February 2010 Edition - Access Press

www.accesspress.org History Note

Inside

“In spite of the cost of living, it’s still popular.”

■ It’s our 20 anniversary!–pg 3 ■ ADA staffing dispute–pg 5 ■ Be counted–pg 6 th

— Kathleen Norris

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Volume 21, Number 2

Minnesota’s Disability

Community Newspaper

February 10, 2010

One month reprieve

GAMC still vulnerable

by Jane McClure General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC), which provides health care coverage for Minnesota’s poorest residents, will end April 1, not March 1 as previously planned. The Minnesota Department of Human Services announced the delay in late January.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Minnesota Human Services Commissioner, Cal Ludeman announced that state funding is available for the GAMC program until April 1 and eligible enrollees can continue on the program through March 31.

“This extra month of GAMC coverage is possible because program costs and new enrollment were lower than projected,” Pawlenty said. “The extension means that people can remain on GAMC through March and then will automatically be transitioned to MinnesotaCare.” Now that the change will take place a month later, Ludeman said the transition process for approximately

28,000 enrollees now on GAMC will be the same as announced in November. No action will be required on the part of these enrollees, who will receive a notice from DHS about the transition. New applicants otherwise eligible for GAMC can apply for MinnesotaCare at their local county office.

“Transitioning people on GAMC to MinnesotaCare maintains health care coverage for enrollees,” said Ludeman. “We continue to work with counties, providers, community agencies and faith-based organizations to help enrollees through the transition.” DHS has held a number of briefings and community meetings to share information about the process.

The prospect of even a brief reprieve hasn’t slowed efforts by state lawmakers, health care professionals and advocates for GAMC clients to find an interim replacement for

GAMC. Supporters of the program, including many disability rights advocates, planned to rally when the 2010 legislative session convened Feb. 4.

Holding a rally at the start of session is unusual but it underscores the intense efforts underway to replace GAMC. Pawlenty eliminated the program in spring 2009, indicating that recipients could be moved to other state-run programs. But some state lawmakers say that would bankrupt other health care programs and put more people at risk.

On Jan. 12 Sen. Linda Berglin, DFL-Minneapolis, unveiled her ideas for a 16month replacement for GAMC. She said the hope is to have something in place before GAMC ends.

Sixteen months from now the new federal health care reform Medicaid laws could cover GAMC patients, Berglin told the committee. But that is GMAC - cont. on p. 11

Health care reform was a theme at the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day march in St. Paul Jan. 18. More pictures can be seen at www.accesspress.org

Disability groups converge on capitol with numerous ideas

by Joe Kimball Concerns about how the Minnesota Legislature will handle the state’s massive budget deficit—and how that will affect people with disabilities —dominated a legislative forum Jan. 12 organized by the Minnesota State Council on Disability (MSCOD).

With the session’s start on Feb. 4, organizations have been hurrying to get priorities in place and bills introduced.

Rep. Thomas Huntley, DFLDuluth, chair of the Health Care and Human Services Finance Division, said the state’s $1.2 billion projected deficit, plus new legal questions about the governor’s $400 million unallotment process in 2009, will mean even more cuts to programs for people with disabilities. “This is supposed to be a short session, to handle a bonding bill and some budget fixes, so there will be no COLAs or cost-of-living

raises. And there are going to be more cuts,” he said.

Some good news, Huntley said, will come when the federal health care bill is resolved

by Congress. He expects some higher Medical Assistance payments for the state. But that may be one of few bright spots. Rep. Larry Hosch, DFL-St. Joseph, said those in the disability community must be active at the capitol this session, to remind lawmakers of their needs and concerns.

“It’s inevitable that there will be difficult cuts, whether though legislation or through unal-lotment,” he said. “Participation is vital ... There’s nothing better than seeing people in halls of the capitol and the State Office Building, making sure you don’t get forgotten.”

Anne Henry, Minnesota Disability Law Center, said the session looks “dismal” and

the following biennium looks even worse. And cuts from the last session are still taking effect. “Many of the services people with disabilities need are paid for by public funds, so we’re always in the crosshairs,” she said.

Hundreds of millions of dollars have been cuts from home and community waivers since 2002, including $42 million last session and then $14 million more from the governor’s unallotment. More than 7,000 Minnesotans are affected by cuts to personal care assistants (PCA), with 500 to 600 people eliminated from the program and an additional 6,500 people seeing cuts in hours. People with cognitive brain injuries and mental illness are among those most affected. The cuts were made by state lawmakers in 2009 and began taking effect recently.

“The current state deficit

means even more cuts,” Henry said. “We need to protect those already hurting. An increase in revenue—[increasing taxes] —seems unlikely, but we have to talk about it. We have to find a balanced and reasonable approach.”

Many organizations that advocate for people with disabilities discussed their priorities for the coming session. Since the 2009 session ended, many disability and senior advocacy groups have focused on damage control and retaining what services and funding the communities have. However, Bruce Nelson, Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota, noted that while damage control is important, personal contact is needed with legislators throughout session. Otherwise, groups will continue to lose and people will be hurt.

Nelson also reminded those present Jan. 12 that budget de-

cisions will be political. It’s important for legislators to go back and tell constituents about the good things they did.

One group overseeing multiple legislative agendas and carrying a long list of its own priorities is the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN CCD). More than 100 groups and service providers belong to the MN CCD. Anni Simmons of MN CCD said, the coalition has 65 areas to work on, including these priorities: • Monitor transportation omnibus bill for accessibility and support Complete Streets Coalition to make streets more usable for all.

• Monitor hiring goals progress and look into accommodation pools that would improve state hiring prospects.

• Safe schools initiative and awareness of anti-bullying

efforts, a bill that was vetoed last year.

• Restore funding for Region 10 Quality Assurance. The Mission of the Region 10 Quality Assurance Commission is to develop and implement a person-centered process that significantly enhances the quality of life for persons with developmental disabilities. This process is to be person-driven and responsive, assuring basic safety while promoting continuous improvement in the system and the service it provides. But the program had its funding cut.

Other groups outlined their priorities Jan. 12. Sue Abderholden, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), said that restoring General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) is a top priority because 70 percent of those enrolled have CAPITOL- cont. on p. 11

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January 10, 2010 The 2010 legislative session started Feb. 4. If you haven’t contacted your legislators, do it now. Make sure your legislator knows your name and your face. It is much harder for them to cut programs when they know the faces behind these programs. Many legislators have told Access Press that the more people with disabilities are seen in the corridors of the capitol, the more likely it is that our concerns will be remembered when they are considering cuts to the programs we depend on.

The Minnesota Consortium of Citizens with Disabilities (MN CCD) is again urging us all to come to the capitol every Tuesday throughout the session to be seen and to remind legislators that disability matters. Many of the larger disability organizations are having disability days at the capitol; pick an organization and attend their lobby day. Watch

Tim Benjamin, Editor

Access Press’ calendar every month in print and more often online for events at the capitol. Many of the organizations will have direct input into the Access Press calendar. Go there to find out where you should be when. Also, we’re hoping that many of the organizations’ advocates will be “tweeting” into the Access Press Web site as quickly as things happen. For more information about “Tuesdays at the capitol,” contact Anni Simons at atasimons@arc mn.org. Get involved and let the legislators know of your struggles and worries.

Fortunately, we have a group of well-known and respected advocates at the capitol promoting the disability law and policy agenda. But they can’t do it all without our help. If you have concerns about the cuts to the personal care attendant (PCA) program, let them know. If you have problems

making ends meet because of a spend-down, let them know.

If your diet is no longer covered because of cuts, tell your legislators your story. In fact, tell everyone that you run into at the capitol about your struggles and difficulties living independently and getting your everyday needs met. Tell them how these cuts today will cost much more in the future, when we are forced into the hospital or nursing home because we have no other option.

Tell them how our families and friends will be affected when we can no longer live with them as part of the community. The potential for this happening is real, and every one of us is only one day away from the hospitalization or moving into a nursing home, including me. I was recently denied a prescription drug because my diagnosis was not on the list of conditions that this drug is supposedly used for—

even though my doctor prescribed it. Last year, I might have shaken my head and shrugged it off. This year, I’m concerned that it’s only the start of a lot of loud NOs. General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) has been extended until the end of March. Because of a few people making a lot of noise, there has been a lawsuit filed against Gov. Tim Pawlenty and his unallotment tactics.

The lawsuit was filed over elimination of a dietary program. I would have expected more lawsuits by now. I guess some of us were not loud enough, or the governor feels he has legal protections that allowed him to do what, in my opinion, no one person should have the power to do in a democracy. But this is a long constitutional story and there’s not space and time to discuss it here. Stay tuned on this one, though.

