October 2008 Edition - Access Press by Access Press

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Inside

History Note

■ Awards presented—pg 5 ■ Directory of Organizations—pg 7 ■ Happy Birthday, Disability Viewpoints—pg 18

“One of the tests of leadership is the ability to recognize a problem before it becomes an emergency.” — Arnold Glasgow

Page 2 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Mpls. MN Permit No. 4766

Volume 19, Number 10

Minnesota’s Disability

Community Newspaper

Target settles Web site lawsuit National Federation of the Blind praises new online accessibility by Clarence Schadegg

ore than two years after filing a lawsuit against Target Corporation over Web site access, the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and the retailer have reached a settlement agreement. The NFB contended that Target’s on-line shopping Web site was inaccessible to blind people who use a screen reader. The settlement makes changes to the Web site and sets aside $6 million for plaintiffs to share. Bruce Sexton, Jr., a plaintiff in the case from the beginning, said, “This settlement marks a new chapter in making Web sites accessible to the blind. I commend Target.com for committing to being a leader in online accessibility.” “First and foremost, Target. com is committed to serving all our guests,” said Steve Eastman of Target.com. Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: “Access to Web sites is critical to the full and

equal participation of blind people in all aspects of modern life. The NFB is pleased to have reached a settlement with Target.com that is good for all visually impaired consumers and we recognize that Target. com has already taken action to make certain that its Web site is accessible to everyone. We look forward to working with Target.com in the coming months to help make additional improvements that will enhance the experience of blind visitors to the Web site. It is our sincere hope that other businesses providing goods and services over the Internet will follow Target.com’s example and take affirmative steps to provide full access to their Web sites by consumers.”

cable laws. As our online business has evolved, we have made significant enhancements to improve the experience for guests who require assistive technology. We will continue to make appropriate adjustments to our Web site as our business grows and new technologies become available, and we look forward to continuing the dialogue with the NFB,” said Julie Swiler of Target Communications.

Target was made aware of website access problems in May 2005. The lawsuit was filed in the Superior Court of California in February 2006 after months of unsuccessful negotiation. The case was then moved to United States District Court for the North Dis“Target is pleased to have re- trict of California. solved this matter with the NFB. Target is committed to The lawsuit came to an end providing a simple and conve- with a mutual agreement innient online shopping experi- cluding a financial settlement ence for all our guests, and we and commitment to work coare confident our Target.com operatively to improve access Web site is fully accessible to the Target Web site for blind and complies with all appli- screen reader users.

James Thatcher evaluated the Target Web site and said, “When I first evaluated Target.com it was as bad an experience for a screen reader user as any I have seen. It was impossible, not just difficult, but impossible, to complete a purchase using only the keyboard. And because pages were (and are) heavily images (and image maps) – most without alt-text, the listening experience was a nightmare.“ Because of the content management system, the use of image maps, and lack of alt-text there were dozens of links like these: 6816961?%5Fencoding= UTF8&node=… Thatcher said, “Will it be easy to use when all the changes are made. Easy, probably not! But it will be possible. Any commercial page with hundreds of promotions and hundreds of links is a challenge for screen reader users. When those shoppers explore the site and develop their own strategy for shopping they will be able to use Target.com.”

One type of screen reader is Job Access With Speech (JAWS). The JAWS program reads whatever comes up on the computer screen. The keyboard is used rather then the mouse to help JAWS users navigate and read what may be on a Web site. If there are coding problems with the Web site, JAWS may read only parts of an on-line shopping network. Thatcher said, “As far as version dependence goes, to expect ease of use independent of version is unreasonable. New versions of screen access software are created for good reasons, they implement significant improvements in access. There was a particularly major change in the transition from JAWS 7 to JAWS 8. I think it is fair to say that the increased access to Target will be independent of upgrade version of JAWS from Version 8 on. On the other hand most of the changes that have occurred and that are planned Target settles - cont. on p. 18

October 10, 2008

Who Who do you you do want want for for your your next next renter? renter?

Vote See page 9

One in five people live with at least one disability by Rebecca Ray

ational Disability Awareness Month during October highlights a broad cross-section of lives affected by disabilities in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and many organizations highlight the contributions of people with disabilities. Approximately 50 million Americans, or one in five people, have some level of disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. October is an opportunity to highlight the broad needs, experiences and contributions of people with disabilities each year during National Disability Awareness Month. Many organizations are draw-

ing attention to this month’s The U.S. Census Bureau provides additional insights, in a observance. recent fact sheet, on the health, Disabilities are broad-ranging work and life experiences of and cover all aspects of the people with disabilities: human body’s structure and function. The CDC provides a • 1 million people age 15 and older cannot hear, sizable resource on its “Disease & Conditions” section at • 1.8 million people age 15 and older are unable to see, www.cdc.gov. Materials cover symptoms, reports and a vari- • 2.7 million people age 15 and older use a wheelchair, ety of information specific to conditions such as diabetes, • 14.3 million people have limitations in cognitive funcheart disease and arthritis. tioning, or mental/emotional CDC research shows that illness, people with disabilities generally report poorer health than • 56 percent of people with a disability (ages 21 to 64) people without disabilities, and worked sometime during the one of its objectives is propast year. moting health and well-being among people of all ages with disabilities.

During October, people and organizations across the country are recognizing the value of every person’s life and possibility to maximize that life, no matter the type or severity of their disabilities. Allsup, a national Social Security Disability Insurance representation company, is observing National Disability Awareness Month with free posters available to healthcare facilities, clinics and other community groups by calling Karen Hercules-Doerr at (800) 854-1418, ext. 5770. ■ Rebecca Ray works for Allsup, which provided this information to Access Press.

October 10, 2008

of outstanding seminars, with local presenters as well as national speakers. Again, all the major wheelchair vendors and manufacturers demonstrated new power chairs for young people and the elderly, as well as all ages in between. I had a laugh watching some young folks racing around the center, being chased by their parents. It was great to see them growing up with the means to be independent, and to express their own personalities thanks in part to new technologies.

Tim Benjamin, Editor

or the second year, the Abilities Expo was held at the Minneapolis Convention Center in September. It featured many new exhibitors with a variety of products to showcase. There was excitement in the games and sports, like basketball, hockey and rugby. There was a plethora

I want to thank Luther Granquist for his contributions to History Notes. We have been getting many compliments, and encouragement to continue these glimpses into the past lives of the disabled. I think most of us find it interesting to learn more about the challenges of our sisters and brothers from decades earlier, and how we are truly indebted to them for their strong-willed tenacity.

Mike Gude reports about the METO facility in Cambridge and how some “historical” problems just keep recurring. Some of the incidents and conditions at this state-run facility were shocking, especially since we tend to think such things as using metal restraints to control the behavior of residents just don’t happen any more. This is just another example of the importance of dissolving long-term-care facilities in favor of communitybased care and homes for individuals with disabilities. I hope that our several pages on the upcoming elections will be helpful, and will give each of you a push to get to the polls. We’ve been writing about the importance of the 2008 elections for months now, and here we are, in the last weeks before decision day. Every election gives us a chance to ensure that our needs as people with disabilities are met with public policies and

History Note by Luther Granquist

Because of a routinely heavy workload in the laundry, which was even greater on weekends, the patients working there could not be excused from work to participate in holiday activities. To make up for having to work on those holidays, the institution gave them a special party later in July, including dancing, games and favors. Another treat was being served lunch in the employees’ cafeteria.

If you don’t follow politics at all, just try this. Ask yourself, which of these candidates is going to deliver healthcare change that will best contribute to my independence? That’s a question to ask about the candidates for President, Senate, and the House of Representatives. We’ve gotten some answers from them, but also check their Web sites, call their campaign offices, and then go vote for the one whose answers seem right to you.

served as a Republican, but sounded that night like a true non-partisan leader, quoting John Kennedy, Franklin Roosevelt, and other human Need a ride to the polls? Have rights champions, indepena ride to offer? Contact 1-877- dent of political party or NOV-2008 (Mai Thor) or ask “sides.” a friend if they can offer a ride or need one. If we each pair up I was lucky enough to be with someone else, we can be honored, along with two othsure that the disability ers, as a recipient of the Jay community’s voice will be and Rose Phillips Family heard on Election Day, TUES- Foundation’s community DAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2008. service award. The foundation also instituted a new One member of the U.S. Con- award for caregivers this gress you won’t be able to vote year, and it was great to see for this year is retiring Con- this award being given. I gressman, Jim Ramstad. At the think there’s an important Courage Center Awards ban- trend happening more and quet, I was moved to hear him more, recognizing those who give a speech that reflected his are giving expanded opporcareer as a proponent for the tunities for independence to interests of people with dis- the people they serve. As abilities. He also recounted for me, I’ll admit it was a how he was proud to continue thrilling experience to be fighting for legislative changes awarded this prestigious that Paul Wellstone first spon- honor. ■ sored to protect people’s mental health rights. Ramstad Take advantage of the rights that have been won for us by the pioneers in our community!

Letters to the Editor

Fifty-cent piece t least until the late 1960s, Minnesota’s state hospitals could not operate without the help provided by “details,” the men and women confined there who worked in the kitchen and laundry, cleaned the buildings and helped care for many of the other residents. In the summer of 1959, Melville Krafve, the director of administrative services at Faribault, reported problems running the laundry and kitchen because of the number of patients home on vacation. That summer there were 24 “citizen employees” and 90 patients working in the kitchen, and 12 “citizen employees” and 132 patients working in the laundry.

laws that protect and serve us. But we’ve never, in our lifetimes, had an election at a moment like this, when big changes in the economy are bound to mean big changes for federal budgets, state budgets, and healthcare funding. It doesn’t look like “big change” will necessarily mean “positive change.” But one thing’s for sure, the next four years are going to bring change. Who do you want to be leading as those changes come?

for 20¢, 30¢, and 40¢ were raised to 50¢. Those who had been on the payroll for 50¢ were raised to 60¢. There is now no one less than 50¢ on the laundry payroll.”

These practices eventually changed, in part because the Association for Retarded Citizens (now Arc) and Governor Karl Rolvaag decried the “institutional peonage” revealed by a study done in early 1964 showing that at Faribault paLater that summer the institu- tients did 43 percent of the tion also gave these laundry institutional work. ■ workers an increase in their monthly pay. Krafve explained The History Note is a monthly how this increase was made in column sponsored by the Mina report to Superintendent E. nesota Governor's Council on J. Engberg: “Nine dollars were Developmental Disabilities, added to the laundry details’ www.mnddc.org or www.mn Both Memorial Day and July payroll for adjustments... All cdd.org and www.partners 4 fell on a Saturday that year. details formerly on the payroll inpolicymaking.com.

Access Press Co-Founder/Publisher (1990-1996) .................................................. Wm. A. Smith, Jr. Co-Founder/Publisher/Editor-in-Chief (1990-2001) ....................... Charles F. Smith Board of Directors .............................. Brigid Alseth, Mike Chevrette, Kelly Matter, Anita Schermer, Carrie Selberg, Tom Squire and Kay Willshire Editor ......................................................................................................... Tim Benjamin Editorial Assistant .................................................................................... Jane McClure Business Manager ................................................................................. Dawn Frederick Cartoonist ..................................................................................................... Scott Adams Production ...................................................... Ellen Houghton at Presentation Images Webmaster ...................................................................................................... Alice Oden Distribution ......................................................................................... S. C. Distribution Advertising Sales Manager ................................................................... Raymond Yates 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

To the editor: Your recent article (August 2008 Access Press) about access to the skyways for those of us with mobility challenges was informative. I want to add another challenge. It was a cold, rainy day and I wanted to get to the skyway system from my home in Kellogg Square. There is an escalator that is the only way to get to the skyways from our building. All of us who cannot use an escalator – those in a wheelchair, those of us like me who use a threewheeled electric scooter, families with a stroller, people on crutches, etc.—are challenged for our access. To get to the skyways I have to go outdoors, go about two blocks (including crossing the street with a stop light) to the 1st Bank Building to take an elevator to the skyway level. I have spoken many times with the manager in charge of remodeling the building. He tells me an elevator is not a high priority. Because the building is old and historic they are

under no obligation to comply 2. The positive portrayal of with accessibility laws. people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, especially with all of the I know there is an elevator in former and current Special the walls that I understand Olympics athletes who acted could be used to solve the probin the film (yes, actors with lem. I hear from people in the intellectual disabilities were building that a solution is comused). ing, but have heard nothing official. I am sure it is an ex- And, 3. The “R” word was used in an educational way pensive process, but with winter coming on I want indoor because only the bad guys were saying it and it proved access to the skyways. that even us Special OlymKatie O’Brien, St. Paul, MN pics athletes here in this state take offense to that word. To the editor: I was not too happy when I noticed that “The Ringer” was Yes, the movie was filmed the first movie mentioned in before the terminology for the Hall of Shame (September Special Olympics changed 2008 Access Press). It should from Mental Retardation to be instead in the Hall of Fame Intellectual Disabilities, but it because of these three reasons: remains as one of the best 1. Because of the Special Olym- movies that I have ever seen. pics theme, the Farley Brothers worked closely with the Assistant Editor Jane McClure staff and Board of Special made a wrong choice with this Olympics, Inc. (from Tim film, because comedy can be Shriver being executive pro- mixed with education at the same ducer all the way up to Loretta time and this film proved it. Claiborne showing up on set), Roberta Blomster, Vadnais so yes, they were involved Heights, MN, Special Olympics Minnesota athlete ■ with the film.

October 10, 2008

Lively forum on independent living Hypothermia: An approaching risk by Nancy Sopkowiak

public forum on improving independent living and employment services for Minnesotans with disabilities was held on Sept. 24th in St Cloud. The event included panel discussions and time for public comment about unmet needs and satisfaction with current services.

