August 2009 Edition - Access Press

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Inside

History Note

“Do one thing every day that scares you.”

■ Tech use survey- pg 3 ■ Program changes eyed- pg 5 ■ 60th anniversary- pg 9

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

Volume 20, Number 8

Minnesota’s Disability

Community Newspaper

August 10, 2009

Improper use of restraints sparks federal lawsuit Use of restraints and placement of patients in seclusion at the Minnesota Extended Treatment Options (METO) has prompted a federal class-action lawsuit. The lawsuit, filed July 10 in U.S. Federal District Court in St. Paul is requesting class action certification on behalf of people with developmental disabilities who were restrained at a state mental health treatment facility in Cambridge.

The lawsuit states that METO, a program of the Minnesota Department of Human Services, routinely restrained patients in a prone face-down position and placed them in metal handcuffs and leg hobbles at risk of injury, causing them to struggle, cry and yell once they were in the restraints. METO also placed patients in seclusion rooms for extended time periods, and deprived them of visits from family members. METO has insisted its use of restraints is “essential,” according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit also states that restraints and seclusion were

used by METO as a practice of behavior modification, coercion, discipline, convenience and retaliation. METO staff allegedly restrained some patients hundreds of times, and used these tactics for conduct as benign as touching a pizza box, not staying within eyesight of staff, or even after patients were calmly eating a snack or watching television.

“This lawsuit is about human dignity and respect for people with developmental disabilities and their families,” said Shamus O’Meara, a partner with the law firm of Johnson & Condon, P.A. O’Meara represents the three families, the named plaintiffs in the lawsuit. “We categorically reject and renounce the abusive, cruel, and discriminatory conduct against these vulnerable citizens at our state’s treatment facility,” O’Meara said.

On July 31 it was announced that the Brinker/Allen and Jacobs families are joining the lawsuit as their sons Thomas and Jason were allegedly abuse while at METO. The amended

complaint describes how Jason Jacobs was restrained hundreds of times with metal handcuffs and leg shackles during his confinement at METO. Jason’s arm was also broken while in metal handcuffs, and METO staff refused to provide Jason medical attention for his arm despite Jason repeatedly telling them his arm hurt and that he wanted to see a doctor. METO also used handcuffs on Jason the day after his arm was placed in an air cast, and refused to allow Jason to take pain medication prescribed by his dentist after a root canal.

Jason was also subjected to abusive seclusion by METO staff, which placed him in restraints and secluded him in a room after refusing to allow Jason to see his mother who had traveled to METO for a pre-arranged visit with him.

Jason’s mother, Beth Jacobs, said “METO should be shut down and its staff punished for what they did to Jason and other young people there. They broke my son’s arm and abused him for three years, using hand-

James and Bradley Jensen, shown here, are among the families involved in the lawsuit.

The Brinker/Allen family is pictured on page 7.

Photo courtesy of Jensen Family

cuffs, leg irons and anything else they could think of, lying to us the whole time about what they were doing.” Thomas Brinker/Allen was also restrained with metal handcuffs and secluded. His parent, James Brinker, said, “Tho-

mas was sent to METO for throwing paint at school. Once he got there he was abused and shackled like an animal. It’s unbelievable that people who call themselves professionals are allowed to treat people so cruelly, particularly those who

are most vulnerable.”

“With (the July 31) filing more families now join this action against the unbelievable abuse of people with developmental disabilities and their families at a state operated faRestraints - cont. on p. 7

Health reform is here to stay AXIS Healthcare is adapting to leadership changes outlined at advisory meeting

by Access Press staff adapt to the known changes.

AXIS Healthcare is based in the Twin Cities. It was cofounded by Courage Center and Sister Kenny Institute in the late 1990s to bring knowledge of disability to managed care. Since then it has carved a niche in the local health care market as a care coordination expert for non-elderly adults with disabilities.

On its Web site, AXIS Healthcare describes itself as “an innovative model of disability care coordination because it puts you, the person with disabilities, at the center of everything rather than the insurance provider, health care provider, or equipment supThe AXIS Healthcare administrative changes were announced last month at a member- plier.” ship advisory committee meeting. In the foreground with microphone is Nancy Huizenga, AXIS is a place “where disnew COO. Rachel Tschida is at far right. Chris Duff, outgoing CEO, is in the center. ability care revolves around

As federal lawmakers head home to their constituents for a month-long August vacation, many disability community members are asking: what will

be the impact of the new health care reform policies on people with disabilities and the all organizations that serve them?

What could be the cumulative

impacts of federal as well as state changes? At least one Minnesota organization, Axis Healthcare, isn’t waiting for answers before it retools to

Photo by Nancy Sopkowiak and Presentation Images

you,” according to the Web site. “That means you are at the center of making decisions about your care; you are at the center of all of our efforts and initiatives as an organization; and your independence, health and well being are the focus of our attention as we make recommendations and arrangements regarding your care.”

But how that self-direction could be affected is unknown with the upcoming changes.

Perhaps best known for its role as care coordination contractor for UCare and for the Minnesota Disability Health Options (MnDHO) program, the state’s only fully integrated Medicaid/Medicare managed care program for people with disabilities. AXIS also serves as a care coordination con-

tractor for Medica’s Special Needs Basic Care plan, AccessAbility.

But shifting political winds are bringing changes to the AXIS organization. Those changes were recently communicated to AXIS clients at a Member Advisory Committee meeting. AXIS Board chairperson, Karl Sandin of Allina and AXIS Board vice chairperson, Jan Malcolm of Courage Center also wrote a letter to organizations leaders in the disability community explaining the situation. “With healthcare reform looming at both the State and Federal levels, AXIS must refine our practice and demonstrate our value to position ourselves for alternative future scenarios.”

Reform - cont. on p. 10

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August 10, 2009

Tim Benjamin, Editor July 26 marked the 19th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which has had incredible effects on all of us with disabilities. It’s time once again to say a big thank you to all the authors and to President

George H. W. Bush for signing the ADA in 1991. Many thanks also to President Obama for honoring the anniversary with a celebration and speech this year.

The travesties that are still occurring in the disability world are vast. I was recently asked, after the 35-year anniversary of my injury, about the ADA and how it’s affected me. I said, “There’ve been many steps forward and some steps backward.” By steps forward, I meant that we have gained recognition of our rights to independent living and to work while maintaining our needed services. And the ADA led, of course, to milestones like when our president recently signed the United Nations’ international treaty on disabilities. But over the years, all of us have seen the enforcement of our rights take a step backwards even while the laws to protect us are in place. A

current example is in our own front-page article this month.

A class-action suit was filed on July 10 in St. Paul’s federal district court on behalf of people with developmental disabilities who were restrained at a state mental health treatment facility in Cambridge. How could anyone in the 21st century, in the era of the ADA, think the use of restraints would positively affect anyone’s behavior, or improve their ability to control their own behavior? What about some of the cutbacks made to the Department of Health and Human Services to balance our own Minnesota state budget? Every one of us who needs PCAs will be affected one way or another— losing hours, losing eligibility, or losing good employees because of cost-of-living raises being cut out of the reimbursement rates to the PCA agencies.

These are all things that can be fixed. We have to let people know that any more steps backward are unacceptable. We need to get busy and call and write our national senators and representatives and let them know that the disability community will not be lost in health care reform. We want the community attendant service act to be passed and written into the new reforms. Beyond that, we want options on where we can live and where we can go to school. We want improved public transportation options, and we want laws guaranteeing the number of people with disabilities in the workplace.

We want effective affirmative action. The government needs to offer opportunities for people with disabilities to work, and to offer some workat-home options; we need options on work schedules other than 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and job sharing opportunities. We need

more representation in the government and in our social service programs. We want to work, and to make better lives for ourselves. And let’s make sure they know! I will soon add a form letter on the Access Press website that you can download and use as a guide to send to your legislators.

Chris Duff, CEO of Axis Health Care since its inception, has resigned and the Axis board has announced that his position will not be filled.

We’ve been assured that the consumer will not see any changes, and we hope that will be true. As for me, an Axis client, I’m going to just watch how things proceed.

I think the Axis Health care model of care coordination could be tweaked and made better. This may be the best time to re-examine the model and strengthen its best services, like setting up appointments and transportation, offering a

nurse to be with you at doctor appointments (at your request), fast-track procedures for reoccurring problems and quick authorization on many durable goods.

Costs are always a challenge and in health care there’s no question about that. But this program has kept people out of the hospital with directed in-home services like IV treatments and wound care, and has helped many of us in ways that can be measured in how healthy we stay in the long run.

Have a good time at this month’s state fair, and a continued safe summer. If you pick up the paper at the state fair, thank our sponsor UCare. And finally, check out our new Web site and consider buying a print subscription. It’s one of the best bargains around for people with disabilities! ■

History Note

Restraints were just plain wrong back then, too

by Luther Granquist METO, the Minnesota Extended Treatment Option at Cambridge, opened in 1999 to serve persons with developmental disabilities who present a risk to public safety. Last September, the Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities documented excessive use of restraints at the program in a report, Just Plain Wrong. Last month a METO resident filed a lawsuit in federal district court seeking redress for residents who had been subject to restraint procedures there.

In 1945 the Minnesota Legislature established a comparable program, the Annex for Defective Delinquents, at the St. Cloud Reformatory to serve about 60 “chronic defective delinquent males” from the Faribault School for the Feeble-Minded. The Faribault

superintendent acknowledged that these men had lived in a “cottage” that was more like a jail. During the next two decades, almost 300 men with developmental disabilities were sent to the Annex, where the men lived in a large dormitory apart from the regular prison population and worked, or learned to work, on jobs in the prison.

Both state officials and the surveyor for a 1954 mental health study praised the program developed by the reformatory Director of Education Ralph Rosenberger. The program sought to teach a sense of social and moral responsibility, as well as offer vocational training. But others, including the Minnesota State Bar Association, objected to a program which placed men in a prison without a trial and a

conviction. Those objections prompted the Legislature to close the Annex in 1963.

When the Annex opened, the director of the Division of Public Institutions said that the men there would have to follow the general rules governing the reformatory inmates, but that “any disciplinary measures must be moderate and tempered by the fact that these patients are mentally deficient.” Nothing in published reports or the records of the Annex suggests any widespread use of physical or mechanical restraint. A state official told the Governor’s Advisory Committee that army discipline was used, such as placing someone on KP. The Minneapolis Tribune reported in 1961 that Rosenberger “rules his annex delinquents with firmness sprinkled with a sense of humor and optimism.” The ac-

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 Assistant Editor ......................................................................................... 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.

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The annex was located within the prison walls for what was believed to be the public's security. tual Annex records, however, Neither state officials nor abilities can challenge those reveal that some of these men the mental health study sur- actions in court. ■ were locked in cells, kept in veyor nor the Bar Association “solitary,” or placed in segre- committee challenged the type The History Note is a monthly gation for offenses ranging from of prison discipline actually column sponsored by the Minfighting to disobedience to in- used. Today, fortunately, the nesota Governor's Council on solence. A significant number Ombudsman office can scruti- Developmental Disabilities, of the men were also trans- nize disciplinary actions in www.mnddc.org or www. ferred to St. Peter State Hospi- programs like the Annex or mncdd.org and www.part tal or the Security Hospital.

METO, and persons with dis- nersinpolicymaking.com

August 10, 2009

Households with disabilities make more use of the Internet While Minnesota households with developmental disabilities are as likely to have computers and broadband connections as the general public, these individuals are more than three times as likely to use them to communicate with elected officials. Tech-savvy households with developmentally disabled members are also more likely to use technology to increase their awareness of and involvement in local communities, according to a recent study.

