May 2010 Edition - Access Press

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Volume 21, Number 5

Minnesota’s Disability

Community Newspaper

May 10, 2010

The story of us:

20 years of MN disability news coverage remembered As covered by Access Press Complied by Jane McClure The story of disability in Minnesota, as told through the pages of Access Press, is one of victories and defeats, activism and accolades. Come with us on a trip back through the past two decades.

This installment covers the first five years of newspaper coverage. Subsequent installments will appear in future issues.

May 1990 Access Press published its first issue, describing itself as “a new monthly publication assumes an advocacy role for tens of thousands of previous under-represented Minnesotans – those with physical or mental disabilities.” The issue included a congratulatory letter from Gov. Rudy Perpich, who wished founding Editor Charlie Smith good luck in the new venture. The first-ever Access Press Direc-

tory of Organizations was published.

A profile featured Rep. Lee Greenfield, DFL-Minneapolis, who had been involved with key human service legislation over the past 12 years. Greenfield was a strong advocate for the disability community.

Another article described the approaching vote in Congress on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Access Press published a detailed summary of the proposed legislation.

June 1990 This issue was not found.

July1990 Articles described the difficulty of finding accessible public transit. The Regional Transit Board (RTB) hosted meetings to seek input on the need for better transit access. Metro Transit buses were being equipped with lifts, but it would

nation in transportation, telecommunications, public accommodations and employment.”

But while ADA was celebrated, another story raised concerns about spend-down requirements passed by the Minnesota Legislature.

Amendments to state law, to comply with federal law, put many Minnesotans in a bind.

Wage earners with disabilities were now required to spend more of their income on medical costs than previously required. Some feared losing their homes or having to quit jobs and apply for assistance.

Other features included political questionnaire about universal health care and a deAugust 1990 Passage of the ADA was scription of accessibility imfront-page news. “The bill is provements at the upcoming the most comprehensive anti- Minnesota State Fair.

Founding Editor Charlie Smith discrimination law to go into September 1990 effect since the 1964 Civil Several thousand low-in- are eligible for cash benefits tal Security Income (SSI) ProRights Act,” an article stated.

“The ADA will bar discrimi- come older Minnesotans who from the federal Supplemen- 20 years - cont. on p. 4 take 12 years to make the bus system 100 percent accessible.

A feature began on community agencies, with a profile of Midway Training Services, a Ramsey County day habilitation and training service for adults with developmental disabilities. Another new feature was The Frugal Diner, which focused on area restaurants in terms of costs as well as accessibility issues.

Survivors of traumatic brain injury were invited to join a support group organized by the Minnesota Head Injury Association. The Community Support Network Program was working to reduce barriers.

HCMC opts into health program; other bills uncertain

by Jane McClure As the 2010 legislative session wound down, things were more uncertain than ever thanks to high-profile disputes between Gov. Tim Pawlenty and state lawmakers, and a groundbreaking Minnesota Supreme Court ruling.

In a 4-3 decision May 5, the court ruled against Pawlenty in the unallotment case that challenged whether Pawlenty’s emergency budget cuts from last year were legal. The decision could mean an even bigger budget deficit. Some state lawmakers indicated it could force the need for a special legislative session.

It wasn’t immediately clear whether the ruling affects all of the $2.7 billion in cuts Pawlenty imposed last summer, or if it is narrowly focused on the nutrition program for the poor that served as the genesis for the case.

As Access Press went to press, indications were that

the entire cut was back on the table.

Other issues are also in flux.

The General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) compromise crafted by state lawmakers this session took a hit when the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners initially rejected its terms. The County Board oversees Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC), which sees more GAMC recipients than any other hospital in Minnesota.

GAMC provides coverage to low-income people, many of whom have disabilities.

Until recently, this program provided coverage for more than 36,000 people. The program ended this spring but was replaced with a smaller compromised program.

State health officials did negotiate a plan with Hennepin County May 6. But the decision was at a time when there was more instability than ever

about health and human services funding.

The 2010 legislative session must end May 17. But as Access Press went to press there was much uncertainty over an array of health and human services funding. Aid to local governments, some of which funds health, human services and civil rights programs at the city and county levels of government, was also in jeopardy.

Pawlenty declared May 4 that he would make $536 million in budget cuts if state lawmakers failed to do so. He also vowed to veto the health and human services omnibus bill passed May 4 by the House.

The House cut $164 million in health and human services spending, but Pawlenty said that wasn’t enough. He also opposes a plan included in the bill to replace GAMC. The governor said the state cannot count on $408 million in promised federal aid to help

balance the state budget, as that money isn’t in hand yet.

In the meantime, GAMC continues to face a shaky future with the Hennepin County decision. The Hennepin County Board unanimously approved a resolution April 27, offered by Board Chair Mike Opat, stating that the board does not accept the draft Coordinated Care Delivery System (CCDS) contract presented by Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) to HCMC, and will not authorize participation by HCMC as a CCDS under the contract proposed

by DHS. The resolution also states that the board is willing to pursue good faith negotiations with DHS that bases HCMC’s participation as a CCDS on sound financial terms, recognizing the fiscal and physical capacity of HCMC to provide care for the GAMC popula-

tion.

The resolution passed by the Hennepin County Board states that “if only a few hospitals participate, the financial risk to Hennepin County Medical Center, Hennepin County and Hennepin County taxpayers, in serving the GAMC population, becomes excessive and unquantifiable, thus jeopardizing the ability of HCMC to continue its mission to provide health care and related services to the general public, including the indigent.”

HCMC already sees more GAMC patients than any other hospital in the state.

Legislators approved compromise GAMC legislation earlier this year, but it was vetoed by the governor. Another compromise was then worked out and signed into law.

But the revamped GAMC is raising red flags among potential provider hospitals. The

Hennepin County Board initially acted after most hospitals in the state chose not to participate in a new program to provide care to GAMC patients. The compromise bill creates a new care system in which participating hospitals would provide needed care to GAMC enrollees, but would receive greatly reduced funding from the state. The premise of the compromise legislation was that hospitals statewide would participate, thus sharing the risk. But only five of 17 hospitals statewide that could participate in the new plan have indicated they would do so.

All five are in the Twin Cities area; no Greater Minnesota hospitals have opted in. And at least one metro area hospital, North Memorial in Robbinsdale, has indicated it won’t participate if HCMC opts out.

The new program is scheduled to begin June 1. ■

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May 10, 2010

Tim Benjamin, Editor At this amazing 20th anniversary of Access Press, I want to thank everyone for your patience with me back in September of 2001 when I was elected as executive director. It was a difficult transition for all of us; there just was no replacing Charlie Smith, who had lost his hardfought struggle with throat cancer. Charlie said to me just a few days before his

death, “Try it for six months, Tim. If you don’t like it, close the doors but... I know you’ll like it!” Charlie was right; I do like the job, the paper and the community I get to work with.

Pretty much every morning, I wake up excited about what new adventures Access Press and the community will have for me. I wish there was more time in each day. There are no words that I can use to express my appreciation to all of you.

And I’m thankful every day to Charlie Smith. He was a special person in so many ways, a true friend to me and to all of you, whether you knew him or not!

Secondly, I want to thank all who helped Charlie, the founder of this paper, especially his parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. William Smith Jr. Also, I would like to thank all the board members who have served Access Press over its life as a 501(c)3; Steve Kuntz, Margot Cross, Bill Desert, Lolly Lijewski, Bridget Smith, Sue Warner, Mary Kay Kennedy and more recently JoAnn Cárdenas, Kelly Matter, Kay Wilshire, Brigid Alseth, Anita

Schermer, Tom Squire and Mike Chevrette. Special thanks to Ellen Houghton, who has been the Access Press graphics and layout designer for the entire 20 years. She is still teaching me the business of getting a newspaper into print, as she taught Charlie.

Thanks to Jeff Nygaard, a real journalist and teacher who stuck with the paper for years after Charlie’s death to make sure we would have solid footing to continue. I’m grateful to Donna McNamara, who was also there at the beginning to encourage me and help build our foundation support. I could go on for pages to thank properly all the editorial and support staff over the past nine years: Laurie Ekblad Anderson, Terri Ricci, Ekta Prakash, Bret Hesla, Jordan Selbo, Lance Hegland, Jane McClure, Dawn Frederick and so many fantastic unpaid volunteers. I truly appreciate all the people who, at the beginning, might have had doubts about having this non-journalist at the helm.

They pushed me and taught me how to keep Access Press going.