Building a Partnership— Minnesota Centers for Independent Living and the Minnesota Vocational Rehabilitation Program was the most-debated topic of the day. David Hancox, director of the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL), participated in the lively discussion. After the forum, Hancox stated.

between MCIL and RS (Rehabilitative Services) is going very well. We have served a significant number of individuals, been readily available to RS counselors and consumers on a daily basis, developed a project-specific website that has proved to be a valuable addition to our strategy and succeeded in achieving the expectations of the RAMs [Regional Area Managers], the RS counselors, and the goals/objectives set forth in our proposal. I think it has been very successful so far, and we look forward to continuing our efforts.”

Hancox continued, “Per the other CILs (Centers for Independent Living) across Minnesota , I think you would hear similar expressions of success. “I believe the collaboration It is important, however, to

s winter weather approaches, take time to brush up on how to deal with hypothermia and frostbite. Wilderness Medicine magazine offers prevention strategies to those who must brave the cold. Terance Smith and Stepanie Morris, State Rehabilitation Council and panel members, listened to testimony during the Sept 24th forum in St. Cloud. note that each of the CILs developed an individualized proposal with their individual RAMs that would best meet the local needs. So, there are wide variations in the projects...but each is reaching additional individuals with disabilities and succeeding in addressing RS and IL (Independent Living) simultaneously. As a result we are

seeing new levels of cooperation and collaboration between IL and RS. That should be celebrated…Overall, I think the statewide effort has been successful to date.” Editor’s note: This article is an update on a story that ran in the September Issue of Access Press: Finding gainful employment. ■

Abilities Expo ’08 by Nancy Sopkowiak

T LeeAnne Carrothers, PT, Ph.D. presenter of the workshop "Aging Successfully: Health and Wellness for People with Disabilities."

he Abilities Expo showcased independent and assisted living products and services on Sept. 12 – 14th. Persons with disabilities, and their support systems—personal and professional—attended the popular event. Held at the Minneapolis Convention Center, the sec-

ond annual expo included hundreds of exhibitors, many free workshops and fun special events. The event included a focus on the November election as representatives from the Obama and McCain campaigns held a political discussion.

One exciting booth showed off the first accessible race car. The vehicle, which meets National Association for Stock Car Racing (NASCAR) standards, is modified with variable effort steering, electric gas and brakes, and extra safety features. The crowds around Expo - cont. on p. 16

treated appropriately. Patients with moderate and severe hypothermia will not be able to rewarm themselves and the application of any external sources of heat, including body-to-body rewarming, will likely be inadequate. They should be taken to a medical Hypothermia, the result of the facility immediately. inability to overcome heat loss by the generation and conser- Hypothermia can be difficult vation of body heat, can be to manage, but is much easier acute or chronic. Acute signi- to prevent. The following prefies a sudden drop of core body vention strategies are recomtemperature and chronic hy- mended: Stay well hydrated. pothermia is when there is a Maintain a good energy level. gradual drop in core tempera- Dress appropriately. Plan ture. Chronic hypothermia is ahead. Recognize the signs more common, often occur- and symptoms ring in ambient temperatures between 30 and 50 degrees. Whereas hypothermia involves a reduction of the core More important than the clas- temperature, frostbite is the sification is the recognition of result of actual freezing of the the signs and symptoms. An cells and soft tissues. Risk faceasy way to remember this is tors for frostbite include freezby remembering the “umbles”— ing temperatures, high wind mumbling, grumbling, fum- and altitude, tobacco and drug bling and stumbling—that rep- use, contact with heat-conductresent the intellectual and ing materials such as metal, physical impairments often and a previous history of frostobserved. Hypothermia can be bite. further divided into mild, moderate or severe hypothermia. Like hypothermia, frostbite Patients with mild hypother- can occur in varying degrees. mia will be able to rewarm The degree of severity—suthemselves as long as the perficial, partial-thickness, or symptoms are recognized and Hypothermia - cont. on p. 6

October 10, 2008

Maltreatment reported at state care facility Report points to need for improved protection from abuse by Mike Gude

n the front page of its Sept. 18, 2008 edition, the Star Tribune reported that the State Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, along with state regulatory agencies, found that people with developmental disabilities were mistreated and restrained excessively at the state-run Minnesota Extended Treatment Options (METO) facility in Cambridge. For more than two years residents with developmental disabilities were subjected to extreme measures to control their behavior, such as restraint with metal handcuffs, in violation of state and federal regulations that protect

persons with developmental disabilities from maltreatment. In a report the ombudsman office published called “Just Plain Wrong,” the office also found that METO had morphed from its mission of providing short-term stabilization for clients in crisis into an institution where many clients lived for years with no hope of returning to their homes in the community. Those individuals with developmental disabilities whose current behaviors are so challenging that they can’t yet be served safely in their communities are admitted to METO. METO’s stated goal is to provide the services these individuals need so

they can get their challenging behaviors under control and develop the skills they need to go back to their community.

needed to manage the situation. However, the response of caregivers should not harm the person with developmental disabilities or violate their As advocates for individuals rights and their dignity. with disabilities—including residents of METO—we ap- The abuses at METO happlaud the ombudsman’s deci- pened in spite of all of the sion to publish this report in an current regulations and laws effort to shed light on these meant to protect these vulnerproblems and prevent their able individuals. Continued recurrence. All people with close monitoring of METO is disabilities, no matter how se- required but is not enough; the rious their behavior challenges, state must take additional steps deserve to be treated with re- to prevent vulnerable individuspect. We realize that there are als from ending up there in the times when behaviors of an first place. More than 20,000 individual with developmen- Minnesotans with developtal disabilities pose a threat to mental disabilities live and themselves or others. At those receive services in the comtimes, quick intervention is munity, and the state is re-

sponsible for maintaining an adequate safety net for these vulnerable individuals. Stateoperated crisis intervention services are a key part of the service system. But in the past seven years, this system has been severely eroded by budget cuts, with one consequence being more and longer placements at METO.

safe and temporary one for our most vulnerable citizens. “Just Plain Wrong” also points to a need for additional changes in the way we protect our vulnerable citizens. If these abuses happened in spite of all our current regulations and laws, we need to look at additional ways to ensure that people with developmental disabilities are treated with dignity. We need a system where the community is looking out for their vulnerable citizens—more people involved in the person’s life, not more people involved in additional paperwork. ■

We urge the state and the counties to step up their efforts to restore a fully functioning community crisis intervention system, so that people with developmental disabilities can stay in their homes safely and with dignity. And when METO is the only option, we must all Mike Gude oversees communidemand that it be a positive, cations for The Arc of MN.

News at a glance . . . Home’s residents were improperly restrained

esidents of the state’s home for the developmentally disabled in Cambridge were improperly handcuffed as punishment and as a form of behavior control, according to state investigators. The Minnesota Extended Treatment Program or METO is a short-term residential treatment facility with 48 beds. Handcuffs and ankle restraints were used at the facility for minor behavior problems and not for safety reasons as required by law. The abuse, which occurred over a two-year period, is detailed in a report made public in September by the state’s Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities. State officials admitted to the violations but also said the practice was halted last spring. Roberta Opheim, state mental health ombudsman, said she took the unusual step of publicly chastising the facility so that the abuse wouldn’t happen again. In the report experts said the Cambridge staff could have used other measures to work with the residents, rather than the restraints. One patient sustained a broken arm and others were anxious and terrified as a result of the practice. The practice was revealed to state officials by family members of some of the residents. [Source: Star Tribune]

of study began this fall thanks to the work of student activists. The students were concerned about long waits to take a small number of American Sign Language (ASL) classes. Students organized as Access for All. They circulated a petition and held a forum on the need for a deaf studies minor. They lobbied for support from legislators, advocates, community members, students and school administration. This allowed UMD to obtain funding for the program. The school hired two instructors, one deaf and one hearing, this fall after the University of Minnesota Board of Regents approved the program. This fall there are 185 students enrolled in the ASL classes, up from 100 last year. Access for All won UMD’s Outstanding Student Organization award in 2008. [Source: Duluth News-Tribune]

Camp may have to close

rade Lake Camp, the Wisconsin camping facility where a Shoreview man became lost for days, faces closure after a second camper died this summer. Wisconsin officials began scrutinizing the camp after Shoreview resident Keith Kennedy wandered away and was lost in the woods for more than a week. Kennedy, who survived his ordeal, is autistic. In July, camper Shirley Meade, 49, was given the wrong medication. Camp staff decided to let Meade sleep off the medication, instead of taking her for medical help. But Meade died in her sleep. Student activists promote Meade, who was developmentally disabled, was a resident of deaf studies minor a St. Paul Park group home. Trade Lake Camp is a camp for niversity of Minnesota-Duluth students have succeeded persons with disabilities. It is near Grantsburg and is used by in their drive for a new deaf studies minor. The new course many Minnesota families. The camp had passed an inspection by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services about a month before Meade died. Only minor violations were

found and those were corrected, according to state records. Not only could the camp be closed down, camp owner Peggy Hjelseth could face first degree reckless homicide charges or other charges in connection with Meade’s death. [Source: Pioneer Press]

Waseca man oldest with Down syndrome

Waseca man, 80-year-old Bert Holbrook, may be the world’s oldest person with Down syndrome. His nurse, Pat Foley, has been in contact with Guinness Book of World Record staff and hopes to confirm that fact soon. The previous oldest man with Down syndrome on record, Peter Davison of Great Britain, died last year at age 68. The world’s oldest woman with Down syndrome, 74-year-old Mary Perry, lives in Tennessee. Even with improved medical care, the lifespan of a person with Down syndrome typically doesn’t extend beyond age 55. Holbrook is a lifelong resident of the Waseca area. He lives in a group home with seven other adults. He no longer has any relatives living in the area but has caregivers who have been with him for many years. [Source: Mankato Free Press]

Skyway closing is denied

St. Paul building has lost its bid to close a skyway earlier than allowed by city ordinance. The owners of River Park Lofts, 406 Wacouta St., asked the St. Paul City Council for the exemption to the city’s uniform skyway hours Sept. 10. The request was for the building to have its skyway open only between the hours of 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday. But the Skyway Advisory Committee recommended against the application, noting that the skyway connects to a parking ramp News at a glance - cont. on p. 19

Diamond Hill Townhomes We are currently accepting applications for our waiting list at Diamond Hill Townhomes, a great property located near the Minneapolis International Airport. We have two and three bedroom townhomes that are HUD subsidized and rent is 30% of the total household's adjusted gross income. We have a large number of mobility impaired accessible units and we are scheduling appointments for persons in need of a mobility impaired accessible unit immediately. To schedule an appointment please call (612) 726-9341.

October 10, 2008

Congressman Ramstad receives 2008 National Courage Award Four others receive Jay and Rose Phillips Awards by Sue Warner, Courage Center

ourage Center presented U.S. Rep. Jim Ramstad with its National Courage Award at its annual Medtronic Celebration of Courage Gala at The Depot in Minneapolis on September 13. The national award recognizes an individual’s contributions to the health, welfare and rehabilitation of people with disabilities. “Issues facing the disability community have been a longstanding key policy area for Jim Ramstad,” said Courage Center CEO Jan Malcolm. “We are thrilled to recognize and honor Congressman Ramstad’s bi-partisan leadership in this area.” As a Minnesota state legislator, Ramstad sponsored funding for a pilot program that eventually became Metro Mobility service. He was also the sponsor and legislative champion for Minnesota’s inhome personal care assistant program, which gave every qualifying person with a disability the right to in-home care under the state’s Medicaid program. This made Minnesota one of the first states to make such a program entitlement. In 1999, as a representative for Minnesota’s Third District, he co-sponsored the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act, the last major federal law to pass benefiting people with disabilities. This act gives people searching for employment more control in choosing where they can go for assistance. It also expanded access to Medicare, even in the event of a job loss. For millions of Americans with disabilities, lack of adequate health insurance coverage remains a significant barrier to employment.

Ramstad also cosponsored, along with the late Senator Paul Wellstone, the Mental Health Parity Act. He continues to work on the bill’s passage. The bill would require most group health plans to provide coverage for treatment of mental illnesses, comparable to what they provide for physical illnesses. “Time and again Congressman Ramstad has reached across the aisle to work on behalf of Americans looking to gain greater independence and participate fully in life. His passionate and tireless work has made Minnesota a leader in the areas of access and mental health reform. We are grateful for his friendship and leadership,” said Malcolm. The celebration also included honoring people with Phillips Awards, presented each year by Courage Center to people with disabilities who have achieved outstanding vocational and community success. New this year was the Caregiver Award, which acknowledges and honors a behindthe-scenes caregiver vital to the success of a person with a disability. Phillips Caregiver Award was presented to: Greg Salyers, Minneapolis For Greg Salyers, caring for Steve Erickson wasn’t simply a job. It became part of his life and flourished into a deep and rich friendship. According to Steve’s sister Tracy Anderson, “The day Steve was paralyzed was heart-breaking, but without the care and friendship of Greg Salyers… Steve’s life could have been very tragic. Steve survived the first three years after his accident. Steve LIVED the last 15 years with Greg’s help.” Others who wit-

nessed their partnership say that Erickson and Salyers “brought out the best in each other. They were so wellknown together that you never saw Greg without Steve. They became such a team that you knew if Greg was around, Steve was with him.” Said another: “Once in a while you see people that have careers that are in total ‘flow’ with their natural gifts. Greg is such a person… He provided hope, belief and created a ‘normal’ life for Steve. I will forever be grateful for Greg’s presence in Steve’s life.”

program at Cedar Valley Community Church. Rasmussen and his wife Lori live in Waterloo with their daughters, Kelsey, 11, and Makayla, 7. James Mastro, Ph.D., Bemidji, Professor, physical education professor, Bemidji State University Mastro lost his vision while in high school, but hasn’t let that stop him from accumulating an impressive teaching, coaching and athletic resume. He was the first person in the nation with a visual impairment

rector of Access Press, a monthly newspaper dedicated to issues of importance to Minnesota’s disability community. He is a role model, leader and advocate for people with disabilities. Benjamin serves or has served on a number of boards and committees, including the St. Paul Mayor’s Committee on People with Disabilities, the Qwest Consumer Advisory Panel, and the board of Access for All and the AXIS Healthcare Advisory Board. For two consecutive terms he served as the chair-

Congressman Jim Ramstad receives National Courage Award CCD) and is a member of the Minnesota Business Leadership Network, an employer organization with a commitment to hiring people with disabilities. A 1974 diving accident

Sadly, Erickson wasn’t on hand to witness Salyers’ award. On March 1, 2008, at age 44, he suddenly and peacefully passed away in his sleep. Salyers lives in Minneapolis. Phillips Employment Awards were presented to: Eric Rasmussen, Waterloo, Iowa, Self-employed, Valley Orthopedic Sales Being a self-employed salesman isn’t the easiest way to make a living. It’s even more of a challenge when you’re dealing with a disability like Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (MD). But that’s just what Eric Rasmussen does. A 1989 Health Studies graduate of Kirkwood Community College, Rasmussen worked as an orthopedic physician assistant from 1989 to 2005. At the age of 34, he was diagnosed with MD. As the physical demands of his job became too challenging, he transitioned into medical sales. According to his nomination, “Eric shows people on a daily basis that his disability will not stand in his way of working or living his life to the fullest.” In addition to his job, Rasmussen is a key leader in the group ministry

Several hundred people attended the awards ceremony and benefit for Courage Center at The Depot in Minneapolis.

