59 minute read
Ramp changes eyed
12 to one or 8 to one; that is the question
by Access Press staff Anyone who has ever tried to navigate a toosteep ramp will want to weigh in proposed building code changes that will be voted on September 21. A lobbying and public education effort is underway to make sure the changes aren’t implemented.
The International Residential Code (IRC) is the building code that governs construction involving one and twofamily homes in 46 states, including Minnesota. A proposal has been made by Rick Davidson, director of Building Inspection Services for the city of Maple Grove, to change the language in this code to allow wheelchair ramps that
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Located on the first floor in the Spruce Tree Building are too steep to be safe for the large majority of mobility device users. The change is being proposed as both a costsavings measure and as a way to clear up ambiguity in the current code language. But disability advocates are worried that the change could create barriers to ramp users. If the change is adopted it could become a standard throughout the United States. Individuals would be getting advice from contractors that are just following the code, not the ability and safety to use the ramp.
The decision to approve or disapprove this change will be made September 21 at the International Code Council (ICC) annual meeting in Minand people with disabilities will provide testimony to the ICC members who will be voting to approve or disapprove the new language. The advocates hope to persuade the council to keep the standard for the slope of ramps for homes at 1 to 12. The ICC is a non-profit organization that develops the various codes used around the country.
Davidson’s proposal deals with the maximum or steepest slope allowed for ramps for access to single-family homes and duplexes. It would change the current code language that requires a 1 to 12 in most cases to code language that states “Ramps shall have a maximum slope of one unit vertical in eight horizontal.” Slope is determined by how many inches or feet of sloped surface (also called run) there are for each unit of height. For example, if the entrance to a home is 1 foot above the ground, an 8 foot long ramp creates a 1 to 8 slope and a 12 foot long ramp creates a 1 to 12 slope. The math also works by measuring
neapolis. Several advocates both height and run in inches. It is important to remember that more units of run create a more gradual ramp and fewer units make the ramp steeper.
Jim Williams of the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) and Bob Zimmerman of the Minnesota Rehabilitation Services Independent Living section are coordinating efforts to block the Davidson proposal. The Statewide Council for Independent Living, the Minnesota Association of Independent Living Centers, the South Eastern Minnesota CIL and MCIL are co-sponsoring a booth at the ICC meeting. The booth will provide information re-
Joen Overby, struggling to keep her husband Bill from freewheeling down the ramp that is far too steep for easy control. Photos by Gordon Gillesby and Guy Winters
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Bob Zimmerman carefully heads down an 8 to 1 slope. The slope raises concerns about the safety factory in the winter when it would be slippery with snow and ice. Photos by Gordon Gillesby and Guy Winters
more gently sloped ramp if
garding proper slopes for ramps.
Much of the public education efforts centers on a video, produced August 23 with the help of about a dozen volunteers. The video will provide powerful testimony about the problems and potential dangers caused by steep ramps. The volunteers, using a variety of mobility devices, were filmed using both a 1 to 8 and 1 to 12 ramp. All agreed using the steeper ramp was more difficult. In some cases, volunfor them after it has been built.
teers said the steeper ramp was even scary. Comments like “I had no idea pushing a wheelchair up a ramp could that hard” and “It’s really hard to maintain control going down this ramp” were common. The sound of wheelchair footrests scraping the floor when getting on or off the 1 to 8 ramp was often heard, with no similar occurrence on the 1 to 12 ramp.
guage and the proposed change both establish the steepest allowable slope and do not prevent anyone from building a desired. According to Zimmerman, who has designed more than 3,000 ramps in the Twin Cities area since 1992, “a ramp with a 1 to 8 slope is so steep it will be difficult or dangerous for most people to just walk up and down. Changing the code language as proposed by Davidson will create the false impression that a 1 to 8 ramp is the right ramp to build because it is the code.”
Advocates note that building code officials are seen as sources of reliable information and many people confronted with the need to install a ramp at their home will contact their local code official to find out what to build. The official will tell them what the code is and many people take that to mean a 1 to 8 slope is what they should build. They will only find out it is too steep The code current code lan-
The web site www.iccsafe.org has complete information about the International Code Council and how it develops the codes. Anyone can submit a code change proposal. The proposal is then reviewed by a committee and members of the organization vote to accept or reject the proposal. Davidson’s proposal and 20 public comments requesting that it be disapproved can be found by going to the ICC website. In the drop down menu for Codes and Standards choose Code Development then choose 2007/2008 Code Development Cycle and scroll down to and select “Final Action Agenda”, scroll down to IRC residential code and click on RB2 –RB105 and in this section scroll down to RB 57. ■
by Jane McClure
The controversy over “Tropic Thunder” brings to mind other recent movies that have sparked controversy about portrayals of persons with disabilities. Here is our list for the Hall of Shame, listed in order of year of release.
“The Ringer” (2005)
Our Hall of Shame would be much larger if Access Press had included the genre some of us know as teenage horror/ gross-out films. Those seem to pile stereotype upon stereotype, with no group left unscathed.
And that’s the difficulty with movies for younger viewers, such as the crowd “Tropic Thunder” is drawing in. It’s what these viewers take away from a movie that can shape attitudes for the rest of their lives. Any movie with MTV star Johnny Knoxville as a star and the Farrelly brothers as producers is certain to draw the youthful movie crowd. “The Ringer” is the story of a young man who poses as a disabled athlete so that he can compete in the Special Olympics and help win an obviously rigged bet. Knoxville is Steve, the young man who is part of this twisted scheme.
What surprised many people about “The Ringer” is how it was embraced by the Special Olympics and the National Down Syndrome Society. Both groups had quite a say in the making of the film, which provided work for more than 150 actors with disabilities.
The reviews and blog postings about the film were very mixed, with some hailing the portrayal of athletes with disabilities and others saying the movie only would perpetuate stereotypes. This article from The New York Times describes the involvement of disabled actors and how the experience was positive for them and for groups that advocate for them:
www.nytimes.com/2005/12/ 11/movies/11bauer.html?_r= 1&oref=slogin
Ragged Edge had a much different take, at: www.raggeded
gemagazine.com/blogs/ edgecentric/archives/2005/ 12/can_movies_disp.html
What made me uncomfortable about this film was what message young movie goers, disabled or not, would take away from it. My concern was that it still perpetuated stereotypes on some ways. Some of the reactions on the Internet Movie Database were compelling to read, especially one from the mother of youngster with developmental disabilities who explained why she would not take her son to see “The Ringer,”
“Forrest Gump” and other films with a similar message. She too was concerned with what he would take away from seeing these films.
Anyone interested in reactions to movies, regardless of the movie topic or message, should check out the Internet Movie Database, at www.imdb.com What’s great about this web site is that it includes message boards about each movie, as well as a parent’s guide. The comments on movies, especially movies involving persons with disabilities, are usually as varied as they are thought-provoking.
“Million Dollar Baby” (2004)
This Clint Eastwood movie, which also starred Morgan Freeman and Hillary Swank, drew rave reviews and many honors for individual portrayals and the film itself. Swank’s portrayal of Maggie, a young woman boxer trained by Eastwood, netted her second Academy Award.
Yet “Million Dollar Baby” was assailed by the disability community for its ending (spoiler alert!) which centered on the assisted suicide of a disabled main character. The character’s transformation and the attitudes surrounding that transformation were ridiculous. It was as if we weren’t even dealing with the same character.