They also taught me how to be a kinder, better person. Finally, thanks to all the writers and volunteer journalists who have contributed to making the paper even better: Nicole Roberts, Pete Feigal, Anne Henry, John Tschida, John Schatzlein, Joel Uland, Steve Larsen, Mike Gude, Luther Granquist, Justin Dart, Kevin Kling and cartoonist Scott Adam. I’ve surely omitted the names of some key contributors, but in the interests of space, let me just acknowledge that every day I think of so many others who have made Access Press a valued resource for all of us with or without a disability.

Thirdly, because we wouldn’t have space for my words or anybody else’s without the advertisers, join me in expressing deep thanks to all of the advertisers and financial supporters of Access Press over these last 20 years. I’d like to give a special nod to some of those advertisers that have been around for the long haul: Handi Medical Supplies supported the very first issue and has not missed one in 20 years. Thanks to Mary Ben-

hardus and her family. Mary has the same entrepreneurial drive that Charlie did. I want to extend also a huge thanks to all the foundations that have seen the value in Access Press and supported us through the years. Medtronic was one of our first big foundation funders and continues to support us.

We owe a lot to them and to the Medtronic Foundation, UCare Fund, Community Shares of Minnesota, Jay & Rose Phillips Family Foundation, Headwaters Foundation for Justice and the Otto Bremer Foundation.

I hope that in the near future you will give yourself an opportunity to read the timeline that we put together; it is incredible. The whole 20 years will be online by the time you read this and soon after, we will have each section linked to its full archived article. The sad part about much of this timeline is how repetitive it is: same issues, same struggles, different time, different characters. We fight the same battles but we do make progress by inches. It all becomes so clear when you go

through the whole timeline.

Having reviewed those 20 years of history, I know how much we need to thank all the lobbyists and disability advocates who have stayed in there, year after year pushing on for the same cause, the same issues: independence for themselves, their sons, daughters, brothers and sisters with disabilities. Thanks for their voices at the capitol, on the streets, and for every conversation they have at shopping malls, in their neighborhood and parks, at grocery stores and theaters. Thanks to all the folks with disabilities who are out and about every day in the community, changing public perceptions of what a person with a disability needs and can do to make this a better place. The true reward will be in seeing what is to come. It can only get better.

One last thank you to Lynda, my wife, who has, more than anyone, supported me at every turn, every bump, every low and every high!

Thank you, all! You are the Access Press community, and I’m proud to be a member. ■

Looking back on the history of Access Press It is amazing to me that Access Press has been in existence for 20 years. It seems like just yesterday when I was sitting with Charlie Smith, his mom and dad at the word processing store discussing the concept of a disability paper.

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/webmaster ............................................................. 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

Charlie’s vision back then was there are so many different aspects of the disability community and different needs and issues, how can we have one focal point to express the needs and the stories of the disability community

big picture. Hence the birth of Access Press. It was my distinct pleasure to serve on the board of directors from 1995 to 2003. I’m amazed to think of all the stories and all the issues that have been covered over the years. The world has changed with the Internet and real-time information. But Access Press has been able to survive and thrive despite the changing world around us.

In one sense there is more of a need for Access Press now than ever. In an economic environment with limited resources how do we focus and mobilize the various issues of the disability community and use the power of the many!

I remember sitting with Charlie in his hospital bed at Abbott Northwestern Hospital as he was dying. We were discussing how his legacy would live on because of his passion and believe that the disability community needed and deserved a voice. We discussed Tim Benjamin and his passion for the same ideals that Charlie had and how he would be a great successor to keep Charlie’s legacy going.

Little did Tim know back then of the trials and tribulations of running a small newspaper. I know Tim has looked at that picture of Charlie in the office and cussed Charlie more than once. But Charlie saw the passion that Tim had and the proof is in the pudding regarding the quality and sustainability that Access Press has had over the years.

Now more than ever it is imperative that we keep the Congrats- cont. on p. 17

May 10, 2010

3

Tilting at windmills

With our teardrops and our toil “The world turns, but we don’t feel it turning. And then one night you look up and a single spark turns the sky on fire” — “Gangs of New York”

by Pete Feigal I saw my first Access Press in the doorway of one of my favorite stores, Uncle Hugo’s Science Fiction Bookstore, in the fall of 1996. I had been diagnosed as bipolar decades ago and recently with multiple sclerosis, and other than a couple visits to Gary Schorner’s wonderful Walk-in Clinic, I didn’t have much contact with any of Minnesota’s disability community. I had no idea what was out there.

Access Press was a revelation: programs, activities and news from the capitol about issues that pertained directly to me.

I read it from cover to cover, from Charlie Smith’s commentary to Scott’s editorial cartoon, this thing had it all!

It excited me, angered me, got me thinking about new connections that we all have, not just those with this situation or that. Finally the newspaper did what so many other things and people had failed to do. It inspired me to get off my couch, stop watching cartoons and drinking wine and get my butt out there doing something.

There was a whole new world

right there, but my pain, fear, loneliness and despair had blinded me to it, I had been living in a self-imposed exile.

Access Press often described the work of NAMI, (National Alliance on Mental Illness) a grassroots mental heath organization with support groups, speakers, networking between folks - potentially a “family” of other people like me. I wondered if I might have some talent they could use. So I went to see them. NAMI’s legislative advocate, Tom Johnson, truly the hardest working man in the mental health biz, was sitting behind a three-foot stack of papers with his sleeves rolled

up and had “miles to go and promises to keep” before going home. Yet he invited me in and gave me some of his precious time. He believed in me, befriended me, found a place for my speaking skills that has now led me to an entirely new career as a national consumer speaker and writer.

That led me to join NAMI’s Board of Directors and from there to the presidency of the NAMI Hennepin County affiliate, and finally president emeritus (whatever that is!)

A member of the board thought enough of me that he hooked me up with Charlie Smith. After an interview, half of which concerned the model,

year and modifications of my custom Harley, I was asked to write the monthly mental health column. I continued writing from 1998, through Charlie’s tragic death, into a new day with Tim Benjamin, and right up until 2007 when I lost my eyesight due to multiple sclerosis and other health issues.

Charlie and I became friends, but he also was an incredible teacher, mentor, muse and supporter. He always believed in me and my writing, and my take on the issues and the people I wrote about. He was a great editor and he encouraged me and pushed me. He was my cheer-

leader and coach combined. I have no doubt that his phone calls on some of my “dark nights of the soul” saved my life. When I debated writing a column, “The Things We Think And Do Not Say,” about the toughest issues that we don’t even talk about to ourselves and each other in the hospitals, Charlie straightened it all out with a single sentence: “Pete, put your money where your mouth is.”

When Charlie died many wondered if Access Press could go on. That’s when Tim Benjamin stepped in where I never thought anyone could.

Charlie can never be replaced, Teardrops - cont. on p. 19

History Note

Conscientious objectors, media exposés, and institutional reform brought change for many

by Luther Granquist Editor’s note: Access Press uses its 20th anniversary issue history note to salute others who have used the news media to call for change.

by Luther Granquist During World War II, more than 3,000 conscientious objectors (COs) worked without pay in Civilian Public Service units established in 43 state mental hospitals and 15 state training schools, none of which were in Minnesota. In some of the institutions they encountered horrific conditions—severe overcrowding, gross lack of adequate staff, the stench of feces and urine in wards with dozens of naked men, brutality, and hundreds of patients with nothing to do. In a recent book, Acts of Conscience: World War II, Mental Institutions, and Religious Objectors, Steven J. Taylor recounts their efforts to make a change

in the lives of the patients they served. They reported abuse.

They complained to the superintendents of the institutions.

They described what was happening in the institutions to local religious leaders and the local press.

Taylor relates how COs at Cleveland State Hospital, realizing that their complaints and reports to the superintendent were fruitless, informed Rev. Dores Sharpe, the executive director of the Cleveland Baptist Association, and Walter Lerch, a reporter for the Cleveland Press, about conditions and abuse in that hospital. Sharpe and Lerch created such a stir with this information that the CO unit was disbanded, but the two of them continued to publicize conditions at the institution.

Sharpe ultimately became the foreman of a grand jury whose report caused the superinten-

dent to resign and prompted other changes at the institution.

The CO units in other states conducted similar campaigns with similar effect. They realized, however, that needed reforms on a broader scale would not happen with local press coverage alone. They worked with Albert Q. Maisel, whose article, “Bedlam 1946” in Life magazine included pictures, some taken by the COs, with labels of Neglect, Nakedness, Idleness and Despair. Maisel, on the basis of reports from the COs and his own observations, described abysmal living conditions in state mental hospitals around the country.

Shortly before the Life magazine article appeared, Albert Deutsch, another journalist the COs contacted, published similar pictures and stories in PM, a New York newspaper.

