare, Minnesota’s new managed health care program for people with disabilities.

Arc Greater Twin Cities has planned the following Special Needs BasicCare forums to help people learn about the new managed health care options for people with disabilities from ages 18 – 64. The forums are free. To register or get more information, call Arc at (952) 920-0855.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008 • 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Northtown Library • 711 County Road 10 NE • Blaine, MN 55434 Thursday, June 19, 2008 • 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

MRCI • 15191 Boulder Court • Rosemount, MN 55068 Tuesday, June 24, 2008 • 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Arc Greater Twin Cities, Ramsey/Hennepin Rooms 2446 University Avenue W., Suite 110 • St. Paul, MN 55114 Thursday, June 26, 2008 • 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Chaska Community Center, Community Room A 1661 Park Ridge Drive • Chaska, MN 55318

14

June 10, 2008

PERFORM. -

Cont. from p. 13

Oklahoma!

July 24 - August 9 Off Broadway Musical Theatre, New Hope Outdoor Theatre, 4401 Xylon Ave. N., New Hope. ASL: Fri., Aug. 8, 9 pm (Aug. 9 rain make-up). Tix: Free, Phone: 763-531-5151, TTY 763-531-5109, Email: srader@ci.new-hope.mn.us, Web: www.ci.new-hope.mn.us

Victoria St. N., St. Paul. AD: Fri., July 18, 7 pm ASL: Sun., July 20, 2 pm. Tix: $11, student/senior $9, Phone: 651-225-9265, www.steppingstonetheatre. org

Pirates of the Great Lakes May 30 - June 22 Lyric Arts Co. of Anoka, 420 E. Main St., Anoka. ASL: Petite Rouge: A Cajun Red Sat., May 31, 7:30 pm (requested at least 1 wk in adv), Riding Hood July 11 - August 3 Tix: $14, $12 student/senior, SteppingStone Theatre for $16 box seats, Phone: 763Youth Development, 55 422-1838, www.lyricarts.org

Rent June 17 - 22 Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 345 Washington, St. Paul. ASL: Fri., June 20, 8 pm, AD: Sat., June 21 - 2 pm, Tix/ Phone: 651-224-4222, TTY: 651-282-3100, Web: www.ordway.org/services/ access.asp The Robber Bridegroom June 6 - 29 Mpls. Musical Theatre at Hennepin Stages, 824 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. AD and ASL: Sun., June 15, 7:30 pm, Tix: Reduced to $18 (reg. $25), Phone: 612-673-0404; 612373-5639 or 5609, TTY: 612373-5655, Email: accessible @orpheum.com ASL/Audio Described Hotline: 612-3735650; Web: www.aboutmmt. org or www.hennepintheatre district.org/guestservices/ aslad/

The Secret Fall of Constance Wilde May 31 - July 11 Guthrie Theater, McGuire Proscenium, 818 - 2nd St. S., Mpls. AD: Sat., June 21, 1 pm; sensory tour at 10:30 am; Fri., June 27, 7:30 pm, ASL: Thurs. and Fri., July 10-11, 7:30 pm, Captioning: Sun., June 22, 1 pm, Tix: Reduced to $18 for AD/ASL (reg. $24-69); captioning users half-off, Phone: 612-377-2224, TTY: 612377-6626, www.guthrie theater.org/visit/the_build ing/access_services Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure May 30 - June 22 Park Square Theatre, 408 Saint Peter St. (20 W. 7th Place), St. Paul. AD and ASL: Sat., June 14, 7:30 pm, Tix: Half-price, Phone: 651-291-7005, www. parksquaretheatre.org

Disability Viewpoints schedule Channel 15 Third Mondays at 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.

June: Teri Knight (WLTE-FM 102.9 FM Traffic Reporter) on disability gardening, and James Grimm, author of the recent book The Heart's Alphabet July: Matt Sanford on yoga for people with disabilities.

Sanford is an author of a book on this subject.

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 ucpmn@ cpinternet.com or the show can be viewed at the same site though video casting.

The Taming of the Shrew June 27 - July 27 Great River Shakespeare Festival, Winona State U. Performing Arts Center, Johnson and 10th (Howard) St. ASL: Sun., July 13, 4:30 pm (preshow conversation with Martin Moran at 1 available in ASL upon req). Tix: Reduced to $10 (reg. $20), Front Porch Conversation reduced to $5, Phone: 507-474-7900, Web: www.grsf.org Thoroughly Modern Millie July 18 - 27 Cross Community Players, Osseo Snr High School auditorium, 317 Second Ave. NW, Osseo. ASL: Fri., July 25, 7:30 pm AD: Sat., July 26, 7:30 pm.