In his review on the Ragged Edge web site, Steve Drake of Not Dead Yet describes “Million Dollar Baby” as a “corny, melodramatic assault on people with disabilities.” Drake dissects the movie’s ending, point by point, to explain how illogical it is. One would have to know nothing about modern medical care, accommodations or services for persons with disabilities or event basic nursing home security to believe any of it.
Other movie characters’ disabilities were also criticized by advocates as unrealistic, stereotyped or lacking in perspective. One character is partially blind. Another is developmentally disabled. Read Drake’s review at: www.rag
ged-edge-mag.com/reviews/ drakemillionbaby.html
“In Her Shoes” (2002)
A movie featuring a trio of very talented female stars, Shirley Maclaine, Cameron Diaz and Toni Collette, “In Her Shoes” was marketed mainly to women. Diaz and Collette are sisters and total opposites, with one a fun-loving, irresponsible party girl and the other a hard-working, dour attorney. The sisters have all kinds of issues—a mother’s death, a (stereotypically) mean stepmother, jealousy, sibling rivalry, etc. The title’s shoe reference is to a closet of shoes owned but seldom worn by Collette’s character. Of course, they fit Diaz’ character perfectly, which causes another source of friction between the siblings.
The sisters live together until having a huge falling-out over (what else?) a man. Diaz then goes to live with their grandmother, portrayed by Maclaine.
During the course of the film it’s revealed that Maggie has dyslexia, which has cost her all kinds of work and personal opportunities over the years. Although most movie-goers would develop a sense of empathy for Maggie’s plight, the movie portrays learning disabilities as easily overcome by the love of one’s family and friends. Anyone who has ever coped with a learning disability, or had a friend or family member with a learning disability, will no doubt cringe at the ending.
Most reviews were not terribly excited about “In Her Shoes,” although few savaged the movie. Most reviews glossed over the dyslexia issues and the improbable ending. My favorite comments came from WBAI, which had this review: http://wbai.org/
index.php?option=com_content &task=view&id=7223&Item id=2
“Pumpkin” (2002)
A movie starring Christina Ricci, “Pumpkin” centers on a young woman named Carolyn whose sorority takes on the community service project of coaching athletes who are disabled.
Ricci also produced the movie. Her character starts out as the typical blonde, vapid, privileged young sorority sister stereotype (which itself is unfair to sorority members everywhere). Through the sorority’s
David’s Print Shop
Kelly and Bradley pass out information about “Offense Taken” during a showing of “Tropic Thunder” at the Highland Theater in St. Paul.
community service project, she falls in love with a young, developmentally disabled man nicknamed Pumpkin. Of course this turn of events changes her life and makes her a better and noble person, but it brings disruption to the lives of all others around her. (Again we have a disabled person with a stereotypically overprotective mother, a stock character in many movies as you’ll see in another review.)
Like our other Hall of Shame contenders, this movie had its staunch defenders and detractors. Some critics liked Pumpmovie compost bin. Ann Hornaday’s review in the Washington Post notes that “disability, whether mental or physical, has become the new blackface—an acceptable foil for cruelty, base humor and false piety in an industry that prides itself as progressive and humanists.”
Hornaday also describes “Pumpkin” as a movie that cannot decide which type of message it is trying to convey. Is it supposed to be meaningful? Irreverent? It’s hard to decide.
Read Hornaday’s review at:
www.washingtonpost.com/ ac2/wp-dyn/A263512002Jul4
“The Other Sister” (1999)
This movie received decidedly mixed reviews for its portrayal Shame - cont. on p. 10
kin; others consigned it to the
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groups came together,” said Sherry Gray, one of the many volunteers who worked to make the film a reality. A number of organizations were involved, including Advocating Change Together, the Institute on Community Integration at the University of Minnesota, Metropolitan Center for Independent Living, Arc Greater Twin Cities.
The film was proposed in the summer of 2007 as a way to extend the issues to the wider community, to help spread the word that this isn’t merely an issue of “politically correct” language. Rather, it is an issue that goes to the heart of whether persons with disabilities are fully credited – and honored –as part of their communities. And one cannot be a full member of a community when one comes with a derogatory, demeaning or distancing label.
After the premiere, a large group stayed to discuss the video and how to use it to launch a local public awareness and human rights campaign—in schools, churches and community groups. Wilbur Frank, of Arc Southwest, spoke about how she plans to use the video as a part of the play being produced by United We Stand players, a group of self-advocates from Mankato. Frank noted that her theater troupe, composed of self-advocates and allies, has been inspired by the year-long campaign already mounted by the coalition whose actions are documented in ”Offense Taken.” An excerpt of the movie will close out the group’s play, which will be performed at the statewide Arc convention, October 11 and 12 in Mankato.
The brainstorming extended to other media forms as well. Audience member Sally Koenecke from the Lake Minnetonka Communications Commission, urged folks to call their local community access station to get the film shown locally around the state. In the two weeks since the screening, several people have already begun to contact cable access to schedule the show in their area. Another audience member, Alexanda Bornstein, was motivated to start a Facebook group, “Offense Taken: Shredding the ‘R’ Word.”
For more information, visit
www.offensetaken.org
Bret Hesla is a former Access Press assistant editor. He was involved through ACT in the production of “Offense Taken.”
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Ataxia Cont. from p. 2
could not possibly happen twice in one family. These two brothers are struggling with a disorder that they should not even have—according to statistics.
Rico began to notice his first symptom of Friedrich’s ataxia at football practice, when he felt as though he could not keep his balance and began to fall a lot. He eventually had to drop out of football. Other symptoms he began to experience included muscle weakness, unsteady gait, no reflexes in the legs, scoliosis and slurred or abnormal speech. Rico said, “Ataxia impacts every aspect of your life. Simple tasks such as tying your shoes, getting ready in the morning or eating can be a struggle.” What Allen and Rico’s parents did not know is that they were both carrying the recessive gene that is necessary to produce Friedrich’s ataxia. This gene was identified in 1993. Genetic testing for the disorder is now available thanks to research conducted at the University of Minnesota. Allen and Rico are courageous men who have donated time to the University of Minnesota to help researchers and doctors find a cure or medication. Although there have been many discoveries made by researchers to attempt to solve the mystery of Ataxia in the last ten years, there is no cure for Friedrich’s ataxia or any other form of ataxia.
For the most part people with Friedrich’s ataxia can live their lives like anyone else. They work, go to baseball games, get groceries, get married, have children and go fishing. They just face more barriers along the way than persons without ataxia. It can be a tremendous struggle. September 25th is International Ataxia Awareness Day. Now that you have an idea what ataxia is and how it affects people, please take time to learn more about it. The National Ataxia Foundation’s website is an excellent resource and can be visited at www. ataxia.org ■
Mike Chevrette is an employment support consultant for Goodwill/Easter Seals in St. Paul.