On another note, we can’t stand by and let the U.S. Census happen without getting involved and being counted. Some say there’s a high likelihood that we will lose a representive seat in Washington, DC because of Minnesota’s population decline over the last decade.

They are questioning whether the population really is shrinking or whether we’re just not filling out our census forms. Let’s stand, sit, walk, sign, talk and in every other way, answer the call to be counted. Having more people with disabilities counted could mean millions of dollars from the federal government to fund programs that we need. Your parents and grandparents going back to 1790 have been counted. Plan to join them and join the census on April 1. ■

History Note

Michael Dowling was a pioneer in disability rights in Minnesota

by Luther Granquist The 1880 census report for Wergeland Township in Yellow Medicine County gave 14year-old Mike Dowling’s occupation as “herding cattle.”

Although he was listed with the Isaac Anderson family who farmed just northeast of the town of Porter, Dowling worked for himself, as he had done since his mother died when he was 10. At that time, Dowling moved with his father from Massachusetts to St. Louis and Chicago. Then on his own he went to work as a cook in a lumber camp in Wisconsin, on steamboats between St. Paul and St. Louis, as a

water carrier on a farm in Cottage Grove and as a “kid cowboy” on a ranch in Wyoming.

During the summer of 1880 he collected a herd of more than 500 head of cattle from farmers in the Canby area by agreeing to care for them on the open range and to deliver them back to their owners on Oct. 15 for $1.50 a head. He did so successfully despite a sleet and ice storm that struck on Oct. 14 and killed cattle in other herds in the area.

Dowling was not so lucky on Dec. 4, 1880. He hitched a ride with two farmers on the back of a lumber wagon to go

from Canby to the farm where he kept his pony. They encountered a sudden blizzard, and the horses veered into a plowed field. Dowling was thrown from the wagon, which continued on in the howling storm. After the blizzard cleared the next morning, Dowling struggled to a farm house on frozen legs and with frozen arms. Sixteen days later three doctors amputated both of his legs and one arm. Three years later he convinced the Yellow Medicine County commissioners that they should provide him two terms at Carlton College rather than pay

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.

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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

a local farmer $2 per week to take care of him. The youthful cook, cowboy, and cattle herder became a school teacher, a school superintendent, a member of the Minnesota Legislature, a newspaper publisher and the president of a bank. In 1921 he spearheaded a successful effort by Rotarians to add “crippled children” to the law providing state aid for school districts which chose to serve children with disabilities. Dowling School in Minneapolis was named for him.

■ The History Note is a monthly column sponsored by the Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, www.mncdd.org and www.partnersinpolicy mak ing.com

Michael Dowling, shown lower left after his accident and above right with his prosthetic legs and arm.

Photos courtesy of

Minnesota Historical Society

January 10, 2010

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Support Access Press and 20 years of journalism

by Access Press staff In May 2010 Access Press will commemorate its two decades of providing news and information to Minnesota’s disability and elder communities. We are planning a special section that month. We want you to be a part of that celebration and to help us start the next 20 years.

Through its print edition and Web site, Access Press is a voice and face of Minnesotans with disabilities. We cover key issues of importance to the disability community. We provide information on a wide range of upcoming events, as well as news from around the region and news about people and places in our community.

Each month, we print more than 11,000 newspapers.

These newspapers are distributed to more than 300 Minneapolis-St. Paul metro locations.

We also distribute papers to 13 other Minnesota and North Dakota locations including; Duluth, East Grand Forks, Fargo, Hibbing, Mankato, Marshall, Rochester, St. Cloud and Willmar.

Access Press has a broad reach across the state. But our reach goes far beyond Minne-

sota. Approximately 500 subscribers, all across the country, receive a print edition of the paper in the mail. Because readers routinely share copies of the paper, the total Access Press readership is at least three times the printed circulation, probably more. Our Web presence expands our readership even further; our Web site visits (www.accesspress. org) average 2,500 hits per month. These numbers are growing and we want you to benefit with us as they do.

But we need your support to continue making this publication possible. It’s no secret that this has been a very difficult economic time for all print news media. Access Press is no exception. Many of the Twin Cities’ urban neighborhoods, suburban and ethnic community newspapers have reduced staff or even stopped production. Although, with your past support, Access Press is in a fairly solid position financially, we need your continued support to maintain financial stability and we will continue to bring you the news and information you depend on. ■

How can you help and get involved in supporting and celebrating 20 years of quality community journalism? There are many ways: • Donate. Our individual sponsorship levels are spelled out on the back page of every issue and on our donor Web page. All support of more than $30 per year is tax-deductible. We accept financial donations as well as in-kind donations of goods and service.

• We welcome Issue Sponsors. For a small fee a business or organization can enjoy long-term recognition and visibility as an Access Press issue sponsor. Issue sponsors are also recognized in both the print newspaper and Web editions.

Sponsoring organizations got more visibility for their activities in the community. Access Press increases its revenue, allowing us to continue our mission of disseminating news and features of interest to Minnesota’s disability community.

The sponsor organization or business’s name/logo and organization profile will be strategically placed on the back page of the sponsored issue or issues, as well as on the Access Press Web site on the issue month as a banner display. A profile of the sponsor organization will appear on page 4 of the sponsored issue, in a highlighted ad.

Charlie Smith, Access Press founder Why not plan issue sponsorship in conjunction with your organization’s major annual event and gain a highlighted box • Be a part of the 20th anniversary issue. The May 2010 issue in our Calendar of Events that month? is a chance to celebrate the accomplishments of MinneBeyond the month or months of direct sponsorship, sponsota’s disability community, as chronicled in our pages. We sors, will have ongoing recognition, in print and online, as encourage businesses, organizations and elected officials to sponsor Organization will have ongoing (monthly) visibility purchase advertising celebrating this event with us. We also by being listed as one of the key sponsors of Access Press. invite readers to go to our Web site or mail us their stories • Support our advertisers. When you do business with our of how the newspaper has helped them over the years. These advertisers, let them know how much you appreciate their testimonials will show the power of the printed word in support of Access Press. And if a business or organization helping making change in our community. We’re looking you rely on doesn’t advertise in Access Press, tell them about forward to hearing your stories! us. Tell us about them. It’s a win, win situation Call us for more complete information on any of these donation options at 651-644-2133.

From the cover of the first issue of Access Press:

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4

January 10, 2010

Regional news in review . . .

Final Hamilton defendant sentenced

Civil lawsuit filed in abuse cases

The final defendant in the Justin Hamilton beating and torture case was sentenced Jan. 8, bring an end to a case that began in October 2008. Hamilton, 26, who was born with a developmentally disablility, spoke out in court about how the incident has changed him. The attack provoked widespread outrage and an outpouring of support for Hamilton, who is from Lakeville.

Hamilton spoke at the sentencing for Jonathon Diepold, 22, of Northfield. Diepold was sentenced to imprisonment and five year’s probation for his role in the crime. Diepold was part of a group that kidnapped and tortured Hamilton on two successive nights in October 2008. The other four people have been tried and sentenced.

In court, Hamilton spoke of how the incident has set him back after years of making progress. He is frightened to leave home without other family members. He had saved almost $20,000 to attend Dakota County technical College to become a mechanic, but wound up spending that money for attorneys.

After the sentencing, Hamilton told reports, saying “I will never, ever accept their apologies. These two men wanted to light me on fire alive and leave me for dead,” referring to Diepold and Jonathan M. Maniglia. Maniglia was seen as the other leader of the attacks.

The attacks were provoked after a young woman lied to her male friends about Hamilton hitting her. That young woman, Natasha Dahn, later admitted she had lied. But that wasn’t until after the two nights in which Hamilton was held against his will, beaten, kicked and burned. He had burns, broken ribs and many bruises as a result of the attacks.

Diepold was sentenced on two counts of kidnapping, two counts of false imprisonment and one count each of aggravated robbery, third-degree assault and gross misdemeanor theft.

The penalty he received is almost double what is recommended. Judge Tim Wermager decided that Diepold will serve two-thirds of the 10-year sentence in prison. He could then serve the remaining time on supervised release, but any violations would send him back to prison.

Diepold read a letter of apology to Hamilton’s family in court.

[Source: Star Tribune, KSTP TV]

Four of the alleged victims in the highly publicized elder abuse case at Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea and their families have sued the operator of the nursing home and four of the former certified nursing assistants.

The civil lawsuit, filed Jan. 25 in Freeborn County District Court, comes on the heels of criminal trials slated for this summer.

