February 2009 Edition - Access Press by Access Press

www.accesspress.org History Note

Inside

“For myself I am an optimist - it does not seem to be much use being anything else.”

■ MN-CCD responds–pg 3 ■ Audit debated–pg 5 ■ Stay warm, safe–pg 8

—Sir Winston Churchill (1874 - 1965) Page 2 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Mpls. MN Permit No. 4766

Volume 20, Number 2

Minnesota’s Disability

Community Newspaper

February 10, 2009

No set district policy

St. Paul schools deny service dog in classroom by Mike Cohn

ewman, a Golden retriever, is trained to help Wally LaBerge, an eight-year-old boy with autism. The two have been together since May 2008. Having Newman as his service dog keeps Wally focused and calm. Victoria and Tim LaBerge, Wally’s parents, want Wally to have the best educational experience he can. However the St. Paul Public School District recently denied Newman the opportunity to do his job during the school day.

Years ago Wally’s parents realized that he had a love for dogs. After attending a seminar on service dogs that help children with autism, Victoria and Tim realized that Wally could benefit greatly with the aid of a service dog. After a year of waiting, Newman came into the household and into the St. Paul school system. But after a sixweek test last year, the LaBerge family was told that Newman wouldn’t be allowed to remain with Wally in school. St. Paul Public Schools officials said they cannot comment on specific cases, citing student privacy. But Cecelia Dodge, the school district’s director of special education, was able to speak generally about service dogs in the schools. The district has no set policy on service dogs. “We consider each request on a case-by-case basis,” she said.

Wally is just like any other kid in most respects. He likes music, helping his mother cook, playing and fighting with his brother Charlie, going to the art museum and writing short stories on his computer to share with friends and family. Before Newman came into the family home, it seemed that life revolved around Wally’s autism. Now, with Newman, going outside or into the com- In a test involving a student, munity is more enjoyable for school officials will look at factors including whether or everyone.

not a student is observed to be making progress with the help of a dog. Another issue that has to be considered is how the student and his or her service dog relate to other students. Some students may be frightened by the dog that is there to help another student.

“We love that parents and advocates come forward with ideas,” said Dodge. “Together we’re going to find things that work for their children.” She said the district always continues to look for solutions for individual students and that it would not rule out revisiting a student’s need to have a ser“Each child is so unique,” vice dog in the future. Dodge said. With special education students, each child’s Newman was trained by Heardisabilities have to be consid- ing and Service Dogs of Minered carefully. What works for nesota (HSDM). Training one child may not work for starts when dogs are puppies. another. Final training takes a few months, followed by work with Service dogs for persons with the dog handler’s family. Alan autism are a newer trend, Dodge Peters, executive director of said. It’s a trend that educators the agency, said dogs are speare watching and discussing cially trained based on the on the national level. As par- client’s needs and disability. ents and advocates for persons Fewer than half of the agency’s with disabilities learn about clients experience problems or the dogs and how they help resistance to use of a dog. Peautistic children, “it’s become ters said HSDM will intervene a bigger issue.” It is also an on behalf of its clients. The issue the schools must weigh LaBerge case is the first in carefully when Americans with which a HSDM dog was Disabilities Act (ADA) regu- trained for work at a school. lations come into play.

Wally LaBerge and Newman to focus on tasks and to help him balance while walking; all in the idea of being part of the “mainstream” community. Before Newman came into the picture, the family avoided situations that had a lot of stimulus and excitement that might have triggered an episode for Wally. This year, they were able to go to one of the state’s biggest gatherings of excitement and people, the Victoria and Tim want Wally Minnesota State Fair, with no to be included in the commu- incident, thanks to Newman. nity to the fullest extent. Newman’s job is to help Wally Denied - cont. on p. 15 It is hard for the family to understand why the St. Paul school system won’t allow Newman to aid Wally. The LaBerges don’t know specifically how many autism assistance/autism service dogs there are working with children in Minnesota public schools or how many other parents are working to have dogs in schools.

Disability community eyes devastating cuts by Jane McClure

roposed cuts to Minnesota’s health and human services programs would reduce spending by 15 percent over the next two years, impacting many services Minnesotans with disabilities rely on every day. Dozens of advocacy groups, self-advocates, service providers and family members are descending on the state capitol during the 2009 legislative session to argue against proposed cuts to special education, an array of supportive services, medical and dental care and other programs. Human services comprise about 28 percent of Minne-sota’s general fund, yet disability advocates note that the services have sustained 60 to 70 percent of the recent cuts made to balance the state budget. The budget

news is likely to get worse be- waited for years for services for their family members, makfore it gets better. ing countless sacrifices to pro“We were saddened to see that vide the care on their own. people with disabilities and the They now face even longer elderly didn’t crack the waits due to proposed cuts. At governor’s top five priorities, a Jan. 28 press conference at said John Tschida. He is Cour- the State Office Building, some age Center’s vice president of audience members held signs public affairs and research. with numbers on them, to sym“Human services funding is bolize those waiting for sertaking a huge hit—$1.3 bil- vice. lion in cuts. No other area of the budget comes close to this Others held signs stating, “The level of pain. This budget fails wait starts here” and “Your to acknowledge the state’s wait will be…” Arc of Minnechanging demographics and sota and Lutheran Social Serthe need for future planning.” vices, along with other members of the Minnesota CoaliOne key battleground is home tion for Citizens with Disabiliand community waivered ser- ties (MN-CCD), held the press vices for persons with devel- conference to spotlight two opmental disabilities. About bills that could help families 5,000 people are on waiting waiting for services and to lists for the community-based draw attention to the plight of services. Some families have those doing without.

“This is an extremely challenging year for individuals with disabilities,” said Jean Bender. The parent of an adult son with Down syndrome, Bender is also president of Arc of Minnesota. Bender’s son receives services but isn’t eligible for other services that would improve his life. His family had to design his program because traditional support service didn’t work. She had to resign from her job to direct her son’s care and all family members had to make sacrifices to help out also. Bender called the proposed cuts “unwise” because Minnesota will lose $1 dollar in federal matching funds for every state dollar cut in waiver services. For other families, fees are too high, following a dramatic fee increase six years ago. That forced some fami-

lies to drop services. Other families still struggle to pay the fees. Still other families have nothing at all. Steve and Maureen Hayes of Plymouth have waited for almost eight years for their son Brett to receive a Developmental Disabilities Waiver. “Brett needs help with every activity in his life—washing, showering, diapering, feeding, watching TV, walking—everything,” Steve Hayes said. “And as our son gets older and stronger, his care becomes more demanding.” As he and his wife grow older and cope with health issues of their own, they become increasingly concerned about how they will care for their 18-year-old son “Yet we are told that since Brett doesn’t come from a ‘critical’ situation, he is un-

likely to get a waiver allocation any time soon,” Hayes said. “It seems unless we prove our family situation is dysfunctional, or broken, or both of us are completely unable to care for Brett, that he will never receive the services he needs to thrive in this community,” he continued. “Brett needs to live in a group home...but that isn’t possible without a waiver. All we are asking for is some assurances that Brett’s basic needs will be met,” Hayes said. Wendy Susan, whose son has Down syndrome, described the complicated and confusing waiver program. Her family has had to carry two insurance policies to help with their son’s care because of these complications in waivered services. Overview - cont. on p. 15

February 10, 2009

sonal care attendant program, but also in durable medical supplies and to many others services in the Health and Human Services budget. I’m asking myself a lot of questions about whether I can be more careful of the number of products I use at home that are paid for by state and federal funds. And although I know that most of us have been careful consumers for years, now is the time to ask where there are inefficiencies or where expenses are higher than they need to be. Like it or not, we will all have to consider new cost-cutting efforts in our homes. But even while we do that, the top consideration is maintaining our health, and staying safe. Staying healthy is the most cost-effective thing we can do. Let’s all concentrate on staying out of the hosBut beyond talking, I think we pital and be proactive about have to participate in finding our health care. ways to make our care and support as cost-effective as We have to communicate a possible. It looks as though complicated message: that we there’s going to be some seri- will work with public agencies ous cuts, not only to the per- and healthcare providers to either the Minnesota state budget or the United States federal budget. We have some very difficult times ahead and some very hard decisions to be made by our state and federal officials that will affect all of us. I’ve talked a lot before about participating in the legislative process. More than ever, we need to talk to our legislators and explain to them the importance of public programs in our lives. Many of the disability organizations will be having rallies at the capitol and can help you weave your way through the maze to get in to your senator and house representative. The organizations can suggest how to talk to legislators most persuasively, and give you talking points as well, if you want them.

Tim Benjamin, Editor

ell, there’s only one thing to talk about lately, and that’s the economy. There’s not much positive to say about

save costs, but at the same time, we have to make our health and safety the top priority. When you write or visit your legislators, tell them about your plans for cutting costs and maintaining health. Tell them the importance of public programs in your life; they need to hear it when they are considering cutting or eliminating these services. If you’re willing, offer your assistance in helping them find ways to save the programs and services. For instance, tell them you’d be willing to join a committee to examine and hopefully save some of the programs. I think the only way we will save many programs that are vital in our lives is by getting involved. I hope you’ll join me and so many others in getting active now. And as you do, remember to stay positive, talk to decision-makers with respect, don’t get wrapped up in solving their other budget problems. Stay focused on your situation.

one, of the changes to come, can be seen in the current focus on direct care services. Be sure to read the articles in this issue about the personal assistant program audit, and the legislative update. Much of this information is critically important and changing continually. So, consider what’s here at least one-week old, and use it as background. Then call the organization that you most identify with and ask them what you can do to help.

Access Press has been chosen to be one of the participants in the Sierra Bravo’s Overnight Website Challenge, www.f1we bchallenge.com, which means that we will have 10 professional web designers build us a new Web site in 24 hours, February 28 to March 1. It’s the second time that this event has taken place. Last year 10 nonprofits had some pretty great Web sites designed. We are all very excited. While we wait for our makeover, Access Press also has a presence on Just one example, but a big Facebook. We encourage you

to sign in (or sign up), and become an Access Press fan! Head over to, www.facebook. com/pages/Access-Press/ 41442221855 and “Fan” us! And while it’s a great place for social networking, news and pictures there are opportunities to donate to Access Press on that page as well. Our pregnancy column will be ending next month. Yup. It’s that time. Things ran their natural course! Join us in congratulating Mai Thor and her partner Charles McIntosh for bringing into the world Matthew Nom Loob McIntosh, at 9:53 a.m. January 28, 2009. He is one handsome young man! ■

Matthew Nom Loob McIntosh

History Note

1962 recount involved two candidates for governor who were supporters of children with disabilities by Luther Granquist

wo supporters of children with disabilities faced each other in the contested recount of the election for Minnesota governor in 1962. As a state senator in 1956, Elmer L. Andersen led a legislative commission that stated the “firm conviction” that children with disabilities should have an equal opportunity for education with every other child. The legislation proposed mandated education for all children with handicaps who were “educable.” That law passed in 1957, years be-

fore Congress acted on this issue. Four years later, thenGovernor Andersen also supported the first matching grants for community day activity centers. This occurred during the 1961 legislative session. Andersen faced Karl Rolvaag for governor in 1962. In March 1963 the court that supervised the recount of the 1962 election ruled that DFLer Karl Rolvaag had defeated Andersen by 91 votes. The new governor also proved to be a friend of persons with mental

retardation (as the developmentally disabled were described then) or mental illness in the state’s institutions, particularly in the second half of his term. Leaders of the Association for Retarded Citizens (then ARC, now Arc) flew with him on his state plane to meetings around the state to garner support for increased staffing in the institutions and increased funding for special education and day activity centers, actions the Minnesota Legislature approved in 1965.

