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“We work to become, not to acquire.”
■ Precinct caucuses–pg 3 ■ People and Places–pg 5 ■ Directory of Organizations–pp 7-10
— Elbert Hubbard
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Volume 21, Number 1
Minnesota’s Disability
Community Newspaper
January 10, 2010
2009 year in review by Jane McClure January Gloomy state forecast, film has premiere Minnesotans and the state agencies and programs that serve them were looking at a difficult 2009 legislative session. Unallotment of state funds in December 2008 was one worry. Another was Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s announcement that he would not support spending reductions for the military, veterans, K-12 education and public safety. That meant human services programs would be more vulnerable to cuts. Pawlenty had announced that there would be an overall state budget deficit of $35 billion. Disability organizations planned a Disability Advocacy Day in February, and organized other rallies to draw attention to disability community issues and the need for continued state funding. However, most community leaders conceded that it would be a
very tough year. Health and human services make up about 28 percent of state spending, putting the programs in the bull’s-eye for cuts. Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD) had prepared an extensive legislative agenda, after committees had spent several months working on topic areas including personal care attendants (PCAs), housing and employment. ALSO IN THE NEWS: Writer Mai Thor continued her Pregnancy Journal, describing how a disability affected a high-risk pregnancy. The cumulative impact of aging and cerebral palsy was the focus of the Health Matters column. The People and Places column featured photojournalist Dan Habib’s film, Including Samuel. The film focused on Samuel, who has cerebral palsy. Samuel is Dan Habib’s son. Best Buy’s corporate
headquarters hosted the premiere. Accomplishments of the Qwest Community Advisory Panel were outlined.
February Service dog is denied, a royal spotlight on ASL Newman, a service dog belonging to eight-year-old Wally LaBerge, could not accompany the boy to his classes in St. Paul Public Schools. Wally is autistic and has had the service dog since May 2008. Wally’s parents Victoria and Tim were considering their options in light of the school district’s decision. Wally’s parents said Newman keeps their son calm and focused, and helped him in school. But after a trial period school district officials said the dog couldn’t remain in school with Wally. Cecelia Dodge, director of special education for the school district, said the dis-
trict could not comment on the LaBerge case. St. Paul Public Schools allow dogs to be tried in a classroom on a case-by-case basis, looking at whether or not a student is making progress with the help of a dog, and how the student and dog relate to
other students. Dodge did note that service dogs for persons with autism are a newer trend that the school district is tracking closely. Meanwhile the LaBerges were weighing their options. Newman was the first Hearing and Service Dogs of
Minnesota animal trained for work in a school. ALSO IN THE NEWS: A state audit of personal care agencies and the assistants they provide was released, and immediately generated debate. The 2009 St. Paul Winter 2009 review - cont. on p. 13
GAMC will end, but at what price for Minnesotans?
Protesters stood outside of the Governor’s Mansion in St. Paul, in December, reading the names of those who will be affected by the end of General Assistance Medical Care.
by Jane McClure On March 1 General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) will end, not only putting thousands of Minnesotans at risk, but it could also cause financial problems for the Minne-
sotaCare health care program and its participants as well. State lawmakers, health care providers and numerous advocacy groups are scrambling to keep a financial meltdown from happening.
When the 2010 Minnesota Legislature convenes Feb. 4, at least two proposals to address the end of GAMC will be introduced. The goal of many state lawmakers is to have a plan ready to be voted
on early in the session. Until then several groups are working to draw attention to the difficult situation the end of GAMC is creating. In December, activists and GAMC recipients participated in a statewide event meant to draw attention to the cuts. At various locations they read the names of the 30,000-plus GAMC recipients who will be affected by the program’s end. Many of the roughly 36,000 people covered by GAMC are mentally ill or have other disabilities. Gov. Tim Pawlenty line-item vetoed GAMC funding in 2009 to help balance the state’s budget. At the time Pawlenty said most GAMC clients could be moved into MinnesotaCare, a health care program that provides coverage for many low-income working Minnesotans. But at a Dec. 14 joint hearing of House committees on health care and human services, Minnesota Department
of Human Services Commissioner Cal Ludeman said that moving GAMC participants to MinnesotaCare would put the MinnesotaCare’s funding into deficit by July 2011. Ludeman said the intent of DHS is to make transitions from GAMC to MinnesotaCare as “seamless” as possible and that DHS is committed to helping GAMC clients with the transition. But the transition will have costs and not just to MinnesotaCare. At the Dec. 14 hearing, representatives of hospitals, health care providers, health care workers, social workers and county governments spoke of the ripple effect of costs they will be facing. Lawmakers have many concerns about the transition as well. Rep. Tom Huntley, DFLDuluth, questioned whether many of the current GAMC clients would be able to make the transition. He also worried
aloud that working Minnesotans who have no option other than MinnesotaCare would be kicked off of that program. Many of those trying to save GAMC see their efforts as interim measures, meant to fill the gap between now and a time when federal health care reform is adopted by Congress. But any federal changes aren’t expected to take effect for a couple of years at the earliest. Two proposals were reviewed Dec. 14 by the joint committee, before a packed hearing room. Many of those present, from the Save GAMC Coalition, wore red and white stickers in support of the program. Rep. Erin Murphy, DFL-St. Paul, said the DFL’s proposal is a “work in progress.” That plan would restore $292 million of GAMC’s $396 million budget through a combination of county and federal funds, a hospital surcharge and cuts to GAMC - cont. on p. 4
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January 10, 2010
Tim Benjamin, Editor
On a 3-degree Minnesota winter day, I’m not feeling very optimistic. We hear horror stories about the number of homeless that are out in this frigid weather, and too often we imagine, or are presented with, just the stereotype: middle-aged males with chronic alcoholism. But
there is a larger percentage of homeless families and teens than there were 10 years ago. Stereotypcal or “new” homeless, how can any person survive in this cold? What terrible things have happened to these folks to put them in such dire straits? Again, too often we answer these questions with stereotypes: bad parenting, laziness, mental illness, unwillingness to conform and a hundred other reasons that are “beyond our control.” But, do we really believe that these are simply the problems of individuals and we can’t do anything to help? That’s what it seems like we’re saying as a society in allowing so much homelessness. I’m in my house with the heat on, as I hope you are, and I’m still cold. Soon, many of these homeless will be heading to our emergency rooms to get relief from frostbite or other ailments that are caused by exposure to the weather and deplorable conditions. They’ll have no health coverage and if they don’t live, or can’t prove they live, in the
county that that emergency room is in, they’ll be sent away. Who will have the job of telling the middle-aged alcoholic with fingers and toes falling off, or the 16 year old who has been abused at home, that they’ll have to find medical help elsewhere? In hospitals across the state, individuals will have to speak with the voice of Minnesota and say, “Sorry; we are not able to care for you.” A group of six individuals has taken Governor Pawlenty to court for overstepping his power when he used the unallotment tool to eliminate funding for several state programs. A Ramsey County District Court judge has put a temporary restraining order on the cuts to the Minnesota Supplemental Aid special diet program. The ruling reverses the cut and authorizes payments retroactive to November 1, pending a hearing in the case set for March 1. In some cases these diets were saving people’s lives. In any case, it is better for them to have good
nutrition, and probably more cost-effective for the state of Minnesota to pay for their special diets. The same thing is going to happen with General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC). People will be losing their ability to get health care and the results will be very expensive to us all. How can we continue to allow the health of our communities to deteriorate to the point where it costs us all more to maintain people’s quality of life, because we didn’t pay for the upfront needs? It’s silly. We have to find new ways of creating revenue and continue looking for areas that can be made more cost-effective. We have to have opportunities for the creative to be creative. That has always been the backbone of Minnesota: give people an opportunity, and they’ll find mines, build computers, design medical equipment and even manufacture Scotch tape and Post-it notes. We have to find ways to cut excess cost in many of our programs, yes, but without it costing more
later. We have to build up our middle-class population again, it doesn’t work having only rich and the poor. We have to have education and opportunities in order to create new and ingenious ways of producing new products and services that in turn will create new revenue. It all sounds so simple. . . but of course it’s not and I am not so naïve to think that it could all be solved by one action or one legislative session; it has to be a group of actions and a long trend of sessions. We all have to be part of the movement that creates the positive actions. We all have to give back, in some fashion. I think that the next two years will be very critical for the health and welfare of all the disability community at the state and federal levels, as we set a direction of progress or regression and loss. At the top of my list is personal care assistance (PCA) programs. For many of us, having an education, having transportation, and even have a good job won’t help us if we
don’t have anyone to get us out of bed in the morning. We can’t let the PCA program be dismantled without a fight. Like many of you, I would rather avoid confrontation than face it head-on, but it’s looking like a fight will be necessary! Hopefully, we will be allowed to state our cases and tell our stories to convince our leaders that these programs are not conveniences for us, they are absolute necessities to maintain a good quality of life and be productive citizens. What’s first on your legislative priorities? Running throughout the upcoming session will be a lot of electioneering. Minnesota’s next governor will have to make some difficult decisions. We should all take a close look at our page three article and take the suggested actions, coming up with our own ways of distinguishing, who should be the gubernatorial candidate that will fit our beliefs and our philosophy of Minnesota life. ■
History Note
An early challenge: locating deaf and blind students by Luther Granquist The 1858 law establishing the Minnesota State Institution for the Education of the Deaf and Dumb required that its Board of Trustees include in annual reports “the names, ages and residences of deaf mutes ascertained to be in the State, who have not attended the school.” This “child find” requirement of Minnesota’s first law providing for special education services reflected the concern of proponents of the new school that all deaf children in the state have the opportunity to attend. The school finally opened in September 1863 in a temporary location in downtown
Faribault. Laws passed in 1863 and 1864 authorized blind children to also be admitted. The Minnesota Legislature appropriated funds for a permanent building in 1866. In 1874 the trustees recognized the need for a separate program for blind students and purchased Alexander Faribault’s Second Empire-style House for that purpose. Throughout this early period their annual reports continued to include a “List of Deaf and Dumb and Blind children in the state who have not attended this school.” The state provided no other support for education of deaf and blind children until 1915,
when they were included in a law allowing public schools to provide special classes for children with disabilities and providing limited support for school districts which chose to do so. “Child find” provisions appeared again in a 1931 law that compelled each school to prepare a list of deaf and blind students who were not attending either the School for the Deaf or the School for the Blind in Faribault. That law also compelled parents to send their deaf or blind students to one of these schools if the child could not, because of the disability, benefit from “the methods of instruction in
Access Press Co-Founder/Publisher (1990-1996) .................................................. Wm. A. Smith, Jr. Co-Founder/Publisher/Editor-in-Chief (1990-2001) ....................... Charles F. Smith Board of Directors .............................. Brigid Alseth, Mike Chevrette, Kelly Matter, Anita Schermer, Carrie Selberg, Tom Squire and Kay Willshire Editor ......................................................................................................... Tim Benjamin Assistant Editor ......................................................................................... Jane McClure Business Manager ................................................................................. Dawn Frederick Cartoonist ..................................................................................................... Scott Adams Production ...................................................... Ellen Houghton at Presentation Images Distribution ......................................................................................... S. C. Distribution Advertising Sales Manager ................................................................... Raymond Yates Access Press is a monthly tabloid newspaper published for persons with disabilities by Access Press, Ltd. Circulation is 10,000, distributed the 10th of each month through more than 200 locations statewide. Approximately 650 copies are mailed directly to individuals, including political, business, institutional and civic leaders. Subscriptions are available for $30/yr. Low-income, student and bulk subscriptions are available at discounted rates. Editorial submissions and news releases on topics of interest to persons with disabilities, or persons serving those with disabilities, are welcomed. We reserve the right to edit all submissions. Editorial material does not necessarily reflect the view of the editor/publisher of Access Press. Paid advertising is available at rates ranging from $12 to $28 per column inch, depending on size and frequency of run. Classified ads are $14, plus 65 cents per word over 12 words. Advertising and editorial deadlines are the last day of the month preceding publication, except for employment ads, which are due by the 25th. Inquiries should be directed to: Access Press • 1821 University Ave. W. • Suite 104S St. Paul, Minnesota 55104 • 651-644-2133 • Fax 651-644-2136 Email: access@accesspress.org • Web site: www.accesspress.org
vogue in the public schools.” Subsequent laws made it a misdemeanor for a parent to fail to do so. Today’s laws include child find provisions for all children with disabilities, but no comparable list would ever be published. Parents are not required to send a deaf or blind child to the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf or the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind. But the academies remain an option for children with those disabilities, an option often sought when the child does not benefit from the
The first school for the blind in Minnesota Photo courtesy of Rice County Historical Society methods of instruction pro- Council on Developmental vided by the local school. ■ Disabilities, www.mncdd.org and www. partnersinpolicy The History Note is a making.com monthly column sponsored by the Minnesota Governor's
January 10, 2010
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Attend on February 2nd
Precinct caucuses offer a chance to get involved by Mai Thor 2010 brings with an election that bears importance on the lives of people with disabilities throughout Minnesota. Minnesotans will be electing a new governor and new legislators. For some, it may seem a little early to be thinking about the November’s elections. However, the race for governor has already started and disability community involvement is needed more then ever. Anne Henry from the Minnesota Disability Law Center said that the new governor will play an important role in balancing the budget and protecting programs that directly impact the lives of people with disabilities. Incumbent Gov, Tim Pawlenty announced last year he would not seek re-election. The candidates running for governor have put on their running shoes and are already racing to Minnesota’s top seat. But why should citizens get involved at this early point? Precinct caucuses are just around the corner. For the DFL, Independence, Republican, Constitu-
tion and Green parties, caucuses are at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2. The Libertarian Party has decided not to hold caucuses this year. Precinct caucuses are party meetings, held at the local level, for all people to gather and discuss candidates whom are running for office. Another purpose of the caucuses is to discuss public policy and political issues. Caucus attendees may also be asked to vote in straw polls for state or federal elected offices. One outcome leading from caucus night for candidates is party endorsement. For caucus attendees, the outcome may be to become a delegate or alternate to a political party’s county or district convention. Those picked to attend a district convention can in turn be elected as delegates to congressional and state conventions. Caucus attendees may also run for precinct offices sand be responsible for political activities in their precincts. Another important part of caucus night is the introduction of and voting on resolu-
tions, which could eventually become part of party and candidates’ platforms. Each political party has a platform that outlines the party’s position on numerous issues, including issues affecting the disability community. The platform is developed through the passage of resolutions at the state conventions. Platforms can be used to influence laws and policies. Resolutions start at the precinct caucus level. Any participant at the caucuses may introduce a resolution for a vote. Some resolutions are passed without debate. Sometimes there is debate. Usually debate is limited by the caucus chairperson, with just a few speakers for and a few speakers against the resolution. Or the chair may impose time limits. Then a vote is taken. Resolutions passed at the precinct caucuses are taken by party officials to the next level, a district convention. Resolutions passed out of the district go to the congressional district and state conventions. Because resolutions have to
come from at least two different precinct caucuses to be considered by the district delegates, disability advocacy groups and all other advocacy groups are spending time this winter preparing resolutions. Groups often put resolutions online, so that the resolutions can be printed out and taken to the convention. Resolutions must be submitted in writing and most caucus leaders require that the resolutions be transcribed onto a specific form. Ask party officials or representatives of advocacy groups before the caucuses if you have questions about preparing a resolution. One reason for more caucus involvement from the disability community is for people to weigh in on the state budget cuts made in 2009, such as cuts to waiver services and personal care assistant (PCA) programs. Precinct caucuses provide an opportunity for all citizens to meet with candidates and campaign workers, and let them know what government services and programs have been lost during these
difficult times. Candidates will want to hear ideas for making programs more cost-effective, without hurting the most vulnerable in our state. Disability organizations are also watching the governor’s race, races for state offices and the 2010 legislative elections. Several organizations are encouraging members and clients to get involved in the precinct caucus process. The Minnesota Consortium on Citizens with Disabilities, The Arc of Minnesota and other groups are also preparing sample resolutions that caucus-goers can take to the caucuses. According to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office, precinct caucuses are supposed to be held in accessible locations. But as some caucusgoers found out in 2008 that was not the case. Contact local party officials before going to a precinct caucus to find out more about access, parking and other issues. One complaint about the 2008 caucuses was that in schools and other public places where caucuses were held, seating was uncomfort-
able for senior citizens and people with disabilities. The Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office urges anyone needing interpretive service, needing caucus materials in alternative formats or with questions about physical access to contact his or her political party’s state office. Anyone wanted to vote, offer resolutions or become a delegate at a precinct caucus must be eligible to vote in the 2010 general election. Caucuses are open to the public. Persons must attend the precinct caucus where they live. Persons also need to attend the caucus of the party with a philosophy they are generally in agreement with. A person cannot attend more than one caucus per year. Political parties can help attendees find their caucus location. The Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office will have a “caucus finder” posted in January, to help people find caucus locations. The main Web page is www.sos.mn.us ■ Assistant Editor Jane McClure contributed to this article.
