November 2008 Edition - Access Press by Access Press

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Inside

History Note

■ He’s a winner—pg 3 ■ Let’s play!—pg 8-9 ■ Open Doors Open Hearts—pg 6

“It’s only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you realize your true potential.” —Barack Obama

Page 2

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Volume 19, Number 11

Minnesota’s Disability

Community Newspaper

November 10, 2008

Feeling at home in Europe ACT presents its history exhibit at the European Council in Strasbourg by Rick Cardenas

The Disability History Wall drew large crowds at the European conference..

ast month I went to France to talk disability rights. The seeds for the trip were planted when Advocating Change Together (for whom I work) sold one of its Disability History Walls to the Hungarian Eotvos Larand University program on disability. The history exhibit consists of 21 poster-size depictions of issues and attitudes on disability over the last 2000plus years. A group within the Hungarian university adapted the exhibit, adding eight new

panels specific to disability by the Swedish government in issues of Hungary and Europe. regards to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with The adapted exhibit has since Disabilities or CRPD. traveled widely in Europe, and Eotvos Larand University’s The trip to Strasbourg struck program on disability studies me as noteworthy for a couple was invited to present the story reasons. One is the amount of of ACT’s history wall to the international attention that disEuropean Council in Stras- ability rights in general—and bourg, France. I was also in- the UN Convention on the vited to talk about the wall and Rights of Persons with Disabout societal perceptions of abilities in particular—has disability. The presentation been receiving. That these was in connection with open- issues are being presented and ing of a conference sponsored Wall - cont. on p. 5

Rewriting history The significance of the ADA Amendments Act cannot be underestimated by Jacquie Brennan

he ADA Amendment Act (ADAAA) becomes effective Jan. 1, 2009, bringing this important legislation back to its original intent. The ADAA was signed into law Sept. 29, thanks in large part to the support of more than 220 national organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the American Society of Employers, disability organizations, veterans’ groups, church organizations and the National Association of Manufacturers. The bill passed the House on a vote of 402 to 17, and unanimously passed the Senate. To understand what the ADAAA means, though, it’s important to understand why the ADA needed amending in the first place. When it was passed back in 1990, the ADA had a definition of disability that was based on the definition used in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. An individual with a disability has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment. So Congress used that definition, which

was originally in the Rehab Toyota v. Williams focused Act, because it had worked on the word “substantially” from the definition of disabilwell. ity, and said that it means “conBut the intent of the ADA be- siderably” or “to a large degan to be eroded by legal deci- gree.” The court also narrowed sions. In 1999 the U.S. Su- the scope of “major life activpreme Court started to narrow ity,” stating that it must be the definition of disability in something that was central unexpected ways. In a case importance to most people’s called Sutton v. United Air daily lives. Lines, the court said that, when you determine whether an in- Between Sutton v. Toyota, and dividual has a disability under other cases, the definition of the ADA, you have to con- disability was narrowed to such sider the effects of mitigating a degree that most cases bemeasures—like corrective came more about whether a lenses, medications, hearing person met the definition of aids, and prosthetic devices— disability, rather than focuswhen deciding impairment is ing on access or accommodasubstantially limiting. The tion. court did one other thing in Sutton v. United Air Lines. It The Equal Employment Opessentially overturned a previ- portunity Commission also ous Rehab Act case, School impacted the ADA. It had Bd. of Nassau County v. regulations that defined “subArline. In the Arline case, the stantially limits” as “signifidefinition of disability was cantly restricts,” which was viewed broadly. This focused inconsistent with Congress’ on the part of the definition of intent when it passed the disability that mentions hav- ADA. ing a “record of impairment.” But the court in Sutton required This is why the Congress has a more restrictive view of that decided that the ADA needs to part of the definition, which be amended. practically eliminated it. Congress proceeds new law In 2002, the Supreme Court, with findings of fact, in-

tended to justify the legislation. The findings: • Congress intended the ADA to provide a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities and provide broad coverage; and • While Congress expected that the definition of disability under the ADA would be interpreted consistently with how courts had applied the definition of a handicapped individual under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, that expectation has not been fulfilled; and • Specific statements that the Supreme Court holdings in Sutton v. Toyota eliminated protection for many individuals that Congress intended to protect. Then the legislation lists the proposal of the ADAAA, which include: • To reject the requirement, under Sutton v. Toyota, that mitigating measures be considered when determining whether a person meets the definition of disability; and • To reject the Supreme Court’s reasoning, under Sutton v. Toyota, with regard to the

“record of” prong of the defi- whether an impairment subnition of disability, and rein- stantially limits a major life state the Arline standard; and activity. The only mitigating • To reject the Sutton v. Toyota measures that can be considstandard that the terms “sub- ered are ordinary eyeglasses stantially” and “major” need or contact lenses that fully to be interpreted strictly be- correct visual acuity of elimicause that creates a demand- nate refractive error. ing standard for qualifying as • People who are regarded as person with a disability; and being disabled are not en• To express Congress’ expec- titled to reasonable accomtation that the EEOC will re- modations or modifications. vise its definition of “sub- Previously, courts had debated whether the ADA restantially limits.” quired having to accommoThe ADAAA has new rules date a disability that didn’t for the definition of disabil- actually exist. ity. They include: • The definition of disability is The ADAAA is not some revoconstrued in favor of broad lutionary new law. It simply coverage to the maximum attempts to bring the law back to what Congress intended it extent permitted; and • The term “substantially lim- to be when it passed the ADA its” is to be interpreted con- in 1990. sistently with the ADAAA; This article is from the Indeand • An impairment that substan- pendent Living Resource Utitially limits one major life lization Project listserv. It was activity need not limit other put out by the ADA Disability major life activities to be con- and Technical Assistance Center, Southwest Region, federsidered a disability; and • An impairment that is epi- ally funded by the National sodic or in remission is a dis- Institute on Disability and Reability if it would substan- habilitation Research of the tially limit a major life activ- Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services of ity when active; and • Mitigating measures shall not the U.S. Department of Edube a factor when determining cation. ■

November 10, 2008 carry it out and yet, I also think it’s wrong for us to think that anyone can make these big changes happen by themselves. We have to make it our job as well. First, and it’s a pretty simple thing, will be to help our president get the United States of America to become a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and have it ratified by the Senate.

Tim Benjamin, Editor

hether Barack Obama was your choice or not, he is our 44th president and I hope you join me in welcoming him as the first AfricanAmerican president of the United States. His plan for supporting people with disabilities, as many of you probably know, is quite straightforward and comprehensive. We can only hope that he can

Obama’s plan also includes education for people with disabilities. More of us in the disability community need to take advantage of educational opportunities and become lifelong learners. Obama has committed himself to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and has promised increased funding for higher education. Many in the disability community have benefited already from IDEA, but many more of us need to take advantage of the funding for higher education. With college educations, we can get better jobs, and President-Elect Obama has promised to make

available more government jobs and to promote private industry to continue hiring people with disabilities. He has said, “I am proud to support the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act of 2007,” which would give us the care we need to get out and take advantage of these other rights to people with disabilities deserve. And in return, of course, we have to become taxpayers and consumers who contribute toward paying our fair share. We have to be part of the solution to the problems that lie ahead for others with disabilities. Listen to Obama explain his positions on disability policies in a video at www.barackobama. com/issues/disabilities/ “We must build a world free of unnecessary barriers, stereotypes, and discrimination …. policies must be developed, attitudes must be shaped, and buildings and organizations must be designed to ensure that everyone has a chance to get the education they need and live independently as full

Boy, therapist still inspire each other

know that he considers me a friend—and a brother in the biker world. I would give him the shirt off my back, but maybe better, I’d also give him a valve cover gasket to continue his ride. We’re starting a new section or column in Access Press spotlighting individuals and organizations that are Minnesota-based. When your organization has achieved new goals, has made outstanding achievements, or just has some good news to spread to the community, let us know. If there’s a person in your circle who has achieved a lifelong goal, or taken a step above and beyond, or has just been an inspiration to you, let us know, and when space is available, we’ll highlight these individuals and organizations in “People and Places.” Send news items to access@accesspress.org and soon you’ll be able to post these items on the new Access Press website. ■

History Note

Innovative positioning by Luther Granquist

by Luther Granquist

citizens in their communities.” Pete has written for Access — Barack Obama Press for many years, but his words have also been printed Locally, we’re celebrating in publications of every kind Access Press author, Pete throughout the world. And Feigal, who has won the while he speaks of profound Charlie Smith award this things, his words have not year—and it’s well-deserved. come to him easily. He has Feigal has been transforming struggled most of his adult life the views of the disability and with his own mental health islarger communities for years. sues while dealing with the I’ve seen Feigal speak in many changes that multiple sclerovenues, from a seminar of 15 sis have brought to his physior 20 people, to a keynote cal body. Losing his eyesight speech for hundreds of faculty has also limited his ability to at the University of Minne- continue producing some of sota, to a television interview the most beautiful art work on spirituality and mental that I’ve ever seen. Being a health issues on PBS. And motorcycle enthusiast myself every time I’ve heard him as a youngster, I sympathize speak, he tells a different story with Pete on losing the physifrom a different perspective cal ability not only to ride a and uses a very broad array of motorcycle but to enjoy the insights and analogies to help artistic experience of taking people understand life with those machines apart and redisabilities. As just one ex- fabricating them into your own ample of his influence, Feigal works of art. has changed the way that police perceive and respond to He wouldn’t want to be called people with disabilities, espe- an inspiration, but I don’t think cially people with mental he could deny that he has inhealth issues, in the Twin Cit- spired many people over his ies and throughout Minnesota life. I’m very proud to call Pete Feigal my friend and to and the country.

arilyn Blom of Grass Valley, Calif. and Richard Brown of St. Louis Park have two things in common. They both participate in programs for artists with developmental disabilities. Blom, a retired occupational therapist, works one day a week as an art instructor at Neighborhood Center of the Arts in Grass Valley, www. nccn.net/~nca/ index.htm. Brown is an accomplished artist at Partnership Resources in St. Louis Park. Both of them also once lived at Faribault State Hospital, where Brown was a resi-

dent from 1951 to 1970. Blom was an occupational therapist there from 1959 to 1962 and lived in the employees’ building. They shared memories of those days late this summer when Blom visited with Brown at Partnership Resources. By September 1959, Richard Brown, a 13-year-old-boy with cerebral palsy, had spent the last eight years of his life lying in a crib or crawling on the floor in Pine Building at Faribault. People had a very difficult time understanding his speech, but the nurses, one in particular, found him to be an

engaging youngster who interacted with them with sounds and arm and head movements. Blom came to work at Faribault in August 1959 to fulfill a condition of the stipend program which supported her in the occupational therapy program at the University of Minnesota. She outlined for the Faribault staff the work that she could do for residents there. The nurses in Pine recommended that she include Dickie, as they called Brown. Blom started to work with him and seven other Faribault residents on October 5, 1959. Inspired - cont. on p. 10

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

personal positioning needs by July 1, 1975. He found, based on the evidence he heard in the Welsch case, that “such wheelchairs are helpful in preventing muscular contractures and assuring proper posture and positioning in order to enable the resident to relate to and received stimulation from his immediate surroundings.” By then, the habilitation technologies laboratory at Gillette Hospital had developed seating and positioning systems that served There were no seating and these important purposes. positioning clinics for children then and would not be The order that Larson gave in for a decade and more. In 1974 had to be repeated in the 1974, U.S. District Judge Earl Welsch Consent Decree in Larson ordered that each Cam- 1980 and a negotiated settlebridge resident who required a ment in 1987. The state’s volwheelchair must be provided ume purchase contracts for one adapted to his size and standard wheelchairs proved n the early 1960s, Marilyn Blom, the first occupational therapist employed at Faribault State Hospital, fabricated a seating harness for a 13-year-old boy with cerebral palsy. With that support, this young boy sat up for the first time in his life. Blom had no training in seating or positioning or orthotics, but she knew that this boy must be positioned properly to function optimally.