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, Christen Munn, 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

dating special education for children deemed “trainable” but not “educable,” in large part because some educators said training these children was not the work of the schools. Rolvaag tried but failed to expand special education to include these children. But the day activity programs that Andersen and he supported demonstrated that these children could learn and should be Gov. Elmer L. Andersen in school. In 1971, after vig- (Gov. Karl Rolvaag is picorous advocacy by the Arc, tured at the top of page 1.) the Minnesota Legislature finally mandated special educa- nesota Governor's Council on tion for these “trainable” chil- Developmental Disabilities, dren. ■ www.mnddc.org or www. mncdd.org and www.part In 1957, Andersen and his col- The History Note is a monthly nersinpolicymaking.com. leagues stopped short of man- column sponsored by the MinRolvaag presented a Bill of Rights for the Retarded at the Arc convention in June 1966 and at a conference he sponsored later that year. He proclaimed that people with mental retardation should not have to live in “huge, ugly, crowded dormitories and dayrooms.” He decried wards that were still “crowded, smelly, and understaffed.” He urged the Arc members to join with him in a “massive public demand for a change.” Rolvaag did not have a chance to send his proposals to the 1967 Legislature. He lost the election that year to Harold Levander.

February 10, 2009

Guest editorial

Journal entry #5

Improving peoples' lives From the MN Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

s we continue working in a very difficult legislative session, we would like to remind individuals and organizations in the disability advocacy community of a resource available to you all, the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD). The MNCCD is a broad-based coalition of more than 100 provider and advocacy organizations dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities. MN-CCD focuses on public policy issues that affect people with disabilities by collaborating with others to advocate, educate, influence public policy makers to create positive changes and creating awareness for understanding. For some individuals there must always be a role for government to help support them in their home and community. The MN-CCD supports public policies that provide the most cost-effective delivery of services while helping individuals with disabilities maintain their health and gain as much independence as possible in their daily living. MN-CCD functions by dividing into issue subcommittees that develop recommendations regarding specific issues of concern to the disability community. Health care, employment and housing are just a few of the issues our subcommittees work on. Issue subcommittees spend the legislative session advocating for recommendations developed prior to the legislative session. Additionally, MN-CCD action subcommittees meet throughout the year to plan grassroots events including meetings and forums to build relationships and discuss issues with candidates and legislators. Action subcommittees also handle outreach and public relations for MN-CCD, and manage the operations of the consortium. Full membership MN-CCD meetings take place monthly when the Minnesota Legislature isn’t in session. These meetings are an opportunity for all MN-CCD members to learn about the work and recommendations of the issue and action subcommittees. These meetings are also an excellent opportunity for MN-CCD member organizations to network and share information regarding opportunities for advocacy. During the legislative session, full membership MNCCD meetings are held weekly at the state capitol. These full membership meetings allow

MN-CCD member organizations to keep abreast of rapid developments in the disability advocacy community such as opportunities for individuals and organizations to provide important testimony at legislative hearings; action alerts for the community of individuals with disabilities to contact their legislators regarding important legislation; and upcoming community events such as rallies and Disability Days at the Capitol. If your organization would like to become more involved with one of MN-CCD’s subcommittees, or if your organization would like to attend our weekly MN-CCD full membership meetings at the capitol, please contact Anni Simons, MN-CCD coordinator at asimons@arcmn.org Additionally, individuals and organizations are encouraged to visit the MN-CCD Web site at www.mnccd.org, and use it as a resource for your advocacy activity. The MN-CCD Web site provides details on a number of upcoming advocacy days at the capitol; outlines the MN-CCD legislative priorities for the 2009 legislative session; provides further information on MN-CCD subcommittees, and much more. MN-CCD, its member organizations and many individuals and families will gather from noon until 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 7th at the capitol for a statewide rally. This rally will be a demonstration of support for services for individuals with disabilities and older Minnesotans. This is our opportunity to demonstrate the power of the disability and aging community here in MN. This is especially important this year, as legislators will likely face tough decisions regarding making cuts to the very programs individuals with disabilities and older Minnesotans rely on. Find details on the MN-CCD Web site. ■

Be Seen

Something unexpected As you read this, the baby has arrived by Mai Thor

hoever coined the phrase, “patience is a virtue” was never pregnant. I can’t wait any more for my baby to get here! Yeah, sure, of course I want to finally meet him and hold him and all that stuff. But more importantly—I want to be able to move around again! I want to be able to bend over; I want to not feel like my back is going to break in half and I do not want look like a cow anymore. Is that bad? Should it be more about the baby and not me? Perhaps, but for now, I’m so miserable; I can’t take any more of this pregnancy stuff. Could someone just put me out of my misery now? Fortunately, I don’t have a long wait ahead of me. I just got the word today that I am to have my caesarean-section in three weeks. Three weeks! That means, by the time you read this article, baby will be here. Rather mind boggling, isn’t it? Time flies when you’re knocked up, I guess. Seems like yesterday I was complaining about how my birth control didn’t work. The day before the caesareansection, I am scheduled for an amniocentesis. I’m sure many of you don’t have a clue as to what that is. I’m going to try to explain it as simple as possible, but you might want to read about it in a place that has some sort of cushion or padding in case you faint. An amniocentesis, or amnio, is a pro-

cedure that can test a variety of issues that affect the baby. It is often used to determine genetic disorders such as Down syndrome, spina bifida and certain blood conditions. The amnio that I am scheduled to have will determine how developed baby’s lungs are, thus telling the doctor if he is indeed ready to be delivered. When the results of this test comes back with no problems (results come back the same day), the c-section is scheduled immediately within a day or two. Now, here’s the fun part. Amnios are done with a big needle. I mean BIG. Bigger than what a needle should even be when its purpose is to be stuck into your belly. Yes, that’s where it goes. Inside a pregnant woman’s uterus, surrounding the baby is amniotic fluid. The needle is inserted into the belly so that a sample of the fluid can be extracted and sent to the lab. The fluid will tell how well baby’s lungs have developed. The whole procedure is done along with an ultrasound, so the doctor can see exactly where the needle is and that baby is not harmed in any way. They say you might feel a pinch or some cramping from the needle as it is inserted, but we all know that’s a load of hooey. It’s going to hurt and it will hurt badly—I just know it! I’m extremely afraid of this amnio thing…more so than delivery. But it must be done, or so they say.

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ability, you may agree that added limitations on top of pre-existing limitations can be very frustrating. This reminds me of the time I had to have carpal tunnel surgery on both my hands at once. As you can imagine, it was a really difficult recovery because my independence level was so affected. However, it was my sense of independence which led me to have the surgery, much like it also led me to have a baby. As difficult as it was, I’m proud to have experienced pregnancy as a disabled woman. I hope in the future, I Looking back on the last eight see a whole group of disabled months, I believe I underesti- women who have chosen to do mated how much pregnancy the same. would affect my life as a disabled woman. Things were fine Stay tuned, readers. The next up until my sixth month. It article will be my last, but you seemed like a whole bunch of will finally get to meet the complications happened at long-awaited and much talkedonce and as I began to get about person that I’ve been bigger and bigger, my mobil- referring to in these journals. ity became more and more lim- ■ ited. As a person with a dis-

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Despite my initial shallow response to having the baby and my fears of the amnio, I am so excited, I can barely stand it. Life as I know it will never be the same. I hope I will be a good mother. I’ve practiced a little on the cat—you know, holding her like a baby and wrapping her in a blanket. The problem is, she doesn’t really like to be held and wriggles her way out whenever I do that. I guess nothing really prepares you for motherhood like having the experience of an actual human baby.

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February 10, 2009

Disability rights/worker rights: A discussion of issues by Bob Kafka and Marsha Katz, ADAPT

he disability rights movement frequently uses civil and human rights analogies to bolster its argument that people with disabilities are battling power structures similar to those that historically blocked the equal participation of women, people of color and gays/lesbians. One topic that has been ignored in most of the country is the symbiotic relationship between the worker rights/union movement and the disability community’s struggle to fight unnecessary institutionalization and live in the community. The traditional “progressive” movement has ignored this and many other issues critical to the integration of people with disabilities into our communities.

Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), has resulted in “progressive” disability advocates as well as union members, taking positions that have made both feel uncomfortable. This has led to confrontation and distrust. “What is the position of the union movement in relation to a disabled person’s ‘right’ to live and receive services in the community?,” has become a question asked more and more

“The independent living/ self-determination model of personal attendant services has historically defined consumer control as ‘give me the Few disability organizations, money and I will hire my and fewer people with disabilities, belong to, interact with, own attendant.” or have any understanding of the labor movement and its history. Many disabled people, when asked, will express a close relationship with their attendant. They want their attendant to be paid well. Good wages and benefits mean less turnover and improved quality. However, it is very unlikely that this relationship is seen in the context of worker rights and the right of unions to organize. This intersection of self-interests has for too long been ignored to the detriment of both groups. The growth of consumer-directed services in many states, and the rebuilding of San Francisco’s Laguna Honda, the nation’s largest nursing home, has brought this issue to the forefront. Complicating things, the union representation of workers in nursing homes and intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded (ICFMR) has led to suspicion about what the true intentions of unions are. This institutional representation by unions like

frequently around the country. Union spokespersons have historically rationalized institutions as being for our “safety” and that “these people” (us) need to be institutionalized. Disability advocates have in turn talked about SEIU and AFSCME being “jailers” of people with disabilities, concerned only about money and not the civil rights of the people locked away in nursing homes and public institutions.

nity for recruiting and orga- Person Demonstration has innizing new union members. tensified the “rebalancing” efforts in every state around their AFSCME has also begun to institutionally biased long-term move into the arena of home care systems. care organizing, although at a much slower rate than SEIU. The independent living/selfIn fact, AFSCME has actually determination model of perbeen the flashpoint of the con- sonal attendant services has cerns the disability commu- historically defined consumer nity has had about unions. control as “give me the money and I will hire my own attenHistorically the fight for de- dant.” Many community orgainstitutionalization has fo- nizations have become fiscal cused primarily on people with intermediaries to assist the cognitive/mental disabilities consumer in the payroll rewarehoused in publicly- quirements, but the control still funded state institutions. The remains with the person with public service workers in these the disability. This definition institutions were relatively has challenged those in the well paid with benefits. As a union movement to figure out result, public employee unions, how they could organize these like AFSCME, have fought community workers without against, and in many states making each person with a dishave succeeded in stopping or ability a bargaining entity. The slowing, any movement to California solution, one of the close or downsize these facili- first in the country, was to creties. The assumption has been ate Public Authorities which that community service jobs act as bargaining agents while are low pay with no benefits. allowing the individual to exThough disability advocates have proposed portability of benefits as a solution to this problem, AFSCME has continued to oppose closure of facilities.