The four plaintiffs in the civil lawsuit are alive and are acting in the case via power of attorney granted to relatives. The law firms Sieben, Grose, Von Holtum & Carey and KosieradzkiSmith in Minneapolis are handling the lawsuit.

The four former nursing assistants Brianna Broitzman, Ashton Larson, Alicia Hellmann and Kaylee Nash are defendants in the case, along with the Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society, which runs 230 nursing homes around the country including the Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea, where the acts of physical, sexual and emotional abuse on residents with dementia are alleged to have occurred.

The four former nursing assistants in the civil suit were teens, two of which face juvenile criminal charges and two of which face adult criminal charges. All are now adults. Two others not cited in the civil suit went through juvenile criminal court.

Mark Kosieradzki, one of the lawyers for the alleged victims, said the families have a lot of questions that remain unanswered and hope the lawsuit provides answers. The questions the victims’ families want answered are the following: How could the alleged abuse gone on four, five or even six months? And why was no one at the facility monitoring these aides?

Attorney Jim Carey said this situation was not just the case of one employee who on one or two occasions engaged in this type of behavior. Instead, he alleged, these nurses aides were going into rooms and locking the doors. There was screaming from the residents, laughing from the aides and video recording as well.

Kosieradzki said the operator of the local Good Samaritan facility has ample resources available to provide enough people to supervise its aides. The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society operates in 23 states and has almost 20,000 patients,

with more than $1 billion in assets each year, he said, to support his statement.

A spokesman for the Good Samaritan Society says the company hasn’t done anything improper and followed correct procedures once the allegations came out. The lawsuit lists six claims against the Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society.

The incidents surfaced in May of 2008 and were made public in August of 2008 after the release of a Minnesota Department of Health report that concluded four teenagers were involved in verbal, sexual and emotional abuse of 15 residents at the nursing home.

[Source; Albert Lea Tribune]

Transit Link service contract set The Metropolitan Council today voted to award a five-year contract for Transit Link service in southern Ramsey County and all of Washington County to Midwest Paratransit Services Inc. The new contract will take effect on March 1, though service may not begin until later in the month. The new contract is part of the restructuring of dial-a-ride services region-wide.

It is the second contract awarded for the new Transit Link service. Midwest Paratransit also received the contract to provide dial-a-ride service for 26 communities in Hennepin County. The service provides rides primarily for senior citizens.

“The restructure of dial-a-ride services will provide much greater consistency region-wide,” said Arlene McCarthy, director of transportation services for the Council. “Our ultimate goal is to avoid duplication with regular route transit so all communities have greater access to a transit option, either regular route transit or Transit Link.

[Source: Metropolitan Council]

Man dies after workplace beating A 27-year-old developmentally disabled man died last month, after he was physically restrained by several people at his stateoperated workplace in Eden Prairie. Timothy Aleshire died Regional News - cont. on p. 11

January 10, 2010

5

Minneapolis Disability Committee considers ADA compliance, hiring complaint against city

by Access Press staff The City of Minneapolis recently hired an ADA Coordinator to be responsible for program and building access issues. According to members of the Minneapolis Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities, this person falls short of their expectations and has virtually no experience or knowledge of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or the disability community. Committee Chairwoman Margot Imdieke Cross said that “The committee was extremely disappointed in the hire.”

But David Rubedor, Director of Neighborhood and Community Relations for Minneapolis, disagrees. “I’m excited that this new position will elevate our work with a number of communities, including people with disabilities. Filling this position is one very important step toward making accessibility considerations a more integral part of the way city departments do their work.”

Cross said it became evident several years ago that Minneapolis was slipping backward in regard to overall ADA compliance, with so many complaints and alleged violations that the city was eventually going to get sued.

Minneapolis always had an ADA officer in the Human Resources department to focus on employment issues, but no one was held accountable for program or building access issues. “This responsibility fell in large part to the Disability Committee and we responded,” said Cross. “We educated city departments on ADA requirements, we intervened and resolved several clear ADA violations and we started meeting with Steven Bosacker, City Coordinator, to reestablish the ADA coordinator position that the city had eliminated several years earlier as a cost cutting measure.”

According to Dorothy Balen, longtime committee member, “We did our best to resolve issues and create good

ADA practice and policy to bring the city into compliance, but we’re a group of volunteers. Many of us have fulltime jobs outside of the committee activity, and there was only so much we could accomplish in this capacity. We needed to get that ADA coordinator position reinstated.”

“We just simply couldn’t believe that after receiving multiple assurances that a qualified person would be hired for this position, first from Bosacker and eventually from Rubedor, we ended up with an individual who knows next to nothing about ADA requirements,” said Joan Willshire, committee member and director of the Minnesota State Council on Disability. The ADA coordinator position was combined with a multi-cultural manager position and even though not required by law, as is the ADA coordinator position, Rubedor gave priority to the multi-cultural component of the position.

But Rubedor defends new Access and Outreach Manager Ahmen Muhumud, saying he brings not only the right skills to the job, but also has a passion for connecting with communities to make change. He was chosen from more than 80 applicants because of his strong program development and project management skills, and his experience working with cultural organizations and communities. Muhumud has about 10 years’ experience with the Minnesota Department of Human Services, and Hennepin and Dakota counties.

Michael Foster, committee communication officer, said when Muhumud was introduced to the Committee, he was asked if he had any direct ADA experience and his response was “no”. When Muhumud was asked about his experience with the disability community, he said he had two disabled family members.

Muhumud also said he would be relying on the Disability Committee for their experience and resources.

Rubedor said Muhumud is responsible for addressing and removing barriers that exist in some communities. “He will focus on building outreach and meaningful connections to underrepresented communities where language, cultural norms and/or disabilities, as well as knowledge of government, affects communication and access.” He will work with five people on an access and outreach team.

“We’re also putting into place a system of ADA liaisons in all city departments,” Rubedor said. “With a designated liaison in each department and the core team working with Muhumud, we’ll have a stronger network than we’ve ever had to proactively address ADA issues. That network is extremely important, because our goal is to integrate ADA planning into the city’s business plans and practices they never have before.” He said accessibility will be more and more a part of how Minneapolis does business.

The committee’s first piece of advice to Muhumud is to conduct an access review of his own job site since his office is reportedly in a building that is inaccessible to many in the disability community. “To find out what the access requirements are in Minnesota, Muhumud should contact the Minnesota State Council on Disability for access information,” Cross said. She works for MNCOD. Minneapolis residents with and without disabilities who are concerned about the City’s apparent lack of commitment on ADA compliance should contact their City Council member and register a complaint.

Christopher Bell, a blind attorney who specializes in ADA, addressed the committee in January and outlined options, which included filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ).

Bell handed out a document from the USDOJ on best practices when filling an ADA coordinator position. The docu-

ment addressed the benefits of having an ADA coordinator and the knowledge needed for the position to be effective.

During his presentation, Bell noted that USDOJ takes the position that the ADA Coordinator must have the time and expertise to investigate ADA complaints and to coordinate the government compliance efforts. Bell questioned whether a person with no direct ADA knowledge or experience could satisfy the demands of the ADA coordinator position in a city as large as Minneapolis, particularly when he also is responsible for multi-cultural outreach programs. ❖❖❖❖❖❖❖

ST. PAUL HIRES HUMAN RIGHTS SPECIALIST AND

ADA COORDINATOR Alyssa Wetzel-Moore was recently hired by the city of St. Paul’s Department of Human Rights & Equal Economic Opportunity (HREEO) as a human rights specialist and also was appointed as Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator for St. Paul. When ask if she had any concerns about negotiating for people with disabilities as ADA Coordinator she said, “I

respect the dignity of all people. I treat people with respect and listen carefully so that those with concerns feel that they have been heard.”

Wetzel-Moore will facilitate the cities compliance concerning Title II of the ADA. As ADA Coordinator, WetzelMoore has been organizing a Citywide Team to developed procedures to work towards making the City’s services, programs, and activities more accessible to those with disabilities. She is responsible for investigating complaints of discrimination that focus on accessibility issues that take place within St. Paul city. Luz María Frías, Director of HREEO said, “Alyssa has energetically assembled an interdepartmental team of employees that will focus on ensuring that our facilities and buildings are accessible to all residents in Saint Paul. We are committed to eliminating accessibility barriers whether they are based on mobility, vision, hearing, etc.”

Wetzel-Moore is staff liaison to the Mayor’s Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities (MACPD). The MACPD advises and makes recommendations to the Mayor and City Council on problems, issues, and oppor-

tunities facing people with disabilities. The MACPD specifically focuses on issues related to employment, public education, and accessibility.