Intellectual disability is NOT funny
by Pam Carlson
Arc works very hard to Locally, the Arc of Minnesota change attitudes and and its chapters suggested the policies to improve public boycott the film to prothe quality of life for people test its use of language that with intellectual and develop- demeans people with intellecmental disabilities. We have tual and developmental dislearned from the people we abilities and decreases the serve and their families that quality of their lives by maklanguage does matter—it can ing them the focal point of cut human beings down, or it attempted humor. can build them up. That’s why Arc responded Arc of Minnesota Board of when “Tropic Thunder, ” Directors, said, “As represenopened August 13 in theaters tatives of Minnesota organiacross the country. The presi- zations promoting the rights dent of the Arc of the United and human acceptance of perStates, along with representa- sons with disabilities, we take tives of Special Olympics, the these degrading depictions of Down Syndrome Congress and people with intellectual disother disability organizations, abilities to heart. met with DreamWorks studios and Paramount Pictures early in “My son David has significant August. They voiced concern cognitive and medical disabiliabout the movie’s depiction of a ties, and he requires assistance character called Simple Jack and for activities most of us conthe film’s frequent use of the sider routine. And yet, he is as word “retard” and other insult- involved and included in his ing terms used to describe this community as his neighbors, character. DreamWorks and friends and family. Paramount pulled an offensive “David walks the neighbors’ website and other promotional puppy every day, and assists pieces, but refused to make any several neighbors with their changes to the film. recycling. His circle of friends
LRT - Cont. from p. 4
traffic mitigation, including on the rail line. University $11.1 million for converting Avenue will lose all but 195 of Washington Avenue into a about 1,000 parking spaces. transit/pedestrian mall. The The City of St. Paul is working MOU also includes $5.1 mil- with businesses and the Metlion for East Bank campus area ropolitan Council to resolve street connections and fund- the issue. ing for modifying some interJean Bender, president of the is large; he had more pals atsections.” Information on parking, street crossings and station designs Another question that needs can be found at www.central answers is the of loss of on- corridor.org or www.metro street parking allowing private council.org The City of St. motorist access to businesses, Paul web site provides park-
SHAME - Cont. from p. 9
of a young woman, with a de- school, getting an apartment, velopmental disability making making new friends and beher way in the world after years coming a veterinary assistant. away from her family at a Her overprotective mother school for persons with dis- (Diane Keaton) is much more abilities. skeptical and fearful about her daughter’s abilities. The famJuliette Lewis stars as Carla, ily dynamic of members who the main character and the are supportive and members other sister referred to in the who are embarrassed by Carla title. Carla’s homecoming is would ring true for many famian uneasy one. Her father (Tom lies, but the way the movie Skerritt) encourages Carla to makes its points is about as follow her dreams of going to subtle as a slap in the face at times.
Spoiler alert! There are the predictable scenes centered on Carla causing a commotion at public events, including a dog tend his graduation party this spring than his sister did at hers. This fall David plans to begin volunteering at our local Humane Society and our neighborhood community center.
“David works harder than his siblings (and most adults) every day to improve his level of independence. To make fun of his challenges when he works so hard to contribute to his family, neighbors, and community is offensive and inexcusable.”
Tom Judd, chairman of the board of directors for Arc Greater Twin Cities, wrote a letter to the editor to the Star Tribune published August 14, 2008. He said “Use of the term ‘retard’ in the film is intolerant, disrespectful and insensitive and every bit as offensive as an ethnic or racial slur…we would encourage DreamWorks and the movie industry to establish a social responsibility review board to use the power of filmmaking to not only entertain, but also Not Funny - cont. on p. 14
ing information at www.st paul.gov/ Look for the link to Central Corridor. U-Plan, a program of the advocacy group University UNITED, has done its own versions of the Central Corridor University Avenue maps. Some users think those maps are clearer and easier to use than the ones provided by Met Council. Find them, by intersection, at www.uplan.org ■
show/benefit where mutts are let out of their cages. The part of the movie in which she and her new boyfriend explore sex is just too cutesy for words.
Film critic Roger Ebert criticized “The Other Sister” for having “no serious knowledge of developmental disabilities and no interest in learning and teaching” and for using mental retardation as a “gimmick” and a “plot device.”
Read Ebert’s review at:http://
rogerebert.suntimes.com/ apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/ 19990226/REVIEWS/
902260306/1023. ■
QUESTIONNAIRE - Cont. from p. 7
port Professionals Fairness and need to ensure full access to employment limits people with Security Act which will raise voting. disabilities’ their financial inthe wages of these important dependence and decreases providers to ensure that qual- 2) Since the beginning of my their access to the health care ity care remains available for public service, I’ve been they need. Social service orpersons with disabilities. blessed with the advice and ganizations, non-profits, and friendship of extraordinarily government agencies serving I also strongly support health gifted and insightful people people with disabilities should care research, which can pre- with disabilities. They’ve make closing the employment vent and cure illness, allow for made me more aware of the gaps one of their primary goals. higher quality of life, and cre- diversity of challenges and For government policy to propate jobs in our communities. opportunities facing their com- erly address the employment As a member of the Labor, munity. Through those rela- issues facing people with disHealth and Human Services, tionships, I’ve reached a abilities, we must first be willand Education subcommittee, deeper understanding of the ing to admit areas where govI will continue to work for how much more our society ernment helps cause the probincreased investment in re- can and should do to foster lem. SSI benefits decline or search and prevention, as well greater access for people with stop after a recipient rises as strengthening our public disabilities. My campaign has above a certain income level— health system. held two forums on how to the income cap provides a disengage more people with dis- incentive to work. We need to 6) I am a cosponsor of H.R. abilities in the political pro- reexamine the income cap and 1621, the Community Choice cess. The forums led my cam- make adjustments to ensure Act. This bill will allow flex- paign to adapt our campaign we’re not driving people with ibility and choice for persons practices to allow people with disabilities away from the with disabilities and their fami- disabilities to participate in workplace. lies in how and where they important voter outreach, inreceive services. cluding generating Braille Access is another issue—we voter education lists for visu- need to keep up the pressure Ed Matthews, ally impaired volunteers. In on the US Senate to pass the
Republican Party order to help more people with ADA Amendments Act, just disabilities find their political as the House did earlier this DISTRICT 5 voice, the campaign has hired year. When we remove disKeith Ellison, DFL Party* a long-time friend and col- crimination from our work1. The ADA prohibits employ- league of mine, Michael Cohn. places and providing the acment discrimination and re- Mike, who is the chair of the commodation people with disquires accommodations that DFL Disability Caucus, will abilities need, we’ll have taken make it possible for people serve as our Disability Out- critical steps toward fuller with disabilities to work, reach Organizer. Mike will employment. Finally, we need travel, and recreate indepen- work hard to open further paths to push for universal, singledently. Unfortunately, recent for people with disabilities to payer health care. As with all court decisions have incor- work on this and other cam- Americans, when people with rectly interpreted the ADA paigns, and also help ensure disabilities have guaranteed narrowly, causing a surge in that the voting rights of people health care independent of employment discrimination. with disabilities are respected their employers, they’ll have That’s why I’m proud to have and enforced in the upcoming the freedom to choose from co-sponsored and voted for the elections. far more jobs, rather than reADA Amendments Act, which main unemployed for fear of clarifies the ADA’s intent to 3) The motto of my campaign losing government benefits. protect people with disabili- is “Everybody Counts, Everyties from discrimination. If re- body Matters.” I believe the 5) Passing the Paul Wellstone elected I will continue to be ADA Amendments Act, which Mental Health Parity Act, vigilant in making sure the I co-sponsored and voted for; which I co-sponsored, voted, ADA lives up to its promise. helps bring that motto to life and fought for, will be a huge for people with disabilities. step toward inclusion of people Navigating and patching our The ADA Amendments Act with disabilities. H.R.1424 broken health care system is provides much needed clarity provides the same care and time-consuming and diverts to the ADA. It makes clear that benefits to those who suffer resources from long-term so- Congress intended the ADA’s from mental illness or addiclutions. That’s why I will con- coverage to be broad, to cover tion as for any other ailment. tinue to push for universal, anyone who faces unfair dis- The bill will be of particular single-payer health care. crimination because of a dis- benefit to those with intellecSingle-payer health care will ability, or because of the per- tual disabilities and their famifree all Americans, and espe- ception he or she might be lies, who will no longer have cially people with disabilities, disabled. The ADA Amend- to fight with insurance compafrom the expense and uncer- ments Act also overturns re- nies to get the care they detainty of our HMO-dominated cent court decisions to make serve. I have also worked to health care system. By provid- sure people with disabilities enforce the federal requireing universal care, we free will not lose their coverage ment that special education people with disabilities from under the ADA because their programs receive the full rethe confining fear of losing condition can be treated with imbursement specified in the their health care and we en- medication or can be addressed law. Providing that funding sure people with disabilities with assistive technology. will encourage state, local, and can make employment and These narrow, incorrect court non-profit investment in prohealth care choices that maxi- interpretations have restricted grams designed to help people mize their independence. ADA coverage for people with with disabilities achieve indeProtecting Voting Rights. Vot- diabetes, epilepsy, serious pendence. I also worked ing is the most fundamental heart conditions, mental dis- closely with Congressional sign of inclusion in our soci- abilities and even cancer. Cor- leadership, authoring a proviety. But people with disabili- recting such judicial mistakes sion to save Minnesotans beties often encounter physical and clarifying the full cover- tween $40 and $50 million in and institutional barriers to age of the ADA are important cuts to Medicaid. The provivoting. My campaign and Con- steps toward realizing the true sion I authored saves Medicgressional office work hard to promise of the Americans with aid coverage for targeted case make sure people with disabili- Disabilities Act. management, services essenties are aware of and can exer- tial to the care of people with cise their full voting rights. I 4) Nationwide, people with special needs, many of whom will continue to raise this issue disabilities have 20% less are people with disabilities. and work to educate the public employment than people withand election officials about the out disabilities. Such under- From just these few examples, we see how much we have to exert ourselves to secure health care and independence for people with disabilities. I’m proud to pass these measures, but we need a comprehensive solution. That’s why I continue to advocate for universal, single-payer health care. Single-payer health care will eliminate the endless need to patch our broken health care system and allow us to focus our resources on providing people the care they need to live independent, fulfilling lives.
