January 2009 Edition - Access Press by Access Press

www.accesspress.org History Note

Inside

“Our bodies communicate to us clearly and specifically, if we are willing to listen to them.”

■ New health column–pg 5 ■ Complications add worries–pg 3 ■ Directory of Organizations–pg 7-10

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

Volume 20, Number 1

Minnesota’s Disability

Community Newspaper

January 10, 2009

2008 in review January: 2008 Rule changes eyed warily, traumatic brain injury program outlined Advocacy groups were rallying to block proposed new rules which would make it more difficult to move people from nursing homes back into their homes or other living situations. The rule allowing for 180 days of coordinated relocation services was eyed for a change to 60 days. The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) Nursing Home Relocation Program, which helps many people make the move from nursing homes, was raising awareness about the proposed change. In an interview with Access Press, MCIL Relocation Program Manager Eva Hansen indicated that 70 percent or more of relocation cases take longer than 60 days. The story fea-

tured Toni Mitchell, who had just moved back to her home in St. Paul after a nursing home stay with the help of the MCIL program and the funding from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). UPDATE: A moratorium was passed to put the 60-day limit on hold. The 180-day period is still in effect until April 2009. Hansen said they are still waiting to see what the new federal administration does with the time period. Also in the news: A project at the state women’s prison in Shakopee was tracking rates of traumatic brain injury (TBI). State officials were screening inmates for TBI and working to provide improved services in prison and in the pre-release transition for inmates. A new chapter of ADAPT was

forming in the Twin Cities. Organizer Galen Smith answered reader questions about the 25-year-old grassroots disability advocacy organization. Community members were urged to get involved with caucus night, the first step toward the November election. February 2008 Legislative preview, new Arc leader named The Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN CCD) prepared for the 2008 legislative session, which began this month. Healthcare reform, transportation needs statewide, caregiver tax credit and other issues were to be brought forward at a time when the state faced a general fund deficit of $373 million. The MN CCD was encouraging everyone to follow these isReview - cont. on p. 6

Budget forecast gloomy Governor’s cuts impact wide variety of health and human services programs by Steve Larson

innesotans and the state agencies and programs that serve them face difficult times in the months ahead. Over the past few weeks a number of steps have been taken to address the state’s budget deficit. More changes are coming as Gov. Tim Pawlenty prepares to unveil the next state budget. The opening of the 2009 legislative session on Jan. 6 is when the real challenge will begin. Pawlenty stated during the recent unallotment process that he will not support spending reductions for the military, veterans, K-12 education, and public safety. K-12 is the largest part of the state budget accounting for 40% of the spending. Health and Human Services programs make up 28% and these programs are literally in the bull’s-eye for future cuts. Forecasts released in December by the Minnesota Depart-

ment of Finance revealed a $426 million shortfall in the current biennium ending June 30, 2009 and a projected $4.847 billion deficit for the next biennium (July 1, 2009 – June 30, 2010) that has to be budgeted for during the 2009 session. Before Christmas, Pawlenty announced he would balance fiscal year 2009’s budget by using $155 million in budget reserves and then unallot or cut $271 million in current spending. The governor has the power to unallot funds without legislative approval to balance the state budget. The unallotment included $73 million in cuts to the state’s Health and Human Services budget including medical education and hospital funds and $17 million from the Consolidated Chemical Dependency Treatment Fund, as well as $2 million in New Mental Health Grants, $2.717 million to the growth in Medical Assistance

waiver programs, and 13% of the state’s budget. In $250,000 cut in housing grants. late January the governor will release his budget proposal for An additional $110 million the 2010/2011 biennium. In was cut from Local Govern- late February the next finanment Aid for cities and pro- cial forecast will be released. gram aids for counties. The Lack of revenue from taxes governor’s action will restrict due to the downturn in the any waiver growth during this economy and continuing fiscal year. The housing grants growth in health care are some that were cut were to help per- of the significant factors consons with disabilities access non-provider owned housing “Cuts in dollars for alternatives. Cuts in dollars for counties will put in counties will put in jeopardy jeopardy many countymany county-funded programs that support persons with dis- funded programs that abilities including case man- support persons with agement, day training and ha- disabilities. . .” bilitation, semi-independent living services and respite care. tributing to the deficit. The Go to this link for a full listing deficit will need to be adof the governor’s budget cuts. dressed with program cuts, and www.governor.state.mn.us/ possibly with increased revmediacenter/pressreleases/ enues. Programs for persons PROD009248.html with disabilities will be vulnerable due to the amount spent The overall state budget is on programs that continue to approximately $35 billion, so grow due to increased numthe projected deficit for the bers of eligible individuals. coming biennium represents

During summer and fall 2008 11 committees of the Minnesota Consortium of Citizens with Disabilities (MN CCD) met to plan for the upcoming legislative session and for its two-year public policy agenda. MN CCD set its public policy priorities in late 2008. These include Personal Care Assistance (PCA) services, Cost of Living Increases (COLA’s), Statewide Quality Assurance, and Self-Direction.

tion to help PCA services work better for PCA participants.

The COLA Coalition will be advocating for a 3% increase for direct care staff and the programs that support persons with disabilities. This will be a difficult task but it is important for the governor and legislators to be highly aware of the importance of these services and the necessity for appropriately compensated staff in order to maintain quality in Anne Henry, Minnesota Dis- the supports system for perability Law Center, chaired the sons with disabilities. PCA committee and worked to prepare to respond to the MN CCD will be advocating Legislative Auditor’s Report for the full implementation of on PCA services which will be the recommendations in the presented to the Legislature in 2007 Quality Assurance Panel January. Part of the commit- Report. Minnesota has not tee's effort was to arrange for moved from an institutionallythe auditor to meet with re- based licensing system to a cipients of PCA services. In community-based quality asOctober, six recipients met surance system. Thousands of with the auditor and put a real Minnesotans receiving comface on the services they re- munity based supports have ceive. In addition the commit- the right to a system that helps tee has prepared draft legisla- Budget - cont. on p. 3

January 10, 2009

s you can read in our “Year in Review” article, lots of things have been and are happening in our community. Minnesota has a very active disability community and especially in the coming years we need to make ourselves even more visible in national and state government. When we do finally know who will be going to Washington DC as our next US Senator with Sen. Amy Klobuchar, you need to make contact with him and let your needs be known. Both candi-

“Tell the declared winner that you want to work, and ask the honorable senator to work on opening some of the doors to help you become a taxpayer. ”

Tim Benjamin, Editor

dates during their campaigns showed interest in the disability community having more success in employment. Tell

the declared winner that you want to work, and ask the honorable senator to work on opening some of the doors to help you become a taxpayer.

the point that they are no longer successful. In the next couple of months Access Press will be working with lobbyists and advocates to give you specific talking points on health care The new administration has programs that are at risk and promised to work on health care right away, and all of us in the disability community have good insight on what the country’s needs are, what works and what doesn’t—and how we all can save through appropriate spending and preventive healthcare. Inform them that we don’t need hand- how best to talk to your politiouts; we just want equal rights cal representatives about those with equal opportunities. Let’s programs. let them know what we need by getting involved: help them In this issue, we list some uphelp us through progressive coming Rally Days at the Capiactions. tol and in the coming months we will have many more ralWith the record-breaking defi- lies that you will be able to cits in our state and across the attend. You can always call country, I think our best bet is your representative and senato go to the politicians with tor and set up an appointment ways to save money on health to meet with them. Just let them care programs, and encourage know that you’re there and them not to eliminate success- need help. When you tell them ful programs or to cut them to your personal stories, you help

them to put a face to the programs that they are considering cutting. You can help them associate actual people with money, and you can remind them that all of us are concerned about the state’s spending. Remember that your story is as important as anyone’s. We have a new column debuting this month, “Health Matters.” We will be enlisting several prominent organizations to inform these pieces. We’re looking at several different organizations with dissimilar specialties that can highlight topics that might be a little bit different than what we normally highlight. I think it’ll be very successful. If you have any health-related topics you’d like to share or have us look into, please drop us a line. We are also continually updating our “Directory of Organizations,” so if you see any mistakes or your organization is not in the directory; please give us a call and we will fix

the problems or direct you to the person who can get you listed in our directory. I want to thank everyone for supporting Access Press this past year and in advance, for all your support in the new year. We have new donation methods on our Web site, and in the coming months we’ll be able to accept your credit card donations. If your employer participates in United Way, one of the easiest ways

to support Access Press is to contribute to Community Shares through a pretax donation taken from your paycheck. However you can donate, and however much you can offer, we appreciate it. We look forward to a strong year of advocacy in 2009. ■

History Note

Lobotomies were ‘suitable’ treatment by Luther Granquist

n 1949, a neurosurgeon from the Mayo Clinic and the Superintendent of Rochester State Hospital wrote that prefrontal lobotomy was generally recognized as a suitable treatment of certain types of mental illness when more conservative measures failed to produce permanent results. A prefrontal lobotomy involved cutting nerve fibers of the frontal lobe of the brain, in some instances using an ice pick inserted through the eye socket. The superintendents of Minnesota’s state hospitals, all doctors at the time, discussed

issues relating to lobotomies in great detail in four meetings held in 1950 and 1951. Dr. Magnus Petersen, the Rochester State Hospital superintendent, reported that of 141 cases, 30 persons were restored to productive life at home or on the job and that 68 of them were “much improved.” These doctors also noted that the operation brings new problems such as inertia, apathy, stereotyped behavior, indifference and lack of imagination. Nevertheless, Dr. Ralph Rossen, the Commissioner of Mental Health, urged immediate op-

erations on 500 persons. The minutes of their meetings show that these doctors considered the procedure worth using and that they sought to inform themselves about who might benefit most. They also emphasized that “selection of patients should depend upon the psychiatrist’s individual experiences and clinical judgment.” Jack El-Hai, the Minneapolisbased author of The Lobotomist, a biography of Walter Freeman, a doctor who vigorously promoted lobotomies,

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, Carissa Nunn, 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

reported in the October 1999 issue if Minnesota Medicine that more than 500 patients in the Minnesota state hospital system received lobotomies. Almost all were before 1960, because Thorazine, introduced in the mid-1950s, replaced the ice pick. Nevertheless, in 1971, the Minnesota Department of Public Welfare Policy on Prefrontal Lobotomy stated that “despite obvious disadvantages and hazards it should remain a part of the therapeutic armamentarium,” although to be done only at Rochester State Hospital. That policy required informed consent of the patient or the patient’s guardian, an issue not men-

tioned once in the minutes of the superintendents’ meetings in 1950 and 1951, and approval by medical specialists from outside the state hospital system. El-Hai reported that Rochester’s lobotomy review committee recommended the procedure as late as 1978. None have been done since Rochester State Hospital closed in 1982. ■ The plastic skull (with its top removed) and screwdriver The History Note is a monthly pictured at the top of page 1, column sponsored by the Min- show how metal probes innesota Governor's Council on serted through the bony roofs Developmental Disabilities, of the orbits (eye-sockets) www.mnddc.org or www. enable Dr. Walter Freeman mncdd.org and www.part to access the brain’s frontal nersinpolicymaking.com. lobes.