In 1947, the National Mental

Health Foundation, an organization founded by COs, published the COs’ own observations from their work in mental hospitals in Out of Sight, Out of Mind, by Frank L. Wright, one of the COs. Deutsch’s book-length description of state mental hospitals in The Shame of the States, appeared in 1948. The COs achieved one of their goals—to bring the horrors that they had seen before the public. Their actions also prompted changes in some of these institutions, as Maisel reported in “Scandal Results in Real Reforms,” in Life in November 1951.

In October 1946, the Minnesota Unitarian Conference, in response to charges of deplorable conditions in “various recent publications” and to reports from state hospital patients and employees that similar conditions existed in

Minnesota, established a Committee on State Hospitals for the Mentally Ill. That committee and the Minnesota Mental Hygiene Society brought these issues to Gov. Luther Young-dahl. Youngdahl had devoted only three sentences, really platitudes, to mental health programs in his January 1947 inaugural address. By March 1947, however, he had established an advisory committee to find solutions to problems in the institutions. Later that year he asked the Unitarian committee to bring him facts about conditions in the institutions. The committee employed Justin Reese, one of the COs who had been instrumental in bringing conditions at Cleveland State Hospital to the attention of Lerch and Rev. Sharpe. He and his wife, Christine Conway Reese, spent December 1947 investigating conditions in Minnesota’s

Luther Wallace Youngdahl launched his humanity in government program seven state mental hospitals.

Their work provided the factual underpinnings for a highly critical report submitted to Youngdahl in March 1948.

By that time Youngdahl had seen the institutions for himself. For half an hour on WCCO Radio on the evening of May 5, 1948 he told Minnesota citizens of the anguish he felt while visiting the state hospitals. He described the “herds of patients, lined up in chairs, sitting against walls, doing absolutely nothing ….”

A week later, the Minneapolis Tribune published “Minnesota Bedlam,” a series of 10 articles by Geri Hoffner with photographs by Arthur Hager.

Hoffner and Hager, with Youngdahl’s approval and cooperation, had toured Minnesota’s seven state mental hospitals. The pictures and articles confirmed what the Governor had said.

Youngdahl named Reese executive secretary of his Citizens Mental Health Committee. With the public support gained through Hoffner’s articles and Reese’s aggressive History - cont. on p. 19

4

May 10, 2010

This Month’s Issue Sponsor

UCare UCare (www.ucare.org) is an independent, nonprofit health plan providing health care coverage plans and administrative services to more than 200,000 members.

UCare was created in 1984 by the Department of Family Practice and Community Health at the University of Minnesota Medical School.

20 YEARS -

Today, UCare partners with health care providers, counties, and community organizations to create and deliver innovative health coverage for: • Individuals and families enrolled in income-based Minnesota Health Care Programs, such as MinnesotaCare and Prepaid Medical Assistance Program.

• Adults with disabilities and Medicare beneficiaries with

chronic health conditions.

• Minnesotans dually eligible for Medical Assistance and Medicare.

• Medicare-eligible individuals throughout Minnesota and in western Wisconsin.

UCare addresses health care disparities and care access issues through its UCare Fund grants and a broad array of community initiatives.

Delivering health care value is UCare’s top priority. UCare works to: • Improve access to needed services by all members and the community-at-large.

• Bring high-quality care to every member.

• Demonstrate cost-effectiveness.

• Reinvest in the communities it serves.

• Enhance the health care in-

frastructure of the providers other Minnesota Medicare who care for UCare mem- Advantage plans. bers.

Moreover, UCare’s sumMembers of UCare’s UCare mary rating of health plan for Seniors Medicare Advan- quality in 2009 was 4.5 out tage plan gave it a 9 out of of 5 stars, as reported by the 10 for Overall Rating of Health Centers for Medicare & Plan. This 2009 Consumer Medicaid Services (CMS).

Assessment of Health Care This rating places UCare Providers and Systems among the highest-rated (CAHPS) score is higher than health plans in Minnesota the national average and all and the nation. ■

Cont. from p. 1

gram miss out because they either didn’t know about the benefits, don’t understand them or can’t figure out how to apply; as many as 50 percent of those eligible weren’t participating in the program.

The Homeshare Program in Washington and Dakota counties, which helped persons with disabilities and senior citizens retain their homes and independence, was highlighted. The program screened potential participants and matched home owners with live-in companions.

Another feature described challenges faced by eight-yearold Erica Schuldt, who was in a dispute with the Mankato Public Schools. She and her family couldn’t get the school district to make wheelchair accessible improvements to their neighborhood schools.

October 1990 Growth in the assistive technology field was described, with a focus on state efforts for the past five years. Perpich was noted for leadership in promoting assistive technology and for an awards program to honor those who devised assistive technology items. The Minnesota System of Technology to Achieve Results or STAR Program was described. The winners of STAR awards were announced.

A sampling of cultural opportunities in the Twin Cities, headlined you can get there from here, described how museums and theaters provided—or didn’t provide—accommodations.

Parking, drop-off points, seating and restrooms for each were detailed as were accommodations for people who needed ASL or AD services.

The first-ever Scott Adams cartoon appeared in Access Press.

November 1990 How does a quadriplegic carve a work of art? Very, very carefully was the headline for a feature about Lakeville resident Bill Buckley. Buckley was an avid outdoorsman who took up carving after a motor vehicle accident. He began with a decoy purchased at a rummage sale, and then began carving his own detailed birds.

Access Press has been presenting the disability community with a forum to exchange ideas and bring actions issues of concern for all persons with disabilities.

I look forward to a continuation of these opportunities from Access Press for another 20 years. Keep it up!

— Rick Cárdenas, Co-director of ACT

of South Minneapolis, wanted people who use county health and human services to be more involved in decisions affecting those services. McLaughlin would write an Access Press column for a few years.

One focus was a state budget shortfall and pending program cuts. Smith warned readers that cuts could have a dramatic effect on the state’s disability community. Some articles described protests of state offices as well as the various legislative issues that would be in play during the 1991 session.

Two features centered on issues for the deaf community. The Hearing Dog Program of Minnesota was featured, as was ALDA – the Association of Late-Deafened Adults.

January 1991

The Closing the Gap conference in Bloomington offered a way to exchange information on special education and rehabilitation. More than 1,300 people attended the many workshops and visited more than 500 exhibitors.

The Minneapolis Rehabilitation Center, celebrating its 30th year, served people with a wide range of disabilities. Its most recent program was a computer aided design or CAD training program, the first of its kind in Minnesota.

Organizers were preparing for the Eighth Annual Special Olympics Games, to be held at locations throughout the area in July. It would be the largest international multi-sports competition ever held in Minnesota. Volunteers were sought to help with events at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, the state capitol in St. Paul, the University of Minnesota campus, Minnesota State Fair and National Sports Center in Blaine. Team Minnesota would include participants in 13 sports.

Much of the issue had a sports theme, including a look at how Wilderness Inquiry provides outdoor recreation for persons with disabilities. The issue also included a profile of St. Paul boxer Gene Schultz. Schultz won Golden Gloves titles in 1978 and 1979 before losing part of his right leg in a motorcycle accident.

December 1990

February 1991

New Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin The Minnesota Health Care Access Commission, appointed was profiled. The commissioner, whose district includes much by state lawmakers in 1989, presented its final report on the state of healthcare. The fact that thousands of Minnesotans lacked health care pointed to a system in need of reform, according to the report. High costs of health care and difficulty in even finding basic health insurance were other issues raised.

More than 10,000 Minnesotans were surveyed as part of the report.

The Twin Cities’ many organizations serving visually impaired persons were profiled. At the time Minneapolis Society for the Blind was one of the state’s oldest groups, dating from 1914. Other groups described include Prevent Blindness/Preserve Hearing, Blind, Incorporated and State Services for the Blind and Visually Handicapped. A related feature was a list of resources.

March 1991 Affordable, accessible housing was the focus. Smith noted that the problem was growing as federal home ownership efforts hadn’t expanded significantly since the 1940s. More subsidies were needed to provide needed housing.

State legislators wrangled over proposed reforms to health care access. Ideas included formation of a new state agency to oversee health care, as new health program for the uninsured and under-insured, and a reinsurance pool for high-cost cases.

One key conclusion of the commission was that universal health care was needed.

Renovation of St. Paul City Hall/Ramsey County Courthouse was criticized because only nine of 25 courtrooms would be made accessible to persons with disabilities. The decision, made by the County Board, was criticized by disability advocates and the St. Paul City Council.