Wetzel-Moore graduated from University of St. Thomas School of Law, magna cum laude, after being awarded a full tuition scholarship for academic performance. WetzelMoore received her Bachelor’s of Arts Degree from the University of Minnesota. WetzelMoore’s other relevant experience as ADA Coordinator includes coursework in International Human Rights Law, Trial Advocacy, Poverty Law, Negotiations, Constitutional Law and, Criminal Procedure, Client Interviewing and Counseling and Employment Law class that included the Americans with Disabilities Act and cases of discrimination on the basis of disability, legal memorandum on a hypothetical case assigned in her legal writing course requiring a thorough analysis and application of the ADA, she attended workshops on an Employer’s Guide to Reasonable Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA) at a Human Rights Day Conference. She also attended forums on analyzing Civil Rights - cont. on p. 10

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January 10, 2010

Letter to the Editor How do we get out of a car safely in downtown Minneapolis?

The new bike lane renovation in downtown Minneapolis is not compatible with wheelchairs, especially with side-loading vehicles. Unloading a wheelchair into a bike lane is a hazard to both the bicyclist and also the wheelchair rider. The protruding wheelchair lift is dangerous to the cyclist. After the wheelchair passenger is on the ground, without a curb cut, the person with the disability must share the bicycle lane with the bike traffic. All of this creates a recipe for disaster.

Who is at fault in the event of an accident? A bicycle officer said “bikers must be aware” but the actual fault is still unclear. The bicyclist

would always have to be on alert for slow-moving wheelchairs. Is the disabled person always in the right? Or not?

Must bicycles be required to yield to wheelchairs? As a wheelchair user myself, I felt uneasy in the bike lane. As Ron’s attendant, I too felt uncomfortable walking along sides of cars between the curb and Ron. The officer did say it was “a work in progress” and admitted it needed modifications. As concerned citizens, we should call Minneapolis Public Works at 311 with our opinions.

Ron Franke Rebecca Cashin Editor’s note: The writers are referring to a street redesign in downtown Minneapolis, which was completed in

late 2009. New bike lanes were added on some streets, including 1st Ave and Hennepin Ave. More details about the street redesign can be found on the Minneapolis Public Works home page, at www.ci.minne apolis.mn.us/public-works/ Here is a response from Minneapolis Public Works: First, Public Works would like to thank folks for their patience as we work to make the new Hennepin and 1st Avenue layouts as successful as possible for people. That work is ongoing and addressing access for people with disabilities is very much a part of that work.

The new layout of 1st Avenue is unique in many respects, and was designed to Letter - cont. on p. 10

Census 2010 is starting, so make sure you’re counted

by Steven Renderos, media justice organizer with the Main Street Project, and Access Press staff Every 10 years the U.S. government attempts to count everyone living within its borders as part of the U.S. Census. The census is used to de-

termine the number of seats each state will have in the House of Representatives and to distribute hundreds of billions in federal funds for

Significant undercounting of rate count, vital community services such as health care, Minnesota’s population transportation and other assis- occurred in the past tance programs may not be two federal counts, which are constituaccurate.”

“In the past some of these tionally required evindividuals did not participate ery decade. In 1990 in the census because of mis- about 20,000 state information or reasons related residents were overto their disability or circum- looked; 10 years later more stances,” Groves said. He is than 14,000 were missed. urging census workers to reach For every 100 people unout to the disability communty, counted this year, Minnesota to ensure their needs are repre- will lose $1 million in federal sented. funds over the next 10 years.

According to a recent poll, For an average family of four, as many as one can your famin five people ily do without “Main Street Project $40,000? For indicated they a four- more informawill not partici- produces pate in the cen- language Community tion on the sus, citing dis- Census Guide.”

U.S. Census, interest and disvisit http:// trust of govern2010.census. ment as the primary reasons gov/2010census Numerous groups are workwhy. Youth, people of color and those living in poverty are ing to encourage census parthe most likely to be un- ticipation. To boost particicounted. pation among groups most likely to go uncounted the Main Street Project produced Target Marketing at its Finest!

Advertise in Access Press and reach thousands a four-language Community Census Guide in English, in the disability community every month.

Spanish, Somali and Hmong.

Call 651-644-2133 The guide describes the 2010

schools, hospitals and transportation projects. Among of things, it also is a factor in many other federal funding decisions, with a total national impact of more than $400 billion per year. Yet because of undercounts, communities often lose out on needed dollars.

Robert M. Groves, director of the U.S. Census Bureau, reminds everyone that they need to be counted. Persons should watch their mailboxes in March for the 10-question form. April 1 is National Census Day, a reminder that everyone needs to send in their Margaret Kaplan, with the Minnesota Center for forms. Households that don’t Neighborhood Organizing, Ann Alquist and Thabani respond will be visited by cenNyoni, Humphrey Institute Fellows from Zimbabwe, attended a training session on the 2010 Census hosted by sus workers.

“Accurate representation Main Street Project in January. and funding are especially imPhoto by Cynthia Moothart portant to people with disabilities because this population Desktop Publishing: relies on many government, Advertisements community and social services Flyers programs,” said Groves.

Logos “How-ever, without an accuNewsletters

Brochures And More!

Ellen Houghton • 952-404-9981 presentationimages@comcast.net

Census and addresses the concerns and fears that can get in the way of participation.

The Main Street Project is a Minneapolisbased nonprofit providing those living in rural and urban communities the tools they need to more fully participate in all aspects of community life.

The free guide is available at sites around the Twin Cities. It also can be downloaded at www. mainstreetproject.org.

The guides can also picked up at these locations: St. Paul locations: • District 7 Planning Council 651-789-7481 • Martin Luther King Center, 270 N. Kent St. Minneapolis locations: • Holy Rosary Church, 2424 18th Ave. S • Jordan New Life Community Church, 1922 25th Ave. N • Hope Community Center, 611 E. Franklin Ave. • Midtown Global Market, Lake Street and 10th Ave. (former Sears Tower) ■

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January 10, 2010

7

People and places

News about people in our community compiled by Access Press staff

Seven artists with disabilities receive VSA arts grants Seven Minnesota artists have been awarded grants of $1,250 each through the VSA arts of Minnesota Career Advancement Grant Program. The 14th annual competitive grant, funded by the Jerome Foundation, recognizes excellence by Minnesota artists with disabilities. Selected from 53 applicants, the grantees are: Bridget Riversmith .. Duluth, visual art – painting and animation Mark Davison ......... Minneapolis, visual art – ceramics, sculpture Naomi Cohn ............ St. Paul, writing- poetry Alec Sweazy ........... Minnetonka, performance - accordion Loretta Bebeau ........ Minneapolis, visual art – painting, multimedia Serik Kulmeshnekov Duluth, visual art – engraving, drawing Christine Sikorski ... Minneapolis, writing - poetry The grants were awarded following a jurying process conducted by individuals with extensive backgrounds in the written, visual and performing arts. They looked at samples of the artists’ work, proposed projects, resumes and artist statements.

VSA arts of Minnesota and the grant recipients would like to thank the Jerome Foundation for their continued support in making this grant possible.

VSA arts of Minnesota is a nonprofit organization working to make the arts accessible to people with all types of disabilities.

New DSPAM president named Direct Support Professionals Association of Minnesota (DSPAM) has elected Lindsay Short as its president this year.

“Being a part of DSPAM over the last two years has been an eye-opening, life-changing experience,” Short said. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with amazing people on the DSPAM board of directors, and I’ve watched DSPAM turn into an amazing organization, overcoming many milestones and accomplishing many of its goals.”

“Our vision and mission is to advocate for and support direct support professionals in our state by making a professional name for ourselves, fighting for better wages and health insurance, developing direct support leaders, and working with families, self advocates and allies.

DSPAM, which began in 2005, represents direct support providers throughout Minnesota. The organization also focuses on issues including burnout, and respect for workers. The group has done research which has been shared at the national level, and hosts an annual recognition week.

Short’s goals for the year include more DSPAM outreach to self advocates, agencies, legislators, and other communities, “because it is important that we all work together.” She also wants to focus on the organization’s strategic plan and on activity at the 2010 Minnesota Legislature. Short succeeds President Bridget Siljander.

In Memoriam Button In, Makin’ Change: Richard Mathison Richard Mathison, beloved son, brother, honorary uncle, and dear friend, died on Jan. 4. He was 59 and lived in St. Paul. He was well-known for sporting colorful buttons with advocacy slogans.