The deinstitutionalization that has occurred over the last 30 years has too often moved people from large facilities to smaller facilities or group homes. It is only in recent years that the community service system has begun to focus more The irony of the debate is that on an individual having a pereven while they were repre- sonal attendant in their own senting low-income nursing homes. home workers, SEIU was simultaneously organizing The 1999 Supreme Court’s home-care workers in states Olmstead decision broadened like; California, Washington, the deinstitutionalization moveOregon, Illinois, Pennsylvania, ment to include people in nursNew York, Wisconsin, Michi- ing homes and other institugan, and Massachusetts. SEIU tions. It also gave new impetus saw more than a decade ago for disability advocates to agthat the number of home care gressively fight unnecessary workers was quickly expand- institutionalization before ing and that these workers were someone had been deprived of underpaid and often without their home in the community. healthcare and other benefits. In addition the $1.75 billion They saw this as an opportu- federal Money Follows the

ert consumer control. To date this has been the primary model promoted by the union movement. Advocates in the disability community believe however, that one model of organizing community workers will not address the various consumer directed delivery options that now exist throughout the country.

moving into home care organizing. The AFL-CIO and Choose to Win, working with the disability community, would be a powerful force in passing a reform agenda that includes: 1)transitioning from the institutionally biased long-term care system to one that prioritizes the community; and,

There are no simple answers to the questions. However 2)increasing the wages and there needs to be an open disbenefits for the workforce cussion to see where our comthat will be necessary to promon self-interests intersect. vide these needed commuThe best solutions will be nity services. ■ found when the disability community is at the table with the Endorsement of, and aggresunions negotiating as equals. sively working for the passage of the Community Choice Act SEIU has endorsed the Com- in 2009, and promoting selfmunity Choice Act and is at- determination/consumer contempting to organize home- trol principles, would go a long care workers throughout the way toward changing our country. AFSCME is making long-term care system that for efforts to outreach and find a too long has institutionalized way to support the Commu- us against our will, and exnity Choice Act. They, too, are ploited community attendants.

Nominate your favorite assistive technology

he Minnesota STAR (System of Technology to Achieve Results) program and the Minnesota Assistive Technology Advisory Council are accepting nominations for the 2009 Excellence in Assistive Technology awards. The awards recognize assistive technology champions, including consumers, advocates, business and education innovators, service providers, product developers and others. Assistive technology is any device that maintains, improves or increases function of an individual with a disability. It can be an inexpensive item such as a pencil grip, a desk riser for accommodating a wheelchair or a communica-

tion device that generates technology through its use and speech, controls appliances reuse. and performs computer tasks. The STAR Program is adminAssistive technology removes istered through the Minnesota barriers to independence by Department of Administration helping people of all ages with and is federally funded by the disabilities perform tasks at Rehabilitation Services Adunder the home, school, work and in the ministration community. Barriers include a Assistive Technology Act of lack of awareness of available 1998, as amended in 2004. products, finding assistance with selecting the correct tech- Nominations are due by 4:30 nology for the job and receiv- p.m. Friday, Feb. 27. Details ing adequate training to en- and nomination forms are sure its effective and efficient available online at www.star use. These barriers fade with program.state.mn.us or by help from the dedicated people calling the STAR Program at who develop the assistive tech- 651-201-2640 (metro) or 1nology, provide assistive tech- 888-234-1267 (toll-free). The nology services and support awards will be presented April and, of course, the consumers 14 at the state capitol. ■ who teach the value of assistive

February 10, 2009

PCA audit raises red flags, but is in turn criticized by Jane McClure, assistant editor of Access Press

state audit of personal care agencies and the assistants or attendants they provide has raised several concerns about the programs which assist about 25,000 Minnesotans. Lack of state oversight, questions about quality of care and the potential for abuse and fraud were among red flags raised by Legislative Auditor James Nobles during a presentation last month before the Legislative Audit Commission.

day activities including eating, bathing, dressing, helping with meal preparation and other needs. For some clients PCAs may intervene or redirect a client’s behavior, such as when a child becomes aggressive with a sibling or prevent self abusive behavior like excessive rubbing which causes open wounds which interfere with completing other tasks.

PCA programs help many people who would otherwise Other issues raised by the au- live in nursing homes live in dit include lack of training for their own homes and work in assistants or PCAs, lack of the community. training for agencies and the county workers who evaluate The audit states that improvepotential clients for PCA ser- ment to PCA services is essenvices, and potential care prob- tial because demand for care lems by PCAs who work long will grow in the next few years. hours. Another issue cited is it The audit makes a number of may be all too easy to start a recommendations including PCA provider agency and for supervision requirements, questionable agencies to re- clarification of which agency start under new names. should investigate maltreatment reports, and the need for However, subsequent media more state oversight. coverage of the audit has in turn been criticized by disabil- The programs are paid for on a ity advocates, agencies and 50-50 basis by Medicaid, with persons who receive personal a 50 percent federal match. care assistant (PCA) services. The program paid out $404 They contend that the media million for PCA services in coverage focused too much on 2007. That is up from $157 clerical errors, didn’t consider million five years ago. The the scope of the audit and mis- costs could rise by another $50 represented audit findings. million this year. But as a growing number of people receive In Minnesota about 500 agen- services, it has resulted in what cies offer services, employing Nobles described as “unsusmore than 45,000 PCAs. There tainable” growth of the program.

“Legislative Auditor James Nobles described the growth in Minnesota’s PCA programs as ‘unsustainable.’”

Another concern raised by the audit is in oversight. The agencies that provide PCA services aren’t licensed by the state. The audit cited incomplete records are some agencies and are about 25,000 Minnesotans not enough supervision by the utilizing the services, which Minnesota Department of Hurange from help with day-to- man Services.

Nobles’ office found 423 incidents when agencies claimed a care assistant had worked more than 24 hours a day. One headline-grabbing finding was that a single employee worked more than 254 hours in a day and that the agency was paid for that. But David Hancox, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL), pointed out that the claim for 254 hours in one day was a clerical error. “The provider agency mistakenly filled all of the daily hours for the organization under a single

“But we should also remember that the services provided by direct care professionals/professional service attendants are vital to the lives of many individuals.” –David Hancox, MCIL

over the years and are working on correcting them. One newly implement changes is a computer program that flags PCAs who claim to work 24 hours a day. Legislation is also in the works to address the issues raised. State officials also noted that they have had success in collecting improper payments from agencies. One point of debate since the audit’s release is how representative its data is. Hancox pointed out that the legislative auditor collected data from 25 agencies. That means the report was based on a 5 percent random sample.

Source: Office of the Legislative Auditor vices are often the thin line that prevents more costly and unnecessary out-of-home placements in nursing homes and institutional settings.” The suggestions from Hancox include a need for additional education and training for PCAs, creating training opportunities for provider agencies and continued diligence by DHS to minimize fraud and errors.

“Does fraud exist, probably so,” said Hancox. “Sadly, in our world today, there is always someone who will try to take advantage. And, this admission should not make us complacent or accepting of mediocrity. No, clearly we Another person who weighed should continue to exercise in on the audit and media covprovider number, rather than appropriate diligence.” erage is Lance H. Hegland, an the individual provider numorganizational/health care conbers assigned to each worker,” “But we should also remem- sultant who relies on PCA serhe stated in a letter to the Star ber that the services provided vices. Hegland, too, emphaTribune. “In this case, the prob- by direct care professionals/ sized that the amount of fraud lem was immediately identi- professional service attendants found in the report was minified, investigators visited the are vital to the lives of many mal when the overall program provider, determined the prob- individuals. In fact, these serlem, and it was corrected.” ”Hmm,” Hancox continued. “Provider error revealed, error investigated, error corrected. Seems like the system and its safeguards worked pretty well in this instance.” Another audit finding that is being debated is that of the extent of fraud or abuse. At the commission meeting on the report, DHS staff indicated that the majority of PCA service providers do a good job. State officials also pointed out that they have identified problems

is considered. While saying he agrees for the most part with the report’s findings and recommendations, Hegland did make suggestions as to how the recommendations should move forward. Hegland is calling for steps including development of a sustainable PCA program, stakeholders’ consortium to review the report recommendations and develop implementation strategies. Smaller sub-groups could address needs of specific consumers, professional organizations, third-party payers and other stakeholders. He also suggested that a sustainable PCA program evaluation process be developed. ■

February 10, 2009

Regional news in review . . . Charge filed in Braille laptop theft

St. Paul man was charged Jan. 29 with theft for allegedly stealing a specially designed Braille laptop from a visually impaired woman on a Metro Transit bus in November 2008. A surveillance tape caught the man reaching under Emily Zitek’s bus seat to take her backpack with the laptop valued at $6,500. Transit police recently recognized the man and brought him in for questioning. John H. Richardson, 40, told police he ditched the backpack in a dumpster after his mother called him to say his photo was on the news. The special Braille laptop, which has only nine keys and four thumb keys used to scroll text, would have had no functional use to anybody who is not blind. The laptop comes with a Braille reader which forms raised dots that form words and text that appear on a screen on the bottom of the machine. News stories about the theft prompted Mark Dayton, former U.S. senator and department store heir, to replace Zitek’s laptop. Jay Bruber, president, CEO and owner of the Simek’s chain, replaced the laptop’s software. News that Richardson had been apprehended pleased Zitek. But she also noted that the outpouring of kindness and offers to help after the lap was stolen showed her there are more good people than bad people in the world. [Source: Star Tribune, Pioneer Press]

Accessible signals planned

t. Paul Public Works announced recently that it has been awarded grants totaling $260,000 to be used to evaluate and install accessible pedestrian signals (APS) at city crosswalks. Accessible pedestrian traffic signals are for use by people who are visually impaired and are installed in conjunction with standard pedestrian-activated traffic signals. The source of the grant money is found in federal law (SAFETEALU) under what is known as the New Freedom Initiative. The funds are locally administered through the Metropolitan Council. The New Freedom Initiative aspires to assist people with disabilities by allowing them to overcome barriers to integra-

tion into the workforce, with the larger aim of promoting full participation in society. Thanks to a previous New Freedom award, seven APS units have already been installed in select locations around the city. St. Paul Public Works Director Bruce Beese said, “We’re very proud of the work of our traffic engineering staff, whose expertise in writing the grant proposals allowed us to capture the money for acquiring, evaluating and installing the APS units. We’re optimistic that this new technology will help St. Paul’s residents realize the goals of the New Freedom Initiative.” [Source: St. Paul Public Works]

Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota Department of Health. The details of the allegations surfaced after the release of the Department of Health’s report in August that concluded four teenagers were involved in verbal, sexual and emotional abuse of 15 residents at the nursing home in Albert Lea. The residents suffered from mental degradation conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. None of the six people are currently employed at the nursing home. [Source: Associated Press, Albert Lea Tribune]

Projects with Industry grants offered Pleas in nursing home abuse case

ut of the four young women charged with mandated failure to report alleged abuse at Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea, one pleaded guilty and three pleaded not guilty to their charges during an appearance in Freeborn County District Court in January. The four are among six people involved in the abuse incidents, which have rocked the southern Minnesota community. Freeborn County Attorney Craig Nelson said the four teenagers — who were juveniles at the time of the alleged incidents — appeared in court the week before the arraignment of the two young women charged as adults in the case. Now that pleas have been entered, a pre-sentence investigation is being conducted for the young woman who pleaded guilty, and pre-trial hearings are being scheduled for the other three young women who pleaded not guilty. The two young women charged as adults— Brianna Broitzman and Ashton Larson—have not yet entered pleas to their charges of assault in the fifth degree, criminal abuse of vulnerable adults, disorderly conduct by a caregiver and mandated reporter failure to report. Their next appearance in court is March 23. Freeborn County prosecutors charged the six young women at the beginning of December. They were all nursing assistants at the Good Samaritan facility at the time of the alleged incidents. The charges came after an investigation into allegations of abuse by the Albert Lea Police Department, the

ob-seekers with a disability, medical condition, or certain other conditions that present a barrier to employment may qualify for free job placement services from Opportunity Partners, thanks to a three-year grant of $346,285 from the U.S. Department of Education’s Projects With Industry program. Opportunity Partners is a Twin Cities nonprofit organization serving people with disabilities. The project’s goals are to place people into jobs in fields such as food service, janitorial, hospitality, retail and document conversion/clerical services, and to provide customized training to enhance career advancement opportunities. Prior to intake, a candidate may participate in classes to learn application, resume, interview, and job retention skills. As a first step in the project, Opportunity Partners has formed a Business Advisory Council, a group of business leaders who will lend their expertise to the project. “We are extremely pleased to learn we have been awarded a wonderful opportunity to increase work options for people with disabilities,” said Jon Thompson, Opportunity Partners President and CEO. “The grant fits well with our strategic direction of enhancing vocational training and employment opportunities for people facing barriers to employment.” Applications for the program are being accepted Thursdays, 9 a.m.-noon, at Opportunity Partners’ Koch Campus, 5500 Opportunity Court, Minnetonka 55343, or call to request an appointment. For information, contact Mary Jo Nohava at 952-351-5404 or pwi@opportunities.org [Source: Opportunity Partners] Review - cont. on p. 15

February 10, 2009

Disabled by chemicals: The government’s responsibility to victims of chemical weaponry in wartime by Clarence Schadegg

xposure to chemicals during wartime can cause lifelong disabilities for those who fought and those who were close to the fighting. Few know these issues better than Veterans For Peace (VFP) member Paul Cox, a former U.S. Marine who served in Vietnam between 1969 and 1970. Cox visited Vietnam in December 2008 to meet with Vietnamese who live with the effects of chemical warfare. He discussed his experiences and upcoming actions to raise awareness of chemical exposure and disabilities in an interview with Access Press.

and Responsibility Campaign (VAORRC) as an effort is launched to seek humanitarian aid from Congress. “I am confident that we will secure legislation to provide humanitarian assistance for Vietnamese affected by Agent Orange and dioxin,” Cox said.