Phillips Award group included Amy Crawford, executive director, Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation; James Mastro, award winner; Eric Rasmussen, award winner; Courage Center CEO Jan Malcolm; Caregiver recipient Greg Salyers; and Access Press editor and executive director, Tim Benjamin. to earn a Ph.D. in physical education. He is author or coauthor of 53 articles and has made 31 national and international presentations on adapted physical education. Mastro competed in seven Paralympics, medaling in four different sports and earning 10 medals. He was an alternate in Greco Roman wrestling for the 1976 Olympics. He recently received the Medal of Courage from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. He is founder and director of the Northern Plains Visions of Sport Camp, which serves students with visual impairments. Mastro has coached wrestling and judo for a variety of schools and camps. Currently he is a board member of the US Association of Blind Athletes and National Beep Baseball Association. He is also faculty advisor to the Bemidji Judo Club. Mastro’s family includes his wife Cheryl, daughter Amber and son Paul. [Editor’s Note The following is (humbly) reprinted from the award citation.] Tim Benjamin, St. Paul, editor and executive director, Access Press Since 2001, Tim Benjamin has been editor and executive di-

person of the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living. Benjamin is active in the Minnesota Consortium of Citizens with Disabilities (MN-

left Benjamin a quadriplegic. Benjamin , his wife Lynda and their dog, Feivel, live in St. Paul’s Como Park neighborhood. ■

A partner with the community, Regions Hospital celebrates Disability Employment Awareness Month. Regions Hospital has served the Twin Cities and surrounding region for more than 125 years. We are genuinely dedicated to fostering an environment that provides our patients, and staff, with the Best Care, Best Experience. 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, values-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.

regionshospital.com

October 10, 2008

Journal entry #2

Something unexpected Four months along and things are looking good by Mai Thor

ometimes, I feel like a bad disabled pregnant woman. I haven’t studied up on anything. I haven’t gone to the library to do any research. I haven’t spent hours on the Internet looking up chat rooms and blogs created for pregnant disabled women. Does that mean I’ll be a bad mother? I’ve never felt my disability was something I needed to “learn” about. It was just sort of there, like my black hair or my stubby fingers. But now things are different. If reading about having a disability and the effects it has on pregnancy will be helpful to my baby, then I should do it, right? For me, that would be hard. Unless it’s a glossy magazine with Britney Spears or Tom Cruise on the cover, I won’t read it. (I haven’t read a damn thing since graduate school.)

who has had a baby. I think it’s helpful, but it does tend to repeat the same information chapter by chapter since most women experience many of the same things throughout pregnancy. The other is called “The Disabled Woman’s Guide to Pregnancy and Birth”. The author interviewed many women with a variety of disabilities who have experienced pregnancy. It’s interesting and really pushes the idea that all women, including those with disabilities, have the inherent right to have children if they choose to. However, like the other book, it’s also repetitive.

The little information that has come my way does encourage some research, so I did pick up two books. The first one, “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” is probably on the book shelves of every woman

The thing I realized about both these books, even though one does not specifically target woman with disabilities and the other does, is that pregnancy for any women is just that—pregnancy. Both books

talk about the same kinds of health issues, the same questions are asked and often, the same answers are given. It sort of made me realize that just because I’m disabled doesn’t mean my pregnancy is going to be that much different from another other woman’s. Sure, many disabled women may have unique situations, but then so do a lot of able-bodied pregnant women. I know several women without disabilities who had horrible experiences during pregnancy. Many women in the Disabled Women’s Guide talked about how surprised they were that their pregnancies went so well. So, I’m not going to worry about it too much. And I feel okay about not spending hours with my nose in a book.

readers) and my instincts. Eat healthy, get enough sleep, drink lots of water—you can’t go wrong with that, can you? I’m on my fourth month now, and things are going well. I had my third prenatal visit just the other day and things look good. Baby has a healthy heartbeat at 140 per minute. I’m very lucky because I haven’t gotten sick at all. Despite some headaches and feeling tired, I can’t complain.

Weight gain and pain have been my biggest issues. The other day I got a new cushion for my chair and it really has helped with butt pain. As I get heavier and heavier, the cushion will need to get thicker and thicker! Let’s hope my ass will even still fit in the chair before the baby comes. Since I can’t really be weighed, I don’t know how much weight I’ve gained. I think that’s a blessing in disguise—why would I want to know? I’m fat and I don’t need a scale to tell me that. For now, I’ll rely on my OB/ The weight gain and all the GYN (that’s obstetrician/gy- other changes with my body necologist for all of the male has been the biggest adjust-

ment for me. I don’t feel very Next time you read about me and baby, we will know if it’s attractive at all right now. a boy or girl. I can’t wait! I’ll You know all that talk about make sure my partner has the how a pregnant woman is beau- camera ready so we can get a tiful and has a certain “glow”? picture of the ultrasound to That’s a bunch of crap. I don’t share with everyone. If you glow. I have gas. I have consti- want to drop me a line and give pation. My baby squeezes my me advice (everyone else has) bladder like a little toy and I or share your experience about pee every 20 minutes. Let’s being a disabled woman who face it; we can’t all look hot has had kids, I would love to while pregnant like Angelina hear from you. Send a letter to the editor or drop me a line at Jolie. dagobah@hotmail.com. ■

HYPOTHERMIA full-thickness frostbite (the most severe)—determines the course of action that needs to be taken. Treatment for superficial and partial-thickness frostbite may begin outdoors. However, refreezing after the area has been thawed has been shown to cause much more extensive damage. Especially with partial- and full-thickness frostbite, care is needed in a medical facility.

Cont. from p. 3

but can also occur in unplanned situations closer to home. It is important to recognize the loss of sensation or an inability to move the affected area and seek immediate ways to reverse the situation. To read the entire article, visit: www.allen press.com/pdf/wimm-25-0116-17.pdf ■

Wilderness Medicine is a quarterly medical magazine published by the Wilderness Frostbite is often seen in high- Medical Society. For more inrisk types of activities such as formation, visit www.wms. high-altitude mountaineering org.

October 10, 2008

Access Press Directory of Organizations Minnesota’s Disability Community Newspaper

•

www.accesspress.org

VOICE LINE SECOND LINE E-MAIL/WEB SITE ADVOCACY Advocating Change Together (ACT) ..................... V-651-641-0297 ..... TF-800-641-0059 .............. www.selfadvocacy.org Arc – Greater Twin Cities ...................................... V-952-920-0855 ........ F-952-920-1480 ... www.arcgreatertwincities.org Arc of Minnesota ........................................... V-651-523-0823x115 ..... TF-800-582-5256 ..... www.thearcofminnesota.org Arthritis Foundation — North Central Chapter ..... V-651-644-4108 .. TTY-800-333-1380 ...................... www.arthritis.org Assoc. of Residential Resources in MN (ARRM) . V-651-291-1086 .. TTY-800-551-2211 ........................... www.arrm.org Courage Center ...................................................... V-763-520-0312 .. TTY-763-520-0245 ...................... www.courage.org Mental Health Association of MN ......................... V-612-331-6840 ........ F-612-331-1630 ......... www.mentalhealthmn.org Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) ... V-651-646-8342 .. TTY-651-603-2001 ..................... www.mcil-mn.org MN Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities ...... V-763-520-0439 ........ F-763-520-0562 ........................ www.mnccd.org MN Developmental Achievement Center Association (MnDACA) ......................... V-651-647-9200 ........ F-651-647-9353 ...................... www.mndaca.org National Alliance on Mental Illness of Minnesota (NAMI-MN)V-651-645-2948..F-651-645-7379 .......... www.namimn.org ASSISTIVE AND COMPANION ANIMALS Hearing and Service Dogs of MN .......................... V-612-729-5986 F/TTY-612-729-5914 .......................... www.hsdm.org Helping Paws, Inc. ................................................. V-952-988-9359 ........ F-952-988-9296 .............. www.helpingpaws.org ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY Assistive Technology of Minnesota (ATMn*) ...... V-763-479-8239 ..... TF-866-535-8239 ........................... www.atmn.org Courage Center ...................................................... V-763-520-0312 .. TTY-763-520-0245 ...................... www.courage.org Fairview Assistive Technology Program ............... V-612-273-6830 ........ F-612-273-7360 ........... www.fairview.org/rehab Fairview Seating and Wheeled Mobility ............... V-612-273-5560 ........ F-612-273-7360 ........... www.fairview.org/rehab Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare ................ V-651-291-2848 ..... TF-800-719-4040 ......... www.gillettechildrens.org PACER Center, Inc. ............................................... V-952-838-9000 .. TTY-952-838-0190 .......................... www.pacer.org Telephone Equipment Distribution Program ......... V-651-297-1507 .. TTY-888-206-6555 ................ www.tedprogram.org EDUCATION Minnesota Community Education Network on Disabilities (CEND) ...................................... V-651-748-7436 ........ F-651-748-7497 ............. psvendsen@isd622.org Ronald M. Hubbs Center ....................................... V-651-290-4822 .. TTY-651-290-4852 ................. www.hubbs.spps.org EMPLOYMENT/VOCATION Assistive Technology of Minnesota (ATMn*) ...... V-763-479-8239 ..... TF-866-535-8239 ........................... www.atmn.org CCP Works! ................................................... V-763-540-6833x305 ...................................................... www.theccpinc.com Community Connections Partnership (CCP) . V-763-540-6833x302 ................ www.communityconnectionspartnership.org Cooperating Community Programs (CCP) ............ V-651-917-8322 ........................................................ www.ccpcdcs.com Courage Center ...................................................... V-763-520-0564 .. TTY-763-520-0245 ...................... www.courage.org East Suburban Resources ....................................... V-651-351-0190 ........................................................ www.esrworks.org Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota .......................... V-651-379-5800 ........ F-651-379-5803 ... www.goodwilleasterseals.org Kaposia Inc ................................................... V/TTY-651-224-6974 ........ F-651-224-7249 ..................... www.kaposia.com Lifetrack Resources — St. Paul ............................. V-651-227-8471 .. TTY-651-227-3779 ...... www.lifetrackresources.org Lifeworks Services, Inc. ...................................... TF-866-454-2732 .. TTY-651-365-3736 ....................www.lifeworks.org Merrick, Inc. .......................................................... V-651-789-6231 ........ F-651-789-9960 ................. www.merrickinc.org Metro Work Center, Inc. ............................... V/TTY-612-729-7381 ........ F-612-729-7382 ....... www.metroworkcenter.org Midway Training Services ..................................... V-651-641-0709 ........ F-651-641-0976 .......... www.midwaytraining.org Midwest Special Services, Inc. .............................. V-651-778-1000 .. TTY-651-772-8592 .............. www.mwsservices.org Minnesota Resource Center ................................... V-612-752-8102 .. TTY-612-752-8019 ...................... www.mrc-mn.org Minnesota Work Incentives Connection ................ V-651-632-5113 ..... TF-800-976-6728 .... www.mnworkincentives.com MRCI WorkSource ....................................... V/TTY-507-386-5600 ........ F-507-345-5991 ......... www.mrciworksource.org MRCI WorkSource — Carver/Scott ...................... V-952-403-7660 MRCI WorkSource — Chaska .............................. V-952-448-2234 MRCI WorkSource — Fairmont ........................... V-507-238-4388 ........ F-507-238-4389 MRCI WorkSource — New Ulm .......................... V-507-233-2700 ........ F-507-354-8146 MRCI WorkSource — Rosemount ........................ V-651-423-8900 Opportunity Partners .............................................. V-952-938-5511 .. TTY-952-930-4293 ............. www.opportunities.org ProAct Inc. ............................................................. V-651-686-0405 ........ F-651-686-0312 .................... www.proactinc.org Rise, Inc. ....................................................... V/TTY-763-786-8334 ........ F-763-786-0008 ............................. www.rise.org Directory of Organizations - cont. on next page

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

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

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

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

(Please call each individual site for specific building information. All listings are accessible.)

October 10, 2008

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

A GREA T RESOURCE! GREAT

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.