PCA service reductions, impacts need clarification From Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD) The Minnesota Disability Law Center and MN-CCD are working together to get the word out about personal care assistant (PCA) service reductions or termination notices. Law Center staff believe that it is likely that many people haven’t been given the required 30 days in which to appeal proposed cuts to their services. One situation involves a client who got notice three days before the cuts are to be effective. Please see attached letter to Commission Ludeman sent by the Disability Law Center yesterday. Law Center staff emphasize that it is very important that everyone who gets a Notice of PCA Termination or Hours Reduction immediately request an appeal in writing. In that same letter, the affected person should request that PCA services continue pending appeal. The letters are best faxed to reach officials more quickly, Also, it’s important for anyone whose service is threatened with cuts to contact his or her PCA provider know that of the pending appeal, and that there is a request for continuing PCA services pending appeal. One concern disability community leaders have is that some public health personnel may be spreading misinformation about PCA services, the pending cuts and the possibility of elimination of services in the future. Information about the PCA
changes can be found at the The following letter was sent Disability Law Center Web in December 2009 to DHS site: www.mylegalaid.org/ Commissioner Cal Ludeman. mdlc/current-projects/pcaDear Commissioner Ludechanges man: I am writing you to express Mail or fax the appeal and the Minnesota Disability Law request for continued services Center’s (MDLC) serious conto: Appeals Office, MN De- cerns regarding the Minnesota partment of Human Services, Department of Human SerP.O. Box 64941, St. Paul, MN vices’ (DHS) notices being 55164-0941; Phone: 651-431- sent to individuals whose Per3600; Fax: 651-431-7523 sonal Care Assistance (PCA) Keep a copy of the mailed hours are being terminated or or faxed letter. reduced. The MDLC is the The Disability Law Center federally mandated Protection will not be able to represent and Advocacy agency for Mineveryone who needs help to nesotans with disabilities. appeal, but is especially interAs you are aware, the Minested in hearing from people nesota Legislature changed the who are terminated totally eligibility requirements for the from PCA services or who will PCA program during the last have to move out of their home legislative session. As a result or apartment due to the cut in of the changes to the program, hours of PCA services. The thousands of individuals with web link contains a list of or- disabilities are going to be terganizations to contact for help minated from the PCA prowith PCA appeals. gram or have their PCA hours More information will be reduced. Beginning this Deprovided through MN-CCD as cember, DHS has been sendmore is learned about the legal ing notices to these individuissues and the serious impact als. I understand that these inthat the cuts are having on the dividuals receive three doculives of persons with disabili- ments informing them of ties. DHS’s action, one from their
county or health plan (page one of PCA Assessment— Attachment 1) and two from DHS. Recipients receive a Home Care Services Appeal Notice (Appeal Notice—Attachment 2) and a MA Home Care Prior Authorization, Denial, Termination, or Reduction Notice (DTR Notice— Attachment 3) from DHS. These documents do not provide specific information to recipients about the action being taken and do not comply with federal and state law. Due Process DHS’s Appeal Notice and DTR Notice, whether viewed separately or combined, violate the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. To sat-
isfy due process, an agency, such as DHS, contemplating a termination or reduction of public assistance benefits must provide the recipient timely and adequate notice detailing the reasons for the proposed termination and an effective opportunity to appeal the cut. See Goldberg v. Kelly, 297 U.S. 254, 267-68 (1970). The PCA notices DHS is sending to individuals do not provide the individual with timely and adequate notice or an effective opportunity to challenge the cut. Although the DTR Notice informs individuals whether their PCA services have been denied, reduced, or terminated, neither it, nor the Appeal Notice, provides the individual with the rationale for the deci-
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sion as 42 C.F.R. § 431.210 requires. Granted, the DTR Notice advises individuals to review their PCA assessment for more detailed information about the basis for the termination or reduction. However, the individual does not receive the assessment contemporaneously with the DTR and ApPCA- cont. on p. 4
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January 10, 2010
GAMC -
Cont. from p. 1
levies, picking up more health Hospital workers, social unallotment and to make cuts, care costs would mean cutting workers and advocates for the and to hold the line on propother programs. Keith Carlson, homeless expressed fears that erty taxes. “Then after all of executive director of the Met- many GAMC clients would that, boom! We’re effectively ropolitan Inter-County Asso- get no care at all after March 1. thrown off of a cliff with the ciation (MICA), questioned One outreach workers for St. elimination of GAMC,” he whether counties could pick Stephen’s programs out of said. up any additional costs beyond Minneapolis brought a twoDavid Godfrey, public what they are doing now. foot stack of client files. Some policy program manager for Hospitals and health care questioned how homeless HCMC, outlined health care providers also raised issues. people would be able to pay management strategies that Hennepin County Medical MinnesotaCare premiums, be could be used for current Center and Regions Hospital, able to enroll in programs or GAMC enrollments, such as and the Minnesota Hospital even handle basic program medical home or accountable Association, were on hand too details. care models. “Doing nothing address the issues. HCMC, for Hennepin County Commis- is not an option,” Godfrey said. example would lose $40 mil- sioner Mike Opat asked legisFor more information on lion per year with the end of lators to understand the chal- Save GAMC and on upcomGAMC. Regions Hospital lenges the county is already ing proposals and events, go would lose $24 million and facing. Opat said Hennepin to http://www.osjspm.org/ Mike Graven was among those reading the names of GAMC clients at the protest. Fairview-University Hospital County officials have worked savegamc.aspx ■ hard to deal with state A second proposal, intro- sotaCare. Part of his plan calls would lose $14.7 million. reimbursements to hospitals. There would also be a push to duced by Rep. Matt Dean, R- for a county-based medical get people with disabilities into Dellwood, would put GAMC home care model. other programs, such as Med- recipients into MinnesotaBut both legislative proposicaid or Supplemental Secu- Care, but provide coverage als are raising red flags. Advospecific to their needs. Some cates agree that while GAMC rity Income (SSI). Murphy said the DFL promay not be the best program, posal would continue to pro- “GAMC has truly simply shifting clients to vide access for health care to MinnesotaCare isn’t an option those served by GAMC, while been a safety net for for a myriad of reasons. Sevprotecting jobs in the health people who lack eral people who work with the care sector. The proposal, deill, chemically depenhousing and live on mentally veloped with help from DHS, dent and homeless described drew from a variety of re- the margins,” said the many problems their clisources including visits to nine Maureen O’Connell ents already face in finding “safety-net” hospitals. health care. “GAMC has truly “As a legislator and a nurse of Legal Aid. been a safety net for people I know this is not a perfect who lack housing and live on solution,” Murphy said. It will current GAMC recipients the margins,” said Maureen not help all who are currently would be in the current O’Connell of Legal Aid. on GAMC. “The cuts are deep MinnesotaCare program, For Minnesota’s counties, and the consequences of those while others would be in a which have already set their The protesters braved bitterly cold conditions. cuts are going to be real.” modified version of Minne- 2010 budgets and property tax
PCA -
Cont. from p. 3
peal Notice. In fact, this crucial assessment is mailed to the individual by an agency other than DHS and on a statutorily prescribed time schedule that runs distinct and independent of the DTR and Appeal Notices mailing timeframe. As a result, in some cases an individual might not receive the assessment until two weeks after receipt of the DTR and Appeal Notices. This disconnect between the mailing of the notices and the assessment fails to provide individuals with due process. First, the separate mailings create unnecessary confusion for the individuals who are attempting to understand the rationale for the termination or reduction of their PCA services. Second, they effectively deprive individuals of the right to a full 30 days in which to decide whether to appeal since the individual may not receive
the assessment until well after the receipt of the Appeal and DTR Notice have presumably triggered the running of the 30 day period. The Alaska Supreme Court recently found that the Alaska Department of Health & Social Services (HSS) violated the Due Process Clause when it failed to sufficiently inform Personal Care Attendant program beneficiaries of the basis for reductions in service coverage. Baker v. State, Department of Health and Social Services, 191 P.3d 1005 (Alaska 2008). The Court held that the Due Process Clause required that HSS mail the PCA assessment together with the notice of reduction to ensure the individual is able to understand the basis for HSS’ decision. Id. Like the notices being sent out in the Alaska case, the PCA reduction notices DHS is sending out violate the Due Pro-
cess Clause as they do not include the PCA assessment in the same mailing. To provide effective, advance notice, DHS must mail the Appeal Notice and the DTR Notice together with the PCA assessment. Further, not only must DHS mail the Appeal Notice, DTR Notice, and PCA assessment in the same mailing, it also must provide at least 30 days notice before taking any adverse action. Currently, it appears that in some cases DHS has been providing recipients with less than 30 days notice before a termination or reduction in benefits. However, Minnesota law clearly provides that a recipient of PCA services is entitled to at least 30 days notice before any adverse action is taken. Minn. Stat. § 256B.059, subdiv. 30. Therefore, DHS must provide complete information about the action being taken, and the legal and factual reasons for the action to every recipient at least 30 days before any termination or cut is made. Appeal Notice The Appeal Notice that DHS sends out conflicts with state law. The Appeal Notice is unclear and confusing regarding the time period a recipient has to request an appeal and keep services pending appeal. It
states that “you have 30 days from the day you get this notice to send your appeal.” That is correct. However, the sixth paragraph of the Appeal Notice states: To keep the same services and hours until the State decides your appeal, you must send your appeal: • Within 10 days of the date in the upper left hand corner of the notice, or • before the “EFFECTIVE DATE” to the right of your name on this notice. This sentence is incorrect and violates Minnesota Statute Section 256B.0659, subdivision 30, which mandates recipients have at least 30 days notice before any reduction and that a recipient be allowed to request continued services pending an appeal within the 30 day appeal period. This sentence limiting recipients to just 10 days to maintain benefits must be removed from the Appeal Notice for the notice to comply with state law. The second to last paragraph of the Appeal Notice is entitled, “How to Prepare for Your Appeal.” This paragraph is also misleading. First, it assumes that every hearing will be an in-person hearing. In practice, unless a recipient requests an in-person hearing,
DHS generally schedules a telephone hearing. Second, the notice says nothing about the right to a telephone hearing. It implies that an individual appealing must have an in-person hearing before a Human Services Judge. Minnesota law clearly provides the right to a telephone hearing. See Minn. Stat. § 256.045, subdiv. 4. The Appeal Notice should be corrected to inform recipients of their right to a telephone hearing.
