April 2010 Edition - Access Press by Access Press

www.accesspress.org History Note

Inside ■ Darcy Pohland–pg 3 ■ Arc outlines cuts–pg 5 ■ Directory of Organizations–pp 7-10

“It is unnatural for a majority to rule, for a majority can seldom be organized and united for specific action, and a minority can.” – Jean- Jacque Rousseau

Page 2

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Mpls. MN Permit No. 4766 Return Service Requested

Volume 21, Number 4

Minnesota’s Disability

Community Newspaper

April 10, 2010

In third Paralympics

Minnesota Kelly Underkofler skies, shoots her way to Vancouver competition by Brian Johnson Kelly Underkofler was born with what most people would consider a disability—she is missing the lower part of her left arm. But the 25-year-old St. Paul Highland Park High School graduate has never looked at it that way. “Growing up, I never heard the word ‘disabled,’” she said. “It was never part of my vocabulary.” Underkofler’s can-do attitude has taken her a long way. She competed in cross country skiing and biathlon events for the U.S. team at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games on March 12-21 in Vancouver, British Columbia. She placed eighth in the 15 kilometer free event, 10th in the five kilometer classic event and 13th in the one kilometer spring classic. All of her events were standing events; there are also events for skiers who compete in a seated position. International competition is nothing foreign to Underkofler, who first competed

fresh out of high school in the 2002 Paralympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City. At the 2006 Paralympics in Torino, Italy, she had six top10 finishes, including fourth place in the long-distance biathlon. Underkofler has competed across the globe. Her career highlights include a number three world ranking in the biathlon during the 2006-07 seasons, and a second-place finish in the 12.5K biathlon at the World Cup in Mount Washington, British Columbia, in 2007. Still, the Torino games stand out as one of Underkofler’s most memorable athletic experiences. She recalled competing on one particularly sparkling winter day—a snapshot in time that will live with her forever. “I had my first biathlon race there and ended up with a fourth-place finish,” she said. “It was a beautiful day. I shot well and skied really well.

Everything came together for me.” This winter, Underkofler has been training in New York and Utah in preparation for the Paralympic Winter Games, which featured international competition in Alpine and Nordic skiing, the biathlon, wheelchair curling and sled hockey. Underkofler said she has had a good training camp, with a strong focus on the biathlon. She has taken advantage of world-class coaching and has worked out with the U.S. women’s biathlon team. “Having the opportunity to train with the able-bodied women—it gives me something to push myself toward,” she said. Underkofler has been working especially hard on shooting. For biathlon competitors— able-bodied or otherwise—one of the biggest challenges is to keep their aim steady despite the heavy Skiing - cont. on p. 15

Minnesotan Kelly Underkofler competed in the Paralympics in Vancouver.

Tough decisions loom as legislative session goes on by Access Press staff Tough decisions lie ahead as the Minnesota Legislature heads into its final weeks. While a compromise has been reached to preserve at least part of General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC), action is expected soon on the potentially most difficult and contentious cuts, those to health and human services and K-12 education. By state law the session must end by May 18. Numerous bills affecting the disability community are still in play, including proposals that will affect areas ranging from personal care attendant (PCA) programs to transportation. Disability community members and advocacy groups will be watching closely and are

planning a stepped-up presence at the capitol. Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities continues its regular Tuesdays at the capitol, encouraging self-advocates to tell their stories and make their issues known. One of the biggest issues of the session was resolved in early March when Gov. Tim Pawlenty and state lawmakers reached agreement on General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC). The compromise GAMC program will provide stripped-down services to fewer clients. The program budget was slashed from $400 million to $132 million. While most advocates say it’s not the solution they wanted, it is what they will have to live with.

The new GAMC program not only means fewer people will be served, it also meant reductions in payments to hospitals and other health care providers, cutbacks to county mental health funding, and other service changes. GAMC serves Minnesota’s poorest and most chronically ill residents, many with disabilities. Ending the programs entirely, as Pawlenty had proposed, brought protests from advocates and the health care community. Some current GAMC recipients will be moved to MinnesotaCare, but some may not even be able to afford that program. What could affect GAMC is if state lawmakers decide to opt in to federal Medicaid

funds, which would require additional state funds to match the federal dollars. That is something Minnesota’s counties are watching closely. More budget battles are ahead. One proposal calls for eliminating General Assistance (GA) and cutting state assistance for low-income families with disabled children, substituting one-time emergency assistance. GA gives $203 per month to about 19,000 adults with disabilities or serious illness. This would only allow these individuals to receive emergency funds once a year. About 4,500 families with children would lose their income through Minnesota Family Investment Program or

MFIP. This cut would force families to live on the small amount their children receive from Social Security. What is driving all of these cuts is the state’s budget deficit. Pawlenty and legislators continue to struggle with a budget deficit that is at about $994 million for the biennium. About one-third of that amount was addressed in late March as the governor signed budget bills that will reduce the state’s nearly $1 billion budget deficit by $312 million in fiscal year 2010-11 and $419 million in fiscal year 2012-13. Those bills covered issues including courts, local government aid, and aid to counties, higher education, housing, corrections and natural re-

sources. The cuts to these programs totaled about $312 million, leaving $682 million yet to cut. As of early April it wasn’t clear how the agreed-upon cuts would affect the disability community. One of the areas that has to be weighed is that of funding for Minnesota’s counties, which deliver many health and human services programs. Counties use county program aid dollars to deliver these services. How services would be affected won’t be know for some time and will vary by county. The cuts ahead Lawmakers returned to the capitol April 6 with the intent on focusing on the rest of the Decisions - cont. on p. 4

April 10, 2010 Here we are in the middle of the legislative session, and as usual, everything seems to be on hold. There have been a few health and human services bills at the state capitol that were steps in the right direction. General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) was funded finally—well it was partially funded; there are still going to be drastic cuts leaving many without any medical coverage. I guess either way, the taxpayers foot the cost. The question is do we pay for stability or do we wait for emergency situations? In Washington, D.C., there have also been some steps in the right direction. Neither the state nor the federal legislation is close to what could be called a “disability victory,” but as always, we must be satisfied with what we’ve been offered. There are still going to be a lot of Minnesotans without decent health care coverage. Personally, it looks to me like next year will be a much more dif-

Tim Benjamin, Editor

ficult balancing budget session. I’m not going to talk much more about the legislature this month. There are some updates in this issue and will be more in the May and June issues when we know about the results of the session. We’ll know a lot more about which direction we will be going with gubernatorial candidates in a few months too. Remember winter? Now that the beautiful spring weather is here, it’s hard to remember that the Olympics were just a couple of months ago. Minnesota had, of course, several young athletes, like high-profile skier Lindsey Vonn, in the Winter Olympics. But Paralympics ski champ, Kelly Underkofler, really makes Minnesotans proud. See her story on the front page, and get to know one of the most determined and positive people around. In other athletic adventures, we have a first-time article about a very brave young woman, scuba diver

Autumn Paulson, who’s going to the Cayman Islands to do some scuba diving in the Caribbean Sea. It sounds very cool. Good luck, Autumn! We’ll want to hear more about this adventure. I wouldn’t be that brave, that’s for sure. Spring means baseball for a lot of people, and this year the real excitement comes from the Twins new stadium—oh, and from their .500 average in the first two preseason games; one loss and one win. We’ll be giving all you baseball fans some updates on Target Field’s accessibility features in future issues. I’ve heard from a couple people that the accessibility was well planned at this new stadium, and not an afterthought, like the Metrodome’s accessibility features were. I’m not a team sports fan, but I did go to the Metrodome for a couple baseball games and a couple football games and was very disappointed in the view from the accessible seating. On second

thought, I only purchased general admission tickets, so that might have been part of the reason for my disappointment. Randall Bachman is the new executive director of AXIS Healthcare. I’ve only spoken with him a few times, but I wish him well, and with his positive attitude and motivation we hope that AXIS Healthcare care coordination will remain as strong as ever. The Minnesota Department of Human Services, UCare Minnesota and AXIS have all guaranteed us that they will assist all AXIS members to make the informed decisions on care coordination. We’ll keep you posted, as all three departments will be having information sessions to inform AXIS clients. So far, the plan is early this summer, and everyone will still be covered by MnDHO until 2011. So we have some time available to get information. And options, I hope. It’s hard to believe that

next month will be the 20th anniversary of the first edition of Access Press. In the years I’ve been with Access Press I hope that you’ve been able to use the paper as a good resource of factual legislature information, disability news around the world, some good ways of dealing with the difficulties of disability and some humor and (just a few) tears. We’re planning a 20-year blowout keepsake edition with a comprehensive timeline of the many topics Access Press has covered since 1990. There’ll also be plenty of surprises on how we plan to move into our next decade. I hope each of you and all the organizations that have been involved will help us in this celebration and in the 20 years to come. Please reserve ad space in this most fabulous edition. Don’t be left out! ■

History Note

Bill Sackter’s story highlights need for apologies by Luther Granquist In 1983 the Minnesota Department of Public Welfare filed a claim for almost $10,000 against the estate of Bill Sackter for care provided him in his years at Faribault State Hospital. In a Star Tribune article by Eric Black, Sackter’s guardian, Rabbi Jeffrey Portman, responded that Sackter’s estate had only $127. But even if there were more Portman said he would do everything he could to make sure that the state got no money. On the contrary, he said that the state owed the estate $22,000 for back wages for years of unpaid work and for medical care to treat injuries Sackter suffered while at the state hospital. Black reported that the Department’s Deputy Com-

missioner Frank Giberson explained that the request was a routine attempt to recover the taxpayers’ money. Giberson explained that the state would make no attempt to collect anything, but that the chances that the state would pay anything to Sackter’s estate were “something less than remote.” Giberson added “We’ve got better things to do than review and rationalize the treatment of people who were institutionalized years ago.” Giberson’s response underscores the importance of House File 1680, the Apology Bill supported by Advocating Change Together (ACT) during the current legislative session. As of late March the bill was going through a series of readings and hearings.

Sackter is well known because of the 1981 movie “Bill” starring Mickey Rooney and the more recent documentary, “A Friend Indeed.” But there are hundreds of men and women who, like Sackter, were sent to the state hospital because of state policy that said children with an IQ below 50 “shall be regarded as too defective for proper care and training in the public schools and shall so far as possible be sent to the proper state institution at Faribault.” Hundreds of men and women worked in the kitchen or the laundry or cared for children at Faribault for no pay or for wages of 50 cents a month. Hundreds of men and women suffered contractured limbs from languishing in bed

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

or lying on the floor. And the state’s doctors sterilized more than 2,500 persons, most of them women. These wrongs happened years ago. Giberson was correct; the chances of monetary compensation are “something less than remote.” But Giberson was wrong when he said that state officials have better things to do than review and rationalize the way we as a state failed these men and women. ACT’s apology bill proposes that the Minnesota Legislature and the state say “We’re sorry.” A formal declaration that we as a state have wronged these men and women should prompt us to consider the consequences of similar actions and polices today, and to vow that we will not tolerate neglectful and inhumane practices. ■ The History Note is a monthly column sponsored by the Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabili-

Bill Sackter, with his harmonica, in a 1983 photo. photo by D.R. Miller ties, www.mncdd.org and www. partnersinpolicymak ing.com

April 10, 2010

Personified ‘perseverence’