The topic also is timely because of the wars U.S. troops are currently involved in. Use of depleted uranium or DU munitions has been criticized because of the potential for long-term health impacts and disabilities. Cox said, “The use of these newer chemical weapons is likely to produce ill adults as well as deformed The topic is timely because it children in Iraq, Kuwait, and is being raised by VFP and its Kosovo, and among our exVietnam Agent Orange Relief posed veterans.” Cox believes

this merits the same response plants, and U.S. Department as Agent Orange has been of Defense storage and shipgiven. ping sites that handled herbicides. I cannot address the The effects of Agent Orange measures that are being taken and the dioxin it contains are by those communities to seall too well-known. Two young cure some type of remediation people Cox met with during and compensation for the damhis recent trip to Vietnam suf- age to their environment and fer from a rare skin condition, health.” causing painful seeping sores that cover much of their bod- “On the other hand,” he conies. Cox believes these young tinued, “Nothing has been done people are only two of many to help the Vietnamese civilwho suffer from lingering ef- ians affected by Agent Orfects of poisonous chemical ange.” Lack of health care acweapons on the descendents cess is a huge barrier in such a of civilians and soldiers. poor country. “Their plight has not been recognized by the “There are many American chemical companies, and only civilians who have been ex- lip service has been offered by posed to dioxin, mostly at and the U.S. government,” said around the Dow, Monsanto Cox. and other chemical companies’ Cox questions whether the American people “have the courage to look at the reality of Agent Orange. It is not a pretty history and it is in some ways an horrific present.” VFP has identified medical research about how Agent Orange caused drastic change to the genetic code that resulted in horrific and untreatable disabilities in humans. Exposure to toxic chemicals disrupts the lives of the individual and family because of the irreversible permanent physical and mental disability in children born to some former Vietnam War veterans and Vietnamese citizens who were exposed to hazardous chemical weapons. “I am working on the Agent Orange campaign because we have a debt to repay to the Vietnamese for our country’s behavior, and because I recognize that the wounds of war last long after the shooting has stopped,” Cox said. These wounds include additional studies, remediation of the 40odd dioxin “hot spots” in Viet-

nam, testing of pregnant women for birth defects, testing of people known to have sustained dioxin exposure and the surgery, prosthetics, accessible environments and other accommodations. The descendents of chemically exposed war veterans should be provided with custodial care for the permanently disabled, said Cox. He also wants to see medical care and compensation for ill Vietnamese. According to Cox, the Veterans Administration (VA) last year spent about $1.5 billion in compensation and $56 million on health care for veterans exposed to AO. There are about 15 diseases in Vietnam veterans that the VA recognizes as presumptively related to dioxin poisoning. “This is an inadequate list that is based solely on demographic studies, not an understanding of the real scientific effects of Agent Orange,” he said. “Many questions about Agent Orange remain unanswered because the Department of Defense, the VA and the chemical companies have consciously blocked the scientific studies needed to more clearly define the effects of dioxin. One burning question that veterans have

about dioxin is whether it will affect the health of their children and grandchildren; that is did it do damage to their DNA that will be passed down through the generations? “ Veterans’ class-actions lawsuits against the chemical companies for peddling a defective product (herbicides) that unnecessarily contained dioxin poison are ongoing. The lawsuits have been dismissed at the lower courts and unsuccessful in reinstatement attempts at the appellate court level. Cox said it remains to be seen if attorneys will appeal to the Supreme Court. The Vietnamese Association of Victims of Agent Orange/ Dioxin has also filed suit against the chemical companies. VAVA’s claims have met a similar fate but that group is forging ahead with a Supreme Court appeal. To learn more about the 2009 Veterans For Peace conference in Washington D.C. Aug. 6-9, check, www.veteransfor peace.org. To learn more about lawsuits against companies that produce poisonous chemicals, contact John LaForge at www.nuke watch.org ■

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February 10, 2009

Winter safety tips: Stay warm, stay safe in coldest months by Jane McClure, assistant editor of Access Press

old winter weather can be dangerous if not deadly for everyone, but more so if you live with a disability. That became apparent during a cold snap in January when several Midwesterners died due to exposure. One man, a St. Paul North End resident, was found dead outside of his home, his walker at his side. It is believed he fell while trying to get into his home.

can take time and patience. Regardless, your personal safety is worth spending time on. Stay warm inside and stay safe inside and outside with these tips. If you have not done so already, one of the first things you should do is make sure your cell phone has your emergency contact information programmed in. This will help others find your family and friends. It’s especially important to have this information at hand if you cannot speak. Also, make sure your emergency contact information is updated, with your workplace, care provider or medical personnel. Make sure a trusted friend or neighbor has this information as well. Keep a list by your home phone.

In rural Polk County, Iowa, a man died after he went outside to clear his wheelchair ramp and driveway. The 65-yearold man was found cold and unresponsive, with a shovel in his hand and his cell phone in a bag attached to his wheelchair. He was found by two trash collectors when it was 15 degrees below zero. He was taken to a hospital and died General resources there. In Wisconsin, a resident Several information hot lines of an assisted living facility and Web sites provide a wealth froze to death while outside. of assistance year-round. The Disability Linkage Line at 1Ice, snow and cold bring an 866-333-2466 is one. The Searray of challenges for health, nior Linkage Line is at 1-800safety and mobility. Resources 333-2433. Both can direct callare available but finding them ers to an array of resources.

Another excellent general resource is the Greater Twin Cities United Way’s 211 line, which is available in the Twin Cities area. Dialing 211 is a good way to tap into a wide array of health and human services programs. To call from your cell phone, dial 651-2910211. The toll-free number is 1-800-543-7709. Many Web sites also offer help year-round, with at least one focused on the winter months. The Web site www.staywarm. mn.gov provides a range of energy and home heating tips. This site provides good information on ways to stay warm while saving energy and holding down home heating costs. It also provides information on home heating safety.

number for persons who speak and read languages other than English is run by ECHO (Emergency Community Health Outreach) Minnesota. ECHO offers health and safety information in Spanish, Hmong, Vietnamese, Lao, Khmer, Somali and English. One facet of ECHO you may have seen it is television programs on Twin Cities or Minnesota Public Television stations. Call ECHO at 651-2243344 or check its Web site at www.echominnesota.org/ If you live alone, work with an agency that will check on your welfare. Some home health care providers and living at home/block nurse programs do make daily calls to check on people. Some of these services have a fee; others are free.

Another great Web site to bookmark is www.Minnesota help.info, which is one of the best Web sites for persons of all ages. It has many sub-sections of useful information, including sections for seniors and persons with disabilities.

In some areas the United States Postal Service offers a free program called Carrier Alert. This program allows your mail carrier to contact someone if your mail is not collected for a time. Call your local post office to see if this service is A good Web site and phone offered in your area. Ways to restructure this program are being considered in the Twin Cities. If you don’t know your neighbors, now may be the time to get to know them, through a neighborhood block club. Neighbors who know each

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Unshoveled sidewalks create hazards for everyone. other can look out for each the layer of clothing closest to other. your skin is absorbent and can wick moisture away from the Some people choose to use body. If clothing does become medical alert devices, which wet when you are outdoors, are worn as necklaces or brace- get inside and remove wet lets. These are used to support clothing as quickly as possible. help. Prices for these vary greatly. Some are covered Remember that consumption through insurance plans. Re- of alcoholic beverages can afsearch these to see if they are fect how your body responds an option for you. to the cold. The idea that a shot of alcohol will warm you up When you have to go outdoors just isn’t true. Alcohol can afmake sure your cell phone is fect good judgment and delay charged and ready in the event your actions. of an emergency and bundle up! Layer on clothing to guard Does your community have against frostbite and hypoth- chore services available? ermia. That’s especially true if Chore programs provide serhealth problems prevent you vices, such as shoveling snow from feeling the impacts of or other yard work, for a small cold weather. Make sure feet, fee. In the Twin Cities region hands and your head are well- many of these are funded protected. Remember that mit- through the Metropolitan Area tens may be bulky but they do Agency on Aging. Check www. more to keep your hands warm tcaging,org or call 651-641than gloves do. Make sure that 8612. In rural Minnesota, contact your city or county offices to see if any programs are offered in your community. Or see if your neighborhood block club offers shoveling. On some blocks, people chip in to pay someone to shovel or blow the snow for the entire block. Or contact an area middle school or high school and see if there is a young person who does shoveling. Many of us watch and worry in the winter as we see wheelchair users forced to travel in the street due to unshoveled sidewalks. Or we see people slipping and falling. Falls on ice can cause serious if not fatal injuries. Property owners are responsible for shoveling their sidewalks. In most cities, sidewalks have to be cleared of snow and ice within a set time period after the snow stops falling. In some communities that requirement kicks in after 24 hours. In others, it is 48 hours. Call your city offices about unshoveled sidewalks. You can ask to remain anonymous. Property owners who don’t clear away ice and snow can be fined and assessed the cost of having a city crew clear the snow and ice. ■

February 10, 2009

People and places

News about people who are involved in our community Compiled by Access Press staff royal family will spend the next year representing the Winter Carnival at parades, festivals, nursing home visits and other activities throughout the region. The family includes the Queen of the Snows and Boreas Rex, as well as princes and princesses for each of the four winds. Megan Andryski, center, is the new St. Paul Winter Carnival Princess of the East Wind

he 2009 St. Paul Winter Carnival Royal Family includes Megan Andryski, New Hope. The newly crowned Princess of the East Wind works as a sign language interpreter for Intermediate School District 287. A friend taught her sign language when she was a high school student. She went on to study American Sign Language in college. She volunteers with Thompson

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rian McCarthy, who has lived with cerebral palsy since birth, isn’t deterred by a slow housing economy. McCarthy Builders and Remodelers, Minneapolis, was recently featured by Star Tribune Small Business columnist Dick Youngblood. A newspaper article described how McCarthy has shifted his company’s focus from home building to remodeling, with an emphasis on reworking homes to accommodate the

“Some mornings I have trouble buttoning my shirt, and I couldn’t fix a screw on your glasses,” he told Youngblood. “But I can lift and pull, put up sheetrock and swing a hammer.” ✦✦✦✦✦

esidents of Kingsley Commons, a Minneapolis independent living community that exclusively serves residents with multiple sclerosis, are meeting to discuss disability-related health care concerns. They began meeting in January to tie into President Barak Obama’s “Change is Coming” program. Grant Watkins of CommonBond Communities and Representative Joe Mullery (DFL) District 58A also participated in the first round of discussion. Common-Bond owns and operates Kingsley Commons, one of three communities of its kind in the United States. At the first meeting, residents identified the cost of health insurance and cost of health care services as the number one and two biggest problems in the health system. They believe that ongoing community meetings with policy makers are the best way to bring information forward.