Richard Brown to be an impediment to providing appropriately adapted wheelchairs. Inadequate reimbursement rates under both Medicare and Medical Assistance prevented many persons from receiving the type of wheelchairs and seating and positioning systems they needed. History - cont. on p. 10

November 10, 2008

Pete Feigal is 2008 Charlie Smith Award winner by Access Press staff

ccess Press is please to announce that long time columnist and nationally recognized speaker Pete Feigal is the 2008 Charlie Smith Award winner. The annual award is presented for outstanding contributions to the disability community.

He has suffered through the wild highs and lows of bipolar disorder or manic depression, as well as motorcycle accidents and the ravages of multiple sclerosis. Years of struggle led Feigal to see his life in a whole new way, as “a gift to be opened – not a problem to be solved.” Hardships Feigal’s life story is remark- are his teachers and he is able able. At age 12 he was diag- to share his insight and wisnosed with major depression. dom in many ways. At age 15 he spent a year locked in a mental institution. Tim Benjamin said, “Pete The pity and shame he was Fiegal is a true friend of mine met with upon returning home and I know he was a true friend drove him to leave family for of Charlie’s—without you knowing it, he is a true friend almost 20 years. of yours! I do know that Charlie

would be very proud to have been the one to presenting this award to Pete. Pete is one of those people who it is always able to point out the bright side of a bad situation. He is definitely a glass half full kind of biker guys. Pete has the talent that is unmatched for bringing a positive twist to most everything in life, in its writing and in his speaking. This thoughtful and insightful man has spoken around the nation more than 1,600 times and has been featured in television public service announcements for Peace of Mind, an anti-stigma group. His co-star

in those announcements was ciety, and service on many noted actor Martin Sheen. community boards. He has served as president of the NaFeigal has been a very active tional Alliance for the Menpolice trainer, organizing mentally Ill (NAMI) Hennepin tal health workshops for nu- County affiliate and served on merous law enforcement agen- NAMI-MN’s state board. His cies around the county. involvements also include the Minnesota Mental Health EduHe is also co-founder of the cation Network, Mental Health consumer-organized and run Resources Board of Directors, theater and arts program Tilt- Crisis Connection Advisory Council, People Inc. Advisory ing at Windmills. Council and Mount Olivet His community involvement Lutheran Church’s Mental is wide-ranging, including Health Task Force. work with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), speaking He has won many awards for and artistic work for the Na- community advocacy for his tional Multiple Sclerosis So- work in the areas of mental

illness, multiple sclerosis and the arts. Read more about this talented man at www.pete feigal.com The Charlie Smith Award is named in honor of the late Charlie Smith, founding editor of Access Press. The awards ceremony was held after this issue of Access Press went to press. Read more about the celebration and this year’s honoree in the December issue. ■

A crime of bias against a vulnerable adult Attack on Justin Hamilton has provoked outrage, as well as community support by Clarence Schadegg

akeville resident Justin Hamilton’s life has been forever changed by a vicious attack, which was instigated by a person he considered a friend. The attack on Hamilton, who is developmentally disabled, occurred over the period of two days, Oct. 10-11. It is a crime that has shocked and angered many people. Hamilton, 24, was kidnapped and taken to a secluded area near Northfield, then kicked, beaten with branches and a baton, burned and robbed by a group of five people. The brutality and torture he went through lasted several hours on each day he was held in captivity. On the second day, he was tied to a tree with a belt. His neck was burned with a lighter and his stomach with a heated credit card. Is it any wonder that this young man will suffer from these scars, internal and external, for years to come? Hamilton was eventually released to find his way home in the dark. He managed to find his way to a road at around 2

a.m. Oct. 12. An unidentified Good Samaritan took him to the Northfield Police station where a complaint was filed against the people who assaulted him. He then was taken to the Northfield Hospital for treatment of his injuries, which included broken ribs, cuts, bruises and burns. The Dakota County Attorney’s office is pursing multiple charges against the five people involved in the assault on Hamilton. “The people who victimized Justin did not release him and take him to the hospital; they left him to find his way home at 2 a.m. and in a seriously weakened state. I’ll go for a lengthy prison term if we attain a conviction,” said Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom. Carolyn Hamilton is Justin Hamilton’s mother. Access Press received an update on Justin Hamilton before going to press. “I have been out of town with Justin for a little over a week,” his mother wrote. “I took him to a place where we have gone on vacation all of his life. It was very comfort-

ing to him. He was able to they will find him again. It is relax in a hot tub, which eased difficult to see Justin now, fearhis physical pain.” ful of everyone. It is this part we are working on the hardCarolyn Hamilton stated. “We est,” she said. are unsure at this time of what the lasting effects of these in- The family has been encourjuries will be.” Justin was aged by the support they have kicked repeatedly in the spine received from the community. and kidneys. Fractured ribs Offers of events tickets, the make it difficult for him to chance to meet professional sleep and he is still medicated athletes, cards, letters, emails to deal with constant pain. His and gifts to replace items stointernal bleeding has stopped len from Hamilton have poured and his cuts and lacerations in. “He received a handmade are healing, although he is picture from a six-year-old likely to have permanent skin disabled boy with a big smiley damage. He may need plastic face and a get well message. surgery due to some external He asked that I tape it to his injuries and he still has swell- wall.” Carolyn Hamilton said ing in his face, eye, head and that kind of encouragement neck areas, his vision is re- and support has been very helpturning to normal. We have ful to the entire Hamilton fambeen informed that bruising to ily. the extent Justin is bruised will often remain discolored for Anyone wanting to help the life.” family defray medical costs can contribute to Wells Fargo Carolyn Hamilton said her son Bank (For the benefit of Justin continues to be terrified, wak- Charles Hamilton), 16817 ing up screaming and begging Duluth Ave. SE, Prior Lake, his father to go everywhere MN 55372. The family also with him. “He is being treated has set up a Web site, at www. for a variety of issues stem- justinhamiltonfund.com ming from being tortured. He is very uneasy and afraid that Backstrom has outlined the

many charges against those involved in the attack. The men each face multiple felony charges including kidnapping, robbery, assault and false imprisonment. “I’ll try to get them to pay the maximum penalty for this serious crime carried out against a vulnerable adult,” said Backstrom.

“There’s not a separate charge” in Minnesota law between a crime of bias and a crime of hate, the county attorney explained. “The first time offense of a crime of bias is a gross misdemeanor, and a repeated offense of a bias crime is a felony.” The conviction on motivation based on bias can be used as a factor to enhance The crimes against Justin sentences of other crimes upon Hamilton have been shocking conviction. for many reasons. What has outraged people is that two of Backstrom was also asked if the men charged were Minne- Hamilton or his family will sota National Guard members, seek restitution. That will be Jonathan Michael Diepold and the case. “Treatment and counJohn Maxwell Maniglia. They seling doesn’t stop with the kicked Hamilton with military healing of wounds. Hamilton boots and beat his legs with a may need ongoing counselpolice-style baton. Two other ing,” he said. men charged in the attack are Timothy John Ketterling and Charges have also been filed Glen Richard Ries. Reis’ in- against Natasha Dahn, 16, of volvement is upsetting to many Lakeville. Dahn, who had rein the disability community cently befriended Hamilton, because he has worked with allegedly encouraged the atvulnerable adults in the past. tackers and told Maniglia that Hamilton had assaulted her. Hamilton’s attackers will also Dahn and Maniglia are dating; be charged with a crime of Dahn admitted to police she bias. Backstrom was asked if a made up the story about crime motivated by bias is the Hamilton. Dahn has been petisame as a crime motivated by tioned into juvenile court but hate. could be tried as an adult. ■

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November 10, 2008

People and places

News about those who are involved in our community Compiled by Access Press staff

he Minnesota State Council on Disability honored several groups and individuals at its 2008 Awards Luncheon Nov. 6 in St. Paul. The luncheon, held in conjunction with National Disability Employment Awareness Month, honors those who have served the community. This year’s keynote speaker was Andrew Imparato, president and chief executive officer of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). AAPD is the nation’s largest crossdisability membership group. The 2008 winners are: • Above and Beyond Veterans Employment: Les Goodwin • Access Award: Kingsley Commons • Chair’s Award: Jean Martin • Community Living Award: Audra Quant & Heather Marx • Distinguished Volunteer Award: Melissa Arnold