6) Fostering independent living is a key goal of advancing the inclusion of people with disabilities into society. That is why I plan to co-sponsor the Community Choice Act, which requires Medicaid to reimburse people with disabilities for a variety of communitybased living arrangements, rather than confining people with disabilities to large, institutional care centers that may isolate them from the larger world. By funding communitybased living, we allow people with disabilities a much wider range of housing options and community choices, giving them more independent access to grocery stories, libraries, schools, and social services. By fostering a deeper connection to society, we put people with disabilities in contact with the economic, political, and social life of the nation, and the networks vital to individual prosperity. We also demonstrate to the temporarily ablebodied that people with disabilities are fully capable of participating in civic and economic life, thus enriching all communities.
Gregg A. Iverson DFL Party
1) Better medical care.
2) Have worked with disabled people.
3) I will support any help that people need.
4) They can do the job! They should be hired. 5) Work for funding for the program.
6) No opinion.
Bill McCaughey
Independence Party
I have looked over your questions and decided that I am not sufficiently well informed to give intelligent answers. My campaign is devoted to bringing economic issues to the fore. We must be concerned with the declining job opportunities for future generations and environmental degradation that threatens everyone’s quality of life.
Barb Davis White,
Republican Party
DISTRICT 6
Aubrey Immelman
Republican Party
The candidate chose not to respond to the questions, citing time commitments.
Bob Anderson,
Independence Party Michele Bachmann
Republican Party* El Tinklenberg, DFL Party
DISTRICT 7 Glen Menze,
Republican Party Collin C. Peterson,
DFL Party* Alan Roebke,
Republican Party
DISTRICT 8 Michael Cummins Republican Party
1) I do not know how to answer this as there are so many ways to answer this. Job opportunities, tax credits for companies who hire people with disabilities, access, health care, long term disabilities, tax credits to families who care for their family members at home, financial assistance for family care givers. I think that there are a number of opportunities to be there for families who care for family members who need help.
2) I have been the project manager on homes that are built for those in wheelchairs and have done work on homes that we have had to build to ADA specification. I have also volunteered with the Special Olympics and have taken those with disabilities fishing from local group homes.
3) To be honest I have not had an opportunity to read them.
4) We need to create tax incentives to companies who employ those with disabilities and help companies with creating better access to older buildings that were built before current laws were in effect.
5) I am not a believer in federal programs. I would help by creating tax incentives to health care providers who provide services to the community.
6)I was visiting with someone at the Minnesota State Fair who sells equipment to households who choose to provide care in the home. Any time we can provide care in the home this is far better then providing care outside the home. There are always going to be times when this is not possible, but when it is, we need to encourage this.
James L. Oberstar, DFL Party* ■
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Hope for recovery workshop Sept 13
The National Alliance on Mental Illness of MN (NAMI-MN) will hold a free, one-day workshop to provide families and individuals with information on mental illnesses, practical coping strategies and hope for recovery. The workshop is 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat, Sept 13 at NAMI MN, 800 Transfer Rd, Suite 31, St. Paul. Reg. is req. FFI: 651-645-2948
Artists with Disabilities
Alliance gathering Sept 17
The Artists With Disabilities Alliance (AWDA) meets 6-8 p.m. Wed, Sept 17 at the Mpls College of Art & Design Confr Rm, 2501 Stevens Ave. S., Mpls. Free parking ramp is offered off of 3rd Ave. S. Writers, visual artists/performers are welcomed. This is an opportunity to share your talents and network with others. Dan Reiva, Facilitator. FFI: 612332-3888 x4, jon@vsaartsmn. org; www.vsaartsmn.org
Make Mpls walkable/accessible Sept 18
The City of Mpls is working on a pedestrian master plan, top make the city more walkable and accessible. Hear more about a proposed pedestrian master plan and share your thoughts and ideas at an upcoming public meeting. The meeting is 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thur, Sept 18, with a plan presentation at 6 p.m. The meeting is at the Mpls Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, Mpls. This is the second meeting on the plan. The first, in March drew more than 100 people.
The plan is to be completed by year’s end and will include recommendations on policies, projects and procedures related to pedestrian facilities/ programs. A key focus of the plan is accessibility and is funded by a federal grant and by Blue Cross/Blue Shield. The meeting is wheelchair-accessible and other accommodations, such as materials in a different format/sign language interpreter, are avail. Call by Sept 11. FFI: Shaun Murphy, 612-673-2335; www.ci.Mpls.
mn.us/pe destrian
Benefit concert Oct 5
Rick DellaRatta and Jazz for Peace will perform at a benefit concert for next spring’s MN Self-Advocacy Conference The concert is 3 p.m. Sun, Oct 5 at The Artists’ Quarter, 408 St. Peter St. Tickets are $35, with all proceeds used to help self-advocates attend the Conference in St. Paul in April 2009. Della-Ratta is an international jazz pianist, vocalist and composer. Jazz for Peace is a band with members from around the world. The group gathers to hold benefit concerts and has helped raise funds for hundreds of groups. FFI: Kathy, ACT, 651-641-0297
Candidate Forums Sept-Oct
The MN Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNCCD) has announced its schedule of candidate forums. These forums feature candidates for MN House and U.S. House candidates. Everyone is welcome to attend.