Reporter Darcy Pohland will be missed by viewers by Access Press staff Darcy Pohland is remembered not only as a tenacious television news reporter but also as someone who was not afraid to raise issues important to the disability community. Pohland’s death was announced March 5. She’d apparently died in her sleep at her Minneapolis home. She was 48 years old. In the days prior to her death, Pohland had indicated to coworkers at WCCO Television that she had not been feeling well. Pohland’s death stunned the Twin Cities journalism community and saddened WCCOTV television news viewers. Many people sent condolences to the television station and posted them on the WCCOTV Web site. Included in those comments were comments from persons with disabilities whom Pohland had reached out to and inspired. One viewer wrote: “My husband and I felt like we knew Darcy because we have watched WCCO for so many years. We thought she got some really hard assignments given her wheelchair status. But, Darcy always came through with a sincere smile. When I became paraplegic a little over a year ago I was confused. How do you get around your house? What do you wear that looks good sitting? How do you get around restaurants, shopping areas, etc.? I contacted the only person I “knew.” That was Darcy. She took the time to e-mail me back with some good advice. She touched my life for a brief moment in time. But a time when I needed someone, she was there for me. Thank you, Darcy.” “She was the heartbeat of the station, and in many ways the heartbeat of the community,” WCCO-TV General Manager Susan Adams Loyd said during an appearance on WCCO Radio’s “Mondale and Jones” show. “She was never afraid to ask the hard questions or tackle the tough issues. She exuded energy in everything she did. The speed at which she moved at all times, despite the disability — it was a non-issue for her in how she approached her job.” “She was not confined; she would not be confined,” WCCO-TV News Director Scott Libin told the Pioneer Press. “She didn’t want to be known as the ‘quadriplegic reporter.’ She was a reporter, a Gophers fan, a Vikings fan and oh, by the way, she also had a disability.” Pohland’s death made national news. She was one of only a few paraplegic reporters in the Twin Cities TV news business. She was well-liked and well-respected by com-

petitors as area television and radio stations aired reports and tributes after her death. According to her station biography, Pohland had worked for WCCO-TV for 20 years. She began her career as an intern and worked her way through the ranks to become one of the few quadriplegic TV reporters in the country. She grew up in Mendota Heights and was a graduate of Henry Sibley High School, where she was active in music, theater and marching band. She went on to attend George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Pohland broke her neck in the summer of 1983 when she dove into the shallow end of a swimming pool. “With support and encouragement from friends, family, medical personnel and WCCO-TV staffers, she has built the career she always dreamed of but thought impossible after her accident,” her wcco.com biography stated. After her accident she spent five months at the University of Minnesota’s Rehabilitation Center. Pohland moved back to Minnesota after her accident and graduated from the U of M. She began working at WCCO TV in 1986. She worked as an assignment desk assistant, dispatcher and editor before becoming an on-air reporter in 1994. In her station biography, Pohland said her favorite word was “perseverance” and her least favorite word was “cripple.” When asked what her favorite story was, Pohland’s response was “the next one.” She was known as an extremely competitive reporter, who once damaged her wheelchair while trying to chase down someone for a quote. Pohland was a general assignment reporter, who also covered the University of Minnesota and Minneapolis city government. In one recent report, she noted the limited accessible parking at the University of Minnesota’s new TCF Stadium. Pohland was a University of Minnesota and Minnesota Vikings fan. Her late father was a U of M track star, and she would wear his letter sweater to home Gopher football games. She also loved figure skating, musical theater, books and her two Tonkinese cats, Cleo and Kai, according to her biography. WCCO-TV reporter Jason DeRusha was one of several co-workers who wrote of and spoke of Pohland after her death. In his station blog, he wrote after her death, “She had the biggest smile and the loudest laugh of anyone I’ve ever met. . . I can’t imagine our

newsroom, and my life without her. I, like all of my coworkers, have spent the past hour or so in tears. It’s painful when you lose a friend or a relative, but it’s just devastating to lose someone like Darcy.” DeRusha also wrote, “Darcy was the only television news reporter in the country working every single day in a wheelchair. Darcy rolled through the cold, the snow, the rain, the wind. She covered the construction projects, the murders, the fires, and the inspirational. She filled in for me (March 4), her last story was a Good Question on why jingles are so catchy. She did it all, and she did it in a wheelchair. You had to look out for her in the newsroom. She’d get that thing rolling, and she’d knock you down if you were in the way!” The memorial service for Pohland was held at the Guthrie

Theater March 12. Mayor R.T. Rybak declared that day to be Darcy Pohland Day in the City of Minneapolis. “Darcy was a real pro as a journalist, and she was a friend,” said Mayor R.T. Rybak. “She was a toughminded reporter who asked tough questions, especially of former colleagues like me. I’ll miss every single thing about her — except the really tough questions. “She also loved Minneapolis — and as the outpouring of the last week has reminded us, Minneapolis loved her back,” Rybak said. Pohland is survived by two brothers and their families. Her parents preceded her in death. Her mother died in February this year. Memorials are preferred to be sent to animal rescue organizations and to Courage Center, or a charity of choice. ■

WCCO TV reporter Darcy Pohland

Target Marketing At Its Finest! Advertise in Access Press and reach thousands in the disability community every month.

Call: 651-644-2133 TODAY!

Happy anniversary to us!

Be a part of the May 2010 Access Press 20th Anniversary Edition

Donate to the 2010 Capital Campaign and be honored on the back page! Deadline April 25 Go to www.accesspress.org Or Call Dawn at 651-644-2133

Charlie Smith, Access Press founding editor

April 10, 2010

Randall Bachman is new leader of AXIS Healthcare “There is an increasing recognition of the importance of care coordination and the critical role it plays in assuring that persons with disabilities get the right care and the right amount at the right time,” said Randall Bachman, the new executive director of AXIS Healthcare. “AXIS care coordination makes sense, not only in helping members function in the community, but also in preventing unnecessary health care expenditures,” Bachman said. “For example, in a recent analysis has demonstrated that our after-hours on call has saved nearly $100,000 a month in unnecessary hospitalizations”. Bachman commented that care coordination is being

DECISIONS-

promoted for populations other than persons with disabilities. For example, care coordination is a requirement of the General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) bill that recently passed by the Minnesota Legislature. In his career Bachman has been devoted to helping children and families and persons with disabilities overcome challenges and live productively in the community. Bachman has more than 35 years’ experience in local and state government and the nonprofit sector. He served as director of the Olmstead County Social Services Division and as Utah State Director of Substance Abuse and Mental Health. He was also director

of a regional mental health center in Utah, and led two nonprofit agencies serving children and families and providing outpatient prevention and treatment for chemical dependency, mental health, and domestic violence. More recently Bachman was vice president of Child and Family Support Services for Children’s Home Society and Family Services. This department had overall responsibilities for early childhood care and education, individual and family counseling, and family support services. He takes the helm of an organization that faces the challenges of coping with tight budgets while providing quality services. “The closing of

MnDHO at the end of the year certainly has presented challenges for AXIS,” Bachman said. However, he emphasized the key points that have been communicated to members and the community: Members do not need to take any action at this time. Members are still covered under MnDHO for the rest of the year and will continue to receive care coordination support from AXIS Healthcare. AXIS will continue to operate as a care coordination program. AXIS will be with our members through this transition. Member information meetings will be held in the summer, with dates, times and locations of these meetings announced soon. Bachman noted that AXIS

has recently undergone necessary cost-saving measures, which includes staffing reductions. However, these actions were taken to minimize the impact on the core delivery of services to members. “In the current economic environment everyone is experiencing some belt-tightening,” Bachman said. “However, we fully intend to continue to provide quality care coordination, while pursuing other partners who are interested in engaging in the skills and resources we have to offer. I firmly believe that AXIS is a model for the future of health care reform.” Bachman cites the history of AXIS and a statement of why AXIS was founded: “AXIS was created to bring

the knowledge of physical disabilities to managed care.” Bachman also pointed out that a significant number of members also have mental health issues, and other barriers such as a lack of adequate housing, employment challenges, transportation issues and other barriers that prevent them from fully participating in community life. Bachman enjoys spending time with family and friends, and playing with his grandson. He also enjoys hiking and camping, reading and writing, and following his favorite sports teams. After spending several years away from Minnesota, he is glad to be back home. ■

This is an increase, due to federal stimulus funding, over the usual 50 cent federal to 50 cent state match. It appears that an extension of the increased FMAP will be adopted by Congress in a second Jobs Bill, by the end of April. State officials expect FMAP to be extended for at least an additional six months of 2011. Because the increase in FMAP would bring the state nearly $400 million, it is unlikely state lawmakers will finalize their budget reductions for health and human services until the amount of increased FMAP has passed Congress. Once Minnesota’s House and Senate complete action on their budget bills, the differences will be resolved in a conference committee and negotiations with the governor will likely occur to resolve the state budget deficit. Minnesota’s many disability service organizations are zeroing in on the cuts that would most affect them and their clients. The Arc of Minnesota is raising a number of concerns, with several family

members testifying at a March State Office Building press conference (See related story on page 5.) Courage Center is informing its constituents of the need to preserve the various rehabilitation therapies slated for cuts by the governor. In a recent update, Courage Center officials stated, “Much of our work as an organization is focused on maximizing independence and returning individuals to the community. Rehabilitation therapies play a key role in accomplishing these goals. More than 35% of our clients rely solely on MA as their source of insurance. Taking such services away would result in increased severity of disabilities, development of preventable secondary conditions, and increased costs over time.” Other key bills await action. A bill containing PCA changes developed by a work group through MN CCD is making it way through both the House and Senate. The PCA changes had to be cost neutral because of the state’s budget shortfall. Proposed changes to fill gaps

in the PCA program for those who lose eligibility or too many hours of care, due to the substantial cuts enacted during the 2009 Session were removed from both bills.

be terminated from PCA services. The report is due on January 15, 2011, with alternative services required by July 2011. About $8 million was set aside for the biennium, beginning in July 2011 to use as state Medical Assistance match for these alternative services. DHS is required to consult with interested stakeholders in the development of PCA alternatives. A modest change in the Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD) bill, would allow MA-EPD enrollees who turn 65 to retain the assets they were able to accumulate while on MA-EPD for at least 24 months prior to their 65th birthday. The asset retention provision has been removed due to cost. This provision would have cost over $100,000 for this biennium and about $140,000 in the next biennium. All that remains of the MA-EPD bill now is a clarification in eligibility for MA-EPD to assure that a working person whose disability qualifies under Social Security standards is not excluded from the state disability determination process due to earnings or assets and a requirement that beginning two years before turning age 65, enrollees receive a notice annually of the income and asset changes when MA-EPD ends at age 65. Many other bills affecting persons with disabilities in areas such as transportation, service animals, special education, residential services, are moving through legislative committees, but the all important budget decisions are still ahead. Because the budget deficit is deep, it is clear that many important services and programs for persons with disabilities will be cut. For more information on legislation affecting the disability community, visit www.mnccd.org for Action Alerts. ■ [Information from MN CCD was used in this article.]

Cont. from p. 1

deficit, namely spending on health and human services and K-12 education. These two areas make up about 70 percent of the state budget, so cuts will have a major impact on how the deficit is addressed. As of early April the House had proposed a target of $155 million in cuts for health and human services and $1 million for K-12 education, with the Senate expected to bring forward cuts of about $200 million for health and human services. As Access Press went to press the amount of Senate cuts, if any, for K-12 education wasn’t known. Special education advocates are keeping a close eye on any cuts to those programs. One wild card in the ongoing House and Senate health and human and K-12 education budgets is that Congress has not yet finished work on important Medical Assistance funds. Federal decisions would likely reduce cuts in health and human services necessary to help address Minnesota’s budget deficit. Pawlenty had proposed cut-

ting $330 million from health and human services, including sweeping changes to the PCA program, elimination of physical, occupational and speech therapies for Medicaid clients, a 2.5 percent provider rate cuts and many other cuts. One huge challenge for lawmakers is the need to make cuts with a long-term impact. All of the cuts being made are against a background of potentially deeper cuts in the future, of about $5-6 billion for the following biennium. Decisions at the federal level could help Minnesota’s budget situation and could dictate when health and human services decisions are made. State officials expect Minnesota to receive about $400 Million in increased Federal Medical Assistance Payments (FMAP) for the Medical Assistance program. Current federal stimulus increase in FMAP expires at the end of 2010. The increase FMAP provides Minnesota with a federal Medicaid match of 60 cents for every 40 cents Minnesota spends for Medical Assistance services.

