www.accesspress.org History Note
Inside
“Death is natural and necessary, but not just. It is a random force of nature; survival is equally accidental. Each loss is an occasion to remember that survival is a gift.” — Harriet McBryde Johnson
■ Harriet McBryde Johnson—pg 3 ■ Comment on ADA changes—pg 5 ■ Soldiers support soldiers—pg 8 Page 2
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Mpls. MN Permit No. 4766
Volume 19, Number 8
Minnesota’s Disability
Community Newspaper
August 10, 2008
St. Paul skyway access Exemptions to uniform hours include City Hall/Courthouse open door and elevator elsewhere to get back to the skyway system. In some cases, elevators don’t work. In others, the access points to and from the skyway system aren’t clearly signed.
Do exemptions to uniform hours create skyways to nowhere like this one?
by Jane McClure
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magine having the sidewalk or even the street in front of your home closed for use at 7 p.m. or even earlier. That’s been the case with some of St. Paul’s skyways, which connect downtown buildings. Change has come with the adoption of consistent daily skyway hours of 6
a.m. to 2 a.m. but the process of allowing exemptions to some skyways has vexed advocates for the disability community and downtown residents.
exemptions at a St. Paul City Council hearing in July. “Skyways are part of our passageways, part of our path,” he said. One of the most difficult challenges for persons with disabilities is that when a skyRick Cardenas, a downtown way is closed, it means naviresident who uses a wheelchair, gating to an elevator to get to testified against several of the street level, then back to an
For years downtown residents, workers and visitors have questioned the lack of consistent hours skyways are open. Members of the disability community have lobbied long and hard for consistent skyway hours. The St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce has also weighed in support of consistent hours.
Ward Two Council Member Dave Thune said there’s a need to make the skyway system accessible for as many people as possible. Yet Thune said there is also a need to be practical and realize that not every skyway needs to be open late. For example, the Macy’s skyways allow users to walk through the store’s open floors and merchandise. Other skyways lead to destinations that close and don’t connect to other buildings, such as the Minnesota Children’s Museum. The city built much of the skyway system in the 1980s and 1990s, working with property owners to obtain easements into each building. But the costs of maintenance and security fall on the property owners, something some object to when it comes to expanded hours.
July 23 by the St. Paul City Council allows Macy’s, Metro Square, Minnesota Children’s Museum, McCullough Companies, St. Joseph’s Hospital, St. Paul City Hall/Ramsey County Courthouse, Sibley Square and the Warren E. Burger Federal Courthouse. But the Golden Rule Building, 85 E. 7th Place, was denied its request to close its skyway access at 7 p.m. The building, a department store converted years ago to office space, houses mainly state offices. Pat Wolf, who has managed the Golden Rule Building for many years, raised some of the strongest objections to not getting an exemption. She said the building owners have spent more than $7 million restoring the Golden Rule and turning it into a “historic jewel.”
But several companies that own and manage downtown buildings raised a number of concerns about security costs, safety of building occupants and practicability of keeping skyways open later. Some building owners offered to provide access cards for residents But members of the public and of neighboring buildings. CritCity Council members noted A series of exemptions granted Skyway - cont. on p. 10 ics say that’s not enough.
Another voting option Avoid the crowds yet make your voice heard with absentee voting
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ith presidential, Congressional, state and local races on the ballot, there is likely to be tremendous turnout at this year’s general election, Nov. 4. Voting places are likely to be overwhelmed by voters. Further compounding the challenges faced by such turnout is that while voting places are required to accommodate disabled voters, they may not always have enough personnel or resources to keep the voting process moving at a desirable pace. Fortunately, there is an easy solution to avoiding the expected hassle at voting places: absentee voting. It is a method of voting in the event that a voter is unable to reach the voting place on primary or general election day. The ability to vote on your own time is
both convenient and nearly hassle-free, and persons with disabilities can take advantage of this service. If you have never absentee voted before, why not try it for the September 9 primary election? Absentee voting may be done by mail. Or voters can go to designated voting places during the time period preceding the election. Voters vote in the county where they live, so contact the appropriate county offices. For the September 9 primary election, absentee voting began August 8 and ends September 8. Voters may download an application to receive an absentee ballot through the mail at www.sos. state.mn.us/docs/ab_applica tion.doc. When at the site voters will be asked to save or open a document, and mark boxes by clicking on them.
When the document is filled out, send it to the appropriate county auditor by email (with the document attached) or fax. The ballot will be mailed out when it is ready (as early as 30 days before election day). The completed absentee ballot must be received in the correct precinct by election day when the polls close, or it will not be counted, so be sure to send in your absentee ballot application early. The ballots are delivered by county staff to the precinct on the day of the election.
rize someone to deliver a completed absentee ballot if the voter is: • a voter who would have difficulty getting to the polls because of incapacitating health reasons or who is disabled • a patient in a healthcare facility (hospitals, residential treatment centers and nursing homes) • a participant in a licensed residential program for adults • a resident of a licensed shelter for battered women • a resident of an assisted livHennepin and Ramsey couning facility ties election staff said that absentee voting increases the According to the Minnesota ability for people to vote. It Secretary of State’s website, gives people who would not the following stipulations also normally be able to reach a apply: The voter must compolling place a chance to vote. plete the Agent Delivery Designation Form www.sos.state. Voters can, in writing, autho- mn.us/docs/agent_request_
form.pdf and the Absentee Ballot Application www.sos. state.mn.us/docs/ab_appli cation.doc An agent (person dropping off the ballot on the voter’s behalf) must have a preexisting relationship with the voter. The agent will use the completed forms to pick up a ballot, bring the ballot to the voter, and return the voted ballot to the county auditor or city clerk. This activity may only occur the seven days preceding an election. Ballots can be picked up until 2 p.m. on election day, and voted ballots must be returned by 3 p.m. on election day.
properly witnessed. Also, note that you cannot drop off an absentee ballot at a voting place on election day. Absentee voting ends the day before election day.
For more information, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website’s page on absentee voting at www.sos.state.mn. us/home/index.asp?page= 211, or call your county’s elections office. Phone and fax numbers for each county are available at the end of the absentee ballot application. This information was compiled from the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office, and the Mistakes will mean your ab- Hennepin and Ramsey counsentee ballot will not be ties elections staff. ■ counted. Some common mistakes made in absentee voting This information was comare not signing the applica- piled by Access Press staff. tion, not signing the voter’s Read about the AutoMark votcertificate or not having it ing machine on page 10.
August 10, 2008
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Tim Benjamin, Editor
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ast month in this column, I mentioned that I was going to look into global positioning systems (GPS) and their use by— or on—people with disabilities. Recently, it seems like there’s been a lot in the media about people getting lost and, unable to find their way home, needing to be rescued. The more I looked into the topic,
the more uncertain I became about its pros and cons. First of all, could the government force some people with disabilities (for example, those in institutions, or those determined to be “vulnerable” to becoming lost or disoriented) to be chipped with GPS systems? I’m pretty sure the answer to that is no.; Iit would be against the Fourth Amendment, especially since the government has no “probable cause” for chipping the general population. But if you’re a government employee, some say the government might have the authority to require you to be chipped. That sounds like something the government would not do, since it would be taking away the liberties of free movement and privacy of American citizens. But what about the benefits to a CIA agent, FBI agent or an undercover police officer who could
be tracked to maintain their safety? Of course, they could also be tracked to make sure they’re not becoming counteragents consorting with the enemy. If implanted GPS were used in the military, we might no longer have families lingering for years, wondering where a missing-in-action soldier might be. The Unknown Soldier could be a thing of the past. The technology is available, and in bracelet size is already being used in criminal justice for convicted felons on house arrest. The bracelets are also commonly used for individuals on probation. Functional battery technology for implantsized GPS devices is not available now. But when the technology is available we might as a society be tempted to implant chips into convicted child abusers and sex offenders. We
might argue that their loss of liberty is outweighed by our ability to know much sooner if abusers, rapists, or kidnappers are hanging around near playgrounds or schools. But who will monitor all these chips and what will it cost—in money and in our definitions of freedom? In the disability community, we can imagine benefits for a person in a medical emergency. The chip could hold all of a person’s medical records. Confusion in the emergency room about how to treat a person, prescribed medications, allergies and pre-existing conditions would be known immediately by scanning the information on the chip (or the chip would have a reference number which would allow the retrieval of information from a specialized database). But of course, the information on such
History Note
Report on ‘mentally defective’ children reflects past attitude by Luther Granquist
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n 1925, Frederick Kuhlmann, the widely respected Director of the Research Bureau of the Minnesota State Board of Control, wrote a lengthy report, Outline of Mental Deficiency for Social Workers, Teachers and Others in Minnesota. (The Board of Control was the equivalent of the Department of Human Services during that era.) Kuhlmann included his estimates of the cost to the schools of Minnesota’s “mental defectives.” At that time about 20,000 “mental defectives” were in regular classes in Minnesota’s public schools at a cost he estimated as more than $1,500,000. Kuhlmann
contended that “most of this is teachers had to spend on two waste, because no useful re- or three “mentally defective” turns are obtained.” children in a regular class caused a greater expense, alIn his judgment, these chil- though he could not place a dren profited from regular monetary value on it: “The school work “only in a limited chief cost lies in the diminmeasure, some not at all in any ished returns for the expendidegree, none for the full pe- tures for normal children.” He riod up to the age of 16 years.” concluded that providing segKuhlmann’s estimate did not regated special classes for the include the “custodial cases,” “mental defectives” would whom he described as “cases actually be cost-effective betoo low in intelligence, or cause the number of normal handicapped by physical dis- children in a regular education abilities as paralysis” and thus class could be increased. incapable of receiving any “useful training.” These chil- The language may differ, but dren, he noted, never got into many objections today to spethe schools. cial education funding reflect Kuhlmann’s failure to value In Kuhlmann’s view the dis- education and training for chilproportionate time and energy dren with disabilities. His en-
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 Editorial Assistant .................................................................................... Jane McClure Administrative Assistant ............................................................................ Jordan Selbo Cartoonist ..................................................................................................... Scott Adams Production ...................................................... Ellen Houghton at Presentation Images Webmaster ...................................................................................................... Alice Oden Intern ......................................................................................................... Silas Matthies 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
Frederick Kuhlmann tire Outline is on the Developmental Disabilities Council web site at www.mncdd.org/ past/pdf/25-OMD-Kuhl man.pdf. ■ The History Note is a monthly column sponsored by the Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, www.mnddc.org or www.mncdd.org and www. partnersinpolicymaking.com.
chips could increase a person’s vulnerability in other ways if a hacker could access the information or number steal or alter the information like social security numbers, insurance numbers, and credit card numbers. I wonder what Harriet McBryde Johnson would say about this chip-implanting issue, with her legal background, her insight and ability to look at the big picture, while keeping her own biases out. As an advocate for the disability community, she would probably have been the first person I would have gone to to get a truly philosophical understanding of the implications of this issue for to the disability community. As we mourn her death, issues like this now and in the future will remind us of the huge loss her death is to our community. I never met Ms. Johnson, but Kathleen
Hagen has, and has given us a wonderful tribute to Johnson’s life on page 3. Hagen was kind to Prof. Peter Singer in her article on the Johnson-Singer debate. The truth is that Harriet McBryde Johnson made Singer, who many have said is one of the most influential philosophers of our time, look naive. There were moments when Johnson rendered Singer speechless. But as Hagen points out, Johnson stayed detached and confident, while asking questions that showed Singer is not consistent in his philosophy or in his personal ethics. Living an ethical life, consistent with our beliefs, is not easy for any of us. Let’s hope when we get around to big questions like “chip or nochip,” we can think deeply about our beliefs and the kinds of ethics we need as individuals and as a society. ■
On verge of dream Wanting to teach, give back by Harvey Meyer ason Lingard is closing in on his decade-long dream to teach in urban public schools.