*Candidates for Congressional Distr 6 forum is 6-7:30 p.m. at Thur, Sept 18 at Whitney Senior Ctr, 1527 Norway Dr, St. Cloud. FFI: Christian Knights, Courage Ctr, christian.knights @courage.org or Deanna Guilford, Goodwill/Easter Seals at dguilford@goodwill
easterseals.org
*Candidates for House Distr 56A forum is 6-7:30 p.m. Tue, Sept 30 at Bayport Sr Ctr, 263 3rd St. N., Bayport. “Realize Your Power: Voting Your Values” is at 5-6 p.m. FFI: chris
tian.knights@courage.org
*Candidates for House Distr 9A and 9B (Moorhead area) forum is 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tues, Sept 30 at Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Ctr, 202 1st Ave. N, Moorhead. FFI: Mary Tintes, Freedom CIL, mctintes
@freedomrc.org
*Candidates for MN House Distrs 26-31 (Rochester area) forum is 6-8:30 p.m. Thur, Oct 2 at Rochester Intern'l Events Ctr, 7333 Airport View Dr SW, Rochester. A voter participation for self-advocate session precedes the forum, at 4-6 p.m. FFI: Karen Larson, Region 10, at Oakaren@msn.com
*Candidates for MN House Distrs 25A and 25B (LeCtr area) forum is 7-8:30 p.m. Wed, Oct 8 at American Legion Post 108, 97 S Park Ave., LeCtr. Advocacy training precedes the event at 6-7 p.m. FFI: Jeff Nachbar, BIA,
jeffn@braininjurymn.org
*Candidates for MN House Distrs 47A and 47B (Coon Rapids area) forum is 7-8 p.m. Tue, Oct 14 at Mercy Hospital Heart Ctr ClassRms A & B (second floor), 4050 Coon Rapids Blvd. NW, Coon Rapids. Advocacy training precedes the event at 6-7 p.m. FFI: Jeff Nachbar, BIA,
jeffn@braininjurymn.org
*Candidates for Congressional Distr 3 forum is 6:30-8 p.m. Thur, Oct 16 at Mntka Community Ctr, 14600 Mntka Blvd., Mntka . At 5-6 p.m. is a session on Realize Your Power: Voting Your Values. FFI: Ann Roscoe, MCIL,
annr@mcil-mn.org
*Candidates for MN House Distrs 42A and 42B (Eden Prairie area) forum is Mon, Oct 20 at Eden Prairie City Council Chambers, 808 Mitchell Rd, E.P. “Realize Your Power: Voting Your Values” at 6-7 p.m. FFI: Gene Martinez, Arc GTC,
genemartinez@arcgreater twincities.org
*Candidates for Congressional Distr 1 forum is 6-8:30 p.m. Thur, Oct 30 at Old Main Village, 301 S. 5th St., Mankato. A voter participation for selfadvocates session precedes the forum at 4-6 p.m. FFI: Karen Larson, Region 10, Oakaren
@msn.com
*A session for MN House Distr 21A (Marshall area) is also planned but no date has been set. FFI: Steve Thovson, SWCIL, steve@swcil.com Other debates may be scheduled: FFI: www.mnccd.org
3rd Annual National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week Oct 5-10
It takes a community to prevent bullying of children. The 3rd Annual Nat'l Bullying Prevention Awareness Wk, Oct 5-11 encourages communities nationwide to work together to increase awareness of the prevalence/impact of bullying on all children. The week is sponsored by PACER Ctr’s Nat'l Ctr for Bullying Prevention and cosponsored by the American Fed. for Teachers, Nat'l Coalition for Parent Involvement in Ed, Nat'l Ed Assoc., Nat'l PTA, and School Social Work Assoc. of America. “When 160,000 children in the US miss school each day as a result of being bullied, it’s time to take action,” said Paula F. Goldberg, executive dir of PACER, a nat'l parent Ctr located in MN. “Teachers, parents, students and adults throughout each community must work together to create a climate that doesn’t accept bullying.” Families, students, schools, org. and other grps can unite/partner with PACER to prevent bullying by contacting bullying411@ pacer.org. Partnering orgs are asked to share their bullying prevention activities and will be listed as a link on PACER’s bullying prevention Web site. Grps can wrk to stop bullying in several ways. Activities and materials such as contests, toolkits and online bullying prevention training are avail. on www.pacer.organd the interactive Web site for ele. school students www.pacer kidsagainstbullying.org to help reduce bullying in schools, rec’l progs, and community orgs. FFI: www.pacer. org, its numbers are 952-838-9000; Toll free: 800-53-PACER (MN); 888248-0822.
Artability Art Show Oct 2-4 in St. Paul
The 14th annual People Incorporated Artability (PIA) art show highlights the many contributions and amazing talents of people with mental illness. This year’s theme, Café des Arts, evokes the milieu of a Parisian coffee shop, filled with artists exchanging ideas and perspectives. Almost 100 artists will participate, displaying 350 pieces of art. Artists receive 90 percent of the profits when items are sold. The PIA art show will be held Oct 2-4 at Redeemer Arms lower level, 313 N Dale St., St. Paul. Viewing times are Thur, Oct 2, 6-8:30 p.m.; Fri, Oct 3, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sat, Oct 4, 12-5 p.m. FFI: 651-227-6321, www.
PeopleIncorporated.org
Help others manage finances
RSVP/Volunteers of America of MN in collaboration with the AARP Foundation is looking for volunteers with good budgeting, organizational, and supporting skills to help manage the finances of older or disabled low-income individuals who want assistance. If you have a few hours a month to volunteer this fall, the organizations’ Money Management Program staff will train and match you with someone in the community who needs help. FFI: Money Management Program Coordinator, 612617-7821.
Moving Self-Advocacy Forward
Save the dates of April 17-18, 2009 for the 2009 MN SelfAdvocacy Confr, Moving SelfAdvocacy Forward. The Confr will be held at the Crowne Plaza St. Paul Riverfront Hotel, 11 E. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. Advocating Change Together, Arc Greater Twin Cities, Dakota Communities, Hammer Residences, Lifeworks, Mains’l Services, Merrick Inc., Metro Ctr for Independent Living and People First MN are sponsors. FFI: Kathy Sanders, ACT, 651-641-0297, act@selfad
vocacy.org
Be a literacy volunteer
Adult literacy volunteers make an impact. Last year, MN Literacy Council volunteers helped more than 24,000 adults achieve their learning goals. Tutor immigrants, refugees and life-long Minnesotans in reading, writing and English. Help students achieve life’s necessities like completing job applications, helping their children with homework or understanding medicine labels. Tutor one-to-one, in a small group or as a classroom assistant. Training and ongoing support provided by the MN Literacy Council. Opportunities are available throughout MN. FFI: Allison at volunteer@themlc. org or 651-645-2277, Ext 219. A GREA A GREA A GREA A GREA A GREAT RESOURCE! T RESOURCE! T RESOURCE! T RESOURCE! T RESOURCE! DirectAbility.com
DirectAbility is a comprehensive, ever-expanding, award-winning, Internet directory devoted to disability-related products, services, resources and information throughout the state. Online at www.directability.com.