The survey, conducted for the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities by MarketResponse International, also found that Minnesota households that included people with disabilities were more likely than the general population to

access government Web sites, to spend more time using technology for entertainment and to use Internet phone and video communications.

When the individual with developmental disabilities was queried rather than members of the household, substantially more respondents said they used technology to express themselves and their own creativity than did members of the general population. Similarly, people with developmen-

tal disabilities were more likely to believe that technology enhances their inclusion in the community.

There was no significant difference reported on one demographic. As with the general public, said Tom Pearson, managing director of MarketResponse International, “younger people are more comfortable using technology and computer services.”

The survey results are seen as significant. “These findings

strongly indicate that personal access to technology can play an important role in allowing people with disabilities to be participating members of the community,” said Shamus O’Meara, chair of the MnCDD. “This participation helps affirm their rights as citizens and free people.”

Total spending on technology products, including computers, cell phones, smart mobile and GPS devices and video Technology - cont. on p. 15

We would like to acknowledge and thank UCare Minnesota for sponsoring our new Web site and this month's issue of Access Press!

We thank you and appreciate you!

Computers are available

E

quipALife (formerly known as Assistive Technology of MN) has announced a new partnership with United Cerebral Palsy of Central Minnesota to pilot the ComputersGo-Round program. Funded by a grant from the Minnesota STAR (System of Technology to Achieve Results) Program, the State’s Tech Act Project, the program will fill a strong need by getting computers into the hands of individuals with disabilities all across the state.

The computers are ready for distribution now by calling the main office of EquipALife @ 763-4798239 or 866-535-8239. A full announcement is scheduled for September 2009.

Since 2000, the Computer’s Go Round program has distributed more than 400 refurbished computers to persons with disabilities and their families in Central Minnesota. ■

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August 10, 2009

Minneapolis mayor may cut civil rights program

by Clarence Schadegg How Minneapolis should handle civil rights complaints is a topic the City Council must make decisions on in the weeks ahead. As a budget-cutting move, Mayor R.T. Rybak has proposed shifting responsibility for civil rights complaints from the city to the state.

Any changes how to handle complaints must be made before year’s end as it impacts the 2010 Minneapolis budget. A task force led by City Council Member Elizabeth Glidden has instead suggested that individual city departments pay for investigating complaints against them.

Another task force suggestion is that city departments not complying with civil rights laws be fined. These would be ways to cover investigative costs. Fines of $1,000 per month would be assessed to city departments

that do not comply with ordinances requiring affirmativeaction plans and the hiring of minority-owned and femaleowned businesses.

The shift in who handles Minneapolis complaints would save the city about $400,000 per year. Rybak could include more details about the shift when he announces his 2010 budget proposal in mid-August.

Minneapolis is one of a handful of Minnesota cities with its own human rights or civil rights department. When state budget cuts were announced recently Gov. Tim Pawlenty suggested cities could cut their civil rights functions as a way to save money, by using the state department and its investigative services. St. Paul city officials rejected that suggestion but it met a mixed reac-

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tion among Minneapolis leaders.

However, the Minneapolis task force concluded that it would be harder for city residents to file a complaint with the state and that investigations would take longer. Currently Minneapolis residents wait about 24 months on average for a complaint to be addressed.

The task force is urging that the investigative function not be cut. Observations and recommendations in the task force report were developed from the evaluation of information received from several sources, including presentations from managers of the three Civil Rights divisions that comprise the Department Complaint Investigations Unit (CIU), Contract Compliance Unit (CCU) and Civilian Review Authority (CRA) and a presentation from Commissioner Velma Korbel of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.

The task force also gathered

input at several communitybased public forums held in cooperation with numerous community based organizations. Input was also taken at task force meetings. Minneapolis handled 296 discrimination charges in 2008. The city receives 10,000 to 15,000 complaint investigators for more review. The state office handled 867 complaints statewide, according to the Minneapolis task force.

The task force was asked to look at everything the department does, including analyze all of the roles of the Department of Civil Rights, which include investigating complaints, enforcing minority and female hiring and contracting goals, and providing investigative and management staff for the Civil Rights Commission and Civilian Review Authority.

The task force’s report made a number of suggestions to streamline civil rights department operations and cut costs,

such as using technology to handle complaints.

Some of the comments from the task force and its work outline the philosophical objections to Rybak’s proposals and outlined the grounds for objections.

“The primary basis related to the long and proud history of the City of Minneapolis as a beacon of Civil Rights” was one comment. Another statement is that “The legacy of Hubert Humphrey, the strength of our Civil Rights Ordinance and the progressive posture that the City has maintained, over many decades, was of considerable importance…”

According to the report, “there was a strong recognition that the Department has suffered budgetary reductions, in previous times of financial difficulty, and due to its relatively small budget the impact of further budget reductions, in the context of the overall city budget, would not be significant relative to the harm

resulting from such actions.”

Minneapolis Civil Rights has a budget of $2.378 million for 2009. That budget was at $2.558 million but was cut by Rybak earlier this year in response to state aid cuts. The task force report states that between 2003-2006, Civil Rights already seen had its budget cut by 40 percent.

Another key observation was that “Finally, the current financial environment, coupled with the increasingly diverse population within the City suggests that it is even more necessary than ever to maintain the entity charged with protecting the civil rights of everyone.”

Anybody concerned about the cuts to the Minneapolis Civil Rights program may contact the Office of the Mayor at City Hall, Room 331, 350 South Fifth Street Minneapolis, MN 55415, 612-673-2100.

Fax: 612-673-2305. ■ www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/ mayor/about.asp.

Commission membership becomes St. Paul’s human rights issue

by Jane McClure While Minneapolis looks at cutting its civil rights functions. St. Paul has been working for the past several months to form a new city Department of Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity (HREEO).

Impetus for the new department came after studies of the

city’s contracting and vendor outreach practices revealed a number of problems in working with persons with disabilities, minorities and women.

The new department takes in functions that were previously handled by several other city departments. By merging functions across the City, the new HREEO department brings civil rights enforcement; contract analysis and procurement; contract monitoring, investigation, and enforcement; and capacity building and workforce development under one roof.

The city is in the process of selecting a new human rights commission that will have 21 members. Ten new people will be added the existing 11 people

on the city’s human rights commission. But the notion of expanding the commission did spark some questions from St. Paul City Council members earlier this summer. The new commission will include people who don’t live in St. Paul. Most city boards, commission and committees have residency requirements.

But new HREEO Director Luz Maria Frias said the commission needs expertise in such areas as banking, labor and contracting. Frias told the City Council she has learned of possible commission candidates who live outside of the city. The City Council had agreed that two-thirds of the new commission members should be St. Paul residents.

Frias brings more than 10 years of experience in management, program development, fundraising, and leadership training. A noted civil rights advocate for more than 20 years, Frias has extensive experience as a mediator and frequent lecturer on social justice issues; diversity issues within the courts and mediation process; cross-cultural negotiation issues; immigration public policy reform; and the use of interpreters within the legal system. Most recently, Frias served as St. Paul’s external affairs director where she secured more than $27 million in supplemental funding to spearhead the city’s major initiatives. ■

August 10, 2009

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Program changes could help, hamper many riders

by Jane McClure Changes to Twin Cities regional dial-a-ride services are coming down the road. Starting in January 2010 senior citizens in many suburban communities will see changes in how they get around.

Even the transit program’s name is changing, to Transit Link. The change was one of many adopted July 22 by Metropolitan Council, following months of study and debate Dial-a-ride services are publicly funded and provide transit services for seniors, mainly in Twin Cities suburbs. The programs are funded wholly or in part by Metropolitan Council. More than 450,000 riders used the programs last year. The services utilize small vans to transport riders to appointments, shopping and other destinations.

Throughout the Twin Cities region, senior citizens will see comparable fares, schedules and program regulations starting in 2010. Weekday schedules would be 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., with host counties having the option of paying for more services. Counties are also being asked if they want to cover weekend hours.

The services will be curbto-curb, rather than the doorto-door services provided now.

Assistance from drivers will be limited. Riders who are certified as disabled can still get an escort from their door and get help with up to four shopping bags.

But how other changes affect riders depends on where riders live. Riders who live within a set distance of bus or light rail services will be dropped from dial-a-ride programs. The distance will be a half-mile from April 1 to Oct. 31, and a quarter-mile from Nov. 1 to March 31. The transit distance requirement is seen as having the most impacts on northern Dakota County and parts of Hennepin County, where there is existing bus service. Some seniors and advocacy groups contend that the distance is still too far for some seniors to travel on foot.

But others hail the changes, especially if they have no service. Parts of Dakota County have duplication, while parts of northern Ramsey and Anoka counties have no service at all.

Numerous Twin Cities communities have had dial-a-ride services for many years. Some programs were overseen by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), before being handing to the Regional Transit Board (RTB) in 1984. When the RTB and Metropolitan Council merged in 1994, Metropolitan Council took over those services.

As of Jan. 1, 2010 communities with more than one diala-ride service will no longer see an overlap, unless a ser-

vice finds other funding elsewhere. And persons in communities where no service has existed in the past will be able to use dial-a-ride. A single phone number will serve the region’s providers.

“The goal of restructuring dial-a-ride services is to provide greater consistency in this service throughout the region,” said Metropolitan Council Chair Peter Bell. “Each county has a role in determining standard operating guidelines. Ultimately, we want to make sure the rider who boards a dial-aride bus in Anoka has the same experience as a rider in West St. Paul.”

Four metro-area counties have chosen the Metropolitan Council to operate dial-a-ride services in their area. Anoka County and Carver/Scott counties, which have a current partnership to provide transit services, will continue to operate their services as they do today.

But there are still unknowns. It isn’t clear what changes to diala-ride services could mean to the disability community and riders of Metro Mobility.

Metro Mobility is the regional transit service for persons with disabilities, also provided by Metropolitan Council. Riders must meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines to be eligible to use Metro Mobility services which many seniors already do.

Metro Mobility, which provides door-to-door transportation services for persons with disabilities. Metro Mobility isn’t directly affected by the changes approved July 22.

During discussions of dial-a-

ride changes, it has been suggested that senior citizens with disabilities can use Metro Mobility instead of dial-a-ride if the seniors meet the ADA certification requirement. But what’s not known is how many dial-a-ride users could or would seek the ADA certification needed to sign up for Metro Mobility services and how increased levels of demand could affect Metro Mobility.

Ron Biss chairs the Transportation Accessibility Advisory Committee (TAAC) for Metropolitan Council. He said committee members are aware of the dial-a-ride changes but haven’t been tracking them

closely. That’s because much of the TAAC’s time in recent months has been spent scrutinizing accessibility issues related to the Central Corridor light rail project.

“These are issues we do need to take a look at,” said Biss of the dial-a-ride changes.

Biss doesn’t believe that potentially having more people seek ADA certification and move to Metro Mobility services would have a negative impact on those services. “If people qualify for Metro Mobility services, they should certainly apply.”

Metropolitan Council will spend $3.1 million in operations and $800,000 in capital costs for 14 dial-a-ride programs overseen by counties, cities and nonprofits. Another $1.6 million will be spent this year on services provided directly by Metropolitan Council, to the communities of Minnetonka, Cottage Grove,

Newport, St. Paul Park, Woodbury and Stillwater.

Those communities began to receive services after their midday bus service was cut. But city-specific services will lose funding to the regional approach.

In 2010 a funding formula will be used to determine how services are funded and contracts for service awarded, with funding based on population, size of an area, number of transit-dependent people, and number of people with disabilities. Lack of mid-day transit service is another factor when determining if a community needs dial-a-ride programming.