January 10, 2009

Journal entry #5

Something unexpected A high-risk pregnancy adds more worries as the due date approaches by Mai Thor

hen you’re pregnant, you worry. At least I do. Mostly, I worry about the development of the baby and whether he is healthy. I worry about whether I’m doing all the right things like eating right and exercising. I thought I was doing pretty good overall. Except for the exercising thing, because, let’s face it—even baby can’t motivate me enough to go to the gym. I got the news in November that I have high blood pressure and gestational diabetes. Talk about worry! I am now considered to have a high-risk pregnancy. The folks at my OB/GYN office don’t like high blood pressure. They take it

BUDGET -

very seriously. In fact, when my bottom number (which should be around 70) was at 104, right before Thanksgiving, they whisked me off to the hospital. Now picture me, would you, in for a routine check-up at the clinic and then told I can’t go home because my blood pressure is too high on Thanksgiving week. Of course, the first question I had was whether the baby was okay. Well, I didn’t really get a straight answer to that question. Then I asked how long it will take because I need to go to work. Well again, the answer was a little cryptic. “The hospital will be able to monitor you better than we can,” was all I got. Okay. I was freaked out. Then another hor-

Cont. from p. 1

assess whether they are achieving their individual goals and outcomes. The 2007 recommendations included a call for a Statewide Quality Assurance Commission, regional commissions, an annual survey of recipients, improved incident reporting and an outcomebased quality assessment system. Two thousand Minnesotans on waiver programs are benefitting from participating in Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS). They have individual annual budgets and are able to have great flexibility in designing their support system with oversight provided by the county and a fiscal support entity. With the implementation of the Self Directed Supports Option (SDSO) for PCA participants in 2009 more individuals will have greater control of the resources available to them. In 2009 MN CCD will continue to strongly advocate for the state to accelerate Minnesota’s efforts to move in this direction.

Day at the capitol, starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10 at Kelly Inn, 161 St. Anthony Av., St. Paul. Health care, preserving independence, care coordination, transportation and PCA care are among the groups’ issues. To register call 763-520-0439. Metropolitan Center for Independent Living, Minnesota State Council on Disability, Minnesota Association of Centers for Independent Living and Direct Support Professional Association of Minnesota are co-sponsoring Disability Advocacy Day at the capitol from 10 a.m. until noon Monday, Feb. 23. Also at noon until 1 p.m. Saturday, March 7, there will be another rally to show support for services for individuals with disabilities and older Minnesotans. The rally will follow a March 5-6 summit on creating a 21st century plan for disability and aging. The rally will be held at the state capitol, 75 Rev. Martin Luther King Blvd., St. Paul. The summit is organized by MN CCD and the Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota (ARRM). The organizations are rallying everyone to support services for individuals with disabilities and older Minnesotans. The summit provides an opportunity to meet with policy makers and stakeholders to identify challenges, discuss possible solutions and initiative action toward building a sustainable, self-directed system of community supports for persons with disabilities and older adults. For details, check www.arrm.org/summit. ■

Anyone interested in following specific legislation or getting involved with an advocacy group has many options. The Web site www.leg.state. mn.us provides ways to follow specific bills, as well as contact information for state lawmakers. Another good Web site to check is Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN CCD) Web page, which has a “join us at the capitol” section. Learn about and attend various organizations’ events during the 2009 legislative session. It is at www.mnccd.org Rallies are Steve Larson is public policy also planned during the ses- director of The Arc of Minnesion. Courage Center and Axis sota. Healthcare plan an Advocacy

rible thought came in my head. What about Thanksgiving? My turkey dinner! The red velvet cake I made! I mean, it’s not the Bahamas or anything, but I was supposed to go to Iowa. So, I got a room in the maternity unit, put on a hospital gown and got in bed. As soon as I lay down, my blood pressure returned to normal. The important thing was that the baby’s heartbeat was normal, so that was a relief. Nothing seemed to be wrong, except that my blood pressure was really high until I got in bed. They sent me home later that day. I was relieved especially since nothing stood in the way of me and that turkey dinner anymore.

is doing well and doesn’t seem recommending an elective cae- traces of diabetes will disapto have been affected by my sarean section where my blood pear. I know, odd. For me, high blood pressure or diabe- pressure could be controlled having gestational diabetes tes. The doctor explained that and anesthesia could be used. means learning how to check often, when impairment to the Remember when I mentioned my blood sugar every day in senses has occurred, such as in a past article that my OB/ the morning and after meals with my lower extremity from GYN wanted me to deliver and watching what I eat very polio, the body compensates vaginally? She was so wrong. closely. The key is carbohydrate intake. Aside from havby increasing blood pressure during pregnancy. A diastolic It’s a bit more unclear as to ing to be poked all the time number, bottom number be- why gestational diabetes de- with a needle, it really isn’t as tween 80-100 is high; how- velops in some expectant bad as I thought. I’m learning ever, it should not be an imme- mothers. Diabetes occurs more and more about food, diate concern. It was one of when the body cannot produce which is a good thing overall. those “ooooooh” moments. He enough insulin to prevent high then went on to discuss my levels of sugar in blood. How- With all this, I hope I haven’t delivery. Given that I have ever, during pregnancy, the scared any of you women with metal fused to my spine, it is hormones produced by the pla- disabilities off from having difficult to know how I would centa prevent the production children. It really does change react to an epidural. More im- of insulin which leads to dia- your life and your body. We portantly, my blood pressure betes. It has been reported that are the experts here. And in would probably skyrocket dur- within hours after delivery, a the end—all of the above will I was admitted into the hospi- ing a vaginal delivery. So, the mother’s blood sugar levels be worth it! ■ tal two additional times after short of it was that he was can return to normal and all that day for high blood pressure. On top of that, I failed my glucose test and was told about having gestational diabetes. The high blood pressure seems We are currently accepting applications for our waiting list at to be connected to my disabilDiamond Hill Townhomes, a great property located near the ity. Looking back, I had symptoms for quite a while. I was Minneapolis International Airport. extremely swollen. And I don’t mean the normal swelling from We have two and three bedroom townhomes that are HUD water weight gain, that’s normal during pregnancy, either. subsidized and rent is 30% of the total household's adjusted I looked like that puffy, white, gross income. Michelin Tire guy. Swelling is a tell-tale sign of high blood We have a large number of mobility impaired accessible units pressure; I just didn’t know it. High blood pressure can be and we are scheduling appointments for persons in need of a very harmful to a pregnant mobility impaired accessible unit immediately. woman’s baby by depriving it of enough blood and oxygen. My OB/GYN sent me to a To schedule an appointment please call (612) 726-9341. specialist at a perinatal clinic to talk more about this. There I had an ultrasound which looked really good. The baby

Diamond Hill Townhomes

Full lives for people with disabilities Vinland provides specialized chemical dependency treatment for adults living with brain injuries and other cognitive disabilities, vocational services and supportive housing.

Phone/TDD 763.479.3555 www.vinlandcenter.org

January 10, 2009

This Month’s Issue Sponsor

Centers for Independent Living provide valuable services to our community

he Southeastern Minnesota Center for Independent Living, Inc. (SEMCIL) and the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living, Inc. (MCIL) have been assisting persons with disabilities to become self-directed and valued community members for more than 25 years. We are dedicated to the Independent Living philosophy and believe that persons with disabilities have the right to equal opportunity and choice and the same freedom for self-determination in every day life as other members of their community. In addition to Independent Living program services, SEMCIL and MCIL are both Personal Care Provider Organization (PCPO) and PCA Choice Providers,

registered with the sted, Mower, Rice, Minnesota Department Steele, Wabasha and of Human Services. Winona counties. MCIL’s service area The centers’ services includes Anoka, Henare designed for per- nepin, Carver, Dasons of all ages and kota, Ramsey, Scott types of disabili- and Washington counties. Our Indepen- ties. dent Living and PCA Programs and staff Our Independent Livassist persons with ing services include: disabilities to gain Independent Living the skills, tools, Skills Training, Preand support they need Employment Services, to live independent, Transition Services self-directed lives. for Youth and Young We encourage con- Adults, Accessibilsumers to use the ity Services and Asstrengths their dis- sessments, Disabilability bring them, ity Awareness, Housidentify their skills ing Search, Workand challenges, and shops/Support Group, provide goal-based Peer Mentoring/Senior training and support Companion, Nursing to help them make Home Relocation, their independent C o n sumer-Directed living goals a real- Community Support ity. (CDCS), Support Planning and Education, SEMCIL’s service area Individual and Sysincludes Dodge, Fill- tems Advocacy, Sermore, Freeborn, Good- vice Coordination, hue, Houston, Olm- Technology Lab

Disability Linkage Line™ 1-866-333-2466 Free, statewide, information, referral and assistance service to help people with disabilities or chronic illnesses and their representatives connect to community services. DLL Resource Specialists provide one-to-one assistance to help people learn about their options and connect with the supports and services they chose. There is no wrong call to Disability Linkage Line. Personal Care Assistance (PCA) services: PCA consumers must be able to direct their own care, be knowledgeable about their independent living and healthcare needs, and be able to communicate their needs effectively. Personal Care Assistants

(PCAs) and Homemakers assist with personal cares, healthrelated functions, meal preparation, essential house-keeping, community integration, redirection and intervention for behavior and safety. PCA (SEMCIL and MCIL) and Homemaker (SEMCIL) services are available to eligible consumers covered by MN Medical Assistance (MA), special county waivered services, and the Alternative Care (AC) program. Services must be approved by a physician, in the recipient’s service plan, and have prior authorization from DHS or a pre-paid health plan in the form of a Service Agreement.

spectfully, began offering Personal Care Assistant and Homemaker services. We refer to this program as traditional PCA. Service components include: Recruitment & Training of PCA(s), Professional, PCA Supervision, Scheduling Assistance, Processing of Billing & Payroll, Human Resources

PCA Choice Consumers choose PCA Choice because they want the control and flexibility of hiring, training, and supervising their PCA(s), as well as having the ability to manage their schedule. Agency service components include: Fiscal Intermediary Services, Processing of Billing & Payroll, EmPCA Traditional In 1988 and 1990, ployee Background SEMCIL and MCIL re- Checks. ■

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January 10, 2009

Improving health for adults with disabilities

Growing older with cerebral palsy

It is important to know that there are things people with disabilities can do to age as optimally as possible.

by Nancy Mitchell, MA, OTR/L, ATP

• Educate yourself about aging with a disability. An excellent book is “Aging with a Disability: What the Clinician Needs to Know,” written in 2004 by Bryan Kemp and Laura Mosqueda. You don’t need a medical background to understand most of the information in the book.

ll Americans are living longer than people did years ago, and people who have cerebral palsy (CP) are no exception. For people with disabilities, however, living to an old age is a new phenomenon. We are just now learning what it means to grow older with a disability. Although much of the information we are gathering on the topic is discouraging, there are strategies to make aging with a disability a more successful experience. “I have seen many advances in diagnoses and treatments since I was young,” said Bonnie Witt, an adult who has cerebral palsy. “People with disabilities are living longer, more productive lives. Doctors who treat adults with disabilities are navigating uncharted territory. This is a fairly new area of medicine, so—in a small way—we are pioneers.” Symptoms of Aging Appear Earlier People without disabilities reach the peak of their physical function between ages 18 and 25. After that, their abilities decline about 1 percent per year. At age 70, therefore, people without disabilities are likely to have about 50 percent of their top lung function, 50 percent of their peak kidney function and so on. Even before their abilities begin to decline, however, people who have disabilities typically don’t reach the same highest points of physical function that people without disabilities do. And when the decline begins, it might be steeper in people who have disabilities. Author and Professor Bryan Kemp reported that people with disabilities show a decline of 1.5 to 5 percent per year after reaching their highest level of physical function. In addition, people with disabilities experience aging-related changes years earlier than their non-disabled peers do. Although study results vary, aging-related changes generally occur 20 to 30 years after the onset of a disability. For people who have CP, such changes can occur in the 20s, 30s or 40s.