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 See www.accesspress.org for complete listing and for Accessible Movie Theaters
Amazons & Their Men Oct. 17 - Nov. 1
Walking Shadow Theatre Co. at Pillsbury House Theater, 3501 Chicago Ave. S., Mpls. ASL: Fri., Oct. 24, 7:30 pm, Tix: Disc to $7 (reg. $16, $14 student/sr), Phone: 612-3750300, Web: www.walking
shadowCo..org
Axel & His Dog Sept. 5 - 28
Lakeshore Players, 4820 Stewart Ave., White Bear Lake. ASL: Sun., Sept. 14, 2:00 pm, Tix: ½-price for ASL patrons & companion; reg. $20, $18 student/sr, Phone: 651-429-5674, Web: www.
lakeshoreplayers.com
Broadway Legendary Ladies Oct. 1 - 26 Ordway Ctr for Performing Arts McKnight Theatre, 345 Washington, St. Paul. AD: Sat., Oct. 18, 2:00 pm, ASL: Sat., Oct. 25, 2:00 pm, Tix/Phone: 651-224-4222, TTY: 651282-3100, Web: www.ord way.org/services/access.asp
The Caretaker Oct. 11 - Nov. 2
Guthrie Theater, Dowling Studio, 818 - 2nd St. S., Mpls. AD/ ASL: Sat., Nov. 1, 7:30 pm, Tix: Disc to $20 for AD/ASL, $25 for captioning users; reg. $18-34, Phone: 612-3772224, TTY: 612-377-6626, Web: www.guthrietheater.
org/accessibility
Distracted Sept. 25 - Oct. 19 Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 S. 4th St., Mpls. AD, ASL, Captioning: Thurs., Oct. 9, 7:30 pm, Tix: $18, $16 student/sr, $14 grps, season access pass $50, Phone: 612-338-6131, Web: www.mixedblood.com
Fences Aug. 21 - Sept. 21
Penumbra Theatre, Hallie Q. Brown/Martin Luther King Ctr, 270 N. Kent St., St. Paul. AD: Sun., Sept. 14, 2:00 pm, Tix: $31 (reg. $38, student $18), Phone: 651-224-3180, E-mail: boxoffice @penum bratheatre.org Web: www.
penumbratheatre.org
Forever Plaid April 9 - Sept. 27 Old Log Theater, 5185 Meadville St, Excelsior. AD: Thurs., Sept. 4, 1:00 pm, Tix: $15 for AD patrons (reg. $19.50-32), Phone: 952-4745951, Web: www.oldlog.com
Harvey
May 31 - Oct. 25
Commonweal Theatre, 208 Pkwy Ave. N., Lanesboro. ASL: Sun., June 29, 1:30 pm. Tix: ½ price (reg. $25, student $12), Phone: 507-467-2525, 800657-7025, E-mail: tickets@
commonwealtheatre.org
Web: www.commonweal
theatre.org
How I Became a Pirate
Sept. 19 - Oct. 19
Stages Theatre Co. at Hopkins Ctr for the Arts Mainstage, 1111 Main St. ASL: Sun., Oct. 5, 2:00 pm, & Wed., Oct. 8, 10:00 am, AD: avail upon req, Tix: $15, $11 child (age 2-17) & sr (age 60+) +$150 fee for phone/web, Phone: 952-9791111, Web: www.stages
theatre.org
The Irresistible Rise of Big Daddy Ubu Sept. 5 - 28
Nimbus Theatre Co. at Mpls Theatre Garage, 711 W. Franklin Ave. (at Lyndale), Mpls. AD: Sat., Sept. 13, 8:00 pm, Tix: Disc to $8 (reg. $15), Phone: 651-229-3122, Email: info@nimbustheatre. com Web: www.nimbus
theatre.com
It Wasn’t Murder
Oct. 9 - 26 Bloomington Art Ctr’s Gallery Theater Co. at Bloomington Ctr for the Arts, Black Box Theater, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd. AD/ASL: Sun., Oct. 26, 2:00 pm, Tix: $17, sr/ student $15, Phone: 952-5638575, Web: www.blooming
tonartCtr.com
James & the Giant Peach Sept. 26
Theaterworks USA at Stephen B. Humphrey Theater, St John’s U, Collegeville. ASL: Fri., Sept. 26, 7:00 pm, Tix: $16, Sr/Youth $8, Phone: 320363-3577, Web: www.csbsju.
edu/finearts
Junie B. Jones: A Little
Monkey Business
Sept. 25 - Oct. 12
Youth Performance Co. at Howard Conn Fine Arts Ctr, 1900 Nicollet Ave., Mpls. AD/ ASL: Sat., Oct. 11, 7:30 pm, Tix: ½-price (reg. $12, student/sr $10); AD: adv. resrv. req Phone: 612-623-9080, Web: www.youthperfor
manceco.com
Les Miserables
Opened June 15, 2007
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, 501 W 78th St, Chanhassen. AD/ASL: Sat., July 21, curtain 1:00 pm, lunch seating at 11:00 am Specify accommodation needed at time tix purchased to assure proper seating, Tix: Vision Loss Resources grp $37 incl. lunch: Stacy Shamblott, VLR, 612-871-2222; other tix (reg. $40-52), Phone: 952934-1525 or 800-362-3515,Email: information@chanhas sendt.com Web: www.chan
hassentheatres.com
A Life in the Theatre
Sept. 19 - Oct. 26
Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls. AD: Thurs., Oct. 9, 7:30 pm, Tix: Disc to $10 (reg. $26-36), Phone: 612822-7063, E-mail: boxoffice @jungletheater.com Web:
www.jungletheater.com
Man of La Mancha June 21 - Oct. 25
Commonweal Theatre, 208 Assistive Technology @ Your Library
FREE Internet and word processing services are available to persons with vision, mobility, and special learning needs at three Saint Paul Public Library locations: Hayden Heights Library, Highland Park Library and Rondo Outreach Library.
Pkwy Ave. N., Lanesboro. ASL: Sun., Sept. 7, 1:30 pm, Tix: ½ price (reg. $25, student $12), Phone: 507-467-2525, 800-657-7025, E-mail: tick
ets@commonwealtheatre.org Web: www.commonweal theatre.org
Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 Sept. 5 - 21
Rochester Civic Theatre, 20 Civic Ctr Dr SE. ASL: Sun., Sept. 14, 2:00 pm, Tix: $17, $14 sr, $12 student, Phone: 507-282-8481, Web: www.
rochestercivictheatre.org
Peter Pan Sept. 5 - Oct. 2
A co-production of the Children’s Theatre Co. & Visible Fictions, Scotland, at Children’s Theatre Co., Cargill Stage, 2400 - 3rd Ave. S., Mpls. AD/ASL: Fri., Sept. 26, 7:30 pm, Tix: Mention VSA Offer for $14 tix; regular $14-27, Phone: 612-874-0400, Web:
www.childrenstheatre.org
Pump Boys & Dinettes Sept. 12 - 28
Lyric Arts Co. of Anoka at Lyric Arts Main St Stage, 420 E. Main St., Anoka. ASL: Sat., Sept. 13, 7:30 pm (req. 1wk before open), Tix: Disc to $13 (reg. $18, $16 student/sr), $20 box seats, Phone: 763-4221838, Web: www.lyricarts.org
Radio Macbeth Sept. 18 - 20
SITI Co. at College of St Benedict, Gorecki Family Theater, St. Joseph. ASL: Sat., Sept. 20, 7:30 pm, Tix: $24, sr/youth & aid rate available, Phone: 320-363-5700, E-mail: DWol ford@csbsju.edu Web: www.
csbsju.edu/finearts
The Sisters Rosensweig Sept. 12 - Oct. 5 Park Sq Theatre, 20 W 7th Place, St Paul. AD/ASL: Sat., Sept. 27, 7:30 pm, Tix: Disc to $1850 , Phone: 651-291-7005, Web: www.parksquaretheatre.org
A Stcar Named Desire Oct. 17 - Nov. 2
Rochester Civic Theatre, 20 Civic Ctr Dr SE. ASL: Sat., Oct. 25, 8:00 pm, Tix: $17, $14 sr, $12 student, Phone: 507-282-8481, Web: www.