VOICE LINE

•

www.accesspress.org

SECOND LINE

E-MAIL/WEB SITE

EMPLOYMENT/VOCATION (CONTINUED) Ronald M. Hubbs Center ....................................... V-651-290-4822 .. TTY-651-290-4852 ................. www.hubbs.spps.org TBI Metro Services — Richfield ........................... V-612-869-3995 .. TTY-952-930-4293 ............. www.opportunities.org TBI Metro Services — W. St Paul ........................ V-651-457-4756 .. TTY-952-930-4293 ............. www.opportunities.org TSE, Inc. ................................................................ V-651-489-2595 ........ F-651-489-0410 ........................ www.tse-inc.org Vinland National Center ............................... V/TTY-763-479-3555 ........ F-763-479-2605 ............. www.vinlandcenter.org GOVERNMENT/PUBLIC PROGRAMS Social Security Administration and the St. Paul PASS Cadre (SSA) ......................... V-651-290-0054 ........ F-651-290-3811 ............ www.socialsecurity.gov MN Governor’s Council on Developmental DisabilitiesV-651-296-4018TF-877-348-0505 ........................ www.mncdd.org HEALTH CARE PLANS UCare ..................................................................... V-800-707-1711 .. TTY-800-688-2534 .......................... www.ucare.org HOUSING/REAL ESTATE — RENTAL Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI) ................................. V-651-645-7271 .. TTY-800-627-3529 ......... www.accessiblespace.org Community Involvement Programs (CIP) — Bloomington ....................................................... V-952-854-4007 ............................................................. www.cipmn.org CIP — Crystal ........................................................ V-763-504-1008 ............................................................. www.cipmn.org CIP — Minneapolis ............................................... V-612-362-4400 ........ F-612-362-4476 ......................... www.cipmn.org Cooperating Community Programs (CCP) — Residential Services ........................................... V-651-917-8322 ........................................................ www.ccpcdcs.com HousingLink .......................................................... V-612-522-2500 ........ F-612-521-1577 ................ www.housinglink.org Mary T. Inc. ........................................................... V-763-754-2505 ..... TF-888-255-6400 ................... www.marytinc.com National Handicap Housing Institute, Inc (NHHI) .. V-651-639-9799 ................................. www.nhhiaccessiblehousing.com Rise, Inc. ....................................................... V/TTY-763-786-8334 ........ F-763-786-0008 ............................. www.rise.org HOUSING/REAL ESTATE — CONSTRUCTION/REMODELING Accessibility Design .............................................. V-952-925-0301 ........ F-952-926-7712 ... www.accessibilitydesign.com Accessible Homes, LLC ........................................ V-612-978-1054 ........................................ www.accessiblehomesllc.net Assistive Technology of Minnesota (ATMn*) ...... V-763-479-8239 ..... TF-866-535-8239 ........................... www.atmn.org Susan Lasoff & Associates .................................... V-612-872-7520

Target Marketing at its finest! Advertise in Access Press and reach thousands in the disability community every month.

INDEPENDENT/COMMUNITY LIVING SKILLS TRAINING Community Involvement Programs (CIP) - BloomingtonV-952-854-4007 .................................................... www.cipmn.org Community Involvement Programs (CIP) — CrystalV-763-504-1008 ........................................................... www.cipmn.org Community Involvement Programs (CIP) — MinneapolisV-612-362-4400F-612-362-4479 ........................ www.cipmn.org Cooperating Community Programs (CCP) ............ V-651-917-8322 ........................................................ www.ccpcdcs.com Courage Center ...................................................... V-763-520-0312 .. TTY-763-520-0245 ...................... www.courage.org DeafBlind Services Minnesota (DBSM) ............... V-612-362-8454 .. TTY-612-362-8422 .......................... www.dbsm.org Dungarvin, Inc. — Minnesota................................ V-651-699-6050 .. TTY-651-695-5802 ................. www.dungarvin.com Directory of Organizations - cont. on page 13

October 10, 2008

AutoMARK provides voters accessibility options by Minnesota Secretary of State office and Access Press staff

oters with disabilities can use a device, called an AutoMARK, to more easily mark their ballots. A video on AutoMARK use, narrated by Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, is on the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office Web site. To view the video, go to the Secretary of State Web site at www.sos. state.mn.us and click on “Elec-

tion Center,” then “Voter Outreach and Education” and scroll down to “Using the AutoMARK” under “Videos.”

their ballots including a touchscreen with large print; headphones and audio instructions; and a keypad marked in Braille. The intent is to make voting “The AutoMARK, which will easier. be in every polling place in Minnesota, is a voting station “Everyone in Minnesota votes that ensures that all voters can on a paper ballot. The Autovote privately and indepen- MARK only marks the paper dently,” said Ritchie. The ballot, it does not count votes” AutoMARK offers voters a Ritchie said. “Voters must still number of easy ways to mark put their completed ballot into the ballot counter once it is marked.” AutoMARK machines are not only available on Election Day. The machines are also available for in-person absentee voting at county offices, from now until Nov. 3. The AutoMARK is available at the Nov. 4 elec- The machine itself guides the tion as an aid to voters voter through the voting prowith disabilities. The cess. It starts when the ballot is Minnesota Secretary of inserted into the machine. A State Web site provides prompt on the screen or audio an online video and will tell the voter that the printed information AutoMARK is scanning the ballot. When scanning is comabout using this device

plete, an instruction screen will appear and audio instructions will begin. Read and/or listen to the voting instructions. Touch the flashing NEXT button at the bottom of the screen or the RIGHT ARROW to proceed to the ballot.

The AutoMARK will only reg- cast a vote. Or, hit the SEister your last selection. LECT key and follow the audio instructions, touching the In races in which you are al- SELECT key for each letter of lowed to vote for more than the name you are writing in. one candidate—such as for Once you have entered the school board or council mem- name, press OK or the RIGHT bers—the AutoMARK will ARROW key and the name of inform you if you select too your write-in selection will The AutoMARK offers a num- many candidates. appear on your ballot. ber of ways to mark the ballot. These are by using the touch The AutoMARK also will no- When you have completed the screen or by using the head- tify you if you have not en- ballot, a summary screen will tered a vote for a specific can- appear listing all of the selecphones and Braille keypad. didate or ballot question—or tions you made—please reThe machine provides step- if you don’t vote for as many view all of your ballot selecby-step instructions for vot- candidates as allowed. The tions. If you want to change a ers. For each race, note the AutoMARK allows you to selection, you may do so by number of candidates that you write in candidates as well. To touching the candidate and can vote for. The AutoMARK cast a vote for a write-in candi- entering another selection. won’t allow you to vote for date, touch the WRITE IN more candidates than allowed option and a keyboard will When satisfied with your seappear on the screen. Audio lections press NEXT or in a race. instructions will also prompt RIGHT ARROW to have your In races in which only a single for WRITE IN candidates. AutoMARK - cont. on p. 10 candidate may be selected— which is most races—you may Use the keyboard to type in change your selection by se- the name of a candidate for lecting a different candidate. whom you would like to

Be a prepared voter on Election Day by Access Press staff and contributors

on’t let a disability keep you away from casting a vote in the Nov. 4 election. Absentee voting is one great option. Another is casting your voting at polls on Election Day itself. Articles on each are below, as is information on rides to the polls and same-day registration.

persons assisting the voter must not mark the ballot. It is not enough to “know” how the voter would vote. If a voter cannot express his or her preference on the ballot, and cannot direct the helper in marking it, the ballot cannot be marked. Ask the head judge at the precinct for help.

On Election Day, all voters should be prepared for long lines More information about voting rights is at www.sos.state.mn.us and long waits as those are typical during a presidential or by calling MN Relay Service 711 or 1-877-600-VOTE election. Think about bringing a bottle of water or juice, snack and medications if needed at a specific time. Election judges do Know your voting rights work to keep the lines moving but it’s better to prepare for a Often there is confusion surrounding the right to vote. Can wait than to have to lose one’s place in line. voters be developmentally disabled? Can a person with a brain injury vote? What is the voter is experiencing severe memory Worried about standing for long periods of time? Try to vote loss or has some other cognitive impairment? with a friend or family member. It’s acceptable to ask election judges if chairs are available. Keep in mind, though, that the In Minnesota, only a court may decide whether or not an judges have to keep the lines moving. individual is competent to vote. According to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office, no one else may make that decision. All polling places must be fully accessible to elderly individuSpouses, caregivers, children, doctors or other medical profesals and individuals with disabilities. This includes clearly sionals have no say, even if they are personally convinced that marked accessible doors, curb cuts or ramps where necessary and the individual is not competent to vote. at least one parking space for persons with disabilities near the accessible entrance. If this is not the case, contact local election An individual under guardianship, conservatorship or for whom officials and voice your concerns. Accessibility is the law. someone has power of attorney still retains the right to vote unless it is specifically revoked by a court. The statute that A head election judge can make changes to a polling place on governs voting rights is Minnesota Statutes Section 524.5-313 Election Day, such as changing an entrance. But contact local (c) (8). Or ask the head election judge at the precinct for further election officials if you believe a facility cannot be made information. accessible and a different facility has to be found. That change can be made in future elections.

Absentee vote: Skip the long lines

A voter may bring a helper to the polls. Helpers can assist the Can’t make it to the polls on Nov. 4? Absentee ballots became voter in marking their ballot. It’s best to let the head election available for the general election on October 3, and are availjudge know that the person accompanying you is your helper. able through November 3. If a voter needs assistance due to a physical inability to mark a Absentee voting is a method of voting in the event that a voter ballot, there are restrictions on who can and cannot assist. is unable to reach the voting place on primary or general These people are restricted from helping a voter: The voter’s election day. The ability to vote on your own time is convenient employer, an agent of the voter’s employer, an officer or agent and easy. Absentee voting may be done by mail. Or voters can go to designated voting places during the time period preceding of the voter’s union or a candidate for election. the election. Voters vote in the city or county where they live, A voter can bring a family member, friend or personal care so contact the appropriate local government offices. assistant for help at the polls. Or a voter can ask for assistance from two election judges who are members of different politi- Absentee ballots can be mailed to elections officials, delivered cal parties. Ask the head election judge for help. (See Minne- by an authorized person or cast in person. In most Minnesota sota Statutes, Section 204C.15 for more information.) No communities pre-Election Day absentee ballots are cast at person who is not an election judge may assist in the marking county offices. Contact officials in your home county to find the of more than three voters’ ballots. Anyone helping a voter mark exact location and times for absentee voting. Absentee voting a ballot is specifically banned from influencing the voter’s is allowed if: work, school or other obligations keep a voter out choices. Improperly influencing a voter in Minnesota is a gross of his or her home precinct on Election Day; illness or disability misdemeanor. That is why it is best to have more than one prevent a voter from going to a polling place, religious disciperson assist in marking a ballot. If a voter cannot communicate pline or observance prevents a voter from going to a polling his or her intent when a ballot is to be marked, the person or place; or the voter is an election judge in another precinct.

Voters who are not registered can register as part of absentee voting. Voters may download an application to receive an absentee ballot through the mail at www.sos.state.mn.us/docs/ ab_application.doc . When at the Web 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 and registration information will be mailed out when it is ready. The completed absentee ballot must be received in the correct precinct by Election Day when the polls close. Because requests to have absentee ballots mailed to your home need to be made soon, it’s also worth a call to your city or county elections office to check if ballots can still be mailed. In some cases, completed absentee ballots can be delivered. Voters can, in writing, authorize 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; and/or a resident of an assisted living facility. According to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website, the following stipulations also apply: The voter must complete the Agent Delivery Designation Form www.sos.state.mn.us/ docs/agent_request_form.pdf and the Absentee Ballot Application www.sos.state.mn.us/docs/ab_application.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. Be careful preparing an absentee ballot as mistakes will mean the ballot will not be counted. Some common mistakes made in absentee voting are not signing the application, not signing the voter’s certificate or not having it 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. Only election officials can take absentee ballots to a polling place on 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. Be prepared on Election Day - cont. on p. 12

October 10, 2008

PRE-REGISTER BY OCTOBER 14 OR REGISTER AT YOUR POLLING PLACE ON NOVEMBER 4!

Catch a ride to the polls by Maureen Ramirez and Mai Thor

barrier that has often kept people with disabilities from voting is lack of transportation to the polls on Election Day. Fortunately, transportation will not be an issue for people with disabilities who live in the Twin Cities metro area this year.

ate metro area, more or less ling place hours, 7 a.m - 8 p.m. inside the Interstate 494/694 loop. If you have further questions, contact Maureen Ramirez at R2P is currently taking calls the MN Council of Nonprofits from people who need a ride, at mcisneros@mncn.org or so voters can call now. Or, Mai Thor at the MN Disability schedule a ride by emailing Law Center at mthor@midmn vote@mncn.org. Space may legal.org. be limited so call as soon as possible. Other organizations, such as political parties and advocacy The coalition is also seeking groups, also offer rides alvolunteer drivers for this ef- though these groups’ ability to fort. Please contact Maureen accommodate persons with or Mai at the email addresses disabilities is limited. Check listed below if you are willing accommodations before arto drive one of the accessible ranging rides with one of these vans on Election Day. groups. ■

A coalition of nonprofits has organized an unprecedented nonpartisan effort to provide transportation for disabled voters on Nov. 4th to take them to their polling places and bring them back home. The Rides to the Polls Coalition, or R2P, will have wheelchair-accesRide to the Polls sible vans available to provide rides throughout the day on Hotline: 1-877-NOV-2008 Election Day. Rides will be Email: vote@mncn.org provided within the immedi- Hours of operation: normal pol-

AUTOMARK votes marked on the ballot. You will be asked to confirm that you want to mark your ballot by touching the MARK BALLOT on the screen or the RIGHT ARROW.

Ɣ Ɣ Ɣ Ɣ Ɣ Ɣ

President U.S. Senate & House Statehouse Local candidates Local initiatives An amendment to the Minnesota Constitution

You need to be registered to vote! There Is Help for Voters Wanting Assistance with Ballots! • AutoMARK voting stations that mark paper ballots will be in all Minnesota polling places. Options include touchscreen with large print, headphones with audio, and Braille keypad. Eligibility

Cont. from p. 9

Remove your ballot from the AutoMARK. You may use the privacy sleeve available in your polling place to protect your selections from view. Proceed to the ballot counter or ballot box so your ballot Then, the AutoMARK will may be counted—the Autoprocess and return your MARK does not count votes. marked ballot. After a few seconds, a “Thank You for using If you need assistance during the AutoMARK” message will the ballot-marking process, ask be delivered. This means you for an election judge. have successfully completed the ballot-marking process.