April 1991 The future of the Metro Mobility system was debated at the state capitol. Hundreds attended a state capitol rally to object 20 years - cont. on p. 5

May 10, 2010

20 YEARS -

5

Cont. from p. 4

to Regional Transit Board decisions to cut service and raise fares, in response to state budget cuts. United Handicapped Foundation put forward a counterproposal with a different level of fare increases.

In his editorial, Smith wrote, “The Metro Mobility Program needs full funding and a commitment of future growth.” He noted that Metro Mobility was improving and drawing more riders each year, but that its funding needed to come from general taxation and not just riders who could least afford rate increases.

Access Press debuted its first camping and outdoor recreational directory in this issue, outlining options including Courage Center’s Courage Camps, Eden Wood Camping and Retreat, Confidence Learning Center and Camp Winnebago.

June 1991 Access Press reviewed its first year, with the headline “Win Some, Lose Some.” Smith said the next six months would be a turning point for the paper. He urged readers and donors to support the newspaper’s advertisers.

Smith called Gov. Arne Carlson “Reagan in a Gopher Suit.”

Carlson had just vetoed the health care access bill. “Minnesota was to be a trend-setter in the nation in this piece of legislation, even the watered-down version which finally passed,” Smith wrote. “The important feature was the commitment being made. Minnesota was about to demonstrate that we were willing to join the ranks of the human beings of the world. But chose instead to stick with the policies of insurance companies and our only ally in the developed world, South Africa.”

May 1991

July 1991

Waning days of the 1991 legislative session were met with dismay by Smith, who chided lawmakers for lack of action. He scolded disability community members for not being more involved. He said discussions of the state’s budget shortfall were used as an “alibi for inaction” to ignore issues including health care reform. There was also frustration with possible personal care assistant (PCA) and Metro Mobility cuts.

Minneapolis Rehabilitation Center graduated 14 computeraided design specialists. All had gained experience before

Despite 97-degree temperatures, Metro Mobility riders in the Fair Fares Coalition rallied in front of the governor’s mansion. Not only had service been cut, fares had doubled. One protest sign stated “RTB is taking us for a ride.”

Carlson addressed the large crowd but told them they should be directing their concerns to state lawmakers who had failed to provide enough funding for the program. Carlson set up a loan of $400,000 to $500,000 to tide Metro Mobility over to the end of 1991.

In a commentary, RTB Chairman Michael Ehrlichmann explained the cuts and the efforts for all to have public transit.

Ehrlichmann said lawmakers only provided RTB with $25.3 million for Metro Mobility, $4 million short of what was needed.

We’re happy to help support the 20th anniversary issue. Your success is something for all of us in the community to celebrate! Thanks for your leadership, and congratulations.

– Jan Malcolm, Executive Director, Courage Center graduation through a three-month internship program and most had found jobs by the time they graduated.

The Access Press reader profile featured John Schatzlein, who oversaw the spinal cord injury program at Sister Kenny Institute. Schatzlein was a member of 15 boards, associations and committees.

The signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was one of the first issues the newspaper covered.

Olympics competition. Athletes, their families and an army of volunteers all enjoyed a successful event.

September 1991

The dispute over Metro Mobility service cuts and fare hikes continued as Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner David Beaulieu charged that the RTB discriminated on the basis of disability under the state human rights act. The RTB entered mediation with state officials to settle the dispute.

Morgan Grant of United Handicapped Foundation said it was a victory for Metro Mobility riders.

Judy Hoit, winner of the Handicapped Women of Iowa August 1991 pageant, wrote about her experiences and opportunities. “EvSt. Paul Rehabilitation Center announced a new program for erything may not be done in a so-called normal fashion, but that job seekers with disabilities. The new office technology pro- doesn’t matter,” she wrote. “It’s more important to have a full gram would train office workers in skills that would help them life the best way possible and to live life – to focus on what you land jobs. The program was housed at St. Paul Companies. can do, and do it.”

Metro Mobility was still in doubt. Prohibitions on Metro Mobility spending and problems with a voucher program for October 1991 the neediest riders complicated the problems riders faced.

In the battle for universal health care, the Minnesota Council Smith noted the frustration with transit funding, noting that of Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) announced a while Metro Mobility funding was hard to find, funding for proposal that would provide health care coverage for all light rail transit seemed to magically appear out of nowhere. Minnesotans by mid-1997. Reforming the HMO and insurance A photo retrospective reviewed at a very successful Special 20 years - cont. on p. 8

Thank you for being a great resource to the community.

Happy 20 th Anniversary!

6

May 10, 2010

Regional news in review . . .

Target Field wins on accessibility

Dowling pool rededicated

Baseball fans with disabilities and accessibility specialists say the new Target Field in Minneapolis has scored a home run.

Dominic Marinelli, a national consultant who has worked on a number of new stadiums, told the Star Tribune that Target Field is “the most accessible one in the country.”

“It sets a standard for the next ones,’’ said Marinelli, vice president for accessibility services with New York-based United Spinal Association. “We’re trying to use tricks from Target Field at Madison Square Garden [currently under renovation].”

Fans in wheelchairs will have unobstructed views of the game. Outlet box to recharge electrical wheelchairs are in accessible seating areas throughout the ballpark.

Margot Imdieke Cross, an accessibility specialist with the Minnesota State Council on Disability, said ballpark planners agreed early in the process not to settle for the bare minimum.

The first step was to form the Target Field Access Advisory Committee, which included Imdieke Cross and 19 others who developed design recommendations.

Getting it right was important to the Twins because that’s the team’s philosophy and it cares what the public thinks, said Ed Hunter, project manager for the Minnesota Ballpark Authority.

In addition, the Metrodome was built before the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act. Target Field was a controversial project built with public dollars, and the Twins knew they had one chance to get it right.

“We were going to do everything in our power to absolutely satisfy the local community here,” Hunter said.

Every gate at Target Field is accessible to wheelchairs. The approach from First Avenue is one big long ramp instead.

Inside, there are nearly 800 accessible seats available at all ticket levels. All elevators and restaurants accommodate wheelchairs. Most larger restrooms have more than one accessible stall, and there are eight family restrooms where people can get private assistance. Stalls are provided for people who can walk but may need grab bars. Concession counters are shorter, many with large-print or Braille signs. Speaker box placement allows for lip-reading and hearing aid amplification devices are also available. Ample curb cuts, elevators and Metro Mobility drop-off space are other features.

[Source: Star Tribune]

One of Minnesota’s first accessible school swimming pools was rededicated in April, following an extensive renovation and upgrade.

School officials at Dowling Urban Environmental Learning Center in Minneapolis rededicated the school’s therapeutic swimming pool, originally built in 1936. The pool was renovated to update the facility and make it more accessible for all students, but still keeping elements of its original design.

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt visited the school and pool in 1936. Students reprised an account of his speech for the rededication ceremony. According to that account, Roosevelt said “the cheerful faces and warm welcome reminded him very much of the children at Warm Springs, Georgia. The president also said he was glad to see the new pool, as swimming was the only exercise he could do and enjoy.”

Dowling serves nearly 500 students in kindergarten through 5th grade, and was founded in 1924 to provide education to children with disabilities.

[Source: KSTP-TV]

Caregiver is charged A former Rosemount group home worker has been charged with three counts of financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult.

The charges were filed April 22 against 29-year-old Nichelle Francine Sather.

The Dakota County Attorney’s Office announced the charges last month. Police say Sather worked at a group home in Rosemount and was responsible for the finances of three men with brain injuries or disabilities. According to the criminal complaint, almost $5,000 was taken from one of the residents’ bank accounts between December 2006 and April 2009. Sather admitted to authorities that she used some of the money for her own benefit, spending part of it at as casino.

[Source: Pioneer Press]

Autism center is moving The Minnesota Autism Center is opening of an additional state-of–the-art Autism Center on Radio Drive in Woodbury this month. The New Woodbury Center will provide more than 22,000 sq. ft. of therapy space.

The Minnesota Autism Center has been providing quality services to children and youth ages 2-21 for over 15 years. The center is based in Minnetonka. Its mission is to promote and provide intensive behavioral therapy for children, youth and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders. The New Autism Center in Woodbury will allow more families to access these life-changing therapies.

The new Woodbury Center will provide speech therapy, School readiness, music and dance therapy, group time instruction ad many services for siblings and parents. The facility is designed to be secure and features two gyms, a fenced outdoor play area with lots of equipment and multiple reinforcement rooms. The center also boats a 1:1 therapist to child/adolescent ratio. For more information on the new Woodbury Center or any of Minnesota Autism Center’s services, please contact the intake coordinator at 952-767-4204.