rochestercivictheatre.org Triple Espresso Ongoing
Music Box Theatre, 1407 Nicollet Ave, Mpls. AD: Thurs., July 5, 7:30 pm; preshow at 7:00, Tix: Disc to $17 (reg. $32.50), Phone: 612874-9000, E-mail: tickets@ tripleespresso.com Web:
www.tripleespresso.com
Twelfth Night Oct. 17 - Nov. 2
Ten Thousand Things Theater at Open Bk, 1011 Washington Ave. S., Mpls. AD: Sun., Oct. 19, 8:00 pm, Tix: Disc to $13 (reg. $20), Phone: 612-2039502, Web: www.ten
thousandthings.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, 1:00 pm; Sensory Tour 10:30 am, ASL: Thurs., Nov. 6, 7:30 pm; Fri, Nov 7, 7:30 pm, Tix: Disc to $20 for AD/ASL; reg. $18-34, Phone: 612-377-2224, TTY: 612-377-6626, Web: www.guth rietheater.org/accessibility Performances - cont. on p. 14
ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES
AUDIO DESCRIBED
Tickets: $20
INTERPRETED
IN AMERICAN
SIGN LANGUAGE
Tickets: $20
OPEN CAPTIONED
Tickets: $25
Prices valid for patron plus one companion. An American story sings.
For additional details, or to make an appointment, call a library listed below:
Hayden Heights (651) 793-3934 1456 White Bear Ave. Highland Park (651) 695-3700 1974 Ford Pkwy. Rondo Outreach (651) 266-7400 461 N. Dale St.
Xcel Energy Foundation Allianz Life Insurance
Web sightings Six award-winning web favorites from American Network of Community Options and Resources
The American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) www.an cor.org in partnership with Therap Services, LLC www. therapservices.net has announced winners of the DSPTV Online Video Contest.
The contest is part of ANCOR’s National Advocacy Campaign (NAC),and was created to give direct support professionals (DSP), families and consumers a platform to educate the public about the critical role direct service providers or DSPs play in the lives of people with disabilities. DSPTV Online participants were encouraged to tell in their own words why the DSP workforce is so important, why DSPs are deserving of additional compensation and how DSPs are making a difference.
”This is truly reality TV,” said Renee Pietrangelo, chief executive officer of ANCOR. “DSP-TV Online is a great way to showcase the many talents of America’s direct support professionals and draw attention to the growing workforce wage crisis.”
The contest has five categories. The contest grand prize winner was awarded $1,000 and paid hotel and airfare to ANCOR’s September Washington, DC event. The top winner in each category was awarded $500.
The winning videos can be accessed through ANCOR’s National Advocacy Campaign website, or by viewing the links below:
Grand Prize: ”We Put the ’P’ in DSP www.youtube.com/watch?v=veHT-I543eY by: Ben Leadbetter” • Agency: RHD-RI, Pawtucket, RI
Healthy Living: ”Eugene” www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZuV4qEh3w4 by: Eugene Miller • Agency: Teri, Inc., Oceanside, CA
Self Advocate: ”Maroon and Gold” www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq-tyk91yk8 by: Greg Devorce • Agency: AZ Foundation for the Handicapped, Phoenix, AZ
Music & Comedy: ”Open Your Eyes” www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSdfCN5ewHY by: Sean Delaney • Agency: Special Needs Programs, Ghent, NY
Reality: ”Hear Us Out” www.youtube.com/watch?v=zy46m1wA5UQ by: Chad Ek • Agency: REM ND, Grafton, ND
Honorable Mention: ”Thank You” www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxjs6CT-JeM by: Andrea McMurray • Agency: Cottonwood, Inc., Lawrence, KS
About ANCOR’s National Advocacy Campaign Launched in 2001, the mission of ANCOR’s National Advocacy Campaign is to enhance the lives of people with disabilities by obtaining the resources to recruit, train and retain a sustainable direct support workforce. For more information about ANCOR, visit www.ancor.org For more information about the National Advocacy Campaign, visit www.youneedtoknowme.org
Sept. Radio Talking Book sampling
Radio Talking Book (RTB) is a closed-circuit reading network broadcasting 24 hours daily to more than 7,500 handicapped persons (with a potential of 35,000) in Minnesota and South Dakota. Receivers are available on loan without charge to those who are eligible and who want to keep up to date with the latest word in newspapers, magazines and best-sellers. FFI:
www.mnssb.org/allages/commcenter/rtb
•4 a.m. Chautauqua– Adult education and culture for the whole community. This month:
The Geography of Bliss, Nonfiction by Eric Weiner, 2008. Many have tried to describe what happiness is, but few have shown us where it is, why some places seem happier than others and how changing your location can change your mood. A self-described mope,
Weiner traveled to the parts of the world known to be the happiest. L- Read by Charlie
Boone. 13 broadcasts. Begins September 17. •9 a.m. Past is Prologue– Readings of historical nonfiction •11 a.m. Bookworm– Novels and nonfiction books for daytime reading. This month:
Gentlemen of the Road, Fiction by Michael Chabon, 2007. Zelikman, the physician, is traveling companion of ex-soldier Amram. They make their way through the Caucasus
Mountains until they are dragooned into service as escorts and defenders to a prince of the
Khazar Empire. Read by Carolyn Light Bell. Five broadcasts. Begins September 29. •2 p.m. Potpourri– A wide variety of books, both fiction and nonfiction, for afternoon reading •4 p.m. Choice Reading– Critically acclaimed books on a wide variety of subjects •5 p.m. Commentary– The latest issues of national news magazines •6 p.m. Evening Newspapers– Live broadcast of the New York Times •7:55 p.m. Radio Talking Book schedule for the rest of the broadcast day •8 p.m. PM Report– Books exploring critical, contemporary and controversial issues •9 p.m. Night Journey– Books of intrigue and suspense •10 p.m. Off the Shelf– Mostly best sellers. This month: Sway, Fiction by Zachary Lazar, 2008. When the Rolling Stones began in the 1960s, it seemed all was innocence and glamour. But in 1969, the Stones’ leader, Brian Jones, drowned in his swimming pool, and a fan was murdered at a Stones concert. V, L, S- Read by Peter Danbury. Nine broadcasts.
Begins September 29. •12 a.m. Good Night Owl– A wide-ranging assortment of books • 1 a.m. After Midnight–
Adventures of the heart and body *Abbreviations: L- offensive language, S- sexual situations
RTB books available through Faribault
All books broadcast on the Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network are available through the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library in Faribault. Library phone is 800-722-0550 and hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Their catalog is also online and can be accessed at www.klas.com/mnbph
PERFORMANCES- Cont. from p. 13
VSA Auction & Cabaret Sept. 21
Paul Mabon & Jon Pemberton perform at VSA arts of MN’s annual fund-raiser, silent auction & Arts Access Awards at Solera, 900 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. AD/ASL: Sun., Sept. 21, 3:00-6:00 pm, Tix: $40 ($45 after Sept. 17), Phone: 612-332-3888 v/tty, E-mail: info@vsaartsmn.org Web:
www.vsaartsmn.org
Vinegar Tom Sept. 12 - Oct. 5
Frank Theatre at Ritz Theatre, 345 13th Ave. NE, Mpls. AD: Fri., Sept. 19, 8:00 p.m. Tix: Disc (reg. $20-25), Phone: 612-436-1129, Web: www. franktheatre.org or www.ritz
theaterfoundation.org/boxoffice
Wicked Nov. 5 - Dec. 7
Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls. ASL: Sun., Nov. 9, 1:00 pm, AD: Sun., Nov. 23, 1:00 pm, Tix: $32-132.50, Phone: 612-3735639 or 5609, Hotline: 612373-5650, TTY: 612-3735655, E-mail: accessible @orpheum.com Web: www.
hennepintheatredistrict.org/
guestservices/aslad/ ■
NOT FUNNY - Cont. from p. 10
to increase awareness and sensitivity. It is possible. Remember ‘Rain Man’ and ‘What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?’ Quality films are not people who are outraged
made at the expense of vulnerable people.”