• Small Employer of the Year: • Community Access Award: ter his accident Kassulke was Handy Tech North America St. James Super 8 Motel known for visiting hospitals and schools and inspiring oth• Leading by Example: Shelly The luncheon and awards cer- ers. He was a sought-after pubHoyt emony was hosted by the Min- lic speaker. He is survived by nesota State Council on Dis- his wife Sue, three sons and • Legislative Appreciation ability in collaboration with three grandchildren. Award: Senator Mary Olson Pathways to Employment and the Minnesota Department of ✦✦✦ • Media Award: Mark Rosen Employment and Economic The Brain Injury Association Development and the Depart- of Minnesota was one of the • Minnesota Award: Joyce ment of Human Services. The finalists for the 2008 MAP for Scanlon event occurred as the Novem- Nonprofits-Minnesota Counber issue of Access Press went cil on Nonprofits 2008 Min• Outstanding Entrepreneur: to press. More details will be nesota Nonprofits Awards. Aaron Peterson available in our December is- The association was a finalist sue. for the advocacy award, which • Sports Innovation Award: ✦✦✦ was won by Transit Partners. Riddell National Refuge Popular Minnesota Viking Transit Partners worked to get football player Karl Kassulke, the gas tax passed by the 2008 • Technology Award: Herbed 67, died of a heart attack Oct. Minnesota Legislature. Sing Communication Device 27 at his Eagan home. Kassulke Program played for the Vikings from ✦✦✦ 1963 until 1972. The hard- Constance Gabler, Ms. Min• Transition to Work: North hitting safety played in the Su- neapolis, was crowned Ms. Branch High School per Bowl and Pro Bowl and Senior Minnesota last month won many accolades for his at Grand Casino Mille Laces. • Youth Award: Danielle Li- play. His career was ended in She was crowned during the bel 1973 when he was paralyzed annual Seniors Expo, orgain a motorcycle accident. Af- nized by Mid-America Events • Outstate Access Award: Thief River Falls Government Joint Use Facility

and Expos. Windex High- 10 months. She says the best Definition Hearing is pageant part is how well they get along. sponsor. She works for Wheels seven days each week for six hours ✦✦✦ each day. Whalen won the Jim Lovold, known to his Outstanding PCA Award on friends as Wheels, nominated Oct. 22 at the MCIL Annual his PCA Kara Whalen for the Dinner. ■ MCIL Outstanding PCA of the Year Award. Whalen says she “People and Places” is an loves working with Wheels, Access Press column that spotbecause he is positive and likes lights organizations and indidoing different things. For ex- viduals in the community. ample, Wheels serves on the Items will be published on a Minnesota Spina Bifida Asso- space-available basis. Send ciation Board of Directors. news items to access@access Whalen has been his PCA for press.org

Jim Lovold and PCA Kara Whalen

Disabled member finally moves into a home of his own Care coordination reaches much farther than medical needs by Jon Bauer

life. Randy*, a strongly independent 47-year-old man with muscular dystrophy, lived in a single room for more than two decades before his AXIS Healthcare Core Team helped him find a home of his own. Now renting in an accessible apartment in St. Paul, Randy no longer needs to climb up and down stairs to reach his home or to go out into the An AXIS Healthcare member community. has moved out of a singleroom and into a home of his In addition to finding housing, own for the first time in his Randy has also received assistance with dental care and his mobility concerns. “My bedroom alone is bigger than my last place and I also have a magine suffering from muscular dystrophy and experiencing increasingly deteriorating mobility as the disease progresses. Now imagine living in a single, upstairs room of a house without access to a kitchen. The only laundry facilities available are two flights of stairs away in the basement.

kitchen, bathroom, living room ber whose needs were met efand closets.” fectively while also retaining his independence. AXIS His meals and nutrition are Healthcare is a disability care also improving, “I used to eat coordination organization cold food out of the can at my founded in 1997 by Courage old place,” he said. “Now I Center and Sister Kenny Rehave a kitchen and can make habilitation Institute as an indinners, spaghetti or anything novative model of care for people with disabilities. ■ I want.” Randy is continuing to coordinate his medical and housing needs with his core team. Now settled into his home, he continues to work part-time at a local restaurant and enjoys his involvement in the community. Randy is an excellent example of an AXIS Healthcare mem-

More information about AXIS Healthcare and the services available to individuals with disabilities can be found at www.axishealth.com or by calling 651-556-9342. *Randy is a pseudonym and not the member’s real name.

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.

November 10, 2008

She has the title to prove she can do it No one knew pageant competition could be a form of speech and physical therapy

WALL -

Schmitt is the fifth young woman to hold the title, which she won at a competition in Illinois this summer. She was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age two. Cerebral palsy, also referred to as CP, is a term used to describe a group of chronic conditions affecting body movement and muscle coordination. Even though the odds were against Schmitt, her determined spirit refused to give up on life. That same spirit continues to push her through seemingly impossible tasks like college math, learning to drive a car, and walking in heels onstage and in a formal gown. During the pageant she was filmed by a documentary crew and told them it didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter if the judges gave her the crown or notâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;she had

already accomplished just about everything she wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t supposed to. She wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t supposed to live, let alone breathe on her own. She wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t supposed to walk, let alone dance. In short, Alex is Ms. You Can Do Itâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;with or without the crown and the national title. Schmitt learned of the pageant through a friend and entered because she wanted to challenge herself. She also wanted the opportunity to be in an environment that embraced and supported her special needs. In the Ms. You Can Do It Pageant, girls compete by age group in private interviews, casual wear, evening gown and on-stage question. Photogenic and congeniality awards are also given. She walked taller, spoke more clearly and

As a result, Schmitt is now a strong advocate for the lasting benefits to all who participate in the Ms. You Can Do It Pageant. She invites all girls and young women with special needs and challenges to join in. The pageant was founded by Abbey Curran, Iowaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2008 Miss USA titleholder. Curran has been challenged by cerebral palsy since birth. She is working to get national recognition for the pageant, which is for young women ages 5 to 25 with special needs and challenges. Curran was recently featured in People magazine and on Ellen, Ellen deGeneresâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; talk show. â&#x2013;

Cont. from p. 1

debated all over the world I find very positive for persons with disabilities. Other issues now being addressed worldwide are the attitudes toward, and the accessibility for, a person (like me) that uses a motorized wheelchair for their mobility. The specific issues of my travel logistics are being talked about at the Europe Council (and more and more here in the United States). Attitudes of the mind do produce physical and programmatic inaccessibility. In my case, the question was: will the airline offer any assistance for a person to get on and off the plane in Amsterdam? In fact, Northwest Airlines/ KLM did offer assistance, complete with grumbling from the captain of the flight. However, Air France would not transport my wheelchair nor offer me any assistance in transferring on and off their airplanes. So, I was back in territory all to familiar to those of us using chairs to get around:

Rick Cardenas addresses the crowd at the European Council. I had to get creative in making Rick Cardenas is co-director my way from Amsterdam to of Advocating Change ToStrasbourg. gether and community organizer for Self-Advocates MinAt least the conference offered nesota (SAM). a glimmer of hope that things are rolling in the right direction. â&#x2013;

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improved her balance while preparing for the pageant. Who knew that preparing for a pageant was such good speech and physical therapy?

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Alexandra Schmitt FFI. Abbey Curran, The Ms. You Can Do It Pageant, 6563 East 2480 th Street, Kewanee, IL 61443; missyoucandoit @yahoo.com or Alexandra Schmitt,alex@2008msyou candoit.org, www.2008ms youcandoit.org

Put Your Notice Here! 65 1- Ca 6 TO 44 ll DA -21 Y! 33

lexandra Schmitt is proof that girls and young women with special needs and challenges can achieve their goals. The 20-year-old New Brighton resident is Ms. You Can Do Itâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;2008. The honors have meant a busy schedule for Schmitt as she has participated in the St. Anthony, New Brighton and Mounds View parades. At the 2008 Minnesota State Fair she participated in a parade and helped cut and serve Minnesotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birthday cake celebrating 150 years of statehood. Schmitt attended the Abilities Expo in September and planned to attend the United Cerebral Palsy Celebrity Waiter dinner in October. On Dec. 8th, Schmitt will be a guest on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Disabilities Viewpointâ&#x20AC;? with Mark Hughes on CTV.

November 10, 2008

Open Doors Open Hearts: Effort to improve circumstances for people with disabilities after prison and treatment by Clarence Schadegg

ental illness is a common struggle for many people who’ve been released from prison. How communities of faith can develop and continue relationship to help inmates and former inmates with mental health issues was one of the many topics addressed at Open Doors Open Hearts, a conference held Oct. 11 at the Recovery Church in Minneapolis About 90 people including former prison inmates, people in treatment and recovery, volunteers and employees of faith and community-based programs attended the conference. Participants looked at many issues that included what support is in the community for people released from prison and in treatment who live with mental illness or physical disability, or both. Transportation, housing and employment were among the topics, but much of the focus was on spirituality.

Many conference participants believe that if somebody isn’t spiritually focused and centered, then other important issues like employment and housing don’t fall into place. The spiritual belief and connectedness is one piece in keeping people from returning to crime and ultimately back to prison.

of faith are an essential part of ongoing spiritual growth of people released from prison, in treatment and in recovery.

Conference participant and Buddhism student Richard Carlson said the most meaningful part of the conference was “the caring and warmhearted people, discovering each other. I felt overwhelmed Once released from prison, and there were other people what happens to former in- working on similar issues. It mates who continue to struggle offered me encouragement.” with mental illness? Conference participants asked, are “I currently volunteer every we doing all we can to truly Sunday afternoon at Lino support people who need our Lakes Correctional Facility,” help, to stay in decent housing, said conference participant supported by a community of Mary Upson. “My pastor says faith and not to wind up back Mass there every Sunday. Anin prison? other choir member and I lead the music. I have to say it is the How welcoming are faith com- most rewarding thing I’ve done munities, really? Does it mean in my life. These men are hunthat faith communities that care gry for spiritual uplifting. I’ve about the issue of full inclu- seen God change them right in sion really practice what is front of my eyes.” preached? Do these communities, faith-based, really walk National studies indicate that the talk? Open Door partici- as many as one-fourth of people pants agree that communities in county jails waiting to be

tried, cases to be processed, have some form of mental illness. “More people with mental illness wind up in the criminal justice system. And this is a situation faced more so by homeless people, especially those who live in rural areas. Jails, workhouses and prisons do not work for people who have mental health issues. Mental illness court is an alternative program to the more traditional ones like those cited above,” said Hennepin County Judge Richard Hopper, founder of Mental Illness Court.