If you want to cast a ballot in the general election on November 4 for:

The Minnesota Secretary of State’s office offers other online assistance for voters. Voters may view “You Decide!” a six-minute video produced by the Commission of Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing Minnesotans which shares perspective on voting and the electoral process; in American Sign Language (ASL) with English subtitles. ■

• Eligible voters must be at least 18; a U.S. citizen; have lived in Minnesota for 20 days prior to the election; have completed any felony sentence (be “off paper”); have not had their right to vote revoked by a court or been found incompetent to vote. Pre-register by October 14 • Applications are available at your county auditor’s office or visit www.sos.state.mn.us You Can Still Register on Election Day! • Bring proof of residence such as your Minnesota driver’s license, state ID, permit or receipt; photo ID with a bill; or a registered voter from your precinct to vouch for you. Unable to Vote on Election Day? • If you will be away from your precinct, are ill or disabled or are prevented by religious reasons, Vote by Absentee Ballot! Absentee ballot applications are available upon request from your county auditor or www.sos.state.mn.us For more information about registration, voting, absentee ballots, overseas/military voting, and polling place locations, contact your county auditor or visit the Office of Minnesota Secretary of State Web site at www.sos.state.mn.us or call 1-877-600-VOTE (8683) or Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529.

October 10, 2008

Upcoming events

Candidate forums provide chance to meet candidates by Access Press staff

andidate forums provide voters the chance to meet cacy training precedes the event at 6-7 candidates, hear them speak about the issues and ask p.m. FFI: Jeff Nachbar, BIA, jeffn questions. Numerous candidate forums are planned @braininjurymn.org before Nov. 4 Below is just a sampling of the many forums being held throughout Minnesota. Watch local newspapers, • Candidates for Congressional District 3 check candidate, party and advocacy group Web sites to find forum is 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, October more. 16 at Minnetonka Community Center, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka. The Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNAt 5-6 p.m. is a session on Realize Your CCD) has announced its schedule of candidate forums. These Power: Voting Your Values. FFI: Ann forums feature candidates for Minnesota House and U.S. Roscoe, MCIL, annr@mcil-mn.org House candidates. Everyone is welcome to attend. • Candidates for Minnesota House Districts • Candidates for Minnesota House Districts 47A and 47B 42A and 42B (Eden Prairie area) forum is (Coon Rapids area) forum is 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, October 14 Monday, October 20 at Eden Prairie at Mercy Hospital Heart Center Classrooms A & B (second City Council Chambers, 808 Mitchell Road, Eden Prairie. At 6-7 p.m. is a floor), 4050 Coon Rapids Blvd. NW, Coon Rapids. Advo-

session on Realize Your Power: Voting Your Values. FFI: Gene Martinez, Arc GTC, genemartinez@arcgreatertwin cities.org • Candidates for Congressional District 1 forum is 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, October 30 at Old Main Village, 301 S. Fifth 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 Minnesota House District 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 or www.vote411.org ■

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October 10, 2008

BE PREPARED ON ELECTION DAY Identity and residency: Keys to Election Day registration

Cont. from p. 9

at the polling place. Get a voter registration form from the Minnesota Secretary of State web site at www.sos.state.mn.us or by calling 1-877-600-8683 or the Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529. Otherwise, call 1-877-600-8683 for contact information for your community. Filling out a form before voting can save time when you get into the polling place. Largeprint voter registration information is also available. Forms are also available in Spanish, Hmong, Somali, Russian and Vietnamese.

The period to pre-register to vote in the Nov. 4 election expires Oct. 14. Keep in mind that even if you did fill out a registration card at a fair or community event, those cards don’t always get turned in in time for your registration to show up on your local precinct rolls. (This is truer for the primary than it is for the general election.) Fortunately Minnesota offers same-day registration for voters at the polls. United States citizens can register to vote on Election Day if you have lived in Minnesota Make sure you are at the right polling place by asking for the for 20 days immediately preceding Election Day. precinct finder as soon as you arrive. During the busy Nov. 4 general election some precincts will have greeter judges with Be aware that not everyone age 18 and older can vote, even if precinct finders to help you. The precinct finder is a book or list you are a United States citizen. When is voting illegal? Persons of every address in a city or county, which will tell you where under a court-ordered guardianship in which to court has you go to cast a ballot. Once you are at the correct precinct, get revoked one’s right to vote cannot cast a ballot. If a court finds out your documents. To prove residency and identity, you may a person legally incompetent to vote, that person also cannot only need one document. This document could be: a valid cast a ballot. Anyone who has not completed a sentence for a Minnesota driver’s license; a learners’ permit; a Minnesota ID felony conviction or not had the sentence discharged cannot card; or a receipt for any of these documents containing a valid vote. This is important to remember because if a felon votes, address in the precinct; a student ID card including your photo, another felony has been committed. Anyone on probation or if your college has provided a student housing list to election with a felony record should contact probation officers or other officials; a tribal ID card that contains your name, photo, court staff before voting. Voting is important but it isn’t worth signature and address in the precinct; a valid registration in the inadvertently committing another crime. When a sentence is same precinct under a different name or address; a notice of finished, including probation, the right to vote is restored. later registration that was sent to you by your county auditor or city clerk; or an authorized employee of a residential facility If you are eligible to vote, but need to register on Election Day, where you reside, such as a nursing home or domestic abuse be prepared. The key is to remember two things: identity and victims’ shelter. The employee must sign an oath to confirm residency. You need to prove who you are and where you live your address, which is on a list provided to election officials. before you can vote at your precinct. Register on Election Day When you register be ready to write down your Minnesota driver’s license or ID card number or the last four digits of your Social Security number on the form. You may not want to carry your Social Security card so write the last four digits on a slip of paper.

now you must prove where you live. Proof of residency that is valid includes bills that are due within 30 days of the election; pay attention to the date on the bill. The bill MUST have your address on it. Valid bills include:Gas bill, Telephone bill, Cell phone bill, Water bill, Internet services bill, Electric bill, Solid waste bill, Student fee statement, Rent statement with utilities itemized. Bills printed off of the Internet are valid if they are within 30 days of the election and if they have your address on them. Other bills aren’t valid, which can cause confusion and frustration at the polls. For example, a basic rental lease or receipt isn’t a valid proof of residency under state law. Nor do mortgage documents, vehicle payment receipts, credit card bills or other bills meet the legal requirement to establish residency. Know the proper documents and avoid having to make a trip home. Part of the registration process involves signing an oath. The oath states that you will be at least 18 years old on Election Day and that you are a citizen of the United States. The oath verifies that you meet the residency requirements for the precinct and other legal qualifications for voting. Lying on the registration form is a felony. Another way to register at the polls is to have someone who lives in the precinct vouch for you. This person must be a registered voter in the precinct. There is a limit on the number of persons a voucher can assist with registration. Once registered to vote, voter registration is valid for the next election. It is valid unless a voter moves, change his or her name or does not vote for the next four years.

Keep your politics (and your phone calls) to yourself Election Day is the culmination of many months of campaigning. It’s the day we vote for candidates of our choice. But displaying political choices inside the polling place is not allowed. When going to vote don’t wear shirts, caps, stickers or buttons supporting a candidate, ballot question or party of your choice. These items cannot be worn inside a polling place. Anyone wearing these items will be asked to remove or conceal them with a jacket or scarf. Cover them up or wear these items after voting.

Don’t carry a sign for a candidate to the polls and don’t bring signs to put outside of the polls. Campaigning cannot legally take place within 100 feet of a polling place. Anyone with a sign will be asked to leave if he is campaigning within the limits. Refuse to leave and law enforcement may be called. It’s typical for a city or county to give a head election judge a map outlining where campaigning can and cannot take place. Anyone with a question may ask to see the map. Don’t bring a newspaper (even Access Press) or political magazine to read in line. These items cannot be taken into the polling place because of bans on political advertising in the polling place. Nor can voters bring in a portable radio or television set. If it’s any consolation Once you prove who you are, election judges aren’t allowed to have these items either. Nor can judges wear political garb or campaign. If you do not have any of those documents, you can bring two documents to establish identity and residency. Photo identification that is valid a: Minnesota driver’s license; Minnesota ID card; United States passport; United States Military ID; Minnesota university or technical college ID; or a Tribal card ID.

Polling places will be very busy Nov. 4 and election judges will not want any distractions. Cell phones are not to be used when a voter is inside the polling place. Before entering the polling place, turn cell phones off. Put away small, hand-held devices, such as a Blackberry. It is legal to bring a sample ballot to the polling place but put it in a pocket or bag before and after voting. Don’t leave sample ballots in the polling place.

How to become an election judge Most communities need people to serve as election judges, although in many jurisdictions the training period for the Nov. 4 election may have passed. Contact the Secretary of State’s office if you would like election judge contact information for your community, at 1-877-600-8683. Election judges are paid for their services. Each precinct has a head judge who is in charge of the precinct and supervises the other judges. On Election Day judges provide a variety of services to voters, including signing in registered voters, registering new voters, issuing ballots, providing assistance to voters and working with the voting equipment. During busy presidential elections some communities will also have greeter judges. Greeter judges work with people waiting in line, to make sure they are at the correct precinct or determine whether they need assistance with voting. ■

Election coverage continues on page 15

October 10, 2008

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

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INDEPENDENT/COMMUNITY LIVING SKILLS TRAINING (CONTINUED) Howry Residential Services ........................... V-651-917-9111x204 ........ F-651-917-1018 .................. www.howryinc.com Metro Work Center, Inc. ........................................ V-612-729-7381 ........ F-612-729-7382 ....... www.metroworkcenter.org Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL)V-651-646-8342 TTY-651-603-2001 ..................... www.mcil-mn.org Opportunity Partners .............................................. V-952-938-5511 .. TTY-952-930-4293 ............. www.opportunities.org People Incorporated Epilepsy Services ..................................................................................... www.peopleincorporated.org Reach for Resources .............................................. V-952-988-4177 ........ F-952-988-6728 ...... www.reachforresources.org RESTART, Inc. ..................................................... V-763-588-7633 ........ F-763-588-7613 ............... www.restartincmn.org Southern MN Independent Living Enterprises and Services (SMILES) ............................. V/TTY-507-345-7139 ..... TF-888-676-6498 .................... www.smilescil.org TBI Metro Services — Richfield ........................... V-612-869-3995 .. TTY-952-930-4293 ............. www.opportunities.org TBI Metro Services — W. St Paul ........................ V-651-457-4756 .. TTY-952-930-4293 ............. www.opportunities.org Vinland National Center ............................... V/TTY-763-479-3555 ........ F-763-479-2605 ............. www.vinlandcenter.org Vision Loss Resources ........................................... V-612-871-2222 ........ F-612-872-0189 ... www.visionlossresources.org INFORMATION AND REFERRAL RESOURCES/HOTLINES Arc – Greater Twin Cities ...................................... V-952-920-0855 ........ F-952-920-1480 ... www.arcgreatertwincities.org Arthritis Foundation — North Central ChapterV/TTY-651-644-4108TF/TTY-800-333-1380 .................. www.arthritis.org Assistive Technology of Minnesota (ATMn*) ...... V-763-479-8239 ..... TF-866-535-8239 ........................... www.atmn.org Brain Injury Association of Minnesota .................. V-612-378-2742 .. TTY-800-669-6442 ............ www.braininjurymn.org Center for Inclusive Child Care (CICC) ................ V-651-603-6265 .......................................... www.inclusivechildcare.org Disability Linkage Line ....................................... TF-866-333-2466 .............................................. www.minnesotahelp.info Institute on Community Integration ....................... V-612-624-6300 ........ F-612-624-9344 ............................. ici@umn.edu Minnesota State Council on Disability ......... V/TTY-651-361-7800..TF/TTY-800-945-8913 ... www.disability.state.mn.us PACER Center, Inc. ............................................... V-952-838-9000 .. TTY-952-838-0190 .......................... www.pacer.org Parents as Teachers/MELD ................................... V-612-332-7563 ........ F-612-455-2058 ....... www.parentsasteachers.org United Cerebral Palsy of MN (UCPMN) .............. V-651-646-7588 ..... TF-877-528-5678 ........................ www.ucpmn.org LEGAL Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis (LASM) .......... V-612-334-5970 .. TTY-612-375-4668 ................ www.midmnlegal.org MN Disability Law Center (MDLC) ..................... V-612-334-5970 ..... TF-800-292-4150 ......................... www.mndlc.org Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, Inc. (SMRLS)V/TTY-651-222-5863F-651-297-6457 ........... www.smrls.org MEDICAL — MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS Community Involvement Programs (CIP) — BloomingtonV-952-854-4007 ................................................. www.cipmn.org Community Involvement Programs (CIP) — CrystalV-763-504-1008 ........................................................... www.cipmn.org Community Involvement Programs (CIP) — MinneapolisV-612-362-4400F-612-362-4476 ........................ www.cipmn.org Courage Center ...................................................... V-763-520-0312 .. TTY-763-520-0245 ...................... www.courage.org Cristo Vive International (CVI) ............................. V-763-263-1526 ........ F-763-263-5966 ................... www.cristovive.net Healthy Life Coaching (HLC) ............................ V/F-320-963-5976 ...... M-612-998-6452 ............ www.healthsangels.com Howry Residential Services ........................... V-651-917-9111x204 ........ F-651-917-1018 .................. www.howryinc.com Lifetrack Resources ............................................... V-651-227-8471 .. TTY-651-227-3779 ...... www.lifetrackresources.org People Incorporated ............................................... V-651-774-0011 .. TTY-651-774-6535 ... www.peopleincorporated.org Rise, Inc. ....................................................... V/TTY-763-786-8334 ........ F-763-786-0008 ............................. www.rise.org Tasks Unlimited ..................................................... V-612-871-3320 ........ F-612-871-0432 ........... www.tasksunlimited.org MEDICAL — PHYSICIANS Courage Center ...................................................... V-763-520-0453 .. TTY-763-520-0245 ...................... www.courage.org MEDICAL — REHABILITATION (Physical, Occupational, Speech, Audiology Therapists) Courage Center ...................................................... V-763-520-0312 .. TTY-763-520-0245 ...................... www.courage.org DeafBlind Services Minnesota (DBSM) ............... V-612-362-8454 .. TTY-612-362-8422 .......................... www.dbsm.org Fairview Acute Rehabilitation Center .................... V-612-273-4277 ........ F-612-273-4706 ............... www.fairview.org/arc Fairview Balance Center ........................................ V-612-273-6521 ........ F-612-273-3869 ........ www.fairview.org/balance Fairview M.S. Achievement Center (MSAC) ........ V-612-672-2815 ........ F-651-645-2254 ............ www.fairview.org/msac Fairview Rehabilitation Services ........................... V-612-672-2100 ..... TF-800-824-1953 ........... www.fairview.org/rehab Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare ................ V-651-291-2848 ..... TF-800-719-4040 ......... www.gillettechildrens.org Lifetrack Resources ............................................... V-651-227-8471 .. TTY-651-227-3779 ...... www.lifetrackresources.org North Memorial Rehab Services ............................ V-763-520-5690 ........ F-763-520-5697 ......... www.northmemorial.com Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute ..................... V-612-863-4466 .. TTY-612-863-5486 ... www.sisterkennyinstitute.com MEDICAL SUPPLIES/EQUIPMENT Assistive Technology of Minnesota (ATMn*) ...... V-763-479-8239 ..... TF-866-535-8239 ........................... www.atmn.org RECREATION — ADAPTIVE HOBBY/EXERCISE/SPORTS/ARTS Arthritis Foundation — North Central ChapterV/TTY-651-644-4108TF/TTY-800-333-1380 .................. www.arthritis.org Courage Center ...................................................... V-763-520-0537 .. TTY-763-520-0245 ...................... www.courage.org Reach for Resources .............................................. V-952-988-4177 ....... V-952-988-6728 ...... www.reachforresources.org Special Olympics Minnesota ................................. V-612-604-1264TF-800-783-7732x264 ...................................................................................................................................... www.specialolympicsminnesota.org Upstream Arts ........................................................ V-612-331-4584 ........ F-480-393-5587 .............. www.upstreamarts.org VSA arts of Minnesota ................................. V/TTY-612-332-3888 ..... TF-800-801-3883 .................. www.vsaartsmn.org Directory of Organizations - cont. on next page