[Source: Minnesota Autism Center]

PTSD fraud claims studied Moved by a huge tide of troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD, Congress has pressured the Department of Veterans Affairs to settle their disability claims—quickly, humanely, and mostly in the vets’ favor.

The problem: The system is dysfunctional, an open invitation to fraud. And the VA has proposed changes that could make deception even easier.

PTSD’s real but invisible scars can mark clerks and cooks just as easily as they can infantrymen fighting a faceless enemy in these wars without front lines. The VA is seeking to ease the burden of proof to ensure that their claims are processed swiftly.

But at the same time, some undeserving vets have learned how to game the system, profitably working the levers of sympathy for the wounded and obligation to the troops, and exploiting the sheer difficulty of nailing a surefire diagnosis of a condition that is notoriously hard to define.

“The threshold has been lowered. The question is how many people will take advantage of that,” said Dr. Dan G. Blazer, a Duke University psychiatrist who has worked with the military Regional news - cont. on p. 16

May 10, 2010

7

People and places

News about people in our community with disabilities. The fourth annual Minnesota STAR Program’s Awards for Excellence in Assistive Technology honor individuals and groups for championing removal of barriers to independence through use of assistive technology. This is any device that maintains, improves or increases function at home, school, work and in the community. Examples range from a pencil grip and a desk riser for accommodating a wheelchair to a communication device that generates speech, controls appliances and performs computer tasks.

Recipients include pioneers in the field of assistive technology, educators, professionals and consumers who promote the use of assistive technology. The 14 recipients of this year’s awards, by category, are: • Consumer: Gae Skager, Minneapolis: Tom Reed, St. Cloud • Service Provider: Underwood Lions Club, Underwood • Innovator: Roger Upcraft, Maple Lake • Advocate: Sen. Ann Rest, DFL-New Hope; Sen. Ellen Anderson, DFL-St Paul: Rep. Bill Hilty, DFL-Finlayson: Rep. Phyllis Kahn, DFL-Minneapolis and Rep. Torrey Westrom, R-Elbow Lake • Educator: Carol Nelson, Caledonia; Michael Piersak, Chaska • Lifetime Achievement; Steve Quinn, Brooklyn Park: Marie Bob Gremer and Anna Lamb were wed May 1 at UCare.

Swanson, Moorhead: Jerry Hagen, Minneapolis They met at an event there.

• STAR is Minnesota’s Assistive Technology Act Program, administered through the Minnesota Department of AdminLove is in the air for senior couple istration. For more information about assistive technology UCare and Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly hosted a and the STAR Program, visit the STAR website at wedding May 1 at UCare’s center in Minneapolis. Bob Gremer, www.starprogram.state.mn.us age 84, married Anna Lamb. The two met at the Little Brothers/ Friends of the Elderly Thanksgiving dinner in 2006 and were engaged six months later. This is Gremer’s first marriage.

Gremer has been involved with Little Brothers for 21 years, as a volunteer, donor, and now a client. Lamb has been a Little Brothers client since about 2002.

The wedding took place at UCare’s 9th Annual Little Brothers/Friends of the Elderly party. About 75 guests were invited to the wedding, with family members arriving from California and Arizona.

UCare has hosted a party for homebound seniors with the Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly organization every year beginning in 2002. It’s one of our community outreach/employee involvement opportunities.

Members of Courage Center’s national champion Junior Rolling Timberwolves, in the dark jerseys, are shown in a game.

Courage Center Rolling Timberwolves win third national title Courage Center’s Junior Rolling Timberwolves basketball team won the team’s third consecutive national wheelchair basketball title in the Varsity Division. The talented youth athletes competed at the 2010 National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) National Championships in Denver in April.

The Junior Rolling T-Wolves became the first team in Winners of the fourth annual STAR Program NWBA Varsity Division history to “three-peat” after knocking Assistive Technology awards are shown. off the Rancho Renegades from California, 70-32 in a battle of They were honored last month at the state capitol. number one and two seeds.

“This is such a great group of kids,” said Mike Bauler of STAR winners announced Fourteen Minnesota citizens, educators and organizations Minneapolis, head coach. “They are best friends on and off the were recognized April 13 in a state capitol ceremony as court. These kids practice 10-12 hours a week together and champions of removing barriers to independence for people countless hours on their own. Their hard work and the support

of Courage Center is the secret of our success, no question.”

New Brighton resident Robby Wilhelm led all scorers in the championship game with 32 points. Joe Dixon of Lakeville pitched in 17.

Courage Center sent three other teams to the NWBA tournament. Courage Center’s Rolling Rowdies finished 4th in the Prep Division (ages 6-12). Other highlights from the tournament include: • Robbie Wilhelm—MVP, Varsity Division Championship Game and Tournament MVP • Wilhelm and Derrick Bisnett, First Team All-Tournament Team • Joe Dixon, Second Team All-Tournament Team • Rose Hollerman, Girl’s All-Tournament Team In addition, seven players from the Rolling T-Wolves and Rolling Rowdies were named to the NWBA’s Northern Division All-Academic Team. Players include Dixon, Derrick Bisnett, Bismarck, N.D. and Mark Braun, Mounds View of the Junior Rolling Timberwolves and Sabrina Braun, Mounds View: Abby Donkers, Farmington: Jonathan Laing, Lakeville, and Dan Kosanda, Maple Grove of the Rolling Rowdies Members of Courage Center’s 2009-10 Jr. Rolling Timberwolves team are: • Derrick Bisnett of Bismarck, N.D., a junior at Century High School • Jon Bluem of Eden Prairie, a senior at Eden Prairie High School • Thomas Bowlin of Eagan, a senior at Eagan High School • Luke Braun of Mounds View, a sophomore at Irondale High School • Mark Braun of Mounds View, a sophomore at Irondale High School • Joe Dixon of Lakeville, a junior at Lakeville North • Robert Doyle of Eden Prairie, a junior at Eden Prairie High School • Rose Hollerman of Elysian, an 8th grader at WatervilleElysian-Morristown School • Guthrie Lindquist of Mankato, a sophomore at Mankato West High School • Josh Scanlon of Delano, a senior at Watertown-Mayer High School

George Klauser named new CEO at Opportunity Partners Longtime Opportunity Partners Board member and business executive George Klauser is the new chief executive officer at Opportunity Partners, a Twin Cities nonprofit organization providing job placement, training and residential programs for people with disabilities.

Former President and CEO Jon Thompson will retain the title of President, focusing on fundraising, business contact development and legislative advocacy.

Klauser most recently was vice president of Xiotech Corporation. He has more than 30 years of experience in the information services and technology field. He also has a long history of community service. At Opportunity Partners, Klauser has People/Places - cont. on p. 13 George Klauser

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.)

8

May 10, 2010

20 YEARS -

Cont. from p. 5

industries and making coverage available to everyone was the basis of the plan.

Debate over Metro Mobility continued, with an offer by RTB to have fares of $1.70 for non-peak and $2.20 for peak hours.

This was lower than proposed but still higher than riders had paid. It was also much higher than the bus fares paid by bus riders.

In an editorial, Smith urged more be done to lower fares and improve services, noting that many had had to quit their jobs or cut travel in light of higher fares.

February 1992

Rehabilitation counselors Julie Redenbaugh, Linda Sourbis and Lowell Aird volunteered at El Centro de Indepenia in San Miguel de Allenda, Guantsjuanto, Mexico, a center for lowincome people with disabilities. The center opened its doors in 1987, starting a wheelchair factory and then expanding programs and services.

Disability community activists wrangled with RTB over the ADA Paratransit Plan. The RTB was trying to use new ADA rules as a means of further cutting services. The United Handicapped Federation had issued a transportation alert to draw attention to the problems the RTB was creating.

November 1991 Access Press and the ADA statewide Steering Committee on Ways to become self-supporting while retaining benefits was the topic of a series of articles. The Plan for Achieving Self- Accommodations were gathering information on business that Sufficiency or PASS was outlined. It allowed a person with a didn’t provide access, with the intent of publishing that information at a later date. disability to work toward financial independence.

Yet another fare change for Metro Mobility was announced.

March 1992 This one imposed a fare of $1 for most rides. Disability comAccess Press published information on the federal universal munity members were angered at a series of public hearings held by RTB. Some accused the board of not knowing how to health care act of 1992, which Sen. Paul Wellstone was set a budget. Community members also felt that efforts by the championing. Other plans were outlined, by California Gov. Minnesota Department of Human Rights and Carlson fell far Jerry Brown, President George Bush and Minnesota Medical short. Smith called for the return of the Fair Fare Coalition and Association. Readers were urged to compare plans.