Happy anniversary to us!

Be a part of the May 2010 Access Press 20th Anniversary Edition

Buy an advertisement and be part of this keepsake edition! Deadline April 25 Go to www.accesspress.org Or Call 651-644-2133

Charlie Smith, Access Press founding editor

The remaining no-cost provisions include clarifying definitions of: • extended PCA services for those using home and community waiver programs; and • wages and benefits to allow PCA providers to comply with a 2009 provision requiring that 72.5 percent of all Medical Assistance revenue be provided in PCA wages and benefits to PCA staff. Language clarifying that recipients’ need for services is on an “ongoing” basis rather than a “daily basis” has been included in both bills, as well as minor changes in the supervision requirements for PCA’s by qualified professionals. The bills make modifications to various training requirement for qualified professionals, PCA agency owners and managers and enrollment requirements related to recipient rights. In addition, the PCA Choice Option section of the law has clarifying language regarding the recipient’s responsibilities and the written agreement for hiring and firing of staff and removes the qualified professional position from PCA Choice recipient hiring and firing authority. Finally, the bill requires that the Department of Human Services (DHS) provide a service agreement authorizing PCA hours of service pending appeal when requested by a recipient. While none of these changes will alleviate the serious problems for some PCA users due to the cuts enacted in 2009, they will improve the operation of PCA services. It is important to remember that the Legislature required the development of alternative services for those with mental illness or behavioral issues who have been or will

April 10, 2010

Arc families decry budget cuts and impacts by Mike Gude State elected officials are not providing the necessary leadership to protect persons with disabilities from harmful cuts to human services, according The Arc of Minnesota, an advocacy group for persons with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. “Our legislators and the governor must promote innovations in human services, not just propose more service cuts,” Pat Mellenthin, The Arc of Minnesota Executive Director, said at a March 23 news conference. “These cuts are a tax on our most vulnerable citizens, and come on top of cuts of $500 million for services already made in the last seven years. They can lead

try to give some understanding of how these PCA cuts are affecting our lives and what it means to us,” she said. “I’m just a parent trying to do right by my daughter and help her become as independent as possible, and keep our family together. But I need help to do that—including real leadership from our elected officials.” Steve Hayes of Plymouth said his family has waited nine years for services that would eventually let his son live successfully and safely in the community and give the family peace of mind. The governor has capped the number of these services available to families. “My son has significant needs that require 24-hour care,” said Hayes. “As he gets bigger and stronger every day, his care

The Arc of Minnesota leader Pat Mellenthin described the impact cuts would have. Photo by Ali Mohamed to serious medical or dental issues, place greater stress on families whose children have disabilities, and result in a loss of independence and greater isolation from the community.” The Arc of Minnesota provides advocacy and support for persons with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and their families so they can choose how they live, learn, work, and play in their communities. It has 5,400 members and 12 affiliated chapters statewide. At the news conference, families who have children with disabilities revealed the toll that cuts and insufficient funding have already taken. Kathy Sanders of Coon Rapids has a daughter, Jenny, who has significant disabilities. Jenny Sanders requires 24hour care but her personal care attendant (PCA) services have been cut. “Now, because of state budget cuts, my daughter’s staff can only work 6.5 hours a day—less than half of what she was receiving,” said Kathy Sanders. “I’ve laid off two PCAs and cut hours for the other two.” Sanders is a single parent, works full-time and has to also deal with her own health issues and the health issues of her parents. “I’m not here today to ask for sympathy, but to

becomes more demanding. As my wife and I age, our biggest fear is our continuing physical ability to care for him. I have arthritic knees and a repaired shoulder, and I have successfully weathered a bout with cancer. My wife has had three knee surgeries in the last 10 years. Too many families have passed their breaking point waiting for services.” Betsy and Erin Davies of Richfield are also bearing the burden of budget cuts. Betsy adopted four children with dis-

abilities and has one foster child. Betsy’s son Michael, who has autism, has already seen a 50 percent cut in the staff hours for his personal care attendants, and doesn’t have staff to get him to therapy appointments. Her daughter Erin also adopted two children with autism. Because of budget cuts last year, Erin’s children are no longer eligible for services she thought would be there for her family. “When we adopted our children, we thought that the supports would be available to assist them,” Betsy said. “The cuts will make it tremendously difficult for us to provide the care that we want to provide to all our kids.” Services for people with disabilities make a big difference in their lives, and those that give individuals and families more control can cost less than traditional services. Kenny Moore has signed a lease to move into his own apartment in West St. Paul, thanks to the Housing Access Services Program, a collaborative effort between The Arc and the Minnesota Department of Human Services. “I’m nervous but excited to get my own place,” Moore said. “I know I can live by myself, and this gives me a chance to prove it.” His apartment will also cost the state less than the foster care home where Moore has lived for the last four years. “Our elected officials should be strongly advocating for innovative services like Kenny’s,” said Mellenthin. “Programs like these can help create a more sustainable social service system that also helps people with disabilities live in and contribute to their communities.” The governor’s 2010 supplemental budget would cut $347 million in human services — larger than cuts proposed for any other area of the state budget. His cuts would eliminate physical, occupational and speech therapy for adults on Medical Assistance; reduce rates to service provid-

Families listened intently and held up signs. Photo by Ali Mohamed ers; cap the number of new services for the 4,000 Minnesotans who are waiting to live in the community; and eliminate specially-prescribed diets for low-income Minnesotans with serious medical conditions, among others. The House bill has fewer cuts to human services in its budget than the governor’s proposal, but it still totals $155 million, and some House proposals would also make harsh cuts. For example, a bill heard in Minnesota House committees last month accelerates last year’s cuts to personal care Kathy Sanders’ daughter needs 24-hour assistance but will have that assistance cut back as a result of state action. attendant (PCA) services. PCA Photo by Ali Mohamed services are one of the most cost-effective ways to help individuals with disabilities remain as independent as pos- Be our friend! Join our cause! sible. Access Press is on facebook “The cuts being proposed Link up with us. Join in on discussions now have the potential to cost Donate to Minnesota’s the state even more later, as people with disabilities are disability community newspaper forced to forego preventive care and therapies that maintain their health and abilities,” said Mellenthin. “If we abandon these services now, the state will likely face greater costs later, like treating health crises in emergency rooms or www.facebook.com trying to recover the skills Facebook is a free social networking Web site that allows people have lost.” ■ people to connect with friends, share ideas and support Mike Gude is Communicaissues and causes. Sign up and search for Access Press tions Manager at The Arc of Minnesota

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. State Rep. Patti Fritz was one of the press conference speakers. Photo by Ali Mohamed

April 10, 2010

Regional news in review . . . ADAPT celebrates Community First Choice Option

Goodwill/Easter Seals jobs campaign starts mographics for direct-care workers. By 2018, 1.2 million Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota has launched a campaign reinforcing the importance of transitional jobs as stepping stones to permanent employment, and asks the public to sign on and show their support at www.goodwilleasterseals.org/ work4mn. The campaign is intended to create awareness and support for job creation legislation currently in progress at the state and federal level, specifically focusing on the importance of transitional jobs as stepping stones to building a stronger, more stable workforce. Transitional jobs provide valuable, paid work experience within a supported environment to better prepare individuals to find permanent employment. Often the most vulnerable individuals face long-term unemployment. Individuals with disabilities, language barriers, mental health issues or criminal backgrounds struggle to find stable employment. They are often the first to be laid off and the last to be rehired. Proposed legislation supports additional transitional jobs and wage subsidies for employers which will assist these vulnerable individuals and their families by getting them into jobs, which ultimately opens door to stable housing, healthcare, transportation and childcare. “Many individuals seek assistance from Goodwill/Easter Seals for employment preparation, training and support. We see the direct impact that long-term unemployment has on families and communities and we wanted to do more to grow support for the legislation in progress,” said Deanna SmileyGulliford, Director of Community Affairs at Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota. “We hope this campaign will engage the public to help get all Minnesotans back to work.” The public can visit www.goodwilleasterseals.org/Work4MN to sign on and help put fellow Minnesotans back to work. Individuals who sign up will receive updates and action alerts about how they can help the legislation in progress. [Source: Goodwill/Easter Seals of Minnesota]

ADAPT, the national cross-disability grassroots group is celebrating the inclusion of the Community First Choice (CFC) Option and other long term care provisions related to the health care reform package passed by Congress last month. These provisions bring people with disabilities across America one step closer to home and community-based supports and ending the institutional bias in Medicaid. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and its companion legislation, the Reconciliation Act of 2010, together include several items related to home and communitybased services. For example, starting in October of 2011, the CFC Option will give states the choice of providing home and community-based services to Medicaid recipients instead of simply forcing them into nursing homes. The federal Money Follows the Person program will be extended until 2016. Provisions of the CLASS Act are also included in the new legislation. States will have increased federal funding matching incentives to fund community services. Yet while passage of this legislation is a social landmark, much remains to be done. ADAPT recognizes that ensuring community choice for all will require a variety of efforts, from both the grassroots and the government. ADAPT’s Defending Our Freedom (DOF) Campaign seeks accountability for enforcing Olmstead from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Civil Rights. DOF demands that President Barak Obama administration aggressively support legislation and pursue litigation that ensures Olmstead enforcement across the country. Finally, ADAPT calls on grassroots people with disabilities to document their struggles to secure home and community based services. ADAPT re-commits to fighting together with allies such as Sen. Tom Harkin of Iowa and other members of Congress towards the vision of meaningful community integration for people with disabilities and seniors across America. For more Older women may hold many direct-care jobs Older women aged 55+ are projected to become 30 percent information, www.adapt.org and www.defendingourfreedom of the nation’s direct-care workforce by 2018—up from 22 2010.blogspot.com percent in just 10 years, according to a Paraprofessional [Source: ADAPT] Healthcare Institute (PHI) recent analysis of employment de-

direct-care workers are expected to be women aged 55 and over. The significant increase in older direct-care workers (nursing home assistants, home health aides, and personal and home care aides) is anticipated in part because the workforce overall is growing dramatically—from 3.2 million to 4.3 million workers. Older women in particular are expected to be more prevalent in the direct-care workforce because the nation’s entire workforce is aging. “Older women are increasingly providing frontline services and supports for frail elders and people with disabilities to live independently and with dignity,” said PHI President Steven Dawson. He presented information on older direct-care workers in March at the National Council on Aging/American Society on Aging conference in Chicago. “National and state policymakers must work together to ensure that direct-care jobs, which are primarily funded through public dollars, are quality jobs that attract a stable, compassionate workforce,” said Dawson. “Without these workers, families will not be able to provide the support elders need to live independently and to continue to enjoy the relationships and activities that give their lives meaning.” In 2008, the median hourly wage for all direct-care workers was $10.42, which is significantly less than $15.57, the median wage for all U.S. workers. Without competitive wages, the older women who are filling these positions today are likely to look elsewhere for employment. Direct-care workers, who are 90 percent female, tend to be older than females in the nation’s overall workforce—22 percent of direct-care workers were age 55+ in 2008 compared to 18 percent for the overall female workforce. An even greater proportion (28.1 percent) of personal and home care aides were aged 55 or older in 2008. The projections were made by Dorie Seavey, Ph.D., director of policy research at PHI, by analyzing data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey (CPS), 2009, Annual Social and Economic (ASEC) Supplement, and applying Regional news - cont. on p. 15

April 10, 2010

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-763-520-0725 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

TF-800-641-0059 F-952-920-1480 TF-800-582-5256 TTY-800-551-2211 TTY-763-520-0245 F-651-523-0829 F-651-647-9353 TTY-952-838-0190 F-651-431-7587 TTY-888-206-6555

E-MAIL/WEB SITE 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

TTY-651-695-5802

www.dungarvin.com

V-612-378-2742 V-763-520-0312 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-651-917-9111 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-507-494-0950 F-612-624-8279 TTY-612-752-8019 F-218-722-9724 F-320-259-7066 F-480-393-5587

V-320-529-6500 x6271 www.ici.umn.edu www.mrc-mn.org www.mrc-mn.org www.mrc-mn.org www.upstreamarts.org

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

•

SECOND LINE

CONSUMER-DIRECTED COMMUNITY SUPPORTS CCP Self Directed Services Community Involvement Programs

EDUCATION

Community Education Network on Disabilities Institute on Community Integration MRC - Minnesota Resource Center MRC - Duluth, Minnesota Resource Center MRC - St. Cloud, Minnesota Resource Center Upstream Arts

EMPLOYMENT/VOCATION

Assistive Technology of MN, DBA Equip A Life V-763-479-8239 CCP Works! (Cooperating Community Prog.) V-763-540-6833x305 Chrestomathy, Inc. V-952-974-0339 Community Connections Partnership V-763-540-6833x302 Community Involvement Programs V-763-559-0773 Cooperating Community Programs V-651-917-8322

TF-866-535-8239 www.atmn.org F-651-917-8311 www.theccpinc.com F-952-974-0307 www.chrestomathyinc.org www.communityconnectionspartnership.org V-952-851-6193 www.cipmn.org F-651-641-8623 www.theccpinc.com

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.)