The next set of changes on the table centers on proposed adjustments to dial-a-ride fares. (See related story.)

Those, too, could have an impact as riders look at paying more in some cases, and paying less in others. ■

Attend meetings, weigh in on changes Twin Cities area residents who rely on dial-a-ride services to get around not only face changes in service, they also are looking at potential fare increases for those services in 2010. At its July 22 meeting the Metropolitan Council set a series of public hearing dates to review information on proposed fare adjustments and hear comments from the public.

The fare changes are among several changes being eyed as part of the region-wide restructuring of services, which also won approval July 22. (See related story to read about how dial-a-ride services will change.)

Federal Transportation Administration guidelines and Metropolitan Council policy require that any fare adjustments be reviewed through a public hearing process to adoption. Any fare increase

would have to be voted on by the council later this year, following a review by the council’s transportation committee. The committee and full council will review public hearing comments before making decisions.

Currently dial-a-ride fares are set by area and provider.

Changes would take effect Jan. 1, 2010. While the public hearings are required as part of the fare change process, they also provide a chance top educate the public on the changes coming to the dial-a-ride program.

Dial-a-ride services have a higher average subsidy per trip than fixed route trips by bus or light rail. A higher fare is recommended for longer trips given the higher costs for these trips. So far, the fare changes had been broken into three tiers. A Tier One trip, of up to 10 miles, would cost $2.25.

The return ride would be free.

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Tier Two trips of more than 10 to 20 miles, would cost $4.50, with a group fare of $2.25 each.

For Tier Three trips of more than 20 miles, the fare of $6.75, or $4.50 each for riders in a group. All fares would be oneway.

ADA-certified riders fares would be capped at $4.50 per one-way trip.

How can riders weigh in?

The public comment period is July 23 – Sept. 28. There are several ways for members of the public to comment. To submit written comments, send them to the Regional Data Center at 390 N. Robert Street, St. Paul, 55101 or emailing data.center@metrocouncil. org Comments can also be made by calling the Comment Line at 651-602-1500, by calling 651-602-1140, TTY 651-2910904 or by fax at 651-6021464. ■

Public hearing schedule • 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 8 at Brooklyn Park Library, Meeting Room, 8600 Zane Ave. N., Brooklyn Park.

Served by Regional Transit Route 723 • 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, Maplewood Library, Large Meeting Room, 3025 Southlawn Drive, Maplewood.

Served by Regional Transit Routes 64, 80, 219, 223 • 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 10, Dakota County Northern Service Center Conference Rooms 110A & 110B, 1 Mendota Road West, West St. Paul. Served by Regional Transit Route 75 • 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, Anoka County Government Center County Board Room, Room 705, 2100 Third Avenue, Anoka. Served by Regional Transit Routes 766, 805, 852 • 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, Scott County Government Center County Board Room, Room 209. 200 Fourth Avenue West, Shakopee. Served by Regional Transit Route 496 • 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, Ridgedale Library, Robert H. Rohlf meeting room 12601 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka. Served by Regional Transit Routes 615 and 675 • 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 18, Washington County Government Center County Board Room, Room 100, 14949 62nd Street North, Stillwater Dial-a-ride services services are available.

6

August 10, 2009

Regional news in review . . .

Rare hearing is planned One of the men accused of beating Justin Hamilton of Lakeville last year will have an unusual trial this month.

Hamilton is developmentally disabled.

In late July Jonathon M. Diepold of Northfield agreed to a trial by stipulated facts, in connection with the beating of Hamilton on two nights last fall. Diepold is charged with 10 felonies in connection with the crime, which involved four other people.

A trial by stipulated facts is unusual in Minnesota. Attorneys will submit written arguments and District County Judge Timothy Wermager will review them and then issue a verdict. The case does not go to a jury. The verdict is expected on Sept. 11.

The beating of Hamilton sent shock waves through the region. Hamilton, then 24, was hit with sticks, kicked and punched repeatedly. He was lured into the attack by a young woman who falsely claimed Hamilton had hit her.

Diepold and another man, John M. Maniglia, allegedly led the vicious attack. Maniglia was sentenced to eight years in prison this spring.

Another defendant in the attack, 22-year-old Timothy J. Kettering of Prior Lake, was sentenced July 20 to four days in jail and 80 hours of community service. He pleaded guilty to theft for stealing from Hamilton. Other charges were dropped.

One more assailant is to stand trial in September. The young woman involved was sentenced as a juvenile last year.

[Source: Star Tribune]

Parents fight to keep school open The parents of eight deaf or hearing-impaired children are suing to keep open the state’s only school for the deaf. Parents contend that closing the South Dakota School for the Deaf would be illegal. The school is slated to close after the 20092010 academic year, due to declining enrollment.

The School for the Deaf, which opened in 1880, had an oncampus enrollment topping 130 in the 1970s, but last school year served 30 on site. Another 400 or so students receive services while attending local school districts.

The federal class-action lawsuit, filed on behalf of the students, deaf or hearing-impaired South Dakota residents age 21 and younger, from South Dakota and Minnesota, argues that closing the South Dakota School for the Deaf would violate a clause in the South Dakota state constitution that mandates a public school for the deaf be available and runs contrary to an obligation tied to federal education funding for a free education for students with disabilities.

Gov. Mike Rounds earlier this year tried to close the campus and shift funding to outreach programs that educate deaf and hearing-impaired students in school districts around the state.

That would have saved an estimated $1.2 million a year.

Federal stimulus money allowed the South Dakota Legislature to restore funding to operate the campus for the next year while officials come up with a plan on how to improve services to the students and determine what to do with the campus.

One key issue for families of students at the school is whether a plan to decentralize school operations would work. About a dozen students in the auditory-oral program will move from the campus to the nearby Brandon Valley School District this fall, which is intended to give them a better learning environment.

Those students are deaf or hard of hearing and use hearing aids or cochlear implants. Parents involved in the lawsuit say the state lacks enough interpreters to make decentralization work.

A regents spokeswoman said enrollment numbers won’t be final until the school year starts. If it stayed even with last year, 18 or fewer students would be taught on campus this fall.

[Source: Associated Press]

Bracelets available in Ramsey County A year ago, Keith Kennedy, an autistic man from Shoreview, walked away from a Wisconsin summer camp, beginning “a week of utter hell,” his mother recalled. The 25-year-old eventually was found alive. Today, Kennedy is fully recovered, and in mid-July, he was among the first in line in Ramsey County to get a radiowave-emitting bracelet that will aid authorities in finding at-risk people who wander.

County officials announced July 22 that Ramsey County is

the latest Minnesota community to join Project Lifesaver, a program that provides the technology to help track vulnerable people. The Kennedy family appeared at the press conference with law enforcement officials. Caregivers can get bracelets for people with autism, Alzheimer’s disease, Down syndrome and other cognitive impairments.

The technology has been used for 1,960 searches during the past 10 years, with no lives lost, according to information from Project Lifesaver. The average search takes 30 minutes, authorities say. The program has an initial cost of $99, and a $30 per-month battery replacement cost.

To apply in Ramsey County, call 651-266-7332 for information, or go online to www.lojacksafetynet.com [Source: Star Tribune, Pioneer Press]

I Pods could help People with Asperger’s syndrome struggle with the social skills that come so naturally to others. But staff at Fraser Child & Family Center in Minneapolis found a new way to reach you people with Asperger’s — right through their headphones.

They’re using iPods, which play music and videos, to teach them how to fit in.

It may have started out as a form of entertainment, but technology is turning into an unexpected boom for children and teenagers with special needs. The devices, it turns out, can be crammed with the kind of information they need to get through the day. While it’s still experimental, said Fraser psychology Sue Pederson, “I think it’s going to spread like wildfire.”

With Asperger’s, a form of autism, people lack the inner voice that tells them what is, or is not, appropriate behavior. At Fraser, Pederson’s staff came up with the idea of programming iPods to act as an electronic substitute for that missing voice.

In this case, the staff helped students create a series of short videos and slide shows on how to behave in different social settings. Some are barely 30 seconds long: How to carry on a conversation (“Let the other person talk AND change the topic...”); how to respect other people’s boundaries, and think Regional news - cont. on p. 14

August 10, 2009

RESTRAINTS -

Cont. from p. 1

Pictured above are the Brinker/Allen family. Thomas Allbrink is standing in the back on the far right. cility. We categorically reject and renounce the abusive, cruel, and discriminatory conduct against these vulnerable citizens,” said O’Meara.

The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is aware of the lawsuit but a spokesperson said that state officials could not comment on pending litigation. As of Access Press deadline no response had been filed by the state. No dates for further action by the court have been set.

METO has long been a topic of scrutiny for the disability community. Its practices have been closely monitored by the Minnesota Disability Law Center, parents and family members of residents, and a number of disability rights and advocacy organizations.

Lorie Jensen, the mother of Bradley Jensen, the original plaintiff in the lawsuit, commented on the practices METO forced on her son, saying, “No human being should ever go through what Brad went through. It was demeaning and humiliating and hurtful. Other means are available to correct the behavior. There is no excuse for the actions. All human beings are entitled to dignity and respect.”

Jim Jensen, Bradley’s father, said, “It’s cruel and brutal what

they did. It’s a crime what they did to Brad and the other patients.” Bradley Jensen lived at the facility in 2006-2007.

The lawsuit seeks damages for violations of the federal civil and constitutional rights of people with developmental disabilities abused at METO, and asks the court to enter an injunction against METO to prohibit its restraint and seclusion practices, and declare as unconstitutional the Department of Human Services’ position that restraint is permitted against people with developmental disabilities.

METO has already been investigated by the state’s Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, which found a practice of abuse at the facility. Among its findings released last fall, the ombudsman reported that documents in individual records revealed that people were being routinely restrained in a prone face-down position and placed in metal handcuffs and leg hobbles. In at least one case, a client that the metal handcuffs and leg hobbles were secured together behind the person, further immobilizing the arms and legs, reported it to the ombudsman staff. Some individuals were restrained with a waist belt restraint that

cuffed their hands to their waist. An individual with an unsteady gait was routinely placed in this type of restraint, putting that person at risk of injury if they should fall. Others were being restrained on a restraint board with straps across their limbs and trunk.

METO policies stated that a person was not to be restrained for more than 50 minutes But that practice was apparently not followed. Ombudsman office staff found numerous examples of documented incidents where after 50 minutes in a restraint, staff would continue the restraint but document it on a different restraint use form, sometimes with no indication that it was a continuation of the previous restraint.

Documentation also revealed that in most cases where restraints were used the person was calm and cooperative about going into the restraint but began to struggle, cry and yell once they were restraints.

In some cases, clients appeared conditioned to “assume the position” for application of restraints where they would lie on the floor and put their hands behind their back without resistance.

The ombudsman also found METO failed to attempt any alternatives to avoid using restraints; the length of time some patients were restrained exceed even METO’s own guidelines; and the agencies that had protective obligations for METO patients or responsibility to serve as checks and balances over the actions of the program failed to protect the patients or turned a blind eye to the problem.

The ombudsman’s office report from September 2008 noted that the practices were stopped in spring 2008. They were brought to light by families with members at METO and by a Minnesota Department of Health investigation in February 2008. A number of improvements and changes in practices were implemented at METO after the allegations became public. ■

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.

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To schedule an appointment please call (612) 726-9341.

7

ADA anniversary feted with Web site The 19th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was celebrated this summer with events throughout the United States. The ADA is federal legislation designed to prevent discrimination and enable individuals with disabilities to full participate in society. President Barak Obama was one of many officials issuing proclamations in celebration of the act’s anniversary.