For more than two decades he was a leader of St. Paul based Advocating Change Together (ACT), a disability rights advocacy group run by and for people with developmental disabilities., He attended the first-ever national self-advocacy conference in Estes Park, CO in 1990 and presented disability rights workshops at national disability conferences ever since. He traveled Minnesota frequently with ACT to conduct leadership training program f or people with developmental disabilities and their allies.

Over the past two decades Mathison served several terms on the ACT board for several two-year terms and as board president, vice president and treasurer. His work included chairing a coalition of disability rights and advocacy groups to replace numbered grave markers at state institutions with proper headstone and remembering people buried in these cemeteries with dignity and respect.

His many other activities ranged from getting a public apology from the state for wrongful institutionalization to pedestrian street safety.

One of his causes was to remove the “R” word from everyday language.

Mathison was also a member of The Arc of Minnesota. He chaired the Employee Advisory Committee at Minnesota Diversified Industries. He was a graduate of Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities Partners in Policy Making program. He was a frequent visitor at the capitol and was often called upon to give testimony in to legislative committees on issues he cared about.

He was a longtime member of Randolph Heights Presbyterian Church in St. Paul. In 2004, he served on a church mission trip to Tijuana, Mexico, helping care for disadvantaged children. Even though he didn’t speak Spanish, he shared the common language of love through his smiles.

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A pillar of the foster community Ken Nitsche, Sr. Ken Nitsche, Sr., 66, a longtime advocate for children with disabilities, passed away Jan. 9. The White Bear Township resident was a foster and adoptive parent of several children who have a dual diagnosis of mental health disorders and mental retardation.

Nitsche served on Minnesota Association of Children’s Mental Health Board of Director for several years. He was a longtime volunteer with activities for children with disabilities in the White Bear Lake area, including adapted sports.

He served on the St. Mary’s University Advisory Committee for its special education master’s program in developmental disabilities to ensure that the students understand the issues faced by children who have a dual diagnosis. He helped families write consumer-directed community support plans and budgets for their children on waivers.

The MACMH Web site cites his dedication to helping families avoid out-of-home placement through appropriate services.

He was a well-known foster parent and advocate in Ramsey County. He also served on the Minnesota Disability Law Center’s committee for legal advocacy for persons with developmental disabilities.

Nitsche is survived by Loretta, his wife of 47 years, nine children and several grandchildren and a brother. After his death friends remembered him for his passion and heart for children, as well as his larger-than-life personality and helpful ways. He was described by one friend as a pillar in the Ramsey County foster care community. ■

8

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 Brief Encounter Feb. 11 – April 3 Kneehigh Theatre, presented at the Guthrie Theater, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. AD: Sat., March 13, 1 p.m., sensory tour 10:30 a.m.; Fri., March 19, 7:30 p.m. ASL: Fri., March 26, 7:30 p.m.; Thurs., April 1, 7:30 p.m. Captioning: Sun., March 28, 7 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $20 for AD/ASL (reg. $15-40); Captioning $25; Phone: 612-377-2224, TTY 612-377-6626. Web: www.

Guthrietheater.org The Outsiders Feb. 12-21 Fred Moore Middle School Center for the Arts, 1523 5th Ave. S., Anoka. ASL: Fri., Feb. 12, 7:30 p.m. Tix: $8, senior/student $5; Phone: 763506-3667. Web: www.anoka. k12.mn.us/FMMStheater Mojo Feb. 12-27 Walking Shadow Theatre Co. at Red Eye Theater, 15 W. 14th St., Mpls. AD: Sat., Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m. ASL: Fri., Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $5 (reg. $18, $15 student/senior);

Phone: 612-375-0300; Email: info@walkingshadow Co.org Web: www.walking shadowco.org No Child. . .

Feb. 12 – March 14 Pillsbury House Theatre, 3501 Chicago Ave. S., Mpls. AD: Fri., March 5, 7:30 p.m. ASL: Sat., March 6, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $10 (reg. $20, student/senior $15); discount code VSAARTS; Phone: 612825-0459; E-mail: info@pills buryhousetheatre.org Web: www.pillsburyhousetheatre.org The Burial at Thebes Feb. 12 – March 7 Theatre in the Round, 245 Cedar Ave., Mpls. AD: Sun., March 7, 2 p.m. Tactile tour 1 p.m. (on request). Tix: $20, senior $18, student with ID $10 (Sun. prices); Phone: 612333-3010. Web: www.theatre intheround.org

p.m. ASL: available on request. Tix: pay-what-you-can; Phone: 612-720-4852; Email: suzy@exposedbrick theatre.org Web: www. exposedbricktheatre.org Expecting Isabel Feb. 13-28 Theatre Unbound at Lowry Lab Theatre, 350 St. Peter St., St. Paul. AD: Sun., Feb. 21, 2 p.m. Tix: sliding scale between $12-26; Phone: 612-7211186; E-mail: info@theatre unbound.com Web: www. theatreunbound.com Witness with Sweet Honey in the Rock Feb. 14 VocalEssence and Sweet Honey in the Rock at Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 345 Washington, St. Paul.

ASL: Sun., Feb. 14, 4 p.m.

Tix: $15-40 (children $10-20); Phone: 651-224-4222, TTY 651-282-3099. Web: www. ordway.org/accessibility

Evolution Through Feb. 13 Exposed Brick Theatre at The New Mel Brooks MuPangea World Theatre’s Stu- sical Young Frankenstein dio, 711 W. Lake St., #101, Through Feb. 14 Mpls. AD: Fri., Feb. 12, 7:30 Orpheum Theatre, 910 Henne-

pin Ave. S., Mpls. ASL: Sun., Feb. 14, 1 p.m. AD: Fri., Feb. 12, 8 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $31 for ASL (reg. to $78); Phone: 612-339-7007; Email: accessible@broadway acrossamerica.com Web: www.hennepintheatretrust. org/accessible

Web: www.Guthrietheater. org

Somebody/Nobody Feb. 26 – March 14 Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 South 4th St., Mpls. AD, ASL, Captioning: Thurs., March 11, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $16 access rate (reg. $22, $18 student/senior, $14 group); Phone: 612-338-6131. Web: www.mixedblood.com

Mr. McGee & the Biting Flea Through Feb. 21 Patch Theatre Co. at Children’s Theatre Co., 2400 3rd Ave. S., Mpls. AD, ASL: Fri., Feb. 12, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Ask about special price rates for ASL/AD patrons (reg. $21-33); Phone: All Shook Up 612-874-0400; E-mail: tick Henry’s Freedom Box Feb. 19 – March 7 ets@childrenstheatre.org Through Feb. 27 Cross Community Players at Web: www.childrenstheatre.

SteppingStone Theatre, 55 Crosswinds United Methodist org Victoria St. N., St. Paul. AD: Church, 15051 Weaver Lake Fri., Feb. 12, 7 p.m.

Tix: ReRoad, Maple Grove. ASL: Fri., Urinetown duced to $6 access rate (reg.

March 5, 7:30 p.m. Tix: ReFeb. 24-27 & March 3-6 $11; child/senior $9); Phone: duced to $4-6.50 (reg. $8-13); Phone: 763-391-ARTS Normandale Community Col- 651-225-9265; E-mail: info@ (2787); E-mail: mail@cross lege Theatre, Fine Arts Build- steppingstonetheatre.org players.org Web: www. ing, 9700 France Ave. S, Blo- Web: www.steppingstone omington. ASL: Fri., March theatre.org crossplayers.org 5, 7:30 p.m. Tix: $10 ($5 NCC . student/staff/senior); Phone: An Evening with Oliver!

Stephen Sondheim 952-487-7462.

Web: www.

Feb. 19 - March 21 March 5 normandaletheatre.org Lyric Arts Co. of Anoka, 420 Star Tribune critics Rohan E. Main St., Anoka. ASL: Sat., Hiding in the Open Preston and Graydon Royce Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m. Tix: ReFeb. 25 – March 21 interview Broadway composer duced to $13 (reg. $18, $16 student/senior), $20 box seats; History Theatre, 30 E. 10th St., Stephen Sondheim at the HisPhone: 763-422-1838. Web: St. Paul. ASL, AD: Sun., toric State Theatre, 805 HenMarch 7, 2 p.m. Tix: Reduced nepin Ave. S., Mpls. ASL: Fri., www.lyricarts.org to $12.50 (reg. $30); Phone: March 5, 8 p.m. Tix: $33-43.

651-292-4323; E-mail: box Phone: 612-339-7007; EBut My Soul Is Rested ofc@historytheatre.com mail: accessible@broadway Through Feb. 21 Youth Performance Co. at How- Web: www.historytheatre. acrossamerica.com Web: www.hennepintheatretrust.org/ ard Conn Fine Arts Center, com accessible 1900 Nicollet Ave., Mpls. AD, Swedish Song Fest ASL: Fri., Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m.