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VOICE LINE SECOND LINE E-MAIL/WEB SITE RECREATION â&#x20AC;&#x201D; TRAVEL/CAMPING Camp Winnebago .................................................. V-507-724-2351 ........ F-507-724-3786 ........ www.campwinnebago.org Courage Center ...................................................... V-763-520-0504 .. TTY-763-520-0245 ...................... www.courage.org Cristo Vive International (CVI) ............................. V-763-263-1526 ........ F-763-263-5966 ................... www.cristovive.net Friendship Ventures ............................................... V-952-852-0101 ..... TF-800-450-8376 ..... www.friendshipventures.org Ventures Travel Service ......................................... V-952-852-0107 ..... TF-866-692-7400 ............ www.venturestravel.org Wilderness Inquiry ................................................. V-612-676-9400 ..... TF-800-728-0719 ...... www.wildernessinquiry.org RECREATION â&#x20AC;&#x201D; OTHER Hennepin County Library - Homebound Services Hennepin Co. ERCI Minneapolis ....................... V-952-847-8850 ........... www.hclib.org/pub/info/outreach/at_home.cfm SUPPORT SERVICES â&#x20AC;&#x201D; ASSISTED-LIVING PROGRAMS Dungarvin, Inc. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Minnesota................................ V-651-699-6050 .. TTY-651-695-5802 ................. www.dungarvin.com People Incorporated Epilepsy Services ................. V-612-338-9035 ........ F-612-338-1160 ... www.peopleincorporated.org RESTART, Inc. ..................................................... V-763-588-7633 ........ F-763-588-7613 ............... www.restartincmn.org SUPPORT SERVICES â&#x20AC;&#x201D; HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICES Dungarvin, Inc. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Minnesota.................................................................................................................. www.dungarvin.com Fairview Home Care and Hospice ......................... V-612-728-2468 ..... TF-866-827-5039 ........... www.fairview.org/home Fairview Lifeline .................................................... V-612-728-2468 ..... TF-866-827-5039 ......... www.fairview.org/lifeline In Home Personal Care .......................................... V-763-546-1000 ........ F-763-546-1018 ... www.inhomepersonalcare.com Mary T. Inc. ........................................................... V-763-754-2505 ..... TF-888-255-6400 ................... www.marytinc.com MCIL Personal Assistant Services (PAS) ProgramV/F-651-603-2013 TTY-651-603-2001 ..................... www.mcil-mn.org

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October 10, 2008

Presidential candidate positions on issues and legislation of interest to persons with disabilities by Charlie Lakin

re you wondering where presidential candidates stand on various disability issues? A detailed chart was developed by Access Press to provide a brief summary of the position of the five primary presidential candidates on legislative proposals of interest to persons with disabilities. The chart summarizes the positions of John McCain (Republican), Barack Obama (Democrat), Ralph Nader (Independent), Bob Barr (Libertarian) and Cynthia McKinney (Green) on issues of importance to the disability community. Positions on actual legislation and appropriations are reported to provide direct comparisons on concrete proposals. In recording the candidates’ positions the most recent public position statement was used. That is because positions can change over time. One example is McCain’s position on special education funding. Although in the past McCain has voted against full funding of special education, as a candidate for president he has publicly committed to it, so the more recent position is recorded. The information used to create the chart was drawn from Library of Congress summaries of the cited legislation, cosponsors and recorded votes, candidate websites and campaign documents, the text of candidate comments in public speeches

Issue Community Services

Health Care

Mental Health

Autism

Education

Housing

Rights

and forums, and the candidates written responses to questions Voted Yes: Candidate voted for the legislation or appropriaposed by disability organizations. tion identified Voted No: Candidate voted against the legislation or appropriation identified Because John McCain and Barack Obama are current members of Congress and as well as candidates of the major political No Vote: Candidate did not cast a vote on the legislation or appropriation identified parties, they have much more complete public records of their positions on legislation, appropriations and policy proposals. No Position: No record could be found of the candidate’s position on the legislation or appropriation identified Therefore, a candidate’s having “no position” should not necessarily be viewed as indicating no interest or unlikely support. In such cases inferences must be made by the voter Minnesota will have a total of seven candidates for president on based on understanding the individual candidates’ general the Election Day ballot. More detailed information could not be philosophy about the role of federal government and its respon- found about the two other presidential candidates on the ballot, Roger Calero of the Socialist Workers Party and Chuck Baldwin sibilities to citizens with disabilities. of the Constitution Party, for the chart. The positions of candidates have been summarized as follows: Co-Sponsor: Candidate sponsored or co-sponsored the spe- Voters can check Baldwin’s campaign Web site at www.bald win08.com for more information or check www.constitu cific legislation identified Supports: Candidate has expressed support for the identified tionparty.com legislation or associated appropriation, or has supported or voted for the same or very similar legislation in a previous The most recent candidate Web site for Calero dates from 2004. Find more timely information about this candidate and Congress Opposes: Candidate has expressed opposition to the identified where he stands on the issues at www.themilitant.com, a legislation or associated appropriation, or has opposed or newspaper affiliated with the voted against the same or very similar legislation in a Socialist Workers Party. ■ previous Congress

Proposal Community Choice Act of 2007 to provide equal access and resources for community services for persons eligible for institutional care, but who choose to remain in their homes and communities Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act of 2007 to create a national insurance program to be financed by voluntary payroll deductions to provide cash benefits to adults who become disabled Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007 to expand the State &KLOGUHQ¶V +HDOWK ,QVXUDQFH 3URJUDP 6&+,3 WR LQFUHDVH DFFHVV WR KHDOWK FDUH IRU uninsured children living in households earning up to 3 times the federal poverty level Ending the Medicare Waiting Period Act of 2007 to eliminate the 2 year wait for Medicare Coverage for persons who become disabled and qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance Promoting Wellness of Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2007 to establish access standards for diagnostic equipment, promote wellness and provide training for health professionals in providing health care to persons with disabilities Mental Health Parity Act of 2007 to require that health plans that provide medical and mental health coverage insure that mental health benefits are no more restrictive in deductibles or co-pays and no more limited in frequency or duration of services than medical benefits Combating Autism Act of 2006 to require Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and implement a strategic plan for research, screening, intervention and education Expanding the Promise to Individuals with Autism Act of 2007 to expand treatment, intervention and support services for individuals and families, to carry out research and demonstration programs, to expand training of professionals and to support protection, advocacy and legal services Fully funding through appropriations the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to provide the 40% federal support for free and appropriate education for students with disabilities as authorized in the original legislation Higher Education Act to expand opportunities and assistance to individuals with disabilities on post secondary and higher education Section 8 Voucher Reform Act of 2008 to expand rental assistance for low income families and individuals with disabilities, improve housing unit inspections, create employment-related demonstrations for persons with disabilities and add 100,000 new rental vouchers over 5 years

McCain Opposes

Obama Nader Co-Sponsor No Position

Barr Opposes

McKinney No Position

No Position

Co-Sponsor No Position

No Position

Voted No

Voted Yes

No Position

Opposes

Supports

No Position

Co-Sponsor No Position

No Position

Co-Sponsor No Position

No Position

Co-Sponsor No Position

Opposes

Supports

CoSponsor

Co-Sponsor No Position

No Position

Co-Sponsor No Position

No Position

Supports

No Position

Opposes

Supports

No Vote

Co-Sponsor No Position Supports No Position

Opposes

Supports

Opposes

Supports

Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act of 2008 to support development of thousands of new housing, to make units funded through other housing programs affordable to SSI/SSDI recipients, and shifting Section 811 Mainstream vouchers to Section 8 vouchers with guaranteed set-aside for people with disabilities.

No Position

Americans with DisaELOLWLHV $'$ 5HVWRUDWLRQ $FW WR UHYLVH $'$¶V GHILQLWLRQ RI disability to extend protections beyond restrictions imposed in recent Supreme Court rulings, especially for people whose impairments are fully or partially managed by medications or assistive devices

Supports

No Position

Opposes

No Position

Fully funding the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to ensure that all polling places and voting areas are physically accessible, that voting ballots and procedures are accessible, including non-visual accessibility, and that election officials and poll workers are trained in promoting access and participation of persons with disabilities UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities to include the US in an international treaty recognizing human rights for persons with disabilities consistent with principles of dignity and freedom, non-discrimination, full participation, equality of opportunity, accessibility, gender equality and the right and capacity of children to develop

Supports

No Position

Voted No

Supports

No Position

Supports US Ratification

No Position

October 10, 2008

Upcoming events To list an event, email access@accesspress.org What It Takes: Cornerstones for Success October 15 Speaker Matt Glowacki asks “Aren’t we all just a little bit prejudiced?” in a presentation 12:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15 at the Metropolitan State University Library, EcoLab 203, 700 E. Seventh St., St. Paul. Glowacki was born without legs but that didn’t stop him from attending college and playing basketball. This community awareness program, developed and administers by Glowacki, is free and open to the public. Because space is limited, those attending are asked to pre-register. Anyone needing accommodations due to disability should call Metro State’s Disability Services office at 651793-1525 or 651-772-7687 (TTY). FFI: RSVP to lupe. sanchez@metrostate.edu or 651-793-1270

Speaker Matt Glowacki

EXPO -

Fremont Community Health Services’ 3rd Annual October 16 At 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thurs., Oct. 16th at Northeast Minneapolis’ Ukrainian Center, Fremont Community Health Services hosts a gala including silent and live auctions and musical entertainment. Learn vital role community-based clinics play in providing health care to those in need, and help raise funds for care for the uninsured. FFI: 612-287-2400 Individualized Living Services October 25 MN Supported Living shares ideas for parents and people with disabilities wanting flexible self-determined supports. Hear about one family’s success getting Medicaid dollars for their child’s individual support corporation so he could live in his own home. Be part of efforts to increase individualized living services. Meet 24 p.m. Sat., Oct. 25 at Southdale Library, 7001 York Ave. S., Edina. FFI: Betty, 952474-2989, or lifeofmyown@ comcast.net Halloween Fun October 26 Lions Club District 5M5’s Halloween party for families including children and teens with physical and/or sensory impairments, 1-4 p.m. Sat., Oct. 26 at Camp Courage. Enjoy games, a meal and prizes. Wear your Halloween

costume. The event is free and free accessible bus transportation is provided but you must pre-register by Oct. 17. FFI: Armella Wilczek, 763-5200577 (fax) or mail to Courage Center Camping Department, 3915 Golden Valley Road, Minneapolis, MN 55422

Art Abilities Gallery October Art Abilities Gallery, an exhibit of artwork by artists with physical and/or developmental disabilities, opened Oct. 5 at the Ridgedale Library, 12601 Ridgedale Dr., Minnetonka. Eight area non-profit service providers collaborate with Hennepin County Library to present this exhibit for National Disability Awareness Month. On view 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri.-Sat., and noon-5 p.m. Sun. FFI: 612-630-6239 Help others manage finances RSVP/Volunteers of America of Minnesota and AARP Foundation need volunteers with good budgeting and organizational skills to help manage finances of older or disabled low-income individuals. Have a few hours a month to volunteer this fall? Money Management Program staff will train and match you with someone in the community. FFI: Money Management Program Coordinator, 612-617-7821.