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and creativity. He knows how to listen. There is no doubt that Jason is an excellent role model.”
“Becoming a teacher in an urban setting will probably be the happiest day of my life,” said Lingard, a North Minneapolis resident who has been wheelchair-bound with cerebral palsy for most of his life. “I’ve imagined it many times.” After student teaching and securing a Minnesota teaching license, Lingard will pursue a teaching post, most likely in Minneapolis, St. Paul or surrounding suburbs. He graduated in May with an elementary education degree from Metropolitan State University’s College of Professional Studies. He starts a student teaching assignment in August.
Lingard, 31, had planned to graduate from an Idaho university several years ago. But the institution’s elementary education department required him to complete physical and speech therapy before his senior year student teaching assignment. “They gave me an ultimatum,” said the Boise native. “But I thought it was very discriminatory. I was just being realistic. My disability comes with speech delays and that’s a problem that isn’t going to go away. The only way to deal with it is to do the very best I can. Unfortunately, they wouldn’t give me the benefit of the doubt.” Instead Lingard left school.
“Jason is an inspiration,” said Rosa Fagundes, his Metropolitan State academic advisor. “He projects resiliency and other positive characteristics. He has a great sense of humor
He arrived in Minnesota with his wife in 2003. Three years later he enrolled at Metropolitan State, where the Disability Services Office helped him Giving Back - cont. on p. 5
August 10, 2008
Harriet McBryde Johnson Beloved voice of the community remembered by Kathleen Hagen
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n acerbic and insightful voice for the disability community, who aimed her pen at targets ranging from euthanasia to the Jerry Lewis Telethon, will write no more. Harriet McBryde Johnson, 50, unexpectedly died in her sleep, June 4. She will be honored August 17 at a memorial service in her hometown of Charleston, S.C. Johnson lived most of her life in Charleston where, according to the Charleston Post and Courier, she was loved and admired. The newspaper described her as a “tenacious, well-known Charleston disability and civil rights attorney.” A New York Times obituary recognized Johnson for challenging a Princeton professor’s contention that severely disabled newborns could ethically be euthanized. The Times called Johnson “a feisty champion of the rights of the disabled.” Until age 13, Johnson attended a special contained school for people with disabilities. She was “invited to leave” when she worked toward getting a particularly bad teacher fired. Her parents convinced a private high school to admit her and her academic career took off from there. She had a B.S. in history from Charleston Southern University, a Master’s in Public Administration from the College of Charleston, and her law degree (J.D.) from the University of South Carolina. For most of her legal career, she had a private law practice representing clients on benefitsrelated issues and also represented clients facing discrimination using the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
She came to my attention with “Unspeakable Conversations” in The New York Times in February 2003, her debate with
Professor Peter Singer on disability and personhood. I was struck by her ability to view, what is a gut-wrenchingly emotional situation for most of us with disabilities, in a fairly detached way. She went to one of Singer’s lectures representing the “Not Dead Yet” disability consumers group, which argues against assisted suicides and euthanasia of persons with disabilities. She was invited to Princeton to debate Singer. Despite her strong feelings against his philosophic leanings, she believed he was in essence a nice man who was sensitive to her needs on stage, and with whom she exchanged a spirited e-mail correspondence, despite possible fallout from her friends in the disability community. “The Disability Gulag” was another article published in The New York Times, in November 2003, on escaping the institutionalization that threatens so many people with disabilities. Johnson’s family had sufficient means to ensure she always had the resources needed to be as independent as she could be. She described the “gulag” to which persons with disabilities are consigned if institutionalized or placed in nursing homes. She dared to hope that this institutionalization would end in her lifetime.
Harriet McBryde Johnson “Alas for Tiny Tim, He Became a Christmas Cliché,” an article by Johnson in the in the December 25, 2006 The New York Times was filled with her delicious irony. She wrote that the crippled children’s school she attended as a teenager had considered staging a play based on Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol.” But who would be Tiny Tim? Johnson quoted directly from the Dickens book: “Alas for Tiny Tim, he bore a little crutch, and had his limbs supported by an iron frame!” “Alas!” Johnson wrote. “A little crutch! An iron frame! In our world, the crutch-andbrace kids were the athletic elite. They picked up the stuff we hard-core crips dropped.”
Johnson’s “A Step-by-Step Guide to Organizing a Protest Against the Jerry Lewis Telethon” is a sensible down-toearth guide for organizing any demonstration, especially demonstrations that might be unpopular with the public. Find this guide on disability activist and poet Laura Hershey’s web Johnson weighed in on the site: www.cripcommentary. Terri Schiavo debate in “Over- com. looked in the Shadows” in the Washington Post, in March To get a sound bite of John2005, where she pointed out son’s humor and hear one of that there wouldn’t have been the last interviews she gave, support for Terri’s feeding tube you can listen to her interview to be removed if she wasn’t on the program “ouch!, 13 already considered disabled. Questions”. This program is She supported the interven- geared toward British contion of Congress into the de- sumers with disabilities, in which the interviewer picks bate on behalf of Schiavo. 13 questions to ask the interIn “Wheelchair Unbound,” an viewee. Check the BBC’s web April 2006, The New York site, www.bbc.co.uk, in the Times article, Johnson writes archived programs section, about speaking at the U.S. “Ouch!” on May 12, 2008 Holocaust Memorial Museum. Beloved voice - cont. on p. 11
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Letters to the Editor Rehabilitation Services’ • Currently, it costs $900 just policies inhibit the use to apply. • They have updated standards of small providers manuals each year, which cost
I recently spoke to the State several hundred dollars. Rehabilitation Council on this • They charge $1,300 per surissue. I have a small, private veyor, per day. They pay their for-profit company that pro- surveyors $50 per day. vides job placement services • They say they do “peer” reto persons with disabilities. We views, which has never haphave been in business since pened in the six surveys we February of 1988. Following have had at our organization, is what happens with an indi- as we have non-profit adminvidual or company wants to istrators try to make sense provide services: applying nonprofit standards to a for-profit company. To start, Rehab Services al- Needless to say, none of these lows service provision under people have ever provided their “limited use provider” direct job placement services. policies. With this system, an • At least two people in Rehab organization basically indicates Services administration are that they are a legal entity, that employees of CARF. To be a they don’t discriminate, and that surveyor, they need to comthey adhere to appropriate eth- plete at least three surveys ics in the provision of services. per year. This means that they However, once they receive are taking at least three out$20,000 of authorizations, they of-state trips, to do surveys are forced to become certified that may last from two to four by CARF (Commission on Ac- days. This is a conflict of creditation of Rehabilitation interest and I believe their Facilities). This is very expen- time would be better spent sive and for small agencies, surveying agencies in MN. inappropriate, as CARF is designed for large, full-service, In my company, we have alcommunity rehabilitation pro- ways received the highest level viders. Following are the rea- of accreditation, with numersons this is a burden on small ous commendations. However, providers and a major burden other than paying a lot of on large providers. money to have someone tell us
from this process other than to be able to continue to provide services through MN Rehab Services. The last time we were surveyed, we had one surveyor for three days, and he was done in two days, yet we pay for the full three days. So at current rates, that’s $3,900 plus the $900 to apply, plus the costs of the standards manual, and not counting all the hours preparing for the survey and being available on the survey days to provide information and answer questions. Minnesota currently has more than 40 community rehabilitation providers that are CARF accredited. The vast majority of these providers have multiple programs, multiple sites, and pay anywhere from $14,000 to more than $30,000 to have CARF survey them. Using an average of $20,000, this means CARF is receiving fees in excess of $800,000 from Minnesota in a threeyear cycle. I believe this money could be better spent providing services to persons with disabilities, than paying someone from out-of-state to be certified.
Wayne Onken, MS., CRC, Job Placement Specialist at we’re doing a good job, we Complete Career Services, have not received any benefit St. Cloud, MN. ■
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August 10, 2008
This Month’s Issue Sponsor
UCare Complete in the metro area, and the new UCare Connect UCare programs complete the health care picture Individuals with physical disabilities have health care needs that can be simple, complex, and immediate, often requiring specialized and highly skilled care. And when the physical disabilities are accompanied by mental health issues or developmental disabilities, the stakes can be even higher. Fortunately, there are two health plans for people with disabilities that eliminate obstacles often posed by fee-for-service health plans: UCare Complete in the metro area, and the new UCare Connect in 34 Greater Minnesota counties.
UCare Complete UCare Complete is a comprehensive health plan for people with physical disabilities. It was created by UCare and AXIS Healthcare to help this population enjoy quality, coordinated health care. It is offered through a program called Minnesota Disability Health Options (MnDHO), under the auspices of the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). Enrollment is voluntary. Unlike other plans, UCare Complete combines the benefits and services of Medical Assistance, and Medicare Parts A, B, and D (Medicare prescription drug coverage). It offers health coordination and flexible benefits to eligible adults—with no monthly premiums. The plan provides coverage for a range of needed services, including medical equipment and supplies, adult day care and foster care, a wide range of
UCare Connect
home-based services, and every county. UCare handles more—together in one pack- the administrative side of UCare Complete, establishing age. the provider network, processTo be eligible for UCare Com- ing enrollments, paying claims, and communicating with memplete, a person must: bers in many helpful ways. •Have a certified primary AXIS professionals conduct the initial assessment and prophysical disability. vide the multi-disciplinary care •Be at least 18 years old and coordination for all plan members. Personalized plans are under age 65. developed to promote inde•Be on Medical Assistance, pendent living, while building with or without Medicare in the tight level of support. AXIS also has round-theParts A and B. clock, on-call nurses to help •Reside in Hennepin, Ram- triage issues that arise. sey, Anoka, Dakota, Washington, Carver, or Scott coun- UCare Complete provider network was created using input ties. from people with disabilities. UCare and AXIS are experi- It includes medical specialists, enced and knowledgeable primary care physicians, denhealth care organizations. tists, and personal care attenUCare is an independent, non- dants/assistants with the leadprofit health plan offering in- ing providers and care syscome-based Minnesota Health tems across the Greater Twin Care Programs, along with Cities area. Medicare products, to more than 145,000 Minnesotans in
Introduced in January 2008, • Receive Medical Assistance UCare Connect is an innova- without Medicare, or with tive and voluntary plan de- Medicare Pans A and B. signed expressly for adult Min- • Have a certified physical disnesotans in 34 Greater Minne- ability or mental illness, or a sota counties who have physi- developmental disability. cal or developmental disabili- • Reside in Benton, Blue Earth, ties, and/or mental illness. The Carlton, Chippewa, Chisago, innovative plan offers a per- Cottonwood, Faribault, sonal, coordinated, and case Fillmore, Houston, Isanti, management approach that Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac qui contributes significantly to the Pane, Le Sueur, Lincoln, health and well-being of its Lyon, Martin, Mille Lacs, members. Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Olmsted, Pine, RedIt’s also a new type of Medi- wood, Rice, Rock, Sherburne. care Advantage Special Needs Steams, St. Louis, Watonwan, Plan that serves people who Winona, Wright, or Yellow have been certified as having a Medicine County. disability, mental illness, or developmental disability. DHS UCare partners with many of classifies UCare Connect as a the 34 counties in the plan’s Special Needs BasicCare plan service area to provide infor Medicaid recipients in MN. creased coordination of health care and social service proUCare Connect provides grams to UCare Connect memhealth care services focused bers. UCare provides training on prevention, disease man- and consultation in the form of agement, and management of clinical, administrative, and chronic care needs to Minne- operational support, including sotans who: utilization management. UCare • Are 18-64 years of age. and the counties work together
to help inform and empower members to maximize available resources, while also making connections that will lead to sustained improvements in members’ health, UCare Connect members can take advantage of UCare’s See-A-Dentist Guarantee to schedule routine dental appointments within 30 days, and also can use the UCare Tooth Care mobile dental unit when it’s in their area. And there are no copays for office visits. UCare Connect members enjoy care from the same, extensive provider network serving the approximately 45,000 member of UCare’s UCare for Seniors Medicare Advantage plan. To learn more about membership in UCare Complete or UCare Connect, contact UCare at 612-676-3554, or 1-800-7071711 (toll free). TTY: 612676-6810 or 1-800-688-2534 (toll free). Or, visit http:// www.ucare.org/visitors/ healthplans.html.