La bohème Feb. 26 Tix: Reduced to half-price March 6-7, 9-14 Ross Sutter & Friends at Mu(reg. $12, student 18 & under Minnesota Opera at Ordway sic In The Park Series at St. or senior 62+, $10); Phone: Center for Performing Arts, Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 612-623-9080. Web: www.

345 Washington St., St. Paul.

2136 Carter Ave., St. Paul. youthperformanceco.com ASL: Fri., Feb. 26, 6:15 & Sung in Italian with English 7:30 p.m. Tix: Family con- captions at every perforDrama a Comedy or: cert: $6 in advance; $7 at the mance. AD: Sun., March 7, 2 Apocalypse Tuesday door; free for babes-in-arms; p.m.; pre-opera discussion at Through Feb. 21 Urban Samurai Productions at Phone: 651-645-5699. Web: 1 p.m. Tix: Reduced to halfSabes Jewish Community Cen- www.musicintheparkseries. price for AD patrons (reg. $20200); Phone: 612-333-6669; ter, 4330 S. Cedar Lake Rd., org/familyconcerts.html TTY 651-282-3099. Web: Golden Valley. ASL: Sat., Feb. www.mnopera.org Love’s Labour’s Lost 13, 7:30 p.m. Tix: at the door: Feb. 26 March 6 $16, student/senior/Fringe butUntil Now: 50 Years, 50 ton $12; online $2 discount; University of Minnesota/ Artists (1960-2010) Guthrie Theater BFA Actor Phone: 612-396-2025; E-mail Mpls.

Institute of Arts, 2400 Training Program at U of M tickets@urbansamurai.org Third Ave. S. ASL: Sun., Rarig Center’s Whiting Web: www.urbansamurai. st March 7, 1 p.m. begins by the Proscenium Theatre, 330 21 org Ave. S, Mpls. ASL, AD: Sun., Information Desk in the muFeb. 28, 2:30 p.m. Tix: Re- seum lobby. On the second Yellow Face duced to $10 (use code weekend of each month, free Through Feb. 21 Mu Performing Arts at ASLAD; reg. $15 advance/$17 tours for visitors with memory Guthrie Theater’s Dowling door; $2 discount for senior or loss, Alzheimer’s and their Studio, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. UMAA member); Phone: friends or care partners are ASL, AD: Fri., Feb. 19, 7:30 612-624-2345. Web: http:// offered. Tix: special exhibip.m. Tix: Reduced to $20 (reg. theatre.umn.edu/utheatre tion admission charged; Phone: 612-870-3131, TTY $15-40); Phone: 612-377- dance 612-870-3132; E-mail: dheg 2224, TTY 612-377-6626. strom@artsmia.org Web: www.artsmia.org Spring Festival of Music March 13 Velvet Tones and Highland Elementary School DaCapo Choir at Eastview High School, 6200 140th St. W., Apple Valley. ASL: Sat., March 13, 7 p.m. Tix: Free; Email: velvettones@gmail.com Web: www.velvettones.org ■

January 10, 2010

9

Upcoming events To list an event, email access@accesspress.org Mental Health Day at the capitol Mental health advocates and friends from throughout Minnesota will gather at noon Tue, Feb. 16 for a rally in the capitol Rotunda. Speakers will include legislators, advocates, families and persons living with a mental illness. Important legislative issues include improving access to community mental health services, housing and crisis services, and bridging cuts in General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC). A legislative briefing will be held at 10 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, 105 University Ave. W. (across the street from the Capitol). Rallygoers will meet with their legislators after the rally. The event is sponsored by the Mental Health Legislative Network, an organization composed of more than 20 statewide organizations working together to improve the quality and availability of mental health services in Minnesota.

FFI: NAMI Minnesota, 651645-2948 or 1-888-NAMIHELPS, or go to www.nami helps.org Special Education Day at the capitol PACER Center hosts Celebrating Differences, Protecting Rights: Special Education Day at the Capitol, a free event for youth with disabilities, parents, and advocates, Wed, Feb. 17 at Minnesota History Center, Irvine Room, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul MN. Pre-registration required. Let legislators know how important special education is. Learn about the upcoming session and how to lobby. FFI: 952-838-9000 or 952-838-0190 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 specific legislators.

Arts grants available Nonprofit arts groups in the Twin Cities seven-county metropolitan area can apply for grants to help make arts programming, activities and facilities more accessible to people with disabilities. ADA Access Improvement Grants for Metro Arts Organizations are available through Metropolitan Regional Arts Council. Minnesota nonprofit arts organizations in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties are eligible if their annual budget is under $4,460,000. Download applications at www.vsaartsmn. org/forms.html#adagrant.

FFI: 612-332-3888 voice/tty, access@vsaartsmn.org.

Early intervention PACER Center offers Families Are Important: Understanding the Infant and Toddler Early Intervention Pro-

cess in Minnesota a free workshop for parents of young children with disabilities, 6:308:30 p.m. Thu, Feb. 18, 2010, at PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington. Learn about families’ rights, roles, and responsibilities in the early intervention process, how to make a referral development of the Individualized Family Service Plan and more. Pre-register. FFI: 952-838-9000, 952-838-0190 (TTY), 800-537-2237 (toll free), www. PACER.org

Opportunity Partners offers in the summer. FFI: Jennie Meuwissen, 952-930-7688, jmeuwissen@opportunities.org

Valentine’s Day Celebration People raising a family member’s child with an intellectual or developmental disability are sharing their hearts in a special way, and Arc Greater Twin Cities invites them and the children they are raising to a free special Valentine’s Day celebration 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Sat., Feb 13 at Davanni’s, 41 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul.

Guardianship workshop Make homemade Valentine’s When children who are dis- cards together and enjoy a abled become adults, their par- pizza lunch. FFI: Arc Greater ents or legal representatives Twin Cities at 952-920-0855. may want to consider filing a petition for guardianship, limFamily class series ited guardianship or conser- National Alliance on Mental vatorship. Learn about this le- Illness (NAMI) of Minnesota gal process 10-noon Thu, Feb. offers a free educational course 25 at a free workshop by Hen- that helps families gain a nepin County’s Human Ser- greater understanding of menvices and Public Health at Jor- tal illness, discuss resources, dan New Life Church, 1922 build communication skills, 25th Ave. N., Mpls. FFI: 612- reduce stress and find support.

596-6631, www.hennepin.us/ The Family-to-Family course adsinfo. meets weekly for 12 weeks and starts in St. Paul 6:30-9 Opportunity Partners p.m. Tue, Feb. 9. Registration Sampler Day required. It is Ok to register Navigating the transition be- after the class has started. FFI: tween school and adulthood Call Anne Mae, 651-730-8434, can be difficult for students www.namihelps.org. with disabilities, as well as their parents. To give families a Council openings glimpse of employment and The State Advisory Council educational services, Oppor- on Mental Health and its Subtunity Partners is offering a committee on Children’s Menfree Career Camp Sampler & tal Health have openings for Reunion Day 2-5 p.m. Mon., mental health services conFeb. at Opportunity Partners, sumers, social work, and a 5500 Opportunity Court, parent of a child or youth with Minnetonka. The day, geared an emotional disturbance on for students with disabilities the Subcommittee on Child14 to 21 (and past Opportunity ren’s Mental Health. Deadline Partners Career Camp partici- is Feb. 19, though applications pants), is for families who want may be considered after that to learn about employment, time if the position has not classes and other services been filled. Any Minnesotan available at Opportunity Part- is eligible for membership. ners, and to get a taste of the Appointments to the State youth Career Camp programs Advisory Council are made by the governor; appointments to the Children’s Subcommittee are made by the State Advisory Council. The council and

subcommittee meet on the first Thursday of the month in St. Paul. In addition to reimbursement for travel, lodging, and meal expense, there is a per diem payment of $55 per meeting. FFI: Bruce Weinstock, 651-431-2249, Bruce.Wein stock@state.mn.us, mental health.dhs.state.mn.us ‘Make and Take’ event Arc Greater Twin Cities invites families with members with intellectual to developmental disabilities to make memories together at a free Family Fun “Make and Take” event 6:30-8 p.m. Thu, Feb. 25 at Family Means, 1875 Northwestern Ave. S., Stillwater. This event is geared toward families with children ages 12 and younger, but everyone is welcome. The evening’s activity will be a winter craft project, a cozy fleece tied pillow. Families can work together on a pillow and then take their handiwork home to enjoy. The evening will also include a pizza dinner. Space is limited; register by Feb. 16.