Megan Andryski, second from left, front row, is shown with the rest of the St. Paul Winter Carnival Royal Family. Hall, a St. Paul social hall for the deaf. Andryski decided to run for Winter Carnival royalty as a way to share knowledge about American Sign Language and the area’s deaf community. She already served as an interpreter during some of this year’s events. Andryski and the rest of the

The public is invited to the meetings. For details, contact disabled and the elderly. The kingsleycmns@aol.com shift has paid off, as the business made a record profit in ✦✦✦✦✦ 2008. Most of his work was in what he describes as barrierudges and staff at the St. Paul Federal Courthouse free design. His work has won praise for its quality and he recently welcomed back the janicredits much of his success to torial staff from Tasks Unlimtireless networking and a ited. The courthouse was closed for three years for remodeling strong work ethic. and opened in late 2008.

The newly renovated building includes more than 300,000 square feet of space, including 25 courtrooms, rare art and sculptures that require specialized maintenance. “It was a huge undertaking but we’re all very glad to be back,” said Tasks Operations Director Gil Bessard. Workers were trained to use new equipment and environmentally friendly cleaning equipment and procedures. The move back to the renovated facilities was described in a recent Tasks Unlimited newsletter.

Link up with us Join in on discussions Donate to Minnesota’s disability community newspaper www.facebook.com

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he National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) Minnesota recently announced its 2008 award winners. The honorees were feted at NAMI —Minnesota’s recent Pathway to Hope conference. Winners included Human Services Inc. of Washington County, Provider of the Year; Kay Trainor, Leadership Award; Will Susens, Volunteer of the Year; Bob and Patty Holycross, Volunteer Couple of the Year; Marie Nitke, Grand Rapids Herald, Media Award; Jeanne Allen, Bluestem Center, Professional of the Year; Lori Shepherd, Consumer Advocate of the Year; Sen. Patricia Torres Ray and Rep. Larry Hosch, Legislators of the Year; Sgt. Steve Wickelgren, Law Enforcement Award; Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Faith Community of the Year; Sandy Menge, Lifetime Advocacy Award; Bindi Shah, Office Volunteer of the Year; Phyllis Johnson, Benefactor of the Year and Mara Calvert, Office Volunteer of the Year. ■

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February 10, 2009

Voice to Text services offer new way to check the mail by Clarence Schadegg

mproving communications and access to infor mation for people who are blind or are visually impaired are goals for Audio Point and its new Voice to Text Service (VTS). Audio Point founder Brian Lichorowic said the adaptive technology began “with phone calls directly to my engineers!” E-mail by phone has been available for several years, but it is sometimes criticized for difficulty in use by persons with disabilities. One focus area, said Lichorowic is with development of improved voice interface, to be compliant with Section 508 of the federal Rehabilitation Act. Section 508 requires federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to persons with disabilities. The Maryland-based company hires people with disabilities, some of whom have been blind from birth. “We try to do what is right. It is not always about profit and loss,” Lichorowic said. The company also welcomes feedbacks from customers, to improve and make changes to its products.

of five years. “We continue to tune and retune and to recognize the general grammar of the human interaction and it is getting better.” Lichorowic said the initial feedback on the service was “completely unsolicited. We have an area now on our web page that (users) can E-mail or call us to give us their ideas.”

anytime,” said Lichorowic. No are universally readable. “If special software is needed on you say send link or go to address book, it will go to the the computer or phone. name or file. And the recipient The service can be used in will get the actual link from many ways. Set-up is easy and the sender,” he said. “So they’d the program works in the be able to hear your comment.” United States and Canada. Currently it only recognizes “The user can use and access The service can “be used on English language but there are their own feed. The user deany phone, anywhere and at plans to offer it in Spanish and fines the content. That is what makes it unique to the indusFrench. try,” said Lichorowic. Users The unique thing, said get RSS feeds and will know Lichorowic, “is the speech rec- how to access RSS feeds in ognition to take people where two ways. RSS or Really they need to go.” For example, Simple Syndication feeds noif a user requests information tify Internet users of new enabout the Atlanta Falcons, he tries on news sites, blogs, or she will go to the top of the podcasts or other information article rather than through non- sources. text graphics to get to the per“Our service is proactive and tinent information. reactive. (It’s) reactive when “It’s the voice commands that you call in, go to web content allow our service to do what it like sports or key word polidoes. Like instead of clicking tics. The same is with weather. on a button that says ‘send’ the It can be zip code enabled. voice interface is to say People can call in and ask it to be read to them,” said Lic‘send’,” said Lichorowic. horowic. It works concurrently with Web mail, calendar and E-mail For example, a proactive user notifications. Users keep their could ask for (President) own mail accounts and E-mails Obama, any news that goes on the wire. The news service will say Obama and the RSS feed done in real time will have fast access to the posted document. VTS is used by dialing into a service, just like dialing an operator for directory information. Users have an account and a password for security purposes. Lichorowic describes the security as stateof-the-art.

Audio Point founder Brian Lichorowic Voice Terminal Service plans start at $1.99 a month for 125 minutes. Annual plans and site licenses are also available and range from $199 to $499. Prospective VTS users should check to see if the service is covered through insurance plans. Lichorowic indicated that if the service is needed for a person’s employment, an employer should pay for the service under Section 508. Audio Point also has financial aid resources available. In order to set up one’s own VTS account, go to: www. voiceterminal.net. To learn more about Audio Point and Voice User Interface (VUI)), contact Audio Point at 866545-1560 and/or sales@ audiopoint.net. ■

The voice recognition program was developed over a period

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

February 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 Romeo & Juliet Feb. 10 - March 8 Children’s Theatre Co., 2400 3rd Ave. S., Mpls. AD, ASL: Fri., March 6, 8 p.m. Tix: Mention the VSA offer for $14 tickets (reg. $14-27); Phone: 612-874-0400 Web: www.chil drenstheatre.org Sweet Charity Through Feb. 15 Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre, 333 4th St. S., Fargo. ASL: request in advance. Tix: Half-price (reg. $15, senior 65+ $12, student $9); Phone: 701-235-6778, 877-6877469; Web: www.fmct.org

Mention VSA offer for $14 tickets (reg. $14-27); Phone: 612-874-0400; Web: www. childrenstheatre.org Mid-Winter Repertory: The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Richard III Through Feb. 28 Cromulent Shakespeare Co. at Mpls. Theatre Garage, 711 W. Franklin Ave. AD: Thurs., Feb. 26 (Hunchback), Fri., Feb. 27 (Richard III), 7:30 p.m. Tix: $15 (Fringe button $12); Phone: 612-326-3289 or 612870-0723 Web: www.crom ulentshakespeare.org

at Bedlam Theatre, 1501 S. 6th St., Mpls. ASL: Fri., Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m. Tix: pay what you can $5-15; Phone: 612227-1188; E-mail: tickets@ tctwentypercent.org; Web: www.tctwentypercent.org An Evening of Harold Pinter Feb. 12-21 Mpls Pinter Studies presents the work of directors Blake E. Bolan, Terry Hempleman, Jeffry Lusiak & Maggie Scanlan promenade style through the Colonial Warehouse, starting at Interact Center, 212 3rd Ave. N. (enter on North 2nd St.) ASL: Fri., Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m. AD: Sat., Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m. Tix: $10-20 suggested donation; Phone: 612619-2112; Web: www.mpl spinterstudies.wordpress.com

Annie Feb. 12-14 Touring company at Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls. ASL: Sat., Feb. 14, 2 p.m. Tix: $18-68; Phone: 612373-5639 or 5609; hotline If You Give a Pig a Pan612-373-5650; TTY 612-3735655; E-mail: accessible@ cake & Other Story Books Feb. 13 orpheum.com; Web: www. hennepintheatredistrict.org/ Theatreworks USA, presented by CSB/SJU Fine Arts Proguestservices/aslad/ The Gruffalo gramming at Stephen B. Through Feb. 22 The Naked I: Monologues Humphrey Theater, St. John’s Children’s Theatre Co., 2400 University, Collegeville. ASL: from Beyond the Binary 3rd Ave. S., Mpls. AD, ASL: Fri., Feb. 13, 7 p.m. Tix: $16, Feb. 12-15 Fri., Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m. Tix: 20% Theatre Co. Twin Cities senior/youth $8; aid rates on

The Miracle Worker Through Feb. 21 Torch Theatre and History Theatre co-production at History Theatre, 30 E. 10th St., St. Paul. ASL: Every Fri.-Sat. at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13-14, 20. Tix: Reduced to $15; Phone: 651292-4323; Web: www.history theatre.com

request; Phone: 320-363Happy Days 5777; E-mail: dwolford@ Feb. 14 – March 8 csbsju.edu; Web: www.csb Guthrie Theater, Dowling Stusju.edu/finearts dio, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. AD & ASL: Fri., March 6, 7:30 Cinderella p.m. Tix: Reduced to $20 ($15 Feb. 13-22 subscribers, reg. $30); Phone: Rochester Civic Theatre, 20 612-377-2224, TTY 612-377Civic Center Drive SE. ASL: 6626 Web: www.guthrie Sun., Feb. 15, 2 p.m. Tix: $17, theater.org/accessibility $14 senior (65+), $12 student (25 & under); Phone: 507- UN: 2 Short Plays about Love 282-8481 Web: www.roches Feb. 18-28 tercivictheatre.org Deaf Blender Theatre at Charles Thompson Memorial Caligula Hall, 1824 Marshall Ave., St. Feb. 13-28 Paul. ASL, Voicing: ALL Walking Shadow Theatre Co. shows. Deafblind ASL: Sun., at Red Eye Theater, 15 W. Feb. 22, 2 p.m.—Requests for 14th St., Mpls. ASL, AD: Fri., deaf-blind interpreters must Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Re- were due Feb. 6, contact the duced to $7 (reg. $16, $14 theater company after that date. student/senior); Phone: 612- AD: TBD; for more info, 375-0300; Web: www.walk email. Tix: $10; Reduced price ingshadowCo.org/ ($5) on Feb. 18 only (limited); order online, E-mail: tickets Little Rock 1957 @deafblender.org. Web: Feb. 13 – March 1 www.deafblender.org Youth Performance Co. at Howard Conn Fine Arts CenThe Whipping Man ter, 1900 Nicollet Ave., Mpls. Feb. 19 – March 15 AD, ASL: Sun., Feb. 22, 2 Penumbra Theatre, Martin p.m. Tix: Reduced to half- Luther King Center, 270 N. price (reg. $12, student 14 & Kent St., St. Paul. ASL: Sat., under or senior 62+, $10); ad- Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m. AD: TBA. vance reservation required for Tix: Reduced to $31, student AD; Phone: 612-623-9080; $11 (reg. $38, student $18); Web: www.youthperform (specify ASL or AD) Phone: anceco.com 651-224-3180; E-mail: box office@penumbratheatre. Speech & Debate org; Web: www.penumbra Feb. 13 - March 7 theatre.org Illusion Theater, 528 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. AD: A ‘Sweet & Low-Down’ Sun., March 1, 7 p.m. Tix: One-Act Play Festival Reduced to $10 (reg. $25); Feb. 20-22 Phone: 612-339-4944 Web: Bridge Productions performs www.illusiontheater.org Home Fires Burning and Tales of Horror From the Bible at The Hot L Baltimore Playwrights’ Center, 2301 E. Feb. 13 - March 8 Franklin Ave., Mpls. ASL: Starting Gate Productions at Sat., Feb. 21, 7 p.m. AD: Sun., Mounds Theatre, 1029 Hud- Feb. 22, 2 p.m. Tix: Reduced son Road, St. Paul. AD: Sun., to $6 at the door (reg. $10). March 1, 2 p.m. Tix: Reduced Phone: 651-501-9273; Eto $10 for AD patrons (reg. mail: plays@bridgepro $18, $16 student/senior/Fringe ductions.info; Web: www. button, high school student bridgeproductions.info $10); Phone: 651-645-3503 Web: www.startinggate.org My Fair Lady Feb. 20 – March 22 I a.m. a Camera Lyric Arts Co. at Main Street Feb. 13 - March 8 Stage, 420 E. Main St., Anoka. Theatre in the Round, 245 ASL: Sat., Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m. Cedar Ave., Mpls. AD: Sun., (request at least one week beMarch 8, 2 p.m., tactile tour fore opening) Tix: Reduced to at 1 Tix: $20, senior/student $13 (reg. $18, $16 student/ discount; Phone: 612-333- senior), $20 box seats; Phone: 3010 Web: www.theatrein 763-422-1838; Web: www. theround.org lyricarts.org Ching Chong Chinaman Feb. 14 - March 1 Mu Performing Arts, at Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 S. 4th St., Mpls. AD, ASL: Sat., Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m. Tix: $18, $16 senior, $9 student; Phone: 612338-6131 Web: www.mixed blood.com, www.muperform ingarts.org