ABOUT UCARE UCare (www.ucare.org) is an independent, nonprofit health plan providing health care and administrative services to more than 145,000 members. UCare partners with health care providers, counties, community organizations, and other member-directed groups to create and deliver innovative health coverage plans for: • Medicare-eligible individuals throughout Minnesota and in western Wisconsin. • Individuals and families enrolled in income-based Minnesota Health Care Programs, such as MinnesotaCare and Prepaid Medical Assistance Program. • Adults with disabilities and Medicare beneficiaries with chronic health conditions. • Minnesotans dually eligible for Medical Assistance and Medicare. UCare’s UCare for Seniors Medicare Advantage plan ranked in the top 13 percent of health plans nationwide for outstanding performance. UCare addresses health care disparities and care access issues through its UCare Fund grants and a broad array of community initiatives. ■
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August 10, 2008
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Happy 9th Anniversary for key court decision: Or is it? by Steve Gold
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ine years after the U.S. Supreme Court issued the Olmstead decision, its impacts for persons with disabilities are decidedly mixed. The court ruled that “unjustified institutional isolation of persons with disabilities is a form of discrimination.” The Court rejected the State of Georgia’s argument that the Medicaid statute reflected a Congressional preference for “treatment in the institution over treatment in the community.”
no longer be institutionalized if they wanted to reside in the community. Obviously, where one resides should be one’s own choice.
We all know, however, that the availability and allocation of funds frequently determines the “choice.” Specifically, if you are on Supplemental Security Income, and/or your only source of income is either only Social Security Disability Income or Social Security Retirement, your “choice” may be limited to where your state The decision indicated that end- spends its Medicaid funds— ing this discrimination wouldn’t in nursing homes or in the comoccur immediately. In 1999, munity. the high court permitted states to have “waiting lists” for com- American Association of Remunity services as long as such tired Persons (AARP) surveys lists “moved at a reasonable indicate that more than 90% of pace not controlled by the older Americans don’t want to state’s endeavors to keep its reside in nursing homes. According to Minimum Data Set institutions fully populated.” (MDS) reports, the national For people with disabilities, percentages of people in nursthis decision was a clarion call. ing homes who want to live in Disability and elderly advo- the community continues to cates believed people would increase steadily year by year.
This has increased nationally from 18.7% in 2003 to 22.8% in 2008. Check out your state at www.cms.hhs.gov/MDSPub QIandResRep Click on MDS Activity Report and then Q1a) One might think that amount Medicaid expenditures going to nursing homes would reflect the implementation of the Olmstead decision, national surveys and MDS data. But that is not always the case. Compared to the rest of the nation, how has your state done? Using FY 1999/Olmstead as a benchmark, we have calculated, by state, what was the percentage of Medicaid’s long-term care expenditures that were allocated to services in the nursing institution versus in the community. Obviously, the greater the percentage of Medicaid funds expended in the nursing home, the lower the percentage in the community. It’s like a scale; as one side goes down, the other
goes up. While the following data is provided in percentages, it is critical to remember there are billions of dollars involved and the ratio of expenditures significantly impacts whether one has a meaningful choice. That is, the more your state spends on nursing facilities, the less it will have to spend on the community.
disability and their advocates! Those states that have moved the percentages to greater equality between the community and the institution must have terrific, effective selfadvocates and understanding of what is right, administrators and elected officials.
was 71.4 percent. Spending in the community was at 28.6 percent. That’s a shift of 9.4 percent over seven years. The data for FY 2006 represents the most recent data available. The FY 2007 data will be available later this summer.
Using the data for each state, For some states it is “Olmstead, disability and elderly self-adhappy ninth anniversary!” For vocates and their advocates We receive numerous inquir- many others, it is not. should ask whether the change ies from people who do not between FY 1999 and FY 2006 want to be institutionalized in In comparing Medicaid Long- is satisfactory, whether it renursing homes or who are in Term Care expenditures state- flects what the Supreme Court them and want to live in the by-state, Minnesota’s funds in the Olmstead decision incommunity. The only way to were spent in FY 1999 at a rate tended, whether it provides achieve real “choice” is to pro- of 79.9 percent in nursing elderly and disabled people in vide people with Medicaid homes and 20.1 percent in the your state with a choice where services where they want them. community. That was consis- they want to receive services, “Waiting lists” for services are tent with the trend seen nation- and what the self-advocates not services. Living in fear of ally, at 80.8 expenditures in and advocates will do about being institutionalized or liv- nursing homes and 19.2 per- the pace of change. ■ ing with fear because one is cent in the community. institutionalized is not the type Steve Gold, The Disability of a “choice” the ADA or the In Minnesota's 2006 fiscal Odyssey, continues. InformaOlmstead decision intended. year, that dropped to 57 per- tion Bulletins are available cent in nursing homes and 43 online at www.stevegoldada. Whether the promise of percent in the community. Na- com; to contact Steve Gold diOlmstead will be achieved tionally, the percentage of dol- rectly, write to stevegold ada@ depends on the elderly and lars spent on nursing home care cs.com or call 215-627-7100.
Advocates urge response to the proposed changes to Topics in the DOJ proposals include Title II and III of the ADA Safe Harbor: by the Great Lakes ADA Center
T
he Department of Justice (DOJ) recently issued major proposed revisions to its regulations implementing Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Some of DOJ’s changes are excellent, and urgently needed, according to the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF). Fund leaders be-
lieve it is important that the disability community laud these, to support DOJ against industry attack. Good proposals include adoption of the new 2004 ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG), stronger hotel reservation and ticketing provisions, recognition of psychiatric service animals, additional companion seating in theaters and stadiums, and
GIVING BACK-
stronger provisions for effective communication for people with hearing, visual and speech disabilities. However, there are also many draconian changes that would radically reduce the rights of people with disabilities. For example, DOJ proposes: a significant weakening of the readily achievable barrier removal requirement for public accommodations, a
Cont. from p. 2
with accommodations includ- lenges they might face, aling providing him extra test though these challenges might time, note-taking help and not be the same.” other physical assistance. Lingard is grateful friends and As part of his Urban Teacher family refused to let him use Program studies at Metropoli- his disability as a crutch. tan State, he assisted urban “Rather than feeling sorry for children improve their read- myself and saying, ‘I can’t do ing for a Minneapolis after- this,’ I like to approach an school program. He also vol- obstacle and say, ‘I can do unteered as an English as a this. I may have to do it differSecond Language (ESL) in- ently, but I can do it just like structor for Hmong youth at a anybody else.’” Minneapolis elementary school. Lingard has a history of overLingard identifies with the coming challenges. He graduchallenges many inner-city ated with honors from his Boise kids confront. “Some people high school and sang in the might see urban children from choir. An active camper and communities of color and au- downhill skier (he uses a tomatically label them as hav- mono-ski, which has a seat ing a learning disability be- mounted atop one wider ski), cause of the lack of opportuni- he joined an organization ties arising from their circum- whose disabled members enstances,” he said. “With me, joyed outdoor adventures. some see my wheelchair first Lingard once testified before and automatically make as- a U.S. House of Representasumptions about my learning tives subcommittee in Washcapabilities. It’s been a ington, D.C., advocating that challenge…so I can relate to persons with disabilities them and the difficult chal- should have equal access to
Idaho wilderness camping areas. Lingard, who works part-time for the downtown Minneapolis Target Store, said he eagerly awaits an opportunity to teach in front of his first urban classroom. “I’ve always wanted to help others and give back,” he said. “Working with young children is a great place to start. I hope they can benefit from seeing my positive attitude and outlook on life and mold themselves into good people.” Metropolitan State University, a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, provides highquality, affordable education programs for adults seeking baccalaureate, masters and doctoral degrees. It is the only state university in the Twin Cities metropolitan area besides the University of MN. ■
significant reduction of elements required to be accessible in state and local government facilities, an exemption for all existing facilities from the new recreation and playground rules. DOJ must receive many comments from the disability community in favor of a strong, comprehensive ADA. Comments must defend the principle of individual, case-bycase assessment, which DOJ is largely abandoning in favor of many blanket reductions. Fund leaders must remind DOJ that the ADA is already carefully crafted to take the needs of covered entities into account, and those reductions to our civil rights would be a devastating blow to our daily lives. Extensive draft comments, by topic, are available on the DREDF website to help you write your own comments. The list of topics is in the gray box at the right. The website also has information about how to file your comments, as well as tips on commenting and a link to the proposed regulations.
Comments will have the most impact if writers revise the web site drafts to add their own thoughts, and especially their own personal experiences or those of friends, family, colleagues or clients with disabiliThis article was submitted by ties. ■ Metropolitan State University.