Tix: half-price (reg. $14, $12 student/senior, $8 child), nonperishable food items re-

quested for food shelf, Phone: 763-391-2787, Email: mail@ crossplayers.org, Web: www. crossplayers.org. Note: Those using the AD services will receive 2 comp. tickets for July 26 if req by Mon., July 14.

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown!

June 27 – August 3 Stages Theatre Co., Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet. ASL: Sun., July 13, 2 pm; Wed., July 23, 10 am AD: upon req. Tix: $15, $11 child (age 2-17) and senior (age 60+), plus $1.50 per tix for phone/web orders, Phone: 952-979-1111, www.stages theatre.org. ■

Accessible movie theaters The movie complexes listed below offer MoPix-equipped captioning or description services. For show times, call the theatre; sign up to receive their email list; contact Minnesota Open Captioned Films, www.mnocfilms.org/movies.html or Rear Window Captioned Film http://ncam.wgbh.org/ mopix/nowshowing.html#mn Kerasotes Block E Stadium 15, 600 Hennepin Ave., third floor, Mpls. 612-338-1466, bloc@kerasotes.com Accessible films in Auditoriums 2 and 12. (Note: DVS patrons: If your show is in Theatre 2, request headset with Letter C. If your show is in Theatre 12, request headset with Letter G.) Enter parking ramp on 7th St. next to the Hard Rock Café. www.kerasotes.com/ (Scroll down the lower righthand column every Friday morning to see what two films will have rear view captioning or DVS that week at Block E.) AMC Eden Prairie Mall 18 Theatres, 4000 Flying Cloud Drive at Eden Prairie Shopping Center, Hwy 212 and 494, 952-656-0010. Park in upper level lot between Sears and Kohl’s. Accessible films in Auditorium 4.

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

Rear view captioning and DVS for most films in the Omnitheater or the 3D Cinema. Show times vary but are approximately hourly during regular museum hours: Monday-Wednesday 9:30 am5:00 pm, Thursday-Sat. 9:30 am - 9:00 pm, Sun. 12:00 noon - 5:00 pm, TTY: 651221-4585, Email: info@ smm.org Web: www.smm. org/visitorinfo/hours/show times_dynamic.php or www. smm.org/info/access ibility.php.

Lakes 10 Theatre, 4351 Stebner Rd., Hermantown. 12 Handicapped Parking spaces near theater. Movie Line: 218-729-0335, Emergency Line: 218-729-0334, Fax: 218-729-0334, Email: Sfen nessey@cectheatres.com

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

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June 10, 2008

LIFE/DEATH

- Cont. from p. 7

Access To Employment

Another challenge is that of health care providers, even those with online records, having systems that can communicate from provider to provider. That seems to be a bigger challenge, as different health care providers don’t always have compatible technology.

Classifieds

Employment ads are $20-$22 per col. inch. June 30 is the deadline for the July 10 issue.

Mail to: Access Press, 1821 University Ave. #104S, St. Paul, MN 55104 FAX 651-644-2136 • Email: access@accesspress.org

record system. “Now, as long Administrative Assistant as we stay in the Vandy-zone, all of our information is available at the click of a button,” Metro nonprofit seeks affable, energetic individual to join the MN Work Incentives Connection team. Work five days, 20 Jennifer Queen said. hours per week. Provide limited receptionist duties and office Unlike Vanderbilt, most fa- support to a staff of 12 including: managing the agency’s mail, cilities systems’ are still pa- doing filing, copying, purchasing supplies and data entry. per-based and force doctors to waste thousands of hours and The individual we seek is organized, reliable and trustworthy; billions of dollars every year is a good problem-solver; can work with multiple priorities and on redundant tests and dupli- follow instructions. Quality conscious. Pleasant in dealing with cative history-taking. Digi- others. Potential opportunity for growth. Two years of relevant tized health records could experience required. Computer skills and knowledge of basic catch doctors up with even their Microsoft programs. Must pass practical test and Social Secunewest patients in a matter of rity security screening. $10-$13/hour depending on qualificaminutes and guide them to- tions. Deadline July 18th. EOE/AA ward more efficient, useful, and cost-effective time man- Send resume with cover letter: Anita Boucher agement.