Godspell Feb. 20 – March 8 Cross Community Players at Crosswinds United Methodist, 15051 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove. ASL: Fri., Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $3.505.50 (reg. $7-11); Phone: 763391-2787; E-mail: mail@ crossplayers.org; Web: www.crossplayers.org

The Shadow Thieves Feb. 20 – March 15 Hopkins Center for the Arts, Jaycees Studio, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins. ASL: Sun., March 1, 2 p.m., and Wed., March 4, 10 a.m. AD: Audio Description on request Tix: $15, $11 child (age 2-17) & senior (age 60+) plus $1.50 fee per ticket for phone & web orders; Phone: 952-979-1111 Web: www.stagestheatre.org Chutzpah à go-go Feb. 21 – March 15 MN Jewish Theatre at Hillcrest Center Theater, 1978 Ford Parkway, St. Paul. AD: Sun., March 1, 2 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $15 (reg. Sun. matinee $22); Phone: 651-647-4315 Web: www.mn jewishtheatre.org Fiddler on the Roof Feb. 24 – March 1 Touring company at Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls. ASL: Sun., March 1, 1 p.m. (AD request in adv) Tix: $26-76; Phone: 612-373-5639 or 5609; hotline 612-373-5650; TTY 612-373-5655; E-mail: accessible@orpheum.com; Web: www.hennepintheatredis trict.org/guestservices/aslad/ 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: 701-235-6778, 877687-7469; Web: www.fmct.org A Look in the Mirror - The Memoir of a Deaf Performer Feb. 26 - March 15 Nic Zapko performs in ASL at Dreamland Arts, 677 N. Hamline Ave., St. Paul. ASL & Voicing: Each show. Tix: $13 ($10 students); Phone: 651-645-5506; Web: www.dreamlandarts.com Huck Finn’s Story Feb. 27, March 1 Northern Prairie Performing Arts at Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre, 333 4th St. S., Fargo. AD: Fri., Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m.; ASL: request in advance. Tix: Half-price (reg. $15, senior 65+ $12, student $9); Phone: 701-235-6778, 877-687-7469; Web: www.fmct.org Night Train to Bolina Feb. 27 - March 7 U of M Theatre & Dance at Rarig Center, 330 21st Ave. S, Mpls. ASL, AD: Sat., March 7, 8 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $10 (use code ASLAD; reg. $15 advance/$17 door; $2 disc. for sr or UMAA member); Phone: 612-625-4001 Web: http://theatre.umn.edu/ utheatredance Performances - cont. on p. 13

February 10, 2009

PERFORMANCES Endgame Feb. 27-March 15 Ten Thousand Things Theater at Open Book, 1011 Washington Ave. S., Mpls. AD: Sun., March 1, 8 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $18 (reg. $25), Phone: 612203-9502 Web: www.tenthou sandthings.org

Cont. from p. 12

The Two Gentlemen of Verona Through March 29 Guthrie Theater, Wurtele Thrust Stage, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. AD: Fri., Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Feb. 21, 1 p.m.; Sensory Tour 10:30 a.m. ASL: Fri., Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m.; Thurs., March 5, 7:30 p.m. Captioning: Fri., March 13, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $20 for AD/ASL, $25 for captioning (reg. $24-70); Phone: 612377-2224, TTY 612-3776626; Web: www.guthrie theater.org/accessibility

The Adventures of Pinocchio Feb. 28 – March 8 MN Opera at Ordway Center for Performing Arts, 345 Washington St., St. Paul. AD: Sun., March 8, 2 p.m.; discussion at 1. Sung in English with projected captions. Tix: Reduced to half-price for AD Nickel and Dimed patrons; Phone: 612-333March 4-7 6669; TTY 651-282-3099 Normandale Community ColWeb: www.mnopera.org lege Fine Arts Building, 9700 France Ave. S., Bloomington. Highlights of the Target Wing ASL: Thurs., March 5, 7:30 March 1 p.m. Tix: $5-8; Phone: 952Mpls. Institute of Arts, 2400 487-7462 Web: http:// Third Ave. S. ASL: Sun., faculty.normandale.edu/ March 1, 1 p.m. Free public ~theatre tour begins by the information desk in the museum lobby. Church Basement Ladies 2: Phone: 612-870-3131 or TTY A Second Helping! 612-870-3132; E-mail: dheg through October 2009 strom@artsmia.org; Web: Plymouth Playhouse, Best Western Kelly Inn, 2705 Anwww.artsmia.org napolis Ln N., Plymouth AD: Ruby! Thurs., March 5, 1 p.m. ASL: The Story of Ruby Bridges Sat., March 28, 3 p.m. Tix: Through March 1 Reduced to $26; Phone: 763SteppingStone Theatre for 553-1600; E-mail: bompp@ Youth Development, 55 plymouthplayhouse.com; Victoria St. N., St. Paul. ASL: Web: www.plymouthplayhouse Fri., Feb. 13, 7 p.m. AD: Sun., Feb. 15, 3 p.m. Tix: $11; child/ Movin’ Out March 6-8 senior $9; Phone: 651-2259265; E-mail: boxoffice@step Touring company at Orpheum pingstonetheatre.org; Web: Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave. www.steppingstonetheatre.org S., Mpls. ASL: Sun., March 8, 1 p.m. Tix: $25-75; Phone: A Delicate Balance 612-373-5639 or 5609; hotline Through March 1 612-373-5650; TTY 612-373Guthrie Theater, McGuire 5655; E-mail: accessible@or Proscenium, 818 2nd St. S., pheum.com; Web: www.hen Mpls. AD: Sat., Feb. 14, 1 nepintheatredistrict.org/ p.m.; Sensory Tour 10:30 a.m. guestservices/aslad/ ASL: Fri., Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m.; Thurs., Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m. How Can You Run with a Captioning: Fri., Feb. 20, 7:30 Shell on Your Back p.m. Tix: Reduced to $20 for March 6-22 AD/ASL, $25 for captioning Stages Theatre Co. at Hopkins (reg. $24-70); Phone: 612- Center for the Arts, 1111 377-2224, TTY 612-377- Mainstreet, Hopkins. ASL: 6626; Web: www.guthrie Sun., March 15, 2 p.m., & Wed., March 18, 10 a.m. AD: theater.org/accessibility on request Tix: $15, $11 child (age 2-17) & senior (age 60+) Man of La Mancha +$1.50 fee per tix for phone & Through March 1 Bloomington Civic Theatre at weborders;Phone:952-979-1111 Bloomington Center for the Web: www.stagestheatre.org Arts, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd. ASL: Thurs., Feb. 12, 7:30 Picnic p.m. AD: Fri., Feb. 13, 7:30 March 6-29 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $18 (reg. Lakeshore Players, 4820 $25, senior $22, student $19); Stewart Ave., White Bear Phone: 952-563-8575; (A lim- Lake. ASL: Sun., March 15, 2 ited number of ASL seats are p.m. Tix: Half-price for ASL held in reserve until seven days patrons & companion (reg. before the show and then re- $20, $18 student/senior); leased for general sales; if no Phone: 651-429-5674 Web: requests are received, ASL will www.lakeshoreplayers.com be cancelled.) Web: www. bloomingtoncivictheatre.org Sweet Honey in the Rock March 7 Hitchcock Blonde O’Shaughnessy Auditorium, Through March 8 2004 Randolph Ave., St. Paul. Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale ASL: Sat., March 7, 8 p.m. Ave. S., Mpls. AD: Thurs., Tix/Phone 651-690-6700; Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Re- Web: www.stkate.edu/ duced to $10 (reg. $24-36); oshaughnesy.com Phone: 612-822-7063 Web: www.jungletheater.com

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers Through June 20 Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, 501 W. 78th St., Chanhassen. ASL: Wed., March 11, Dinner 6 p.m.; Show 8 p.m. AD: Thurs., March 12, Dinner 6 p.m.; Show 8 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $50 for AD/ASL patron + one guest ($15 off reg. dinner+ show: $65); Phone: 952-934-1525; 800362-3515; E-mail: information@ chanhassendt.com; Web: www.Chanhassendt.com MACTFest 2009 March 12-15 MN Assoc. of Community Theatres performances at Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave. N., Faribault. “Beneath the Surface” by In the Heart of the Beast Puppet & Mask Theatre at Faribault HS, 330 SW 9th Ave., Fari-bault. AD, ASL: March 12-15. Tix: $10/session of plays or $75 for the festival (10 plays, Heart of the Beast, workshops, opening reception, closing party, awards brunch); Phone: MACT Hotline, 612-706-1456 or 800290-2428; Paradise 507-3327372 Web: www.mact.net, www. paradise centerforthearts.org/ Streetcar! Twin Cities Bound March 12-29 SteppingStone Theatre, 55 Victoria St. N., St. Paul. ASL: Fri., March 20, 7 p.m. AD: Sun., March 22, 3 p.m. Tix: $11; child/sr $9; Phone: 651225-9265; E-mail: boxoffice @steppingstonetheatre.org Web: www.steppingstone theatre.org By the Bog of Cats March 12 – April 5 Frank Theatre, at the Guthrie Theater, Dowling Studio, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. AD, ASL: Sun., March 29, 1 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $20 ($15 subscribers, reg. $26); Phone: 612377-2224, TTY 612-377-6626 Web: www.franktheatre.org or www.guthrietheater.org Ruddigore, or The Witch’s Curse March 12 – April 5 Gilbert & Sullivan Very Light Opera Co. at Howard Conn Fine Arts Center, 1900 Nicollet Ave. S., Mpls. AD: Sat., March 28, 3 p.m.; 2:15 tactile tour Tix: $17, children under 12 $9; mail: GSVLOC Tickets, 1412 W. 47th St., Mpls. 55419; Phone: 651-255-6947 Web: www.gsvloc. org/ Sweet 15 (Quinceañera) March 13-22 Mixed Blood Theatre performs at History Theatre, 30 E. 10th St., St. Paul. AD, ASL, Captioning: Thurs., March 19, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $12 access rate (reg. $22, student/senior $18, group $14); Phone: 612-338-6131 Web: www.mixedblood.com, www.historytheatre.com