Claudia Carlisle—also an adult with cerebral palsy— agrees. “I used to be able to walk all day, until I had surgery to straighten out my knee,” she said. “I was never able to walk all day again.”

tend to do less and rest more. When people are less active, they lose strength and endurance. Less strength means less ability to perform necessary or enjoyable activities, and it results in a decreased ability to care for oneself. That, in turn, can lead to depression, a need to ask more from family members or a need to hire more assistance. The effect on relationships and the corresponding financial consequences are obvious.

Pain Is Common Pain is the most common initial problem for adults with CP. Studies show that most of the older adults who have CP report daily pain. One-third report constant pain. “As a child, I don’t remember having pain,” Carlisle said, “but Falls are very common in now I live with constant pain.” adults with CP. Reports show that 40 percent of adults with The hip, knee, back and neck CP fall at least once each are the most common sites of month, and 75 percent fall evpain. Medication is the most ery two months. In fact, falling common treatment for pain. is so common that most people Studies show that 92 percent do not even think of reporting of people with CP report that the falls to their doctors. “I exercise helps their pain symp- don’t fall very much, but I toms, but only 49 percent re- have to really try to keep myport that they exercise even self from falling,” Carlisle said. infrequently. People with dis- “I have learned that I can’t abilities use other methods of think of anything else when I pain treatment, such as bio- am standing. If I do, I tend to feedback or counseling, less fall more often.” frequently than people who don’t have disabilities do. Because the risk of breaking a bone increases with age, it’s People with CP who walk have important to improve strength the most problems with pain, and to plan movements, as because their gait and move- much as possible, to reduce ment patterns cause abnormal the incidence of falls. Other wear and tear on their bodies. problems that occur in people That leads to arthritis. Twenty- who are aging with CP include five percent of people with CP increased bowel and bladder who walk as children lose that problems and more joint ability as teens or adults. contractures. Carlisle, for example, stopped walking when she was about Despite the prevalence of such 14. Some stop walking in their medical concerns, studies 20s because it becomes more show that 80 percent of people efficient to use a wheelchair or with CP feel that their primary scooter. Others stop ambulat- physicians do not know enough ing in their 40s because of about the condition. In fact, pain. For all people with CP studies also show that people who continue to walk, distance with CP do not get the same is compromised—in other preventative medicine, testing words, they can’t walk as far and interventions that their as they used to. non-disabled peers do. For example, studies show that 90 Additional Issues percent of adults with CP do People who are in pain typi- not get mammograms, Pap cally experience more fatigue smears or prostate checks. than other people do, so they Even the frequency of moni-

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ANNOUNCEMENT Witt says her experience bears witness to those statistics. “I’ve encountered changes since I started to age,” she says. “There are things that my body is going through that most ablebodied people don’t experience until they are significantly older.”

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toring blood pressure, blood cholesterol and blood sugars is not the same as it is for people without disabilities. As a result, people with CP have greater rates of death from heart disease and breast cancer. In addition, inadequate dental care for children with disabilities can lead to serious dental problems as adults. Carlisle said she thinks her primary-care physician should know more about CP. Both she and Witt receive specialty health-care services at Gillette Lifetime Specialty Healthcare, a clinic for adults with conditions such as CP. “I really appreciate an environment like that of the Gillette Lifetime clinic,” Witt says. “It is reassuring and comforting to know that I can continue to receive great care as a respected individual from providers who understand adult issues in all areas of my life.” ■ Nancy Mitchell, MA, OTR/L, ATP is a Gillette Lifetime Specialty Healthcare employee. This is the debut of Health Matters, a new Access Press column.

• Find a primary-care physician who understands CP and disabilities. For a list of such providers, call a social worker at Gillette Lifetime Specialty Healthcare (651-636-9443). You don’t have to be a Gillette patient to call Gillette Lifetime. • Fitness is critical to successful aging. Develop an exercise program that is enjoyable and sustainable. You might need the help of a physical therapist or physical trainer to develop a program that helps but doesn’t harm. For example, if it hurts to walk, walking is probably not the right exercise program for you. • Think of assistive technology as your friend, not your enemy. You might have given up your wheelchair in childhood, thinking you would never need it again. Now you are unable to go into the community and enjoy the activities that previously brought you pleasure. If so, it might be time to open your mind to a piece of equipment that can allow you to do the things that are important to you. • Maintain a healthy weight. This has become an issue for all Americans. Weight can be even harder to manage when you have a disability. Maintaining a normal weight lessens wear and tear on your joints. • Use more than one switch site if you use a switch for communication or driving your chair. Doing so will minimize stress on your joints and allow you to rest painful body parts. • Try to plan financially for the possibility of needing increased assistance as you get older. Discuss this possibility with your spouse or family. Active people who are employed are at the greatest risk for functional changes, because there is more wear and tear on the body. ■

January 10, 2009

REVIEW -

Cont. from p. 1

Cardenas said he hoped the traveling exhibit would help ACT make connections and spread the word about disability as a human rights issue. UPDATE: The trip was feaAlso in the news: Pat tured in the November issue. Mellenthin was named to head March 2008 the Arc of Minnesota. She reArtists display wares, placed Steve Larson, who bebeauty redefined came the agency’s director public policy. Mellenthin had The Institute on Community previously worked for the Integration at the University agency’s branch in southwest- of Minnesota hosted an art ern Minnesota. There she show featuring works by artworked on the successful ists with developmental dismerger of several local chap- abilities. Artists were from ters into a larger regional Partnership Resources Inc. group. The Arc of Minnesota The show was held at Pattee is a statewide nonprofit orga- Hall for four months and was nization that supports and ad- begun with an open house vocates for people with intel- where many of the artists were lectual and other developmen- on hand to discuss their works. tal disabilities. sues and get involved in the legislative process. The MN CCD was working with its plus-100 member groups on a wide range of policy issues.

Colorado native Carrie Ann Lucas and her legal battle with Kmart made the news. The lawyer, activist and mother of three took Kmart to court in a class action lawsuit, which resulted in a $13 million settlement. Kmart made many changes to its stores as a result of the lawsuit. Advocating Change Together (ACT) and its Disability History Exhibit were invited to the Hungarian Eotvos Larand University and other destinations. ACT Co-Director Rick

The artists received art instruction and studio space at PRI’s facilities. Several of the artists were pictured with their works. Some of the artwork was able to draw good prices for the artists. Also in the news: In another front page article, readers met Tiffiny Carlson. This young woman is out to redefine the American concepts of beauty. The successful freelance writer, who lives in Minneapolis and uses a wheelchair, wants to change stereotypes about persons with disabilities and standards of beauty. She has written for many Web sites and national magazines and has her own blog, Beauty Ability.com. She also writes

the Tiff’s Corner column on the lovebirds.com Web site, dispensing relationship and dating advice. Her blog and other Web articles have generated many comments and much debate among community members. “Over the years as a dating columnist, I’ve pretty much figured out one solid thing: The problems people with disabilities face versus the dating problems people without disabilities face are not that different. We all experience loss, jealousy and betrayal no matter how goodlooking we are.” The Work Incentives Connection provided information about how to receive federal economic stimulus checks and what the eligibility standards are. U.S. Senate candidate Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer was seeking input on disability issues at a listening session.

and family members of persons with disabilities. They learned about a variety of issues that were in play during the 2008 legislative session and how they could help. Participants also attended a rally to protest looming state budget cuts. Many participants feared a repeat of the 2003 session, when the state budget was balanced on the backs of those with disabilities. The state budget projected out for 2009 had ballooned to $935 million. Governor Tim Pawlenty was proposing numerous cuts that would affect the community, including a schedule cost of living adjustment, caps on growth of waiver programs and limits on the growth of Minnesota Disability Health Options (MNDHO).

On a lighter note, The Social Fun-Joyment Program was featured. This program is a unique therapy program for teens with Asperberger’s Syndrome and April 2008 highly functioning autism. Disability Day Reach for Resources was ofdrew crowds, fering five groups and planSocial Fun-Joyment ning to add several more. ParDisability Day activities at the ticipants got to meet other state capitol drew a large teens, participate in fun activicrowd. About 360 people at- ties and develop social skills. tended the sessions and visited legislators. Participants Also in the news: West Africame from around the state, can musician and dancer Sidiki including many organizational Condo was making a return trip representatives, self-advocates to perform in Minnesota. De-

spite polio and the loss of the use of his legs, this talented man and his dance group perform around the world. Accessible Systems was showing off its Adjust-A-Sink, which can be used in hair salons to better accommodate customers who need the sink to come up to their neck and head height. May 2008 Health reform sought, team a winner As the newspaper went to press, health care reform was still being debated at the state capitol. The main sticking point was how to pay for changes to the system and how to expand coverage to more uninsured Minnesotans. Governor Tim Pawlenty wanted top use some of the Health Care Access Fund to help cover the state’s budget deficit. Legislators wanted to use the funds only to pay for health care. Other ways to streamline the health care system were being sought. Another focus was on how health services are paid for and how the true prices for services are addressed. Much of the discussion focused on making the health care system as transparent as possible for those wishing to compare services and providers. Review - cont. on p. 15

January 10, 2009

Access Press Directory of Organizations Minnesota’s Disability Community Newspaper

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VOICE LINE SECOND LINE E-MAIL/WEB SITE ADVOCACY Advocating Change Together (ACT) ..................... V-651-641-0297 ..... TF-800-641-0059 .............. www.selfadvocacy.org Arc – Greater Twin Cities ...................................... V-952-920-0855 ........ F-952-920-1480 ... www.arcgreatertwincities.org Arc of Minnesota ........................................... V-651-523-0823x115 ..... TF-800-582-5256 ..... www.thearcofminnesota.org Assoc. of Residential Resources in MN (ARRM) . V-651-291-1086 .. TTY-800-551-2211 ........................... www.arrm.org Courage Center ...................................................... V-763-520-0312 .. TTY-763-520-0245 ...................... www.courage.org Mental Health Association of MN ......................... V-612-331-6840 ........ F-612-331-1630 ......... www.mentalhealthmn.org Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) ... V-651-646-8342 .. TTY-651-603-2001 ..................... www.mcil-mn.org MN Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities ...... V-763-520-0439 ........ F-763-520-0562 ........................ www.mnccd.org MN Developmental Achievement Center Association (MnDACA) ......................... V-651-647-9200 ........ F-651-647-9353 ...................... www.mndaca.org National Alliance on Mental Illness of Minnesota (NAMI-MN)V-651-645-2948..F-651-645-7379 .......... www.namimn.org Telephone Equipment Distribution Program ......... V-651-297-1507 ........ F-651-251-6388 Dept. of Human Services .................................. TF-800-657-3663 .. TTY-866-206-6555 ................ www.tedprogram.org ASSISTIVE AND COMPANION ANIMALS Hearing and Service Dogs of MN .......................... V-612-729-5986 F/TTY-612-729-5914 .......................... www.hsdm.org Helping Paws, Inc. ................................................. V-952-988-9359 ........ F-952-988-9296 .............. www.helpingpaws.org Telephone Equipment Distribution Program ......... V-651-297-1507 ........ F-651-251-6388 Dept. of Human Services .................................. TF-800-657-3663 .. TTY-866-206-6555 ................ www.tedprogram.org ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY Assistive Technology of Minnesota (ATMn*) ...... V-763-479-8239 ..... TF-866-535-8239 ........................... www.atmn.org Courage Center ...................................................... V-763-520-0312 .. TTY-763-520-0245 ...................... www.courage.org Fairview Assistive Technology Program ............... V-612-273-6830 ........ F-612-273-7360 ........... www.fairview.org/rehab Fairview Seating and Wheeled Mobility ............... V-612-273-5560 ........ F-612-273-7360 ........... www.fairview.org/rehab Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare ................ V-651-291-2848 ..... TF-800-719-4040 ......... www.gillettechildrens.org PACER Center, Inc. ............................................... V-952-838-9000 .. TTY-952-838-0190 .......................... www.pacer.org Telephone Equipment Distribution Program ......... V-651-297-1507 .. TTY-888-206-6555 ................ www.tedprogram.org