O
ne-percent (1%) safe harbor for barrier removal in existing facilities for qualified small businesses, “Reasonable number but at least one” in program access under Title II, Exemption for facilities that allegedly comply with the 1991 ADAAG, Path of travel, Definition of “existing facility,” Comments on the Regulatory Impact Analysis, Title II Complaint Process, communications; auxiliary aids and services, service animals, hotel reservations policies, seating and ticketing in assembly areas, medical care facilities, wheelchairs and other power-driven mobility devices, prisons, jails and the Prison Litigation Reform Act, social service agencies, residential facilities, transient lodging, and dormitories, recreation facilities and play areas, recreation facilities and play areas saunas and steam rooms, swimming pools, exercise equipment, team player and seating areas, areas of sport activity, boating and fishing, golf, miniature golf For more articles regarding the ADA go to our “ADA In the Headlines” at: www.ada greatlakes.org/Headlines/ The deadline for comments is August 18. To see draft comments, visit www.dredf.org/DOJ_NPRM [Source] DBTAC-Great Lakes ADA Center www.adagreat lakes.org
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August 10, 2008
Inaugural award is given
The light that failed
Sara Chute is honored by the DIA
by Pete Feigal
by Clarence Schadegg
S
ara Chute, a staff member with the Minnesota Department of Health and community volunteer, was the chosen recipient of an award of appreciation from members of the Disabled Immigrant Association (DIA). Sara received this first-time award at a special dinner because of her dedicated support and her year-long volunteer activity with DIA. The Disabled Immigrant Association’s office is strategically located to provide the most efficient support to disabled immigrants who live within the inner city of Minneapolis. Most of the clients served are immigrants from Somalia who live with physical or mental disabilities, or both. Language is a major barrier to immigrants with disabilities along with prejudice based on race, religion, ethnicity, culture, and disability. About 80,000 Somali residents live in Minnesota; most live in the Twin Cities. Approximately 14 to 20 percent of this population consists of people with either one type or a combination of physical and men-
Editor’s note: Writer and artist Pete Feigal shares a lifechanging moment.
I Mahad Abdi, Executive Director of the Disabled Immigrant Association, awarding Sarah Chute an appreciation award from the membership. tal disabilities. Some of the disabilities were the result of war and ethnic cleansing in Somalia. DIA has an important mission, one which it has taken on with enthusiasm, courage and determination. Volunteers devote many hours a week to make life better for fellow immigrants with disabilities. Most of the people served by
DIA get help with finding employment, instruction of English as a second language, support to fill out complicated application forms, assistance with food and nutrition and assistance with transportation. It is the transportation program that carries these other DIA activities. An average of 10 rides per day is given to clients at a fee of $20 per ride. Much more needs to be done as this Award - cont. on p. 11
haven’t been writing for Access Press lately be cause I’ve been struggling with my eyesight. I can’t even say the word “blindness.” I had been getting ready for it for some time as my multiple sclerosis has been progressing, but nothing can truly prepare you for the reality of it once it finally happens. I’m afraid that I’m not doing very well at it. I’m angry, even full of rage. I’m afraid, sometimes to the point of panic. I’m frustrated and disappointed and bitter. It’s still relatively new and I know I have to work through the grief and drastic changes, but it’s been hard. So hard. I’m approaching the one-year anniversary of The Day I Went Blind. That day last year, July 29, 2007 was the day the “light went out.” We all have days in our lives that mark anniversaries or impor-
tant events or even disasters or tragedies. And July 29th at 12:33 p.m. is the moment my right eye, my “good” eye stopped working. The left eye had stopped working about five years ago, and it was amazing how well my body had reacted, come to my aid, and how my “good” eye kept compensating, right up till the end against the double vision that finally barred out entirely. On that day, I was at my drawing table working on a drawing in progress at the Oshkosh air show, when it happened. I was talking to a group of kids about art, about finding your passion. For a dozen years I had run a booth at the air show selling my aviation drawings, drawings I had had the time to develop after my first MS attack some years before, a true case of “one door shuts and two doors open.” When the loss of vision happened I was able to keep my cool, and calmly called out for Melanie. I told her to, without making a fuss, help me to reach the big chairs across the aisle from our booth and then quietly inform the rest of the team what had happened.
And sitting in that chair, with the incredible roar of classic World War II aircraft performing above me, with the voices of excited kids and old friends and customers, and the general din of the exhibition hall around me, I realized two things. One was that I wished I had just stepped outside the building to see the planes that I loved, planes that I would probably never see again. The other was that I was at one of those moments in life that, in many ways, other moments would be compared against. It was a moment when your life has taken a step in a direction and suddenly you don’t have the same options to choose from, or at least you are faced with an entirely new set of options. These moments come to us all, with car accidents, with vows of “I do,” with the call that comes in the middle of the night, with looking into the eyes of a newborn child, with a coughing fit or a first bitter taste of liquor, or an exchanged smile across a crowded dance floor. Sometimes we know the moment for what it is, but most times we don’t. Later we realize it, but The light - cont. on p. 11
August 10, 2008
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News at a glance . . . New Web site makes finding affordable housing easier
Republican National Convention Accessibility options Metro Transit buses will not be used to take guests of the upcoming Republican National Convention back and forth between the Xcel Energy Center and their hotels, making guaranteed accessibility uncertain. In their place, charter companies from around the state will be providing transportation. Some of those buses will not be accessible. However, a spokesperson for the disability office of the convention said accessible vans to meet special needs will be available on an on-call basis. The vans will be limited to convention delegates, alternates, media personnel and guests who have credentials.
For people struggling to put a roof over their head, HousingLink introduces the newest way to find affordable housing in Minnesota – hList. With hList, anyone with Internet access can search for affordable rentals by location, rent amount and bedroom size. Key features include: listing properties with accessible units, free access, and easy-to-sort, easy-to-print results. Before hList, HousingLink offered two ways to find affordable housing online: the Private Market Vacancy Report (PMVR) and Online Directory of Affordable Rental Housing. hList integrates the best of both resources to create a powerful and intuitive new search tool. In addition, wheelchairs will be provided by the convention if needed. The convention itself will be ASL interpreted, by a “We went to great lengths to gather feedback from our users to contracted local company. Finally, large print material and determine the design of the hList,” said Ben Van Hunnik, listening devices will be available by request. [Source: Roger marketing manager with HousingLink. “I met with renters, Fuller] service providers and property owners to see what they wanted in a new search tool. Their feedback helped us develop an Medical center to pay $195,000 to settle in easier, more effective resource for people in need of affordable EEOC lawsuit housing.” [Source: www.housinglink.org] Virginia Mason Medical Center has agreed to provide $195,000 and other relief to settle a federal lawsuit charging that the Medicare bill survives presidential veto Seattle nonprofit health organization unlawfully fired CaTina Key measures on Medicare payments and equipment have White due to a back injury. According to the U.S. Equal cleared both houses of Congress. On July 9 the Senate passed Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) lawsuit, surgithe Medicare bill (HR 6331) by a veto-proof majority (69 – cal technician White had worked at Virginia Mason’s facility 30). The House passed the legislation in June, 355-59. That in Seattle for more than three years when she sustained an onvote that is also comfortably more than the two-thirds majority the-job injury to her back and took medical leave. When she needed to override a presidential veto. President George W. returned to work with a medical release that restricted her from Bush vetoed the measure July 15, but Congress quickly over- heavy lifting and prolonged standing, Virginia Mason inrode the veto. formed her that she could no longer perform her job under those restrictions. The EEOC charged that the center failed to reasThe legislation was seen by many as a battle between health sign White to vacate equivalent positions for which she was insurers against physicians. The new law halts a 10.6 percent qualified and could perform, and unlawfully terminated her due cut in Medicare payments to doctors, which was part of a cost- to her disability. saving schedule set to be implemented July 1. The American Medical Association lobbied for the legislation, saying its Disability discrimination violates the Americans with Disabilimembers might have to cut back on seeing Medicare patients ties Act (ADA), which requires employers to make reasonable if the cuts went into effect. The legislation will make cuts to accommodations for employees’ disabilities as long as this Medicare Advantage, an alternate program that private insur- does not pose an undue hardship on the business. The EEOC ers participate in. It also affects a number of other programs, filed the lawsuit after first attempting to reach a voluntary including purchase of equipment. The legislation doesn’t make agreement. The settlement allowed Virginia Mason to deny any any changes to the current first-month purchase option for wrongdoing but they did agree to pay White monetary dampower wheelchairs. ages. In addition, the center will review its anti-discrimination [This article was compiled from online news accounts in the policies regarding disability and commits to allowing up to six Washington Post and Associated Press.] months to reassign employees with disabilities to a vacant position for which they are qualified. Virginia Mason will also train supervisors to ensure that they fully understand their legal Social Security Administration obligations under the ADA to applicants and employees. makes Web site more user-friendly The Social Security Administration is interested in providing [Source: EEOC News] the most efficient and effective website possible. The agency has unveiled a redesigned home page, meant to be more userfriendly. The new look follows the standard for design principles in the industry by reducing clutter, improving navigation, making better use of graphics, reducing the need to scroll down and prioritizing items on the page. Some of the major changes include the placement of prominent links to Filing Online for Retirement Benefits, Applying for Disability Benefits and Requesting a Social Security Card to help reduce the number of unnecessary trips to a local Social Security office; the creation of a brief video greeting which will help many people, including those with certain visual disabilities; and the consolidation of information, services and schedules of payments for people already receiving benefits. Before launching this redesign, staff consulted with the Social Security Advisory Board, Congressional staff, external stakeholders and web design experts. Focus groups were conducted with members of the public. The site was tested for usability and Section 508 compliance to ensure that those with disabilities could easily navigate it. Comments on the newly designed home page are sought. A link has been created for the submission of feedback. [Source: www.socialsecurity.gov]
This Could Be Your Ad — Reach Active and Interested Readers, Call 651- 644- 2133 or visit us at accesspress.org
New guide makes buying toys for differently-abled kids easier When selecting a gift for a child with special needs, family and friends often have trouble choosing the right toy. Mostly, they want the child to receive everyday playthings that are fun, new and appropriate to their abilities. To help these loved ones find the perfect gift, Toys“R”Us has again partnered with National Lekotek Center to create the 2008 Toys“R”Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids. The guide is released in September and available throughout the year. Each year, this easy-to-use resource helps parents, family, friends and professionals in finding toys that cater to—or help develop—a child’s particular abilities. Many partnering disabilities organizations, including the National Muscular Association and National Down Syndrome Society distribute the Guide to their members. The free, one-of-a-kind toy guide speaks to a child’s individual needs and offers qualified toy recommendations based on research from National Lekotek Center, an independent, nonprofit organization that handpicks and tests the toys featured in the Guide. The Guide is also available at www.toysrus.com/differently abled. An updated, colorful and easy-to-use online version of the Guide, it now includes the same recognizable symbols from the print edition, assigned to each item so parents can find toys that cater to their child’s skills and needs, and promotes development in areas of auditory, language, social skills, creativity and more (also, now available online in Spanish). [Source: Toys”R”Us] ■
Convenient, Comprehensive, Accessible Care at Courage Center Our experienced Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physicians treat people with: – Spasticity – Spinal cord injury – Acquired brain injury – Stroke – Congenital disabilities – Health concerns that are barriers to health and independence
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Rehabilitation Medicine Associates
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– Patient evaluations and management of rehab issues – Neuro and musculoskeletal rehabilitation – Comprehensive spasticity evaluation and management including: therapy, oral medication, splinting, injections with Botox and Phenol, and intrathecal Baclofen pump management and refills
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August 10, 2008
Soldiers support soldiers Fun in the sun TRI-N-HELP wounded/challenged athletes
UCP Golf Scramble 2008 a big success
by Major Brian Musselman
by Nancy Sopkowiak
G