April 10, 2010

Dir ector y of Or ganiza tions Director ectory Org anizations Minnesota’s Disability Community Newspaper VOICE LINE EMPLOYMENT/VOCATION (continued) Courage Center 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 Work Incentives Connection MRC - Minnesota Resource Center MRC - Duluth, Minnesota Resource Center MRC - St. Cloud, Minnesota Resource Center Opportunity Partners ProAct Inc. ProAct - Red Wing Rise, Inc. TBI Metro Services - Richfield & W. St. Paul TSE, Inc. University of Minnesota Disability Services

V-763-520-0564 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-651-632-5113 V-612-752-8100 V-218-722-9700 V-320-259-5717 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

•

www.accesspress.org

SECOND LINE TTY-763-520-0245 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 F-651-999-8242 TF-800-976-6728 TTY-612-752-8019 F-218-722-9724 F-320-259-7066 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

GOVERNMENT

Minnesota State Council on Disability V/TTY-651-361-7800 TTY-800-945-8913 MN Gov. Council on Developmental Disabilities V-651-296-4018 TF-800-627-3529 Social Security Admin. & St. Paul PASS CadreTF-866-667-6032 x10661, x10674, or x10640 Telephone Equipment Distribution Program V-651-431-5945 F-651-431-7587 (MN Dept. of Human Services) TF-800-657-3663 TTY-888-206-6555

HEALTH CARE PLANS Cornerstone Solutions UCare

HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICES Dungarvin, Inc.- Minnesota In Home Personal Care Mary T. Inc. Home Health Mary T. Inc. Hospice Services Mary T. Inc. Supportive Services

Accessible Space, Inc. HousingLink Mary T. Inc. National Handicap Housing Institute, Inc

V-651-699-6050 V-763-546-1000 V-763-754-2505 V-763-754-2505 V-763-754-2505

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

V-651-645-7271 V-612-522-2500 V-763-754-2505 V-651-639-9799

INFORMATION AND REFERRAL RESOURCES ADA Minnesota Arc Greater Twin Cities Assistive Technology of Minnesota Minnesota State Council on Disability PACER Center, Inc. United Cerebral Palsy of MN

www.disability.state.mn.us www.mncdd.org www.socialsecurity.gov www.tedprogram.org

TTY-800-627-3529 www.cornerstone-solutions.org TTY-800-688-2534 www.ucare.org

V-952-925-0301 V-612-978-1054 V-651-249-7751 V-612-872-7520

HOUSING-RENTAL

www.CourageCenter.org 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.mnworkincentives.com www.mrc-mn.org www.mrc-mn.org www.mrc-mn.org 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

HOUSING-CONSTRUCTION/REMODELING Accessibility Design Accessible Homes, LLC. Equal Access Homes, Inc. Susan Lasoff & Associates

E-MAIL/WEB SITE

F-952-926-7712 F-651-554-3085 F-651-450-1330 F-612.338.2801

www.accessibilitydesign.com www.accessiblehomesllc.net www.EqualAccessHomes.com

TTY-800-466-7722 www.accessiblespace.org F-612-521-1577 www.housinglink.org TF-888-255-6400 www.marytinc.com F-651-639-9699www.nhhiaccessiblehousing.com

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

TF-888-630-9793 F-952-920-1480 TF-866-535-8239 TTY-800-945-8913 TTY-952-838-0190 TF-877-528-5678

www.adaminnesota.org www.arcgreatertwincities.org www.atmn.org www.disability.state.mn.us www.pacer.org www.ucpmn.org

V-612-334-5970

TF-800-292-4150

www.mndlc.org

V-612-273-6228 V-612-273-5560 V-651-644-9770 V-651-792-3860 V-763-795-0057

TTY-800-824-1953 F-612-273-7360 F-651-644-0602 V-651-792-3867 TF-866-795-0057

www.fairview.org/rehab www.fairview.org/rehab www.handimedical.com www.keymedicalsupply.com www.tamarackhti.com

LEGAL

MN Disability Law Center

MEDICAL SUPPLIES/EQUIPMENT Fairview Rehabilitation Services Fairview Seating and Wheeled Mobility Handi Medical Supply Key Medical Supply, Inc. Tamarack Habilitation Technology

Directory of Organizations - cont. on next page

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

April 10, 2010

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

MENTAL HEALTH

Community Involvement Programs Courage Center Howry Residential Services Lifetrack Resources - St. Paul People Inc. Epilepsy & Mental Health Services

PHYSICIANS Courage Center

•

www.accesspress.org

SECOND LINE

V-612-362-4449 V-763-520-0312 V-651-917-9111 V-651-227-8471 V-651-338-9035

V-612-362-4452 TTY-763-520-0245 F-651-917-1018 TTY-651-227-3779 TTY-651-338-1160

www.cipmn.org www.CourageCenter.org www.howryinc.com www.lifetrackresources.org www.peopleincorporated.org

V-763-520-0453

TTY-763-520-0245

www.CourageCenter.org

RECREATION-ADAPTIVE HOBBY/EXERCISE/SPORTS/ARTS Courage Center Mind Body Solutions VSA arts of Minnesota

E-MAIL/WEB SITE

V-763-520-0537 V-952-473-3700 V/TTY-612-332-3888

TTY-763-520-0245 TF-800-801-3883

www.CourageCenter.org www.mindbodysolutions.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) Cooperating Community Prog. (Home-Based Support)V-651-379-9711 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 V-651-439-8283 DeafBlind Services Minnesota V-612-362-8454 Fairview Acute Rehabilitation Center V-612-273-8660 Fairview Balance Center V-612-273-6521 Fairview M.S. Achievement Center V-612-672-2815 Fairview Rehabilitation Services 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

F-651-645-7350 ww.theccpinc.com TTY-763-520-0245 www.CourageCenter.org F-952-898-5757 www.CourageCenter.org F-651-464-3547 www.CourageCenter.org F-651-439-0576 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

Directory of Organizations - cont. on next page

Moving?

Call us with your new address so you don’t miss a single issue! 651-644-2133 access@accesspress.org

April 10, 2010

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

Want to be seen on potential clients' tables for 3 months at a time? Contact us TODAY to reserve this space! 651-644-2133 or

advertising@accesspress.org

A GREA T RESOURCE! GREAT

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

VOICE LINE RESIDENTIAL/GROUP HOME PROGRAMS Capstone Services, LLC V-651-641-0042 x211 Community Involvement Programs V-612-362-4403 CCP Home-Based Support V-651-917-8322 Dungarvin, Inc. - Minnesota V-651-699-6050 Fraser V-612-861-1688 Howry Residential Services V-651-917-9111 Mary T. Inc. Supportive Services V-763-754-2505 Opportunity Partners V-952-938-5511 People Inc. Epilepsy & Mental Health Services V-651-338-9035 Phoenix Residence V-651-227-7655 Restart Inc. V-763-588-7633

SERVICE DOGS Can Do Canines Helping Paws, Inc.

SOCIAL SERVICES Restart Inc.

TECHNOLOGY

Assistive Technology of MN, DBA Equip A Life Fairview Assistive Technology Program Gillette Children s Specialty Healthcare PACER Center, Inc. STAR Program Tamarack Habilitation Technology Telephone Equipment Distribution Program (MN Dept. of Human Services)

VISION IMPAIRMENT Vision Loss Resources

www.accesspress.org

SECOND LINE

E-MAIL/WEB SITE

F-651-645-2780 V-612-362-4417 F-651-641-8623 TTY-651-695-5802 F-612-861-6050 F-651-917-1018 TF-888-255-6400 TTY-952-930-4293 TTY-651-338-1160 F-651-227-6847 F-763-588-7613

www.capstoneservices.net www.cipmn.org ww.theccpinc.com www.dungarvin.com www.fraser.org www.howryinc.com www.marytinc.com www.opportunitypartners.org www.peopleincorporated.org www.phoenixresidence.org www.restartincmn.org

V-763-331-3000 V-952-988-9359

F-763-331-3009 F-952-988-9296

www.can-do-canines.org www.helpingpaws.org

V-763-588-7633

F-763-588-7613

www.restartincmn.org

V-763-479-8239 V-612-273-6830 V-651-291-2848 V-952-838-9000 V-651-201-2640 V-763-795-0057 V-651-431-5945 TF-800-657-3663

TRANSPORTATION RENTAL/SALES/MODIFICATION IMED Mobility

•

TF-866-535-8239 www.atmn.org F-612-273-7360 www.fairview.org/rehab TF-800-719-4040 www.gillettechildrens.org TTY-952-838-0190 www.pacer.org TF-888-234-1267 www.starprogram.state.mn.us TF-866-795-0057 www.tamarackhti.com F-651-431-7587 www.tedprogram.org TTY-888-206-6555

V-651-635-0655

TF-800-788-7479

www.imedmobility.com

V-612-871-2222

F-612-872-0189

www.visionlossresources.org

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

April 10, 2010

Upcoming events To list an event, email access@accesspress.org Advocacy

Workshops

Give them a call Metro Center for Independent Living has set up a PCA “You Need to Hear Me” callin 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 651-603-2009 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.