Kent’s Accounting Service, LLC Kent Fordyce Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor for: 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005

EDUCATION Minnesota Community Education Network on Disabilities (CEND) ...................................... V-651-748-7436 ........ F-651-748-7497 ............. psvendsen@isd622.org Ronald M. Hubbs Center ....................................... V-651-290-4822 .. TTY-651-290-4852 ................. www.hubbs.spps.org EMPLOYMENT/VOCATION Assistive Technology of Minnesota (ATMn*) ...... V-763-479-8239 ..... TF-866-535-8239 ........................... www.atmn.org CCP Works! ................................................... V-763-540-6833x305 ...................................................... www.theccpinc.com Community Connections Partnership (CCP) . V-763-540-6833x302 ................ www.communityconnectionspartnership.org Community Involvement Program (CIP) ..... V-952-851-6181; 952-851-6193 .............................................. www.cipmn.org Cooperating Community Programs (CCP) ............ V-651-917-8322 ........................................................ www.ccpcdcs.com Courage Center ...................................................... V-763-520-0564 .. TTY-763-520-0245 ...................... www.courage.org East Suburban Resources ....................................... V-651-351-0190 ........................................................ www.esrworks.org Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota .......................... V-651-379-5800 ........ F-651-379-5803 ... www.goodwilleasterseals.org Kaposia Inc ................................................... V/TTY-651-224-6974 ........ F-651-224-7249 ..................... www.kaposia.com Lifetrack Resources — St. Paul ............................. V-651-227-8471 .. TTY-651-227-3779 ...... www.lifetrackresources.org Lifeworks Services, Inc. ...................................... TF-866-454-2732 .. TTY-651-365-3736 ....................www.lifeworks.org Merrick, Inc. .......................................................... V-651-789-6231 ........ F-651-789-9960 ................. www.merrickinc.org Metro Work Center, Inc. ............................... V/TTY-612-729-7381 ........ F-612-729-7382 ....... www.metroworkcenter.org Midway Training Services ..................................... V-651-641-0709 ........ F-651-641-0976 .......... www.midwaytraining.org Midwest Special Services, Inc. .............................. V-651-778-1000 .. TTY-651-772-8592 .............. www.mwsservices.org Minnesota Resource Center ................................... V-612-752-8102 .. TTY-612-752-8019 ...................... www.mrc-mn.org Minnesota Work Incentives Connection ................ V-651-632-5113 ..... TF-800-976-6728 .... www.mnworkincentives.com MRCI WorkSource ....................................... V/TTY-507-386-5600 ........ F-507-345-5991 ......... www.mrciworksource.org MRCI WorkSource — Carver/Scott ...................... V-952-403-7660 MRCI WorkSource — Chaska .............................. V-952-448-2234 MRCI WorkSource — Fairmont ........................... V-507-238-4388 ........ F-507-238-4389 MRCI WorkSource — New Ulm .......................... V-507-233-2700 ........ F-507-354-8146 Directory of Organizations - cont. on next page

612-889-2959 fordyce6@aol.com

6371 Bartlett Blvd Mound, MN 55364 Fax: Call me

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January 10, 2009

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

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EMPLOYMENT/VOCATION (CONTINUED) MRCI WorkSource — Rosemount ........................ V-651-423-8900 Opportunity Partners .............................................. V-952-938-5511 .. TTY-952-930-4293 ............. www.opportunities.org ProAct Inc. ............................................................. V-651-686-0405 ........ F-651-686-0312 .................... www.proactinc.org Rise, Inc. ....................................................... V/TTY-763-786-8334 ........ F-763-786-0008 ............................. www.rise.org Ronald M. Hubbs Center ....................................... V-651-290-4822 .. TTY-651-290-4852 ................. www.hubbs.spps.org TBI Metro Services — Richfield ........................... V-612-869-3995 .. TTY-952-930-4293 ............. www.opportunities.org TBI Metro Services — W. St Paul ........................ V-651-457-4756 .. TTY-952-930-4293 ............. www.opportunities.org TSE, Inc. ................................................................ V-651-489-2595 ........ F-651-489-0410 ........................ www.tse-inc.org Vinland National Center ............................... V/TTY-763-479-3555 ........ F-763-479-2605 ............. www.vinlandcenter.org GOVERNMENT/PUBLIC PROGRAMS Social Security Administration and the St. Paul PASS Cadre (SSA) ......................... V-651-290-0054 ........ F-651-290-3811 ............ www.socialsecurity.gov MN Governor’s Council on Developmental DisabilitiesV-651-296-4018TF-877-348-0505 ........................ www.mncdd.org Telephone Equipment Distribution Program ......... V-651-297-1507 ........ F-651-251-6388 Dept. of Human Services .................................. TF-800-657-3663 .. TTY-866-206-6555 ................ www.tedprogram.org HEALTH CARE PLANS UCare ..................................................................... V-800-707-1711 .. TTY-800-688-2534 .......................... www.ucare.org HOUSING/REAL ESTATE — RENTAL Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI) ................................. V-651-645-7271 .. TTY-800-627-3529 ......... www.accessiblespace.org Cooperating Community Programs (CCP) — Residential Services ........................................... V-651-917-8322 ........................................................ www.ccpcdcs.com HousingLink .......................................................... V-612-522-2500 ........ F-612-521-1577 ................ www.housinglink.org Mary T. Inc. ........................................................... V-763-754-2505 ..... TF-888-255-6400 ................... www.marytinc.com National Handicap Housing Institute, Inc (NHHI) .. V-651-639-9799 ................................. www.nhhiaccessiblehousing.com Rise, Inc. ....................................................... V/TTY-763-786-8334 ........ F-763-786-0008 ............................. www.rise.org HOUSING/REAL ESTATE — CONSTRUCTION/REMODELING Accessibility Design .............................................. V-952-925-0301 ........ F-952-926-7712 ... www.accessibilitydesign.com Accessible Homes, LLC ........................................ V-612-978-1054 ........................................ www.accessiblehomesllc.net Assistive Technology of Minnesota (ATMn*) ...... V-763-479-8239 ..... TF-866-535-8239 ........................... www.atmn.org Susan Lasoff & Associates .................................... V-612-872-7520 INDEPENDENT/COMMUNITY LIVING SKILLS TRAINING Cooperating Community Programs (CCP) ............ V-651-917-8322 ........................................................ www.ccpcdcs.com Courage Center ...................................................... V-763-520-0312 .. TTY-763-520-0245 ...................... www.courage.org Directory of Organizations - cont. on next page

Ellen Houghton

952-404-9981

Creating brochures, newsletters, flyers, logos, business cards & stationary to help communicate your message! Bookkeeping services also available.

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January 10, 2009

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INDEPENDENT/COMMUNITY LIVING SKILLS TRAINING (CONTINUED) DeafBlind Services Minnesota (DBSM) ............... V-612-362-8454 .. TTY-612-362-8422 .......................... www.dbsm.org Dungarvin, Inc. — Minnesota ................................ V-651-699-6050 .. TTY-651-695-5802 ................. www.dungarvin.com Howry Residential Services ........................... V-651-917-9111x204 ........ F-651-917-1018 .................. www.howryinc.com Metro Work Center, Inc. ........................................ V-612-729-7381 ........ F-612-729-7382 ....... www.metroworkcenter.org Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL)V-651-646-8342 TTY-651-603-2001 ..................... www.mcil-mn.org Opportunity Partners .............................................. V-952-938-5511 .. TTY-952-930-4293 ............. www.opportunities.org People Incorporated Epilepsy Services ..................................................................................... www.peopleincorporated.org Reach for Resources .............................................. V-952-988-4177 ........ F-952-988-6728 ...... www.reachforresources.org RESTART, Inc. ..................................................... V-763-588-7633 ........ F-763-588-7613 ............... www.restartincmn.org Southern MN Independent Living Enterprises and Services (SMILES) ............................. V/TTY-507-345-7139 ..... TF-888-676-6498 .................... www.smilescil.org TBI Metro Services — Richfield ........................... V-612-869-3995 .. TTY-952-930-4293 ............. www.opportunities.org TBI Metro Services — W. St Paul ........................ V-651-457-4756 .. TTY-952-930-4293 ............. www.opportunities.org Vinland National Center ............................... V/TTY-763-479-3555 ........ F-763-479-2605 ............. www.vinlandcenter.org Vision Loss Resources ........................................... V-612-871-2222 ........ F-612-872-0189 ... www.visionlossresources.org INFORMATION AND REFERRAL RESOURCES/HOTLINES Arc – Greater Twin Cities ...................................... V-952-920-0855 ........ F-952-920-1480 ... www.arcgreatertwincities.org Assistive Technology of Minnesota (ATMn*) ...... V-763-479-8239 ..... TF-866-535-8239 ........................... www.atmn.org Brain Injury Association of Minnesota .................. V-612-378-2742 .. TTY-800-669-6442 ............ www.braininjurymn.org Disability Linkage Line ....................................... TF-866-333-2466 .............................................. www.minnesotahelp.info Institute on Community Integration ....................... V-612-624-6300 ........ F-612-624-9344 ............................. ici@umn.edu Minnesota State Council on Disability ......... V/TTY-651-361-7800..TF/TTY-800-945-8913 ... www.disability.state.mn.us PACER Center, Inc. ............................................... V-952-838-9000 .. TTY-952-838-0190 .......................... www.pacer.org United Cerebral Palsy of MN (UCPMN) .............. V-651-646-7588 ..... TF-877-528-5678 ........................ www.ucpmn.org