Bloom added, “I also became very aware of the widespread concern that the Minnesota Department of Corrections has been discouraging such community follow-up with its policies (meant to keep inmates from contacting spiritual program providers including volunteers and prison staff after release). That seems to say that if one has contact with inmates in the prison setting— you are not to continue such after they return.” Conference attendees signed a petition asking for this policy to change. Following the conference, state Vern Bloom, retired Augsburg corrections officials said it is College professor, was one of possible to continue these rethe conference co-organizers. lationships. “I was very much impressed with such widespread interest Though the Open Doors conand depth of concern for more ference was a success, the work inclusiveness in our spiritual has really just begun. The next communities for those return- step is to select conveners to ing from prison and/or treat- lead ongoing sessions to conment. My great hope is that tinue, develop and establish a these folks will now, through grassroots effort to build comtheir institutions—both indi- munity support for conveners vidually and collectively— to meet on a regular basis, begin to move us all more in work with and mentor former that direction!” prison inmates and people in

recovery. These groups are the core that will build a faithbased community support effort. What came out of Open Door’s participant-led sessions was a set of 26 workshops for ongoing networking, spiritual growth and connection and knowledge for inclusive faith communities. Many enthusiastic people joined groups to shape policies, practices and attitude with compassion, spiritual strength and perseverance. More information about the workshops and how to get involved is on the Access Press Web site. One workshop attendee said, “I’m not a stranger to incarceration myself. For a long time the spirit, if you will, was speaking to me that you might be good in this area. So when the opportunity arose, I finally answered the call. This is part of my journey.” ■

November 10, 2008

Journal entry #3

Something unexpected Five months along and pink is not an option for the nursery by Mai Thor

or the last five months now, I have envisioned a pink nursery with cute pink toys and tiny pink baby clothes. I thought about how I would fix my baby girl’s hair when she got older and the bows that I’d put in her pigtails. Imagine my surprise three weeks ago when we found out—the baby is a boy! Why did I think it was a girl? Maybe it was the fact that there are a lot more boys than girls in both our families and that everyone around us wanted to have a girl. I was wrong. And really, it doesn’t even matter. He is healthy. The ultrasound technician did a great job at pointing out all of his fea-

tures—especially the one that is thinking everyday. Maybe determined it was a boy. it’s “Get out of my way stupid pancreas, I’m trying to Technology is just great, isn’t stretch!” or “I’m bored, maybe it? At the time of the ultra- I’ll suck my thumb.” sound, he weighed 15 oz. and measured 16 cm. That’s just So Charles, that’s my baby little heavier than a can of Coke daddy, and I are going to have and about the size of a large a boy (I had to mention him by banana. His heart was pump- name this time because he got ing at 150 per minute, he had 5 all upset that I didn’t do it in fingers and 5 toes, his spine the last journal). I am now at looked good and his head was 22 weeks and pain has become nice and round. And, man, was a permanent fixture in my daily he kicking! I didn’t feel it at life. the time, but I definitely saw those legs moving around! Of Many of us with disabilities course, now I feel him every- are no stranger to living with day. I think he must have big pain. I’ve had my own experifeet like his father because he ence all my life with pain, but sure likes to use them against let’s just say the pain I’m exmy stomach. I wonder what he periencing now is in a cat-

egory all its own. My back really hurts, especially my tail bone. Imagine if someone took a hammer to your tailbone— that’s how bad it feels some days. I also have metal fused to my spine, which makes it even more uncomfortable since I cannot bend or flex.

this. You’re just at the beginning they say. It gets much worse. Great, what next, my head will explode? I had another visit today with my doctor. Things are good, but I did ask her about delivery. I’ve been thinking about it a lot. From the moment I found out I was pregnant, the thought of pushing a baby through any orifice of mine absolutely scared the hell out of me. Since then, I’ve seen a few DVDs and downloaded some footage off the internet on childbirth. Seeing them only confirmed my feelings.

a regular delivery and that I would schedule a cesarean (csection), get nice and drugged up and they would just cut the baby out of me. Again, I am proven wrong. Here I thought my disability would somehow make it easier, so to say, when it came time for delivery. I guess it’s not like customers in wheelchairs getting in free at the movie theatre. There comes the time when a baby will need to come out of its mother and nature and medicine only allow so many options, despite whether the mother is disabled or not. Besides, having a csection is a pretty big deal. In fact, my doctor told me that because I am sitting all the time, it’s possible my incision would be aggravated more which would require a longer time to heal. I suppose I’ll just leave c-sections to the women who really medically need them. I’ll deal with the pain of labor and pushing and all that wonderful stuff when the time comes.

The worst, though, is having acid reflux and heartburn. It’s just not a nice feeling when food is coming back up my throat and leaves behind a trail of fire inside my esophagus. And the heartburn makes it hard to sleep at night since it makes my stomach feel like a boiling pot of gas and acid. My friends who have children But what did my doctor tell me laugh at me when I tell them today? The one person who is supposed to be on my side through this whole ordeal? She said, oh, there shouldn’t be any problem at all. Everything looks fine. The muscles needed to control my bladder and bowels are intact, so there’s no need to worry about having a normal vaginal delivery. I wanted to say, ex-squeeze me (no pun intended)? Vaginal Stay tuned readers. Next time, delivery? I’ll explore baby equipment and put them to the test on how All this time I thought my pel- accessible they are. ■ vis wouldn’t be able to handle

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November 10, 2008

Are playgrounds in your community accessible? Contact local officials and get the fun started by Jane McClure, Access Press assistant editor

oes your community need new play equipment that is accessible to children and young adults with disabilities? The story of the two Red Wing women who led the effort for the new Covill Park playground may inspire you and your neighbors to act. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that play equipment be accessible. Check playgrounds in your community and it may become

obvious that not all are in the same condition or have the same level of access. Some communities are still replacing wooden play equipment installed in the 1970s. Others have equipment that is even older. This equipment was not designed for children with disabilities or for the adults who accompany them to playgrounds. Some playground features that may have been considered safe and accessible several years ago wouldn’t meet standards today.

The Colvill Park playground includes many accessible features.

Many companies provide accessible play equipment, which is a benefit for playground planners. The choices in equipment including swings, sand diggers, riding toys and other large toys are much greater than ever. But in a time of very tight city, county and school district budgets, it is not as easy to get a playground built. There are public and private resources available to communities wanting accessible play equipment but planners need to be strategic and thoughtful in how they get a playground built.

use their play equipment and might welcome help to pay for new play facilities. If a public playground is wanted find out whether there is public funding for a play project and how that process works. Some cities, counties and school districts plan and select capital improvement projects through a community ranking process. This may be done as part of a local government budget process or as a separate process. Some have even ranked play areas in order of age and condition of equipment, and to determine which should be replaced first. Ask how your community does such planning for play facilities. Also ask if there are processes in place for a city, county or school district to accept privately raised donations and how those donations are handled.

Contacting local officials is the way to get a project started. Any playground equipment put on public property requires approval from the city, county or school district that owns the property. Private property owners have the say in where they place play equipment. Some places of worship and apartment complexes allow the surrounding communities to Be aware that obtaining pub-

This is the accessible playground in Red Wing’s Colvill Park lic funding can take more than one try. A project may have to be submitted for more than one round of funding before it is approved. Some public dollars, such as Neighborhood Sales Tax Revitalization (STAR) grants in the city of St. Paul, require a one-to-one match of funds, materials, design skills or sweat equity.

munities build playgrounds, including accessible playgrounds, is KaBOOM! This non-profit group has been involved in a number of projects around the region. Last month KaBOOM! volunteers helped build a new playground at Polynesian Village Apartments in New Brighton. This playground will benefit 250 children. Home Depot, Opportunity Neighborhood Development Corporation, Minnesota Viking Chad Greenway and community volunteers helped with the project. View the new playground at 1417 100th St. NW in New Brighton.

Additional resources are also available for playgrounds. Some cities or neighborhoods have foundations in place for community projects. Check to see if your community has such a group in place. There are also national organizations that promote playgrounds. One KaBOOM! has a web site with organization that helps com- Playground - cont. on p. 15

Let’s play! Universal playground provides access for all who visit Red Wing’s Colvill Park by Jon Swedien, reprinted from The Republican Eagle

ast year two local women began spear heading an effort to bring a universal playground to Red Wing. And in the past 11 months their efforts have snowballed.

children of all ability levels— gained wide public support. Local governments, businesses and charities pitched in to the fundraising efforts—and raised more than $500,000.

“It really demonstrates that our community believes everyone counts,” said Audra Quandt, who along with Heather Marx initiated the playground project.

On Oct. 3 Red Wing residents “There really is something Their proposal—for a play- cut the ribbon on the universal there for everyone,” she said. ground that is accessible to playground at Colvill Park. For a playground to be considered universal 70 percent of the equipment must be accessible to a person with a disability, Quandt said. The new playground is certainly universal, from top to bottom. Semi-soft rubber tiles lie underneath all of the playground’s equipment. They are

firm enough to drive a wheel ability to balance in a simple chair across yet cushioned swing. enough to absorb a child’s fall. Teeter-totter: The playAs well the equipment is ground’s four-child teeter-totramped all the way to its high- ter features two seats that have est level, allowing for wheel backrests and straps that allow children with limited muscle chair access. control to teeter-totter without These features are just two of fear of falling. the numerous features that help make the universal playground Play panels: Throughout the accessible. playground are play panels designed for children that have In fact, there are many fea- varying sensory needs. tures that make the playground accessible to all. Here are some One panel features Braille, making it accessible to blind of them: children. Other panels have Swings: A pair of swings at pictorials that allow non-verthe playground includes a full bal children to communicate seat and straps that can secure via images. a child who may not have the

Pods and bongo drums: The playground’s bongo drums are a good fit for the playground because most all children love music. Music however can be especially helpful to autistic children. According to the National Autistic Society “music can stimulate and develop more meaningful and playful communication in people with autism.” Autistic children can at times become overwhelmed when playing with others. That’s why the playgrounds pods can be especially beneficial to them. When an autistic child needs some alone time they can climb inside the pod for a time-out. Big slides: The playground has many slides. Three of them are larger so that a parent may slide down them with their child on their lap. Stainless steel slide: When a child slides down a plastic slide it causes static electricity. That electricity can fry the inner workings of cochlear implants —a small electronic device that can help hearing-impaired persons hear. That’s why the playground features a metal slide, which doesn’t create static electricity. ■ The Republican-Eagle is the daily newspaper serving the Red Wing area.

November 10, 2008

All Play First Fridays A time for families and children to learn and play in a welcoming, accessible environment by Nancy Sopkowiak

hildren with disabilities and their families have a new place for fun as the Minnesota Children’s Museum has introduced a new accessible play program this fall. The program gives families an opportunity to explore adaptive tools and other resources that the museum of-

fer The museum has taken great care to provide a comfortable environment for children with disabilities, especially during All Play First Fridays. They limit announcements on the loudspeakers, so children aren’t startled. A quiet room is ”The All Play First Fridays set up in the Discovery Center program grew out of our de- where kids can go to relax on comfy pillows and play with soft blocks. Kids revel in fun activities including watching the live animal show, especially seeing and touching the snake. The children enjoy listening during story time too. These programs provide an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter. Families are also invited to explore a variety of books with Braille type. months to 10 years old. In the galleries and exhibits, kids encounter an engrossing world that arouses their curiosity, increases their understanding and encourages the joy of learning.