In conjunction with the 19th anniversary, the U.S. Department of Labor announced it renamed and relaunched the Web site DisabilityInfo.gov as Disability.gov The redesigned site offers comprehensive information about programs and services

to serve the more than 50 million Americans who have disabilities. The new Web site combines information from 22 federal agencies. It will be managed by the Department of Labor. The redesign has produced a more interactive Web site, drawing on new tools from social media to encourage user feedback. It also includes new ways to organize, share and receive information.

Visitors can now sign up for personalized news and updates, participate in online discussion and suggest resources.

There is a Twitter feed, a Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feed, a blog, social book marking and user-friendly ways to get answers to questions.

The site is organized into 10

areas: benefits, civil rights, community life, education, emergency preparedness, employment, health, housing, technology and transportation.

It also includes thousands of links to government sites, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations and state and local government sites.

“Far more than just a directory of federal resources, Disability.gov is a meeting ground for Americans to learn, respond and communicate about a wealth of critically important disability-related topics,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “The new site has been vastly enhanced to provide more information in as efficient and interactive a setting as possible.” ■

Group seeks members Do you use the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis? If that greenway extended into St. Paul, what features would make it easier to use? Or are you interested in better connections for bicyclists and pedestrians in St. Paul’s western neighborhoods? St. Paul Smart Trips is setting up an advisory group to discuss extending the greenway from Minneapolis into St. Paul, through the Merriam Park and Midway areas, to connect with future bike and pedestrian improvements along Ayd Mill Road.

Persons with disabilities are

sought to be part of the planning effort. The route eyed would cross an existing rail bridge between the Marshall and Franklin bridges over the Mississippi River, and then follow the rail line to the Ayd Mill Road corridor.

St. Paul Smart Trips is a transportation advocacy group that includes the former Midway and downtown St. Paul Transportation Management Organizations (TMO). The advisory group is especially interested in input from trail users who are disabled, said Laura Baum of St. Paul Smart Trips.

The advisory group will weigh in on issues including accessibility, lighting, access points, trail width and design features.

The Midtown Greenway is a popular Minneapolis trail that follows a former rail line just north of Lake Street. It was recently extended along Hiawatha Avenue to connect with West River Parkway.

Anyone interested in the trail can contact St. Paul Smart Trips at 651-224-8555. Or check www.smart-trips.org ■

8

August 10, 2009

People and places

News about people in our community ✦✦✦✦✦ The Minnesota Fringe Festival, which wrapped up in early August, featured works by disability community members. The festival featured more than 150 different works in a number of Minneapolis and St. Paul venues.

That Chair is My Wife, by DeafBlender Theater, was performed by Andrew J. Oehrlein.

The play was written by Raymond Luczak, who is a contributing writer for Access Press. The play is about a furniture salesman with an extremely unhealthy obsession with chairs.

Every Pastie Tells a Story is a play about three good Catholic girls in Milwaukee. It was written and performed by Nancy Donoval, a past winner of grants from VSA Arts of Bill and Tani Austin, founders of Starkey Hearing Foundation, along with composer Paul Minnesota.

Stroke is No Joke was writWilliams and this year’s Foundation poster children on the red carpet at Starkey's gala.

Photo credit: Neil Weingrow ten, directed and performed

by Mary Helena, about one compiled by Access Press staff woman’s stroke and the reacChuck Aoki and Joe Americas Zone Champion- gold medalists Jason Regier, tions of others to it.

Delagrave are two Courage ships in Buenos Aires, Argen- Nick Springer and Chance Center athletes chosen for the tina, October 26-31. Aoki, of Sumner, and 2004 Paralympic ✦✦✦✦✦ United States Quad Rugby As- Minneapolis, will be a starter. bronze medalist Brent Popsociation 2009 U.S. Wheel- St. Paul resident Delagrave is pen. Keri Morgan is the first A new organization has been chair Rugby National Team an alternate. Both have been female athlete named to a U.S. formed to advocate for older that will compete at the 2009 on Courage Center sports wheelchair rugby national Minnesotans, in the wake of International Wheelchair and teams in recent years. The team team. the shutdown of the MinneAmputee Sports Federation also includes 2008 Paralympic sota Senior Federation. Mature Voices Minnesota is forming to take on the Federation’s longtime senior advocacy role. The new group will focus on health care, Medicare, drug costs, property taxes, housing and other issues that affect older Minnesotans. Care-giving and workforce issues will also be targeted by the new group.

The group filed its incorpo-

ration papers with the state in July. The new board chairman is Richfield resident Bob Hines.

The 37-year-old Federation shut down July 1 after financial struggles and several years of declining membership.

Many of its programs were spun off to other groups.

Mature Voices Minnesota will have no dues, no members and no age restrictions. It will seek support through grants and donations.

Anyone wanting more information on Mature Voices Minnesota can call Lee Graczyk at 612-296-3247. ✦✦✦✦✦ Chuk Hamilton has stepped down as director State Services for the Blind, a position he held since 2003. But Hamilton hasn’t gone far. Now he is managing the services’ special projects. Hamilton had the transition last month.

Hamilton began working for State Services for the Bind in 1976, as a counselor in St. Cloud. He then moved into the business enterprise program, which trains blind people to run their own food service businesses. He was director of that program from 1984-2000, leaving there to become director of the communication center and the senior services unit.

Richard Strong is acting director until a permanent director is chosen. ✦✦✦✦✦ Physical medicine and rehabilitation physician Scott Crowe, MD, is the new medical director for the Fairview Acute Rehabilitation Center,

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located on the University of Minnesota Medical Center in Minneapolis. The center serves more than 600 patients annually, providing rehabilitation services for stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple major traumas, neurological disorders, joint replacement, amputations, hip fracture and medically-complex conditions.

Board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation, Dr. Crowe earned his medical degree and completed his physical medicine and rehabilitation residency at the University of Minnesota Medical School-Twin Cities. His special medical interests include neuro-rehabilitation, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury and movement disorders. He is an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Minnesota and is site director for the residency program at the medical school. ✦✦✦✦✦ Michael Deutsch, who billed himself as “the world’s only one-handed, one-hooked, piano player extraordinaire” died of cancer June 24 in Minneapolis. The lifelong musician was 52. He was a native of St. Paul.

Deutsch played bass guitar until he lost his left hand in a workplace accident at age 20.

He then switched to piano, calling himself “The Hook.”

His band was Hook’s Combo.

He also played with other musicians and groups around the Twin Cities, and was the regular solo piano player for years at The Malt Shop in southwest Minneapolis. His music of choice was jazzy blues.

Deutsch also worked with VSA Arts of Minnesota in its education programs.

Deutsch was a self-taught piano player, even coming up with his own way to keep the sharp hook end from clinking when it hit the keys. He used the rubber boot of a spark plug to cap the hook and play correctly, after trying a number of other materials.

A Star Tribune feature told how Deutsch used his disability in talks about perseverance and how to overcome adversity. He had faced many hardships in his life, losing his mother and sister in a fire at age 13, and having to live with other relatives. He suffered a stroke in 1997 and lost his son, Michael II, in a 2006 motor vehicle accident. ✦✦✦✦✦ Arc of Southeastern Minnesota has moved to a new People/places - cont. on p. 15

August 10, 2009

Target Marketing At Its Finest!

Midwest Special Services is 60

Advertise in Access Press and reach thousands in the disability community every month.

Group is considered to be by, for and of the people

by Midwest Special Services Of the People: Originating as part of United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of St. Paul in the office of a pediatrician at the old Gillette Children’s Hospital, MSS was envisioned by its founding parents as providing a world of opportunity for their children that defied the commonly accepted practice of institutionalization. The group was organized as Han-DeeCap, Inc. The founders and their children knew that they were capable of so much more than society expected of them.

UCP incorporated on July 26, 1949 and bought Han-DeeCap Inc. in 1951. MSS separated from UCP in 1974. UCP continued to provide advocacy and support, and MSS provided direct services.

By the People: When UCP was formed, a public school education was not available to the children of the founders.

Taking matters into their own hands, the founders launched the school program or developmental achievement center (DAC) and hired their first director, Beth Gray. Gray’s dedication and perseverance created the foundation for today’s day training and habilitation programs at MSS. Her compassion and commitment to helping people with disabilities succeed are still remembered today.

If Beth Gray could be called the mother of MSS’ day habilitation and treatment program, Al Erickson was the father of the employment program. When Han-Dee-Cap, Inc. merged with UCP in 1951, there was no staff to speak of.

The shop was run by the clients. When it grew enough to warrant having some staff to facilitate the program, they hired from within, promoting Al Erickson to the position of work counselor, a job he had already been doing unofficially for many years. The entrepreneurial spirit exhibited by the men of Han-Dee-Cap, Inc. lives today as MSS as they

explore way to help people seeking competitive employment to explore the option of self-employment as a means to achieving their goals.

For the People: For 60 years MSS has remained committed to its mission. MSS leaders listen closely to the people the agency serves and support their inalienable right to choose for themselves. MSS also encourages its clients to actively participate in planning their own lives. Along the way, MSS provides whatever support it can to help clients achieve their goals. In reflection on his 30 years with the agency, Lyth Hartz, the agency’s president said of the future for MSS, “We will continue to expect great things from the people we serve. They deserve nothing less.�

From the original location in a storefront on the East Side of St. Paul to MSS has grown to operate five program centers in Apple Valley, Brooklyn Park, Eagan, Shoreview and St. Paul. They serve more than 500 people each year offering a variety of services including vocational rehabilita-

Call Access Press at 651-644-2133

Working in the MSS St Paul Production Center tion and day training and habilitation. Most recently they have added specialized programming for seniors with developmental disabilities that includes services for individuals with complicated medical and personal care needs. Specialized services are also available at the Apple Valley and Brooklyn Park centers for

adults with autism. MSS boasts the first Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) Autism Accreditation in the state of Minnesota. It was only the second to receive this honor in the country. The CARF surveyors commended MSS on the creativity and innovation exhibMSS - cont. on p. 12

FIRST ANNUAL

Al Erickson in the original shop

9

September 13, 2009 Mall of America Bringing Together People & Possibilities for 60 Years September 13th at Mall of AmericaÂŽ Midwest’s 1st Annual Walk & Roll WR EHQHĂ€W DGXOWV ZLWK GLVDELOLWLHV Meet Liz Collin - WCCO TV WKH Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders. (QMR\ OLYH HQWHUWDLQPHQW IURP Twin Cities Singer/ Songwriter, Adam Svec and “Elvisâ€? Impersonator, Tony Redmond +HOS WR UDLVH VXSSRUW DZDUHQHVV MXVW E\ ZDONLQJ RU UROOLQJ DURXQG 0DOO RI $PHULFDÂŽ 5HJLVWHU YROXQWHHU RU EHFRPH D VSRQVRU E\ FDOOLQJ 651-793-4126 RU YLVLW RXU ZHE VLWH DW www.mwsservices.org Made possible by generous support from:

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10

August 10, 2009

Dogs have their day as the guides meet other passengers, enjoy sun and fun en route to Mexico

by Clarence Schadegg Today was the day for dog guides to meet about 100 human Star Princess passengers.

My dog guide, Telly led me to the pool area shortly after 10:00 a.m. where the gathering was held. Before we stepped through the heavy metal gate, I removed Telly’s harness so he would know he was completely off duty. My wife Nancy and I were among the people who would help to answer questions. We were surrounded soon after we stepped onto the pool deck area. Telly and all the guides where true celebrity.