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LEGAL Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis (LASM) .......... V-612-334-5970 .. TTY-612-375-4668 ................ www.midmnlegal.org MN Disability Law Center (MDLC) ..................... V-612-334-5970 ..... TF-800-292-4150 ......................... www.mndlc.org Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, Inc. (SMRLS)V/TTY-651-222-5863F-651-297-6457 ........... www.smrls.org MEDICAL — MENTAL HEALTH Community Involvement Program (CIP) ..... V-952-851-6181; 952-851-6193 .............................................. www.cipmn.org Courage Center ...................................................... V-763-520-0312 .. TTY-763-520-0245 ...................... www.courage.org Healthy Life Coaching (HLC) ............................ V/F-320-963-5976 ...... M-612-998-6452 ............ www.healthsangels.com Howry Residential Services ........................... V-651-917-9111x204 ........ F-651-917-1018 .................. www.howryinc.com Lifetrack Resources ............................................... V-651-227-8471 .. TTY-651-227-3779 ...... www.lifetrackresources.org People Incorporated ............................................... V-651-774-0011 .. TTY-651-774-6535 ... www.peopleincorporated.org Rise, Inc. ....................................................... V/TTY-763-786-8334 ........ F-763-786-0008 ............................. www.rise.org Tasks Unlimited ..................................................... V-612-871-3320 ........ F-612-871-0432 ........... www.tasksunlimited.org MEDICAL — PHYSICIANS Courage Center ...................................................... V-763-520-0453 .. TTY-763-520-0245 ...................... www.courage.org MEDICAL — REHABILITATION (Physical, Occupational, Speech, Audiology Therapists) Courage Center ...................................................... V-763-520-0312 .. TTY-763-520-0245 ...................... www.courage.org DeafBlind Services Minnesota (DBSM) ............... V-612-362-8454 .. TTY-612-362-8422 .......................... www.dbsm.org Fairview Acute Rehabilitation Center .................... V-612-273-4277 ........ F-612-273-4706 ............... www.fairview.org/arc Fairview Balance Center ........................................ V-612-273-6521 ........ F-612-273-3869 ........ www.fairview.org/balance Fairview M.S. Achievement Center (MSAC) ........ V-612-672-2815 ........ F-651-645-2254 ............ www.fairview.org/msac Fairview Rehabilitation Services ........................... V-612-672-2100 ..... TF-800-824-1953 ........... www.fairview.org/rehab Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare ................ V-651-291-2848 ..... TF-800-719-4040 ......... www.gillettechildrens.org Lifetrack Resources ............................................... V-651-227-8471 .. TTY-651-227-3779 ...... www.lifetrackresources.org North Memorial Rehab Services ............................ V-763-520-5690 ........ F-763-520-5697 ......... www.northmemorial.com Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute ..................... V-612-863-4466 .. TTY-612-863-5486 ... www.sisterkennyinstitute.com MEDICAL SUPPLIES/EQUIPMENT Assistive Technology of Minnesota (ATMn*) ...... V-763-479-8239 ..... TF-866-535-8239 ........................... www.atmn.org Telephone Equipment Distribution Program ......... V-651-297-1507 ........ F-651-251-6388 Dept. of Human Services.................................. TF-800-657-3663 .. TTY-866-206-6555 ................ www.tedprogram.org RECREATION — ADAPTIVE HOBBY/EXERCISE/SPORTS/ARTS Courage Center ...................................................... V-763-520-0537 .. TTY-763-520-0245 ...................... www.courage.org Reach for Resources .............................................. V-952-988-4177 ....... V-952-988-6728 ...... www.reachforresources.org Special Olympics Minnesota ................................. V-612-604-1264TF-800-783-7732x264 ...................................................................................................................................... www.specialolympicsminnesota.org Upstream Arts ........................................................ V-612-331-4584 ........ F-480-393-5587 .............. www.upstreamarts.org VSA arts of Minnesota ................................. V/TTY-612-332-3888 ..... TF-800-801-3883 .................. www.vsaartsmn.org Directory of Organizations - cont. on next page

Serving Adults and Children with Long-Term Needs since 1991 Services: z Personal Care Assistants (PCA) z Home Health Aides (HHA) z Live-ins z PCA and PCA Choice Provider We accept: z Medical Assistance z AXIS/UCare z Waivered Services z Private Insurance

IN HOME

PERSONAL CARE

8441 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 130 Golden Valley, MN 55426

763-546-1000

www.inhomepersonalcare.com

INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS TRANSITION SERVICES HOUSING NEEDS PEER MENTORING RAMP PROJECT NURSING HOME RELOCATION DISABILITY LINKAGE LINE www.mcil-mn.org ADVOCACY Phone: 651.646.8342 ACCESSIBILITY Fax: 651.603.2006 ADA INFORMATION TTY: 651.603.2001 TECHNOLOGY PERSONAL ASSISTANCE

CONSUMER-DIRECTED SUPPORTS AND SERVICES MissionStatement:

“To work with people with disabilities in fulfilling their desire to lead productive, self-determined lives.” MCIL provides Nursing Home Relocation, Personal Assistant Services (PCA), Transitional & Independent Living Services to individuals through Medical Assistance, Vocational Rehabilitation, County Waivers (CADI, CDCS, EW, TBI) and private pay. Individuals and their support networks can also utilize the Disability Linkage Line, Individual Advocates, the ADA, and our computer resource lab at no additional cost.

1600 University Ave. West Suite 16, Saint Paul, MN 55104 Located on the first floor in the Spruce Tree Building

January 10, 2009

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VOICE LINE SECOND LINE E-MAIL/WEB SITE RECREATION — TRAVEL/CAMPING Camp Winnebago .................................................. V-507-724-2351 ........ F-507-724-3786 ........ www.campwinnebago.org Courage Center ...................................................... V-763-520-0504 .. TTY-763-520-0245 ...................... www.courage.org Friendship Ventures ............................................... V-952-852-0101 ..... TF-800-450-8376 ..... www.friendshipventures.org Ventures Travel Service ......................................... V-952-852-0107 ..... TF-866-692-7400 ............ www.venturestravel.org Wilderness Inquiry ................................................. V-612-676-9400 ..... TF-800-728-0719 ...... www.wildernessinquiry.org RECREATION — OTHER Hennepin County Library - Homebound Services Hennepin Co. ERCI Minneapolis ....................... V-952-847-8850 ........... www.hclib.org/pub/info/outreach/at_home.cfm SUPPORT SERVICES — ASSISTED-LIVING PROGRAMS Dungarvin, Inc. — Minnesota ................................ V-651-699-6050 .. TTY-651-695-5802 ................. www.dungarvin.com People Incorporated Epilepsy Services ................. V-612-338-9035 ........ F-612-338-1160 ... www.peopleincorporated.org RESTART, Inc. ..................................................... V-763-588-7633 ........ F-763-588-7613 ............... www.restartincmn.org SUPPORT SERVICES — HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICES Dungarvin, Inc. — Minnesota .................................................................................................................. www.dungarvin.com Fairview Home Care and Hospice ......................... V-612-728-2468 ..... TF-866-827-5039 ........... www.fairview.org/home Fairview Lifeline .................................................... V-612-728-2468 ..... TF-866-827-5039 ......... www.fairview.org/lifeline In Home Personal Care .......................................... V-763-546-1000 ........ F-763-546-1018 ... www.inhomepersonalcare.com Mary T. Inc. ........................................................... V-763-754-2505 ..... TF-888-255-6400 ................... www.marytinc.com MCIL Personal Assistant Services (PAS) ProgramV/F-651-603-2013 TTY-651-603-2001 ..................... www.mcil-mn.org SUPPORT SERVICES — RESIDENTIAL/GROUP HOME PROGRAMS Community Involvement Program (CIP) ..... V-952-851-6181; 952-851-6193 .............................................. www.cipmn.org Cooperating Community Programs (CCP)—Home Based Support ............ V-651-917-8322 .................... www.ccpcdcs.com Cooperating Community Programs (CCP)—Residential Services ............ V-651-917-8322 .................... www.ccpcdcs.com Dungarvin, Inc. — Minnesota ................................ V-651-699-6050 .. TTY-651-695-5802 ................. www.dungarvin.com Fraser ..................................................................... V-612-861-1688 ........ F-612-861-6050 ......................... www.fraser.org Howry Residential Services ........................... V-651-917-9111x204 ........ F-651-917-1018 .................. www.howryinc.com Mary T. Inc. ........................................................... V-763-754-2505 ..... TF-888-255-6400 ................... www.marytinc.com Opportunity Partners .............................................. V-952-938-5511 .. TTY-952-930-4293 ............. www.opportunities.org Phoenix Residence ................................................. V-651-227-7655 ........................................... www.phoenixresidence.org SUPPORT SERVICES — SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES Courage Center ...................................................... V-763-520-0307 .. TTY-763-520-0245 ...................... www.courage.org TRANSPORTATION — RENTAL/SALES/MODIFICATION Assistive Technology of Minnesota (ATMn*) ...... V-763-479-8239 ..... TF-866-535-8239 ........................... www.atmn.org IMED Mobility ...................................................... V-651-635-0655 ..... TF-800-788-7479 ............ www.imedmobility.com Wheelchair Getaways of MN, Inc. ............... V/TTY-888-256-5807 ........ F-320-685-5346 ... www.wheelchairgetaways.com

Directory of Organizations - cont. on page 13

Brand New Accessible Home Near Brookdale!

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Paul Sigurdson, Counselor Realty, 612-723-2502

Target Marketing At Its Finest! Advertise in Access Press and reach thousands in the disability community every month. Call Access Press at 651-644-2133

January 10, 2009

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 The Ice Fishing Play Jan. 9 - Feb. 1 Theatre in the Round Players, 245 Cedar Ave., Mpls. AD: Sun., Jan. 18, 2 p.m. (with Kevin Kling at post-show discussion) and Sun., Feb. 1, 2 p.m., tactile tour at 1 p.m.; Tix: $20, sr/student discount; Phone: 612-333-3010; Web: www.theatreintheround.org

Sensory Tour 10:30 a.m. Tix: Disc. to $20 (reg. $18-34); Phone: 612-377-2224, TTY 612-377-6626; Web: www.gu thrietheater.org/accessibility

The Miracle Worker Jan. 10 - Feb. 21 Torch Theatre and History Theatre co-production at History Theatre, 30 E. 10th St., St. Paul. ASL: Fri.-Sat. at 7:30 A Delicate Balance p.m.: Jan. 16-17, 23, 31, Feb. Jan. 10 - March 1 6-7, 13-14, 20. AD: Sun., Jan. Guthrie Theater, McGuire 25, 2 p.m. Tix: Disc.to $15; Proscenium, 818 2nd St. S., Phone: 651-292-4323; Web: Mpls. AD: Fri., Feb. 6, 7:30 www.historytheatre.com p.m.; Sat., Feb. 14, 1 p.m.; Sensory Tour 10:30 a.m. ASL: Frost/Nixon Fri., Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m.; Thurs., Through Jan. 11 Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m. Caption- Touring Company at Historic ing: Fri., Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m. State Theatre, 805 Hennepin Tix: Reduced to $20 for AD/ Ave. S., Mpls. AD & ASL: ASL, $25 for captioning (reg. Sun., Jan. 11, 1 p.m. Tix: $21$24-70); Phone: 612-377- 61; Phone: 612-373-5639 or 2224, TTY 612-377-6626; 5609; hotline 612-373-5650; Web: www.guthrietheater. TTY 612-373-5655; E-mail: org/accessibility accessible@orpheum.com; Web: www.hennepintheatre Henry V district.org/guestservices/ Jan. 10 - Feb. 1 aslad/ Guthrie Theater and The Acting Company at Dowling StuThe Gruffalo dio, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. AD & Jan. 13 - Feb. 22 ASL: Sat., Jan. 31, 1 p.m.; Children’s Theatre Company,

2400 3rd Ave. S., Mpls. AD & ASL: Fri., Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Mention VSA Offer for $14 tickets (reg. $14-27); Phone: 612-874-0400; Web: www.childrenstheatre.org Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde Jan. 16 - Feb. 8 Park Square Theatre, 408 St. Peter St. (20 W. 7th Place), St. Paul. AD & ASL: Sat., Jan. 31, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Disc.to halfprice; Phone: 651-291-7005; Web: www.parksquare theatre.org The Nerd Jan. 15 - Feb. 1 Tin Roof Theatre at Avalon Events Center, 613 First Ave. N., Fargo, ND. AD: Sat., Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Disc.to $8 (reg. $15, student/senior $10); Phone: 701-205-5788; Web: www.tinrooftheatre.org Pure Confidence Jan. 15 - Feb. 8 Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 S. 4 th St., Mpls. AD, ASL, Captioning: Thurs., Jan. 29, 7:30 p.m. Tix: $12 access rate (reg. $22, $18 student/senior, Performances - cont. on p. 14

ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES DOWLING STUDIO

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Happy Birthday Radio Talking Book! January sampling

adio Talking Book (RTB) celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. On Jan. 2, 1969, the RTB went on the air as the world’s first radio reading service for the blind. In 1969, there were no other options available to blind and visually impaired people for accessing current print information. The RTB coming into existence was a confluence of a number of factors. C. Stanley Potter, Director of Minnesota’s State Services for the Blind (SSB), was visually impaired and a longtime ham radio operator, who thought a radio might be possible that could use a side-channel like the one Muzak used. At the same time, Father Colman Barry, OSB, president of St. John’s University, was having conversations with William Kling, manager of KSJR, about methods of

using their sub-channel space. In 1967 and 1968, conversations took place between Father Barry, Kling, and Potter. Then with the assistance of SSB engineer Robert Watson, a closed circuit radio was designed that would pick up only the signal of the new RTB to broadcast newspapers, magazines and current books. Forty years later, the RTB still broadcasts newspapers, magazines, and current books, and there are many other similar services around the country and the world. Radio Talking Book is a closed-circuit reading network broadcasting 24 hours daily to more than 7,500 people with disabilities (with a potential audience 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 bestsellers. FFI: www.mnssb.org/ allages/commcenter/rtb The Book-line is the 24-hour dedicated telephone answering machine that has the listings of the books for the month. The number is 651-649-5902. In 2009, there will be events around the state celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the RTB. Officials hope that there will be an opportunity for listeners to participate in those events. This month’s selections include books by Tim Dorsey, Mitchell Graham and Andrea Barrett. Other highlighted selections are below.