G
olden rays of sunlight splashed over the Iraqi desert as I turned the corner for my last two-mile lap on my road bike. This stretch of road was the only adequate asphalt for me to ride on in Iraq. I was on day 145 of my 180day deployment and I found myself right in the middle of what I would soon find to be a great passion of mine…cycling. I had never been much of a
olfers got into the swing at United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota’s (UCPM) 12 th Annual Golf Scramble July 21, at the Oak Marsh Golf Course in Oakdale. While having fun in the hot sun the participants raised money to help people with Cerebral Palsy (CP), and The goal of team TRI-N-HELP is to raise $2500. the weather cooperated with Team members are Barney Hogan, Rich Farley, sunny skies. UCPM support- From left - Mark Gustafson, Bret Lanning, Denny Kudak, David Neal, Brian Musselman ers have declared the event a and Debby Gustafson; Debby is a long time UCP sponsor; rider, but my friend and col- athlons seemed like a challeng- resounding success. she won the Access Press prize (golf shirt). league, Capt. Rich Farley, has ing, yet fun adventure where I ridden bikes for years. As a could start riding. Farley had Cerebral Palsy is a lifelong individual’s quality of life. The golfing commenced at combat search and rescue team convinced me that riding was condition caused by a trauma This information is from the noon with a shotgun start. Each member, he realized the value the next logical fitness routine to the brain generally occur- UCPM website: www.ucpmn. golf team began the tournaof not only fitness but personal I should try and as luck would ring prior to, during or shortly org. The theme on the United ment with a pink golf ball, contact with others while at a have it, I met another deployed after birth. It is not a disease. Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota called a pink lady. Golfers were deployed location. He often e- member who had been cycling Therapy and/or medical inter- website is “Life without limits supposed to keep the pink lady mailed me and would frequently for 20 years. I purchased a bike, ventions and assistive technol- for people with disabilities.” in play as long as possible. discuss how his latest fitness (believe or not, one can pur- ogy may help improve an Debby Gustafson confessed adventure was progressing. chase a bicycle in Iraq) and this that her team lost their pink Farley had recently started new friend helped me assemble lady on the first hole. Despite Major Musselman at training to compete in and tune the bike for optimum that loss, Gustafson said she Hands of Victory/Swords of triathlons. I had been a runner performance. Now I was ready always has fun at the scramble, Qãdisïyah, monument in since college and always to go! adding “How can you go wrong Bagdad, Iraq wanted to start cycling. Triwith golf?” Gustafson and her In Iraq I would wake up early company, Twin Cities Metro INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS to start training mainly because CDC, have sponsored the TRANSITION SERVICES the summers in Iraq are akin to UCPM event for five years. HOUSING NEEDS the summers in my hometown Gustafson also won a golf shirt PEER MENTORING of Phoenix…ridiculously hot! RAMP PROJECT at the Access Press golf hole, NURSING HOME RELOCATION Outside exercise is best conbecause she had the closest DISABILITY LINKAGE LINE Adam Hanson, kissing his mom, Darcy Hanson; ducted in the cool desert mornwww.mcil-mn.org guess for how many pieces of ADVOCACY Phone: 651.646.8342 Tim Hanson (leaning into the cart) Dr. Ray Tervo ing rather than the hot, dry candy were in a bowl. (She ACCESSIBILITY Fax: 651.603.2006 (seated behind Adam); Bob Nordin (seated behind Darcy) guessed 63 pieces and there 130-degree afternoon. My ADA INFORMATION TTY: 651.603.2001 one-mile stretch of road ended Mark Tervo (boy with hat); Dr. Tervo and Bob Nordin are were 64.) Each golf hole had a TECHNOLOGY both from Gillette Children’s Specialty HealthCare. PERSONAL ASSISTANCE Soliders - cont. on p. 11 fun activity and there were contests and awards for longCONSUMER-DIRECTED SUPPORTS AND SERVICES In the spring of 2007, when a Minneapolis theater company put on a show titled est drive, closest to pin and “The Rise of the Celebretards,” people with disabilities and their allies took action. longest putt. First, second and MissionStatement: third place teams received “To work with people with disabilities in fulfilling their desire to lead productive, self-determined lives.” awards. Golfers also enjoyed a silent auction which featured MCIL provides Nursing Home Relocation, Personal Assistant Services (PCA), sports memorabilia. Dale Transitional & Independent Living Services to individuals through Medical Assistance, Vocational Rehabilitation, County Waivers (CADI, CDCS, EW, TBI) and private pay. Findlay, an individual with CP, 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. has volunteered on the course games for 12 years. 1600 University Ave. West Suite 16, Saint Paul, MN 55104 Located on the first floor in the Spruce Tree Building
About 70 golfers participated in this year’s event. UCPM Board Member Tim Hanson played on a team with his wife Darcy. Their son Adam, who has CP, enjoyed watching the UCP - cont. on p. 15 The film “Offense Taken” documents this community’s organized response to the play title and to the public use of the “R” word (“retard”).
Film Premier and Community Campaign Launch Film Premier and Community Campaign Launch Film Premier and Community Campaign Launch
With the release of this new film, a coalition of community organizations and individuals is launching a campaign to encourage a community discussion about disrespectful language and human rights. Please join us for this premier and discussion, and help us advance the dignity of people with developmental and other disabilities. Info & RSVP: Kathy, Advocating Change Together, 651-641-0297
Hala Sonbol, representing and cheering on the golfers at the Access Press sponsored hole.
August 10, 2008
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August 10, 2008
AutoMARK demonstrations by Access Press staff
V
oters with disabilities have an option besides asking an election judge for help or bringing a helper to the polls. At the polling place, the AutoMark ballot-marking equipment is meant to provide voters with additional accessibility.
fortable asking for assistance, that is still an available option. Two election judges, each from a different political party, can accompany a voter to a voting booth and help the voter fill out a ballot. Ask for help when you register at your polling place. A voter may also bring a friend or family member to help mark their ballot. It’s always best to let the head election judge or a registration judge know right away if you have a helper.
The AutoMARK is intended to assist voters with disabilities to vote independently and privately. It provides a number of accessibility options for voters. Its use isn’t restricted to voters with disabilities. All If your organization would like voters may use the Auto- to know more about the AutoMARK. MARK, counties can provide demonstrations prior to an Here’s how the machines work: election. Contact Jodi Nelson, A voter gets a paper ballot and Voter Outreach Coordinator, then takes it to the AutoMARK. Minnesota Secretary of State, She can then use a screen to if your group would like an enlarge the text for easier view- AutoMARK demonstration. ing. Type can be enlarged or Nelson is at 651-201-1336 or the voter can use a high-con- jodi.nelson@state.mn.us trast display of the ballot. There are headphones to allow a voter Another way to see and try to to listen privately to an audio AutoMARK prior to the priversion of the ballot. The mary is to visit demonstrations AutoMARK also has an addi- announced by the Secretary of tional connection for other ac- State’s office. The Autocessibility devices. MARK will be available at the Minnesota State Fair’s EducaVoters using an AutoMARK tion Building, August 21-Sepcan choose candidates by ei- tember 1. The AutoMARK ther touching the screen, using will also be available in Duluth a key pad or using an external at the Age and Disabilities accessibility device. The ma- Odyssey, August 18-19. chine reads the voter’s choices and completes the ballot for The AutoMARKs are also the selection made. The voter made available for in-person than takes his ballot, places it absentee voting, when counin a privacy sleeve and places ties have open hours for votit in the ballot box or counter. ing prior to Election Day. Absentee voting for the primary Voters with disabilities are not starts Friday, August 8 and required to use the Auto- ends September 8. ■ MARK. If a voter is more com-
SKYWAY -
Cont. from p. 1
the Golden Rule provides a skyway connection to a public parking ramp and key downtown destinations. There have been complaints that visitors who park in the ramp and then return have had difficulty getting to their vehicles. The exemptions can change over time. For example, if part of the downtown area is redeveloped and a later skyway link is needed, an exemption may be revisited. Building owners and managers go through a review with the Sky-
way Governance Committee, a committee of CapitolRiver Council, the district council representing the downtown area and a St. Paul City Council hearing. Longtime downtown business owner and CapitolRiver Council Member John Mannillo said he views skyways to his property as an asset and that other building owners should do the same. Rod Halverson, a resident of downtown and member of CapitolRiver Council, agreed. “Building owners
want the advantages of the skyway system but they don’t want the responsibility of being open after hours.”
closed. People were trying to get through the connection, without success. City Council hearings start at 5:30 p.m.
One exemption is for the St. Paul City Hall/Ramsey County Courthouse, which will be allowed to close at 5 p.m. weekdays and be closed weekends. Halverson objected to the city seeking an exemption for its own building, calling it “ironic.” He had come to the building at 5:09 p.m. for the public hearing and found the skyway connection already
Halverson said that the city wants to dictate when skyways are open “and yet you want an exemption for your own building.” The City Council did agree to have a device installed that will allow skyway users to leave via skyway 30 minutes after public hearings end. ■
August 10, 2008
AWARD -
Cont. from p. 6
population is sometimes iso- receive this award for outstandlated and ignored. ing contributions to the organization. According to Chute, “For me, everyone at DIA is deserving The dinner and volunteer of this award. From its incred- award will be an ongoing acible co-founders Sharif and tivity. Like Chute, future Abdul to its outstanding ex- award candidates will be seecutive director Mahad, and lected and recognized for proto its dedicated staff, that works viding DIA staff or clients hard every day to help serve with help and guidance for this often forgotten and vul- even greater community innerable population. It is an teraction and support. ■ honor to be a part of such a unique organization that is To know how you can support truly out there making a differ- DIA and to learn more, access ence every day for those who the DIA website at www.dia link.org. Or e-mail Mahad most need assistance.” and other DIA volunteers at Mahad Abdi, DIA’s executive info@dialink.org. To visit or director, introduced Chute as contact by phone the DIA ofthe DIA Board of Directors fice, go to or call 3033 2nd Ave choice and best candidate to S. Mpls, (612) 824-7075.
SOLDIERS -
Cont. from p. 8
at the base entry gate. I would frequently see soldiers heading to and from patrol outside the perimeter and often thought of how the unit was affected when one of their brothers in arms was injured or did not return. What kind of impact would that have on their family and community back home? How would they make it after such a devastating event had occurred to them? It was during these morning rides that I realized how fortunate I was to have the ability to start a new sport. I was scheduled to return from Iraq in mid-August, 2007. Farley was scheduled to race a Sprint Triathlon in early September so we agreed this might be a great reunion opportunity where we could both participate in the triathlon. What a rush! The excitement of completing this event was unexplainable. As a runner I would frequently participate in a 5K or 10K run in support of fundraising initiatives. The feeling of accomplishment after completing the triathlon towered over running events. Throughout the weekend, Farley and I discussed how unfortunate it was for people who did not have the ability to participate in sporting events and how there are thousands of military personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan who are injured and are no longer able to participate in an active lifestyle. As we watched a rerun of the 2007 Kona Ironman in preparation for our Sprint Triathlon (400 meter swim, 14 mile bike, 5K run), we saw the remarkable story of U.S. Army Major David Rozelle. While in Iraq commanding 140 troops of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Rozelle lost part of his right leg when a land mine exploded under his Humvee. Rozelle’s experiences could be easily compared to your worst nightmare following the incident. He was in excruciating pain, depressed, physically challenged
and not knowing what his future held. Tenacity saved his life! Rozelle remembered what it was like to participate in sports and strongly believed in the healing power of sports to help accomplish his new mission…get back into action! He became involved with the Challenged Athletes Foundation and competed in several triathlons. Driven to conquer the Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Kona, he was dedicated to prove that he’s not only “back in action,” but back with a purpose. In Hawaii, he completed the race an hour faster than his qualifying time, finishing in 12:46:26. (As a point of reference, an Ironman Triathlon is a 2.4mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run.) After many months of rehabilitation, training and sheer determination, Rozelle returned to active duty and subsequently to the same battlefield where he was originally wounded—the first American soldier to do so in modern times. (www.challengedath letes.org/athletes_stories/ David_Rozelle.htm) Rozelle’s story inspired me and Farley to make a difference for athletes with physical challenges all over the world. We cofounded the Triathlon Team TRI-N-HELP as our contribution to this noble cause. Race for a Reason under the guise of the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) was established in 1997. The CAF is a unique organization that recognizes the athletic greatness inherent in all people with physical challenges and supports their athletic endeavors by providing grants for training, competition and equipment needs. The mission of TRI-N-HELP is to raise money to support challenged athletes while increasing awareness of exercise and nutrition. TRI-N-HELP believes fitness increases quality of life. Our goals are to raise $2,500 in the first year, increase awareness of injured/wounded U.S. Military members.