Questions came at us from different directions: Always the first question, Can I pet your dog? I answered; this is a good time to pet my dog as he is not in harness. When the harness is removed, the service animal is not working and it is okay to pet them. Then, where does he relieve himself

on board ship? How often does he eat and what do you feed him? Do other people try to feed your dog? What kind of dog is he? Where was your dog trained?

The dogs relieve at any of three designated areas on deck seven. Telly eats twice a day, even on board. I’ve packed his food in individual plastic bags and he eats high quality dry lamb and rice dog food mixture. Unfortunately, some people slip Telly food or attempt to feed him. I prefer to be the only person to feed my dog guide; it’s important for bonding and he gets sick when fed unfamiliar food by strangers. He’s a yellow Labrador Retriever. He was trained by Guide Dogs for the Blind, a wonderful dog guide program with campuses in California and Oregon. Telly was trained at the Oregon campus and graduated in 2004.

Somewhere in this crowd were the other dog guide users, probably answering similar question. Our Dimensions in Travel tour guide, Irene, told us that as many as 100 dog lover passengers wanted to meet our unique working dogs.

One person who talked with Nancy stated she trained dogs at Guide Dogs for the Blind.

They sat off to one side, as this passenger didn’t want to interrupt my conversation with other inquisitive fans of service animals.

After an hour, all the guide visiting passengers were asked to leave the deck so that the dogs could have some free time to run, stretch their legs and play. The shallow pool was covered with a rope mesh to prevent any dogs from falling or jumping in. The deck area was secured with a high exterior fence which kept people and dogs from falling overboard.

We unleashed our dogs after the last visitor left. I told Telly to go and have fun.

Telly stood at my left side as some of the other dogs took off running and playing with

REFORM -

one another. One dog, Smithers from Canada, immediately jumped into the pool. The crew staff jumped in and untangled Smithers from the rope mesh. They quickly got the refreshed dog out of the pool, to his disappointment.

Maybe Telly will play if I walk away from him, I thought. Instead, at his own pace he just walked across the deck and plunked down on the pool deck. Telly seemed to enjoy just soaking up the warm tropical sun. I wondered if he was thirsty and took him to water. Once done lapping it up, he found a nice place to lie down again.

Granger, a dog guide from Ireland, tried to get Telly to play. I tried to get Telly to play with Granger’s tug toy.

Telly showed little interest.

He clearly wanted to sun himself rather then play with the other dogs.

There is something wonderful to be on one of the top decks among sunbathing dogs and dogs at play on a large ship bound for Mexico. The motion of the ship didn’t seem

Intermission time, during the lounge shows aboard ship, proved to be a great time for socializing. to affect the dogs in their activities.

We met people throughout the day who wished they’d been able to meet the dogs. I assured them there would be another chance to meet the dogs would be offered later on the cruise.

We took in one of the lounge shows that evening. At the end of the performance the pianist came over and talked with us.

He joined in our conversation with three British flight attendants. The four of them had lots of questions about Telly.

We didn’t make our way back to our stateroom until 1:00 a.m.

I was used to the motion of the ship, a slow gentle back and forth glide through the water with ship generated waves. I was used to the feeling of an up and down motion as we moved forward through the calm blue Pacific. I was now aware our ship stood motionless in the water. The air around us was much warmer then yesterday. We would take a van tour of Acapulco the next day. I often wondered what Telly was thinking of all this fuss and commotion? I know he enjoyed his time at sea! ■

apart. If anyone served by AXIS has any concerns or questions, they should feel free to contact their care coordinator,” Larkin said, The current Member Advisory Committee will also continue to serve as a forum to raise and address any consumer or client issues.

The AXIS changes come at a time when national health care changes are also being seen. A key part of health reform packages at both the state and federal level is the concept of care coordination, recognizing that those with disabilities and chronic conditions often lack a comprehensive care plan and a lead coordinator to cut through the red tape and make it a reality.

The state Department of Human Services (DHS) began enrolling providers in its Primary Care Coordination program on Aug. 1. This will pay clinics a fee for successfully coordinating the care of those with multiple chronic conditions who are enrolled in the Medical Assistance program.

Typically the more complex the individual, the higher the payment will be.

DHS is also well on its way to developing rules and standards for its Health Care Home initiative, a cornerstone of the 2008 Health Reform Act. This program, too, will reward clinicians for better coordinating the medical needs of those on Medical Assistance. Eventually, health care homes will be included in the program offerings of all health plans in Minnesota.

At the national level, there are dozens of health care home pilot programs now underway for Medicare enrollees.

At a Minneapolis meeting of the National Council on Disability held July 22, Pam Parker of DHS made a plea for those at the national level to take a more “thoughtful and integrated approach” to health reform that recognizes the needs of many who are enrolled in both Medicare and Medical Assistance.

While much remains uncertain at the national level, AXIS leaders say the organization remains committed to those it now serves, and hopes to play a role in meeting the needs of those who now lack any help in coordinating their health services. ■

Cont. from p. 1

State legislative changes have both limited the growth of the MnDHO program by capping the availability of waivers and cut payments for the program’s services. The federal government’s inability to successfully match the payment for health services needed by Medicare clients served by AXIS with the costs of providing those services have created additional challenges.

“In the short term, AXIS needs to greatly reduce our organizational cost structure,” Malcolm and Sandin stated.

Personnel costs are at the top of the list.

Chris Duff, CEO will be leaving the organization, as his

position was the first to be eliminated. Duff said, “As we look to the future for greatly reduced revenue, we need to make the cuts without significant impact on our staffs who works directly with the members, AXIS’s cuts will involve mostly administrative and managerial positions for minimal impact on our members,” Duff said. “in healthcare administration should be the first to take the hit!” Duff, who has been with AXIS since it began, will be missed which was stated at the Member Advisory Committee when Duff announced his departure to them. Additional options are also being explored to leverage the skills of owner organizations to create efficiencies in all areas, as well.

Nancy Larkin, COO at Courage Center and an AXIS board member said, “Both owner organizations are determined to preserve the relationships between client and their care coordinator. That is at the heart of what sets the AXIS model

August 10, 2009

11

Upcoming events To list an event, email access@accesspress.org Managing stress in tough times Mental Health Association of Minnesota (MHAM) hosts Learning to Cope: Managing Stress During Tough Times at 6 p.m. Tues., Aug. 11 at the St. Paul JCC, 1375 St. Paul Ave., St. Paul. Enjoy free snacks and a fundraising silent auction.

Medical professionals will present and answer questions.

Everyone age 15 and older must show a photo ID to enter the building. The program is part of the 2009 Gloria Segal Education Forum. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. All proceeds support MHAM’s Education Program.

FFI: 612-331-6840 or www. mentalhealthmn.org

cal bills or help financially.

Financial and Medical Programs for Children is a free session offered 1-3 p.m. Wed., Aug. 12 at Hennepin County Library – Southdale, 7001 York Ave. S., Edina. Staff from Hennepin’s Human Services and Public Health Department will outline the various programs and grants that assist children from birth through age 21. Pre-registration required.

FFI: 612-596-6631 or www. hennepin.us and put “adsinfo” in the search box.

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 Children may be eligible Children with special needs in pre-register for classes for perMinnesota may be eligible for sons who are blind or have low programs that assist with medi- vision. Learn about Open Book

and enter a brand new world of reading at 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27. A class on using the Internet for blind and low-vision persons is offered 11 a.m.1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12.

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. Funding for Adaptive Technology classes is provided by a generous grant from the Hudson Family Foundation. FFI: 612-630-6469, www.hclib.org

tal illnesses are more common than you might think. Guild Incorporated is a nonprofit which works with individuals with mental illness to help them restore their health and move along their paths of recovery.

Upcoming Get to Know Guild informational sessions are 11 a.m. Thursday Aug. 13 or 5:30pm Thursday, Aug. 27th.

Reservations requested. FFI: George, 651-925-8454; gbro ostin@guildincorporated.org

Increase student achievement PACER Center’s MN Parent Information and Resource Center (PIRC) offers a free Parent Involvement Summit for parents, educators, administrators, and all those interested in learning and doing more to increase parent inGuild Inc. offers services volvement in students’ acaSchizophrenia, major depres- demic achievement. It is 8:30 sion, bipolar disorder and men- Events - cont. on p. 13

Radio Talking Book • August 2009 Visit State Services for the Blind at Minnesota State Fair State Services for the Blind will have a booth at the Minnesota State Fair, in the Education Building on Cosgrove Street, from Aug. 27 through September 7. It is an excellent way to connect with the public about issues around blindness, to show that there are ways that people can adapt to reduced or lost vision, and to explain what services we offer. Meet staff and volunteers (and maybe even your favorite reader).

Choice Reading: Monday - Friday 4 p.m.

A Mad Desire to Dance, Fiction by Elie Wiesel, 2009. Doriel’s knowledge of World War II and the Holocaust is limited to outside sources because his parents are now gone. But he is unable to find joy in life. He turns to psychoanalyst Dr. Thérèse Goldschmidt and together they journey to the darkest regions of the soul. V - Read by Dan Sadoff. 11 broadcasts. Began August 3.

Books Available Through Faribault Books broadcast on the Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network are available through the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library in Faribault, MN. Their phone is 1-800722-0550 and hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Their catalog is also online, and you can access it by going to the main website, www.education.state.mn.us, and then clicking on the link. If you live outside of Minnesota, you may obtain copies of books by contact the National Library Service.

Listen to the Minnesota Radio Talking Book, either live or archived programs from the last week, on the Internet at www.mnssb.org/rtb. Call the staff at the Radio for your password to the site. Access Press is one of the publications read at 9 p.m. Sundays on the program It Makes a Difference.

PM Report: Monday - Friday 8 p.m.

What Obama Means, Nonfiction by Jabari Asim, 2009. Barack Obama’s election is evidence of the progress that has been made in healing wounds and broadening America’s concept of leadership and inspiration. It could not have happened without groundwork in many areas. Read by Jack Rossman. Seven broadcasts. Began August 6.

Chautauqua: Tuesday - Saturday 4 a.m.

Ghost Train to the Eastern Star, Nonfiction by Paul Theroux, 2008. Decades ago, Theroux recounted his grand tour through Asia. In the three decades since, that world has undergone tremendous change. Here, Theroux visits the same places capturing the texture, sights, smells, and sounds of the changing landscape. L - Read by Charles Torrey. 27 broadcasts. Begins August 18.

Night Journey: Monday - Friday 9 p.m.

Moscow Rules, Fiction by Daniel Silva, 2008. Gabriel Allon is pitted against Ivan Kharkov, an arms dealer in the new Russia, who is about to deliver Russia’s most sophisticated weapons to al-Qaeda. V - Read by Ray Christensen. 13 broadcasts. Begins August 10.

Off the Shelf: Monday - Friday 10 p.m.

Indignation, Fiction by Philip Roth, 2008. As a reaction to the fears in 1951 America, Marcus Messner is sent to a conservative college, far from his home. The anger Marcus feels drives him even farther from his parents as he explores life. L,S - Read

by Ray Christensen. Five broadcasts. Begins August 25.

Evening Odyssey: Monday - Friday 11 p.m.

Serena, Fiction by Ron Rash, 2008. George and Serena move to the mountains to create a timber empire. Serena proves Past is Prologue: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. herself equal to the men and they kill or vanquish all who fall For the Thrill of It, Nonfiction by Simon Baatz, 2008. In 1924, out of favor. L - Read by Bert Gardner. 12 broadcasts. Begins a Chicago murder shocked the nation as two college students August 24. killed for the thrill of the experience. Their lawyer was Clarence Darrow, America*s most famous lawyer. S - Read by Ray Good Night Owl: Monday - Friday midnight Christensen. 16 broadcasts. Began July 20.