• 4 a.m. Chautauqua– Adult education and culture for the whole community. The Death of the Grown-Up, Nonfiction by Diana West, 2007. From culture to politics, Diana West asks “Where have all the grown-ups gone?” Read by Sally Browne. 18 broadcasts. Began Dec. 22. • 9 a.m. Past is Prologue– Readings of historical nonfiction. We Would Have Played for Nothing, Nonfiction by Fay Vincent, 2008. It was during the 1950s and 1960s that baseball expanded across the country and became the national pastime. Read by Ray Christensen. 11 broadcasts. Began Jan. 7. Ladies of Liberty, Nonfiction by Cokie Roberts, 2008. In our country’s youth, it was the women who laid the groundwork for a better society. Read by Barbara Struyk. 17 broadcasts. Begins Jan. 22. • 11 a.m. Bookworm– Novels and nonfiction books for daytime reading. • 2 p.m. Potpourri– A wide variety of books, both fiction and nonfiction, for afternoon reading. The Heart’s Alphabet, Nonfiction by James Grimm, 2007. Jim Grimm, unable to communicate verbally or move of his own volition, has turned his isolating lifelong disability into a gift for connecting with others. L - Read by Stuart Holland. 4 broadcasts. Begins Jan. 13. The Voice, Nonfiction by Thomas Quasthoff, 2008. Though given severe physical limitations, this German bass baritone is one of the most admired singers in the world. Read by Arlan Dohrenburg. 10 broadcasts. Begins Jan. 19. Radio Talking Book - cont. on p. 13

January 10, 2009

Upcoming events To list an event, email access@accesspress.org Tails Tour Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota hosts tours of its facility as a means of providing information about its service dog training program. Meet a program graduate and dog, see a demonstration and learn more in an hour-long tour at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24 at the facility at 2537 25th Ave. S., Mpls. Tours are free but you must call ahead and reserve a space. FFI: 612-7295986, 612-729-5914 (TTY), www.hsdm.org Keeping families together National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Minnesota hosts Keeping Families Together, advocacy training, 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22 at Ramsey County Library/ Roseville, 2180 N. Hamline

Av., Roseville. Learn about recent state law changes on voluntary placement agreements for children, and parental rights and responsibilities under the law. The training is free but you must preregister. FFI: Lynne Peterson, 651-0645-2948 ext. 119, lpeterson@nami.org Service hours change Hennepin County changed hours at three service centers Jan. 1. The Midtown Exchange (south Minneapolis), Eden Prairie and Maple Grove centers will no longer be open Saturdays. The Eden Prairie and Maple Grove centers will extend hours, opening every weekday at 8 .m. and staying open Mondays until 7 p.m. FFI: 612-348-8240, www.hennepin.us

Caregiver lectures Nurturing Our Retired Citizens (NORC) Minnesota hosts free lectures for caregivers, in cooperation with several community partners. Upcoming topics include information about the rights of protection of persons needing care and practical tools and tips for caregivers. One lecture, at 2:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18 is on Resources for Caregivers. All lectures are at Knollwood Place Apartments, 3630 Phillips Parkway, St. Louis Park. FFI: www.nor cmn.org/healthandwellness. html

brary, 300 Nicollet Mall. Classes are free but you must pre-register. In addition to classes there are often volunteers available to introduce patrons to the equipment and software available. Volunteer hours vary, so it’s best to call ahead. The Blind and Low Vision Computer User group meets in Room N402 1-3 p.m. the second Saturday of each month starting in January. Attend a meeting and network with others. FFI: Jennifer Nelson, 612-630-6469, v 612630-6469 email jrnelson@ hclib.org

Adaptive technology classes Free adaptive technology classes are offered by Hennepin County Library, at the downtown Minneapolis li-

Help others manage finances RSVP/Volunteers of America of Minnesota and AARP Foundation need volunteers with good budgeting and organiza-

2008 Accomplishments Qwest Consumer Advisory Panel

hrough Qwest’s Consumer Advisory Panel, MN leaders in the elder and disabled communities act in a proactive, helpful capacity. The panel process serves the community as it provides a means to address telecommunications issues of concern.

tration that no cell phones with audible feedback are offered at kiosks. In early 2008, the CCD researched software which was compatible with Qwest handsets to enable audio feedback, but it was noted this option would likely be cost prohibitive for many consumers. Qwest’s partnership with Verizon wireless is a benefit to Blind customers, as Verizon already offers multiple handsets with audible feedback.

were recognized by Qwest Human Resources support and “enlightening input” to Ivy Stevens in the creation and development of disabilities etiquette webbased training for new mass market Qwest employees. This training was launched across the region in February 2008 and has been used to provide employees who assist disabled customers and potential customers in retail centers and kiosks.

It is important to recognize that the role the panel continues to play is an “institutional memory” for the business. This is particularly true relative to meeting the legal requirements of the Americans 3.Consumer Education: Qwest panel members with Disabilities Act as well Panel members have Rich Diedrichsen . Coas the Telecommunications shared information about chair. Represents people Act. One of the strongest benproducts and services that who are hard-of-hearing. He efits of the panel to the corpobenefit people with disabili- believes participation has afration is its help in ensuring ties, including the Cap Tel fected changes within compliance with these laws. and Public Access Video- QWEST and said he has phone recently installed at gained invaluable information Under the leadership of coMinneapolis-St. Paul Inter- on accessible technology. chairs of Adrienne Mason and national Airport. The panel Rich Diedrichsen, there were has also delved into the George Failes. Is an advosix areas that stand out as area of corporate social re- cate for making assistive significant and tangible acsponsibility and support for technologies available to the complishments in 2008. organizations. Panel mem- disabled community, as a bers also participated in representative of blind/hear1.Accessibility Issues: For events, including the Min- ing impaired seniors. more than two decades, nesota Senior Federation Whether in domicile or Qwest has provided teleConvention, authored mobile, he believes that comcommunications services newspaper articles and munications in all forms must for customers with motion, shared information on be made accessible to all. vision, speech and hearproducts and legislation ing disabilities through the with Qwest staff. The panel Sharie Hawkins. Works for Center for Customers with provides education to the State of Minnesota’s TeleDisabilities (CCD). MemQwest on products, ser- phone Equipment Distribubers visited Qwest kiosks vices and disability issues. tion (TED) Program in shopping malls around Panel members met with the state, monitored their Qwest’s Vice President of Wally Hinz. Was looking for Web site, to check accesMinnesota John Stanoch a place where he could volsibility. and looks forward to meet- unteer and make a differing with Verizon represen- ence and found it on the 2.Product Access: Panel tatives in 2009. panel. The panel plays a vital members want to make role in assisting Qwest Corsure that Qwest’s wireless 4.Qwest Employee Educa- poration to provide universal products are accessible to tion: Panel members access to all of its customers all. Panel members who Sharie Hawkins, Adrienne with disabilities. are blind expressed frusMason and Wally Hinz

Karen Jothen. Qwest. The panel process has served Qwest well over the years as a way to inform key groups about issues of importance to the business. Qwest believes the panel process serves the senior and disabled community, as well. Rev. Gil Kiekenapp. 72 years old, past president of Minnesota Senior Federation, brings the concerns of aging persons with regard to communications issues. Rebecca Kragnes. Joined the panel on the advice of a friend and is happy to be serving. Represents visually impaired customers. Adrienne Mason. Co-Chair. Serves as representative for persons with physical disabilities and supports disability awareness concerns, ethnic and cultura diversity. Alice Oden. Brings her own wheelchair experience coupled with occupational therapy expertise and a keen understanding that technology for people with disabilities is priceless. Jerry Pouliot. Brings a unique perspective and years of experience meeting people with disabilities all over Minnesota. Learning about the new technologies helps him update Qwest. Nancy Sopkowiak. Joined the panel in hopes of making a difference, drawing on her disabilities to help others and using her skills as a writer and life coach. ■

tional skills to help manage finances of older or disabled low-income individuals. Have a few hours a month to volunteer? Money Management Program staff will train and match you with someone in the community. FFI: Money Management Program Coordinator, 612-617-7821. Moving Self-Advocacy Forward Save dates of April 17-18, 2009 for the 2009 Minnesota Self-Advocacy Conference, Moving Self-Advocacy Forward, at Crowne Plaza St. Paul Riverfront Hotel, 11 E. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. Advocating Change Together, Arc Greater Twin Cities, Dakota Communities, Hammer Residences, Lifeworks, Mains’l Services, Merrick Inc., Metro

Center for Independent Living and People First Minnesota are sponsors. FFI: Kathy Sanders, ACT, 651-641-0297, act@selfadvocacy.org Be a literacy volunteer Last year, Minnesota Literacy Council volunteers helped more than 24,000 adults achieve their learning goals. Tutor immigrants, 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 are available throughout Minnesota. FFI: Allison at volunteer@the MLC.org or 651-645-2277, Ext 219. ■

RADIO TALKING BOOK

- Cont. from p. 12

• 4 p.m. Choice Reading– Critically acclaimed books on a wide variety of subjects • 5 p.m. Commentary– The latest issues of national news magazines • 6 p.m. Evening Newspapers– Live broadcast of the New York Times • 7:55 p.m. Radio Talking Book schedule for the rest of the broadcast day • 8 p.m. PM Report– Books exploring critical, contemporary and controversial issues • 9 p.m. Night Journey– Books of intrigue and suspense. Green Monster, Fiction by Rich Shefchik, 2008. When Red Sox owner Louis Kenwood receives an extortion note, alleging a fix during the World Series, he turns to private detective Sam Skarda. Even a rumor of wrongdoing could ruin the value of the Sox and his reputation. L,S - Read by Ray Christensen. 10 broadcasts. Begins Jan. 28. • 10 p.m. Off the Shelf– Mostly best sellers. His Illegal Self, Fiction by Peter Carey, 2008. After being raised in privilege by his grandmother, Che was taken by a woman to live in a hippie commune in the jungle and he begins to confront his life. L - Read by John Schmidt. 8 broadcasts. Begins Jan. 28. • 12 a.m. Good Night Owl– A wide-ranging assortment of books. Bleeding Kansas, Fiction by Sara Paretsky, 2008. On farms in Kansas’ Kaw River Valley, the Schapens, Grelliers, and Gina Haring are at odds. The Schapens are fundamentalist Christians, keeping track of their neighbors, especially the Grelliers. And then Gina, a Wiccan, moved in. L - Read by Audray Rees. 17 broadcasts. Began Jan. 1. Touchstone, Fiction by Laurie R. King, 2007. After the Great War shattered his life, Bennett Grey is approached by an American intelligence agent seeking help infiltrating the aristocracy. Agent Harris Stuyvesant thinks it peopled with some who believe themselves outside of the reach of morality or government. L - Read by Pat Kovel-Jarboe. 21 broadcasts. Begins Jan. 26. • 1 a.m. After Midnight– Adventures of the heart and body. Turning Tables, Fiction by Heather & Rose MacDowell, 2008. Downsized from her boutique firm, Erin gets help from a family friend and lands a job as a waitress. But life behind the apron is worse than she imagined. She needs to please the egomaniacal chef and the owner’s wife. L,S - Read by Sue McDonald. 10 broadcasts. Began Dec. 29. *Abbreviations: L- offensive language, V- violence, S- sexual situations All books broadcast on the MNRadio Talking Book Network are available through the MN Braille/Talking Book Library in Faribault. Phone: 800-722-0550; Hrs: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Their catalog is also online and can be accessed at www.klas.com/mnbph ■