Children get a chance to have fun with museum staff. fers to the community. The museum fittingly named the program All Play First Fridays, because it is all about playing, and is open to all visitors. It presented on the first Friday evening of each month, 6-8 p.m. Families can investigate the museum, which is located in downtown St. Paul, during All Play First Fridays. Kids have a blast discovering new and exciting concepts through fun, learning-focused play. The seven galleries are designed to provide a hands-on environment for children ages six

Kids especially love to get their hands dirty at the art program, Exploration Station. The multi-sensory activities encourage kids to explore and create their own art work. The children’s imaginations are sparked by messy projects like painting with colored ice cubes. The museum provides easy-to-grip paint brushes and other adaptive tools. At All Play First Fridays families can also learn about community organizations that provide services to children with disabilities. Upstream Arts provides

sire to provide an enjoyable family learning experience that meets the needs of all family members whether or not they have a disability. We want families with a child with a disability to know that they are welcome here and that we have made our exhibits and programs accessible for their child,” said Ann Boekhoff, the museum’s director of education and exhibit development. We selected the first Friday evening of the month because it is a quieter time in the Museum, so all families Mary Borrmann signing for All Play First Fridays. can participate more easily in the playful experiences we ofshort, interactive programs to showcase their unique approach of using the arts to develop social skills. Families have the opportunity to participate in small group theatrical interactions led by professional artists. The mission of Upstream Arts is to enhance the lives of youth and adults with disabilities by fostering creative communication and social independence through the power of arts education. For more information about Upstream Arts, check www.up streamarts.org,

Let’s boogie!

The Minnesota Children’s Museum won the 2008 Universal Design for Learning Award * for its Accessible Play Initiative, a community partnership between the museum and organizations that serve

kids with disabilities and their families in the metro area. All Play First Fridays is one program in the Accessible Play Initiative. The museum is committed to continuing All Play First Fridays as an ongoing program each first Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. The Minnesota Children’s Museum is located at 10 West Seventh Street, 55102. For more information about All Play First Fridays at the Minnesota Children’s Museum, including entrance fees:www.mcm.org or call 651-225-6000. ■ To read reviews of the museum: www.yelp.com/biz/min nesota-childrens-museumsaint-paul; www.tripadvisor. com/Attraction_Reviewg43501-d134896-ReviewsMinnesota_Children_s_MuseumSaint_Paul_Minnesota.html

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INSPIRED -

Cont. from p. 2

The nurses used a reclining wheelchair to bring Brown to see Blom in the visitors’ room in Pine. Blom tried to position him upright, but he could not maintain a sitting position. Blom’s training had included nothing about working with persons with cerebral palsy, but she devised a seating harness to support Brown so he could sit up. Even with the harness, he could only initially sit up for five or ten minutes before he tired. After she worked with him several times a week for three months, Brown could sit for half an hour, after six months for an hour. By October 1960, he could sit for two hours with little or no fatigue. Brown’s life had changed. Starting in January 1961 he got the “working boys diet” instead of the “infirmary diet”—food he had to chew and not just swallow. He attended recreational and church services when his building was not on quarantine for hepatitis, as it was from December 1960 until March 1961. Blom and her colleague, Orville Berg, an occupational thera-

“By October 1960, he could sit for two hours with little or no fatigue.” pist who joined the Faribault staff in April 1961, saw how quickly he learned. They made him a mouth stick and set up an old manual typewriter so he could practice typing and learn where the letters were. Early in 1962, James Geary, the director of the Division of Special Education in the Minnesota Department of Education learned about Blom’s work with Brown. Geary prompted the Department of Public Welfare and Faribault staff to investigate whether he could attend the newly opened Worthington Crippled Children’s School. Faribault had a school program at that time for about 200 of the 3,200 residents. In order to support a possible application to the Worthington school, the teacher for deaf students at Faribault worked on sign lan-

guage with him for 11 halfhour sessions in the spring of 1962. Brown learned to recognize more than 30 signs, but could not physically make them. Another teacher, who worked with him on reading readiness for five half-hour

“Blom did not forget Richard Brown . . . her earlier experiences with Brown were what kept her working in the field.” sessions, concluded that Brown could learn to read with intensive, individual instruction. Nevertheless, Brown’s “home” school district, the Minneapolis Public Schools, refused to pay for the Worthington program because there was a similar program at Dowling School. Inexplicably, in July 1962, a state hospital psychologist recommended that Brown’s school program be discontinued. Blom wanted to move to California after she graduated from the University of Minnesota. She moved there in 1962 to work in a school for children with disabilities. She had shown that Brown could sit up with appropriate support. She also showed that Brown could learn. After she left, Brown sent her his picture, but he was lying down on a wheelchair outside one of the Faribault buildings. In 1965, the school department at Faribault scheduled him to receive “home-bound” instruction for half an hour two or three times a week in Lin-

den Building, where he lived at that time. In February 1966 the “homebound” teacher moved out of state and Brown’s educational program at Faribault ended. Brown was discharged to Trevilla of Robbinsdale in August 1970. He came there lying down in a wheelchair. Blom did not forget Richard Brown. She visited him at Trevilla shortly after he was discharged from Faribault. Some years later, after Brown moved from Trevilla to a waiver services site, he had one of his staff persons call her to report that he had met a mutual friend from Faribault in Arizona. Blom said that Brown’s call brightened one of those days that had not been going well at all. This past summer, Blom brightened Brown’s day when he learned she would be visiting him. She was, he said, someone who had listened to him and talked with him at Faribault. Blom said that her early experiences with Brown were what kept her working in the field.

Advocates defeat change making ramps less safe by Access Press staff

esidential ramps will not change in steepness, thanks to a concerted lobbying effort against a proposed modification to building codes. Activists and building officials teamed up to block the proposed change at the International Code Council (ICC) conference earlier this fall. The council voted Sept. 21 to reject the proposed code change and continue the requirement that ramps shall be no steeper that 1 unit vertical to 12 units horizontal. Many people from around the country, including a number of Twin Cities advocates, helped in the effort to keep a safe slope standard in the building code. Changing the slope would make ramps less safe and harder for people with disabilities to use, ICC members were told.

The change was proposed by Rick Davidson, a building official from Maple Grove. He On the morning they met at was the only person to testify Partnership Resources, Brown, in favor of changing the code who has been up and about from 1 to 12 to 1 to 8. Alevery day for years using a power wheelchair, used his augmentative communication device to thank Blom for what she did for him. He showed her pictures he had painted. Cont. from p. 2 Blom mentioned again how much of an impression Brown Many of these barriers to had made on her at the begin- provision of appropriately ning of her career. Art is one adapted wheelchairs have interest they have long shared. been removed, but the curTheir mutual respect, admira- rent financial crises will tion and love of humanity is likely prompt insurance more they have in common. ■ companies and government agencies to try to reinstate them. To counter such efforts we must portray the harm done in the past and stress the harm that will happen in the future if people cannot sit safely to observe and to learn from the world around them. ■

This summer, Richard Brown and Marilyn Blom got the opportunity to spend some time and get reacquainted after years of only an occasional note.

HISTORY -

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

though he repeatedly said that “This is a not an accessibility issue,” the proposal drew a strong response from disability advocates and building officials who disagreed. Opponents of the ramp change used a multi-faceted education campaign to make their case. An educational video produced by Jim Williams of Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) and Bob Zimmerman of the Minnesota Workforce Center Rehabilitation Services Independent Living Program was seen by hundreds of building officials who visited the ramp education booth during the conference’s expo. The video itself was produced with numerous volunteers from the Twin Cities disability community.

Zimmerman quoted the motto of the ICC in his testimony, “People helping people build a safer world.” He asked the voting members to live up to that motto and vote against the proposed change.

Officials from other states joined in, explaining the difficulties a change in slopes would cause. A Utah building official, who was the first to speak, began her comments by saying “Mr. Davidson just said this is not an accessibility issue. Come on, let’s get real, permits are almost always pulled for accessibility.” Building officials from Virginia, Florida, and Arizona also made comments about how difficult 1 to 8 slopes are to use. Another comment made was, “People go to the code for guidance, they assume if it is in the code it will work. 1 to MCIL handed out free copies 8 does not work.” of the “How to Build Ramps” DVD that illustrates how to At the end of the comments, a make reusable ramps that meet show of hands vote was taken. code requirements. Many code One person, in addition to officials from around the world Davidson raised his hand to agreed to take the DVD to use vote to approve the change. in their home communities. Hundreds of hands were raised to disapprove changing the Davidson was the only person code to 1 to 8. That effectively to speak for a change. David- blocked a change. son said there is no justification that a 1 to 8 slope is un- According to Zimmerman, the safe, and said that other parts educational effort resulted in of the residential building two important outcomes: code, as well as other codes, maintaining the code requiregovern accessibility. ment for safe slopes for ramps at homes and educating buildA dozen people testified ing officials from across the against the change. Many dis- U.S. and Canada about safe cussed ramp-building efforts wheelchair ramp design. in their communities and explained the need to have prop- The code changes that were erly sloped ramps. Building made at the conference will be officials and advocates from published in 2010, as changes Minnesota, Utah, Florida, Ari- are published every three zona and Virginia argued years. A number of other code against the proposed change. changes that affect people with disabilities were also reviewed “Safety is the primary issue and made at the conference. we need to deal with,” said Some changes are meant to John Schatzlein of the Minne- improve safety in elevators and sota Spinal Cord Injury Re- stairwells, and to improve ressource Center said. “1 to 12 is cue operations and two-way safe. 1 to 8 is not safe.” communications. This should make it more obvious where Margo Imdieke-Cross of the areas of refuge and areas for Minnesota Council on Disabil- assisted rescue are located. ity said she found the proposed change “to be unacceptable, Another change deals with unsafe and a potential barrier companion seating, clarifying to any home environment.” that one companion seat is needed for each wheelchair “We all strongly oppose this space. Other changes center proposed regulation,” said on accessibility for bathrooms John Tschida, speaking on and for the provision of roll-in behalf of the Courage Center showers and motels and hoand the Minnesota Consortium tels. ■ of Citizens with Disabilities. “We want standards that work To learn more about building for people; we want to encour- code changes and the recent age increased access, increased conference, visit www.iccsafe. safety for those of us with mo- org and click on the conferbility impairments.” ence wrap-up tab.