fore, the “will” in the abovementioned sentence of the Appeal Notice must be changed to “may.” Finally, with regard to the Appeal Notice, it would be helpful if individuals receiving the notice had the fax number for DHS’s Appeals and Regulations Division so that they could fax in their request for appeal. Currently, it only contains the mailing address and the telephone number for the Appeals and Regulations Division. The Appeal Notice Other Concerns should be updated to add the The paragraph beginning Appeals and Regulations Diwith “Your Duty if You Lose vision fax number. Your Appeal” states that “If you continue to receive the Conclusion same services and hours and The MDLC has already exyou lose your appeal, the law pressed a number of our consays the State will bill you.” cerns to staff in DHS’s DisHowever, in the next paragraph ability Services Division. Unthe Appeal Notice states that fortunately, our concerns have “If your services stay the same, not been addressed. Therefore, and you lose your appeal, the we are asking you to address State may bill you.” These the deficiencies in the notices two sentences are inconsistent in order to ensure that indiand misleading. State law does viduals are receiving the efnot require the state bill indi- fective notice that the law reviduals who receive benefits quires. during the appeal and ultiPlease contact me in writing mately lose their appeal. Min- within the next two weeks to nesota Statute Section 256.045 let me know what steps DHS is only provides that the state or taking to cure its legally insufcounty has a claim for medical ficient notices. Thank you for assistance payments provided your attention to this matter. pending appeal if the recipient Justin M. Page is deemed ineligible. ThereStaff Attorney
January 10, 2010
5
People and places
News about people in our community compiled by Access Press staff
Mower County woman remembered Lavonne Marie Mallan, an Arc Mower County volunteer, Special Olympics coach and friend to many in that region, has passed away. Mallan, 59, was fatally injured in a motor vehicle accident on Dec. 5 in Humansville, MO where she lived. She had lived in Oak Grove in Mower County before moving to Missouri. Funeral services were held in Humansville with Father Pat Wissman officiating. Arc staff and volunteers in Mower County remembered Mallan as great asset to the Special Olympics program, not only as a coach but a friend to all of the athletes. She was honored on the cover of the Arc Mower County January 2010 Visions newsletter. Memorials in honor of Mallan may be directed to Arc Mower County, 400 3rd Av. NE, Austin, MN 55912.
Radio Talking Book DVDs still available Radio Talking Book, a program of State Services for the Blind, has wound up its 40-year anniversary, which was marked in 2009 with a DVD and program produced by Twin Cities Public Television, DVD release parties were held throughout the last in 2009 to make the anniversary. The final two parties were held in Grand Rapids and Mankato, with the help of Grand Rapids Volunteer Coordinator Linda Johnson and Mankato ophthalmologist Oscar Anderson, M.D. Copies of the DVD were part of the 2009 Communication Center Annual Report, but if individuals wish to have another copy, please contact the Communication Center at 651-6420500 or 1-800-652-9000.
Christmas pageant is featured
Shakopee, from Norwood and Young America to Woodbury. before,” said Judy Barclay, President Emeritus and C0-Founder of the Full Life Ahead Foundation. “Families, individuals and He also serves as an advisor to other churches. educators now have quick and easy access to the proven New data base unveiled resources used by the Foundation to successfully bring hope Youth, families, and professionals will have an easier time into the lives of those with disA-bilities.” finding organizations that provide services to youth, including Visitors to the website can watch videos or read personal those with disabilities, thanks to a new statewide online data- testimonies of individuals who, through the transition services base created by Project C3: Connecting Minnesota Youth, provided by FLAF, are now achieving their dreams of employFamilies, & Professionals to Communities and Careers ment, lifestyle and beyond. (c3online.org). The Foundation’s highly successful HOPE TEAM plan is More than 150 youth with disabilities from across the state of also outlined on the new Web site. One of the building blocks Minnesota participated in the Project C3 internship program to success used by FLAF staff and partners, this plan walks that not only built the unique “Resource Map” database, but users through a step-by-step process of building support bealso helped interns develop critical work skills. tween and in communities and families so that individuals can Anyone can search the database of more than 1,000 partici- discover, set and realize goals and dreams. A video describing pating organizations for resources in employment, transporta- the HOPE TEAM approach is also available for viewing. tion, housing, education, health, and recreation at c3online.org. Click on “C3” MN to access the resource map featuring Sports champs crowned Minnesota youth services throughout the state. After typing in The Minnesota State High School League has honored its what you are searching for and a town or zip code, a map and first adapted sports champions for the 2009-2010 academic resources will appear. year, in soccer. The Park Center High School Pirates repeated “The goal of C3 is to help young adults with and without as the cognitive impairments or CI champion. The Robbinsdale/ disabilities prepare for employment or to continue their educa- Hopkins/Mound-Westonka Robins took the physical impairtion after high school,” said Andrea Moore, C3 Youth Re- ments or PI title, also defending its 2008 title. sources Coordinator. “With C3’s database, students can find In the PI division, Robbins-dale/Hopkins/Mound-Westonka valuable resources that can help them meet their goals.” began tournament play as the top seed in the North Division. Project C3 is a partnership of several Minnesota state agen- The Hawks of Dakota United were the top seed in the South cies and PACER Center, a nonprofit agency serving Minnesota Division. families of children and youth with disabilities. Partners inRobbinsdale defeated St. Paul Highland Park in the first clude the Minnesota Department of Employment and Eco- round, and then topped Mounds View/Irondale/Roseville in nomic Development, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and the second round. The Robins faced Anoka-Hennepin the the Minnesota Department of Education. championship game, which ended in a shootout after a 4-4 tie. Organizations can still have their program featured on Robbinsdale scored twice in the shootout to win. c3online.org. “Participating is free, and makes it easier for Other teams in the PI division were South Suburban, Park youth, families, and professionals to find the service,” Moore Center and St. Paul Humboldt. Mounds View/Irondale/Roseville said. To add an organization or service to the Web site, visit won the third place title, defeating Dakota United. South c3online.org, click on “C3 MN” to access the resource map, Suburban defeated Park Center for the consolation title. Park Center’s CI team also includes players from Maple then click on “Add a Resource” and “Join Now.” Organizations can also call PACER at 800-537-2237 or 952-838-9000 and Grove and Osseo. The Pirates began the tournament seeded third in the North Division, with Anoka-Hennepin holding the ask for Andrea Moore. top spot. The Pirates defeated Chaska/Chanhassen/Prior LakeShakopee in the first round of play, and then topped Mounds Duluth resident is honored A Duluth woman was honored in December by Minnesota View/Iron-dale/Roseville to make the finals. Park Center and Secretary of State Mark Ritchie. Galen White was given the South Suburban made the finals, which ended after regulation National Secretaries of State (NASS) service award. White was play at 1-1. Park Center then scored the lone goal in the honored during a ceremony at the United Way of Greater shootout to take the state title. Other teams in the CI tournament included Dakota United, Duluth. White is an Americorps VISTA worker at the United Way of Greater Duluth. She was honored for her efforts in Burnsville/Farmington/Lakeville and St. Cloud Area. Third assisting voters with disabilities in voting. White is a 2008 place went to Anoka-Hennepin, which defeated Mounds View/ graduate of the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Irondale/Roseville. Dakota United won the consolation title by The NASS Medallion Award allows secretaries of state to defeating St. Cloud Area. ■ recognize individuals for outstanding service and dedication to furthering the mission of the National Association of SecretarTarget Marketing At Its Finest! ies of State and the states.
Star Tribune reporter Jeff Strickler brought readers a look at a heartfelt Christmas pageant in the newspaper’s Christmas Eve edition. The article began, “This Christmas pageant isn’t just a show, it’s a statement. It says that Mary can have a disability and Joseph can wear an oxygen tank and the Nativity story will be just as sacred, if not more so. ‘Many people think that our participants always need to be on the receiving end of blessings,’ said the Rev. Don Anderson, pastor of Christ for People with Developmental Disabilities. ‘This proves that they can be a blessing on others, too.’” The pageant, held in Anoka, featured a large cast in the telling of the story of Jesus’ birth. Some were program participants and others were caregivers. Anderson has worked in special needs ministry for 30 years, and still enjoys the spontaneous events that make each year’s pageant memorable. “I love that the joy they feel is genuine,” Anderson said. “You can see the response on their faces here, and you can see it on the faces of their caregivers and families.” Anderson and his wife, Mary, are the founders and entire staff of Christ for People with Developmental Disabilities. They rent space in two churches for weekly services. Tuesday evenings they’re at Wayzata Evangelical Free Church (where they call their congregation the King’s Community Fellowship). Thursday nights they’re at Anoka Covenant Church (the congregation is called People of Praise). Between the two services, they average about 300 worshipers a week. “We deal New Web site launched with a wide variety of conditions, from autism to cerebral palsy The Full Life Ahead Foundation (FLAF), Birmingham, AL, to hydrocephaly to Down syndrome,” Anderson said. Mem- an organization providing national “disAbility” transition supbers range in age mainly from teenager to adult, “but we’re port, announces the launch of its new Web site today. “The Full Life Ahead Foundation’s new Web site will be able starting to draw younger kids.” During the day, Anderson visits group homes to minister to to serve the national disAbility community better than ever those who can’t make it to services. “I go from Cambridge to
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Diamond Hill Townhomes We are currently accepting applications for our waiting list at Diamond Hill Townhomes, a great property located near the Minneapolis International Airport. We have two and three bedroom townhomes that are HUD subsidized and rent is 30% of the total household's adjusted gross income. We have a large number of mobility impaired accessible units and we are scheduling appointments for persons in need of a mobility impaired accessible unit immediately. To schedule an appointment please call (612) 726-9341.
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January 10, 2010
Regional news in review . . . Grant aids Duluth agency The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Program (MJSP) has announced a $38,000 grant to support lean training for 67 employees of Residential Services of Northeast Minnesota. The one-year training collaboration includes MJSP, Residential Services of Northeast Minnesota and Lake Superior College. Residential Services is a not-for-profit organization serving adults and children with developmental and physical disabilities, mental illness and brain injuries in facilities in Duluth, St. Louis County and seven other northeastern Minnesota counties. Lean training in the health care environment focuses on eliminating waste and identifies steps that add value to the entire health care delivery process. Lake Superior College will collaborate with Residential Services to develop a Lean Residential Care Training Program for supervisors and managers. Courses will include principles of Continuous Improvement, Value Stream Mapping, Workplace Organization and Adapting to Change. “Residential Services is seeing increased demand for its services in the face of regulatory changes and staff turnover, and experiencing pressure to maintain high quality with limited resources,” said DEED Commissioner and MJSP Board Chair Dan McElroy. “Lake Superior College’s lean curriculum will add value to staff, clients and residential care providers in the Duluth area.” [Source: State of Minnesota]
Former director pleads guilty The former director of a Wisconsin camp where a mentally disabled woman died last year after being given the wrong medication has pleaded guilty to a charge in the case. Marjorie Hjelseth, 68, of Roseville, reached a plea agreement with prosecutors in Burnett County, Wis., in December, pleading guilty to negligently subjecting an individual at risk to abuse likely to cause great bodily harm — a felony. In exchange for her plea, a charge of second-degree reckless homicide was dismissed, said Burnett County District Attorney
William Norine. A sentencing hearing for Hjelseth is scheduled for Jan. 20. “She’s glad to have started on the path of putting this behind her,” said Hjelseth’s attorney, Kevin Short. “It is hard to imagine anyone more remorseful about what happened.” Hjelseth was director of Trade Lake Camp in Grantsburg, Wis., in July 2008, when Shirley Meade, 49, of St. Paul Park, was given another camper’s medication. After it was realized the wrong drugs had been administered, Hjelseth rejected the advice that medical attention be sought, and Meade died hours later, the criminal complaint states. Hjelseth, who had provided camping services to the mentally disabled for four decades, had known Meade from previous summer camps and was “devastated by her death,” Short said in a statement. Hjelseth was reported to have been afraid that the camp would be shut down if Meade were taken to a hospital. Weeks earlier, Keith Kennedy, an autistic man from Shoreview, wandered away from the camp and was lost for a week. He was later found alive. But a state inspection of the camp after that incident found a handful of minor violations, including problems with the filing of medication records. The camp’s license was not revoked, and the proper paperwork was filed the next day. [Source: Pioneer Press]
“The Council fared very well under the stimulus program,” said Chair Peter Bell. “We not only secured new vehicles under this program, but vehicles that are more fuel efficient. That’s very much a priority for this Council.” Metro Mobility officials say they expect the new hybrid buses to improve fuel economy by nearly 30% and produce significantly fewer carbon emissions. In addition to the improved fuel economy, the hybrid technology should reduce wear on other major vehicle components and extend the life of the vehicles by 25%.