FFI: 952-920-0855.

Finding a job St. Paul Public Library, Ramsey County Workforce Solutions, and Goodwill/Easter Seals host a series of four free seminars focusing on job search skills and strategies on Wednesday evenings in February. These events are open to the public and all are welcome. Upcoming topics: 6:30 p.m. Wed, Feb. 10, The Interview Process, at Arlington Hills Library 1105 Greenbrier St., St. Paul. A panel of recruiting managers from some of the Twin Cities’ largest employers will cover expectations that hiring managers have, how to make a good first impression, and how to stand out from other applicants. Call 651-793-3930, www.sppl.org Job seekers don’t have to be expert negotiators to successfully negotiate their starting salary. Rosana McKinney

from Diversity and Inclusion Strategies at Wells Fargo will share her insight in Negotiating Your Salary at Rice Street Library, 1011 Rice Street, St. Paul 6:30 p.m. Wed, Feb. 17.

FFI: Call 651-558-2223, www. sppl.org Linda Schmid, Clinical Director of Crisis Connection, leads discussion on the psychological stages one goes through when losing a job in Surviving and Thriving After a Layoff at Dayton’s Bluff Library, 645 7th St. E., St. Paul 6:30 p.m. Wed., Feb. 24 Refreshments will be served. FFI: 651-793-1699, www.sppl.org Positive school climate PACER Center offers Understanding School-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, a free workshop for parents and professionals, 6:30-9 p.m. Thu, Feb. 18 at Wayzata East Middle School Media Center, 12000 Ridgemount Ave. W., Plymouth.

Advance registration requested. Learn about SWPBIS and how it can help your family. FFI: 952-838-9000, 952-838-0190 (TTY). 800537-2237 (toll free), www.

PACER.org Upstream Arts offers classes Upstream Arts is offering several classes for children and adults with disabilities this winter. The Arts and Social Skills, a six-week workshop series for adults with disabilities, is offered with Sabes Jewish Community Center, 4330 S. Cedar Lake Road, Mpls Learn how to express yourself express socially and communicate through movement, dance, poetry, theater and visual arts Next session starts Feb. 16. Cost is $95 (member), $124 (non-member). FFI: 952.381.3457 or go to www. sabesjcc.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 profes-

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

CIVIL RIGHTS the Title II requirements under the ADA. She has already presented to the Citywide Functional Team of City Departments to analyze their responsibilities as a city, Developed Title II Notice and Grievance Procedures and forms.

Wetzel-Moore has been active in a number of organizations working to advance civil rights and empower marginalized people. During law school, she was a Minnesota Justice Fellow at Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota and represented asylum seekers, crime victims, and families in their immigration cases. She also represented asylum seekers at Immigration Court as a certified student attorney at UST’s Immigration Clinic.

Wetzel-Moore is a Bilingual and has worked with migrant farm workers with a variety of legal needs in Greater Minnesota with Migrant Legal Services, a project of the Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services. Prior to law school Wetzel-Moore worked for the

LETTER -

Cont. from p. 5

Minnesota Literacy Council for three years. Wetzel-Moore has also been involved in international human rights efforts as an election observer for 2004 Presidential Elections in El Salvador and as part of a sister community delegation to the peace community of Mogotes, Santander, Colombia. Wetzel-Moore is currently an active member of the Asamblea de Derechos Civiles (Assembly for Civil Rights) which builds leaders and promotes civil rights.

Members of the disability community have an ADA coordinator, a go-to-person that is knowledgeable about the ADA and discrimination. With Wetzel-Moore negotiation background she will be able to walk a complaint through to the right department and lay out the laws or city building codes, through her own investigations for the individual with the complaint.

You can contact Alyssa Wetzel-Moore at ADACoordi nator@ci.stpaul.mn.us .

Cont. from p. 6

meet the needs of many different modes of transportation.

Because the layout is new for Minneapolis, we knew there would be challenges and recognized that following the change, there would still be issues to be resolved in the way the street functions.

Access for wheelchairs and side-loading vehicles is one key area where the new arrangement causes challenges.

Making Minneapolis easy to get around for everyone is one of Public Works’ top priories, and we’re taking this issue seriously. Although there are no easy solutions, we are continuing to explore any options

we have to increase accessibility on 1st Avenue.

As part of that, Public Works is planning to meet with the Minneapolis Advisory Council on People with Disabilities to discuss the extent of this problem and get feedback on how we might address it. We’ll also be doing more observation and data collection on the new arrangement in the spring.

Thanks for working with us to address this issue as we make Minneapolis a better place to live, work and play.

Steve Mosing Traffic Operations Engineer City of Minneapolis, Department of Public Works

❖❖❖❖❖❖❖

EFFECTIVE ADA COORDINATOR There are many benefits to having a knowledgeable ADA coordinator, even for smaller public entities that are not required to have one.

For members of the public, having an ADA coordinator makes it easy to identify someone to help them with questions and concerns about disability discrimination. A knowledgeable ADA coordinator will be able to efficiently assist people with disabilities with their questions. The coordinator will also be responsible for investigating any complaints.

Having an ADA coordinator provides a specific contact person with knowledge and information about the ADA so

that questions by staff can be answered efficiently and consistently. In addition, this person coordinates compliance measures and can be instrumental in ensuring that compliance plans move forward.

The ADA coordinators can take the lead in auditing their state or local government’s programs, policies, activities, services, and facilities for ADA compliance. ❖❖❖❖❖❖❖

WHAT MAKES AN EFFECTIVE

ADA COORDINATOR The regulations require state and local governments with 50 or more employees to designate an employee responsible for coordinating compliance with ADA requirements.

Here are some of the qualifications that help an ADA coordinator to be effective: local government’s structure, activities, and employees knowledge of the ADA and other laws addressing the rights of people with disabilities, such as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act experience with people with a broad range of disabilities, knowledge of various alternative formats and alternative technologies that enable people with disabilities to communicate, participate, and perform tasks ability to work cooperatively with the local government and people with disabilities familiarity with any local disability advocacy groups or other disability groups skills and training in negotiation and mediation or-

ganizational and analytical skills The regulations implementing the law state: Designation of responsible employee.

A public entity that employs 50 or more persons shall designate at least one employee to coordinate its efforts to comply with and carry out its responsibilities under this part, including any investigation of any complaint communicated to it alleging its noncompliance with this part or alleging any actions that would be prohibited by this part. The public entity shall make available to all interested individuals the name, office address, and telephone number of the employee or employees designated pursuant to this paragraph.

[Source: www.ada.gov/pca toolkit/chap2toolkit.htm] ■

Radio Talking Book • February Sampling Chautauqua • Tuesday – Saturday 4 a.m.

Shop Class as Soulcraft, Nonfiction by Matthew B. Crawford, 2009. As the world becomes more abstract, people often feel a lack of connection to the material world. But manual trades help that connection. Read by Andrew Haukebo. Seven broadcasts. Begins Feb. 24.

Past is Prologue • Monday – Friday 9 a.m.

The Last Days of Old Beijing, Nonfiction by Michael Meyer, 2008. In Beijing’s oldest neighborhood, old houses and ways of life are increasingly destroyed to make way for modernity.

Read by Maria Rubinstein. 12 broadcasts. Begins Feb. 16.

Bookworm • Monday – Friday 11 a.m.

German for Travelers, Fiction by Norah Labiner, 2009. To unlock a family mystery, Lemon and her cousin Eliza set off for Berlin. Their trail leads to their great-grandfather, a pioneer of psycho-analysis in early 20th century. Germany. L Read by Leila Poullada. Seven broadcasts. Began Feb. 9.

classified ad for an unused wedding dress and decides it will make a good TV sweeps piece. When the missing groom story turns to a murder investigation, she finds a startling motive for Mark’s disappearance. L - Read by Diane Ladenson. Eight broadcasts. Begins Feb. 24.

Off the Shelf • Monday – Friday 10 p.m.

Lowboy, Fiction by John Wray, 2009. Will Heller, a sixteenyear-old paranoid schizophrenic, sets out to save the world from climate change. He just needs to cool down his own overheating body. L, S - Read by Ira Brooker. 10 broadcasts.

Begins Feb. 22.

Evening Odyssey • Monday – Friday 11 p.m.

Bright Shiny Morning, Fiction by James Frey, 2008. LA is a city of lost souls. There are joys, horrors, and unexpected fortunes of life and death in Los Angeles. L, S - Read by Adam Johnson. 14 broadcasts. Began Feb. 8.

Potpourri • Monday – Friday 2 p.m.