The Secret Garden March 13-29 Mpls. Musical Theatre at Illusion Theatre, 528 Hennepin, Mpls. AD, ASL: Sun., March 22, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $18 (reg. $25); Phone: 612339-4944 Web: www.about mmt.org Baseball Saved Us March 13 – April 4 Stages Theatre Co. & Mu Performing Arts collaboration, at Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 S. 4th St., Mpls. ASL: Sun., March 22, 2 p.m.; Wed., March 25, 10 a.m. Tix: $15; $11 child 217 or senior 60+; $10.50 for groups of 12+; $1/ticket service fee will be added to all orders; Phone: 612-338-6131 Web: www.mixedblood.com, www.muperformingarts.org or www.stagestheatre.org The Color Purple March 17-29 Touring company at Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 345 Washington, St. Paul. ASL, AD: Sat., March 28, 2 p.m. Tix/Phone: 651-2244222, TTY 651-282-3099 Web: www.ordway.org/services/access.asp Deathtrap March 19 - April 5 Tin Roof Theatre Co. at Avalon Events Center, 613 First Ave. N., Fargo, ND. AD: Sat., March 21, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $8 (reg. $15, student/senior $10); Phone: 701205-5788 Web: www.tinroof theatre.org Chiara String Quartet: Mole Music Live! March 20 Presented by Music In The Park Series at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 2136 Carter Ave., St. Paul. ASL: Fri., March 20, 6:15 & 7:30 p.m. Tix: Family concert: $5 in advance; $6 at the door; season tickets $12; free for babes-inarms; Phone: 651-645-5699 Web: www.musicinthepark series.org/pages/family_ concerts.html

Leading Ladies March 27 – April 5 Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre, 333 Fourth St. S., Fargo. AD: Sun., March 29, 2 p.m.; pre-show at 1:30 p.m.

ASL: request in advance. Tix: Half-price (reg. $15, senior 65+ $12, student $9); Phone: 701-235-6778, 877-687-7469 Web: www.fmct.org. ■

Accessible movie theaters

he movie complexes listed below offer MoPix-equipped captioning or description services. For show times, call the theatre; sign up to receive their email list; contact Minnesota Open Captioned Films, Web: www.mnocfilms.org/ movies.html or Rear Window Captioned Film Web: http:// ncam.wgbh.org/mopix/nowshowing.html#mn venture; Rear view and AD DVS) until June 11 2009; Rear view captioning and DVS for most films in the Omnitheater or the 3D Cinema. Show times vary but are approximately hourly during regular museum hours: Monday-Wednesday 9:30 am-5 pm, Thursday-Sat. 9:30 am - 9 pm, Sun. 12 noon - 5 pm, to request accommodations for exhibits call at least 72 hours in advance, Phone: 651-221-9406, TTY: 651-221-4585, Email: info@smm. org Hours/Showtimes: www. smm.org/hours Web: www. smm.org/ visitorinfo/hours/ AMC Eden Prairie Mall 18 showtimes_dynamic.php or Theatres, 4000 Flying Cloud www.smm.org/info/accessi Drive at Eden Prairie Shop- bility.php. ping Center, Hwy 212 and 494, 952-656-0010. Park in upper Lakes 10 Theatre, 4351 level lot between Sears and Stebner Rd., Hermantown. 12 Kohl’s. Accessible films in Handicapped Parking spaces near theater. Movie Line: 218Auditorium 4. 729-0335, Emergency Line: Science Museum of Minne- 218-729-0334, Fax: 218-729sota Omnitheater, 120 Kel- 0334, Email: Sfennessey logg Blvd. W., St. Paul. Now @cectheatres.com ■ Showing: Grand Canyon AdKerasotes Block E Stadium 15, 600 Hennepin Ave., third floor, Mpls. 612-338-1466, bloc@kerasotes.com Accessible films in Auditoriums 2 and 12. (Note: DVS patrons: If your show is in Theatre 2, request headset with Letter C. If your show is in Theatre 12, request headset with Letter G.) Enter parking ramp on 7th Street next to the Hard Rock Café. www.kerasotes. com/ (Scroll down the lower righthand column every Friday morning to see what two films will have rear view captioning or DVS that week at Block E.)

Rent March 25-29 Touring company at Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls. ASL: Sun., March 29, 1 p.m. Tix: $18-70; Phone: 612-373-5639 or 5609; hotline 612-373-5650; TTY 612-3735655; E-mail: accessible@ orpheum.com Web: www. hennepintheatredistrict.org/ guestservices/aslad/ Food, Glorious Food! March 27-28 Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus at Ted Mann Concert Hall, 2128 4th St. S., Mpls. ASL: Fri., March 27, 8 p.m. Tix: Reduced to half-price: $16.50, $12 & $9 mention code TERP (reg. $23-38, children halfprice); Phone: 612-624-2345 Web: www.tcgmc.org, www. northrop.umn.edu

A GREA T RESOURCE! GREAT

Dir ectAbility.com DirectAbility is a comprehensive, ever-expanding, award-winning, Internet directory devoted to disability-related products, services, resources and information throughout the state. Online at www.directability.com.

February 10, 2009

Upcoming events To list an event, email access@accesspress.org Nominate self-advocates Nominate individuals or groups for the Fifth Annual Irving Martin Self-Advocacy Award, to be given at the 2009 Minnesota Self-Advocacy Conference, Moving Self-Advocacy Forward. The award honors persons or groups showing a commitment to promoting self-advocacy. Nominations are due March 2. The conference is April 17-18 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

Peter Leidy concert, talk A concert with a message on reclaiming civil rights for persons with disabilities is 1:15 – 2:30 p.m. Sat., Feb. 21 at the Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Parkway, Eagan. Sponsor Minnesota Supported Living hosts singer and speaker Peter Leidy. Leidy has a reputation for singing and speaking about ways to improve the quality of life for persons with

disabilities. RSVP if possible. FFI: Betty, 952-474-2989, www.peterleidy.com, www.mnsupportedlving.org UCare sessions UCare hosts free information sessions about its UCare for Seniors Medical Advantage plan. Meetings are planned throughout the state this month. Pre-registration is requested. UCare is an independent non-

Radio Talking Book February 2009 Radio Talking Book (RTB) is a closed-circuit reading network •2 p.m. Potpourri—A wide variety of books, both fiction and broadcasting 24 hours daily to more than 7,500 persons with nonfiction, for afternoon reading. Girls like Us, Nonfiction by disabilities (with a potential of 35,000) in Minnesota and Sheila Weller, 2008. Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and Carly South Dakota. Through satellite distribution, thousands of Simon remain among the most enduring and important women listeners nationwide receive RTB broadcasts via their local in popular music. They represent American girls who came of radio reading services. Receivers are available on loan without age in the late 1960s. L—Read by Susan Niefeld. 21 broadcharge to those who are eligible and who want to keep up-to- casts. Began Feb. 2. date with the latest word in newspapers, magazines and best- •4 p.m. Choice Reading—Critically acclaimed books on a wide variety of subjects. Fall of Frost, Fiction by Brian Hall, sellers. FFI: www.mnssb.org/allages/commcenter/rtb The Bookline is the 24-hour dedicated telephone answering 2008. Robert Frost, as man and artist, was toughened by a machine that has the listings of the books for the month. The hard life. But he determined early on that he would not succumb to the tragedies life threw at him. He poured his number is 651-649-5902. experience into his poetry. L - Read by Richard Klein. 12 Radio Talking Book celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. broadcasts. Begins Feb. 19. On Jan. 2, 1969, the Radio Talking Book went on the air as the •5 p.m. Commentary—The latest issues of national news world’s first radio reading service for the blind. Gov. Tim magazines Pawlenty declared January as Radio Talking Book Month in •6 p.m. Evening Newspapers—Live broadcast of the New York the State of Minnesota. The governor’s proclamation stated: Times “Whereas: Literacy and access to information are important to •7:55 p.m. Radio Talking Book schedule for the rest of the all Minnesotans, including people who are blind and visually broadcast day impaired; and whereas: In 1953, State Services for the Blind •8 p.m. PM Report—Books exploring critical, contemporary collaborated with the Hamm Foundation to form one of and controversial issues. While America Aged, Nonfiction by Minnesota’s first public/private partnerships. Together, they Roger Lowenstein, 2008. Governments and corporations have began addressing the barriers faced by blind and visually used pension plans as a way to curry favor with unions. Now, impaired Minnesotans attempting to access printed materials; with cumulative retirement deficits approaching $1 trillion, and whereas: In 1967 C. Stanley Potter of State Services for the the day of reckoning has arrived. Read by Wally Vavrosky. 10 Blind, Frank Rarig, Jr., of the Hamm Family Foundation, the broadcasts. Began Feb. 4. Rev. Coleman Barry of St. John’s University, and Bill Kling of •9 p.m. Night Journey– Books of intrigue and suspense. Winter KSJR Radio (now Minnesota Public Radio), conceived a Study, Fiction by Nevada Barr, 2008. Anna Pigeon is on Isle sideband radio broadcast exclusively for blind and visually Royale to learn about wolves. When one of the team is impaired listeners; and whereas: 40 years ago, on Jan. 2, 1969, savaged, Anna is convinced she is being stalked. L - Read by the Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network went on the air as Barbara Morison. 13 broadcasts. Begins Feb. 11. the world’s first radio reading service for the blind; and •10 p.m. Off the Shelf—Mostly best sellers. whereas: The Radio Talking Book Network continues to be the •11 p.m. Evening Odyssey—Contemporary fiction. Now You model for more than 100 radio reading services worldwide, See Him, Fiction by Eli Gottlieb, 2008. The deaths of Rob and delivering the joy and benefit of reading and helping listeners his girlfriend, unleash questions of love, marriage, family to lead full and productive lives.” This month’s selections secrets, loyalty, and friendship among those closest to Rob. At include books by David Shields, Doris Lessing and Cokie the center of this is Nick, Rob’s best friend from childhood. L,S Roberts. Other highlighted selections are below. - Read by Steve Waldhauser. Eight broadcasts. Began Jan. 28 •12 a.m. Good Night Owl—A wide-ranging assortment of • 4 a.m. Chautauqua—Adult education and culture for the books. Stranger in Paradise, Fiction by Robert B. Parker, whole community. The Scent of Desire, Nonfiction by Rachel 2008. Police Chief Jesse Stone is asked for help from Crow, Herz, 2008. Smell was the first sense to evolve and is located an ex-con who is on an illegal mission. Crow has been hired in the same part of the brain that processes emotions, memory, to find a teen daughter and return her to her father. But she has and motivation. The sense of smell is just as important to us fallen in with a Latino gang, and it’s complicated. V,L—Read today as it was to our ancestors. Our lives are shaped by by Neil Bright. Seven broadcasts. Begins Feb. 24. reactions to and interpretations of different smells. Read by •1 a.m. After Midnight—Adventures of the heart and body. Barbara Struyk. Eight broadcasts. Begins Feb. 9. The Memoirs of a Beautiful Boy, Nonfiction by Robert LeLeux, • 9 a.m. Past is Prologue—A wide range of nonfiction. Barbar- 2008. Robert’s East Texas childhood was under the tutelage ians to Angels, Nonfiction by Peter S. Wells, 2008. History of his eccentric, wigged, flamboyant mother. After he father books have told us that the fall of Rome brought about a left them, she went through extreme measures to land a new, period of chaos. Recent archaeological finds tell a different wealthy husband. When Robert began his journey away from story: a story of arts, technology, architecture, crafts, com- her, he surprised only himself. Read by Peter Danbury. Nine merce and learning. Read by Charlie Boone. Six broadcasts broadcasts. Begins Feb. 24. Begins Feb. 16. *Abbreviations: L- offensive language, • 11 a.m. Bookworm—Novels and nonfiction books for dayV- violence, S- sexual situations time reading. Tigerheart, Fiction by Peter David, 2008. Paul Dear seems ordinary. But he sees magical creatures and speaks with them. And at night, a boy who looks like him beckons him from the mirror to come adventuring. Read by Stevie Ray. 10 broadcasts. Began Feb. 2. The Art of Racing in the Rain, Fiction by Garth Stein, 2008. Enzo is not like All books broadcast on the Minnesota Radio Talking Book other dogs. He has educated himself with television and Network are available through the Minnesota Braille and listening closely to his master, Denny. As his life draws to a Talking Book Library in Faribault. Library phone is 800-722close, Enzo takes stock of his life. L - Read by Carolyn Light 0550 and hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Their catalog is also online and can be accessed at Bell. Seven broadcasts. Begins Feb. 26. www.klas.com/mnbph ■