Metro Mobility unveils new buses
Customers will easily be able to spot the new buses, which sport the service’s new striping and logo. The new graphics are more integrated with Metro Transit’s to better reflect the region’s family of transit services. In addition to the initial appropriation from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Council and Metro Mobility applied for and received another $1.1 million in competitive stimulus monies that will be used to purchase an additional 10 hybrid electric buses for the Metro Mobility fleet. [Source: Metropolitan Council]
Metro Mobility’s first hybrid electric vehicles are now on the road. The 15 new buses, purchased with federal stimulus dollars, replace 15 high-mileage diesel vehicles in the existing fleet. Metro Mobility is a public transportation service for people with disabilities and is operated by the Metropolitan Council. The buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other safety features and cost $110,000 each. The funds to purchase the buses came from $70.6 million appropriated to the Council earlier this year by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for metro-area transit projects. The bulk of the stimulus dollars for transit were used to purchase 90 buses for the Metro Transit fleet, 27 small buses for dial-a-ride service, and help reduce a projected transit shortfall.
One of Metro Mobility’s new hybrid buses.
Planned steps not accessible St. Paul’s quest to rebuild a historic staircase from the city’s Regional Review - cont. on p. 15
January 10, 2010
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Directory of Organizations Minnesota’s Disability Community Newspaper VOICE LINE ADVOCACY
Advocating Change Together (ACT) V-651-641-0297 Arc Greater Twin Cities V-952-920-0855 Arc of Minnesota V-651-523-0823x115 Assoc. of Residential Resources in MN V-651-291-1086 Courage Center V-763-588-0811 Hearing Loss Assoc. of America (HLAATC) V-763-537-7558 MN Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities V-651-523-0829x112 MN Developmental Achievement-Center Assoc V-651-647-9200 PACER Center V-952-838-9000 Telephone Equipment Distribution Program V-651-431-5945 (MN Dept of Human Services) TF-800-657-3663
ASSISTED-LIVING PROGRAMS Dungarvin, Inc. - Minnesota
COMMUNITY LIVING
Cooperating Community Programs DeafBlind Services Minnesota Dungarvin, Inc. - Minnesota Howry Residential Services Metro Work Center, Inc. Opportunity Partners Reach for Resources REM Minnesota S MN Independ. Living Enterprises/Services
V-612-378-2742 V-763-588-0811 V-763-754-2505 V-763-754-2505 V-651-641-0491 V-612-869-3995
TTY-800-669-6442 TTY-763-520-0245 TF-888-255-6400 TF-888-255-6400 F-651-645-2780 V-651-457-4756
www.braininjurymn.org www.CourageCenter.org www.marytinc.com www.marytinc.com www.tandemresidential.com www.opportunitypartners.org
V/TTY-763-479-3555
F-763-479-2605
www.vinlandcenter.org
V-651-917-8322 V-612-362-8454 V-651-699-6050 V-651-917-9111x204 V/TTY-612-729-7381 V-952-938-5511 V-952-988-4177 V-952-945-4952 V/TTY-507-345-7139
F-651-917-8311 TTY-612-362-8422 TTY-651-695-5802 F-651-917-1018 F-612-729-7382 TTY-952-930-4293 F-952-988-6728 F-952-922-6885 TF-888-676-6498
www.theccpinc.com www.dbsm.org www.dungarvin.co www.howryinc.com www.metroworkcenter.org www.opportunitypartners.org www.reachforresources.org www.remminnesota.org www.smilescil.org
V-651-209-3350 V-612-362-4437
F-651-641-8623
www.ccpcdcs.com www.cipmn.org
V-651-748-7436 V-612-624-6300 V-612-752-8100 V-218-722-9700 V-320-259-5717 V-612-331-4584
V-507-494-0905 F-612-624-8279 TTY-612-752-8019
V-320-529-6500x6271 www.ici.umn.edu www.mrc-mn.org www.mrc-mn.org www.mrc-mn.org www.upstreamarts.org
CCP Self Directed Services Community Involvement Programs
EDUCATION
Community Education Network on Disabilities Institute on Community Integration Minnesota Resource Center Minnesota Resource Center - Duluth Minnesota Resource Center St. Cloud Upstream Arts
Assistive Technology of Minnesota CCP Works! (Cooperating Community Prog.) Community Connections Partnership Community Involvement Programs Cooperating Community Programs Courage Center
F-651-523-0829 F-651-647-9353 TTY-952-838-0190 F-651-431-7587 TTY-888-206-6555
www.selfadvocacy.org www.arcgreatertwincities.org www.thearcofminnesota.org www.arrm.org www.CourageCenter.org www.hlaatc.org www.mnccd.org www.mndaca.org www.pacer.org www.tedprogram.org
www.dungarvin.com
CONSUMER-DIRECTED COMMUNITY SUPPORTS
EMPLOYMENT/VOCATION
TF-800-641-0059 F-952-920-1480 TF-800-582-5256 TTY-800-551-2211 TTY-763-520-0245
E-MAIL/WEB SITE
TTY-651-695-5802
Brain Injury Association of Minnesota Courage Center Mary T. Inc. Home Health Mary T. Inc. Supportive Living Tandem Residential TBI Metro Services - Richfield & W. St. Paul
Vinland National Center
www.accesspress.org
V-651-699-6050
BRAIN INJURY
CHEMICAL HEALTH
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SECOND LINE
V-763-479-8239 V-763-540-6833x305 V-763-540-6833x302 V-952-851-6181 V-651-917-8322 V-763-588-0811
F-480-393-5587
TF-866-535-8239 www.atmn.org F-651-917-8311 www.theccpinc.com www.communityconnectionspartnership.org V-952-851-6193 www.cipmn.org F-651-641-8623 www.theccpinc.com TTY-763-520-0245 www.CourageCenter.org
Directory of Organizations - cont. on next page
BDC Management Co. is now accepting applications for our waiting lists at the following affordable communities Albright Townhomes Buffalo Court Apartments Elliot Park Apartments Evergreen Apartments Franklin Lane Apartments Hanover Townhomes Lincoln Place Apartments Olson Towne Homes Prairie Meadows Talmage Green Trinity Apartments Unity Place Vadnais Highlands Willow Apartments Woodland Court Apartments
Minneapolis Buffalo Minneapolis Hutchinson Anoka St. Paul Mahtomedi Minneapolis Eden Prairie Minneapolis Minneapolis Brooklyn Center Vadnais Heights Little Falls Park Rapids
(612) 824-6665 (763) 684-1907 (612) 338-3106 1-800-661-2501 (763) 427-7650 (651) 292-8497 (651) 653-0640 (612) 377-9015 (952) 941-5544 (612) 623-0247 (612) 721-2252 (763) 560-7563 (651) 653-0640 (320) 632-0980 1-888-332-9312
1 BR 2 BR 2 BR 1 BR 1 & 2 BR 1 BR 2 BR 1 BR 2 & 3 BR 2 BR 1 BR (sr) 2 BR 3 BR 1 & 2 BR 1 BR
(Please call each individual site for specific building information. All listings are accessible.) People/places - cont. on p. 15
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Dir ector y of Or ganiza tions Director ectory Org anizations Minnesota’s Disability Community Newspaper VOICE LINE
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EMPLOYMENT/VOCATION (continued) East Suburban Resources Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota Kaposia Inc. Lifetrack Resources - Minneapolis Lifetrack Resources - St. Paul Lifeworks Services, Inc. Merrick, Inc. Metro Work Center, Inc. Midway Training Services Midwest Special Services, Inc. Minnesota Diversified Industries Minnesota Resource Center Minnesota Work Incentives Connection Opportunity Partners ProAct Inc. ProAct - Red Wing Rise, Inc. TBI Metro Services - Richfield & W. St. Paul TSE, Inc. University of Minnesota Disability Services
V-651-351-0190 V-651-379-5800 V/TTY-651-224-6974 V-612-788-8855 V-651-227-8471 TF-866-454-2732 V-651-789-6231 V/TTY-612-729-7381 V-651-641-0709 V-651-778-1000 V-651-999-8200 V-612-752-8102 V-651-632-5113 V-952-938-5511 V-651-686-0405 V-651-388-7108 V/TTY-763-786-8334 V-612-869-3995 V-651-489-2595 V-612-626-1333
GOVERNMENT
MN Gov. Council on Developmental Disabilities V-651-296-4018 Minnesota State Council on Disability V/TTY-651-361-7800 Social Security Admin. & St. Paul PASS Cadre V-651-290-0054 Telephone Equipment Distribution Program V-651-431-5945 (MN Dept. of Human Services) TF-800-657-3663
HEALTH CARE PLANS Cornerstone Solutions UCare
TTY-651-695-5802 www.dungarvin.com F-763-546-1018 www.inhomepersonalcare.com TF-888-255-6400 www.marytinc.com TF-888-255-6400 www.marytinc.com TF-888-255-6400 www.marytinc.com
Accessibility Design Accessible Homes, LLC. Equal Access Homes, Inc. Susan Lasoff & Associates
V-952-925-0301 V-612-978-1054 V-651-249-7751 V-612-872-7520
HOUSING—RENTAL
Accessible Space, Inc. HousingLink Mary T. Inc. National Handicap Housing Institute, Inc
V-651-645-7271 V-612-522-2500 V-763-754-2505 V-651-639-9799
INFORMATION AND REFERRAL RESOURCES
V-612-334-5970
TF-800-292-4150
www.mndlc.org
V-612-273-6228 V-612-273-5560 V-763-795-0057
TTY-800-824-1953 F-612-273-7360 TF-866-795-0057
www.fairview.org/rehab www.fairview.org/rehab www.tamarackhti.com
V-612-362-4434 V-763-588-0811 V/F-320-963-5976 V-651-917-9111x204
V-612-362-4452 TTY-763-520-0245 M-612-998-6452 F-651-917-1018
www.cipmn.org www.CourageCenter.org www.healthsangels.com www.howryinc.com
Fairview Rehabilitation Services Fairview Seating and Wheeled Mobility Tamarack Habilitation Technology
Directory of Organizations - cont. on next page
Kent’s Accounting Service, LLC Visit our website: www.jmm-cpa.com 33 10th Avenue South, Suite 200 Hopkins, MN 55343 952-935-6868 fax: 952-935-7940
TTY-800-466-7722 www.accessiblespace.org F-612-521-1577 www.housinglink.org TF-888-255-6400 www.marytinc.com F-651-639-9699 www.nhhiaccessiblehousing.com
www.adaminnesota.org www.arcgreatertwincities.org www.atmn.org www.disability.state.mn.us www.pacer.org www.ucpmn.org
MEDICAL SUPPLIES/EQUIPMENT
Contact Bryan Swartz: bswartz@jmm-cpa.com
www.accessibilitydesign.com www.accessiblehomesllc.net www.EqualAccessHomes.com
TF-888-630-9793 F-952-920-1480 TF-866-535-8239 TTY-800-945-8913 TTY-952-838-0190 TF-877-528-5678
MN Disability Law Center
Community Involvement Programs Courage Center Healthy Life Coaching (HLC) Howry Residential Services
F-952-926-7712 F-651-554-3085 F-651-450-1330 F-612.338.2801
V-651-603-2015 V-952-920-0855 V-763-479-8239 V/TTY-651-361-7800 V-952-838-9000 V-651-646-7588
LEGAL
MENTAL HEALTH
www.mncdd.org www.disability.state.mn.us www.socialsecurity.gov www.tedprogram.org
V-651-699-6050 V-763-546-1000 V-763-754-2505 V-763-754-2505 V-763-754-2505
HOUSING—CONSTRUCTION/REMODELING
“Serving non-profit organizations, including those funded by federal awards, for over twenty-five years”
TF-877-348-0505 TTY-800-945-8913 F-651-290-3811 F-651-431-7587 TTY-888-206-6555
TTY-800-627-3529 www.cornerstone-solutions.org TTY-800-688-2534 www.ucare.org
Dungarvin, Inc.- Minnesota In Home Personal Care Mary T. Inc. Home Health Mary T. Inc. Hospice Services Mary T. Inc. Supportive Services
We Understand Non-Profit Organizations
F-651-999-8242 TTY-612-752-8019 TF-800-976-6728 TTY-952-930-4293 F-651-686-0312 F-651-388-9223 F-763-786-0008 V-651-457-4756 F-651-489-0410 F-612-625-5572
www.esrworks.org www.goodwilleasterseals.org www.kaposia.com www.lifetrackresources.org www.lifetrackresources.org www.lifeworks.org www.merrickinc.org www.metroworkcenter.org www.midwaytraining.org www.mwsservices.org www.mdi.org www.mrc-mn.org www.mnworkincentives.com www.opportunitypartners.org www.proactinc.org www.proactinc.org www.rise.org www.opportunitypartners.org www.tse-inc.org http://ds.umn.edu
TF-866-601-8962 V-800-707-1711
HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICES
ADA Minnesota Arc Greater Twin Cities Assistive Technology of Minnesota Minnesota State Council on Disability PACER Center, Inc. United Cerebral Palsy of MN
F-651-379-5803 F-651-224-7249 F-612-788-8577 TTY-651-227-3779 TTY-651-365-3736 F-651-789-9960 F-612-729-7382 F-651-641-0976
E-MAIL/WEB SITE
Kent Fordyce 612-889-2959 • fordyce6@aol.com Fax: 952-472-1458 6371 Bartlett Blvd, Mound, MN 55364 Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 & 2005
Computerized Desktop Publishing: Advertisements Brochures Catalogs Flyers Logos Newsletters Newspapers and More! Ellen Houghton • 952-404-9981 presentationimages@comcast.net
January 10, 2010
Dir ector y of Or ganiza tions Director ectory Org anizations Minnesota’s Disability Community Newspaper VOICE LINE MENTAL HEALTH (continued)
Lifetrack Resources - St. Paul People Inc. Epilepsy & Mental Health Services
PHYSICIANS Courage Center
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V-651-227-8471 V-651-338-9035
TTY-651-227-3779 TTY-651-338-1160
www.lifetrackresources.org www.peopleincorporated.org
V-763-588-0811
TTY-763-520-0245
www.CourageCenter.org
RECREATION—ADAPTIVE HOBBY/EXERCISE/SPORTS/ARTS Courage Center Mind Body Solutions Miss You Can Do It Pageant VSA arts of Minnesota
E-MAIL/WEB SITE
V-763-588-0811 V-952-473-3700 V-651-389-9312 V/TTY-612-332-3888
TTY-763-520-0245 F-651-639-1088 TF-800-801-3883
www.CourageCenter.org www.mindbodysolutions.org www.2008msyoucandoit.org www.vsaartsmn.org