The Magician’s Book, Nonfiction by Laura Miller, 2008.

When she heard about Christian meanings in Chronicles of Narnia, Miller researched Lewis and discovered a different man from the idealized image of the author. Read by Andrea Bell. 12 broadcasts. Begins Feb. 11.

Good Night Owl • Monday – Friday midnight Tribute, Fiction by Nora Roberts, 2008. Cilla, former child star, has retreated from Hollywood to Virginia, hoping to find a normal life by rehabbing her grandmother’s home. But peace may not come; she finds letters that open a mystery, which deepens with some cruel acts. S - Read by Eleanor Berg. 17 broadcasts. Began Feb. 4.

Choice Reading • Monday – Friday 4 p.m.

The Laws of Harmony, Fiction by Judith Ryan Hendricks, 2009. When Sunny’s boyfriend is killed, she discovers he was not who he told her he was. Seeking closure, she ends up on an island off the coast of Washington. L - Read by Ann Hoedeman.

13 broadcasts. Begins Feb. 10.

After Midnight • Tuesday – Saturday 1 a.m.

The Ex-Mrs. Hedgefund, Fiction by Jill Kargman, 2009. Holly is married to the founder of Comet Capital but finds that her husband’s trips are not just for business. She is forced to choose between integrity and turning a blind eye. L, S - Read

by Maria Rubinstein. Seven broadcasts. Begins Feb. 17.

Two books broadcast on weekends air as programs and aren’t listed with the books. The program Your Personal World airs on Saturdays at 1 p.m. and The U.S. and Us airs Sundays at 4 p.m. In February, Your Personal World will be ending What Matters Most, by James Hollis, and beginning The Secrets of the Bulletproof Spirit, by Azim Khamisa and Jillian Quinn.

The U.S. and Us will be airing The Ojibwa Dance Drum, by Thomas Vennum.

Abbreviations: V - violence, Night Journey • Monday – Friday 9 p.m.

L – offensive language, S - sexual situations Missing Mark, Fiction by Julie Kramer, 2009. Riley sees a PM Report • Monday – Friday 8 p.m.

A Failure of Capitalism, Nonfiction by Richard A. Posner, 2009. How could the financial and economic crisis of 2008 have happened after all we learned from the Great Depression? The reasons include heavy capital flows from abroad and the reckless lowering of interest rates by the Federal Reserve Board.

Read by Jim Gregorich. Eight broadcasts. Begins Feb. 22.

Kent’s Accounting Service, LLC 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

January 10, 2010

CAPITOL -

Cont. from p. 1

mental illness or chemical dependency problems. GAMC is slated to end March 1, but could be extended until the end of March. NAMI also believes there is a need to make sure there is instant coverage for those medical services, with no premium or co-pay, and a continuation of full mental health benefits.

NAMI will also insist on maintenance of effort for counties with funding of mental health care. Counties are asking to be relieved of the cost, but it’s such a high percentage of mental health funding that it may be difficult to replace what counties currently pay.

In the criminal justice system, a priority is to get funding for discharge planning from jails, and make sure that those in the workhouse can access MinnesotaCare. Otherwise, it’s better to stay in prison system. The organization is also pushing for training of police officers and school liaison officers to work with person with mental illness, and seeking improvements in the mental illness defense in criminal cases.

Year-round education for children in mental illness programs and a mental illness curriculum for all schools are also important to NAMI. Yet another issue the organization is monitoring in 2010 is to make sure no weakening of recentlypassed rules on restraints.

The Department of Human Services Board on Aging has its top priority as advocacy and protective services for vulnerable seniors. The board plans to combat cuts that are forecast, particularly those that will affect safety.

The Brain Injury Association will support increased revenue, monitor cuts in waivers and personal care, maximize use of tax dollars and look for reforms, according to Jeff Nachbar. The organization will also work to prevent motorcycle injuries. While past efforts to pass mandatory helmet laws have failed, the group may seek increased insurance costs for those who ride without helmets.

The Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is looking at rules for required reporting by doctors, which can keep some from seeking help. The organization also wants more funding for diagnostic clinics.

The Multiple Sclerosis Society (MS) is seeking increased access to treatment, physical/ occupational and speech therapy, and to prescription drugs, to treat MS. Another issue for the MS Society is to support care givers by creating a care giver coalition Courage Center is pushing for a Medical Assistance rehabilitation buyback bill, which would lessen cuts from last session to 4.5 percent rather than 6.5 percent.

The Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities is working to increase protections for vulnerable adults, particularly financial abuse. The group also hopes to increase penalties for attacks by caregivers. Another priority is to seek background checks for PCAs, make sure those who provide care are screened.

The Minnesota State Council on Disability is conducting a follow-up on bills from last year to make clear that accessibility provisions of building code apply statewide.

Advocating Change Together’s Remembering with Dignity project is seeking $1 million. This would provide markers for 7,500 unmarked graves of people who died in state institutions. ■

GMAC -

REGIONAL NEWS - Cont. from p. 4

Cont. from p. 1

only if Congress succeeds in passing its pending health-care legislation.

If federal health care reform is not adopted, state lawmakers said any interim program would have to remain in place.

Berglin admitted to a Senate committee that her solution is imperfect. It also wouldn’t serve everyone currently on GAMC. But it would provide assistance for many who would otherwise be left out.

Dozens of people crammed into the hearing room, with many submitting testimony.

Several testimonies came from persons with disabilities who rely on GAMC to meet basic medical needs. They described an array of debilitating medical issues and indicated that without GAMC, they would not be able to maintain housing or even part-time employment. Many had high level college degrees, enjoyed successful career and owned their own homes before being debilitated by health problems and losing their jobs.

Some said that at one time they held jobs with employerpaid insurance and lost their jobs in the economic downturns.

People on GAMC earn less than $8,000 a year and often face mental illness, chemical dependency and homelessness. Speaker after speaker said that without GAMC they would have no health care coverage at all.

Trixy Weddig of Duluth told the committee that GAMC has

11

made it possible for her to have a home and do volunteer work.

But without GAMC, she questions how she would pay more costly MinnesotaCare premiums, as well as rent and living expenses, on General Assistance. “I don’t know what I would do,” she said.

Health care workers, advocates for the homeless, elected officials and representatives of hospitals also spoke in support of the program, although some raised concerns about how cash-strapped hospitals and counties would help cover the costs. So did Minneapolis Police Chief Tim Dolan, who said that GAMC provides critical help for people his police officers encounter every day.

The proposal has support from a coalition of affected groups including hospitals, counties, insurers and advocates for the poor. Berglin would pay for her proposal by cutting state payments to hospitals and increasing a Medicare surcharge tax paid by hospitals and health plans. She would also require counties to come up with 10 percent of the costs.

But while some speakers support GAMC, cash strapped county officials and hospital representatives continue to question how they can pay to help with an interim solution.

Legislators hope to meld proposals from Berglin and other state lawmakers into one bill, with the goal of having a replacement for GAMC in place early in the session. ■

Jan. 8 after being restrained from attacking a co-worker.

Eden Prairie Police and the Minnesota Department of Human Services are investigating the incident. Their scrutiny will include examination of the restraint used to subdue Aleshire Dec. 31 at Metro Resources Technology Park.

Aleshire’s mother and legal guardian, Nancy Aleshire of Brooklyn Park, said he was rendered unconscious. He died a few days after the incident.

Aleshire lived in a group home in Minneapolis. He had worked at Metro Resources for about five years, but his family was in the process of having him transferred to another facility because of issues with a co-worker. He had been diagnosed with the neurological disorder Asperger’s syndrome, was schizophrenic and had a history of aggressive behavior.

Metro Resources is one of 19 state-operated facilities around Minnesota that provide work to the developmentally disabled.

They perform tasks on behalf of businesses ranging from packaging and assembly to working in hotels and restaurants and handling other types of manual labor. The company has limited its public comments and is also investigating the incident.

[Source: Star Tribune]

Specialized van still missing A specialized van belonging to a woman awaiting a kidney transplant was stolen in St. Paul during the first weekend of January. It still has not been recovered. The van was stolen near the Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul police reported. The van is a silver 2007 Town and Country minivan with Minnesota license plate VGN 691.

The van’s owner, Marcia Holdren, uses a wheelchair and needs it to get to and from kidney dialysis treatment three times a week, police spokesman Sgt. Paul Schnell said.

The van was stolen a parking area near the arena. The theft of the vehicle remains under investigation.

Police are asking that it be returned. Anyone with information about the whereabouts of the van or the person responsible for the theft can call 911 or 651-291-1111. ■ [Source: St. Paul Police Department]

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