January 10, 2009

People and places

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

hotojournalist Dan Habib’s film, Including Samuel, had a screening Jan. 9 at the Best Buy Corporate Auditorium in Richfield. Samuel has cerebral palsy. Before his son’s diagnosis, Daniel Habib rarely thought about the inclusion of people with disabilities. Now he thinks about inclusion every day. The documentary was shot and produced over a four-year period and details the Habib family’s efforts to include Samuel in every facet of their lives. The film also features four other families with varied inclusion experiences, as well as interviews with dozens of teachers, young people, parents and disability rights experts. The Jan. 9 showing included a discussion with the producers and a networking session. The event was sponsored by Best Buy, the Institute of Community Integration at the University of Minnesota, Dakota Commu-

nities, University of St. Thomas, Arc of Greater Twin Cities, Minnesota Life College, Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys, and the International Dyslexia Association.

needed to launch HandiEx change. com The business now has four employees and also provides information and referrals to the disability community. ✦✦✦✦✦

✦✦✦✦✦

andiExchange, an Aurora-based business, was recently featured on the Duluth Fox television station. Edward Addy started the business after his son Jason Lindahl had trouble finding a racing wheelchair. Jason even searched online but was unable to find what he needed. That launched the idea of starting the Web site, which is dedicated to assisting person with disabilities find, buy, sell and trade equipment and essentials. The business is run by Edward and Rebecca Addy, who sold their business, Northern Visual Services, to have the time

PERFORMANCES -

daptive bicycles have helped two children from Buhl. Bryce Daby and Gust Lewis are two friends who face cerebral palsy together. The two recently obtained adapted bicycle through Miller Dwan in Duluth and Access North Center in Hibbing. The two transition from walkers to flashy red, three-wheeled bicycles that provide them with a new sense of freedom and fun. Their parents were especially pleased to find the bicycles at a price they could afford. A recent Hibbing Daily Tribune story described how the two friends have enjoyed riding bicycles with their other friends and family members.

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 informa✦✦✦✦✦ availability information. Equal tion. Equal Opportunity Housing. ight groups were awarded Opportunity Housing. grants in December by Minneapolis’ Digital Inclusion Lewis Park Apartments: Seward Square Apartments: Fund Advisory Board, which Barrier-free housing with We are currently accepting gave almost $200,000 out to wheelchair users in mind. Sec- applications for our waiting groups that promote digital tion 8 subsidized. One- and list for barrier-free housing, in access and literacy. The fund two-bedroom units. For more Minneapolis, that is federally was created as part of the city’s information on availability call subsidized. For an applicagrant agreement with US 651-488-9923. St. Paul, MN. tion, please call 612-338-2680. Internet Wireless to create a Equal Opportunity Housing. Equal Opportunity Housing. citywide wireless network. The funds are managed by the Minneapolis Foundation. One group receiving funds is PACER Center, which was awarded $30,000 got technology access and literacy training for people with disabilities and others. ■ Lewis’ mothers, Amy Lewis, told the newspaper “Just because your dreams are different doesn’t mean you have to stop dreaming.”

Cont. from p. 12

$14 group); Phone: 612-338Faust 6131; Web: www.mixed Jan. 24 - Feb. 1 blood.com Minnesota Opera at Ordway Center for Performing Arts, The Foreigner 345 Washington St., St. Paul. Jan. 16 - Feb. 1 AD: Sun., Feb. 1, 2 p.m.; preLyric Arts Co., Main St. Stage, opera discussion at 1. (Sung in 420 E. Main St., Anoka. ASL: French with English captions Sat., Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m. (IF projected above the stage) Tix: requested at least a week be- Reduced to half-price for AD fore opening). Tix: Disc. to patrons; Phone: 612-333$13 (reg. $16, $14 student/sr), 6669; TTY 651-282-3100; $18 box seats; Phone: 763-422- Web: www.mnopera.org 1838; Web: www.lyricarts.org The Two Gentlemen Goodnight Moon of Verona Jan. 16 - Feb. 15 Jan. 24 - March 29 Stages Theatre Co. at Hopkins Guthrie Theater, Wurtele Center for the Arts, 1111 Thrust Stage, 818 2nd St. S., Mainstreet, Hopkins. ASL: Mpls. AD: Fri., Feb. 20, 7:30 Sun., Feb. 1, 2 p.m., & Wed., p.m.; Sat., Feb. 21, 1 p.m.; Feb. 4, 10 a.m. AD: upon re- Sensory Tour 10:30 a.m. ASL: quest. Tix: $15, $11 child (age Fri., Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m.; Thurs., 2-17) & sr (age 60+) plus $1.50 March 5, 7:30 p.m. Captionfee per tix for phone/web or- ing: Fri., March 13, 7:30 p.m. ders; Phone: 952-979-1111; Tix: Reduced to $20 for AD/ Web: www.stagestheatre.org ASL, $25 for captioning (reg. $24-70); Phone: 612-377The Murder Room 2224, TTY 612-377-6626; Jan. 16 - Feb. 8 Web: www.guthrietheater. Lakeshore Players, 4820 org/accessibility Stewart Ave., White Bear Lake. ASL: Sun., Jan. 25, 2 Universes p.m. Tix: Half-price (reg. $20, Jan. 24 student/senior $18); Phone: Touring Company at Petters 651-429-5674; Web: www. Auditorium, College of St. lakeshoreplayers.com Benedict, St. Joseph. ASL: Sat., Jan. 24, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Perfect Pie $24, senior/youth/aid rates Jan. 16 - 31 available; Phone: 320-36320% Theatre Company Twin 5777; E-mail: dwolford@ Cities at Mpls. Theatre Ga- csbsju.edu; Web: www. rage, 711 W. Franklin Ave. csbsju.edu/finearts ASL: Fri., Jan. 23, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Disc. to $10 (reg. $12Spring Awakening 15); Phone: 612-227-1188; EJan. 27 - Feb. 1 mail: tickets@tctwentyper Touring Company at Orpheum cent.org; Web: www.tctwenty Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave. percent.org S., Mpls. AD/ASL: Sun., Feb. 1, 1 p.m. Tix: $28-78; Phone:

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Sweet Charity Feb. 6-15 Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre, 333 4th St. S., Fargo. AD: Sat., Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m. ASL: on req. in adv. Tix: Halfprice (reg. $15, sr 65+ $12, Man of La Mancha student $9); Phone: 701-235Jan. 30 - March 1 6778, 877-687-7469; Web: Bloomington Civic Theatre at www.fmct.org Bloomington Center for the Arts, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Ruby! The Story of Ruby Rd. ASL: Thurs., Feb. 12, 7:30 Bridges p.m. AD: Fri., Feb. 13, 7:30 Feb. 6 - March 1 p.m. Tix: Disc. to $18 (reg. $25, SteppingStone Theatre for sr $22, student $19); Phone: Youth Development, 55 952-563-8575; A limited num- Victoria St. N., St. Paul. ASL: ber of ASL seats are held in Fri., Feb. 13, 7 p.m. AD: Sun., reserve until seven days be- Feb. 15, 3 p.m. Tix: $11; child/ fore the show and then released sr $9; Phone: 651-225-9265; for general sales; if no requests E-mail: boxoffice@step are received, ASL will be can- pingstonetheatre.org; Web: celled. Web: www.blooming www.steppingstonetheatre.org toncivictheatre.org Let the Good Times Roll First Person: Stories from Feb. 7 the Edge of the World Twin Cities Women’s Choir Jan. 31 at Central Presbyterian Church, Neal Conan & Ensemble Gali- 500 Cedar St., St. Paul. ASL: lei at Stephen B. Humphrey Sat., Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Theater, St. John’s University, $20, $17 sr/student; Phone: Collegeville. ASL/AD: Sat., 612-333-8292. Web: www. Jan. 31, 8 p.m. Tix: $28, sr/ TwinCitiesWomensChoir.org youth/aid rates avail.; Phone: or www.cpcstpaul.org 320-363-3577; E-mail: dwolford@csbsju. edu; Web: The Naked I: Monologues www.csbsju.edu/finearts from Beyond the Binary Feb. 12-15 Love and Scandal 20% Theatre Co. Twin Cities Feb. 1 at Bedlam Theatre, 1501 S. Mpls. Institute of Arts, 2400 6th St., Mpls. ASL: Fri., Feb. Third Ave. S. ASL: Sun., Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m. Tix: pay what 1, 1 p.m. Free interpreted pub- you can $5-15; Phone: 612lic tour begins by the Info desk 227-1188; E-mail: tickets@ in lobby. Tix/Phone: 612-870- tctwentypercent.org; Web: 3131 or TTY 612-870-3132; www.tctwentypercent. org E-mail: dhegstrom@artsmia. org; Web: www.artsmia.org

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If You Give a Pig a Pancake & Other Story Books Feb. 13 Theatreworks USA, presented by CSB/SJU Fine Arts Programming at Stephen B. Humphrey Theater, St. John’s University, Collegeville. ASL: Fri., Feb. 13, 7 p.m. Tix: $16, senior/youth $8; aid rates on request; Phone: 320-3635777; E-mail: dwolford@ csbsju.edu; Web: www. csbsju.edu/finearts Little Rock 1957 Feb. 13 - March 1 Youth Performance Co. at Howard Conn Fine Arts Center, 1900 Nicollet Ave., Mpls. AD/ASL: Sun., Feb. 22, 2 p.m. Tix: Reduced to half-price (reg. $12, student 14 & under or sr 62+, $10); advance reservation required for AD; Phone: 612-623-9080; Web: www.youthperformanceco.com Adaawe Feb. 21 Touring Co., presented by CSB/SJU Fine Arts Programming at Stephen B. Humphrey Theater, St. John’s University, Collegeville. AD: Sat., Feb. 21, 8 p.m. Tix: $24, senior/ youth/aid rates on req; Phone: 320-363-5777; E-mail: dwol ford@csbsju.edu; Web: www. csbsju.edu/fine arts Caligula Feb. 13-28 Walking Shadow Theatre Co. at Red Eye Theater, 15 W. 14th St., Mpls. ASL: Fri., Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Disc to $7 (reg. $16, $14 student/sr); Phone: 612-375-0300; Web: www.walkingshadowcompany.org/