November 10, 2008

News at a glance . . . Social Security announces 5.8 Percent benefit hike

work samples, an artist resume and artist statement. The grant program, which is in its 13th year, is funded by the Jerome Program. This year’s focus is on rewarding upcoming arts projects. The program is open to any Minnesota resident whose disability meets the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) definition. Artwork prepared for educational credit is not eligible. For an application or more info, go to www.vsa artsmn.org, call 612-332-3888 or 800-801-3883, voice/TTY, or email jon@vsaartsmn.org. Please specify if you need a format other than print or e-mail (PC diskette, audiotape, Braille or large print). [Source: VSA arts]

Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits for more than 55 million Americans will increase 5.8 percent in 2009, the Social Security Administration has announced. The 5.8 percent increase is the largest since 1982. Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits increase automatically each year based on the rise in the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), from the third quarter of the prior year to the corresponding period of the current year. This year’s increase in the CPI-W was 5.8 percent. The 5.8 percent Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits that more than 50 million Social Security benefiMovie prompts community protests ciaries receive in January 2009. Another movie has sparked protests from the disability community. Blindness, which stars Julianne Moore and Mark While the pending Social Security increase is welcomed, it is Ruffalo, focuses on a mysterious illness that strikes a city. The expected to provide little relief for persons on Social Security community’s residents are left blind and are quarantined by the programs. “The Social Security COLA is tied to the annual government in an old asylum for the mentally ill. Chaos ensues increase in the Consumer Price Index, which takes into account as the residents victimize each other. The movie was protested the rate of inflation for the goods and services people buy. The in Rochester by the National Federation of the Blind of Minne5.8 percent COLA increase simply reflects that the costs of sota. “This is the kind of movie that’s going to make my life these items have increased by that amount,” said Paul Gada, harder,” said Jennifer Dunnam, president of NFB Minnesota. Allsup’s personal financial planning director. Allsup is a na- “The people in this movie just seem to lose all capacity for tional Social Security Disability insurance representation creativity and for taking care of themselves, and it’s a problem company. “The Social Security cost of living adjustment isn’t when real people already think that about blind people.” about getting ahead. At best, it’s about keeping up. Even that is Protests were planned around the country. The movie by going to be tough, as people have already experienced higher Miramax Films has been marketed as a parable about the living expenses this year with no sign of that letting up near- triumph of the human spirit when civilization breaks down but term,” said Gada. He does note there are steps persons relying that marketing tool has also raised objections among blind on SSDI can take to control escalating costs such as getting a activists. [Source: MinnPost, Rochester Post-Bulletin] handle on credit card debt, refinancing or seeking mortgage help and scrutinizing health care costs and programs. Heroes in van rescue feted [Source: Allsup, Social Security Administration] The New Brighton City Council recognized police and fire personnel and private citizens Oct. 14, for their role in saving Grants for Artists with Disabilities five adults with disabilities from an August mini-bus fire. The Minnesota artists with disabilities have until Nov. 21 to apply van, owned by Phoenix Alternatives, burst into flames near for a Career Advancement Grant of $1,250 from VSA arts of Interstate 494 and Silver Lake Road. Four of the five passenMinnesota. Seven grants will be awarded to visual writers, gers rescued were in wheelchairs but the drive, Good Samariartists, performers or artists of any medium. Artists must tans and public safety personnel were able to rescue everyone. propose a project for which they need funding, as well as submit “Is there a pattern here, and is there something that can create

a safe environment?” asked Terry Higgs, director of administrative services at Phoenix Alternatives. “That’s what I’m hoping the insurance investigation should show us.” Fire investigators have been unable to pinpoint the cause of the fire, leaving open questions about the make and model of the vehicle commonly used to transport the country’s most vulnerable citizens. The Ford E450, which uses diesel fuel, has been linked to at least three other fires around the United States in the past few years. One of the fires, in Pennsylvania in 2003, caused the death of a man with cerebral palsy. [Source: Pioneer Press, AARP Bulletin]

Administrator announced for Minneapolis Veterans Home The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs has selected Judy Kurki-Coleman as the new administrator for the Minneapolis Veterans Home. She will begin her new duties last month. Kurki-Coleman has more than 18 years of experience as a nursing home administrator. Her background includes work as a unit supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Health and as director of quality with Pathway Health Services. Most recently Kurki-Coleman was the campus administrator at Maranatha Care Center in Brooklyn Center. “Ms. KurkiColeman’s experience and background, as well as her passion for helping veterans, make her a great match for the Minneapolis Veterans Home,” said Gil Acevedo, deputy commissioner of Veterans Health Care for the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. “Our goal is to make the Minnesota Veterans Homes a place of honor for our nation’s heroes. Ms. KurkiColeman will help us in our ongoing efforts to achieve this goal.” Kurki-Coleman holds a bachelor’s degree from the College of St. Scholastica in Health Services Management and Gerontology and is a Certified Laboratory Assistant with the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. She also holds memberships with the National Association for Healthcare Quality, the Minnesota Health & Housing Alliance Regulatory Subcommittee and the Minnesota Department of Labor Worker’s Compensation Subcommittee. She will succeed Pam Barrows, who has served as the interim administrator since July, 2008. Barrows is the senior director of Veterans Health Care for MDVA. ■

Ramp helps elders access culture and history 150-year-old dream of a Lakota Chief will continue by Barbara Gayton

t looks just like any other wheelchair ramp. But this ramp is special. It opens the door to thousands of years of history and culture of the Lakota Indians in South Dakota and fulfills a long ago dream of one of their leaders.

knowledgeable in both the Lakota language and culture and the world. With a better understanding of their own identity, the losses through assimilation will be stabilized. Revitalization of their culture, and language as taught by their elders of what is important and Nearly 150 years ago, Chief necessary to live a quality life Big Foot traveled to Washing- in two worlds. ton, D.C. to meet with President Chester Alan Arthur to Big Foot’s dream became a discuss, among other things, reality through the extraordithe establishment of a school nary efforts of Kathleen Price for the Lakota children to learn and her Youngstown, Ohiothe long and rich history and based Mission of Love and ways of the Lakota culture. John Wright, owner of an American Ramp Systems franThe Lakota have a beautiful, chise in nearby Cleveland. spiritual-based language that is disappearing slowly as their The Mission of Love volunelders pass to the next life. The teers worked to build the younger generations are curi- school earlier this year. The ous and eager to learn more elders are the Lakota language about their culture and his- language-speaking teachers tory, but this transition has been who will be instructing the difficult. No school on this or children. The elders are eager any of the six reservations has to pass their knowledge on, been able to produce a fluent but are frail and weakened by speaker. The Lakota Village age. It is difficult for them to Immersion School was created climb even the few steps to the to use the Lakota language as classrooms. a tool, rather than an object, to produce fluent speakers and John Wright was able to offer future leaders who will become an effective solution to help

the Lakota elders with accessibility to the school by installing a modular ramp. The ramp was donated by a daughter whose parents originally used the ramp. Since her parents’ passing, their daughter wanted to donate the ramp to a needy cause. John knew right away

that Kathy Price would put the Chief to continue the tradition modular accessibility ramps of “Lakota Thinking.” based in South Boston, MA, ramp to good use. with 38 franchise operations While each of his ramp instal- Today in 2008, the Lakota across the country. For more lations has increased someone’s Village Circle is completing information, please call 800649-5215 or visit www. quality of life, this is the first Chief Big Foot’s dream. ■ americanramp.com time one of John’s American Ramps will help to fulfill the American Ramp Systems, Inc. 150-year-old dream of a Lakota is a national manufacturer of

Price reduced to $189,000!

Do you need a home already adapted for wheelchair accessibility? Group Home? Check out: 2411 Indian Way, N. St. Paul to see your dream home! his lovely home has been expensively modified to meet the needs of a brain injured daughter. There are 4 bedrooms on one level and a personal elevator to safely move between levels of the home. Two adapted baths, one with a roll in shower and one with a raised tub to accommodate a Hoyer type lift. Tuck under garage with properly placed door gives direct access to home. Lovely family neighborhood. Access to deck overlooking a beautifully landscaped, very private yard.

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November 10, 2008

Upcoming events To list an event, email access@accesspress.org Visit Courage Cards stores Courage Cards, part of Courage Center, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with cards designed by dozens of artists. Buy cards and an array of specialty gift items including ornaments, jewelry and artwork. Help Courage Center, which receives all sale proceeds. Visit Courage Cards & Gifts Shop at Courage Center, 3915 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, Nov. 1 – Dec. 23, M-F, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Visit Courage St. Croix, 1460 Curve Crest Blvd., Stillwater, Nov. 10 – Dec. 13, Tue-Thu 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. - noon. Cards are also sold at Bachman’s, Byerly’s, Gerten’s and Lunds. Or buy items online. FFI: www. couragecards.org, 651-439-8283 (Golden Valley) 763-520-0270 (Stillwater) NAMI conference Pathways to Hope, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) Minnesota conference is Saturday, Nov. 15 at Sheraton Bloomington Hotel, 7800 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington. Speakers include Major Sam Cochran on a community approach to crisis intervention and writer Marya Hornbacher on bipolar disorder. Registration closed Nov. 7 but anyone interested can check if space is available. FFI: www.namihelps.org, 651-644-2948

Nov. 22. Submit original written work—poems, essays, selfaccompanied 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 Santas and Dreidels run to raise funds for Legal Aid Dec. 6

MCIL activities Many activities are offered by the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living, 1660 University Av., St. Paul, including classes, peer men-toring, technology labs and more. Ongoing activities are also offered. Bring games to Game Day, 1-3 p.m. last Mon of each month. Social nights are 4-6 p.m. Tues; next are Nov. 16 and Dec. 16. Ongoing support groups are offered for persons with traumatic brain injury, gay/lesbian/bisexual/ transgender and chemical dependency and disabilities. FFI: www.mcil-mn.org 651-646-8342, events line 651-603-2007

Ho, ho, ho for Legal Aid Sign up now for the annual Santa Run to Benefit Legal Aid, at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 in downtown Minneapolis’ Nicollet Mall. Roll, run, stroll or walk in a Santa suit or homemade Dreidel costume to raise money for Legal Aid’s free civil legal services for low-income people. Dogs on leash are welcome. Participate on your own or form teams with friends, family or co-workers. Compete for prizes! $15 entry fee and minimum $100 pledge required. Also bring a new unwrapped toy for Help others manage finances Toys for Tots. FFI: www.midmnlegal.org Volunteers of America of Minnesota and AARP Foundation need volunteers with good budgeting and organizational skills Submit poetry and prose to help manage finances of older or disabled low-income Art St. Croix, a non-profit whose mission is to provide arts individuals. Have a few hours a month to volunteer this fall? opportunities for adults with disabilities in the St. Croix Valley, Money Management Program staff will train and match you announces the fifth edition of In Your Words or Theirs, with someone in the community. FFI: Money Management readings of poetry and short prose, 1-3 p.m. Sat., Dec. 6, at Program Coordinator, 612-617-7821 Boutwells Landing, Oak Park Heights. Submission deadline Moving Self-Advocacy Forward Save dates of April 17-18, 2009 for the 2009 Minnesota SelfAdvocacy Conference, Moving Self-Advocacy Forward, at Crowne Plaza St. Paul Riverfront Hotel, 11 E. Kel-logg 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