At the capitol, community members jammed the rotunda suggested another mass protest be held outside of the governor’s twice to protest further cuts to Metro Mobility and cuts to PCA mansion. programs. For Metro Mobility, elimination of suburban routes, cuts to evening and weekend service and elimination of trip December 1991 History and current services of Gillette Children’s Hospital assurance were proposed. Pending PCA program cuts were were featured. Gillette had served children with disabilities for part of $100 million in Department of Human Services cuts 100 years, with about 850 patients admitted each year and more proposed by Carlson. PCA services had already been cut in than 30,000 annual outpatient visits. Gillette was at capacity 1991 and advocates feared further cuts would result in institutionalization of people who currently live independently.

Congratulations on the 20th anniversary of Access Press. I value Access Press as a trusted source of information, and a barometer of important issues. The diversity of strategies to connect with people, through print as well as through the web, promise success for the next 20 years!

-Alex Bartolic, Director, Disability Services , Minnesota Department of Human Services and planned to expand. The hospital had added a center for technology as well as more medical specialists.

The University of Minnesota spared its occupational therapy program. The dean of the School of Medicine had proposed eliminating the program.

Community members prepared for the 1992 legislative session. Restoring funding for Metro Mobility, health care access and other priorities were outlined. Metropolitan Center for Independent Living weighed in with a guest editorial on the importance of Metro Mobility and how it should be supported along with other accessible transit options.

January 1992 Wheelchair aviators were flying high. Mindy Desens, owner of Lucky Mindy Aviation in Litchfield, offered training and support for pilots, with Richard Logan. Logan provided ground training and training on use of hand controls.

United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota, which began in 1953, was the agency featured.

Its educational and support services were described, along with new programs.

The “Hello Nicole” advice column featured a letter from a young person with cerebral palsy, preparing to move to his first apartment despite family objections The community was ready for the start of the 1992 legislative session. Rep. Paul Ogren outlined the prospects for health care reform. He warned that the proposal could face a governor’s veto, as it did in 1991.

April 1992 The battle over PCA services was won, as written comments and personal testimony swayed state lawmakers against making further program cuts. But Metro Mobility was not faring as well, with less attention given to service reductions. Jackie Alfonso of United Handicapped Foundation wrote that most legislators needed information about what daily life is like for people with disabilities, and how further cuts now would cost more later. Alfonso noted that state administration seemed to have targeted people with disabilities for cuts. But community members had mobilized this session and were active in telling their stories.

Sister Kenny Institute announced a new temporary help program, providing employment for people with disabilities. The jobs ranged in length from four hours to two years, and provided many opportunities.

May 1992 Sen. Linda Berglin and Ogren explained the HealthRight Program, the state’s new medical plan. They explained who is eligible and how to apply, as well as how the program would be financed. The program would provide more access to health care, while containing costs. The program was not free and people would have to pay for coverage.

Metro Mobility again didn’t fare as well, getting $1.5 million added to its budget instead of the plus $5 million sought. One of the key issues in the ongoing transit debate was, should all transit be more accessible or should more resources go to Metro Mobility?

20 years - cont. on p. 9

May 10, 2010

20 YEARS -

9

Cont. from p. 8

I’ve been a contract writer with Access Press since the spring of 2005.

It has been a wonderful journey so far, something I hope to continue for years to come. Access Press provides a unique voice to all of our communities in that this is the only newspaper here in Minnesota for and by people with disabilities.

Most publications of or by people with disabilities tend to share information internally specifically among communities made up of people who live with mental illness or blind or deaf or people with spinal cord injuries. Access Press carries the message across community lines. All of us are aging. All of us will become disabled at some point in our life. Few will know in advance what that disability may be. It is truly a blessing that a newspaper like that of Access Press is published monthly. Access Press is a reliable voice for those of us with disabilities.

The electronic version of Access Press also provides readers with another important link to the communication bridge. I also hope Access Press will be around for another twenty years, minimum. We need this newspaper.

— Clarence Schadegg, Freelance Writer

groups were working hard to ensure small businesses that they could help meet their employees’ needs without incurring high costs.

Voices for Disability Rights had formed. The new political action committee had a booth at an ADA celebration at Lake Phalen. The group formed in response to recent actions at the Minnesota Legislature.

Another newcomer to the community was DRAGnet: Disability Resources, Activities and Groups Network. Volunteers, one from United Handicapped Federation and the other a parent of a child with disabilities, created the new electronic bulletin board service. DRAGnet would be available 24 hours a day, providing a wide range of information for people with all types of physical and cognitive disabilities.

September 1992 Access Press published a special higher education edition, explaining how most state colleges and university meet if not exceed ADA regulations. A school-by-school review of accommodations was presented, for students with learning and physical disabilities. Contact information was given for campus organizations for students with disabilities. Augsburg College was one of the leaders. The school was investing more than $1 million to improve its accommodations.

Just in time for Disability Awareness and Education Month in October, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and other programs were explained.

Congressman Jim Ramstad hosted a forum to discuss barriers in current laws that prevent Americans with disabilities from finding gainful employment. Ramstad wanted to improve work incentive program and hear from community members.

October 1992

Disability Employment and Awareness Month was marked with a rally at the state capitol and other events, and in articles.

Smith remarked that the event was positive and had a good impact on the community, but questioned why it didn’t get more coverage from Twin Cities news media.

One inspiring story was about a PTA group in Columbia Heights, which decided to plan and build an accessible playground at a site between Columbia Heights High School and Highland Elementary School. The playground, called Castle Access Press announced the start of its first personals ads. Heights, would accommodate up to 150 children. At the time Steps had been taken to ensure privacy for those seeking to it was one of the few playgrounds in the country that provided meet others. for the integration of children with disabilities into a wide range of fun activities.

June 1992 November 1992

Debate continued to flare over RTB’s handling of Metro Mobility. Riders and advocates packed a recent open house.

There was frustration that information was not clear and was at times contradictory. “It seems the confusion will never end,” Smith said. He scolded the board for presenting and then retreating from plans. Many were angry and confused, and unclear as to how services would be affected.

The United Handicapped Federation, Handicabs, Ebenezer Transportation and riders weighed in with editorials. One huge concern was that RTB intended to contract with one or a few large service providers, shutting out smaller companies.

The RTB also responded, noting that board members were still considering a new service concept. The RTB was using savings to provide the same level of service while changes were made.

The early days of Arc Minnesota were outlined. It started as a Minnesota group focusing on children but had grown into a national organization for people of all ages who face developmental disabilities. Arc Minnesota President Virginia Hanel explained how the organization was working to help families today. One change was switching to fact sheets, rather than longer handbooks and manuals, The fact sheets would be more concise and easier to update.

Access Press was publicizing Expressions, a new bi-monthly magazine that would showcase writers and artists with disabilities. Art, poetry, stories and essays would be accepted, but not political viewpoints. Editor Sefra Kobrin Pitzele didn’t want readers to pity the writers and artists, saying she didn’t want a “poor me rag”.

July 1992

December 1992

Access Press unveiled a new column to answer questions Sister Kenny Institute and Sister Elizabeth Kenny were about the ADA. Access Press wanted people to understand featured. She began her nursing career in Australia, treating their rights to access to public places and to clarify how businesses and institutions should comply.

The Minnesota Society for the Prevention of Blindness and

Thank you Access Press for being Minnesota’s Disability Newspaper!

— Mary Kay Kennedy, ACT Preservation of Hearing was profiled. The group was founded in 1939 and worked to prevent the loss of two of our most precious senses, vision and hearing. The society’s many programs and services were described.

More than 200 people attended the first-ever national conference on violence and substance abuse for the deaf community.

The conference, organized by Perspectives Inc., was held in Bloomington and was considered to be a great success. The conference theme was “Breaking the Silence.”

August 1992 New rules covering employment discrimination under the ADA became effective this summer. Disability community

polio patients with her own therapies of heat and stretching of muscles. She opened her first clinic in 1933, starting what would become a worldwide treatment model. She came to the United States in 1940, traveling to Minneapolis to help doctors deal with a polio outbreak here. Her work expanded to its own ward at the University of Minnesota, and then to a rehabilitation center in Minneapolis’ old Lymanhurst School.

United Handicapped Federation had a new name. The Disability Rights Alliance name was announced at the group’s annual meeting, held at Courage Center. The organization included more than 50 groups.

January 1993 The Guthrie Theater announced the implementation of its audio description or AD program, a new service to make theater-going more enjoyable for the blind or people with low vision. AD was gaining popularity across the country.