The Renegades, Fiction by T. Jefferson Parker, 2009. Charlie Hood patrols the American West in his cruiser. Hood is Bookworm: Monday - Friday 11 a.m. assigned a new partner who everyone calls Mr. Wonderful. But The Wilderness, Fiction by Samantha Harvey, 2009. Jake has the partner is killed while riding with Hood, and Hood knows Alzheimer’s. As the disease takes hold of him, he struggles to he wasn’t always Mr. Wonderful. L -Read by Ray Christensen. hold on to his personal story. What went so wrong in his life? 10 broadcasts. Begins August 18.

Is there anything he can salvage from the wreckage? Read by Leandra Peak.11 broadcasts. Begins August 26.

After Midnight: Tuesday - Saturday 1 a.m.

The Host, Fiction by Stephenie Meyer, 2008. The world has Potpourri: Monday - Friday 2 p.m. been invaded by an unseen enemy who takes over the bodies Two Ends of a Leash Unshackled, Nonfiction by Grace D. and minds of humans. Wanderer has been given Melanie as a Napier, 2008. Grace began school before there were special host, but Melanie refuses to relinquish possession of her mind. education programs for blind children. But when she got into a L - Read by Jodi Furness. 25 Broadcasts. Begins August 24. program in another city, she blossomed. Read by Kristi Sullivan.

Abbreviations: 12 broadcasts. Begins August 17.

V - violence; L – offensive language; S - sexual situations

Thicker than Water: Essays by Adult Siblings of People with Disabilities A Book Signing Event Featuring Local Authors Local writers included in the new book, Thicker than Water: Essays by Adult Siblings of People with Disabilities, edited

by Don Meyer, will sign copies at a book signing event benefiting the Sibling Support Project and local organizations serving people with disabilities. The event is 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 11 at Common Good Books, 165 Western Av. N., Suite 14, St. Paul.

Thicker than Water features 39 compelling essays by sibling authors from the U.S., Canada, Australia and Japan. The essays express a diverse range of sibling experiences and attitudes reflecting the contributors, who range from 20 to 70 and whose brothers and sisters have disabilities such as Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, seizures, visual impairment, fragile-X syndrome, intellectual disabilities and mental illness. Essays by the event’s featured authors are: - “Happy Ending, Complicated Beginning” by Sherry Gray - “Kep” by Kim Keprios - “It All Changes and Stays the Same” by Matt Kramer Common Goods Books will donate a portion of each purchase to Arc Greater Twin Cities, Lifeworks and Phoenix Residence.

Common Good Books is the only store carrying the book on its shelves. The book is also available online at Barnes & Noble and Borders both have it online at www. barnesandnobile.com and www.borders.com. Borders doesn’t charge shipping, so the cost is the same as at Common Ground. People can also order it from the editor: www. siblingsupport.org or through the publisher www. woodbinehouse.com/ Raves for Thicker than Water!

“Well, here we all are, we siblings: horrified, embarrassed, furious, tickled, warmed, thankful, and slightly nuts. I really enjoyed every word of this book. This is fascinating reading. Don’t miss it.” -Terrell Dougan, author of That Went Well: Adventures in Caring for My Sister.

“With each essay…I experienced a shock of recognition and the comfort of validation. The stories are poignant, amusing and instructive. As a well-sibling, I deeply appreciate this book.” - Heather Summerhayes Carion, author, Sixtyfive Roses: A Sister’s Memoir

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August 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 Ella Through Aug. 30 Guthrie Theater, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. AD: Fri., Aug. 14, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Aug. 15, 1 p.m. (sensory tour 10:30 a.m.) ASL: Fri., Aug. 27, 7:30 p.m.; Fri., Aug. 28, 7:30 p.m. Captioning: Sat., Aug. 22, 7:30 p.m., by c2 inc. Tix: Reduced to $20 for AD/ASL, $25 for captioning (reg. $18-34); Phone: 612-377-2224, TTY 612-3776626 Web: www.guthrie theater.org/accessibility When We Are Married Through Aug. 30 Guthrie Theater, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. ASL: Fri., Aug. 7, 7:30 p.m.; Thurs., Aug. 13, 7:30 p.m.

Captioning: Fri., Aug. 21, 7:30 p.m. Tix: AD/ASL disc. to $20, $25 for captioning users (reg. $18-34); Phone: 612377-2224, TTY 612-377-6626 Web: www.guthrietheater. org/accessibility The Syringa Tree Through Aug. 31 JungleTheater,2951LyndaleAve. S., Mpls. AD: Thurs., Aug. 13, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Disc. to $10 (reg.

$24-36); Phone: 612-822-7063 tickets $16.95 adults, $8.50 Web: www.jungletheater.com kids; Phone: 800-966-8215; E-mail: info@renaissance Thoroughly Modern Millie fest.com; Web: www.renais Aug. 14-Sept. 13 sancefest.com Bloomington Civic Theatre at Bloomington Center for the Minnesota State Fair Arts, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Aug. 27-Sept. 7 Rd. ASL: Thurs., Aug. 27, 7:30 1265 Snelling Ave. N., St. p.m. AD: Fri., Aug. 28, 7:30 p.m. Paul. ASL/AD: A number of Tix: Disc. to $18 (reg. $25, sr events are interpreted daily. $22, student $19); Phone: 952- Requests to interpret or audio 563-8575 Web: www.bloom describe grandstand shows ingtoncivictheatre.org must be made 2 weeks in advance. Assistive listening deAfter Juliet vices are available for grandAug. 20-30 stand events. Pick up at the 20% Theatre Company Twin guest services office in VisiCities at Sabes Jewish Com- tors Plaza (valid state ID and munity Center, 4330 Cedar credit card required). Tix: Lake Rd S, Mpls. ASL: Fri., Online, at the MN State Fair Aug. 28, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Disc. box office, phone or web. to $10 (reg. $15); Phone: 612- Phone: 651-288-4400, 651227-1188; E-mail: tickets@ 288-4448 or TTY 651-642tctwentypercent.org, Web: 2372; Ticketmaster 651-989www.tctwenty percent.org 5151. E-mail: tickets@mn statefair.org or accessibility MN Renaissance Festival @mnstatefair.org or guest Aug. 22-Oct. 4 services@mnstatefair.org.

3 miles S. of Shakopee off Hwy Web: www.mnstatefair.org or 169 at 145th St. ASL: Sat., www.ticketmaster.com (conSept. 5, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tix: venience charge) Adult $19.95, Sr (60+) $17.95; Child (6-12) $10.95; advance

Disney’s Mary Poppins Sept. 3-20 Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls. ASL: Sun., Sept. 13, 1 p.m. (AD must be requested in advance) Tix: $30-83; Phone: 612-373-5639 or 5609; hotline 612-3735650; TTY 612-373-5655; Email: accessible@orpheum. com Web: www.hennepin theatredistrict.org/guestser vices/aslad/

VSA arts of MN Autumn Auction & Cabaret Sept. 20 VSA’s annual fund-raiser features the cuisine of India at the new OM Restaurant, 400 First Ave. N., Mpls. Chef Raghavan Iyer speaks, Nirmala Rajasekar performs veena and vocals, and silent auction.

AD/ASL: Sun., Sept. 20, 2-5 p.m. Tix: $40 by Sept. 11; $45 after Sept. 11; Phone: 612332-3888 v/tty; or by mail from The Magic of Myth VSA arts of MN, 528 Sept. 6 Hennepin Ave. #305, Mpls.

Mpls. Institute of Arts, 2400 55403. E-mail: info@vsaarts 3rd Ave. S. ASL: Sun., Sept. 6, mn.org Web: www.vsaarts 1 p.m. MIA offers free ASL- mn.org interpreted public tours on the first Sun. of each month (beMary’s Wedding ginning by the Information Sept. 18-Oct. 25 Desk in the museum lobby) Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale and, on the second weekend of Ave. S., Mpls. AD: Thurs., each month, free tours for visi- Oct. 1, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced tors with memory loss, Alz- to $10 (reg. $24-36); Phone: heimer’s and their friends or 612-822-7063 Web: www. care partners. Tix/Phone: 612- jungletheater.com/ 870-3131 or TTY 612-8703132; E-mail: dhegstrom@ Aphra’s Attic (2 short artsmia.org Web: www.arts comedies by women writers) mia.org Sept. 19-Oct. 4 Theatre Unbound at Lowry Sweet Honey in the Rock Lab Theatre, 350 St. Peter St, Sept. 12 St. Paul. AD: Sun., Sept. 27, 2 p.m.

Presented at Petters Audito- Tix: sliding scale $12-24; rium, College of St Benedict, Phone: 612-721-1186; ESt. Joseph. ASL: Sat., Sept. mail: info@theatreunbound.

12, 7:30 p.m. Tix: $28, Senior com Web: www.theatreun $24, Faculty/Staff $18, Youth/ bound.com Student $10; Phone: 320-3635777; E-mail: dwolford@ The Pearl Fishers csbsju.edu Web: www.csbsju.

Sept. 26-Oct. 4 edu/finearts or www.sweet The Minnesota Opera sings in honey.com/about/asl.php French with English captions projected above the stage at The Rainmaker every performance at Ordway Through Oct. 24 Center for Performing Arts, Commonweal Theatre, 208 Park- 345 Washington St., St. Paul. way Ave. N., Lanesboro. ASL: AD: Sun., Oct. 4, 2:00 p.m.; Sun., Sept. 13, 1:30 p.m. Tix: pre-opera discussion at 1:00.

Half price (reg. $25, student $12), Tix: Reduced to half-price for Phone: 507-467-2525, 800-657- AD patrons (reg. $20-200); 7025, E-mail: tickets@com Phone: 612-333-6669; TTY monwealtheatre.org Web: 651-282-3099 Web: www. www.commonwealtheatre.org mnopera.org

A Look in the Mirror - The Memoir of a Deaf Performer Oct. 1-30 Nic Zapko performs in ASL at Dreamland Arts, 677 N. Hamline Ave., St. Paul ASL & Voicing: Thurs.-Fri, Oct. 12, 8-9, 22-23, 29-30, 7:30 p.m.

ASL Only: Sat., Oct. 3, 10, 24, 7:30 p.m. Tix: $15 ($13 student); Phone: 651-6455506 or Web: www. dreamlandarts.com/ Women and Art Oct. 4 Mpls. Institute of Arts, 2400 3rd Ave. S. ASL: Sun., Oct. 4, 1 p.m. MIA offers free ASLinterpreted public tours on the first Sun. of each month (beginning by the Information Desk in the museum lobby) and, on the second weekend of each month, free tours for visitors with memory loss, Alzheimer’s and their friends or care partners. Tix/Phone: 612-870-3131 or TTY 612870-3132; E-mail: dhegstrom @artsmia.org Web: www.arts mia.org ■

MSS - From p. 9 ited by the autism program.

There is also an extensive and sophisticated creative arts program that provides guidance and exploration through a multitude of expressive mediums including studio arts, music and performance.

According to Tim Dickie, the vice president of programs, MSS’ longevity is attributed greatly to a commitment to personal choice for the people served. “We have many stakeholders, but the ones whose opinion matter the most is the clients’ and it always will be.”