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Be a literacy volunteer Last year, Minnesota Literacy Council volunteers helped more than 24,000 adults achieve their learning goals. Tutor immigrants, refugees and life-long Minnesotans in reading, writing and English. 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. ■

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November 10, 2008

Advertorial, paid for by Qwest Corporation

Qwest listens, customers benefit “Qwest has been actively involving consumers with special needs in their decisionmaking for more than two decades,” according to Qwest’s Consumer Advisory Panel’s cochair Rich Diedrichsen. In fact, for 25 years, leaders in Minnesota’s senior and disability community have served as

consumer advisors to Qwest, abilities. As a service, Qwest formerly known as US WEST has a specialized Center for Customers with Disabilities and Northwestern Bell. (CCD) accessible via a link at the bottom of Qwest’s home General Access As a provider of telecommuni- page, www. Qwest.com, titled cations, Qwest offers products Customers with Disabilities. and services to all customers Consumer Advisory Panel including those with mobility, members continually work vision, speech and hearing dis- with Qwest to ensure that the

November 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. Through satellite distribution, thousands of listeners nationwide receive RTB broadcasts via their local radio reading services. Receivers are available on loan without charge to those who are eligible and who want to keep up-to-date with the latest word in newspapers, magazines and best-sellers. FFI: www.mnssb.org/allages/commcenter/rtb This month’s selections include books by John Sanford, Studs Terkel, Isabel Allende and Pete Hamill. Other highlighted selections are below. • 4 a.m. Chautauqua– Adult education and culture for the whole community. The Blue Zone, Nonfiction by Dan Buettner, 2008. A Blue Zone is a place where high percentages of people live very long lives. The secret to their longevity seems to be found in the foods they eat, the company they keep, and their perspectives on life. Read by Charlie Boone. Eight broadcasts. Began Nov. 6. • 9 a.m. Past is Prologue– Readings of historical nonfiction. • 11 a.m. Bookworm– Novels and nonfiction books for daytime reading. This month: The Ungarnished Truth, Nonfiction by Ellie Mathews, 2008. Ellie Mathews began entering food competitions for the fun and novelty of it. That she sometimes won was an unexpected bonus. When she entered the Pillsbury Bake-Off, she never imagined she’d win the grand prize, one million dollars. Read by Eleanor Berg. Nine broadcasts. Begins November 19. • 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: The Shock Doctrine, Nonfiction by Naomi Klein, 2008. Disaster capitalism is the rapid-fire corporate reengineering of societies reeling from shock. It has become a standard technique of our government and corporations around the world. Read by Marylyn Burridge. 24 broadcasts. Begins November 17. • 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. Homecoming, Fiction by Bernhard Schlink, 2008. Peter grew up with only dim memories of his father, who disappeared during World War II. Now Peter searches for the truth. L - Read by John Ward. 10 broadcasts. Began October 28. • 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

CCD website is up-to-date and cation of their disability. Qualiaccessible to all consumers. fying customers are not charged for obtaining telephone numQwest’s stores and kiosks, bers from Directory Assistance which are located in shopping agents. malls across the state, are designed with advice from the Qwest Employee Education Panel to give special attention on Disability Etiquette to accessibility. Advisory Panel Advisory Panel members remembers have also helped cently met face to face with Qwest create CCD brochures Qwest kiosk managers across which describe Qwest’s prod- Minnesota to share disability ucts and services for people etiquette and everyday disabilwith disabilities; CCD bro- ity scenarios to enhance comchures are available at all Qwest munication with customers retail locations. with disabilities. Employee education on disability etiProduct Access quette has since been incorpoQwest consistently seeks feed- rated into web-based training back from consumers to de- that is used across Qwest’s servelop products that are univer- vice area. sally accessible. For instance, the Advisory Panel worked Interested in learning more? with Qwest employees to de- While Qwest funds the Convelop an audible Caller ID sumer Advisory Panel, the which is available for sale to Panel is an independent adviMinnesota customers for sory board and elects its own $19.95 plus shipping and han- members. dling. Call the CCD, 1-800223-3131, if interested. Directory Assistance Billing Exemption is a program Qwest and other carriers provide individuals who because of their disability cannot use a directory. Customers who are eligible for the Directory Assistance Billing Exemption must complete an application and provide the CCD with certifi-

If you have an issue that you would like Qwest’s Consumer Advisory Panel to address, or if you would like to be considered for a future seat on the Advisory Panel, please contact one of the following Panel members: Co-Chair Rich Diedrichsen: rich.diedrichsen @state.mn.us, 320.654.9864 (TTY), Co-Chair Adrienne Mason: lady amason@aol.com, 651-695-0199, George Failes, gdfailes @usfamily.net, 651699-2436, Sharie Hawkins, sharie. hawkins@state.mn.us, 651-731-2070, Walter Hinz, wkhinz@visi.com, 952-9276581, Gil Kiekenapp, gkieke napp@mnseniors.org, 651281-0340, Rebecca Kragnes, rebeccaK@tcq.net, 612-8272132, Alice Oden, emailus@ odensville.com, 651-4821994, Jerry Pouliot, jpouliot @qwest.net, 651.602.9007 (TTY), Nancy Sopkowiak, NancyLifeCoach@msn.com, 320-963-5976 ■

November 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 1001 Through Nov. 23 Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 S. 4th St., Mpls. AD, ASL, Captioning: Thurs., Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $12 access rate (reg. $22, $18 student/senior, $14 group), season access pass $50; Phone: 612-338-6131; Web: www. mixedblood.com Five Fingers of Funk Through Nov. 16 Children’s Theatre Co., Cargill Theatre, 2400 3rd Ave. S., Mpls. AD, ASL: Fri., Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Mention VSA Offer for $14 tickets (reg. $14-27); Phone: 612-8740400; Web: www.childrens theatre.org Hay Fever/Present Laughter Nov. 13-22 University of Minnesota Theater - BFA Senior Company at Rarig Center’s Stoll Thrust Theatre, 330 21st Ave. S, Mpls. ASL, AD: Hay Fever - Fri., Nov. 14, 8 p.m. Present Laughter - Sat., Nov. 15, 8 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $10 (use code ASLAD; reg. $15 advance/$17 door); Phone: 612-625-4001;

Web: http://theatre.umn.edu/ Shadowlands Through Dec. 21 utheatredance/mainstage shows/TwoCowards.php Guthrie Theater, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. AD: Sat., Nov. 22, 1 Triple Espresso p.m.; Sensory Tour 10:30 a.m.; Through March 1, 2009 Fri., Nov. 28, 7:30 p.m. ASL: Music Box Theatre, 1407 Fri., Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m.; Thurs., Nicollet Ave, Mpls. ASL: Sat., Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m. CaptionNov. 15, 5 p.m. Tix: Reduced ing: Fri., Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. to $20 (reg. $36). Phone: 612- Tix: AD/ASL reduced to $20, 874-9000; E-mail: tickets@ $25 for captioning (reg. $18tripleespresso.com; Web: 34); Phone: 612-377-2224, www.tripleespresso.com TTY 612-377-6626; Web: www.guthrietheater.org/ac Fiddler on the Roof cessibility Through Nov. 22 Morris Park Players at Folwell Honk! Middle School, 3611 20th Ave Nov. 21 -30 S., Mpls. AD: Sun., Nov. 16, 2 Rochester Civic Theatre, 20 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $12 (reg. Civic Center Drive SE. ASL: $15); Phone: 612-724-8373; Sat., Nov. 22, 7 p.m. Tix: $22, Web: www.morrispark senior $19, student $12; players.org Phone: 507-282-8481; Web: www.rochestercivictheatre.org The Diviners Yes, Virginia, Nov. 19-22 There Is a Santa Claus Normandale Community ColNov. 21 – Dec. 21 lege Department of Theatre, Fine Arts Building, 9700 Lyric Arts Co. of Anoka at France Ave. S., Bloomington. Main Street Stage, 420 E. Main ASL: Thurs., Nov. 20, 7:30 St., Anoka. ASL: Sat., Nov. p.m. Tix: $5-8; Phone: 952- 22, 7:30 p.m. (make request at 487-7462; Web: http://faculty least one week in advance). .normandale.edu/~theatre/ Tix: Reduced to $13 (reg. $18, Season.htm $16 student/senior), $20 box

ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES McGUIRE PROSCENIUM STAGE

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ASL and AD performances: $20 OC performances: $25 Prices valid for patron plus one companion.

DIRECTED BY

PHOTO: GBG PHOTOGRAPHY

Stephen DiMenna

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612.377.2224 > TTY 612.377.6626 > GUTHRIETHEATER.ORG