Adaptive technology classes Free adaptive technology classes are offered by Hennepin County Library, at the downtown Mpls library, 300 Nicollet Mall. Classes are free but you must pre-register for these classes for persons who are blind or have low vision. In addition to classes there are often volunteers available to introduce patrons to the equipment and software available. Volunteer hours vary, so it’s best to call ahead. The Blind and Low Vision Computer User group meets in Room N402 1-3 p.m. the second Saturday of each month, with a different speaker. Funding for Adaptive Technology classes is provided by a generous grant from the Hudson Family Foundation. FFI: 612-630-6469, www.hclib.org

Tuesdays at capitol Each Tuesday through May 4, the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD) will be at the capitol to help people share their stories about the importance of disability services with legislators and to ensure there is a disability community presence. Meet at 10 a.m. in the State Office Building basement cafeteria, then meet with legislators between 10:30 a.m.noon. Lunch is noon-1 p.m. in the Minnesota Department of Transportation Cafeteria. Advocates are encouraged to attend hearings in the afternoon or meet with legislators. MNCCD provides a daily schedule, talking points about disability services and tips on how to tell your story, and materials specific to legislation. Become an effective advocate for yourself and the broader disability community. FFI: Anni, asimons@arcmn.org

PACER workshops PACER Center, a parent center for families of children and young adults with disabilities, offers many helpful workshops this month. All are held at PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington. Workshops are free, advance registration requested. Workshops include: •Housing and Services: Putting the Pieces Together,” a free workshop for parents of young adults with disabilities, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Mon, April 12. Parents will learn how a variety of housing models, services, and supports can be creatively tailored to their young adults with disabilities. Meet housing professionals and hear a panel. •Transition: Pathway to the Future, 7-9 p.m. Thu, April 15. For parents of youth with disabilities and for professionals. Transition planning is an important step in preparing your student for life after high school. •Everything You Need to Learn Before Your Child Turns 3, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tue, April 20. For parents of young children with disabilities. Learn about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which requires states to provide certain ser-

vices to eligible children with disabilities. •Youth with Mental Health and Other Disabilities in the Juvenile Justice System,” 9 a.m.-noon Thu, April 22. For attorneys, social workers, probation officers, and other correction staff. Learn about issues and trends. FFI: 952838-9000, 952-838-0190 (TTY), 1-800-537-2237 (toll free) or PACER.org

annual benefit, 4:30-9 p.m. Sat, April 17. The event features acclaimed guitarist Billy McLaughlin who himself has had to relearn how to play the guitar after a medical disability left his playing hand paralyzed. Cost is $75 and covers a gourmet meal and cooking demonstration, regional beer tasting and silent auction. Pre-registration required. Proceeds help Kaposia help persons with development disabilities and Learn to hire, train staff other challenges. FFI: 651People who are disabled and 789-2820, www.kaposia.com enrolled in a waiver program such as Community AlternaRock Roll Run tives for Disabled Individuals New Hope Autism Center (CADI) or Traumatic Brain hosts a benefit Rock Roll Run Injury (TBI) waiver can at- walk Sat, April 24 at Whitney tend a free information ses- Park, 1529 Northway Drive, sion, Introduction to Consumer St. Cloud. Registration at 8 Directed Community Sup- a.m., event starts at 9:30 a.m. ports, 6-8 p.m. Mon, April 19 Cost is $15 in advance; $20 at Hennepin County Library – day of walk for adults. No Champlin, 12154 Ensign Ave. charge for youth ages 12 and N., Champlin. Learn to hire, younger. FFI: 320 223 3404, train and supervise staff and www.newhopeautismcenter.org/ write a care plan. Sponsored autism_walk by Hennepin County’s Human Services and Public Health Childrens mental health Department. Pre-registration The Minnesota Association required. FFI: 612-596-6631, for Children’s Mental Health www.hennepin.us/adsinfo (MACMH) hosts its 2010 Child & Adolescent Mental Special events Health Conference April 25conferences 27 at Duluth Events and Entertainment Center, Duluth. Technology Expo The conference features workThe 7th Annual Assistive shops as well as performances Technology Expo will be held of Fractured Fairy Tales. The April 15 at the Ramada Plaza conference is for everyone who Suites, Fargo, North Dakota. cares for or works with inThe show focuses on assistive fants, children, or youth. FFI: technology (AT) for people of 651-0644-7333, 1-80-0528all ages and abilities to help 04511, www.macmh.org them live, work and play. AT devices and services will be Family leadership summit addressed through exhibits and PACER Center offers 2010 presentations in the following Family Leadership Summit, a areas: vision, hearing commu- free event for Minnesota parnication, learning disabilities, ents of young children with computer access, aids for daily special needs or health conliving, safety, medication, cerns who serve (or would like home and work modifications, to serve) on Interagency Early mobility, environmental con- Intervention Committees trols and AT legal rights. FFI: (IEICs). The summit is 8:30 www.atexpo.org a.m. - 3 p.m. Sat, May 1at PACER Center, 8161 NorKaposia benefit mandale Blvd., Bloomington. Kaposia, Inc. hosts Cel- Advance registration by April ebrating Determination, its 15 required. Network with

other parents, enhance leadership skills, and learn how to influence public policy for young children with disabilities. FFI: Judy Swett, 952-8389000 or 952-838-0190 (TTY) or 800-537-2237 (toll free), PACER.org PACER benefit Four-time Grammy Award winner Lyle Lovett and His Large Band will bring their irresistible music to PACER Center’s Annual Benefit at the Minneapolis Convention Center Sat, May 8. With an inventive blend of folk, swing, blues, gospel, and jazz, Lovett has produced 14 albums and has been called “one of the alltime great American singer and songwriters” for his distinct musical style. PACER’s benefit, presented by SuperValu and P&G, also includes silent and live auctions. Tickets begin at $55. A pre-benefit gourmet dinner is available by separate ticket. FFI: 952-838-9000, PACER.org Clinic gala Fremont Community Clinics’ 40th anniversary gala celebration is 6-10 p.m. Mon, May 10 at Legends Club, Target Field, downtown Mpls. Tickets $60 each. Proceeds support affordable community health care. Sponsorships available. FFI: Donna Budde 612-287-2427, budded@ fremonthealth.org or www. fremonthealth.org

Medina Entertainment present a fundraiser to benefit CaringBridge, Children’s Hospital, BPA, NBIA and local youth organizations. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Enjoy a silent auction, games, music and an Internet variety show. Heartbreaker and Alex Ligerwood, Mason Dixons will perform tickets are $10 for adults and children age 13 and under $5. FFI: 763-478-6661, www. community1stshop.org Save the date Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 20th anniversary celebration is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Mon, July 26 at Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power St., Mpls. On July 26, 1990, the ADA became law. Comedian Josh Blue and Former U.S. Senator David Durenberger will headline the program.

For kids, families Visit Camp Courage Camp Courage, 8046 83rd Street NW, Maple Lake, hosts its annual open house 2-4 p.m. Sun, April 26. The event is for prospective campers and the general public interested in learning more about Courage Center camps. Take a tour and meet the staff. The camps offer safe, accessible, natural environments where children and adults with physical disabilities, sensory and language impairments, and other disabilities or illnesses discover abilities they never knew they had or they thought they had lost. Campers make new friends, and are often introduced to sports or hobbies they develop further at home or at school. FFI: 866-520-0504, www.couragecenter.org/ camps

Independent living May 13-14 is 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 Be a CSI is sponsored by the Statewide Pacer Center offers TechIndependent Living Council. FFI: Carol, 651-222-7409 nology for Girls: Forensics— x205, or 800-500-4157 x205, Be a CSI, 6 to 8 p.m., Tue, April 13 at PACER Center, cschoeneck@mngts.org 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington Middle-school Fundraiser Community First and Events - cont. on p. 14

April 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 Enchanted April Through April 11 Theatre in the Round, 245 Cedar Ave., Mpls. AD: Sun., April 11, 2 p.m. Tactile tour 1 p.m. Tix: $20, senior $18, student with ID $10; Phone: 612333-3010. Web: www.theatre intheround.org Avenue Q April 13-18 Touring company at Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls. ASL: Sun., April 18, 1 p.m. AD: request in advance. Tix: Reduced to $31 for ASL (reg. to $68); Phone: 612-3397007; E-mail: accessible@ broadwayacrossamerica.com. Web: www.hennepintheatre trust.org/accessible Execution of Justice April 16-24 University of Minnesota Theatre & Dance at Rarig Center, 330 21st Ave. S, Mpls. ASL, AD: Sun., April 18, 2:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $10 (code ASLAD; reg. $15-17; $2 discount for senior); Phone: 612624-2345. Web: http://the atre.umn.edu/events/

M. Butterfly April 17 – June 6 Guthrie Theater, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. AD: Sat., May 8, 1 p.m., with sensory tour at 10:30 a.m.; Fri., May 14, 7:30 p.m. ASL: Fri., May 21, 7:30 p.m.; Thurs., May 27, 7:30 p.m. Captioning: Fri., June 4, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $20 (reg. $15-40); Captioning $25; Cinderella April 16 – May 1 Phone: 612-377-2224, TTY Morris Park Players at Folwell 612-377-6626. Web: www. Middle School, 3611 20th Ave Guthrietheater.org S., Mpls. AD: Sun., April 25, Women’s Minyan 2 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $10 April 18 – May 9 (AD patrons; reg. $15; student/senior $12); Phone: 612- Minnesota Jewish Theatre Co. 724-8373 Web: www.morris at Hillcrest Center Theater, 1978 Ford Parkway, St. Paul. parkplayers.org AD: Sun., April 25, 2 p.m. CLICK, CLACK, MOO: Tix: Reduced to $15 (reg. matinee $22); Phone: 651Cows That Type 647-4315. Web: www.mn April 16 - May 16 Stages Theatre Co. at Hopkins jewishtheatre.org Center for the Arts, 1111 Main It’s Outta Here! St. ASL: Sun., May 2, 2 p.m.; Through April 18 Thurs., May 6, 10 a.m. AD: available upon request. Tix: Hennepin Stages, 824 $15, $11 child (age 2-17) & Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls. AD: senior (age 60+) plus $1.50 Fri., April 16, 7 p.m. Tix: $20; fee per ticket for phone & web (for reduced access rate 2 for orders; Phone: 952-979-1111. $25, make will-call reservaWeb: www.stagestheatre.org tion with password baseball); Phone: 612-275-5600; Email: info@minnesotapro Steel Magnolias April 16-25 Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre, 333 Fourth St. S., Fargo. AD: Fri., April 16, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $8 (reg. $20, senior/student $14, child $8); Phone: 701-235-6778. Web: www.fmct.org.

ductions.com; Web: www.its outtahere.net or www.hen nepintheatretrust.org/events/ its-outta-here. Tartuffe April 21-24 Normandale Community College Theatre, Fine Arts Building, 9700 France Ave. S., Bloomington. ASL: Fri., April 23, 7:30 p.m. Tix: $10 ($5 NCC student/staff/senior); Phone: 952-487-7462. Web: www.normandaletheatre.org The Curious Savage April 22-25 North High School Theatre, 2416 E. 11th Ave., N. St. Paul. ASL: Sat., April 24, 7 p.m. Tix: $8; student/senior $6; Phone: 651-748-6090. Web: www.northhightheatre.org Sister Kenny 47th International Art Show by Artists with Disabilities April 22 – May 21 Abbott Northwestern Hospital, second floor, Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, 800 E. 28th St., Mpls. Opening reception: AD, ASL: Thurs., April 22, 5-8 p.m. Tix: Free, Phone: 612-863-4872, E-mail: sister kenny@allina.com Web: www.allina.com/ahs/ski.nsf/ page/artshow The King and I April 23 – May 22 Bloomington Civic Theatre at Bloomington Center for the Arts Schneider Theater, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd. ASL: Thurs., May 6, 7:30 p.m. AD: Fri., May 7, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $18 (reg. $25, senior $22, student $19); Phone: 952-563-8575. Web: www. bloomingtoncivictheatre.org. Oklahoma! April 23 – May 23 Lakeshore Players Theatre, 4820 Stewart Ave., White Bear Lake. ASL: Sat., May 1, 8 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $10 (reg. $18-20); Phone: 651-4295674; E-mail: tickets@lake shoreplayers.com Web: www.lakeshoreplayers.com Our Country’s Good April 23 - May 16 Starting Gate Productions at Mounds Theatre, 1029 Hudson Road, St. Paul. AD: Sun., May 9, 2 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $10 (reg. $18, $16 student/ senior/Fringe button); Phone: 651-645-3503. Web: www. startinggate.org The Pink Panther Strikes Again April 23 - May 2 Fred Moore Middle School Center for the Arts, 1523 5th Ave. S., Anoka. ASL: Fri., April 30, 7:30 p.m. Tix: $8,