For more information about the programs and services of MSS, visit their website at: www.mwsservices.org or call 651-778-1000. ■

August 10, 2009

EVENTS -

13

Cont. from p. 11

a.m.-3 p.m. Fri., Aug. 14. at the Hilton Minneapolis/ Bloomington, 3900 American Blvd. W., Bloomington. Lunch and light snacks will be provided. Pre-registration required. FFI: 952-838-9000, 800-537-2237 (toll free). 952838-0190 (TTY) mnpirc@ PACER.org Hope Outloud Summerfest Enjoy music and raise money for Hope’s Hope, a non-profit that raises awareness of the debilitating and progressive neurodegenerative diseases INAD (Infantile Neuroaxonal Dystrophy), PKAN (Pantothenate Kinase Associated Neurodegeneration), and other NBIA (Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation) disorders of childhood. The event is 8 p.m. Sat., Aug. 15 at Main Street Bar and Grill, 814 Main St., Hopkins. $5 cover charge to hear three bands. FFI: Michael, 952-5935498 or mikecohn@yahoo. com or www.hopes-hope.org Train, supervise own staff People who are disabled and enrolled in a waiver program such as Community Alternatives for Disabled Individuals or Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver may attend a free information session that explains Consumer Directed Community Supports. The session is 5-7 p.m. Tues., Aug. 18 at Jordan New Life Church, 1922 25th Ave. N., Mpls. CDCS allows clients to hire, train and supervise their own staff and write their own care plan. The program is sponsored by Hennepin County’s Human Services and Public Health Department. Pre-registration required. FFI: 612-596-6631 or www.hennepin.us and put “adsinfo” in the search box.

Wings picnic planned Wings/CLH appreciation picnic is 5:30-9 p.m. Fri., Aug. 21 at Lake Nokomis, Mpls. Enjoy, food, fun and music. RSVP. FFI: Dale, 651-213-6652, Maynard, 507-252-8556

living with a mental illness?

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Minnesota offers a free educational course that helps families gain a greater understanding of mental illness, discuss resources, build communication skills, reduce stress and find support. The Family-to-Family course meets weekly for 12 weeks and will start in Edina 6-8:30 p.m. Tues., Sept. 8. FFI: Anna Mae, 651-730-8434, www.namihelps.org MSS Walk & Roll In celebration of Midwest Special Services’ 60th anniversary, a Walk & Roll event is planned 8-10:30 a.m. Sat., Sept. 13 at Mall of America in Bloomington, Enjoy an art show, live entertainment from local singer/songwriter Adam Svec and a performance by Tony Redmond. Pre-registration encouraged. Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities available. FFI: 651-778-1000, www.mwsservices.org Making Changes Together DSPAM (Direct Support Professionals of MN) sponsors Making Changes Together 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13 at the Columbia Golf Manor, 3300 Central Ave., N.E. Mpls.

Recognize and celebrate the essential support direct support professionals, direct care workers, personal care assistants, personal attendants, in-home support workers, and paraprofessionals who provide quality support to individuals with disabilities. Enjoy free food and beverages, awards, prizes, kids’ games, haircuts, manicures and more. And pay only $10 to be a member of DSPAM and also NADSP (National Association of Direct Support Professionals) and DCA (Direct Care Association). Volunteers and donations are needed as well. FFI: Muhannah Ka-kish, 651-755-1513 or mskeyesltd @yahoo.com or Colleen Timbers, 651-789-6230 or colleent @mer rickinc.org

nual block party 3-7 p.m. Fri., Sept. 18 at Madison East Center, 1400 E. Madison Av., Mankato. Enjoy music, food, entertainment, information, hands-on art and more at an event that celebrates diversity sand everyone’s abilities.

Don’t just think about disability awareness – be it! Volunteers, donations and support are welcome. FFI: 507-3457139, 1-888-676-6498, www. smilescil.org Creative Options conference Creative Options, a one-day energizing conference for people with disabilities and the staff who support them, is 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21 at Eagan Community Center.

This year’s featured speaker is John O’Brien, an internationally-known advocate for people with disabilities. He will also be involved in breakout sessions. FFI: Susan Hilden, 651-365-3731 or shilden@lifeworks.org NAMI -Walks 2009 The 2009 NAMI -Walks for the Mind of America is 1 p.m.

Sat., Sept. 26 at Minnehaha Park, Mpls. The goal is to raise $250,000 with 2,000 walkers.

FFI: 651-645-2948, 1-888NAMI-HELPS, www.nami helps.org

urdays: Opening Doors AND trum Disorders Regional NetWindows for Job-Seeking Suc- work. FFI: Janet Salo, 952cess. FFI: 612-659-6500 or 920-0855 www.minneapolis.edu/ Jeans to Gems continuinged Save the date of Saturday, Sept.

Caregivers Support Group 26 for the Fifth annual OpporParents and caregivers of chil- tunity Partners gala, Jeans to dren with fetal alcohol syn- Germs. The event is at the drome can join a caregiver’s Minneapolis Marriot Southsupport group organized by west, Minnetonka. FFI: 952Arc Greater Twin Cities. The 938-5511; www.Opportunity free group meets on the first Partners.org Tuesday of each month from A Fetching Good Time 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. at Arc Greater Twin Cities, 2446 Hearing and Service Dogs of University Ave. W., #110, St. Minnesota hosts The Fetching Paul and at 6-8 p.m. on the Ball, a gala fundraiser celebratthird Wednesday of each ing the organization’s 20th year. month at Sabathani Commu- The event is Saturday, Nov. 7 nity Center, 310 E. 38th St., at Marriot Hotel Southwest in Mpls. The group is an oppor- Minnetonka. Keynote speaker tunity for participants to sup- is author Karin Winegar. Indiport one another, share suc- vidual and corporate sponsorcessful parenting techniques, ships are available. FFI: Tickdiscuss the challenges and ets, Jessica, 612-729-5986 ext. hopes of raising a child with 152, jandeau@hsdm.org; FASD, and become better edu- Sponsorships, Janet, 612-729cated about the disorder. The 5926, jcobus@hsdm.org FASD Relative Caregivers Support Group is sponsored Help others manage finances

by Arc Greater Twin Cities RSVP/Volunteers of America and the Fetal Alcohol Spec- of MN 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: 651-645-2277, ext 219. or volunteer@theMLC.org ■ Access Press welcomes submissions for the events listings. Email to: access@access press.org or call 651-644-2133.

Free computer, career development workshops Minneapolis Community and Technical College announces free computer and career development workshops through its Continuing Education & Training Department. Select workshops will be available at no cost to participants throughout the summer. Computer skills workshops include Computer Basics, Email Basics, Word 2007 Basics and Excel 2007 Basics. Career workshops include Opening Windows: Online Tools for Your Career Transition; Opening Doors: Proven Techniques for Landing a Job; and Power Sat-

Block party planned Families with mental illness SMILES Center for IndepenDo you have a family member dent Living hosts its fifth an-

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14

August 10, 2009

REGIONAL NEWS -

Cont. from p. 6

before they speak (“Use your filter!”)

In the world of special education, these scripts are known as “social stories,” used to teach basic social skills. “It’s a mental checklist for things to think about when you’re interacting with other people,” explained Mandy Henderson, who works with the Fraser Asperger’s program. As part of the Fraser project, the students can transfer the videos onto their iPods, and replay them over and over, to drive the lessons home.

Jim Ball, an adviser to the Autism Society of America, said similar projects are popping up around the country. Some people are designing adaptations for smart phones, Palm Pilots and other devices to fill the same need, he said.

For information about the Fraser program, call 612-3319413 or go to www.fraser.org.

[Source: Star Tribune]

County agrees to improve access for the Deaf The Benton County Sheriff’s Department has agreed to improve the way it communicates with deaf and hard of hearing people. The agreement is the result of a settlement of claims brought by Mary Cervantes, a deaf woman who contacted the police several times in 2007.

In 2007, Cervantes was the victim of an assault. Officers arrived at the scene but could not communicate effectively with her. Her primary language is American Sign Language.

Cervantes’ husband, who is not deaf, was asked to interpret for the officers on several occasions. However, he is not a qualified interpreter.

Cervantes is pleased with the outcome of her claims. “I am happy that the Benton County Sheriff’s Department agreed to improve the way they communicate with deaf people,” she said, “I hope what happened to me never happens to another deaf person again.”

The settlement agreement between Cervantes, the Benton County Sheriff’s Department, and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights will create a system for ensuring that the sheriff’s department will provide qualified American Sign Language interpreters when needed to communicate effectively with deaf and hard of hearing members of the public. The system involves identifying a pool of qualified interpreters who are willing to work on weekends and after regular business hours. When an interpreter is necessary, the sheriff’s department will immediately contact the certified interpreters on its list. The list will be updated annually.

In addition, to increase the availability of qualified interpreters, the sheriff’s department will offer a free training to local interpreters concerning sheriff’s department procedures. This training is free and open to the public.

Cervantes is represented by the Minnesota Disability Law Center, a statewide project of the Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis offering free legal assistance to people with disabilities throughout Minnesota.

[Source: Minnesota Disability Law Center]

Service Dogs for Veterans Act introduced In July Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) and Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-G.A.) introduced the Service Dogs for Veterans Act, which will set up a pilot program within the Department of Veterans Affairs to pair service dogs with veterans who have physical or mental wounds, including PTSD. This bipartisan legislation marks Sen. Franken’s first piece of legislation since taking office. Additional co-sponsors are Sen. Lindsay Graham (RS.C.), Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-L.A.), Sen. Mark Begich (DA.K.), and Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-O.H.).

“As someone who’s spent time with our troops on USO tours to Iraq and Afghanistan, and met wounded warriors at Walter Reed and Bethesda [hospitals’], I feel a real obligation to the men

and women who have risked life and limb on our behalf,” said Franken. “There’s a huge return on investment here. Service dogs can do amazing things, and there is evidence to suggest that increasing their numbers would reduce the alarming suicide rate among veterans, decrease the number of hospitalizations, and lower the cost of medications and human care.”

“I have seen firsthand the therapeutic effects of service dogs assisting individuals,” said Isakson. “The potential they bring for the therapy and treatment of soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries should be studied.”

The Franken-Isakson Service Dogs for Veterans Act will pair a minimum of 200 veterans and dogs, or the minimum number necessary to produce scientifically valid results on the benefits of the use of the dogs (whichever is greater). It will ensure that 50 percent of veterans participating in the pilot program will be those who suffer primarily from mental health disabilities, and fifty percent those who suffer primarily from physical injuries or disabilities. It will also direct the VA to partner exclusively with non-profit agencies who do not charge for their animals, services, or lodging.

The scientific study of the pilot program will study both the therapeutic benefits to veterans, including quality of life benefits reported by the veterans; and the economic benefits of using service dogs, including savings on health care costs, such as reduced hospitalization and prescription drug use, and productivity and employment gains for the veterans.

The benefits of interaction with therapy and service dogs are welldocumented. Dogs are already used at the VA Medical Center at Fort Snelling in Minnesota. A July 26 Pioneer Press article described how dogs from the Wisconsin-based Home for Life Animal Sanctuary visit injured veterans through their Sit*Stay*Heal Program. Veterans in the polytrauma program enjoy monthly visits from the dogs.

[Source: Sen. Al Franken’s office, Pioneer Press]

Gag order reversed, names public Freeborn County District Court Judge Steve Schwab ruled July 14 to reverse a June gag order he issued that would have restricted the press’s use of victim’s names in the alleged abuse case at Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea. The judge’s decision means that individual news organizations must now decide whether to use alleged victims’ names outside of the courtroom once they are brought up in active court.

The order also denied a motion that would have restricted access to the names in the public court files.

“The court has to recognize that once the names of the alleged victims are used in court it becomes part of the public record and the court has no authority to restrict the use and dissemination of those names by those present or by the media,” Schwab’s order states. “The only thing the court can do is to ask the media and public to also be sensitive to the feelings and sensibilities of the alleged victims and their families.”