Minnesota Work Incentives Connection 2200 University Avenue W. Health IT does more than just Suite 240 speed the check-in process for St. Paul, MN 55114 a patient. The information available through Vanderbilt’s health IT system contains Courtney Queen’s medications and test results. It also contains specific details about the type of care she requires, down Federal leadership can estab- records online, there are a to the level of difficulty she lish interoperable standards number of options available has with IV sticks, which is and create the incentives nec- for those seeking the converecalled instantly. Today, the essary for doctors, hospitals nience of having personal Queens’ know the medical and insurance companies to health records online. Some personnel in every department move toward electronic web site providers offer cliunderstand Courtney needs a records, and integrate health ents the option of downloadspecial IV and no longer worry IT into government health pro- ing personal medical files. if the doctor or nurse has the grams. This would allow ev- Others require that informainformation they require to ery family to feel the same tion be keyboarded in. ease in any medical facility The digitized records can ineffectively help Courtney. that the Queens feel at clude everything from one’s The value of digitized health Vanderbilt University Medi- complete medical history to records, like Vanderbilt’s, is cal Center. “We’ve seen first- daily medication schedules. not lost on health care policy hand what an amazing differ- These provide an invaluable makers. Legislation has been ence electronic medical service to the disability comintroduced in Congress and records can make to a family’s munity, their family members momentum appears to be life. These technologies should and medical service providbuilding for the federal gov- be available to everyone,” Jen- ers. Both Google and MSN ernment to take a leadership nifer Queen said. It is time for have launched password-prorole in the transition from pa- Washington to take a cue and tected sites where users can per medical records to health place health IT at the top of post or download their own medical information. MSN’s IT, which would allow more our national agenda. ■ [Source: Health IT Now! CoaHealthVault service, www. health facilities to convert to lition] healthvault.com launched in health IT. fall 2007, Google Health Editor’s note: Although many launched a few months later Due to the multitude of digiMinnesota health care proat www.google.com. Other tizing programs available, viders still do not provide sites to check out include American doctors have been online records and customer www.healthrecordsonline.com reluctant to make the switch to accessibility to their own and www.ihealthrecord.org digitalized records – as opposed to 90 percent of doctors in Sweden and 60 percent in Get BARRIER-FREE ENVIRONMENTS the United Kingdom. The key using PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS. concern about health It is that of patient privacy and fears Stairway Lifts ʕ Wheelchair Lifts ʕ Residential Elevators ʕ Ramps that unauthorized computer Power Door Operators ʕ Trained Service Technicians ʕ And More hackers would be able to acVoice: 800-626-6017 Ƈ 507-455-3553 cess and see personal health E-Mail: moreinfo@tri-state-lift.com information. To that, advoWebsite: http://www.tri-state-lift.com/ cates of health IT note that Serving Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa there is often nothing stopping unauthorized persons from looking at paper medical records.

A GREA T RESOURCE! GREAT

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15

Director (Part-time) The Fund for the Legal Aid Society seeks PT director (50%-75%) to dev & implement improved annual giving efforts. Exc interpersonal, verbal & written skills (includ ability to motivate others, team-bldg, flex in dealing with diverse personalities, situations & responsibilities); demonstrated organizational, mgmt, leadership & admin skills/exper; ability to take initiative & work independently, knowledge of fundraising strategies & trends; familiarity with legal community & ability to establish rapport with legal professionals. Cov ltr, resume and refs by 6/20: Pam Cunningham, Ad #825, FLAS, 430 1st Ave N, #300, Mpls, MN 55401-1780. Sal DOE & % of time; excel. benefits. No Calls. EOE

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 SALE Light weight transfer lift by Surhands $1750.00 B/O ( 1) sling. Power standing lift Apex Dynamics $2500.00 B/O (2) slings. Lifts in excellent condition. Tilt in space wheel chair $350.00 tires show wear, new tilting mechanism. Phone #651-238-3928 Pictures on Craigslist Mspl 672692905

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

Seward Square Apartments: We are currently accepting applications for our waiting 1991 Ford Van with raised list for barrier-free housing, in roof, 73,619 mi. $3200, semi- Minneapolis, that is federally subsidized. For an applicaauto lift 651-224-5279 tion, please call 612-338-2680.

Equal Opportunity Housing.

FOR RENT Holmes-Greenway Housing: One- and two-bedroom wheel- Townhomes: 924 - 3rd Ave. chair-accessible apartments. NE. Establishing a waiting list Section 8 subsidized. Conve- for 2- and 3-bedroom townnient SE Minneapolis location. homes. Applicants must be Call 612-378-0331 for avail- mobility impaired and must ability information. Equal meet income qualifications.

Amenities include: all utilities Opportunity Housing. paid, private entrance, full Lewis Park Apartments: basement, attached garage, Please patronize your Barrier-free housing with patio, appliances, carpeting, Access Press wheelchair users in mind. Sec- and blinds. Laundry facilities advertisers — and tell tion 8 subsidized. One- and on site. Section 8 rental assisthem where you heard two-bedroom units. For more tance to those who qualify. information on availability call Call 612-378-1868 for more about them.

651-488-9923. St. Paul, MN. information. Equal OpportuThey bring you Equal Opportunity Housing. nity Housing. your paper.

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

16

June 10, 2008

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