Susan Fink was one of the artists at the 2009 Sister Kenny Show. This year’s event is April 22 through May 21. More details are in the performances calendar. senior/student $4; Phone: 763- student/senior), $20 box seats; 506-3667 Web: www.anoka. Phone: 763-422-1838. Web: www.lyricarts.org k12.mn.us/FMMStheater The Story of Snow White April 23 – May 2 Rochester Civic Theatre, 20 Civic Center Drive SE. ASL: Sun., April 25, 2 p.m. Tix: $18.50, senior $15.50, student $13.50; Phone: 507-2828481; Web: www.rochester civictheatre.org Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf April 23 – May 30 Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls. AD: Thurs., May 6, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $10 (reg. $20-35); Phone: 612-822-7063. Web: www.jungletheater.com Queens of Burlesque April 24- May 23 History Theatre, 30 E. 10th St., St. Paul. ASL, AD: Sun., May 2, 2 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $15 (reg. $32); Phone: 651292-4323; E-mail: boxofc@ historytheatre.com . Web: www.historytheatre.com. Salome Through April 24 Minnesota Opera at Ordway Center for Performing Arts, 345 Washington St., St. Paul. Sung in German with English captions projected at all shows. AD: Sun., April 18, 2 p.m.; preopera discussion at 1 p.m. Tix: Reduced to half-price for AD patrons (reg. $20-200); Phone: 612-333-6669; TTY 651-2823099. Web: www.mnopera.org As You Like It Through April 25 Lyric Arts Main St. Stage, 420 E. Main St., Anoka. ASL: Sat., April 10, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $13 ( reg. $18, $16

Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Through April 25 Mpls. Musical Theatre at Illusion Theatre, Hennepin Center for the Arts, 528 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. AD, ASL: Sun., April 18, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $18 (reg. $25); Phone: 612-339-4944. Web: www.aboutmmt.org Maria/Stuart Through April 25 Red Eye Theater, 15 W. 14th St., Mpls. AD: Fri., April 9, 8 p.m. Tix: Pay-as-able show (reg. $15-18, $15 student/senior); Phone: 612-870-0309; E-mail: shelley@redeyetheater.org. Web: www.redeye theater.org Medea: A Noh Cycle Through April 25 Theatre Unbound at The Lowry Lab Theatre, 350 St. Peter St., St. Paul. AD: Sun., April 18, 2 p.m. Tix: sliding scale $12-24; Phone: 612721-1186; E-mail: info@the atreunbound.com Web: www.theatreunbound.com/ Disney’s Mulan Jr. April 27 – June 13 Children’s Theatre Co., 2400 3rd Ave. S., Mpls. AD, ASL: Fri., May 28, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Ask about special price rates (reg. $21-33); Phone: 612-8740400; E-mail: tickets@child renstheatre.org Web: www. childrenstheatre.org Art in Bloom April 29 – May 2 Mpls. Institute of Arts, 2400 Third Ave. S. Annual free festival of floral artist designs Performances - cont. on p. 14

April 10, 2010

People and places

News about people in our community Polar Plungers end successful year reader’s pitch, and feature an easy-to-use book cartridge. That The snow is gone and the ice is out on area lakes, which means no more cassette flipping or track switching. Most books means the 2010 Polar Bear Plunge season has come to an end. fit on one cartridge, and play on either AC or batteries. Batteries play for about 35 hours and will last approximately four years before needing replacing. The advanced player also allows you to quickly flip through chapters and insert bookmarks. Other features include easy-to-use audio instructions, available with the touch of a button. They also have a sleep setting for 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes. The devices are water-resistant and can be used with headphones.

These Polar Plungers took part at the Rochester event this past winter. More than 7,000 plungers took a chilly dip at one or more of the 13 events across the state, raising $1.4 million for Special Olympics Minnesota athletes. Thousands of spectators turned out to see the events. Because of the outstanding success of the Polar Bear Plunge, Special Olympics Minnesota can continue to offer children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round sports training, competition, health and leadership programs. In a few short weeks, more than 1,600 athletes will attend state Spring Games, which features competition in basketball, swimming and powerlifting. This, along with more than 150 annual local, area, regional and state events, are just some of the many opportunities that Special Olympics Minnesota is able to provide because of the Polar Bear Plunge. Law enforcement agencies, the Minnesota FOP, Kwik Trip, Better Oats, Caribou Coffee, Culver’s and Opportunity Services; our Event Partners: WalMart, TD Ameritrade, JNBA and United Healthcare; and media partners FOX-9 News, KDWB, KFAN, Cities 97 and AllOver Media also participated. See pictures and video of the events at www.specialolympicsminnesota.org

Digital Talking Book Players have arrived The National Library Service digital players have arrived, according to the folks at Minnesota Talking Book Library. This equipment is replacing the old cassette players. To order your digital player, call the Communication Center at 1-800-6529000 or the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library at 1800-722-0550. The digital players are portable and are only 6.2 by 8.8 by 1.7 inches. They have variable speed control without changing the

helping to make more than 2,000 items March 8. With a dog guide at her side, Kathy Keenan prepared fabric for teddy bears. Though legally blind, Keenan, of Spring Lake Park, came to make toys and tie quilts for shelters like Women’s Advocates of St. Paul, a haven for women and children escaping domestic violence. Barbara Smith, an organizer, said the event was an appropriate way to celebrate International Women’s Day as it “benefits women in all stages of life.” She said teenage girls learn not only how to tie quilts but also how to be good citizens. ■

New name and Web site for canine organization

Parkinson’s book released

Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota is now Can-DoCanines. The organization has also unveiled a new name for its web site, which is now www. can-do-canines.org Can-Do-Canines is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or disabled by creating mutually beneficial partnerships with specially trained dogs. Incorporated in 1987, Can-Do-Canines initially provided services for deaf clients only. Its first three teams graduated in 1989. In 1995, programs were expanded to serve people with physical disabilities. In 2006, the service area was increased to include Wisconsin, North and South Dakota, Iowa, Missouri, and parts of Illinois. In 2007, an Autism Assist Dog program was launched to help young children with autism and their families. Can-Do-Canines is at 9440 Science Center Drive in New Hope. The phone number is 763-331-3000.

The Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area announces the release of a new book, Caring with Courage and Compassion, written by Susan Hamburger, who spent nearly 30 years caring for her husband, Stanford, who had Parkinson’s Disease. The book covers the Hamburgers’ life with Parkinson’s from Stanford’s diagnosis in 1980, until he passed away in August 2008. More than 1.5 million Americans have Parkinson’s Disease, a chronic, progressive neurological disease for which there is no cure. It is estimated that 60,000 Americans are newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s every year. “When my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1980, our lives changed,” said author Susan Hamburger. “There was very little research on Parkinson’s itself, and even less information on how to care for someone with Parkinson’s. With time and experience, and a lot of love, I wanted to write this book to help others who are now going through what I spent twenty-eight years of my life doing—caring for someone in the true sense of ‘in sickness and in health’.” “Giving support and care to someone with Parkinson’s disease can be one of the most challenging, yet fulfilling, roles a person can take on,” said Lou Nistler, PFNCA executive director. “In writing this book, Susan offers her own shoulder for others to lean on. She details the ups and downs a caregiver feels, shares her own personal experiences, and offers sound advice for those who care for someone with a debilitating illness or disability. This book is not just for those who care for someone with Parkinson’s. Anyone who offers support and care for another person can learn from Susan’s experiences,” Nistler added. The book costs $15 and is available on Amazon.com, as well as by calling the PFNCA at (703) 287-8729. Copies of the book are also available through the National Parkinson Foundation and the American Parkinson Disease Association web sites. For more information about the book, Parkinson’s Disease, or the Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area, go to www.parkinsonfoundation.org

Volunteers donate to women’s shelters In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8 and Women’s History month, thousands of women around the world participated in “Join me on the Bridge” events to demonstrate that women can build bridges for peace and development. More than 160 women in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints bridged gaps of age and nationality by donating items for women’s crisis Kathy Keenan (foreground) shelters in St. Paul. At a church cultural hall in New Brighton, women chatted in Spanish, Hmong and English as they tied 40 fleece blankets and 15 quilts, decorated 90 flip flops and boxed more than 400 towels, 600 pairs of socks and 800 toothbrushes. They put together dozens of hygiene kits, bagged toys and filled two vans full of household items. The 60 boxes represent more than 700 hours of voluntary service. One of the volunteers is legally blind. She was among those

Teen scuba diver plunges into uncharted waters When Paulson first begin scuba diving, the transformation from disability to ability was exciting to see. The necessary fullface mask with a built-in regulator, made by the Italian company Ocean Reef, was provided by Over EZ to accommodate her breathing needs. With the right gear in place, she flourished in the weightless environment that deep water provides. Written question and answer with Paulson Q: Can you explain what your particular disability is? The reason for this question is that there are no doubt other individuals who will read this article and relate to your experiences. Paulson: I have cerebral palsy, which is practically a brain injury, and something I got from a lack of oxygen at birth. I can’t walk or talk, but that hasn’t stopped me from living a normal life. I thank my parents for not ever treating me like china glass. My mom began traveling with me on airplanes Autumn Paulson trained for her Grand Caymans dive when I was only six months old. On that first visit, I went to visit with the help of Over EZ, a Twin Cities company. my uncle out in California. Also, my mom and my Aunt Barb used to take me on lots of road trips when I was an infant and by Denise Gardner The ocean can be a source of awe and wonderment for those toddler. who dive into its rich and complex depths. With the sea in their sights, a group of scuba-certified high school students traveled Q:What sparked your desire to become a diver? to Grand Cayman in March under the leadership of Randy A: Scott Stenbeck was my astronomy, meteorology, and biolChristman’s dive operation, Over EZ Diving. Autumn Paulson, ogy teacher during my junior year of high school, and he a high school senior at Thomas Jefferson Senior High in approached me with the idea of scuba diving. I was unsure if I wanted to pursue the idea because of personal and psychologiBloomington is among the divers who will make the trip. Paulson’s decision to join in this ocean expedition is no cal issues. But my mom kind of talked me into it, and I’m ordinary spring break trip. She has cerebral palsy. Paulson is grateful for that! unable to walk or speak. The physical manifestations of her cerebral palsy visually distinguish her from the other non- Q: Have you thought about what you’d like to accomplish with disabled divers. But after several successful pool sessions over your diving? Do you have any career aspirations that tie in to the last month, those distinctions essentially dissolved when diving in some way? Or is diving your outlet for fun and she descended into the water with her full-face mask, fins, and adventure? A: Well, I’m looking into doing a book on mangroves with built-in regulator.