seats, Phone: 763-422-1838; The Elves & the Shoemaker Dec. 6-19 Web: www.lyricarts.org Lyric Arts Company of Anoka and the Falcon Sign Singers at Blackbird Main Street Stage, 420 E. Main Nov. 6-30 Pillsbury House Theatre at the St., Anoka. ASL: Sat., Dec. 6, Guthrie Theater, 818 2nd St. S., 11 a.m. (make request at least Mpls. AD, ASL: Sat., Nov. one week in advance). Tix: 29, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to Reduced to $8 (reg. $10, $12 $20 (reg. $18-34); Phone: box seats), Phone: 763-422612-377-2224, TTY 612-377- 1838; Web: www.lyricarts.org 6626; Web: www.pillsbury housetheatre.org or www. In Your Words or Theirs guthrietheater.org/accessibilDec. 6 ity Art St. Croix performers at Boutwell’s Landing, 5600 Souvenir Norwich Pkwy, Oak Park Hgts (behind Wal-Mart, S of Hwy Nov. 14 – Dec. 21 Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale 36). ASL, Open Captioning, Ave. S., Mpls. AD: Thurs., AD: Sat., Dec. 6, 1 p.m. Tix: Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Re- free-donations welcome; duced to $10 (reg. $26-36); Phone: Judy 651-251-5109 or Phone: 612-822-7063; E- Nancy 651-351-3125; E-mail: mail: boxoffice@jungle ArtStCroix@usfamily.net theater.com; Web: www. Sindibad: Artist & Outlaw jungletheater.com Nov. 29 – Dec. 20 Every Christmas Story Ever Interact Theatre at Mixed Told (and Then Some!) Blood Theatre, 1501 S. 4th St., Dec. 4-7 Mpls. AD: Sat., Dec. 6 & 20, 3 Fargo-Moorhead Community p.m. ASL: TBA. Tix: Reduced Theatre, 333 4th St. S., Fargo. to $10 (reg. $16, $14 senior/ AD: Thurs., Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m. student; Wed. matinee $8); ASL: upon request in advance. Phone: 612-338-6131; FMI: Tix: Half-price (reg. $15, se- 612-339-5145. Web: www. nior $12, student $9); Phone: interactcenter.com or www. 701-235-6778, 877-687-7469; mixedblood.com Web: www.fmct.org Holiday Traditions It’s a Wonderful Life Nov. 28 – Jan. 11, 2009 Nov. 28 – Dec. 7 Mpls. Institute of Arts, 2400 Applause Community Theatre Third Ave. S. ASL: Sun., Dec. at Lakeville Area Arts Center, 7, 1 p.m. Period Rooms tour 20965 Holyoke Avenue, begins on third floor; 2:30 p.m. Lakeville. ASL: Fri., Dec. 5, 7 Purcell-Cutts House tour p.m. Tix: Reduced to $9 (reg. (shuttle bus available); Thurs., $13; senior/student $11); Dec. 11, 7 p.m.—Period Phone: 952-895-1234; E- Rooms tour, third floor. Tix: mail: tickets@applausecom admission charged for Purcellmunitytheatre.com; Web: Cutts House; Phone: 612-870www.applausecommunity 3131 or TTY 612-870-3132; E-mail: dhegstrom@artsmia. theatre.com org; Web: www.artsmia.org

A Christmas Carol Nov. 28 – Dec. 22 Commonweal Theatre, 208 Parkway Ave. N., Lanesboro. ASL: Sun., Dec. 7, 1:30 p.m. Tix: Half price (reg. $25, student $12), Phone: 507-4672525, 800-657-7025, E-mail: tickets@commonwealtheatre. org; Web: www.commonweal theatre.org A Servants’ Christmas: A Holiday Musical Nov. 20 – Dec. 28 History Theatre, 30 E. 10th St., St. Paul. AD, ASL: Sun., Dec. 7, 2 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $15 (season ticket reduced to $75); Phone: 651-292-4323; Web: www.historytheatre.com All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 Dec. 7 Theater Latte Da & Cantus at College of Saint Benedict, Petters Auditorium, St. Joseph. ASL, AD: Sun., Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m. Tix: $28, senior/youth and aid rates available on request; Phone: 320-363-5777; E-mail: dwolford@csbsju. edu; Web: www.csbsju.edu/ finearts Songs and the Season Dec. 11 Kathy Mattea at College of St Benedict, Petters Auditorium, St. Joseph. ASL: Thurs., Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m. Tix: $30; Phone: 320-363-5777; E-mail: dwol ford@csbsju.edu; Web: www. csbsju.edu/finearts The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! Dec. 5-23 SteppingStone Theatre for Youth Development, 55 Victoria St. N., St. Paul. AD: Fri., Dec. 12, 7 p.m. ASL: Performances - cont. on p. 15

Accessible movie theaters The movie complexes listed below offer MoPix-equipped captioning or description services. For show times, call the theatre; sign up to receive their email list; contact Minnesota Open Captioned Films, www.mnocfilms.org/movies.html or Rear Window Captioned Film http://ncam.wgbh.org/mopix/nowshowing.html#mn Kerasotes Block E Stadium 15, 600 Hennepin Ave., third floor, Mpls. 612-338-1466, bloc@kerasotes.com Accessible films in Auditoriums 2 and 12. (Note: DVS patrons: If your show is in Theatre 2, request headset with Letter C. If your show is in Theatre 12, request headset with Letter G.) Enter parking ramp on 7th Street next to the Hard Rock Café. www.kerasotes. com/ (Scroll down the lower right-hand column every Friday morning to see what two films will have rear view captioning or DVS that week at Block E.)

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

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 ■

November 10, 2008

PERFORMANCES - Cont. from p. 14 Sun., Dec. 14, 2 p.m. Tix: $711; Phone: 651-225-9265; Web: www.steppingstone theatre.org The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe Nov. 11 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Jan. 3, 2009 Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Theatre Co., United Health Group Stage, 2400 3rd Ave. S., Mpls. AD, ASL: Fri., Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. Tix: $14 tixs if mention VSA offer (reg. $1427); Phone: 612-874-0400; Web: www.childrenstheatre. org A Christmas Carol Nov. 18 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dec. 31 Guthrie Theater, Wurtele Thrust Stage, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. AD, ASL: Sat., Dec. 13, 1 p.m.; Sensory Tour 10:30 a.m.; Tues., Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $20, $25 for

captioning (reg. $18-34); The Hanging of Greens Phone: 612-377-2224, TTY Dec. 4-14 612-377-6626; Web: www. Lakeshore Players, 4820 guthrietheater.org/accessibility Stewart Ave., White Bear Lake. ASL: Sun., Dec. 14, 2 Miracle on 34th Street p.m. Tix: Half-price (reg. $12, Dec. 12-21 $10 student/senior); Phone: Fargo-Moorhead Community 651-429-5674; Web: www. Theatre, 333 4th St. S., Fargo. lakeshoreplayers.com/ AD: Sat., Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m. Peef the Christmas Bear ASL: upon request in advance. Nov. 21 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dec. 29 Tix: Half-price (reg. $15, senior $12, student $9); Phone: Stages Theatre Co. at Hopkins 701-235-6778, 877-687- Center for the Arts Mainstage, 7469; Web: www.fmct.org 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins. ASL: Sun., Dec. 14, 2 p.m., & Wed., Dec. 17, 10 a.m. AD: White Sheep of Family upon request. Tix: $15, $11 Nov. 21 - Dec. 14 Theatre in the Round, 245 child & senior plus $1.50 fee Cedar Ave., Mpls. AD: Sun., per ticket for phone & web Dec. 14, 2 p.m., tactile tour at orders; Phone: 952-979-1111; 1 p.m. Tix: $20, senior/stu- Web: www.stagestheatre.org dent discount; Phone: 612Irving Berlinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 333-3010; Web: www.theatre White Christmas intheround.org Dec. 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Jan. 3, 2009 Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 345 WashingCont. from p. 8 ton, St. Paul. ASL, AD: Sat., and lumber yards also may Dec. 20, 2 p.m. Tix/Phone: want to get involved. See if 651-224-4222, TTY 651-282there is a construction com- 3100. Web: www.ordway.org/ pany in your community that services/access.asp gets involved in playground Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a Good Man, projects. Charlie Brown Dec. 3-21 For information on what is considered legally accessible Youth Performance Co. at for a playground, check www. Howard Conan Fine Arts Cenada.gov The ADA home page ter, 1900 Nicollet Ave., Mpls. has a document on the left AD, ASL: Sat., Dec. 20, 4 hand side about parks and rec- p.m. Tix: Reduced to halfprice (reg. $12, student/senior, reation issues. â&#x2013; $10); advance reservation re-

PLAYGROUND several sections, including information on the need for play areas to be accessible for children as well as for the adults who accompany them there. The site also includes a very long list of possible fund-raising ideas and an evaluation of the potential success of each idea. This information could be very helpful for volunteers with limited time and resources. Visit the site at www. kaboom.org to learn more. Another good Web site for planning a community playground project is www.playlsi. com, the site for the Delanobased firm Landscape Structures Inc. This company, which has focus on accessible equipment, also has a planning guide for community playgrounds. Download the guide from the Web site. Regional and national home improvement retailers may also provide help with playground projects. Check Web sites for these retailers to see what they would do in terms of donated materials, equipment, and labor or design services. Locally-based hardware stores

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quired for AD; Phone: 612623-9080; Web: www.youth performanceco.com

Access To Employment

A Christmas Carol Employment ads are $20-$22 per col. inch. Dec. 4-21 Nov 30 is the deadline for the Dec 10 issue. Bloomington Art Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mail to: Access Press, 1821 University Ave. #104S, Gallery Theater at BloomSt. Paul, MN 55104 â&#x20AC;˘ FAX 651-644-2136 ington Center for the Arts, Email: access@accesspress.org Black Box Theater, 1800 W. ATTORNEY Old Shakopee Rd. AD, ASL: St. Paul legal aid seeks Atty., work in St. Paul, housing law. Sun., Dec. 14, 2 p.m. Tix: $17, Salary DOE. Resumes to: Maria L. Giese; SMRLS; 166 E. 4th senior/student $15; Phone: St, Ste. 200; St. Paul, MN 55101. EO/AAE 952-563-8575; Web: www. bloomingtonartcenter.com Many Lives, One Song: Hope for a World Beyond AIDS December 5-6 One Voice Mixed Chorus and Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra at Hopkins High School Auditorium, 2400 Lindbergh Dr., Hopkins. AD, ASL: Fri., Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m. Tix: $30-42; Phone: 651-2981954; Web: www.ovmc.org

Peace December 12-14 Twin Cities Gay Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chorus at Ted Mann Concert Hall, 2128 4th St. S., Mpls. ASL: Fri., Dec. 12, 8 p.m. Tix: $2338, children half-price; Phone: 612-624-2345. Web: www.tc gmc.org â&#x2013; .

Classifieds

Reach 11,000 Active, Interested Readers with Access Press Classifieds. $13 up to 12 words, 60Â˘/word thereafter. Must be prepaid. Mail with check to: Access Press, 1821 University Ave W, #104S, St. Paul, MN 55104 â&#x20AC;˘ 651-644-2133 FOR RENT Holmes-Greenway Housing: Oak Park Village: One-bedOne- and two-bedroom wheel- room wheelchair-accessible chair-accessible apartments. apartments. Section 8 subsiSection 8 subsidized. Conve- dized. Convenient St. Louis nient SE Minneapolis loca- Park location. Call 952-935tion. Call 612-378-0331 for 9125 for availability informaavailability information. Equal tion. Equal Opportunity HousOpportunity Housing. ing. Lewis Park Apartments: Barrier-free housing with wheelchair users in mind. Section 8 subsidized. One- and two-bedroom units. For more information on availability call 651-488-9923. St. Paul, MN. Equal Opportunity Housing.

Seward Square Apartments: We are currently accepting applications for our waiting list for barrier-free housing, in Minneapolis, that is federally subsidized. For an application, please call 612-338-2680. Equal Opportunity Housing.

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