The Coalition on Health Care Issues for Persons with Disabilities worked with other advocacy groups to shape and disseminate information on pending state health care reform proposals. The coalition was working on many issues during the 1993 legislative session, including equal coverage for

"When I sustained my spinal cord injury more than 16 years ago, I turned to Access Press as a key resource to help me navigate a world that was very foreign to me. Today, both personally and professionally, I find it a vital link to a community of individuals and organizations I'm proud to have joined."

— John Tschida, Public Policy Director, Courage Center mental health conditions, opposing reductions in PCA funding and legislation to increase coverage for medical supplies. At the national level the group was focused on the ongoing national health care reform debate, where the main focus was single-payer versus managed care programs.

February 1993 Changes and challenges were ahead for Metro Mobility.

Disability community members were following legislation closely, to stave off further cuts to routes. One bit of good news was that the “trip assurance” program was to be restored in April. Still, the program was short of money. But there were questions about a proposed centralized approach to the program and how that would affect service as well as service providers.

One more provider, National School Bus Service, was termi20 years - cont. on p. 12

Congratulations on keeping the Disability Community informed on so many issues of concern.

10

May 10, 2010

Congratulations, Access Press

20 years & going strong!

Thanks, Access Press!

You're a great asset to the disability community.

Desktop Publishing: Advertisements Brochures Catalogs Flyers Newsletters Newspapers Project Mgmt Scanning ... & More!

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

Way to go Access Press!

20 Years of Great Reporting!

You have kept our community informed about the issues & empowered them in the process.

Keep up the Great Wo rk!

Work!

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Congratulations!

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New client intake: 612-334-5970 (metro), 1-800-292-4150, 612-332-4668 (TDD) www.mndlc.org Kent’s Accounting Service, LLC Congratulations on your 20th anniversary!

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12

May 10, 2010

20 YEARS -

Cont. from p. 9

nating service because it could not cover its costs. Users of the financial health of the facility and less about the client’s service worried that other providers would follow suit health.

Access Press and Smith were honored by the Goodwill/ Easter Seal Society with the outstanding print media award.

May 1993 The award was given for outstanding reporting and analysis of Exposure and sensitivity to chemicals was a growing health issues affecting people with disabilities. problem, but sufferers were frustrated to have the condition

on disability policy. Mother and daughter described how assistance technology has made life easier for the young girl, who was diagnosed with serve spastic quadripartite cerebral palsy. Her power wheelchair and augmentative communication device helped her be fully engaged in home and school life.

August 1993 March 1993

Access Press works hard to serve as a Sticks and Stones, a video documentary produced by Advosteadfast voice for people with disabilities cating Change Together (ACT), made it debut at the Minnesota and all who are interested in History Center. The documentary highlighted the state’s selfadvocacy movement and its history. disability issues in our community.

In an article headlined Smug non-compliance is the norm, Here's to at least another 20 years of Mindy Desen described the difficulty in finding accessible this clear voice reaching all who care public facilities in rural Minnesota. The places she described about disability issues." include a bank-turned-library with inaccessible restrooms and — Dan Ness, Marketing Director, UCare children’s room in the basement, store owners parking in and blocking signed parking spaces, and a post office whose postmaster refused to install a ramp because of building aesthetics. “In a small town, I hear it’s important to get along with described as a neurosis. The disability was caused by exposure everyone,” Desen wrote. “I’d certainly welcome a contingent or overexposure to chemicals ranging from lawn chemicals to of out-of-towners to help stage a protest.” personal care products.

Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children/Twin Cities Unit April 1993 was featured. The hospital, one of 22 in the United States and Disability and the Dollar, a Program on Rationing and Mexico, provided care for children with a wide range of Allocation of Resources in Health Care was the theme of a well- orthopedic disabilities. The services helped families who could attended conference in St. Paul. The Minnesota State Council not otherwise pay for a children’s care. on Disability and the Coalition on Health Care Issues coCrystal resident Jeff Bangsberg was honored for his work on sponsored the conference, which offered a wide range of views behalf of Minnesotans with disabilities, with the Minnesota on the complex topic of universal health care.

Department of Jobs and Training’s Volunteer of the Year Minnesota ADAPT was involved in debate over PCA care honors. He not only worked for state rehabilitative services, he versus nursing homes during the legislative session and in the also devoted time to many community groups. community. About half a dozen activists used their chairs and chains to block the entrance of the LaSalle Convalescent Home June 1993 in Minneapolis. ADAPT leader Barb Knowlen was among RTB hired an outside management firm to run Metro Mobilthose arguing that nursing home admissions were more about ity to provide better services as well as program efficiencies.

The firm ATE Management and Services was chosen from eight companies. Riders hoped the new firm would provide improved service.

Help Yourself, an all volunteer group that provided people with speech synthesizer, software, computers and printers, was seeking donors to open a communications center to help the disability community. The volunteers were currently operating out of two home offices but wanted to set up a drop-in center.

John B. Hockenberry, a former National Public Radio and current ABC News correspondent, was honored with the 1993 National Courage Award from Courage Center. Hockenberry, a paraplegic, traveled the world as an award-winning reporter.

July 1993 Just weeks after celebrating its first anniversary, the Disability Rights Alliance closed its office and shut down. The DRA, formerly the United Handicapped Federation, represented more than 50 groups in research and lobbying for people with disabilities. Differences in policy direction prompted board members and staff to quit. The DRAGnet program would continue on its own. Other groups were trying to salvage parts of DRA’s work.

Nine-year-old Rachel Esparza and her mother Ann, both of Mendota Heights, testified before a U.S. Senate subcommittee

Metro Mobility’s trip assurance program, which was restored in the spring, was canceled again. The RTB had to cut the program due to scheduling problems, throwing work and personal schedules of riders into disarray. Providers indicated they could not keep up with ride requests. Some providers threatened to quit if trip assurance was required. RTB officials were working to restore trip assurance by fall.

The recent ADA celebration at Boom Island was a success, although windy weather got the best of a couple of tents.

Students from the University of Minnesota Disabled Student Cultural Center wore T-shirts with a starry sky and the phrase “To go boldly where all others have gone before.”

September 1993 Implementation of a new Metro Mobility system was more uncertain than ever due to a lawsuit by Metro Ride, a firm that unsuccessfully bid for a provider contract. The RTB hired new providers Handicabs and Mayflower Contract Services Inc. to start providing rides in October. Other firms would provide supplemental service. RTB Board Chairman John H. Riley said that despite the lawsuit, RTB was committed to the restructuring of and improvements to Metro Mobility. But the lawsuit could potentially delay or even scuttle long-awaited restructuring, further frustrating Metro Mobility riders.

Former Navy Frogman and SEAL Jim Mantalas, owner of Dive Shop in Eagan, was offering scuba diving lessons to swimmers with disabilities. Tim Boyle, a paraplegic, was one of the divers Mantalas worked with.

October 1993 The soap opera that was Metro Mobility continued as the agency lacked experienced drivers and had to stop taking trip requests. The program could provide 3,200 trips per day, far short of the 4,000 trips requested. The situation was a nightmare for riders who could not get to work or appointment, or could not get home from work. Carlson called in the National Guard to help.

Despite being the editor of a newspaper, I never had the impression that Charlie Smith thought of himself as a “journalist.” He thought of himself as a citizen and an advocate. And that’s how Access Press came to be: Not as the result of some journalists looking for work, but rather as a result of some advocates seeing that the community of people with disabilities needed a way to share information by and about itself.

When I joined the staff of Access Press, it was Charlie Smith, his father Bill Smith Jr., and staffer Dawn Doering, who had stepped in after Charlie’s mom had passed away. It really was a “family” operation. And not just the Smith family, but the family of people who believed that people with disabilities needed to advocate for themselves, and for each other. So many times I saw Charlie take a “break” from his job as newspaper editor to respond to a call for help from someone who didn’t know where to turn.

So many times I saw outrage serve as a call to action. So many times I was encouraged to use my own talents to help address an issue or solve a problem. And so many times I heard people warn Charlie about his plan to publish something that was bound to ruffle some very powerful feathers, to which Charlie would respond, “Well, it’s gotta be said.” End of discussion.

A fearless focus on service and leadership is what brought Access Press into being, and continues to be its purpose these two decades later. I’m proud to have been invited into the community of people with disabilities of which Access Press was, and is, such an important part. Here’s to another 20 years, and more!

— Jeff Nygaard, Access Press assistant editor 1994-2001, Interim editor 2001

20 Years - cont. on p. 17

May 10, 2010

PEOPLE/PLACES -

Cont. from p. 7

served 12 years on the organization’s board of directors, including board chairman, vice chairman, and secretary. He has been a volunteer for programs including the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, United Way and Courage Center.

Klauser is also a permanent fellow of the Walter Mondale policy forum at the University of Minnesota/Carlson School of Management.