V-507-724-2351 V-952-852-0101 V-952-852-0107 V-612-676-9400
F-507-724-3786 TF-800-450-8376 TF-866-692-7400 TF-800-728-0719
www.campwinnebago.org www.friendshipventures.org www.venturestravel.org www.wildernessinquiry.org
RECREATION—TRAVEL/CAMPING Camp Winnebago Friendship Ventures Ventures Travel, LLC Wilderness Inquiry
REHABILITATION (PHYSICAL, OCCUPATIONAL, SPEECH, AUDIOLOGY THERAPISTS) Courage Center V-763-588-0811 Courage Center - Burnsville V-952-898-5700 Courage Center - Forest Lake V-651-464-5235 Courage Center - St. Croix Target Marketing V-651-439-8283 DeafBlind Services Minnesota V-612-362-8454 Fairview Acute Rehabilitation Center V-612-273-8660 at its finest! Fairview Balance Center V-612-273-6521 Advertise in Access Press and reach thousands Fairview M.S. Achievement Center V-612-672-2815 in Rehabilitation the disabilityServices community every month. Fairview V-612-273-6228 Gillette Children s Specialty Healthcare V-651-291-2848 In Home Personal Care V-763-546-1000 Lifetrack Resources - St. Paul V-651-227-8471 Telephone Equipment Distribution Program V-651-431-5945 (MN Dept. of Human Services) TF-800-657-3663
Directory of Organizations - cont. on next page
TTY-763-520-0245
www.CourageCenter.org
TTY-612-362-8422 www.dbsm.org F-612-273-4706 www.fairview.org/arc F-612-273-7360 www.fairview.org/balance F-651-645-2254 www.fairview.org/msac TTY-800-824-1953 www.fairview.org/rehab TF-800-719-4040 www.gillettechildrens.org F-763-546-1018 www.inhomepersonalcare.com TTY-651-227-3779 www.lifetrackresources.org F-651-431-7587 www.tedprogram.org TTY-888-206-6555
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Dir ector y of Or ganiza tions Director ectory Org anizations Minnesota’s Disability Community Newspaper
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January 10, 2010
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Upcoming events To list an event, email access@accesspress.org Give them a call Metro Center for Independent Living has set up a PCA “You Need to Hear Me” call in line. The purpose of this call in line is to provide consumers, PCAs/DSPs, families, and interested others the chance to share anonymous comments, reactions and concerns with Department of Human Services and Minnesota Legislature regarding the impact of recent legislative changes which are affecting their lives. How it works: Call 651-6032009 to connect to the “You need to hear me” message line. The caller will hear a short pre-recorded message. The phone will not be answered, ensuring caller anonymity. The callers may leave a short message describing the impact of these changes on their lives, or the lives of their family. The messages can be complaints, concerns, suggestions or general comments. Zip code will be asked for only so comments
can be communicated to spe- ette Road, Room 5137, St. cific legislators Paul. Learn about the 2010 legislative issues that affect Upstream Arts offers classes you and ask questions of your Upstream Arts is offering legislators. Hear from Minneseveral classes for children and sota Disability Law Center, adults with disabilities this Minnesota Consortium for winter. The Arts and Social Citizens with Disabilities Skills, a six-week workshop (MN-CCD) and other advoseries for adults with disabili- cacy groups. Web streaming ties, is offered with Sabes Jew- attendees will also have the ish Community Center, 4330 opportunity to email questions S. Cedar Lake Road, Mpls to council.disability@state. Learn how to express yourself mn.us during the event. Other express socially and commu- locations for attendees are in nicate through movement, Alexandria, Bagley, Brainerd, dance, poetry, theater and vi- Crookston, Duluth, Grand sual arts Next session starts Rapids, Mankato, Marshall, Feb. 16. Cost is $95 (mem- Moor-head, Olivia, Rochester ber), $124 (non-member). FFI: and St. Cloud. Pre-register and 952.381.3457 or go to www. make reasonable accommodasabesjcc.org tions requests at that time. FFI: www.disability.state.mn.us, MSCOD Legislative forum www.disability.state.mn.us The Minnesota State Council on Disability hosts a 2010 Technology for Girls legislative forum 1:30-3:30 PACER Center offers p.m. Tue, Jan. 12. Host loca- “Technology for Girls: My tion is MN Department of Messy Little Experiments,” a Human Services, 444 Lafay- free workshop for middle-
school girls with disabilities, at 6-8 p.m. Tue, Jan. 12 at PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, Minn. Advance registration is required. Girls will have fun as they explore scientific mysteries such as what floats or sinks in water, how much water a penny can hold, and whether a raisin can really dance. FFI: 952-838-9000, 952-838-0190 (TTY), 1-800537-2237 (toll free) or PACER.org Call for presentations The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is seeking proposals for exciting, informative and forward-looking education, training and public policy presentations at the 50th Biennial NAD Conference to be held at the Philadelphia Marriott-Downtown hotel, July 6-10 in Philadelphia. The conference theme is “Celebrate Our Heritage. Invest in Our Future.” Traditionally,
Radio Talking Book • January Sampling New Radios to be released soon The digital radios are here. The engineering department has some programming to do in the radios before releasing them. Radio Talking Book will also make needed technical modifications to transmission equipment with Minnesota Public Radio and other broadcast partners. The radios will be distributed in a limited area of northwestern Minnesota as a test, with additional locations converted throughout the state over time. Turning on the radios should be simple but Radio Talking Book staff will be available top help with the changeover. 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. Phone is 1-800-722-0550 and hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Their catalog is also online. Access it by going to the main website, http://education.state.mn.us, and then clicking on the link. Listeners outside of Minnesota may obtain copies of books by contacting their own state’s Network Library for the National Library Service.
most quoted American since Mark Twain. The press saw him as part folk hero, part clown. Competitors knew him as the winningest player in the game’s history. Read by Malcolm McLean. 20 broadcasts. Begins Jan. 14. Choice Reading • Monday – Friday 4 p.m. Follow Me, Fiction by Joanna Scott, 2009. In 1946, teenager Sally Werner had an unexpected baby. Running away was the first of many moves for her. Now, years later, her granddaughter is piecing together her grandmother’s life. Read by Kristi Sullivan. 10 broadcasts. Begins Jan. 18. PM Report • Monday – Friday 8 p.m. The American Future, Nonfiction by Simon Schama, 2009.Critical debates were in place when Americans elected a new president in 2008. Those debates - on wars, religion, race and immigration, and the relationship between natural resources and prosperity - are not new. Schama asks how these problems look in the mirror of time. Read by Dan Kuechenmeister. 18 broadcasts. Begins Jan. 11.
Off the Shelf • Monday – Friday 10 p.m. Listen to the Minnesota Radio Talking Book; either live or The Little Stranger, Fiction by Sarah Waters, 2009. Dr. Faraarchived programs from the last week, on the Internet at day is called to the residence of the Ayres family. The house www.mnssb.org/rtb Call the staff for a password to the site. and owners may be haunted with something sinister, and it will affect Dr. Faraday’s life as well. L,S - Read by Leandra Peak. Chautauqua • Tuesday – Saturday 4 a.m. 18 Br. Begins Jan. 11. Origins of the Specious, Nonfiction by Patricia T. O’Conner and Stewart Kellerman, 2008. Some of grammar’s best known Evening Odyssey • Monday – Friday 11 p.m. rules aren’t (and never were) rules at all. English is an endlessly A Fortunate Age, Fiction by Joanna Smith Rakoff, 2009. A entertaining, ever-changing language, and yesterday’s blooper group of Oberlin graduates maintain their friendship as they could be tomorrow’s bon mot. L - Read by Judy Woodward. maneuver the beginnings of their adult lives in Brooklyn. They Eight broadcasts. Begins Jan. 25. must navigate the shifting dynamics of their friendships and of the world around them. L,S - Read by Laura Rohlik. 22 Past is Prologue • Monday – Friday 9 a.m. broadcasts. Began Jan. 6. Mr. America, Nonfiction by Mark Adams, 2008. Between the two World Wars, Bernarr Macfadden did more to educate the Good Night Owl • Monday – Friday midnight world about healthy eating, alternative medicine, regular sexual Driftless, Fiction by David Rhodes, 2009. After decades of activity, and exercise than anyone in history. But today, few drifting, July Montgomery finds peace in a small town. Rehave heard of him. Read by Wally Vavrosky.10 broadcasts. spected and cherished by these townspeople, he learns there is Begins Jan. 13. wisdom acquired through hard work, farming, and kindness. L - Read by Amy Morris. 17 broadcasts. Begins Jan.12. Bookworm • Monday – Friday 11 a.m. The Plain Sense of Things, Fiction by Pamela Carter Joern, After Midnight • Tuesday – Saturday 1 a.m. 2008. A western Nebraska family struggles with 20th century High Noon, Fiction by Nora Roberts, 2007. Phoebe has life on the farm: death, hardship, and change. Together, they courage and sensitivity she uses as a top hostage negotiator. endure poverty, illness and betrayal. L - Read by Audray Rees. Those attributes draw Duncan Swift to her. When she is Eight broadcasts. Began Jan. 6. assaulted at work, she needs Duncan’s support to face her attacker. S - Read by Eleanor Berg. 20 Br. Began Jan. 4. Potpourri • Monday – Friday 2 p.m. Yogi Berra: Eternal Yankee, Nonfiction by Allen Barra, 2009. Abbreviations: V - violence, L – offensive language, Yogi Berra is America’s most popular former athlete and the S - sexual situations
biennial national conferences have welcomed education and training workshops on a variety of topics, with tracks that are relevant and appeal to all ages—ranging from youth to those who are young at heart. This general focus will continue, with the inclusion of skills development and advancement strategies appropriate for the workplace. All presentation proposals must by submitted online, using the required form. Deadline is Feb. 15. FFI: phillyworkshops @nad.org Visit Children’s Museum Upstream Arts will be at Minnesota Children’s Museum on the first Fridays of every month, 6-7 p.m. Local professional artists will be leading poetry, dance, music and visual arts activities for children of all abilities and their families. There is no cost beyond the museum admission fee. The museum is at 10 West 7th St, St. Paul. FFI: 651-2256000 Support group for families The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Minnesota sponsors free support groups for families who have a relative with a mental illness. Led by trained facilitators who also have a family member with mental illness, the support groups help families develop better coping skills and find strength through sharing their experiences. A family support group meets in St. Paul at 6:30 p.m., on the second and fourth Wed. FFI: Anne Mae, 651-730-8434 Save the date Save May 13-14 for the Statewide Independent Living Conference at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Prior Lake. Independent Living Center staff, directors and board members, and others interested in this field should attend. The event is sponsored by the Statewide Independent Living Council. Registration brochures will be available in March. FFI: Carol, 651-222-7409 x205, or 800500-4157 x205, cschoeneck @mngts.org