BELOVED VOICE Fortunately, she gathered many of her writings into her 2005 memoir: “Too Late to Die Young: Almost True Tales of a Life.” The title comes from the first chapter in which she saw a Jerry Lewis telethon when she was very young. Lewis went on and on about finding a cure for muscular dystrophy, or his poster children, whom he referred to as “Jerry’s kids,” would die without reaching adulthood. She saw that they looked a lot like her, so she thought she probably would die soon. With each year that went by, Johnson would think: “Well at least I got to be a kindergartner before I die,” etc. She was a 30year-old adult before she realized that everyone was even-
11
Cont. from p. 3
tually going to die. She came to the conclusion, an example of her acerbic wit, that since she was now more than 30, it was too late for her to die young. The memoir includes the following events: attending a world-wide disability conference in Cuba, going to the 1996 Democratic National Convention as a delegate, being at the White House for the signing of the ADA legislation, trying an ADA case and her discussions with Singer.
spontaneously. She had to be very careful about how long, and in what way, she was positioned in her chair. She weighed about 70 pounds. She needed help to perform almost all activities of daily living. She didn’t dwell on her own physical frailties and only spoke of them at this event to show how much she would have fit the profile of people Singer would have thought it appropriate to kill at birth. Her understated approach was more compelling than most emotion-laden debates.
I was fortunate enough to meet Harriet McBryde Johnson her when she was keynote touched the lives of thousands speaker at a Minnesota Justice of people, both in person and Foundation banquet soon af- through her writings. She will ter the Singer article appeared. be missed but definitely not Her voice was warm and she forgotten. was a wonderful story teller. Johnson was a small woman, Memorial service for Harriet We completed the Desert Clas- with a degenerative muscular McBryde Johnson will be held sic Duathlon in February (3.5- disease with bones that could in Charleston at 2 p.m. Sunmile run, 21-mile bike ride and fracture easily and almost day, August 17 at the ILA Hall 2.7-mile run). Our teammate Dave Neal (a dental student in Cont. from p. 6 Mesa, AZ and former US Air Force Para-recueman), not then, not at the exact mo- of destiny? I sat there, workachieved an awesome accom- ment. ing on keeping my fear in plishment by finishing the Ford check, focusing on my breathIronman in Tempe, AZ in early That’s what the moment of my ing and the sounds around me April. I recently completed the blindness meant to me: a while Melanie and my team, Mountain Man Olympic Dis- change that I could never come far more excited, were making tance Triathlon in Flagstaff, back from, even if I regained plans to get me home or to a AZ (.93-mile swim, 24.8-mile my eyesight. It was in some hospital. The moment was so bike and 6.2-mile run). We ways a wonderful moment. certain, the knowledge was so will continue to race and raise How often is it in our own lives clear that my life had just money to support the Chal- that we realize those moments changed forever that I rememlenged Athletes Foundation because we know the money we raise will support athletes who cannot always get to the starting line: swimmers missing limbs, paraplegics who use hand cycles to bike and runners who race using artificial limbs. High-tech running prosthetics are very expensive and learning to swim without a limb (or limbs) requires special coaching. These challenged athletes want to participate in athletics and feel the rush of competition, just like us. In May of 2008, the Challenged Athletes Foundation distributed more than $1 million in grants to 625 athletes. It is a wonderful thing to witness firsthand the diversity and impact of sports supported by the Challenged Athletes Foundation.
1142 Morrison Drive. Her family asks that memorials be sent to USC Law School for a scholarship in Harriet’s name. They hope to raise $100,000. Checks should be written to: USC Educational Foundation, “In Honor of Harriet McBryde Johnson” in the memo line. Mail to: Office of Alumni and Development, USC School of Law, 701 S. Main Street Suite 202, Columbia, SC 29208 The Gimp Parade, a very wellresearched and up-to-date blog authored by Kay Johnson from Minnesota, has an index labeled “just for Johnson.” www.thegimpparade.blog spot.com. ■ Laura Hershey has set up a page on her web site for persons to remember Harriet and celebrate her life. It can be found at www.cripcommen tary.com.
THE LIGHT -
We are confident with our help, challenged athletes will be able to continue to bridge the financial gap and overcome funding obstacles that block their path to athletic achievement. If you would like to donate in support of Team TRIN-HELP please visit www.trin help.org or http://racefora reason.kintera.org/trinhelp. ■ Major Brian Musselman and Captain Rich Farley are both Active Duty Officers serving in the United States Air Force and co-founders of the Triathlon Team TRI-N-HELP. www.trinhelp.org/Trinhelp/ Trinhelp.html
ber that I actually spoke to my old self, my old life, now instantly changed and fading away. I said out loud, “Goodbye.” I had the tiniest smile on my face. “Goodbye. Goodbye.”■ Pete Feigal can be contacted at PFeigal@aol.com
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August 10, 2008
Upcoming events To list an event, email access@accesspress.org Adaptive technology classes August-October The Minneapolis Central Library will once again be hosting a variety of free classes for blind, low vision and computer users with disabilities. Classes include tutorials on beginner and advanced Magic (screen magnifier), e-mail using adaptive software, JAWS (screen reader) and general internet usage. Four to five sessions for each class. Details: Dates and times vary. Adaptive Technology Lab, Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis. FFI: 612-630-6469.
Remembering with Dignity meeting August 15 Remembering with Dignity is honoring those who lived and died in Minnesota’s state institutions by telling their stories and preserving our dignity. This will be an informational meeting regarding the placement of named headstones and grounds improvements at the St. Peter State Hospital Cemetery. Self advocates, consumers, relatives of former residents and community members are encouraged to attend. There will be a ceremony held at the St. Peter State Hospital Cemetery 2-45
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p.m. Saturday, September 27, 2008 for the laying of the new gravestones. Details: PowerUp Club House, St Peter. FFI: 651-641-0297
tion, the care and assistance center will feature services such as wheelchair battery recharging. Senior Days and a variety of other programs and discounts for senior citizens Wings Appreciation Picnic will also be included. Details: August 15 Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Wings is a Christian-centered FFI: www.mnstatefair.org or nonprofit organization for 651-288-4448. adults with disabilities. They are hosting an appreciation March for Our Lives picnic, which will feature September 2 roasted chicken, potato salad, The Poor People’s Economic ice cream, singing and a gift Human Rights Campaign calls giveaway. Details: $375. 6-9 for you to join them as they fill p.m. Lake Nokomis Pavilion, the streets of St. Paul in a powMinneapolis. FFI: Dale at 651- erful, peaceful demonstration 402-6277 or Maynard at 507- for the right to health care, 252-8553. housing and all economic human rights. This September Anxiety support group they will bring together poor August 21 and homeless people of every The National Alliance on Men- race, background and age, stutal Illness (NAMI) of Minne- dents, social workers, union sota sponsors free support members, lawyers, religious groups for persons with anxi- leaders, artists and everyone ety disorders. The groups help who stands for social and ecoindividuals develop better cop- nomic justice to march on the ing skills and find strength Republican National Conventhrough sharing their experi- tion. FFI: www.economic ences. An Open Door Anxi- humanrights.org or 612-821ety/Panic support group meets 2364. on the first and third Thursday of the month. Details: 6:30 p.m. Abilities Expo Gloria Del Church, 700 September 12-14 Snelling Ave. S. FFI: Wade at The Abilities Expo, a compre763-772-2379 or hensive expo and conference www.namimn.org. for independent and assisted living products and services, Minnesota State Fair is back in Minneapolis next August 21-September 1 month. It is designed for perThe State Fair is once again sons with disabilities, family offering a variety of accessi- members, seniors, caregivers, bility options to ensure that all physical and occupational Minnesotans can enjoy the fun. therapists, and education and Wheelchair and electric rehabilitation professionals. It scooter rentals are available will feature exhibits of hunfrom Vista Mobility, at four dreds of products, free workfairground locations. In addi- shops and special events such
as sports exhibitions and fashReason for Hope retreat ion shows. Details: MinneapoOctober 24-25 lis Convention Center. FFI: Reason for Hope is an annual www.abilitiesexpo.com, or weekend retreat for parents and 800-388-8146. caregivers who have a child or adult with any type of disabilHelping Paws dinner ity or healthcare need. AttendSeptember 13 ees participate in support group The 10th Annual Helping Paws meetings and workshops, and Tail Waggin’ Dinner will cel- attend a keynote address, as ebrate Two Decades of Dogs. well as having time to relax The evening will include a si- and socialize. The keynote lent auction, plated dinner, speakers this year will be program and live auction. Cost mother-son combo Martha and is $75 for adults, $20 for chil- Jeff Smith, who will present a dren 12 and under. Service show involving magic, comdogs, service dogs-in-training edy and discussions on family and our most recent puppies life. Details: $50 per person will be attending. Come enjoy (includes overnight accommothe festivities and learn about dations, meals, workshops and Helping Paws service dogs and meetings). Americanna Inn, St. how they change lives. All pro- Cloud. FFI: www.reasonfor ceeds from this event benefit hoperetreat.org, or 320-393Helping Paws. Details: Min- 4906. neapolis Marriott Southwest. FFI: www.helpingpaws.org. Visible Child conference October 28-29 Heel and Wheel walk The Visible Child conference September 14 will seek to elevate the develIn support of Hearing and Ser- opmental needs of children and vice Dogs of Minnesota, this youth who have experienced annual fundraiser will include homelessness. Workshops will a one or three mile walk, for be offered by local and naparticipants who have raised tional experts on homelessness pledges in the preceding and child development. Promonths. Both individuals and viding training and networkteams are encouraged to raise ing opportunities for organifunds. The day will also in- zations that serve homeless and clude prizes for donations of formerly homeless youth, invarious sizes, a random prize cluding housing and mental drawing, and entertainment health providers, educators and including music and games for child development staff, the all ages. Details: Phalen Park, conference will feature keySt Paul. 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. note speakers Antwone Fisher FFI: www.hsdm.org or 612- and Ralph Nunez. Details: The 729-5986. Depot, Minneapolis. FFI: www.fhfund.org/visiblechild/ ■
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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 below.