Randy Christman, so I hoped to take lots of pictures [underwater] down in Grand Cayman for that. I haven’t thought about career options that link to diving much, but it would be cool to explore the underwater world. I used to want to become a scientist, and I thought this opportunity was a sign/pathway to some sort of scientific career. Now, I just want to become a writer. I write many lyrics, and I started my own book not too long ago. Q: You seemed to enjoy being in the water; did you experience a different level of mobility in the water? A: I haven’t been swimming in so long. I needed to relearn how to swim it seems like. With my wet suit on, I’m planning to get back in my pool this summer and go for more swims like I used to. Q: Now that you are on the verge of taking a trip to Grand Cayman, do you have any fears or anxieties about diving in the ocean? A: I’m scared of accidentally pulling my mask off underwater if my arms get uncontrollably excited for some reason. ■

Computerized Desktop Publishing: Advertisements Brochures Catalogs Flyers Logos Newsletters Newspapers and More! Ellen Houghton • 952-404-9981 presentationimages@comcast.net

April 10, 2010

PERFORMANCES - Cont. from p. 12 EVENTS interpreting museum works of art. ASL: Thurs., April 29, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., May 2, 1 p.m. Phone: 612-870-3131 or TTY 612-8703132; E-mail: dhegstrom @artsmia.org Web: www. artsmia.org. On the second weekend of each month, free tours are offered for visitors with memory loss, Alzheimer’s and friends or care partners Surviving the Applewhites April 29 - May 16 Youth Performance Co. at Howard Conn Fine Arts Center, 1900 Nicollet Ave., Mpls. AD, ASL: Sat., May 15, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to halfprice (reg. $12, student 18 & under or senior 62+, $10); Phone: 612-623-9080. Web: www.youthperformanceco.com. The Outsiders April 30 - May 23 Stages Theatre Co. at Hopkins Center for the Arts Jaycees Studio, 1111 Main St. ASL: Sun., May 9, 2 p.m.; Thurs., May 13, 10 a.m. AD: available on request. Tix: $15, $11 child (age 2-17) & senior (age 60+) plus $1.50 fee per ticket for phone/web orders; Phone: 952-979-1111. Web: www. stagestheatre.org

Red Hot and Cole - A Cole Porter Music Revue May 1-16 Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre, 333 Fourth St. S., Fargo. AD: Fri., May 14, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $8 (reg. $20, senior/student $14, child $8); Phone: 701-235-6778. Web: www.fmct.org

Cont. from p. 11

girls with disabilities will be crime scene investigators as they explore the science of forensics by fingerprinting, analyzing powders, making teeth impressions, and determining someone’s height based on her shoe size. They will test their skills by analyzing data and solving a mock crime. FFI: 952-838-9000, Metamorphosis 952-838-0190 (TTY), 1-800Through May 1 537-2237 (toll free) or Frank Theatre at Open Eye PACER.org Figure Theatre, 506 E. 24th St., Arc sibshops Mpls. AD: Fri., April 30, 8 Kids who have a brother or p.m. Tix: Reduced to $13 (reg. $18-20); Phone: 612-724-3760. sister with autism can make Web: www.franktheatre.org friends and have fun at a new Sibshop group in Roseville May Day Parade, Festival from Arc Greater Twin Cities. and Tree of Life Ceremony The group meets 6-7:30 p.m. the second Thursday of the May 2 In the Heart of the Beast Pup- month at Fairview Commupet & Mask Theatre’s annual nity Center, 1910 County Road event. ASL, AD: Sun., May 2. B West, Room 143, Roseville. Noon tactile tour of puppet Sibshops use games and recand floats and 1 p.m. parade reation to help kids ages 6 -12 audio description at Bloom- expresses their thoughts and ington & 25th St. requires pre- feelings about having a sibling registration. 3:30 p.m. cer- with a disability. Participants emony at Powderhorn Park explore common sibling issues will be interpreted & described such as teasing and problemon the west side of Powderhorn solving through activities and Park lake, with accessible seat- discussion. Dates are Apr. 15 ing. Tix: free: Phone: 612- (note date change) and May 721-2535, ext. 23; E-mail: 13. Sibshops are free for Arc info@ hobt.org; Web: members and $10 per child (each meeting) for others. Arc www.hobt.org ■

also offers 13 additional Sibshops at locations throughout the metro area, including two more locations in Ramsey County. FFI: 952-920-0855

month. Down Syndrome group meets 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. fourth Monday of the month. (No December meeting.) FFI: 952920-0855

First Friday fun 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

Mental illness The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Minnesota (NAMI-MN) 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 the St. Paul area at 6:30 p.m., on the second and fourth Wed. FFI: Anne Mae, 651-730-8434. A NAMI Connection peer support group for adults recovering from mental illness meets bi-weekly in Roseville. The free group is sponsored by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Minnesota. Trained facilitators who are also in recovery lead NAMI Connection groups. The group meets 6:30 p.m. 2nd and 4th Wed at Centennial Methodist Church, 1524 Co. Rd. C-2 W., Roseville. FFI: Will, 651-5783364, www.namihelps.org

Support groups New Arc parent groups The Arc has started two free networking groups in Hastings for parents of children with autism and Down syndrome. Get connected, gain valuable information and resources, and share emotional support. Both groups meet monthly during the school year at McAuliffe Elementary School, 1601 12th Street W., Hastings. Pre-register. Meetings include a pizza dinner. Child care provided. Autism group meets 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. first Thursday of the

Radio Talking Book • April Sampling 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. The phone is 1-800-7220550 and hours are 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The catalog is also online. Access it by going to the main Web site, http://education.state.mn.us and then clicking on the link. Persons living outside of Minnesota may obtain copies of books by contacting one’s home state’s Network Library for the National Library Service. Access Press is one of the publications read at 9 p.m. Sundays during the program It Makes a Difference. Listen to the Minnesota Radio Talking Book, either live or archived programs from the last week, on the Internet at www.mnssb.org/rtb Call for a password to the site.

Skeeter has returned to Jackson, Mississippi. Her maid has disappeared, but there are other maids in town. Soon Skeeter and two maids are involved in a clandestine project that will put them all at risk because it crosses the lines that define their town. Read by Alletta Jervey. 18 broadcasts. Began April 7. PM Report • Monday – Friday 8 p.m. Six Months in Sudan, Nonfiction by James Maskalyk, 2009. Dr. Maskalyk was recruited by Doctors Without Borders to work in Abyei, Sudan, where he treated malnourishment and measles while watching for war. L – Read by Dan Kuechenmeister. 12 broadcasts. Begins April 19.

Night Journey • Monday – Friday 9 p.m. Murder in the Latin Quarter, Fiction by Cara Black, 2009. At Aimée’s detective agency, a Haitian woman announces that she is an illegitimate sibling. Aimée is thrilled, but under French Chautauqua • Tuesday – Saturday 4 a.m. law, the agency is now half her sister’s. Read by Carol Lewis. Philanthrocapitalism, Nonfiction by Matthew Bishop and 10 broadcasts. Begins April 20. Michael Green, 2008. For philanthropists of the past, charity was a matter of simply giving money away; for the new Off the Shelf • Monday – Friday 10 p.m. generation of superrich, it’s like business. L – Read by June Whiteout, Fiction by Brian Duren, 2009. When Paul returns Prange. 12 broadcasts. Begins April 13. from Paris for his mother’s funeral, he finds there are contradicPast is Prologue • Monday – Friday 9 a.m. Cranioklepty, Nonfiction by Colin Dickey, 2009. For those who desire to own skulls of the brilliant and famous, the lengths they have gone for acquisitions have sometimes been a comedy of the grotesque. Read by Yelva Lynfield. 10 broadcasts. Begins April 26.

tions to his understanding of his own family history. L- Read by Charles Torrey. 16 broadcasts. Begins April 12.

Evening Odyssey • Monday – Friday 11 p.m. This Is Where I Leave You, Fiction by Jonathan Tropper, 2009. Judd’s family sits Shiva for their father spending seven days together. As the week spins out of control, long-standing grudges resurface, secrets are revealed, and old passions reBookworm • Monday – Friday 11 a.m. awaken. L – Read by John Mandeville. 11 broadcasts. Begins Lark & Termite, Fiction by Jane Anne Phillips, 2009. Lark and April 19. Termite are siblings, being raised by an aunt. Lark is nearing adulthood, while her brother Termite is unable to walk and talk. Good Night Owl • Monday – Friday midnight Lark has dreams of the future. S – Read by Ann Reed. 11 Inherent Vice, Fiction by Thomas Pynchon, 2009. Doc broadcasts. Begins April 19. Sportello’s ex-girlfriend shows up with a story about a plot to

Grandparents parenting Grandparents who are raising grandchildren with intellectual and developmental disabilities can join a new free networking group from The 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 Feb. 22, Mar. 22, Apr. 26 and May 24. Childcare is available with one week’s notice prior to meeting date. The 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, 952920-0855, www.arcgreater twincities.org

Anxiety support group The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Minnesota (NAMI-MN) sponsors free After Midnight • Tuesday – Saturday 1 a.m. When Will There Be Good News? Fiction by Kate Atkinson, support groups for persons 2008. Several lives intersect, involving an old crime and a with anxiety disorders. The couple of missing people. Read by Eleanor Berg. 14 broad- groups help individuals develop better coping skills and casts. Begins April 20. ■ find strength through sharing Choice Reading • Monday – Friday 4 p.m. their experiences. An Open Abbreviations: The Help, Fiction by Kathryn Stockett, 2009. After college, V - violence, L – offensive language, S - sexual situations. Door Anxiety and Panic supPotpourri • Monday – Friday 2 p.m. Life List, Nonfiction by Olivia Gentile, 2009. Phoebe Snetsinger had planned to be a scientist but instead became a stay-at-home mother. Isolated, she turned to bird watching. When she was diagnosed with cancer and told she had a year left, she decided to travel the globe to see rare spectacular birds. L – Read by Kristi Sullivan. 12 broadcasts. Begins April 22.

kidnap a billionaire land developer she loves. L, S – Read by John Marsicano. 13 broadcasts. Began April 8.

port group meets in St. Paul at 6:30 p.m., first and third Thu, at Gloria Dei Church, 700 Snelling Ave. S. St. Paul. FFI: NAMI at 651-645-2948, www. namimn.org Caregivers support group Parents and caregivers of children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) can join a caregiver’s support group organized by The 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, 952-920-0855

Volunteer Study flora, fauna Experience the living wonder of a wetland through Hennepin County’s Wetland Health Evaluation Program. Adult volunteers, who do not need a science background or previous experience work under the direction of a team leader and receive training on wetland monitoring protocols, including both plant and insect identification. They wade through wetlands to collect and identify dragonflies, snails, cattails and more. The total time commitment is 20 to 40 hours throughout the months of May, June and July. All equipment is provided. Participating cities use the collected data to help determine the health of water resources and assist with natural resource management. FFI: 612-5969129, www.mnwhep.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). FFI: Connie at 612.617.7807 or e-mail cerickson@voamn.org ■

April 10, 2010

SKIING -

Cont. from p. 1

breathing and elevated heart rate from all the skiing. Shooting is “definitely tough,” Underkofler said, but she has a knack for it and has been working hard to improve her technique. Underkofler has been cross country skiing since she was 4 years old. She learned the sport on the Highland Park Golf Course with her father, Kevin, a former competitive skier, and took to it naturally. She raced some when she was younger, but tasted her first real competition in high school. Underkofler lettered in gymnastics and cross country skiing at Highland, according to athletic director John Heller. “She’s bright, articulate, just a wonderful young woman,” he

said. “She assisted with our cross country team (in 200708) and did a great job. I have nothing but great things to say about her. She’s a very dedicated athlete and a very focused individual. We wish her well.” Although she skied well for the Scots, Underkofler never thought much about going beyond high school competition until her sophomore year, when she went to Shriners Hospital in Minneapolis to be fitted for a high-tech prosthetic device. The prosthetic didn’t work out, but it was at Shriners Hospital that she learned about the Paralympics, and was encouraged to try out for the national team. She said it was the first time she thought,

REGIONAL NEWS -

“This is something I could do on another level.” Her ability and confidence grew, and by 2002, at age 17, she became a member of the national Paralympic team. She skied through college and graduated from St. Olaf in 2005. After college, she started training full time. Between competing and training, she continues to maintain a busy schedule. It involves a lot of time away from home, “which is hard,” she said, “but this is my job, and it’s a really good job. I don’t want to complain.” Earlier this year, Underkofler added something else to her hectic schedule—an appearance on the reality TV show “The Biggest Loser.” While she was training in

Colorado, the show’s producers inquired about having an athlete on the show as a guest instructor for the contestants. Underkofler got wind of the request. She happened to be a fan of the show, so she volunteered with a handful of Olympic athletes to put the contestants through their paces. “It was fun and great exposure to have Paralympic athletes on television along with Olympic athletes,” she said. “We don’t get that kind of coverage often.” The experience of being a Paralympic athlete has been a struggle at times in at least one respect—it has forced someone who has never harbored any thoughts of being disabled to identify herself in a differ-

ent way. But the good outweighs the bad by a long shot, according to Underkofler. “I would never have said I was a disabled kid,” she said. “Identifying myself in a different way has been a challenge. But it’s also great, because throughout my career I’ve been given a plat-

form to talk about these things—what does it mean to be born with one hand? “Technically, that makes me disabled,” she said, “but it’s not how I live my life” ■ This article originally appeared in the Villager, a St. Paul neighborhood newspaper.