Cont. from p. 3

this display reflect the growing popularity of NASCAR. For more details, go to www.accessibleracing.com Exceptional Parent magazine hosted a booth with great resources. The magazine provides education, products, and services to people with special needs as well as parents and professionals. The magazine also offers many helpful books for the abilities community. To learn about the magazine and its resources including free online seminars, see www. Ben Anderson, author of "IQ of 63 - So What!" and James eparent.com. McGinnis, CFO of Exceptional Parent Magazine, front of the Exceptional Parent Magazine booth. Ben Anderson, author of “IQ of 63—So What! Going Be- Carrothers from the Califor- Some sporting events at the yond Everybody Else’s Expec- nia-based Rehabilitation Re- expo included Legsdont tations,” greeted visitors and search and Training Center. work.com’s golf chipping signed autographs. To find out She presented key ideas on the contest. Vazquez metal.com more about his book, go to latest in nutrition, prevention, demonstrated accessible deer www.benanderson.com. health and wellness for people stand for hunting. with disabilities. For more inAging Successfully: Health formation visit www.aging Visitors hope the expo will be and Wellness for People with withdisability.org. back for a third time in 2009. Disabilities was an interesting Its Web site is www.abilities workshop taught by LeeAnne expo.com. ■

Moving Self-Advocacy Forward Save dates of April 17-18, 2009 for the 2009 Minnesota Self-Advocacy Conference, Moving Self-Advocacy Forward, at 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 Center for Independent Living and People First Minnesota are sponsors. FFI: Kathy Sanders, ACT, 651-641-0297, act@selfadvocacy.org Be a literacy volunteer Last year, Minnesota Literacy Council volunteers helped more than 24,000 adults achieve their learning goals. Tutor immigrants, refu-

gees and life-long Minnesotans in reading, writing and English. Tutor one-to-one, in a small group or as a classroom assistant. Training, ongoing support provided. Opportunities available throughout Minnesota. FFI: Allison at volunteer@theMLC.org or 651-645-2277, Ext 219. Submit poetry and prose Art St. Croix, a non-profit whose mission is to provide arts opportunities for adults with disabilities in the St. Croix Valley, announces the fifth edition of In Your Words or Theirs, readings of poetry and short prose, 1-3 p.m. Sat., Dec. 6, at Boutwells Landing, Oak Park Heights. Submission deadline Nov. 22. Submit original written work—poems, essays, self-accompanied songs, memoirs, whatever (or

someone else’s published work). The theme is seasonal: Solstice, Winter, Winter Carnival, Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, New Year, “Home for the Holidays,” etc. Submit up to five pieces on paper or by e-mail (plain text preferred), but must include the writer’s name, mailing address, e-mail address, phone number, and a brief auto-biographical comment (two or three sentences). Illustrations or photographs relevant to the written pieces may be included, to be used for the title slides in the open captioning. No entry fee, but donations welcome. Submissions to Art St. Croix at 102225.1412@compuserve.com or to PO Box 623, Stillwater, MN 55082-0623. ■

October 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: Thanking the Monkey, Nonfiction by Karen Dawn, 2008. The animal rights movement is no longer a fringe extremist cause. There are more allies for animals than ever before. L - Read by June Prange. 10 broadcasts. Began October 6. Ad Infinitum, Nonfiction by Nicholas Oster, 2007. Originally the language of Rome, Latin supplanted its neighbors one by one to become the foundation of Western civilization. It has been a constant for two millennia. Read by Judy Woodward. 13 broadcasts. Begins October 20. • 9 a.m. Past is Prologue– Readings of historical nonfiction. This month: The Teapot Dome Scandal, Nonfiction by Laton McCartney, 2008. The Teapot Dome scandal was the granddaddy of all American political scandals. Big Oil picked Warren Harding as president, and so was able to secure vast fuel reserves. Read by Ray Christensen. 13 broadcasts. Began October 1. • 11 a.m. Bookworm– Novels and nonfiction books for daytime reading. This month: Certain Girls, Fiction by Jennifer Weiner, 2008. Cannie became a success based on a sexy novel years ago. Now Cannie is distressed to find that her teen daughter has read the novel and thinks it is true. Read by Jenny O’Brien. 12 broadcasts. Begins October 16. • 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 This month: Bad Money, Nonfiction by Kevin Phillips, 2008. The dollar is losing value because of America’s financial irresponsibility and indebtedness. The financial sector has put our global future at risk. Read by Alvin Apple. 10 broadcasts. Began September 24. The Politics of Freedom, Nonfiction by David Boaz, 2008. American politics is BigGovernment Conservatives v. Big-Government Liberals. But polls show most people just want freedom to choose how they want to live. Read by Dan Sadoff. 15 broadcasts. Began October 8. • 9 p.m. Night Journey– Books of intrigue and suspense • 10 p.m. Off the Shelf– Mostly best sellers • 12 a.m. Good Night Owl– A wide-ranging assortment of books. This month: North River, Fiction by Pete Hamill, 2007. During the Great Depression, Dr. Delaney tends to sick neighbors. Then one day, he finds his young grandson on his doorstep. The event helps soften his life. L - Read by Malcolm McLean. 10 broadcasts. Begins October 27. • 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

October 10, 2008

Accessible performances The following performances will be Audio Described (AD) for people who are blind or have low vision, or interpreted in American Sign Language (ASL) for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Selected performances offer reduced admission prices for the patron and one companion. When calling a box office, confirm the service (ASL or AD), date, time, ticket price and anything else needed, e.g. length of performance, etc. If you attend a show, please share your feedback with the performing organization, interpreter, and VSA arts of Minnesota. Accessible performance information is compiled by VSA arts of Minnesota, 612-332-3888 or www.vsaartsmn.org

See www.accesspress.org for complete listing and for Accessible Movie Theaters 4 Play Oct. 24 - 26 Vintage Players, presented by Theatre Associates of Stillwater at Northern Vineyards Winery, 223 N. Main St., Stillwater. AD, ASL: Sat., Oct. 25, 7:30 pm (must request access services by Oct. 17), Tix: Reduced to $10 (reg. $15, student $10), Phone: 651-4390993, Web: www.stillwater theatre.org

Amazons and Their Men Oct. 17 - Nov. 1 Walking Shadow Theatre Co. at Pillsbury House Theater, 3501 S. Chicago Ave., Mpls. ASL: Fri., Oct. 24, 7:30 pm, Tix: Reduced to $7 (reg. $16, $14 student/senior), Phone: 612-375-0300, Web: www. walkingshadowcompany.org Bat Boy Oct. 31 - Nov. 9 Fred Moore Middle School Center for the Arts, 1523 S. 5th Ave., Anoka. ASL: Sun., Nov. 2, 2 pm, Tix: $8, senior/ student $4, Phone: 763-5063667, Web: www.anoka.k12. mn.us/FMMStheater

70, Girls, 70 Oct. 24 - Nov. 23 Lakeshore Players, 4820 Stewart Ave., White Bear Lake. ASL: Sun., Nov. 2, 2 pm, Tix: $10 half-price for ASL patron and companion; Blackbird reg. $20, $18 student/senior, Nov. 6 - 30 Phone: 651-429-5674, Web: www.lakeshoreplayers.com Pillsbury House Theatre at the Guthrie Theater, 818 S. 2nd St., Mpls. AD, ASL: Sat., Nov. 1001 29, 7:30 pm, Tix: Reduced to Oct. 30 - Nov. 23 Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 S. $20; reg. $18-34, Phone: 6124 th St., Mpls. AD, ASL, 377-2224, TTY: 612-377Captioning: Thurs., Nov. 13, 6626, Web: www.pillsbury 7:30 pm, Tix: Reduced to $12 housetheatre.org or www. access rate (reg. $22, $18 stu- guthrietheater.org/acces dent/senior, $14 group), sea- sibility son access pass $50, Phone: Bright Lights, Big City 612-338-6131, Web: www. Oct. 10 - 26 mixedblood.com Mpls. Musical Theatre at Illusion Theatre, 528 Hennepin The Abduction from the Ave., Mpls. AD, ASL: Sun., Seraglio Oct. 19, 7:30 pm, Tix: ReNov. 1 - 9 Minnesota Opera at Ordway duced to $18 (reg. $25), Center for Performing Arts, Phone: 612-339-4944, Web: 345 Washington St., St. Paul. www.aboutmmt.org AD: Sun., Nov. 9, 2 pm; preopera discussion at 1 pm. Sung Broadway Legendary Ladies in German with English diaOct. 1 - 26 logue and English captions Ordway Center for the Perprojected above stage, Tix: forming Arts McKnight TheReduced to half-price for AD atre, 345 Washington, St. Paul. patrons, Phone: 612-333- AD: Sat., Oct. 18, 2 pm, ASL: 6669, TTY: 651-282-3100, Sat., Oct. 25, 2 pm, Tix/Phone: Web: www.mnopera.org 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 S. 2nd St., Mpls. AD, ASL: Sat., Nov. 1, 7:30 pm, Tix: Reduced to $20 for AD, ASL, $25 for captioning users; reg. $18-34, Phone: 612377-2224, TTY: 612-3776626, Web: www.guthrie theater.org/accessibility Chaim’s Love Song Oct. 25 - Nov. 16 Minnesota Jewish Theatre Co. at Hillcrest Center Theater, 1978 Ford Parkway, St. Paul. AD: Sun., Nov. 2, 2 pm, Tix: Reduced to $15 (reg. $22), Phone: 651-647-4315, Web: www.mnjewishtheatre.org

Distracted Sept. 25 - Oct. 19 Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 S. 4th St., Mpls. Tix: $18, $16 student/senior, $14 groups, season access pass $50, Phone: 612-338-6131, Web: www.mixedblood.com Fiddler on the Roof Nov. 7 - 22 Morris Park Players at Folwell Middle School, 3611 S. 20th Ave., Mpls. AD: Sun., Nov. 16, 2 pm, Tix: Reduced to $12 (reg. $15), Phone: 612-7248373, Web: www.morrispark players.org

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 AMC Eden Prairie Mall 18 Theatres, 4000 Flying Cloud Drive at Eden Prairie Shopping Center, Hwy 212 and 494, 952-656-0010. Park in upper level lot between Sears and Kohl’s. Accessible films in Auditorium 4. Science Museum of Minnesota Omnitheater, 120 W. Kellogg Blvd., 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 pm, Thursday-Sat.

Five Fingers of Funk Oct. 21 - Nov. 16 Children’s Theatre Co., Cargill Theatre, 2400 S. 3rd Ave., Mpls. AD, ASL: Fri., Nov. 14, 7:30 pm, Tix: Mention VSA offer for $14 tickets, reg. $14-27, Phone: 612-8740400, Web: www.childrens theatre.org

Crimes of the Heart Nov. 6 - 23 Tin Roof Theatre Co. at Main George Orwell’s Animal Avenue Theatre, 716 Main Farm Ave., Fargo. AD: Sat., Nov. 8, Oct. 31 - Nov. 16 7:30 pm, Tix: Reduced to $8 (reg. $15, student/senior $10), Jon Ferguson Theater and Phone: 701-306-5843, Web: Ktron at Southern Theater, http://tinrooftheatre.home 1420 S. Washington Ave., stead.com/

Accessible movie theaters

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.)

Fiorello! Oct. 24 - Nov. 16 Bloomington Civic Theatre at Bloomington Center for the Arts Schneider Theater, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd. ASL: Thurs., Nov. 6, 7:30 pm, AD: Fri., Nov. 7, 7:30 pm (Request at least one week in advance), Tix: Reduced to $18 (reg. $25, senior $22, student $19), Phone: 952-563-8575, Web: www.bloomingtoncivictheatre.org

9:30 am - 9 pm, Sun. noon - 5 pm, TTY: 651-221-4585, Email: info@smm.org Web: www.smm.org/visitorinfo/ hours/showtimes_dynamic. php or www.smm.org/info/ accessibility.php. Lakes 10 Theatre, 4351 Stebner Rd., Hermantown. 12 Handicapped Parking spaces near theater. Movie Line: 218-729-0335, Emergency Line: 218-729-0334, Fax: 218-729-0334, Email: Sfen nessey@cectheatres.com ■

How I Became a Pirate Sept. 19 - Oct. 19 Stages Theatre Co. at Hopkins Center for the Arts Mainstage, 1111 Mainstreet. AD: available upon request, Tix: $15, $11 child (age 2-17) and senior (age 60+) plus $1.50 fee Hansel and Gretel for phone/web, Phone: 952Oct. 24 - Nov. 2 Fargo-Moorhead Community 979-1111, Web: www.stages Theatre, 333 S. 4th St., Fargo. theatre.org AD: Sat., Oct. 25, 7:30 pm, ASL: on request in advance, INDIA: Public Places, Tix: Half-price for AD, ASL Private Spaces: patron and companion (reg. Contemporary Photography $15, senior 65+ $12, student and Video Art $9), Phone: 701-235-6778, Nov. 2 877-687-7469, Web: www. Mpls. Institute of Arts, 2400 fmct.org S. 3rd Ave. ASL: Sun., Nov. 2, 1 pm, Tix: special exhibition admission charged, free Harvey ASL tour begins by InformaMay 31 - Oct. 25 Commonweal Theatre, 208 N. tion Desk, Phone: 612-870Parkway Ave., Lanesboro. 3131, TTY: 612-870-3132, ETix: Half price (reg. $25, stu- mail: dhegstrom@artsmia. dent $12), Phone: 507-467- org Web: www.artsmia.org 2525, 800-657-7025, E-mail: It Wasn’t Murder tickets@commonweal Oct. 9 - 26 theatre.org Web: www.com Bloomington Art Center’s monweal theatre.org Performances - cont. on p. 18 Mpls. AD, ASL: Sun., Nov. 9, 7 pm; must reserve access service by Nov. 3, Tix: Reduced to $15, reg. $22, Phone: 612340-1725, Web: www. southerntheater.org

ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES AUDIO DESCRIBED

An American story sings.

GUhifXUm 5i[" '$ &$$, % d"a" GYbgcfm Hcif Uh %$.'$ U"a" :f]XUm GYdh" %& &$$, +.'$ d"a" Tickets: $20

INTERPRETED IN AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE :f]XUm GYdh" %- &$$, +.'$ d"a" H\ifgXUm GYdh" &) &$$, +.'$ d"a" Tickets: $20

OPEN CAPTIONED 7Udh]cbYX Vm W& ]bW" :f]XUm GYdh" &* &$$, +.'$ d"a" GUhifXUm GYdh" &+ &$$, % d"a" Tickets: $25 Prices valid for patron plus one companion.