See www.accesspress.org for complete listing and for Accessible Movie Theaters Broadway Legendary Ladies Oct. 1 - 26 Ordway Center for the Performing Arts McKnight Theatre, 345 Washington, St. Paul. AD: Sat., Oct. 18, 2 pm, ASL: Sat., Oct. 25, 2 pm, Tix/Phone: 651-224-4222, TTY: 651282-3100, Web: www.ord way.org/services/access.asp
Phone: 612-377-2224, TTY: 612-377-6626, Web: www. guthrietheater.org/accessibility
captioning users, Phone: 612377-2224, TTY: 612-3776626, Web: www.guthrie theater.org/accessibility
Horsing Around Oct. 5 Mpls. Institute of Arts, 2400 Third Ave. S. ASL: Sun., Oct. 5, 1 pm; Free ASL-interpreted public tour begins by the InCrazy for You formation Desk in the museum Aug. 15 - Sept. 14 lobby, Tix/Phone: 612-870Bloomington Civic Theatre at 3131, TTY: 612-870-3132, EBloomington Center for the mail: dhegstrom@artsmia. Arts Schneider Theater, 1800 org, Web: www.artsmia.org W. Old Shakopee Road. AD: Fri., Aug. 22, 7:30 pm, ASL: Il trovatore Sat., Aug. 28, 7:30 pm, Tix: Sept. 20 - 28 Reduced to $18 (reg. $25, se- The Minnesota Opera at nior $22, student $19), Phone: Ordway Center for Perform952-563-8575, Web: www. ing Arts, 345 Washington St., bloomingtoncivictheatre.org St. Paul. Sung in Italian with English captions projected Distracted above the stage, AD: Sun., Sept. 25 - Oct. 19 Sept. 28, 2 pm; free pre-show Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 S. Opera Insights discussion at 1, 4 th St., Mpls. AD, ASL, Tix: Reduced to half-price for Captioning: Thurs., Oct. 9, AD patrons, Phone: 612-3337:30 pm, Tix: $18, $16 stu- 6669, TTY: 651-282-3100, dent/senior, $14 groups, sea- Web: www.mnopera.org son access pass $50, Phone: A Life in the Theatre 612-338-6131, Web: www. Sept. 19 - Oct. 26 mixedblood.com Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls. AD: Thurs., Forever Plaid Oct. 9, 7:30 pm, Tix: Reduced April 9 - Sept. 27 Old Log Theater, 5185 to $10 (reg. $26-36), Phone: Meadville Street, Excelsior. 612-822-7063, E-mail: box AD: Thurs., Sept. 4, 1 pm, office@jungletheater.com, Tix: Reduced to $15 for AD Web: www.jungletheater. patrons (reg. $19.50-32), com Phone: 952-474-5951, Web: www.oldlog.com Little House on the Prairie July 26 - Oct. 5 The Government Inspector Guthrie Theater, 818 2nd St. July 5 - Aug. 24 S., Mpls. AD: Sat., Aug. 30, 1 Guthrie Theater, Wurtele pm; Sensory Tour 10:30 am; Thrust Stage, 818 - 2nd St. S., Fri., Sept. 12, 7:30 pm, ASL: Mpls. AD: Fri., Aug. 1, 7:30 Fri., Sept. 19, 7:30 pm; Thurs., pm, ASL: Thurs., Aug. 14, Sept. 25, 7:30 pm, 7:30 pm, Captioning: Sat., Captioning: Fri., Sept 26, 7:30 Aug. 16, 1 pm, Tix: Reduced pm; Sat., Sept. 27, 1pm, Tix: to $18 (reg. $24-69); (reg. $29-75) Reduced to $20 captioning users half-off, for AD/ASL, $25 for
Man of La Mancha June 21 - Oct. 25 Commonweal Theatre, 208 Parkway Ave. N., Lanesboro. ASL: Sun., Sept. 7, 1:30 pm, Tix: Half price (reg. $25, student $12), Phone: 507-4672525, 800-657-7025, E-mail: tickets@commonwealtheatre. org, Web: www.commonweal theatre.org Minnesota Renaissance Festival Aug. 16 - Sept. 28 Off Highway 169 at 145th St. 20 miles south of the Twin Cities, 3 miles south of Shakopee. Sign Language Saturday offers interpreters at most performances during the day, including parade in front of the Bakery Stage. ASL: Sat., Sept. 6, 9 am to 7 pm, Tix: adult $19.95, senior (60+) $17.95; child (6-12) $10.95; advance tickets $16.95 adults, $8.50 kids, Phone: 800-9668215, E-mail: info@renais sancefest.com, Web: www. renaissancefest.com Minnesota State Fair Aug. 21 - Sept. 1 State Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul Requests for ASL interpreters or Audio Describers for Grandstand Shows must be made two weeks in advance. ASL interpreters are also available to assist guests from 10 am to 8 pm daily, and will interpret a number of events daily, ASL: Jonny Lang and Buddy Guy with special guest Big Head Todd and The Monsters; Sun., Aug. 24, 7 pm, $35, ASL: Toby Keith with special guests Carter’s Chord,
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 Street next to the Hard Rock Café. www.kerasotes. com/ (Scroll down the lower right-hand 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.
pm, Thursday-Sat. 9:30 am 9 pm, Sun. noon - 5pm, TTY: 651-221-4585, Email: info@smm.org Web: www. smm.org/visitorinfo/hours/ showtimes_dynamic.php or www.smm.org/info/ accessibility.php
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 am-5:00
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: Sfennessey@cectheatres.com ■
Trailer Choir and Mica Roberts; Mon., Sept. 1, 7:30 pm, $50; Other Grandstand shows available to request AD or ASL. Tix: Online, at State Fair box office, TicketMaster or by phone: General admission tix to the Fairgrounds: $11 (ages 13-64), $9 (65 and over), $8 (ages 5-12), free under 5. Pre-fair discount admission tickets available until Aug. 20 at Cub Foods, Phone: 651288-4400 or 288-4448, TTY: 651-642-2372, TicketMaster: 651-989-5151 (convenience charge), E-mail: tic kets@mnstatefair.org or guestservices@mnstatefair.org, Web: www.mnstatefair.org or www.ticketmaster.com
Old Wicked Songs Sept. 12 - Oct. 5 Guthrie Theater, Dowling Studio, 818 - 2nd St. S., Mpls. AD and ASL: Fri., Oct. 3, 7:30 pm, Tix: Reduced to $20 for AD/ASL; reg. $18-34, Phone: 612-377-2224, TTY: 612377-6626, Web: www.guthrie theater.org/accessibility
Off the Wall: Sculpture at the Institute Sept 7 Mpls. Institute of Arts, 2400 Third Ave. S. ASL: Sun., Sept. 7, 1 pm; Free ASL-interpreted public tour begins by the Information Desk in the museum lobby, Phone: 612-870-3131, TTY: 612-870-3132, E-mail: dhegstrom@artsmia.org, Web: www.artsmia.org
A View from the Bridge Sept. 13 - Nov. 9 Guthrie Theater, Wurtele Thrust Stage, 818 - 2nd St. S., Mpls. AD: Fri., Oct. 10, 7:30 pm; Sat., Oct. 11, 1 pm; Sensory Tour 10:30 am, ASL: Thurs., Nov. 6, 7:30pm; Fri., Nov. 7, 7:30 pm, Tix: AD/ ASL disc to $20; reg. $18-34, Phone: 612-377-2224, TTY: 612-377-6626, Web: www.guth rietheater.org/accessibility
Power Sept. 12 - Oct. 5 Theatre in the Round, 245 Cedar Ave., Mpls. AD: Sun., Oct. 5, 2 pm, tactile tour at 1, Tix: $20, senior/student discount, Phone: 612-333-3010, Web: www.theatreinthe round.org
Wicked Nov. 5 - Dec. 7 Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls. ASL: Sun., Nov. 9, 1 pm, AD: Sun., Nov. 23, 1 pm, Tix: $32132.50, Phone: 612-373-5639 or 5609, Hotline: 612-3735650, TTY: 612-373-5655, Email: accessible@orpheum. com Web: www.hennepin theatredistrict.org/ guestservices/aslad/ Yankee Doodle Aug. 5 - 17 Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Main Hall, 345 Washington, St. Paul. ASL and AD: Sat., Aug. 16, 2 pm, Tix/ Phone: 651-224-4222, TTY: 651-282-3100, Web: www. ordway.org/services/ access.asp. ■
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ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES AUDIO DESCRIBED
An American story sings.
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612.377.2224 > TTY 612.377.6626 > GUTHRIETHEATER.ORG
14
August 10, 2008
The 2008 Charlie Smith Community Award
Web sightings
——————Nomination Form—————— I am nominating the following person/group for the Charlie Smith Community Award: Nominee: _______________________________________________________________ Individual or Organization Name: ___________________________________________ Contact Person (if applicable): _______________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip: _________________________________________________________ Phone: ______________________ e-mail: ___________________________________
Five web favorites from Access Press‘s Jane McClure
A
nyone who battles chronic breathing problems, which can be aggravated by allergies and asthma, knows how hard it can be to get through the summer. These favorite video clips might bring a smile between sneezes. August’s picks were compiled by Access Press Assistant Editor Jane McClure, who will be glad when the first frost arrives.PS: Join in! Send us your top five, with comments, to access@accesspress.org
Please answer some/all of the following questions. Use additional paper if needed. 1. What kind of voluntary/community work is the nominee involved with?
“Rent: The Allergy Season” www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kbyUO6hTYE This parody of the Broadway musical and movie is set in Upstate New York, instead of New York City. The characters suffer from allergies, not AIDS. The bit with the citronella candle is especially humorous. [Forward to: people who can’t stop singing show tunes]
2. Why do you think the nominee deserves recognition?
“Proxy Pet Love Service” www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_KsTXwyhI0 3. What overall relevance/importance has the nominee’s work/ activity had to the community?
Charlie Smith
If you are allergic to Fido or Fluffy, here is your solution. It’s a toss-up as to which is funnier – the expression on the wary black cat’s face or the very hyper commercial pitchman. [Forward to: a pet lover]
“Sneezing Panda” www.youtube.com/watch?v=vybRcqcNU_A 4. Please explain why these activities would not have happened if the nominee had not been involved?
YouTube has two sneezing panda videos, which have been posted multiple times. There are even videos of people watching and reacting to the sneezing panda. Will someone hand him a tissue? [Forward to: anyone who enjoys visiting the zoo]
“Ed and Oucho” www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRYmla1bk7s 5. Are there any other reasons why you believe this nominee should win the award?