Biathalon Biathlon is a sport which combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. The Paralympics Web site and Olympics Web site contain a history of the biathalon. The word “biathlon” comes from the Greek word for “two tests.” Today, biathlon consists of 10 separate events that involve both cross-country skiing and target shooting. The objective in biathlon is to complete the course in the least amount of time, hitting as many targets as possible to avoid time penalties. The first Paralympics biathalon competition was in 1988 in Innsbruck, Austria. Various adaptive devices are used by paralympians. ■

Cont. from p. 6

the information to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Service changes could pose risk Projections Program, 2008-18 National Employment Matrix. The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) re[Source: Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute] leased a plan in March to redesign the state’s mental health services by cutting $17 million and 200 jobs. But the union Assailant asks for prison time representing regional treatment center workers told legislators A 17-year-old Lakeville girl will serve eight years in prison that this blueprint is likely to increase costs, put more staff in for her role in the kidnapping and beating of a developmentally danger, and harm the treatment of adults with mental illnesses. disabled man in 2008. Natasha Dahn’s request for prison time Case in point: St. Peter Regional Treatment Center. Four is another sad chapter in the story of Justin Hamilton. She and years ago, the state laid off staff in the State Operated Services four men have been convicted and sentenced in the case over Forensic Division. Today, with 200 fewer workers, patient the past several months. assaults against staff have increased 408 percent—from 35 But in March Dahn told a judge she wanted to go to prison. assaults in 2005 to 143 in 2009. In the last year, security District Court Judge Michael Mayer agreed to that request. counselors have been hospitalized 117 times with injuries Mayer said granting the request was one of his “saddest days” including broken limbs, concussions, skin lacerations from on the bench. human bites, and burns from being doused with boiling liquids. Dahn will now serve eight years imprisonment, instead of One mentally ill patient was responsible for 43 of the assaults being in juvenile programs until age 21. She was in court last and management did nothing to control his violent behavior. “The human cost of understaffing is unconscionable,” said month because she had violated probation. She had been held at a juvenile treatment center in Iowa, where she had threatened Eliot Seide, director of AFSCME Council 5. “The pain and to kills others there. In court she indicated that she was likely financial cost of these injuries could be avoided with adequate staffing.” In 2009, there were 1,300 lost work days due to to violate probation again. Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom expressed disap- patient assaults at St. Peter. Nearly 32,500 hours of overtime pointment that Dahn didn’t take advantage of opportunities to cost DHS more than $1 million. Add to that the staggering cost redeem herself. of emergency room visits and workers’ compensation. Hamilton, who has fetal alcohol syndrome, was befriended “Keeping workers and the public safe is our top priority,” by Dahn in fall 2008. Just days later she told her then-boyfriend said Seide. “Frontline workers know how to reduce costs and others that Hamilton hit her. That was a lie. But the men and without compromising safety, but DHS didn’t ask us. They’ve Dahn then kidnapped Hamilton and brutally beat him on two done nothing to address these violent assaults. And now they’ve successive nights. got a blueprint to repeat the same mistakes.” “I feel like if I went to prison, it would be paying him justice To streamline services for the mentally ill, Seide recomin some way,” Dahn told the judge. mends that “DHS needs to move resources to the point of Dahn’s original prison sentence had been stayed. She would services, flatten layers of management, and drive fear from the not have to serve any prison time had she completed her initial workplace. That’s the kind of change that staff, patients and sentence, which was for 60 to 90 days in juvenile detention and taxpayers deserve.” then a stay in a residential treatment center until age 21. But in [Source: AFSCME] treatment in Iowa, Dahn violated probation. She broke rules and threatened and manipulated other residents. County elections office moves The Hennepin County Elections Division has moved to the [Source: Star Tribune, Northfield News] Public Service Level—skyway level—of the Hennepin County Woman who scammed veterans sentenced Government Center in downtown Minneapolis. The new office An Apple Valley woman entrusted with the financial welfare location will be more convenient to the public, and will be more of disabled veterans instead stole from them to support her accessible. gambling habit. A federal judge sentenced Connie Marie Elections staff were using three different areas in the GovernHanson, 56, March 16 to almost five years in prison for stealing ment Center—the main office on Sixth Floor, two storage nearly $1 million from the 33 veterans while she served as their rooms in the underground level and temporary space at skyway appointed fiduciary. level during each election for absentee voting. Hanson admitted that from 2006 through 2008, she took “We needed more space, we needed to be in one place, and hundreds of thousands of dollars from the veterans’ bank —most importantly—we needed to be more accessible to accounts and gambled their money away. Her attorney told the residents, city elections officials and media,” said Kurt Hoffman, court that Hanson has a gambling addiction. She had worked Elections deputy manager. “Now people can register to vote, with veterans since 1984 but had only started stealing from fill out absentee ballots, file for elected office—all the services them a few years ago. we provide—in one convenient location.” She pleaded guilty in July 2009 to making a false statement When absentee voting begins this summer, the waiting area to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. To conceal the in the new office can accommodate as many as 55 people. The embezzlement, she submitted false paperwork to the depart- location and added space also will make it easier and more ment. U.S. District Judge David S. Doty sentenced her to 55 convenient for cities’ elections staff to pick up and drop off months in prison and three years supervised release. He also supplies, ballots and other elections materials. ordered Hanson to make restitution of $1.2 million to the U.S. The move is one of the first duties overseen by Elections’ Department of Veterans Affairs, the Social Security Adminis- new manager Rachel Smith, who took over the position on tration and to a bonding company that reimbursed the veterans March 15. for the money she stole. Hennepin is Minnesota’s most populous county. More than [Source: Star Tribune] 665,400 people voted in Hennepin County in the 2008 general

election. Approximately 84,000 absentee ballots were accepted in the county, including nearly 1,600 ballots cast under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act. ■ [Source: Hennepin County]

Employment Employment ads are $22-$25 per col. inch. April 30 is the deadline for the May 10 issue. Mail to: Access Press, 1821 University Ave. #104S, St. Paul, MN 55104 FAX 651-644-2136 • Email: access@accesspress.org Bilingual (Somali/Eng.) Attorney, Paralegal, or Law Clerk: Exp. work w/refugees, immigrants, low-income clients pref. Must speak, read, write Somali; Begin imm.; Salary DOE. Resumes to: Nou Xiong; SMRLS; 450 N. Syndicate St., Ste. 285; St. Paul, MN 55104. AA/EEO

Classifieds

Reach 11,000 Active, Interested Readers with Access Press Classifieds. $13 up to 12 words, 60¢/word thereafter. Must be prepaid. Mail with check to: Access Press, 1821 University Ave W, #104S, St. Paul, MN 55104 • 651-644-2133 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.

Minneapolis, that is federally subsidized. For an application, please call 612-338-2680. Equal Opportunity Housing. Greenwood Apartments Located in Wadena, we’re always accepting applications for our Section 8 Waiting List. Please call (218) 631-2575 or email: greenwood@metes bounds.com Equal Housing Opportunity

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. FOR SALE Equal Opportunity Housing. Wheelchair Accessible Rollx Van 1996 Dodge Grand CaraOak Park Village: One-bed- van, 135,000 mi. Automatic room wheelchair-accessible ramp, hand controls. Ramp apartments. Section 8 subsi- needs repair; van runs well. dized. Convenient St. Louis $2,000. Call Barrie for details: Park location. Call 952-935- 608-630-7015. 9125 for availability information. Equal Opportunity Hous- Beautiful 4Br 3Ba walkout ing. rambler on 2.6 acres. Fully handicap accessible. 4 car gaSeward Square Apartments: rage. 12080 Square Lake Tr. We are currently accepting Ct. Stillwater. Dave Harper. applications for our waiting Keller Williams Realty. 651list for barrier-free housing, in 592-3283

April 10, 2010

We would like to acknowledge the GENEROUS donations of these Issue Sponsors:

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

Please consider joining as an Issue Sponsor Call: 651-644-2133



IN HOME

PERSONAL CARE

8441 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 130 Golden Valley, MN 55426

763-546-1000

www.inhomepersonalcare.com

Support Access Press

Thanks to the following for supporting Access Press FRIEND SPONSOR ($50 and above) Brigid Alseth Bebe Baldwin Vicki & Fred Benjamin Leo & Susan Bulger Rick Cardenas Teresa Dock Dawn Doering Neil Doughty Lee & Beverly Ekola Mary Fenske Thomas & Mimi Fogarty Claudia Fuglie Burl Gilyard Joe & Leigh Gleason Marge Goldberg Susan Goshorn Maureen Greening Melanie Groves Skip & Ellen Houghton Judy Hunt Vincent I. Iteghete Laura Joyce Barb Kane Dennis Keenan

Mary Kay Kennedy Paula Knutzen William Krogseng Connie & John Marty Richard & Vicki Dalle Molle Kristi Michaelson Rob Ley Lee Ohnesorge William & Joen Overby Annette Pantel Linda Paulson John Schatzlein Bridget Siljander Diane Sprague Jim Thatcher Mai Thor Kay Willshire Cannon Valley Printing Fogarty Enterprises Paul’s Grab Bars Reach for Resources Southern MN Regional Legal Services, Inc. United Cerebral Palsy of MN, Inc Ventures Travel, LLC

BRONZE SPONSOR ($75 and above) Robert & Gail Buuck James Dodge Craig Dunn Nancy Eustis Kent Fordyce Martha Hage Kim Kang Dianna Krogstad David & Carol Larson Linda Leicht Richard J & Kelly J Matter Christopher Meyer Twyla Misselhom Donna McNamara & Paul Monroe Eric Nelson Mark & Mary Payette Julee Quarve-Peterson Ann & Larry Roscoe Luther Granquist & Anita Schermer Patricia Siebert Peter Vaill

Joani Werner Accessible Homes, LLC IMED Mobility Kaposia, Inc. Merrick, Inc. MN-DACA MN Diversified Industries Northwestern College The Phoenix Residence, Inc Xcel Energy SILVER SPONSOR ($150 and above) Jeff Bangsberg & Anita Boucher Scott Beers Mike Chevrette Christopher Duff Harold & Skip Finn Robert Gregory Kathleen Hagen Ronna Linroth Paul Mueller Manley and Ann Olson Donn Poll

Moving?

Patricia L. Rogers Debra J. Shriver John G. Smith Fraser MN Work Incentives Connection Midwest Special Services Opportunity Partners The Jay & Rose Phillips Family Foundation Rehabilitation Services Rise, Inc. Ryan Companies US, Inc. SWCIL TSE, Inc. GOLD SPONSOR ($500 and above) Phyllis A. Benjamin (in memoriam) Michael Bjerkesett Mary Lou Burdick Advocating Change Together Around the Clock Healthcare Axis Healthcare Tamarack Habilitation Tech., Inc.

BENEFACTOR SPONSOR ($1000 and above) MCIL Lynda Milne The Medtronic Foundation UCare IN KIND (Time/services for this issue) Scott Adams Denise Gardner Luther Granquist Mike Gude Brian Johnson Brad Stauffer The ARC of Minnesota

I would like to…

Subscribe & Support Access Press      

Subscriber $30 Friend $50+ Bronze $75+ Silver $150+ Gold $500+ Benefactor $1000+

Please contact Access Press with your new address so you don’t miss a single issue! 651-644-2133 access@accesspress.org

Donate at your work place through Community Shares at: www.communitysharesmn.org/

*Receive 12 issues per year in the mail Date:_______________ Amt. Enclosed $____________ Name_______________________________________________ Address____________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone______________________________________

email________________________________________________

In addition to receiving your one-year subscription, all support over $30 per year is tax-deductible. Reduced subscription rates available upon request for individuals with fixed incomes.

Please mail your sponsorship/subscription to to: Access Press, 1821 University Ave. W, Suite 104-S, St. Paul, MN 55104. Thank You!

Your support is critical for Access Press to continue being the voice for people with disabilities