Help with raising children Grandparents who are raising grandchildren with intellectual and developmental disabilities can join a new free networking group from Arc Greater Twin Cities and Nokomis Healthy Seniors. The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Networking Group meets on the fourth Monday of each month from 4 – 5:30 p.m. at Nokomis Presbyterian Church, 1620 E. 46th St., Mpls. Get information and support, and connect with other grandparents. Dates are Jan. 25, Feb. 22, Mar. 22, Apr. 26 and May 24. Childcare is available with one week’s notice prior to meeting date. Arc also offers a group in St. Paul for grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles and other relatives who are raising a family member’s child with an intellectual or developmental disability. The Relatives Raising Children with Disabilities Networking Group meets on the second Tue of each month from 1 – 2:30 p.m. at Java Train Café, 1341 Pascal St., St. Paul. Meeting dates are Jan. 12, Feb. 9, Mar. 9, Apr. 13 and May 11. Please pre-register for either group. FFI: Arc, 952-920-0855, www.arcgreat ertwincities.org Free caregiver, yoga workshops Matt Sanford/Mind Body Solutions is offering free workshops this winter. A Healing Practice for Caregivers, 1-3 p.m. Sun, Jan. 31 covers topics including approaches for giving care, developing healthy boundaries and building a healing mind-body practice. Basic yoga poses to energize and restore will be taught as part of this workshop. For family members involved in the care of a person living with a disability. A Mind-Body Approach to Giving Care is 1-3 p.m. Sun, Feb. 21. This workshop is for both the person living with a disability and their caregiver. Discover the benefits of simple touch adjustments for alignment and grounding. Basic yoga poses will be taught as part of this workshop. An Introduction to Yoga for Events - cont. on p. 14
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January 10, 2010
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 Dreamgirls Jan. 12-17 Touring company at Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls. ASL: Sun., Jan. 17, 1 p.m. AD: request in advance. Tix: Reduced to $31 for ASL (reg. to $78); Phone: 612-3397007. E-mail: accessible@ broadwayacrossamerica.com Web: www.hennepintheatre trust.org/accessible Laura Jan. 14-17 Tin Roof Theatre Company at Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre, 333 Fourth St. S., Fargo. AD: Fri.-Sat., Jan. 1516, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $8 (reg. $15, student/senior $10); Phone: Tin Roof: 701205-5788, or FMCT: 701-2356778, 877-687-7469. Web: www.tinrooftheatre.org or www.fmct.org Doubt: A Parable Jan. 15 - Feb. 7 Lakeshore Players Theatre, 4820 Stewart Ave., White Bear Lake. ASL: Sat., Jan. 23, 8 p.m. (If no ASL seats are reserved by two weeks of the show, the ASL-interpretation will be cancelled.) Tix: Re-
The Snowy Day. duced to $10 (reg. $18-20); Jan. 15 - Feb. 14 Phone: 651-429-5674; Email: tickets@lakeshore Stages Theatre Company at players.com Web: www.lake Hopkins Center for the Arts, shoreplayers.com 1111 Main St., Hopkins. ASL: Sun., Jan. 24, 2 p.m.; Thurs., Doubt Jan. 28, 10 a.m. AD: available Jan. 15-31 on request. Tix: $15, $11 child Rochester Civic Theatre, 20 (age 2-17) & senior (age 60+) Civic Center Drive SE. ASL: plus $1.50 fee per ticket for Sat., Jan. 23, 8 p.m. Tix: phone & web orders; Phone: $18.50, senior $15.50, student 952-979-1111. Web: www. $13.50; Phone: 507-282- stagestheatre.org 8481. Web: www.rochester civictheatre.org Talley’s Folly Jan. 15-30 The Mousetrap Rochester Repertory Theatre, Jan. 15-31 103 7th St. NE, Rochester. Lyric Arts Company of Anoka ASL: TBA. Tix: $20; student/ at Main St. Stage, 420 E. Main senior discount; Phone: 507St., Anoka. ASL: Sat., Jan. 16, 289-1737; E-mail: BoxOffice 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $13 @RochesterRep.org Web: (reg. $18, $16 student/senior), www.RochesterRep.org $20 box seats; Phone: 763422-1838. Web: www.lyric Songs of Freedom arts.org Jan. 15-17 Calliope Women’s Chorus and Rock ‘n Roll DrumHeart. ASL: Fri.-Sat., Jan. Jan. 15 - Feb. 7 15-16, 7:30 p.m. at Metro State Park Square Theatre, 408 Saint University, 700 E. 7th St., St Peter St., St. Paul. ASL, AD: Paul; Sun., Jan. 17, 2:30 p.m. at Sat., Jan. 30, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Macalester Plymouth United Reduced to half-price Church, 1658 Lincoln Ave., St. ($18.50); Phone: 651-291- Paul. Tix: $5-25 sliding scale, 7005. Web: www.parksquare Phone: 612-285-5835. Web: theatre.org www.calliopewomenschorus.org
Stones in His Pocket Jan. 15-31 Ten Thousand Things Theater at Open Book, 1011 Washington Ave. S., Mpls. AD: Sun., Jan. 17, 8 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $18 (reg. $25; students on Sun.s $15), Phone: 612-2039502. Web: www.tenthou sandthings.org The Light in the Piazza Jan. 22 - Feb. 21 Bloomington Civic Theatre at Bloomington Center for the Arts Schneider Theater, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd. ASL: Thurs., Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m. (ASL seats held until 7 days before show; if no requests, the ASL will be cancelled) AD: Fri., Feb. 5, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $18 (reg. $25, senior $22, student $19); Phone: 952-5638575 Web: www.blooming toncivictheatre.org Sister Kenny’s Children Jan. 23 - Feb. 14 History Theatre, 30 E. 10th St., St. Paul. ASL, AD: Sun., Jan. 31, 2 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $12.50 (reg. $30); Phone: 651292-4323; E-mail: boxofc@ historytheatre.com . Web: www.historytheatre.com Great Rivers Across China Jan. 30-31 Minnesota Chinese Dance Theater at Brady Educational Center, U of St. Thomas, 2115 Summit Ave., St. Paul. Captioning: Sat., Jan. 30, 7 p.m. (oral introductions by the MC). Tix: Reduced to $6/$5 for Deaf/Hard of hearing patrons; reg. $12 ($10 advance, senior or student), Phone: 651-6987493, 952-221-3768, 651341-7032; E-mail: lori_janey @yahoo.com Web: www. minghuadancetheater.org
Sister Kenny’s Children is Jan. 23-Feb. 14 at St. Paul’s History Theatre. See the performance listings for ticket information. Macbeth Jan. 30 – April 3 Guthrie Theater, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. AD: Sat., Feb. 20, 1 p.m, sensory tour at 10:30 a.m.; Fri., Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m. ASL: Fri., March 5, 7:30 p.m.; Thurs., March 11, 7:30 p.m. Captioning: Sat., March 27, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $20 AD/ ASL (reg. $24-60); Captioning $25; Phone: 612-377-2224, TTY 612-377-6626. Web: www.Guthrie theater.org
Roberto Devereux Jan. 30 - Feb. 7 Sung in Italian with English captions projected above the stage at every performance. The Minnesota Opera at Ordway Center for Performing Arts, 345 Washington St., St. Paul. AD: Sun., Feb. 7, 2 p.m.; pre-opera discussion 1 UNsilenced: GLBT/Jewish p.m.. Tix: Reduced to halfVoices of the Holocaust price for AD patrons (reg. $20Jan. 30-31 200); Phone: 612-333-6669; One Voice Mixed Chorus at TTY 651-282-3099 Web: Hopkins High School Audito- www.mnopera.org rium, 2400 Lindbergh Dr, Minnetonka. ASL, AD: Sun., But My Soul Is Rested Jan. 31, 3:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced Feb. 4-21 to $18 (reg. $25 section 1, $18 Youth Performance Company section 2, $10 student/senior at Howard Conn Fine Arts section 2); Phone: 651-298- Center, 1900 Nicollet Ave., 1954. Web: www.ovmc.org Mpls. ASL, AD: Fri., Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to halfRomeo & Juliet price (reg. $12, student 18 & Through Jan. 31 under or senior 62+, $10); The Acting Company per- Phone: 612-623-9080. Web: forms in association with the www.youthperformanceco.com Guthrie Theater, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. ASL: Thurs., Jan. 21, Yellow Face 10:30 a.m.; Fri., Jan. 22, 7:30 Feb. 4-21 p.m. AD: Sat., Jan. 23, 1 p.m.; Mu Performing Arts at Guthrie Sensory Tour 10:30 a.m. Theater’s Dowling Studio, 818 Captioning: Sat., Jan. 23, 7:30 2nd St. S., Mpls. ASL, AD: Fri., p.m. Tix: Reduced to $20 for Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced AD/ASL, $25 captioning (reg. to $20 (reg. $15-40); Phone: $15-40); Phone: 612-377-2224, 612-377-2224, TTY 612-377TTY 612-377-6626. Web: 6626. Web: www.Guthrie www.Guthrietheater.org theater.org
Henry’s Freedom Box Feb. 5-27 SteppingStone Theatre, 55 Victoria St. N., St. Paul. AD: Fri., Feb. 12, 7 p.m. ASL: Sun., Feb. 7, 3 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $6 access rate (reg. $11; child/ senior $9); Phone: 651-2259265; E-mail: info@stepping stonetheatre.org Web: www.steppingstonetheatre.org . Love and Scandal Mpls. Institute of Arts, 2400 3rd Ave. S. Free ASL-interpreted public tour is offered on the first Sun. of each month, beginning by the Information Desk in the museum lobby. On the second weekend of each month, free tours for visitors with memory loss, Alzheimer’s and friends or care partners are offered. ASL: Sun., Feb. 7, 1 p.m. Phone: 612-870-3131 or TTY 612-870-3132; Email: dhegstrom@artsmia. org Web: www.artsmia.org The New Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein Feb. 9-14 Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls. ASL: Sun., Feb. 14, 1 p.m. AD: to request, call in advance. Tix: Reduced to $31 for ASL (reg. to $78); Phone: 612-3397007; E-mail: accessible@ broadwayacrossamerica.com Web: www.hennepintheatre trust.org/accessible Mojo Feb. 12-27 Walking Shadow Theatre Company at Red Eye Theater, 15 W. 14th St., Mpls. ASL, AD: Sat., Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $5 (reg. $18, $15 student/senior); Phone: 612-375-0300; E-mail: info@ Perform - cont. on p. 14
January 10, 2010
2009 REVIEW -
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Cont. from p. 1
Carnival Royal Family included East Wind Princess Megan Andryski, who worked as a sign language interpreter for Intermediate School District 287. She’d been inspired to her career as a high school student, when a friend taught her American Sign Language (ASL). She was interpreting at Winter Carnival events.
March New baby arrives, state cuts eyed warily The federal economic stimulus and how it would affect struggling state budgets was outlined. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) would provide needed help to education and health and human services. But how the federal money would play into looming state budget cuts was still a question mark in some cases. Budgets were expected to sustain deep cuts but the federal funds would have a variety of impacts. Some levels of federal funds for Medicaid and Medical Assistance would increase. The federal funding would provide needed assistance to the state, said State Economist Tom Stinson. But Stinson noted that Minnesota still faced a deteriorating economy. Estimates showed that the state would collect about $1.2 billion less in taxes over the next two years. Columnist Stephen Gold, an attorney and Americans with Disabilities (ADA) expert, also explained the economic stimulus would affect Medicaid programs, and how effects would vary state-by-state. Other articles in the March issue also focused on the difficult legislative session, including a guest editorial on how the PCA program needs innovation as well as change. Another article detailed pending legislative changes ranging from medical marijuana to early voting, and how those changes could help the disability community. ALSO IN THE NEWS: Writer Mai Thor introduced readers to baby Matthew Nam Loob McIntosh. His birth marked the final chapter in her Pregnancy Journal, which described how disability can affect a pregnancy. In separate articles, writers Rick Cardenas and Clarence Schadegg described traveling abroad and disability.
Matthew Nam Loob McIntosh
April Red River flooding, rally held against cuts The difficulties of being a long-distance caregiver, and having to handle those duties during a natural disaster, were described in Two Sisters’ Story. Cynthia, who lives in St. Paul and other family members had set up a care network for Diana, who lived in Fargo. Diana was developmentally disabled, had mobility issues related to cerebral palsy, and dementia. Diana was in hospice care in Fargo when the 2009 Red River Valley flooding hit. For a family that had stayed in contact via emails and Web cam visits, not knowing where Diana had been taken was a shock. They found she had been taken to a small town, Langdon, in rural North Dakota. It took Cynthia two days to find out where her sister was staying. Cynthia’s arrival there was delayed by a blizzard. The story illustrated the challenges families face when dealing with nursing homes in emergency situations. A companion article, with information for the Minnesota State Council on Disabilities and the American Red Cross, provided information on emergency planning and preparedness. Editor’s note: Diana passed away in fall 2009. ALSO IN THE NEWS: Thousands of Minnesotans with disabilities rallied at the state capitol to draw attention to the looming problem of state budget cuts. Rallies were being held throughout the session to spotlight programs that were threatened with cuts. The largest of the rallies attracted about 1,000 people. The latest program facing state cuts was Minnesota Disability Health Options or MnDHO, which provides care coordination for about 1,200 adults.