Assistant Freeborn County Attorney Erin O’Brien — who made the original motion for the protective order during defendant Brianna Broitzman’s contested omnibus hearing on June 29 — said in court that Schwab’s June ruling seemed to be more than she had intended. She said she hoped news entities and other parties watching the proceedings would be respectful of the involved victims and their personal information. The Minnesota Newspaper Association said that restricting the victim’s names would be a case of prior restraint of the media.

Broitzman and co-defendant Ashton Larson face at least 10 counts each related to alleged abuse at Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea, after a Minnesota Department of Health report into the matter was released last August. They and four other young women were involved in verbal, sexual and emotional abuse of 15 residents at the nursing home in Albert Lea. The

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residents suffered from mental degradation conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

[Source: Albert Lea Tribune]

Cornerstone removed, contents revealed.

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs removed the cornerstone from historic building 9 at the Minneapolis Veterans Home July 7. This ceremony also kicked off demolition of the existing structure and subsequent construction of a new 100 bed skilled nursing care facility on the site. Residents were moved from the current building 9 in November 2007 after structural problems were discovered.

Construction of the new facility is scheduled to be complete by fall of 2011. This project is funded in part, 65 percent, by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which awarded the state of Minnesota $17.5 million for demolition and construction of a replacement facility. Legislation was passed and signed by Governor Pawlenty approving a 35 percent state match of federal dollars. The state match is $10.1 million of the total project.

In an effort to preserve some of the historical elements from building 9, a number of original features and decor will be incorporated and displayed in the new building, including the cornerstone of building 9, dated at the start of construction on November 11, 1934.

A number of items were in the cornerstone. A military medal, pictures, a VFW magazine, a map and newspaper clippings were discovered, as were several historical books, including the “History of Hiawatha,” “Minnesota in the Civil War” and “Minnesota in the Indian War.” For a complete list of the time capsule content and pictures visit www.mdva.state.mn.us/ VeteransHomes/Minneapolis/ The Twin Cities facility is not the Department of Veterans Affairs’ only new facility going up in the state. On July 29 groundbreaking was held at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls, for a 33,000 square foot addition. Expansion plans include a 21 bed special care unit, a Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) and an expanded dining facility. The $9.5 million expansion project is slated for completion in January of 2011.

[Source: Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs]

ADAPT protests at Democratic National Committee In late July members of ADAPT held a vigil at the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in Washington, DC. The group was seeking a meeting with party leadership, Congressional leaders and White House staff on health care reform. ADAPT also wants an apology for the Democrats’ rile in establishing the institutional bias in longterm care and calling for the end of institutional bias in 2009.

ADAPT used the 19th anniversary of the ADA by calling on President Barak Obama and elected officials to commit to end the institutional bias in principle and in public policy, and to push for approval of the Community Choice Act. On July 24, Obama signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) at the White House. “We are pleased that the President has decided to do this, said Bob Kafka, an ADAPT organizer from Texas, “but ending the institutional bias in U.S. public policies would be a true test of the Obama Administration’s commitment to people with disabilities and to the principles in the UN Convention.”

At the Washington D.C. protest, the group was forced to cope with several electrical storms and torrential downpours that flooded the street with 6 inches of water. During the protest, DNC staff called the police on protestors when a woman with a developmental disability used a megaphone outside the building to pursue a response to ADAPT’s request for a meeting.

The DNC staff again called police when a “Gremlins” toy, belonging to the same woman, was placed on the stairs leading to the front door of the DNC headquarters. Finally, DNC staff contacted the federal Department of Transportation to have them remove the accessible port-a-john that ADAPT had delivered on Wednesday to a location nearby. “It seems they would prefer us to be ‘out of sight and out of mind’ like our brothers and sisters in nursing facilities and other institutions,” said Denise McMullin Powell of Delaware.

“We are very disappointed to see the DNC and Democratic leadership uniformly reject our demands,” said Tom Earle of Philadelphia. “However, we have been pleasantly surprised by the number of rank and file Democratic Members of Congress who have stopped to talk with us or even sought us out. We have definitely seen increasing support among these members for ending the institutional bias of Medicaid and for passing the Community Choice Act. [Source: ADAPT] ■

August 10, 2009

PEOPLE/PLACES - Cont. from p. 8 TECHNOLOGY -

15

Cont. from p. 3

gaming systems, was also people with developmental In evaluating the survey re- that all people with develophigher among Minnesota disabilities, technology ap- sults, significant differences are mental disabilities and their households that included mem- pears to be a more important found when comparing house- families receive the support bers with developmental dis- means for communicating with holds in urban and rural areas. they need for them to achieve abilities. Some 29 percent of public officials,” he said.

Only 34 percent of residents of greater independence and prothese households spent from MarketResponse Interna- rural areas report owning a com- ductivity, self-determination, $1,000 to $2,999 in this area tional reported that a total of puter with broadband Internet and integration and inclusion. during 2008, as compared to 382 households participated access. Almost twice as many MarketResponse Interna16 percent of the general popu- in the survey, which was con- rural residents, some 27 per- tional is a Minneapolis opinlation spending at that level. ducted earlier this year. cent, do not own a computer at ion research organization with Pearson said in many ways The research indicated that all, as opposed to 14 percent of substantial experience in qualihouseholds that include people only 14 percent of Minnesota Minnesota households overall tative and quantitative research with developmental disabili- households do not have a com- without a computer. studies in a range of indusElton John was one of the featured performers ties track the general popula- puter. A total of 13 percent of The Minnesota Governor’s tries, including consumer and at the Starkey Foundation gala in July. tion until it comes to the ques- the households surveyed have Council on Developmental business products and services, location. The agency moved comedy of Billy Crystal as tions regarding self-expression dial up Internet service, while Disabilities, a division of the health care, financial services to the Bandel Heights Busi- well as performances by and participation in public 66 percent have broadband Minnesota Department of Ad- and automotive, for clients in ness Park at 6301 Bandel Rd Gladys Knight, Tony Bennett, policy discussions. “For Internet access. ministration, works to assure the U.S. and internationally. ■ N.W., #605, Rochester. The Ethan Bortnick, and Nita agency is in the southwest cor- Whitaker. Elton John capped ner of the building. off the evening with a oneThe agency has not changed hour performance that inEmployment ads are $20-$22 per col. inch. Aug 31 is the deadline for the September 10 issue. its phone numbers, email ad- cluded such hits as “Rocket Mail to: Access Press, 1821 University Ave. #104S, St. Paul, MN 55104 dresses and Web site. Get more Man,” “Your Song,” “Daniel,” FAX 651-644-2136 • Email: access@accesspress.org information about the move at and “Circle of Life.” A live METROPOLITAN COUNCIL www.arcse-mn.org auction included a hearing METROPOLITAN COUNCIL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING mission trip to Kenya to fit NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS ON PROPOSED ✦✦✦✦✦ 5,000 people with hearing aids. ON ADOPTION OF PUBLIC HOUSING AGENCY PLAN TRANSIT FARES FOR DIAL-A-RIDE SERVICES An evening of entertainment That auction item earned the The Metropolitan Council’s Community Development Comand fundraising that included evening’s top bid of $250,000.

The Metropolitan Council will hold a series of public performances by Elton John, The evening would not have mittee will conduct a public hearing to receive public comment hearings to receive comments on proposed fare prices for Billy Crystal, Tony Bennett, been complete without the rec- on the proposed Public Housing Agency (PHA) 5-Year and Dial-a-Ride services, effective Jan. 1, 2010.

Annual Plan 2010-2014. and Gladys Knight resulted in For complete information on the proposed Dial-a-Ride The PHA Plan is a comprehensive guide to public housing fares and hearings scheduled, visit www.metrocouncil.org.

Starkey Hearing Foundation, “The event raised more the global leader in delivering than $5 million to agency policies, programs, operations and strategies for meet- All interested persons are encouraged to attend the hearings ing local housing needs and goals. It is submitted within and offer comments. Those attending may register in advance the gift of hearing, raising more than $5 million to support its support the foundation.” specific timeframes and according to the format required by the to speak by calling the Data Center at 651-602-1140. Public US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). comments at the hearings may be limited to 3-5 minutes per mission of helping the world to hear. Starkey Hearing Foun- ognition of others who have speaker. Contact the Data Center to indicate in advance that dation hosted its Ninth Annual made their own significant The public hearing will be held: 4 p.m., Monday, September you wish to speak, or to request accommodations for more “So the World May Hear” contributions to humanity. 21, 2009. Metropolitan Council. 390 Robert Street, Council meaningful participation. Two weeks advance notice, indiAwards Gala on, July 12 at the This year’s award recipients Chambers. St. Paul, MN 55101. cating the specific accommodation needed, is appreciated.

RiverCentre in St. Paul. The included comedian Norm Please include the date, place and time of the hearing you will funds raised will enable the Crosby; the 1961 New York The Housing Agency Plan is available for public review at the attend. For questions, please telephone 651-602-1140. foundation to distribute 50,000 Yankees, who were repre- HRA administrative offices located at 390 Robert St. in St. hearing aids to children in need sented by Moose Skowron, Paul, and on the Metropolitan Council’s website at http:// The Council will also receive comments on the proposed worldwide.

Whitey Ford, Ralph Terry, www.metrocouncil.org/housing/HRA/plan.htm. fares through Sept. 28 as follows (comments must be re“Elton John. Billy Crystal. Bob Turley, and Mickey ceived by 5 p.m.): Tony Bennett. Gladys Knight. Mantle’s son David Mantle; All interested persons are encouraged to attend the hearing and What a line-up, and what a Minnesota philanthropists and offer comments. People may register in advance to speak by Written comments: Metropolitan Council Data Center, 390 magnificent evening of enter- business leaders Marilyn and calling Sue Putz at 651-602-1584 or TTY at 651-291-0904. N. Robert St., St. Paul, 55101 tainment, celebration and gen- Dr. Glen Nelson; and Rayovac, Upon request, the Council will provide a reasonable accommoerosity., the kind of generosity a long-time supporter of dation to persons with disabilities. In addition to speaking at Fax comments to: Data Center at 651-602-1464 that is simply unprecedented. Starkey Hearing Foundation. the hearing, comments may be made in the following ways: The kind of generosity that is Starkey Hearing Foundation Send TTY comments to: Data Center at 651-291-0904 born of passion and commit- delivers hearing instruments via Send comments to: Sue Putz, Metro HRA, 390 Robert St., St. Paul, MN 55101 Email: data.center@metc.state.mn.us ment. the kind of generosity hearing missions in 86 counthat will allow us to open the tries. Founded by William F. world as we know it—a world Austin in 1984 with the vision Fax comments to: Sue Putz at (651)602-1313 Record comments on Council’s Public Comment Line: of music, laughter, language, So the World May Hear, count651-602-1500. and love—to kids all over the less numbers of lives are touched Send TTY comments to: Data Center at 651-291-0904 world by giving them the gift by better hearing through of hearing,” said William F. Starkey Hearing Foundation Email: data.center@metc.state.mn.us Austin, founder of Starkey missions. The organization Hearing Foundation.

Web address is www.starkey Record comments on Council’s Public Comment Line: 651-602-1500.

The evening featured the hearingfoundation. org ■ Reach 11,000 Active, Interested Readers with Access Press Classifieds. $13 up to 12 words, 60¢/word thereafter. Must be prepaid. Mail with check to: Full lives for people with disabilities Access Press, 1821 University Ave W, #104S, St. Paul, MN 55104 • 651-644-2133 FOR RENT

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August 10, 2009

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