The Whipping Man Feb. 19 - March 15 Penumbra Theatre, Martin Luther King Ctr, 270 N. Kent St., St. Paul. ASL: Sat., Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m. AD: Sun., March 15, 2 p.m. Tix: Disc to $31, student $11 (reg. $38, student $18); (specify ASL or AD) Phone: 651-224-3180; Email: boxoffice@penumbra theatre.org; Web: www.pen umbratheatre.org My Fair Lady Feb. 20 - March 22 Lyric Arts Company at Main Street Stage, 420 E. Main St., Anoka. ASL: Sat., Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m. (make request at least one week before opening) Tix: Reduced to $13 (reg. $18, $16 student/senior), $20 box seats; Phone: 763-422-1838; Web: www.lyricarts.org The Velveteen Rabbit Feb. 26 - March 1 Northern Prairie Performing Arts at Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre, 333 Fourth St. S., Fargo. AD: Sat., Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Half-price (reg. $15, senior 65+ $12, student $9); Phone: 701-2356778, 877-687-7469; Web: www.fmct.org Huck Finn’s Story Feb. 27 - March 1 Northern Prairie Performing Arts at Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre, 333 Fourth St. S., Fargo. AD: Fri., Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m.; ASL: on request in advance. Tix: Halfprice (reg. $15, senior 65+ $12, student $9); Phone: 701-2356778, 877-687-7469; Web: www.fmct.org. ■

January 10, 2009

REVIEW -

Cont. from p. 6

Also in the news: The Courage Center’s Junior Rolling Timberwolves varsity wheelchair basketball team was honored for placing first in a national tournament in Seattle. The group, which includes nine boys and girls ages 13-18, was

Campaign ads also got a attention of community memmakeover thanks to a change bers. The movie “Tropic Thunin state law that requires po- der” was released despite prolitical advertising to have tests from activists and comclosed captions. That benefits munity members objecting to Also in the news: Michael Minnesotans who are deaf, the release of a movie full of Cohn described the ways dis- hard of hearing or deafblind. “retard” slurs. The movie was ability group listservs could picketed at locations throughAugust 2008 out the nation. Skyway access is debated St Paul skyway access was gen- The documentary “Offense erating debate at St. Paul City Taken” was released to cheers. Hall and throughout downtown. It was produced locally by the The City Council had recently Self Advocates of Minnesota adopted regulations calling for (SAM) and filmed and directed skyways to be open between 6 by Jerry Smith of the Institute a.m. and 2 a.m. but many build- on Community Integration. ing owners were asking for ex- The film was a response to a emptions to the rules. Closing 2007 Brave New Workshop segments of the skyway system presentation that also used the would mean that persons using R-word. A number of commuthe skyways at night or in the nity meetings led the docuCourage Center’s Junior Rolling Timberwolves varsity early morning hours would have mentary’s creation. It followed wheelchair basketball team to navigate to an elevator to get activists over a 16-month pehonored by state lawmakers connect community members to street level, then find another riod as they organized around during a visit to the capitol. who want to share information. open door and elevator to get the issue and the concerns use Much of the news had a global back into the skyway system. of the slur raised. feel. The first Service Dog census Building owners argued that was underway, to count the requiring longer hours would Also in the news: Finding Advocating Change Together number of service dogs in the add to their security, utility and gainful employment and adap(ACT) leaders traveled to United States. UPDATE: The maintenance costs. This sum- tive services were among the Doha, Qatar to attend the Third Service Dog Census project is mer the council began hearing barriers disabled job seekers Annual International Form on on hold while a new funding exemption requests and voting were facing. The Statewide InDisability. There they met with source is sought. Organizers them up or down on a case-by- dependent Living Council, more than 250 others to dis- hope to start it up again soon. cuss disability issues. Mean- Keep track of the project at while back home, a delegation www.censusproject.org from Zambia was visiting the July 2008 Twin Cities to meet MinneLight rail access sota disability community a concern members. Arc, Fraser, the University of Minnesota Insti- The proposed Central Corritute on Community Integra- dor light rail line was well into tion, St. David’s Child Devel- the planning stage yet few opment and Family Services, people were speaking out and Opportunity Partners about platform and train acSkyway access was a St. Paul issue hosted the delegation. The cess issues. The 11-mile rail group visited for two weeks line, which will connect down- case basis. One factor in mak- Minnesota State Rehabilitation and studied self-advocacy, town St. Paul to downtown ing the decisions is whether a Council and Minnesota DepartMinneapolis and the Hiawatha segment of skyway is a connec- ment of Employment and Ecopolicies and services. line, was the focus of a series tion to housing or parking fa- nomic Development (DEED) June 2008 of public meetings over the cilities that need more access. hosted the forum, which drew Session wrap-up showed summer. One issue that had to UPDATE: The City Council, numerous individuals with disgains and losses be sorted out was how plans assisted by an advisory com- abilities. They detailed the The 2008 session of the Min- for public art at the stations mittee, continued to hear and struggles they have had in findnesota Legislature wrapped up would affect rider access and vote on access request through- ing gainful employment, eswith the usual flurry of activi- ease of use. One challenge with out 2008. pecially in a challenging ties, late-night sessions and the Hiawatha stations is that economy and widespread job compromises. The disability stations aren’t laid out in the Also in the news: The Sep- loss. community saw gains as well same manner and can be diffi- tember and November elecas losses. Much of the session cult to navigate. Advisory tions were already on many National Ataxia Awareness and the work of state lawmak- committees were pushing the community members’ minds Day was publicized with a proers were overshadowed by the Metropolitan Council hard on as they made preparations to file of two brothers who $935 million budget deficit. issues of access, according to vote. The prospect of long lines struggle with the condition. The biggest challenges for per- Metropolitan Council Chair- in November prompted a push The Open Doors and Open sons with disabilities during the man Peter Bell. Station de- for more information about Hearts conference would prosession were the budget deficit, sign, space on platform and absentee voting and how it can vide information and support as health and human services access to the stations built in be an option for persons with for groups and individuals who had been targeted for substan- the middle of the street were disabilities. Readers learned work with recently released tial cuts. As a result home and among the issues of concern. how to obtain an absentee bal- inmates. Mai Thor began her community-based waiver ser- Another front page story fo- lot and where they could see column on her pregnancy and vices limits were set for per- cused on cuts to Living at an AutoMark voting machine how the notion of being pregsons with traumatic brain in- Home/Block Nurse programs demonstrated. nant and disabled provoked jury and for persons eligible around the region. Some of the different responses in people. for nursing home care. Limits programs lost state grant fund- Proposed changes in the mean more people will have to ing and had to lay off staff. Americans with Disabilities October 2008 wait for services. Education for The programs are praised for Act (ADA) were being de- Target settles lawsuit, persons with disabilities also keeping persons with disabili- bated. Pictures from the United election previewed faced challenges during the ses- ties and senior citizens in their Cerebral Palsy Golf Scramble Target Corporation settled a sion. Gov. Tim Pawlenty vetoed homes, by providing home showed many people having lawsuit with the National Fedthe E-12 Educational Policy nursing care and other needed fun in the sun. Soldier-triathlon eration of the Blind over Web Bill and the E-12 Omnibus Edu- services. participants aided disabled site access. Lack of accessibilcation Budget Bill. Only a handcomrades through the TRI-N- ity for customers who use ful of items eventually did pass, Also in the news: Changes Help Program. screen readers was at the cenincluding an increase of $51 were announced that make ter of the lawsuit, which was per student in state aid. Also, a Minnesota elections more acSeptember 2008 filed in 2006. The settlement special education task force cessible to disabled voters, Movie premieres resulted in changes for the continued its work with the goal including new equipment and draw attention Target Web site and $6 milof making recommendations by changes in how voters can be For very different reasons, two lion set aside for lawsuit plainFebruary 2009. This group is assisted at the polling place. movie premieres captured the tiffs to share. Target and NFB charged with comparing federal and state requirements, and recommending which state laws should be eliminated.

officials announced that they were satisfied with the settlement and that they hoped this would better serve visually impaired Web users. Web site access for persons with visual disabilities was also the subject of this month’s Web sitings column. Also in the news: Access Press published an extensive elections edition in preparation for the Nov. 4 national, state and local elections. Readers got an overview of presidential candidates’ positions on disability issues, an explanation of how to use the AutoMARK voting machines, a guide to candidate forums and other information needed for what turned out to be a historic election. Voters were encouraged to cast absentee ballots to avoid long lines.

tor Charlie Smith. The brutal attack of Justin Hamilton, a developmentally disabled man, was detailed. The Lakeville resident was attacked and tortured by a group of people he considered to be his friends. Five people were charged in connection with the attack. (UPDATE: One of the people involved in the attack pleaded guilty in late November.) The History Note column focused on the story of Richard Brown and Marilyn Blom, whose friendship began when Brown was a resident at the Faribault State Hospital. In the early 1960s Blom helped Brown by developing a positioning hardness that allowed him to sit up. The two friends recently reconnected.

December 2008 Thanks to Rep. Madore The disability community said a heartfelt thank you to outgoing State Rep. Shelley Madore. The Apple Valley DFLer, who had lost her bid for another term in the Minnesota House, was honored at the annual Minnesota State Council on Disabilities banquet and awards ceremony. Madore told the group she appreciated the ability to make a difference. She is the parent of a son with autism and a daughter with spinal bifida. Madore was inspired to run for office after the state cut budgets in 2003. She saw many parents of children with disabilities struggling afNovember 2008 ter those cuts were impleADA Amendments Act, mented. The banquet also highlighted many individual ACT trip detailed The significance of the Ameri- and group accomplishments cans with Disabilities (ADA) with the presentation of awards. Amendments Act was outlined. The act, which takes ef- Also in the news: Disabilfect Jan. 1, 2009, restores the ity advocates from around the ADA to its original intent. country watched a situation More than 200 organizations unfold in Iowa, where parents throughout the U.S. lobbied and adult children were trying for Congress to make the to prevent disabled family changes to the ADA. The members from voting. A deADAAA basically undid a velopmentally disabled man number of court decisions and from a Grinnell group home federal actions that had under- was allowed to vote against mined the ADA’s intent since his mother’s wishes. In another the ADA was adopted in 1990. case, a woman challenged her Advocates hailed the changes elderly mother’s right to vote. as long overdue. The need to provide better access to crime alerts and crime Also in the news: ACT (Ad- prevention tips is the focus of vocating Change Together) 2009 legislation proposed by transported one of its disabil- State Rep. Paul Thissen. Some ity history walls to Europe to of the alerts are difficult for be displayed at a Hungarian everyone to receive in a timely university ACT, Co-Director and accessible manner. ComRick Cardenas then had the ments from the community opportunity to speak to Euro- were sought in preparation for pean groups about the wall, the upcoming session. disability issues and attitudes directed toward persons with Also in the news: The disabilities. The rights of per- UCare Fund announced its sons with disabilities are an grants for 2008. Seventeen issue of worldwide importance community grants and two reas this trip indicates. search grants were awarded to Minnesota organizations that Speaker, writer and artist Pete address disability and diverFeigal was honored as the 2008 sity issues, and promote Charlie Smith Award Winner. healthy lifestyles and medical The award is given annually in care. ■ recognition of founding Edi-

National Disability Awareness Month was marked in October with an effort to make more Americans aware of disability-related issues and to highlight the many contributions persons with disabilities make to society. Congressman Jim Ramstad won the 2008 National Courage Award, presented by Courage Center in recognition of his years of work on behalf of the disability community. Other award winners honored at the gala event included; James Mastro, Eric Rasmussen, Greg Saylers and Tim Benjamin who received awards from the Phillips Foundation.

January 10, 2009

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