May Cuts anticipated, crime alerts bill signed Minnesota’s disability community was braced for severe budget cuts, as one of the most difficult legislative sessions in recent memory wound down. The inability of the House, Senate and Gov. Tim Pawlenty to reach agreement on state
was cut from 310 to 275. While that would save the state money it would result in persons with disabilities not getting access to needed PCA hours. Additional cuts were made to Medical Assistance and General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC), as well as other medical service programs. GAMC would end on March 1, 2010, sending shock waves through the disability community. The Minnesota Disability Health Options program, the state’s only integrated managed care program for people with disabilities, had been threatened with $6.7 million in cuts as a result of actions during the session and unallotment, but the cut finally came out to $4.7 million. ALSO IN THE NEWS: Efforts to get more people with disabilities onto the golf course were gaining momentum. 2009 marked spending meant unallotment would take place. MN-CCD and the 30th anniversary of the Sister Kenny Institute’s Golf League many other groups rallied community members for a final and the 26th year of the annual golf tournament. Golfers played round of outreach. But it was feared that it wouldn’t be enough. at Braemar in Edina and Island Lake Golf Course in Shoreview. MN-CCD Coordinator Anni Simons told members, “We are at one of the most critical times in the evolution of our commuAugust nity-based service system – maybe the biggest challenge to the Improper use of restraints sparks lawsuit, system we have ever faced. Individuals and programs are all at Axis outlines changes great risk.” Improper use of restraints at the Minnesota Extended TreatHealth and human services programs, that were relied on by ment Options (METO) facility in Cambridge had sparked a the community faced cuts in both House and Senate bills. The lawsuit in U.S. Federal District Court in St. Paul. Employees at entire debate was being complication by a bleak state and the state mental health treatment facility were accused of national economy, as well as uncertainty over the federal routinely restraining patients, in ways that would cause injury. economic stimulus package and how that would affect state Patients were also placed in seclusion rooms for extended time spending on health care. Health care is the fastest-rising piece periods and deprived of visits by family members. METO was of the state budget, but using tax increases to help cover the insisting that use of the restraints is “essential” but family costs wasn’t an option. Pawlenty vowed to veto any tax in- members of the former patients said otherwise. “This lawsuit is creases. about human dignity and respect for people with developmenALSO IN THE NEWS: MN-CCD filed a federal Department of tal disability and their families,” said attorney Shamus O’Meara. Justice complaint against the Minnesota Department of Trans- He represents three families involved in the lawsuit. Parents of portation and other governmental agencies, alleging that children kept at METO described abuses including use of metal Minnesota’s highways, streets, bridges and sidewalks aren’t in handcuff and leg shackles, which in one case resulted in a compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities (ADA) broken arm. METO staff members were also accused of not Act. giving patients their medication. A positive story out of the capitol was that Pawlenty signed ALSO IN THE NEWS: Axis Healththe Accessible Crime Alerts Bill, which was a project that care was retooling to adapt to upwriter Clarence Schadegg was involved in. The new law would coming changes in the health care require police agencies to distribute crime alerts in formats system. The changes were anaccessible to persons with disabilities. nounced at a meeting hosted by Axis, which providers care coordiJune nation for adults with disabilities. Unallotment threatened programs, construction jobs sought Axis was responding to a number The dust had settled at the state capitol after a difficult of changes being made at the state legislative session. Inability to reach agreement on state bud- and federal levels. gets meant Gov. Tim Pawlenty would soon start the process of Changes were coming in 2010 to unallotment. The state had a $4.6 billion hole to fill. A majority the many dial-a-ride programs in of state lawmakers wanted to use a combination of new taxes the Twin Cities, which serve many and budget shifts to fill the gap but the governor vetoed those elderly and people with disabiliproposals. What did get approved and signed into law were ties. The service would become many substantial cuts in healthy and human services programs Transit Link in 2010. Service would affecting people with disabilities. Especially hard-hit was the be curb-to-curb rather than doorAnne Henry personal care assistant or PCA program. Those cuts would to-door, hours of service would be affect more than 8,000 Minnesotans of all ages and all types of limited and assistance from drivers would be limited. disabilities. In addition to the cuts, the Office of the Legislative Auditor called for more than two dozen specific changes to the September program. The changes were called for following an audit of the Henry is honored, group home plan blocked program. Changes in how hours are authorized, cuts in program Anne L. Henry, a staff attorney for the Minnesota Disability eligibility, limits on the number of hours per month a PCA Law Center, was honored as the 2009 Charlie Smith Award could be paid and other changes were eyed warily. Major winner. She would receiver her award at the annual Access changes were also made in the way that PCA agencies did Press banquet in November. For more than 30 years Henry has business. But devastating as the cuts would become, there was advocated for the rights of people with disabilities. Early in her a little relief because of all of Pawlenty’s preferred cuts weren’t law career she was involved with a pivotal court case that led adopted. to the closing of state hospitals for persons with developmental Other legislative actions that would have huge impacts disabilities. Henry was also cited for her extensive knowledge included a line-item veto of funding for General Assistance of the Medicaid and Medicare health systems, her background Medical Care (GAMC), cuts to disability waiver programs, in state law as it relates to persons with disabilities and her hard cuts to care providers and foster home operators and dental work on behalf of Minnesotans with disabilities and their service cuts. families. ALSO IN THE NEWS: Community members rallied to demand One person described Henry’s knowledge of public policy that they be included in construction of the planned Central and state law as “encyclopedic.” But she has worked on behalf Corridor light rail line in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Courage Cen- of Minnesotans with disabilities with little recognition outside ter and Gillette Children’s Specialty Health-care hosted a bike of the community. expo and sports jam. Minneapolis South High Coach Jim “Anne has been one of the strongest advocates for people Christy was honored for his work in high school adapted sports. with disabilities in the state of Minnesota,” said Access Press Board Chairman Mike Chevrette. July ALSO IN THE NEWS: A proposal to provide needed housing for Unallotment became a reality, golf programs spotlighted young people with disabilities met a hostile reception in the The threatened unallotment of funding for state programs Twin Cities suburb of Centerville. Zumbro House, which owns became a reality. Unallotment is a process that authorizes the and operates more than dozen similar facilities in the region, governor of Minnesota to cut state appropriations without dropped its plans to purchase and develop two group homes in approval of the House and Senate. The cuts had been ques- Centerville. Anoka County Social Services was in support of tioned at hearings following the end of the 2009 legislative the plan. But some Centerville and Anoka County officials session. But state officials said Gov. Tim Pawlenty was within lobbied hard against the proposal. Someone even vandalized his rights to cut another $2.7 billion from the state budget. the two homes, leading Zumbro House officials to conclude The impacts of unallotment were wide-ranging for the dis- that it wouldn’t be safe to relocate the young people there. ability community. The personal care assistant (PCA) program was further hit, with the number of hours per month for a worker 2009 Review - cont. on p. 14
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January 10, 2010
EVENTS -
2009 REVIEW -
Cont. from p. 11
Disability is 1-3 p.m. Sun, Feb. 28. Learn how a mind-body practice transforms the experience of living with a disability which includes discussions on the importance of recognizing sensations within the body. Some adapted yoga poses will be taught as part of this workshop; for individuals living with mobility disabilities. Family members and caregivers are welcome to attend.. All workshops are free but you must pre-register. Wear comfortable clothing. FFI: email info@mindbody solutions.org Tutor a Child, Change a Future Volunteers are needed to tutor elementary students in the St. Paul Public schools in reading and math. Under the guidance of a classroom teacher, volunteers assist students one-onone or in small groups determined by classroom need. By contributing as little as two hours per week, you can give a struggling student the extra attention needed to help them succeed. Volunteers age 55 and older are eligible to receive free supplemental insurance, mileage reimbursement and other benefits through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) sponsored by Volunteers of America of Minnesota. FFI: Connie at 612.617.7807 or e-mail cerickson@voamn.org
month at Fairview Community Center, 1910 County Road B West, Room 143, Roseville. Sibshops use games and recreation to help kids ages 6 -12 expresses their thoughts and feelings about having a sibling with a disability. Participants explore common sibling issues such as teasing and problemsolving through activities and discussion. Sibshops are also an opportunity for participants to connect with other siblings. Dates for the Fall 2009/Spring 2010 session are Jan. 14, Feb. 11, Mar. 11, Apr. 15 (note date change) and May 13. Sibshops are free for Arc members and $10 per child (each meeting) for others. Arc also offers 13 additional Sibshops at locations throughout the metro area, including two more locations in Ramsey County. FFI: 952920-0855
Support groups offered The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Minnesota sponsors free support groups for families who have a relative with a mental illness. Led by trained facilitators who also have a family member with mental illness, the support groups help families develop better coping skills and find strength through sharing their experiences. Family support groups meet weekly in the St. Paul area, either on Thursday evenings or on the second and fourth Wednesdays. FFI: Karin, 651-489-4160 (ThursAnxiety support group days) or Anne Mae, 651-730The National Alliance on 8434 (Wednesdays) Mental Illness of Minnesota (NAMI-MN) sponsors free Adaptive technology classes support groups for persons Free adaptive technology with anxiety disorders. The classes are offered by Hengroups help individuals de- nepin County Library, at the velop better coping skills and downtown Mpls library, 300 find strength through sharing Nicollet Mall. Classes are free their experiences. An Open but you must pre-register for Door Anxiety and Panic sup- these classes for persons who port group meets in St. Paul at are blind or have low vision. 6:30 p.m., first and third Thu, In addition to classes there are at Gloria Dei Church, 700 often volunteers available to Snelling Ave. S. St. Paul. FFI: introduce patrons to the equipNAMI at 651-645-2948, ment and software available. www.namimn.org. Volunteer hours vary, so it’s best to call ahead. The Blind Arc launches sibshops and Low Vision Computer Kids who have a brother or User group meets in Room sister with autism can make N402 1-3 p.m. the second Satfriends and have fun at a new urday of each month, with a Sibshop group in Roseville different speaker. Funding for from Arc Greater Twin Cities. Adaptive Technology classes The group meets 6-7:30 p.m. is provided by a generous grant the second Thursday of the from the Hudson Family Foun-
PERFORM -
Cont. from p. 12
walkingshadowcompany.org Oliver! Web: www.walkingshadow Feb. 19-March 21 company.org Lyric Arts Company of Anoka, 420 E. Main St., Anoka. ASL: Expecting Isabel Sat., Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Feb. 13-28 Reduced to $13 (reg. $18, $16 Theatre Unbound at Lowry student/senior), $20 box seats; Lab Theatre, 350 St. Peter St., Phone: 763-422-1838. Web: St. Paul. AD: Sun., Feb. 21, 2 www.lyricarts.org p.m. Tix: sliding scale between $12-26; Phone: 612-7211186; E-mail: info@theatre unbound.com Web: www. theatreunbound.com
dation. FFI: 612-630-6469, www.hclib.org Caregivers support group Parents and caregivers of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder or FASD Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) can join a caregiver’s support group organized by Arc Greater Twin Cities. The free group meets on the first Tuesday of each month from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. at Arc Greater Twin Cities, 2446 University Ave. W., Suite 110, St. Paul and at 6-8 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at Sabathani Community Center, 310 E. 38th St., Mpls. The group is an opportunity for participants to support one another, share successful parenting techniques, discuss the challenges and hopes of raising a child with FASD, and become better educated about the disorder. The FASD Relative Caregivers Support Group is sponsored by Arc Greater Twin Cities and the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Regional Network. FFI: Janet Salo, 952920-0855 Help others manage finances RSVP/Volunteers of America of Minnesota and AARP Foundation need volunteers with good budgeting and organizational skills to help manage finances of older or disabled low-income individuals. Have a few hours a month to volunteer? Money Management Program staff will train and match you with someone in the community. FFI: Money Management Program Coordinator, 612-617-7821 Be a literacy volunteer Last year, Minnesota Literacy Council volunteers helped more than 24,000 adults achieve their learning goals. Tutor immigrants, refugees and life-long Minnesotans in reading, writing and English. Tutor one-to-one, in a small group or as a classroom assistant. Training, ongoing support provided. Opportunities are available throughout Minnesota. FFI: 651-645-2277, ext 219, volunteer@theMLC.org
October Minnesotans prepare for flu, ACT reaches milestone Two types of flu—the seasonal ailment as well as H1N1—were starting to hit Minnesota hard. The Minnesota State Council on Disabilities, Minnesota Department of Health, the federal Centers for Disease Control and other agencies were spreading the word about how to cope with the diseases, how to recognize symptoms and when to seek medical help. Two different vaccines were needed to fend out the two types of flu. But in some cases, health care providers recommended that ill people stay home, rather than spread the flu. Persons with disabilities and their care givers were advised to be especially vigilant against the spread of flu. Many workplaces, schools and public places were making plans in the event of a pandemic of H1N1. Families were also urged to make their own contingency plans and to stock on items needed if there is a flu outbreak. Face masks and hand sanitizers were commonplace. There was some frustration as supplies of both vaccines ran out at times. The first wave of H1N1 had passed by year’s end but both strains of flu could gather strength and spread again. ALSO IN THE NEWS: Advocating Change Together (ACT)