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October 10, 2008

Disability Viewpoints: 10 years on public TV

Web sightings What works and what doesn’t for JAWS users

by Clarence Schadegg

isability Viewpoints is an award-winning statewide cable television program for people with disabilities and those with an interest in the disability community. Disability Viewpoints is shown throughout Minnesota. The first show was aired at 2 a.m. Since then Disability Viewpoints was moved to better time slots and finally moved to its current time of 7:30 p.m on Monday evenings on Community Television (CTV) 15 (North Suburban Access Corporation). It is rebroadcast on CTV and on other area cable systems. Contact your cable provider for times or to ask for the program. Or go to the website at www.ucp.org/ section.cfm/16247/90. Disability Viewpoints promotes disability services and programs. Over the past ten years host and co-producer, Mark Hughes, has covered such disability topics as augmentative communication, special education, recreation for people with disabilities, Metro Mobility, and voting machines to accommodate people with disabilities. Hughes attributes the success of Disability Viewpoints, in

arget Corporation recently settled a law suit with the National Federation for the Blind over access to its Web site, target.com How do other Web sites compare? Access Press contributing writer Clarence Schadegg tests a few: With the use of my screen reader, Job Access With Speech (JAWS), I was able to read through information on the Web sites cited below. My biggest difficulties were with the Web site for the Minnesota Department of Human Services, and Lund’s and Byerly’s web site. It took me someMark Hughes is the host and co-producer of times several efforts to open Disability Viewpoints. and read some links on these web sites. I’ve had no such part, to Gene Jaberg who and committed staff. “When I problem accessing anything on brought his expertise to this look back, I can’t believe it’s the Bookshare Web site. show from his work on Chan- been ten years already,” nel 23 and CTV. Gene really Hughes said. ■ believed in this program, and he “believed in me,” said Community Television is loHughes. Even after Gene re- cated in Roseville at 950 tired, Hughes stayed with the Woodhill Dr. To contact staff at CTV, call the switchboard news program. 651-792-7515. Or you may also effect access by earlier The program is the recipient call Tim Domke, operations versions.“ of awards including the 2003 manager, at 651-792-7513 or and 2005 National Home Kevin Schmitz, technical di- The Target/NFB agreement contains more than two dozen Town Films Festival Award. rector, at 651-792-7518. points. One key point is that by Hughes attributes much of the February 2009, Target shall program’s success to a talented make the necessary changes to Target.com in order to achieve NFB non-visual accessibility certification.

Madeline and the Gypsies Sept. 16 - Oct. 26 Children’s Theatre Co., 2400 S. 3rd Ave., Mpls. AD, ASL: Fri., Oct. 24, 7:30 pm, Tix: Mention VSA offer for $14 tickets, reg. $14-27, Phone: 612-874-0400, Web: www.childrenstheatre.org Mama’s Night Out Nov. 6 Presented by CBS/SJU Fine Arts Programming at Stephen B. Humphrey Theater, Saint John’s University, Collegeville. AD, ASL: Thurs., Nov. 6, 8 pm, Tix: $24, senior/youth and aid rates available on request, Phone: 320-363-3577, E-mail: dwolford@csbsju. edu Web: www.csbsju.edu/ finearts

I was unable to open and read some links the first time I tried. It took me two or three times to open some links. When it did open, my screen reader didn’t read anything. I tried it again, and this time I had no problem to open a link and read the information on it. I opened and read a link again, and again, I had no problem to read and navigate around the Web site. After I got more familiar with the DHS Web site, it became easier for me to figure out how to open problematic links and read information with the use of my screen reader.

TARGET SETTLES -

PERFORMANCES Gallery Theater Co. at Bloomington Center for the Arts, Black Box Theater, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Road. AD, ASL: Sun., Oct. 26, 2 pm, Tix: $17, senior/student $15, Phone: 952-563-8575, Web: www.bloomingtonart center. com

Department of Human Services (DHS) Web site Access the Department of Human Services (DHS) Web site at www.dhs.state.mn.us/ main/idcplg

Cont. from p.

ville (in Rosemount Nov. 1416). ASL: Fri., Nov. 7, 7:30 pm, Tix: $13; senior/student $11, Phone: 952-895-1234, Email: tickets@applausecom munitytheatre.com Web: www.applausecommunity theatre.com Nov. Nights: Ice Maidens Nov. 1 - 16 Commonweal Theatre, 208 N. Parkway Ave., Lanesboro. ASL: Sun., Nov. 2, 1:30 pm, Tix: Half price (reg. $25, student $12), Phone: 507-4672525, 800-657-7025, E-mail: tickets@commonweal theatre.org Web: www.com monweal theatre.org Plague of Angels Oct. 17 - Nov. 9 Theatre in the Round, 245 Cedar Ave., Mpls. AD: Sun., Nov. 2, 2 pm, tactile tour at 1 pm, Tix: $20, senior/student discount, Phone: 612-3333010, Web: www.theatreinthe round.org

The Producers opens Oct. 10 Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, The Mousetrap 501 W. 78th St., Chanhassen. Oct. 30 - Nov. 16 AD: Wed., Nov. 5, 1 pm, lunch Applause Community Theatre 11 am, Tix: $41 for up to 6 at Lakeville Area Arts Center, tickets, Phone: 952-934-1525 20965 Holyoke Ave., Lake- or 800-362-3515, E-mail:

Lunds and Byerly’s Web site www.lundsandbyerlys.com I had some trouble initially navigating around this Web site. My screen reader couldn’t read some of the information on the Web page and I had to enter twice on some links for them to open. With a little more effort, I was able to open links and read information. I did not place a grocery home delivery order from the Web site, however. Bookshare www.bookshare.org Bookshare is a library Web site for downloading books, magazines and newspapers. For a fee this is an excellent on-line library for the blind. I have no problem navigating the Bookshare Web site and opening and reading links. Bookshare is an easy Web site to navigate and to use for screen reader users. ■

Cont. from p. 1

Target.com Web site meets the Target Online Assistive Technology Guidelines. Blind guests “using screen-reader software may acquire the same information and engage in the same transactions as are available to sighted guests with substantially equivalent ease of use.”

changes to the site, payment from Target to the NFB for site monitoring and a process for reporting of future Web site complaints. ■

A complete summary of key points of the Target/NFB agreement can be seen at www.nfb.orgg (press enter on Other points in the settlement the final settlement agree17 include commitments to on- ment.) The Target Web site is The settlement also states that going site testing and monitor- at www.target.com information@chanhassendt.com Target shall ensure that the ing, notice if there are major Web: http://www.chanhassen theatres.com/ at Open Book, 1011 S. WashRainbow Crow ington Ave., Mpls. AD: Sun., Oct. 24 - Nov. 9 Oct. 19, 8 pm, Tix: Reduced to SteppingStone Theatre, 55 N. $13 (reg. $20), Phone: 612Victoria St., St. Paul. ASL: 203-9502, Web: www.ten Sun., Nov. 2, 3 pm, AD: Fri., thousandthings.org Nov. 7, 7 pm, Tix: $7-11, Phone: 651-225-9265, Web: Tyrone and Ralph www.steppingstonetheatre.org Oct. 2 - Nov. 2 History Theatre, 30 E. 10th St., A Streetcar Named Desire St. Paul. AD, ASL: Sun., Oct. Oct. 17 - Nov. 2 19, 2 pm, Tix: Reduced to $15 Rochester Civic Theatre, 20 (season ticket $75), Phone: SE Civic Center Drive. ASL: 651-292-4323, Web: Sat., Oct. 25, 8 pm, Tix: $17, www.historytheatre.com A View from the Bridge $14 senior, $12 student, September 13 – November 8, 2008 Phone: 507-282-8481, Web: A View from the Bridge Arthur Miller’s A View from, the Bridge is presented this www.rochestercivictheatre.org Sept. 13 - Nov. 9 month at the Guthrie Theater’s Wurtele Thrust Stage in MinneGuthrie Theater, Wurtele apolis. Here, John Carroll Lynch (Eddie Carbone), Amy Van Shadowlands Thrust Stage, 818 S. 2nd St., Norstrand (Beatrice) and Robyn Rikoon (Catherine) are shown. Nov. 1 - Dec. 21 Mpls. AD: Fri., Oct. 10, 7:30 The play is directed by Ethan McSweeny. Check the AccesGuthrie Theater, 818 S. 2nd St., pm; Sat., Oct. 11, 1 pm; Sen- sible Performances listings for times and plays with accommoMpls. AD: Sat., Nov. 22, 1 sory tour 10:30 am, ASL: dations. Check us out at pm; Sensory tour 10:30 am; Thurs., Nov. 6, 7:30 pm; Fri., Fri., Nov. 28, 7:30 pm, ASL: Nov. 7, 7:30 pm, Tix: Reduced Nov. 23, 1 pm, Tix: $32- www.accesspress.org Fri., Dec. 5, 7:30 pm; Thurs., to $20 for AD, ASL; reg. $18- 132.50, Phone: 612-373-5639 ❖❖❖❖ Dec. 11, 7:30 pm, Tix: Re- 34, Phone: 612-377-2224, or 5609, Hotline: 612-373To Reach duced to $20; reg. $18-34, TTY: 612-377-6626, Web: 5650, TTY: 612-373-5655, EPhone: 612-377-2224, TTY: www.guthrietheater.org/ac- mail: accessible@orpheum. Thousands of 612-377-6626, Web: www. cessibility com Web: www.hennepin Active and guthrietheater.org/acces theatredistrict.org/guestser Interested Readers: sibility Wicked vices/aslad/ ■ Call Nov. 5 - Dec. 7 Twelfth Night Orpheum Theatre, 910 S. Access Press Oct. 17 - Nov. 2 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. ASL: at 651/644-2133 Ten Thousand Things Theater Sun., Nov. 9, 1 pm, AD: Sun.,

October 10, 2008

NEWS AT A GLANCE -

Cont. from p. 4

and is an access point for other parts of the skyway system. The building also was found to have security doors that can limit access to other parts of the building. No one came to the City Council hearing Sept. 10 to speak for the request and it was unanimously denied. St. Paul has uniform skyway hours, meant to improve public access through skyways. Building owners can apply for exemptions but those must be voted on by the City Council. [Source: Access Press]

accessible features. “We still have a way to go before we can say we are accessible to all, but that is our goal and we will continue to work to achieve that,” Mary A. Bomar, director of the National Park Service. The site is called National Parks: Accessible to Everyone and is at www.nps.gov/pub_aff/access/index.htm [Source: Inclusion Daily Express, National Park Service]

he Woodbury Rotary Club is raising funds for an acces sible baseball field in the suburban community. Supporters can buy an engraved paver for $125 to support the project, which has a total cost of $250,000. Supporters can also use up to three lines on each paver to honor a family member or friend. The Rotary Club hopes to raise $130,000 of that amount for Miracle Field. The field will be located near the Bielenberg Sports Center in Woodbury. When it is completed, the field can be used by athletes in wheelchairs. Similar fields in the Twin Cities area are in Minnetonka and Blaine. Depending upon the success of the fundraising, the field could open as soon as fall 2009. Property for the field was donated by the City of Woodbury. Other groups are also involved in building the field. Anyone wanting to donate $125 for a paving brick can fill out an order form at www.woodburymmnrotary.org [Source: Pioneer Press, Woodbury Rotary]

New Parks Service Website Informs Visitors of Accessibility Features WASHINGTON, DC—In an effort to improve accessibility at its nearly 400 parks, programs and activities, the U.S. National Park Service has announced a new website designed for visitors with disabilities. The site, called “National Parks: Accessible to Everyone,” lists such things as where paved trails are located, which visitors centers have captioned movies and how to arrange for sign language interpreters, according to an NPS press release. The site is a “work in progress,” with new information being added on an ongoing basis. This includes links to websites for many individual parks detailing their

ish Cohen’s groundbreaking novel on autism, Inside Out Girl, is now available. While autism and related learning disorders have been explored in best-selling books such as John Elder Robinson’s Look Me in the Eye, Cohen’s book may be the first novel to explore this issue as it affects girls. The book is published by Harper Perennial, a division of HarperCollins. One out of 150 children will be diagnosed with a form of autism according to national averages. Cohen introduces readers to Olivia Bean, a precocious 10-year-old battling Non-Verbal Learning Disorder (NLD). Cohen explores this disorder with a compassionate and compelling voice and endearing characters in Inside Out Girl. Rachel Berman wants everything to be perfect. As an overprotective, single mother of two, she is acutely aware of the statistical dangers lurking around every corner—which makes her snap decision to aid a stranded motorist wholly uncharacteristic. Leonard Bean’s car is broken down on the highway with Olivia, his rodent-obsessed, relentlessly curious, learning disabled 10-year-old daughter who suffers from NLD. To the chagrin of Rachel’s children, who are about to be linked to the most mocked girl in school, Rachel and Len begin dating. And when her father receives terrible news, little Olivia needs a hero more than ever. The book shows that no matter how much our world can crumble around us, it is our strength that defines us. The challenges we face only enrich our lives and teach us lessons that will last a lifetime. Cohen is the author of Town House, a 2008 finalist for the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize and in development as a feature film with Fox 2000. Inside Out Girl is Cohen’s second novel for adults. [Source: HarperCollins]

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Accessible dock on Lake Superior

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Accessible field planned

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This new accessible dock just opened on Lake Superior.

ith the addition of an accessible fishing pier, the new McQuade Small Craft Harbor now offers opportunities for everyone to fish Lake Superior, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The harbor facility, located nine miles north of the Duluth Harbor entry, is fully accessible including: parking, paved walkways, a pedestrian tunnel, docks, benches, drinking water and restrooms. The fishing pier has protective railings and is built out from the breakwater to provide for lake fishing. Access to fishing on Lake Superior is limited for many Minnesotans and visitors who do not have the type of boat necessary to navigate the big lake. Opportunities for shore fishing are limited as well, especially for people with disabilities. The McQuade Small Craft Harbor offers a three-plus acre harbor where small craft can find shelter from storms, three ramps for boat launching and retrieval, a kayak launch, make ready docks, and a public space. For more information on McQuade, other small craft harbors on Lake Superior, and additional fishing opportunities, visit the DNR Web page at www.mndnr.gov ■

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