Nominator: ___________________________________________________________ Name: ________________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip: _________________________________________________________ Phone: ______________________ e-mail: ___________________________________ I confirm that all information given on this form is correct to the best of my knowledge. Nominator Sigature/Dated ________________________________________________
Ed and Oucho the Cactus are CBBC characters, featured in many YouTube clips. (The CBBC is the British Broadcasting Corporation’s channel for children.) In this clip Ed is battling hay fever, much to Oucho’s dismay. The pile of wadded-up tissues in front of them just keeps growing. [Forward to: Anyone who enjoys a British sense of humor]
“Allergies be Gone” www.youtube.com/watch?v=duX14bi2wuQ A boy has a super allergy multiplier quantum destroyer. Alas, he blows himself up trying to open the thing. The facial expressions are great and the young actor does a great job with different voices. [Forward to: anyone who has ever accidentally sprayed himself or herself in the face with an inhaler]
Without reader input we cannot continue this feature. Send us your favorite videos!
——————How To Submit This Form—————— E-mail: access@accesspress.org, Fax: 651-644-2136 Mail: Access Press, 1821 University Ave. W. #104S, St. Paul MN 55104
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August 10, 2008
UCP -
Access To Employment
Cont. from p. 8
Classifieds
Employment ads are $20-$22 per col. inch. Aug 31 is the deadline for the Sept 10 issue. Mail to: Access Press, 1821 University Ave. #104S, St. Paul, MN 55104 tournament from his front-row FAX 651-644-2136 • Email: access@accesspress.org seat in the golf cart. Director of Utility Financial Analyst 3 Hala Sonbol was a hostess at The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission seeks candidates Disability Services the Access Press golf hole. She for Financial Analyst 3 position who have accounting and has CP, and this was her first financial analysis experience preferably in the electricity or The Office of the Vice PresiUCPM event. Sonbol enjoyed natural gas industry and the skills and knowledge to direct and dent and Vice Provost for Eqthe day, although she felt dis- conduct investigations of financial matters involving utility uity and Diversity at the Uniappointed that she didn’t see companies. Financial analysts examine and interpret complex versity of Minnesota is seekany golfers with disabilities. utility company financial statements and prepare reports re- ing a highly qualified, motiA UCPM spokesperson said garding the appropriateness of rate base, income statements, vated and creative leader for they welcome all golfers; in and revenue requirements. The incumbent would be respon- its Disability Services office. fact they would love to see sible for evaluating regulatory matters, clarifying record evi- Considered to be one of the more people participating. The dence to ensure completeness, preparing reports based on nation’s leaders in providing UCPM organizers invited the record information to assist Commission decision-making, as progressive services to people Sister Kenny golf program for well as monitoring and, at times, participating in regional and with disabilities, the Disabilpeople with disabilities, but national forums on energy issues. ity Services office is a catalyst haven’t gotten any responders for ensuring equal learning and yet. In addition to industry experience, candidates should hold a working opportunities for studegree in accounting; additional professional certification would dents, faculty, staff and guests In the evening UCPM held a be significant. with disabilities. The office is banquet at the Oak Marsh fawithin an organizational struccility. The guests enjoyed an Candidates must apply online at www.doer.state.mn.us (click ture that provides exciting opItalian buffet dinner. A couple on “Employee Relations,” click on “Employment Informa- portunities for collaboration of UCPM Board members tion”; “Search for a job” (left margin); under “Dept” choose with units with consistent and made brief comments at the “Public Utilities Comm”). Please submit information by Sep- complementary missions as banquet. Tim Hanson spoke tember 8, 2008. well as opportunities to work about what CP is and how it with academic and adminisaffects people. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission is an Affirmative trative units on all campuses Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the throughout the U of M system. Mike Stephenson, UPCM ADA. More information about the Board member and Chair of position and the application Chief Operating Officer the Golf Committee, thanked process can be found at https:/ everyone for coming. Stephen- Aeon (formerly: Central Community Housing Trust) seeks /employment.umn.edu/. The son has been on the UCPM Chief Operating Officer. Reports to President/CEO. Manage requisition number is: 156635. Board for five years. He has $15M budget. Responsible for property operations and manCP and uses a communication agement, resident connections, human resources, and general The University of Minnesota device. Stephenson says about administration. 2,700 residents in 1,500 housing units and is an equal opportunity educator and employer. the golf tournament. “I think growing. the number one thing we did that day was to raise money to Requirements: at least 10 years of overall experience with help people with CP.” For ex- progressive leadership responsibility in addition to a degree in ample, the UCP Minnesota Business or Public Administration. Past experience in propAssistive Technology Loan erty management in either the private- or non-profit sector will Network (MATLN) lends be a plus. communication devices to anyFor more information, please visit www.aeonhomes.org. Eone who is nonverbal. ■ mail resumes no later than August 25th to Fred Marx, Vice To learn more about United President, KeyStone Search at fredm@keystone search.com. Cerebral Palsy and the Golf Scramble: www.ucpmn.org.
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, FOR RENT Holmes-Greenway Housing: One- and two-bedroom wheelchair-accessible apartments. Section 8 subsidized. Convenient SE Minneapolis location. Call 612-378-0331 for availability information. Equal Opportunity Housing. Lewis Park Apartments: Barrier-free housing with wheelchair users in mind. Section 8 subsidized. One- and two-bedroom units. For more information on availability call 651-488-9923. St. Paul, MN. Equal Opportunity Housing.
Oak Park Village: One-bedroom wheelchair-accessible apartments. Section 8 subsidized. Convenient St. Louis Park location. Call 952-9359125 for availability information. Equal Opportunity Housing. Seward Square Apartments: We are currently accepting applications for our waiting list for barrier-free housing, in Minneapolis, that is federally subsidized. For an application, please call 612-338-2680. Equal Opportunity Housing.
Senior Volunteers Needed 60yrs+ needed to serve 15hrs+/wk. Help elderly community members continue to live independently in their homes. Assist with friendly visitation, transportation, and errands. Earn tax-free compensation, mileage reimbursement, and other benefits. For more information call 651.310.9440
Fairview Health Services
A partner with the community, Regions Hospital celebrates National Physically Challenged Month.
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At Regions Hospital, we are committed to providing state-of-theart care in a comfortable, healing environment. Part of that care includes fostering a respectful environment that embraces the many different people that make up our community. As a Level I Trauma Center and one of the area’s most respected healthcare providers, Regions Hospital celebrates diverse talents and backgrounds. Through acceptance and diversity, we can succeed in our mission to be a healing presence in the lives of the patients and families we serve. Our passion for excellence is evident throughout our organization. As our partner, you’ll be rewarded for your talents with a wealth of opportunities and one of the area’s most attractive compensation and benefits packages. At Regions Hospital, you’ll discover a respectful, value-driven environment that can energize your career and personal growth. For a list of current openings and to apply, please visit us online at www.regionshospital.com. EOE Part of the HealthPartners family of care.
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Build your career where breakthrough medical care and a progressive work environment are parts of everyday life. At Fairview, we believe the only way to deliver our promise of exceptional care to our patients is by supporting the health and well-being of our employees. Join us, and you join a close-knit network of professionals whose shared values of dignity, integrity, service and compassion guide everything we do to improve the health of our communities.
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August 10, 2008
We would like to acknowledge the GENEROUS donations of these Issue Sponsors:
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THE FRIENDS OF ACCESS PRESS Thanks to the following sponsors for supporting Access Press this year. ------------------------------- FRIEND SPONSOR ($50 and above) --------------------------Lisa Adami Dave & Lynda Adams Brigid Alseth Hans Anderson Michelle Anderson Kathleen Ball Vicki & Fred Benjamin Patrick Bilbrey Sandi Lane & Monte Blair Susan Bulger Rick Cardenas Teresa Dock Dawn Doering Neil Doughty Beverly Ekola Mary & Will Englund Jo Ann & Steven Erbes Lee Ann Erickson Mary Fenske Sean & Jean Fogarty Thomas & Mary Fogarty Leigh A. Gleason Marge Goldberg Nadine & Andrew Groven Judith Haaversen Michael Hicks Ellie Heller Anne Henry John Hoffman Skip & Ellen Houghton Jeff Nygaard & Marjorie Huebner Elizabeth Johnson Karen Jothen Laura Joyce Barb Kane Mary Kay Kennedy Corbin Sherwood Kidder Barbara Kleist Jennifer Lenzen Russell Lindquist Dorothy McCoy Mary McGrath Connie & John Marty Lynne Megan Kristi Michaelson Jackie Mlynarczyk Brian T. Musselman James & Cynthia Musselman Clifton Ollila Lee Ohnesorge Joan M. Ostrove William & Joen Overby Mark & Mary Payette Linda Paulson Robert J. Geldert & Roberta Pinkosh Julee Quarve-Peterson Kelly Rathcke Terri Ricci Ann Roscoe Scott Rostron Mai Thor Ron Shelby Jon Skaalen Diane Sprague Cathleen Urbain Teresa Vickery Michael Wilson Blue Sky Designs, Inc. Cannon Valley Printing Dakota County LAC Equity Services Guild Incorporated Mental Health Assoc. of MN Nemer, Fieger & Associates, Inc. PACER Center, Inc. Rise, Inc. Reach for Resources Southern MN Regional Legal Services, Inc. United Cerebral Palsy of MN, Inc. Ventures Travel, LLC ---------------------------------- BRONZE SPONSOR ($75 and above) ---------------------Susan Abderholden Anne & Robert Brick Nancy Eustis James Dodge David & Candace Gislason Luther Granquist & Anita Schermer David & Cindy Hadlich Martha Hage Kathleen Hagen Craig Dunn & Candace Hart Pamela Hoopes Dianna Krogstad Linda & Douglas Leicht Richard J & Kelly J Matter Donna McNamara & Paul Monroe
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---------------------------------- BRONZE SPONSOR (continued) ---------------------Paul Mueller Chris Meyer Donn Poll & Eric Nelson Mark Sherman David J. Shusterich Patricia Siebert John G. Smith Eric & Caroline Stevens Peter Vaill Joani Werner MCIL Merrick, Inc. MNDACA MN Work Incentives Connection Northwestern College The Phoenix Residence, Inc. TSE, Inc. --------------------------------- SILVER SPONSOR ($150 and above) ----------------------Michael Bjerkesett Jeff Bangsberg & Anita Boucher Robert & Gail Buuck Mike & Jan Chevrette Robert Gregory Doris & John Groven Ronna Linroth John & Shelia Maier Ellen Emanuel/Peggy Martin Manley and Ann Olson Opportunity Partners Patricia L. Rogers Erica Stern Kevin & Kathy Sullivan Kathy & Paul West William O’Dowd & George Zilligen Focus Beyond Programs Fraser MN Rehab Association MN Work Incentives Connection NAMI-MN Rehabilitation Services Ryan Companies US, Inc. SWCIL ------------------------------- GOLD SPONSOR ($500 and above) ------------------------------Phyllis A. Benjamin (in memoriam) Mary Lou Burdick Wilber Frink Advocating Change Together, Inc. Amerimed Home Care, Inc. Celia Wirth & Associates Cheri McClellon of CBM Home Health Services Inc. Duff-Westman Family Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Freedom Health Care, Inc. Mary T, Inc. Rapit Print Tamarack Habilitation Tech., Inc. WE DO CARE ------------------------- BENEFACTOR SPONSOR ($1000 and above) --------------------Barbara Bjerkesett (in memoriam) Bremer Foundation Catharine C. Reid Fund of Headwaters Foundation for Justice Headwaters Fund Lynda Milne The Medtronic Foundation Thomas & Lassiter Family Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation UCare
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