RTB Books Available Through Faribault

profit health plan providing health care and administrative services to more than 160,000 members. FFI: 1-877-5231518; www.ucare.org

University’s Twin Cities campus, 2128 4th St. S., Mpls. The event is free and open to the public. The 2009 concert features the award-winning a capella group, Take 6. The Martin Luther King concert is now a joint program of the University of Minnesota Office for Equity and Diversity and the School of Music. Accommodations are available. FFI: 612-624-0594, oed@ umn.edu

Community education Give yourself the gift of learning through Minnesota Community Education programs. Learn about computers, cooking, languages, fitness and more. Many programs are offered for adults with disabilities. Programs are available in your home community. FFI: PACER benefit Deb Clark, 612-668-1108; Save the date of Saturday, May deb.clark@mpls.k12.mn.us 2 and attend the 27th Annual Benefit for PACER Center. Creative kids This year’s event, which will Children with disabilities are be held at the Minneapolis invited to join guest artist An- Convention Center, features thony Whelihan at PACER Frankie Valli and the Four Center’s Fourth Annual Cre- Seasons. A dinner, silent and ative Kids Contest Sat., Feb. live auctions and other events 28. Completed projects will are part of this fundraiser. be entered into a contest, with PACER Center helps parents the winner becoming the cover of children and young adults of PACER’s 2009 greeting with disabilities and offers card. Preregistration is re- many free workshops on a wide quired. FFI: 952-838-9000; range of topics. FFI: 952-838www.PACER.org 9000; www.PACER.org 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 Pkwy, St. Louis Park. FFI: www.norc mn.org/ healthandwell ness.html Adaptive technology classes Free adaptive technology classes are offered by Hennepin County Library, at the downtown Minneapolis library, 300 Nicollet Mall. Classes are free but you must pre-register. Upcoming classes include job searches, Internet use, use of JAWS and the Magic magnifying program. 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. Attend a meeting and network with others. FFI: 612-630-6469, www. hclib.org From Every Voice The annual From Every Voice concert commemorates the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year’s event is 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22 at Ted Mann Concert Hall, on the West Bank of the

Help others manage finances RSVP/Volunteers of America of Minnesota and AARP Foundation need volunteers with good budgeting and organizational skills to help manage finances of older or disabled low-income individuals. Have a few hours a month to volunteer? Money Management Program staff will train and match you with someone in the community. FFI: Money Management Program Coordinator, 612-617-7821. 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@theMLC .org or 651-645-2277, Ext 219. Testers sought A local product development company is recruiting eight people who use a wheelchair to participate in a focus group meeting. They hope to get feedback about a unique technology concept with product applications intendied to enhance skin protection and safety while sitting on any cushion. The meeting will be held the evening of Wed., Feb. 25 at an accessible facility in the St. Paul/Minneapolis area. Refreshments will be served and a cash/gift card gratuity given. FFI: Brenda, 763-795-0057, Brendagw@gmail.com ■

February 10, 2009

OVERVIEW -

Cont. from p. 1

pies from all public health inCourage Center’s Transi- • Eliminate access to personal care attendant (PCA) sersurance programs for adults in tional Rehabilitation Provices for 2,100 people and need of rehabilitation. gram for newly injured indicut another 6000 an average After the Interstate 35W viduals with brain and spinal of two hours per day. Bridge collapse in 2007, Courinjuries). Nursing facilities • Limit access to some longage Center and other service aren’t subject to the 3% term care services (Medical providers helped individuals cut...they are cut in other Assistance waivers) that prowith rehabilitation. But under ways an average of 1.5% vide case management, home the proposed state budget, any- • Eliminate dental, podiatry modifications, independent one on Medical Assistance and chiropractic care for all living skills and other serwould not qualify for Courage adults on public health provices to those with severe Center’s help. Rehabilitation grams , including Medical disabilities who would othservices are the very services Assistance . erwise reside in institutional that people need in order to • Eliminate critical access densettings. avoid loss of function or the tal services, a new state pro• Increase monthly premiums development of secondary gram designed to reach the for a jobs program that encomplications, which cost far most underserved areas of courages people with dismore money in the long run. Minnesota. “This is completely contrary to that state’s goals in health reform, which call for better management of complex and ree help is available for info or have someone drop it chronic medical conditions. persons who cannot off at Accountability MinneThat’s short-sighted.” afford to hire a tax sota headquarters. Volunteers preparer. Locally Account- prepare the taxes and mail it Rehabilitation services are the Ability Minnesota (AAM) pre- all back – for free. very services that people need pares taxes year round for lowin order to avoid loss of func- income taxpayers at 14 tax sites Volunteers are also needed for tion or the development of sec- in the Twin Cities and St Cloud Accountability Minnesota. one ondary complications, which and 27 tax sites in Greater Min- hour of your time can put Another organization spot- cost far more money in the nesota. Approximately 24% of $2,200 in the pockets of a lowlighting the budget cut issues long run. “This is completely these taxpayers are persons income family. In 2008, AAM is Courage Center. “As a lead- contrary to the state’s goals in with disabilities. and its community partners ing rehabilitation services or- health reform, which call for helped more than 17,500 lowganization we provide therapy better management of complex AAM has developed a special income taxpayers receive more services to thousands of Min- and chronic medical condi- tool to help taxpayers that are than $25.7 million in refunds. nesotans following an illness, tions,” said Malcolm. unable to come into a tax site Help the organization do even surgery or tragic accident,” to get their taxes done – the more in 2009.For information said Courage Center Chief Other proposed budget cuts Individual Tax Organizer. For on services or how to volunExecutive Officer Jan would: taxpayers with simple returns teer, call 651-287-0187. Or Malcolm. “While our services • Cut by 3 percent, all pay- taxpayers can fill out a one- visit the Web site www.ac would be cut by almost $1.7 ments for outpatient medical page form, include copies of countabilitymn.org ■ million under the proposed services through public their documents and mail the budget, the broader effects on health insurance programs. the community would be far • Cut by 3 percent, all payCont. from p. 1 more severe. The governor ments for Medical Assisproposed to completely elimitance waiver services. When out walking, Newman Socially, Newman helps Wally nate physical, occupational, • Cut by 3 percent, payments wears a vest with a tether line interact with his peers, people speech and audiology therato nursing homes (including connected to Wally’s belt. in the community, and people With Wally’s autism, if some- at school. When asked about thing catches his attention or his dog, Wally speaks proudly Cont. from p. 6 excites him, he will run to it, of his dog and what Newman and cause a potentially dan- does for him. This interaction Veterans need assistance gerous situation. Having drives to the heart of helping he National Veterans Foundation, a nonprofit that runs a Newman by means Wally with Wally’s autism, a disabilcrisis hotline and provides services that help the needs of doesn’t run and is more at ease ity in which social interaction is a main barrier. ■ U.S. veterans, has released a position paper which outlines the in general. need for urgent action for veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Foundation Leader Shad Meshad cites increased numbers of veterans returning from the war with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury, and major depressive episodes in alarming rates. Organiza- My dog’s name is Newman. He is a golden retriever. His fur tions which help veterans are ill-prepared to handle the special is golden red. Newman is three years old. He will be four in needs of veterans without increased funding and support. February. My birthday is in February too. I’ll be nine years Meshad’s plan calls for the President Barack Obama along with old. Sam is one of my cats. My other cats are Roch and the Veterans Affairs Committee of Congress to call the veter- Tasha. Sam fights with Roch sometimes at home. Newman ans service organizations together to attend a “Veterans in likes to walk with me to Rita’s garden. Rita is our friend. She Crisis Summit” in Washington so that the administration to has a dog named Doc Holliday. If Doc is out, we have to go address these concerns. A Rand Study found that of military to the other side of the road because Doc barks at Newman. service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan 20 Newman likes to eat the cat food, but he’s not supposed to. percent (one in five) report symptoms of PTSD or major He’s a dog, not a cat! Newman sleeps with me at night. I like depression and 19 percent report that they experienced a to snuggle with him. It helps me to calm down and go to possible traumatic brain injury. The National Veterans Foun- sleep. Newman plays with me. In the summer he plays dation is a nonprofit human service organization that meets basketball and football with me. Newman likes balls. He crisis management, information and referral needs of all U.S. likes to bring me things. I like to read to Newman. I read Veterans and their families. For more information call toll free “John Philip Duck” to him. I like it when Newman goes at 1-888-777-4443 or go online at www.nvf.org. [Source: places with me. We go to the Bean Factory. Newman sits with me while I drink my granita. ■ National Veterans Foundation] ■ Three legislators, Sen. John Marty, Rep. Diane Loeffler and Rep. Patti Fritz, are working on bills that would help more families. Proposed legislation would restructure services and make them available to more people. The restructured services would be less costly and more flexible. Another bill is intended to reduce the burden of high fees. “I was appalled when I learned that there are more than 5,000 people on the waiting list for services,” Loeffler said. She compared the health and human services funding system to the state’s deteriorated physical infrastructure, saying it is just as creaky and rusty and falling apart as our bridges. Families that have already made many economic and personal sacrifices shouldn’t be asked to sacrifice even more, said Marty. He said the fees can be “financially devastating’ for families.

abilities to return to work Medical Assistance for Em-

ployed People with Disabilities (MA-EPD).

The personal care assistant (PCA) cuts: • Cuts $85 million in PCA services, in state and federal Medical funds, for the next two years • Changes eligibility for PCA programs, so that people who only need help with one daily activity are not eligible • 2,100 people would be cut off PCA programs as of Jan. 1, 2010 • 6,000 people projected to have service hours cut. While 5,500 clients are expected to have an increase, the $24.4 million services cut will outweigh any increases. • Sets many new restrictions on PCA programs

Tax help available

DENIED -

REVIEW -

The following was written by Wally LaBerge

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Access To Employment Employment ads are $20-$22 per col. inch. Feb 28 is the deadline for the March 10 issue. Mail to: Access Press, 1821 University Ave. #104S, St. Paul, MN 55104 • FAX 651-644-2136 • Email: access@accesspress.org Tasks Unlimited, Inc. is seeking applicants for the position of Executive Director. We are a group of not-for-profit organizations based in Minneapolis that is committed to helping adults with serious and persistent mental illness achieve a full life with the rights and responsibilities of adults in our society. We do this by providing supported employment, housing and recovery services. Preferred qualifications include: Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or Non-Profit Management; meaningful experience in mental health, vocational rehabilitation, and business administration; experience leading a business or non-profit organization; or a Bachelor’s degree in a related field with significant work experience. Qualified applicants should send a cover letter, resume and a list of three references to: K.Oberpriller, Tasks Unlimited 2419 Nicollet Avenue S, Minneapolis, 55404 or email to: koberpriller@tasksunlimited.org EEO/AA Directory of Organizations - cont. on page 13

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