“As a Native American and a person with a disability, I’ve been the brunt of racial slurs as about those with intellectual
well as having been called a ‘retard’. Neither feels good,” said Hunter Sargent, a selfadvocate and board member for the Arc of Minnesota. “I hate the label ‘retard’ because it puts me down rather than emphasizing what I can do in spite of my disability. I have a disability—my disability doesn’t have me, my grandmother always used to say.
“Arc Greater Twin Cities and the Arc of Minnesota have been a huge part of my life, helping me learn how to be an effective self-advocate. Arc changed its name nearly two term ‘retarded’ because it is so offensive. When is the rest of the world going to catch up?” Sargent said.
Comments on the blogosphere, however, have suggested should “lighten up” and are taking the movie too seriously.
“Movies and media that continue to use offensive terms and portrayals counteract the positive work being done to make this world a more welcoming place for persons with intellectual disabilities,” said Bender. “People with disabilities have been the brunt of tasteless jokes and stereotypes for too long, and it must stop. If more people knew the truth decades ago to eliminate the
disabilities, they would not find this movie funny at all.” ■
Access To Employment
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 • FAX 651-644-2136 • Email: access@accesspress.org
Community Work Incentive Coordinator The MN Work Incentives Connection is Growing!
Statewide non-profit seeks affable, energetic individuals to join team of Community Work Incentive Coordinators (CWIC). Unique, full-time opportunities, or possible job sharing. Provide answers about the impact of work on public benefits, so that people with disabilities can see their choices & take advantage of life’s opportunities. People with disabilities and those from Greater Minnesota are encouraged to apply.
The individual who is most successful as a CWIC believes in: putting people with disabilities more in charge of their lives; the power of work; learning and maintaining in-depth knowledge of public benefits; & being a tenacious advocate. Knowledge of gov’t benefits as well as VR helpful. Strong verbal skills; persistence & patience; & team attitude necessary. Minimum 2 yrs exp. Working with people with disabilities and B.A. degree or equiv. Must be able to travel the state as needed. Must pass Social Security Screening & training. $36-39K. Deadline 9-24-08.
Send resume with cover letter: Anita Boucher, Minnesota Work Incentives Connection 2200 University Avenue W. Ste. 240, St. Paul, MN 55114 {GREATER MINNESOTA}
RN Case Manager
AXIS Healthcare is a growing program that serves individuals with physical disabilities and chronic health conditions through an innovative care model. AXIS focuses on delivering services to prevent complications and ensuring effective communication between the member, the provider and everyone else involved in the process. This approach has led to better healthcare outcomes for our members, like shorter hospital and nursing home stays and decreased emergency room visits.
AXIS is seeking full-time, experienced, motivated and creative RN case managers to provide care coordination across a continuum of services and settings, promoting effective utilization and monitoring of health care resources based upon the needs and input of enrolled members. Responsibilities include: •Performing assessment and individual service plan development, ensuring member participation and choice. •Providing ongoing monitoring and reassessment of member status and needs. •Meet weekly with the Team to ensure the overall health and well being of the member is effectively managed.
The ideal candidates will be public health oriented, familiar with health and disability communities, and value keeping people independent in managing their health. Licensure as a Registered Nurse and valid drivers license are required.
LPN – Case Manager
AXIS Healthcare is a growing program that serves individuals with physical disabilities and chronic health conditions through an innovative care model. AXIS focuses on delivering services to prevent complications and ensuring effective communication between the member, the provider and everyone else involved in the process. This approach has led to better healthcare outcomes for our members, like shorter hospital and nursing home stays and decreased emergency room visits.
LPN case managers will provide care coordination across a continuum of services and settings, promoting effective utilization and monitoring of health care resources based upon the needs and input of enrolled members. Responsibilities include: —Assisting with data collection for initial assessments to identify member needs and desired outcomes —Providing input for the evaluation of the effectiveness of individual service and care plans that ensure member participation and choice. —Meets weekly with the Team to ensure the overall health and well being of the member is effectively managed. The ideal candidates for this full-time position will be public health oriented, familiar with health and disability communities, and value keeping people independent in managing their health. Licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse and valid drivers license are required.
If you are interested in learning more, please contact Diana at If you are interested in learning more, please contact Diana at dmaclennan@axishealth.com or 651-556-9320. EOE. Visit dmaclennan@axishealth.com or 651-556-9320. EOE. Visit our website at www.axis our website at www.axishealth.com to learn more. Classifieds health.com to learn more.
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VR FORUM - Cont. from p. 1
enhanced communication with a sign language interpreter to facilitate communication between a deaf person and the hearing community. McCree explained that having the special phone system at home would cost about $200 per month, which is too expensive for a job seeker on a limited income.
Paul Deeming works as a case manager for Deaf Blind Services MN. He testified regarding the need for in-depth training on job-seeking skills. In his experience clients are often lacking knowledge about how to find work. He believes that this is a deficit in the system.
Don Lavin testified on behalf of the Minnesota Employment First Coalition, a change advocacy organization seeking to make integrative employment at competitive wages and benefits the first option for Minnesotans with disabilities. Lavin pointed out that there are too many people with disabilities in Minnesota who are not working, underemployed or working for sub-minimum wages. Also, too many employers don’t know how to hire or support workers with disabilities.
Lavin declared that while he is often critical of state agencies, “I want to publicly acknowledge and applaud the measurable progress made by Minnesota Rehabilitation Services.” Lavin pointed to a giant step forward. “We are pleased Minnesota RS has recently created a task force to examine better ways to deliver employment services to Minnesotans who are deaf or hard of hearing,” he said.
Lavin also proposed a statewide marketing campaign to bring business leaders into a partnership with VR Services. He pointed out that Minnesota has untapped labor resources in the disability community. In addition, Lavin stressed emphasizing people’s strengths and abilities, not their disabilities. Kimberly Peck summed up the purpose of holding these forums with these thoughts: One of the challenges with VR, or any program, is that making a shift to do things differently requires the willingness to take a step back and say—how well do our current practices serve us and serve our customers?
For more information on the agencies mentioned above: Employment First:
http://donlavin.blogspot. com/search?q=%22June+
25%22; Deaf Blind Services Minnesota: www.dbsm.org/ Minnesota State Independent Living Council: www.mnsilc.
org/
Minnesota State Rehabilitation Council: www.deed.state.
mn.us/rehab/councils/src/ src.htm
State Rehabilitation Services:
www.deed.state.mn.us/re-
hab/vr/main_vr.htm; DEED: www.deed.state.mn. us/agency/index.htm ■ Herb, Patient Transport Supervisor 30 years
YOUR PLACE FOR A REWARDING CAREER IN HEALTH CARE
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