celebrated its 30th anniversary with a cruise on the Mississippi River and a dance. The grassroots social change organization began when there was no self-advocacy movement in Minnesota. Persons with disabilities were unhappy with a lack of control over their lives and didn’t want to be served solely by well-meaning experts and parents’ groups. They
Cont. from p. 13
wanted to speak for themselves man. Hamilton was beaten, and formed ACT. kicked, burned and tortured over a two-night period in OcNovember tober 2008. Four men and a Rail effects on businesses woman were involved in the eyed, Hamilton case goes on brutal crime, which stunned How the planned Central area residents and resulted in Corridor light rail line would an outpouring of support for affect disability service-related Hamilton. businesses, their clients and their employees was being disDecember cussed. Construction of the MN-CCD prepares for light rail line would start in tough 2010 session, 2010, with rail operations get- MnCARRS celebrates a year ting underway in 2014. One The Minnesota Consortium huge concern for all businesses for Citizens with Disabilities along University Avenue was that about 85 percent of the onstreet parking would be lost. That would affect businesses including Handi Medical and the Low Vision Store. It would (MN-CCD) was gearing up for also affect businesses that had the 2010 session of the Minnepetitioned the city and paid sota Legislature. MN-CCD extra for on-street parking committees met for several spots signed for persons with months in 2009 to hammer out disabilities. proposed legislation on perBusiness owners were pre- sonal care assistants (PCA) pared to keep a better eye on regulations, housing, employtheir existing parking, to en- ment, health care and transsure it would be for customers portation. With another state and employees only. One huge budget deficit projected, the concern is that with light rail, main issue for the upcoming commuters would try to use session may be one of mainbusiness parking as park and taining services and funding, ride space. The City of St. Paul rather than trying to restore was offering forgivable loans past cuts. Another concern for to businesses MN-CCD leadership is that wanting to cre- not all of the issues raised could ate or improved be addressed by the whole shared of-street coalition during the upcoming parking. session. Instead, each advoBut one cacy groups would have to take bright spot leadership roles on specific many business bills. owners saw The biggest concerns rewas that with mained the looming cuts to light rail, and proper personal care assistants (PCA) streetscape and rail passenger services and General Assisplatform design, getting tance Medical Care (GAMC). around University Avenue The end of GAMC in March could be easier once light rail 2010 was seen as having huge is up and running. ripple effects throughout the ALSO IN THE NEWS: The Jus- state health care system. The tin Hamilton case was wind- 2010 session is to be a short ing down, with the conviction session and is a bonding year, of the fifth and final persons which will have impacts, MNwho had assaulted the devel- CCD members said. opmentally disabled young ALSO IN THE NEWS: Helping people with disabilities find employment is the focus of the Minnesota Department of Transport (MnDOT) Community Advisors on Recruitment and Retention Solutions (MnCARRS) Program. The program marked its one-year anniversary by highlighting its successes. The Arc of Minnesota and other community members honored the legacy of Gerald Walsh, who led The Arc on a major change of course as its executive director in from the 1950s into the 1970s. ■
January 10, 2010
REGIONAL NEWS REVIEW West Side bluffs to Wabasha Street has been blocked by the project’s lack of an elevator. The 93-year-old steps were known historically as the black steps and later, the green steps. City officials and community members were confident they had a lock on federal stimulus funding and could erect a new 200-step tower in spring. Folks could get back to walking downtown or to work their lungs and legs for exercise; 350 people used to use the stairs daily. But an official with the Federal Highway Administration said if there are going to be new stairs, there needs to be an elevator, because not everybody can walk the steps. “If it isn’t accessible to everybody, then it is a violation of civil rights,” Christopher Douwes, trails and enhancements program manager, wrote in an e-mail. Even if federal funds aren’t used, an elevator is needed, he added. Mayor Chris Coleman’s Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities signed off on the project. The Minnesota Department of Transportation offered its support.”It’s incredibly vast bureaucratic overkill,” said Council Member Dave Thune, whose ward includes the West Side. “It’s really a disappointment to the neighbors who’ve worked on it.” City officials and a community group worked over a yearlong period to find a new design after the 93-year-old stair tower was demolished last year after being damaged when a boulder loosened by a storm slammed into it. The challenge to rebuilding was finding the $2 million for construction. When the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act came along, city engineers jumped at the opportunity to apply. When the elevator problem came up, the city resubmitted its application with some modifications, such as putting signs on a sidewalk that leads up to the bluff and adding handicapped parking spots at the top and bottom. A viewing deck at the top of the bluff would be wheelchair-accessible, and rest areas would be built on the stair landings. City Engineer John Maczko acknowledged that people who use wheelchairs wouldn’t be able to use the stairs. “If we didn’t believe that we addressed all the access issues, we wouldn’t have put this forward,” he said. “It’s not always possible to accommodate all needs.” [Source: Star Tribune]
Elder abuse case continuing In an ongoing case that shocked the community, 19-year-old Ashton Larson has pleaded not guilty in Freeborn County District Court to all counts against her related to alleged elder abuse at Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea. The plea was entered Dec. 17. Her case will be scheduled for a pre-trail and jury trial. The jury trial itself is expected to last about six days, Freeborn County Attorney Craig Nelson and Ashton Larson’s lawyer, Evan Larson, said. No trial date has been announced yet. Nelson said there has obviously been considerable media coverage in the case, but he does not think he and the defense are incapable of picking a jury in Freeborn County. Evan Larson said he and his client have not made a decision about whether to ask for a change of venue. Ashton Larson faces two counts of fifth-degree assault, five counts of criminal abuse of a vulnerable adult, two counts of disorderly conduct of a vulnerable adult and one count of mandatory failure to report stemming from alleged incidents at the nursing home in Albert Lea from January through May 2008. Charges in the case came in December 2008 after an investigation into the allegations of abuse by local and Minnesota Department of Health officials; however, details of the allegations surfaced August 2008 after the release of the Department of Health’s report. The report concluded four teenagers were involved in verbal, sexual and emotional abuse of 15 residents at the nursing home. The residents suffered from mental degradation conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Co-defendant Brianna Broitzman, who faces similar charges, also pleaded not guilty to all of her charges in August. Her jury trial has been scheduled for April 2010. The plea comes about a month after Freeborn County District
15
Cont. from p. 6 Court Judge Steve Schwab issued a written order denying the motion made by Evan Larson to dismiss the criminal complaint about his client for lack of probable cause. [Source: Albert Lea Tribune]
Nursing home loses funds
and he and his family were threatened. At one point he was tied to a tree and burned with a lighter and a heated credit card. After the second beating, Hamilton was found by a passerby and taken for medical treatment. Diepold was convicted of six violent felony crimes and a misdemeanor, following a bench trial. The convictions are for two counts of felony kidnapping, two counts of felony false imprisonment and one count each of felony aggravated robbery, felony third-degree assault and gross misdemeanor theft. Dakota County District Judge Tim Wermager presided over the case. Diepold agreed to the proceeding last summer, in which both sides submitted written evidence. Wermager also found Diepold not guilty of one count of assault in the third degree (a felony) and two counts of assault in the fourth degree (motivated by bias – both gross misdemeanors). Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom is seeking a minimum of eight years’ imprisonment for Diepold. The others involved in the two-night attack on Hamilton have already been sentenced. John Maxwell Maniglia, age 20 of Northfield, pleaded guilty to kidnapping, assault in the third degree (both felonies) and theft (a gross misdemeanor), and was sentenced to eight years in prison on June 15. Diepold and Maniglia were cited by prosecutors as the ringleaders of the attacks. Glen Richard Ries, age 34 of Northfield, pleaded guilty to assault in the third degree (a felony) and was sentenced to three years in prison on September 28. Timothy John Ketterling, age 22 of Prior Lake, pleaded guilty to theft (a gross misdemeanor) and was sentenced to four days in jail and 80 hours of community work service on July 20. The case against Natasha Dahn, now age 17 of Lakeville, was completed in juvenile court. ■ [Source: Dakota County Attorney’s Office, Access Press archives]
State regulators have cut off Medicare and Medicaid funding for all new patients at a Robbinsdale nursing home after inspectors discovered critical treatment errors, including neglect that culminated in the deaths of two residents. Robbinsdale Rehab and Care Center must fix its problems by Jan. 7 or regulators will extend the funding ban to all patients, a move which has forced other nursing home operations out of business. Six facilities in Minnesota were hit with temporary funding restrictions in the last year. “This is a very serious situation,” said Darcy Miner, director of the compliance monitoring division at the state Department of Health. Amy Wiffler, the home’s acting administrators aid that she believes she has addressed the government’s concerns. “Our utmost concern is the care and safety of our residents,” said Wiffler, who is also regional operations director for Extendicare, which owns the 123-bed facility. Inspectors have visited the facility three times since a July survey turned up 29 deficiencies, including failing to respond to signs of distress in two residents who later died. It has been fined $3,000 and denied federal reimbursement for new patients since Oct. 7. Regulators have also sought federal approval for imposing an additional $24,300 in fines for six days in which residents were in immediate jeopardy of being harmed by medication errors. The facility caters to a mostly younger population with mental health and substance abuse problems, as well as traumatic injuries. In October, the state cited Robbinsdale Rehab for failing to discharge a healthy patient who was being kept in the home against her wishes. Isabelle Jessich, 56, who was the subject of an August report in the Star Tribune, was released Dec. 1 after spending more than a year at the facility. Jessich was originally hospitalized for treatment related to chronic alcoholism, but her court-appointed guardian wouldn’t let her go home, even after Jessich’s doctor said it was safe for Employment ads are $22-$25 per col. inch. her to leave the facility. Robbinsdale Rehab has far more Oct 30 is the deadline for the November 10 issue. violations than most Minnesota facilities, which were cited for Mail to: Access Press, an average of 10 deficiencies in 2008. Inspectors found 19 1821 University Ave. #104S, St. Paul, MN 55104 violations at Robbinsdale Rehab in 2007, 25 in 2008 and 37 so FAX 651-644-2136 • Email: access@accesspress.org far in 2009. Some of this year’s violations harmed residents, inspectors concluded. The most serious problems involved two M & E COORDINATOR CONSTRUCTION unnamed residents who died after mistakes were made by ENGINEERING nursing home employees. PCL Construction Services, INTERNSHIP [Source: Star Tribune] Inc. is seeking a full-time & E Coordinator to work from our PCL Construction Services, Sentencing is delayed Burnsville, MN office. Travel Inc. is seeking an Engineering The sentencing of the fifth and final defendant in the Justin required. Degree in Engineer- or Construction Management Hamilton case has been postponed until Jan. 8 in Dakota ing or Construction Manage- student to fill a full-time inCounty District Court. Jonathan M. Diepold, 22, of Northfield ment required & 7-10 years ternship opportunity during the was to be sentenced Dec. 22 but the date was postponed. experience preferred. summer of 2010. The kidnapping and beating of Hamilton, a developmentally disabled man from Lakeville, shocked Minnesotans when it Position details & application Position details & application happened in October 2008. Diepold was convicted of the crime can be found online at: www. can be found online at: www. in October 2009. pcl.com pcl.com The group took Hamilton to a remote area in southern Dakota Job ID # 1642. Job ID # 1530 Country and beat, cut and burned him. He sustained two broken No phone calls or No phone calls or ribs and many other injuries in the attack. He was also robbed, walk-ins please. walk-ins please. PCL is an Equal Opportunity PCL is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V Employer M/F/D/V
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University of Minnesota MANAGER/DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS The Office of the Vice President and Vice Provost for Equity and Diversity (OED) is seeking a highly qualified, motivated and creative leader to serve as the office’s Communications Manager/Director. This professional is responsible for the direction and policy of all communications for OED and develops and leads the office’s internal and external communication strategies, marketing, and promotion to ensure effective communications within the office, throughout the U of M, and with OED’s external constituencies.
FOR RENT Holmes-Greenway Housing: One- and two-bedroom wheelchair-accessible apartments. Section 8 subsidized. Convenient SE Minneapolis location. Call 612-378-0331 for availability information. Equal Opportunity Housing.
Oak Park Village: One-bedroom wheelchair-accessible apartments. Section 8 subsidized. Convenient St. Louis Park location. Call 952-9359125 for availability informa- More information about the position and the application protion. Equal Opportunity Hous- cess can be found at https://employment.umn.edu/ ing. Requisition number is: 164207
Lewis Park Apartments: Barrier-free housing with wheelchair users in mind. Section 8 subsidized. One- and two-bedroom units. For more information on availability call 651-488-9923. St. Paul, MN. Equal Opportunity Housing.
Seward Square Apartments: We are currently accepting applications for our waiting list for barrier-free housing, in Minneapolis, that is federally subsidized. For an application, please call 612-338-2680. Equal Opportunity Housing.
The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. PROJECT DIRECTOR FT 3-year position to coordinate a statewide collaborative addressing violence against women with disabilities. See employment opportunities at www.miwsac.org for full job announcement and application details.
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January 10, 2010
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