Having a grown daughter and a grandchild with special needs, Klauser cares deeply about providing quality services that help people with disabilities build their talents, lead rewarding lives and experience greater independence.

“My vision is to provide participants of Opportunity Partners the ability to make a difference in society and participate at a level consistent with their desires, goals and aspirations in building a satisfying and rewarding quality of life,” he said. “I look forward to working with staff to achieve goals that will both empower staff and serve our participants now and in the future.”

“I am excited about what George will bring to Opportunity Partners,” said Opportunity Partners Board Chair Hank Blissenbach. “His proven leadership and operational skills, his business acumen, his dedicated history with our organization and his passion for advancing the skills of people with disabilities will serve us well.”

Benefit aids disabled veterans Minnesota Music Café in St. Paul hosted a concert in April to benefit disabled veterans. The concert, which featured groups including Badfinger, was part of a series of events by the “Rolling Dutchman.”

Robert William Van Vranken II, aka the Rolling Dutchman, uses music and outreach as a way to help disabled veterans. In June 2007, the Rolling Dutchman, an above the knee amputee, embarked on a five month journey from Minneapolis to New York City. He pulled a bicycle trailer carrying his tent and sleeping bag. This he did to raise awareness for wounded veterans. And with that rise in awareness came funds to pay for their care and needs. These brave Americans gave up a large portion of their future lives to preserve our freedom, and the freedom of our children.

On June 1, 2010, to again raise awareness and funds for veterans with mobility issues, the Rolling Dutchman will embark on another journey… Across the United States, north to south, traveling Highway 61, and using the Mississippi

VSA Minnesota honored Ordway Executive Director Patricia Mitchell presented the Sally Award to VSA Board President Sue Warner and Executive Director Craig Dunn to recognize “outstanding contributions to the state’s cultural life.” Dunn asked that

Craig Dunn The staff and Board of Di- exemplary work in the Minnerectors of VSA arts of Min- sota arts community. Many nesota are honored to receive friends of VSA arts of Minnea 2009 Sally Ordway Irvine sota were at the Ordway’s Award in the category of Vi- McKnight Theatre for the sursion. The annual awards, prise announcement, which inmade in honor of the founder cluded a video presentation of the Ordway Center for the narrated by Steve Schmidt, Performing Arts in St. Paul, director of Rochester Civic recognize individuals and or- Music and past VSA arts of ganizations demonstrating Minnesota board president.

“The Sub-Grants for the Walmart Foundation School-toCommunity Transition represent dynamic, new and innovative projects of chapters of The Arc – they will set a high standard in best practices for youth to adult transition initiatives for years to come,” said Peter V. Berns, Chief Executive Officer of The Arc. The Arc of the Greater Twin Cities is one of the grant recipients.

Culture Club announced Upstream Arts, Highland Friendship Club and the St Paul Jewish Community Center are joining forces to offer Culture Club, an exciting arts program for teens and young adults with disabilities. A Cultural Sales Tax Revitalization (STAR) grant from City of St. Paul allows the organizations to offer an exciting cultural and educational enrichment program for teens and young adults with disabilities, so they can experience St. Paul’s arts community.

Each week on Sundays, participants will attend a theatrical, dance or music performance, or visit a cultural institution in the heart of St. Paul’s renowned Cultural District. The next day they will meet at the St. Paul Jewish Community Center to discuss and reflect on these arts experiences, and participate in interactive arts activities led by a team of Upstream Arts’ professional artists. Participants will learn how to appreciate and enjoy many different art forms while getting out into the community and socializing with peers.

The program began in April and continues through June 14.

Arts organizations funded

Robert William Van Vranken II River as his guide. This trip will originate at the mouth the Mississippi at Lake Itasca, near the Canadian border, and will end with the front wheels of his wheelchair in the Gulf of Mexico.

This seven month, 2000+ miles journey will take him through St. Louis, Memphis, Baton Rouge, New Orleans and many small river towns and communities along the way.

To donate to the Disabled American Veterans please www.dav.org. Please go to the link The Rolling Dutchman.

Walmart gives to The Arc With a $3 million grant from the Walmart Foundation, The Arc of the United States (The Arc) is awarding grants to 45 local chapters across the U.S. in support of a new initiative designed to help youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The grants are being awarded as part of the Walmart Foundation School-to-Community Transition Project.

The project’s intent is to increase transition outcomes and to build inclusion and involvement of youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities in independent living, employment, post-secondary education or vocational training, and community, social and civic affairs.

13

Eight Twin Cities arts organizations were awarded a total of $89,437 for projects to make arts more accessible to people with disabilities. Funding for these ADA Access Improvement Grants for Metro Arts Organizations is from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, which voters approved in 2008. VSA Minnesota administers this program for the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council.

Park Square Theatre, St. Paul, will use $15,000 to create elevator access to the mezzanine level of Park Square’s auditorium, allowing for new additional wheelchair seating and making its control booths accessible for staff.

The Soap Factory, Minneapolis, will use $15,000 to build a new accessible entrance to the galleries. The entrance will have an auto-opener and be at level grade.

Textile Center of Minnesota, Minneapolis, will use $4,500 to make upgrades to its sound system. This will make pro-

all current and past board and staff members stand to be recognized by the audience of approximately 200. Dunn is shown addressing the crowd.

The Sally Award recognition includes a crystal sculpture and $2500 cash. ■

Sue Warner and Craig Dunn gramming more accessible to patrons with hearing loss. The new access service will be promoted broadly to the public through print and electronic communications and facility signage.

History Theatre, St. Paul, will use $15,000 for additional equipment for audio enhancement and audio description, as well as a portable sound system. The theater will also hire additional ASL interpreters and deaf/blind tactile interpreters; hire a consultant to advise and train the organization on accessibility-related planning, and conduct other activities.

Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center, Minneapolis, will use $15,000 to add a lift to its new facility, enabling access for all students to both main-floor shop for large-scale metalworking and a mezzanine for glass and jewelry. This nonprofit organization focuses on art forms involving heat, spark and flame.

Sample Night Live! St. Paul, will use $15,000 to make its monthly performance sampling become more accessible to the deaf community by providing ASL interpretation, discounted ticketing, an accessibility concierge and additional audio enhancement equipment. It will add hours to its marketing and communication team and its community liaison to communicate services to disability communities.

Minneapolis Musical Theatre, Minneapolis, will use $5,000 to increase its outreach to persons with disabilities by providing a block of free tickets and additional discounted tickets for the American Sign Language-interpreted and Audio Described performances for three 2010-2011 productions.

DanceWorks Repertory Ensemble, Lakeville, will use $4,937 to provide an adaptive dance program for young people with physical or learning disabilities to participate in basic dance and moving to music instruction.

A second round of grants (up to $15,000 each, application deadline May 21) will provide up to $130,000. Two more rounds of grants will be available in 2011. Guidelines and application forms are available at www.vsamn.org ■

14

May 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 Intercut May 13-15 Young Dance at Barbara Barker Center for Dance, 500 21st Ave. S., Mpls. ASL: Thurs., May 13, 9 a.m., 10:15 a.m. & noon; Fri., May 14, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., May 15, 2 & 7:30 p.m.

Tix: $3-$12; Phone: 612-4233064;E-mail:info@youngdance. org.Web:www.youngdance.org Cats May 14-16 Touring company at Historic Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls. ASL: Sun., May 16, 1 p.m. AD: call in advance to request. Tix: Reduced to $23 for ASL (reg. to $65); Phone: 612-3397007; E-mail: accessible@b roadwayacrossamerica.com Web: www.hennepintheatre trust.org/accessible Red Hot and Cole - A Cole Porter Music Revue Through May 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

South Pacific Through May 16 Touring company at Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 345 Washington, St. Paul. AD, ASL: Sat., May 15, 2 p.m.

Tix: $27-79; Phone: 651-2244222, TTY 651-282-3099.

Web: www.ordway.org/accessibility/.

Surviving the Applewhites Through 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 1776 Through May 22 Rochester Repertory Theatre, 103 7th St. NE, Rochester.

ASL: Thurs., May 20, 8 p.m.

Tix: $20; student/senior discount; Phone: 507-289-1737; E-mail: BoxOffice@Roches terRep.org Web: www.

Roches terRep.org

The King and I Through 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

laboration with New York City’s TADA! Youth Theater.

55 Victoria St. N., St. Paul.

AD: Fri., May 14, 7 p.m. ASL: Sun., May 16, 3 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $6 (reg. $11; child/ senior $9); Phone: 651-2259265; E-mail: info@stepping stonetheatre.org Web: www. steppingstonetheatre.org .

The Outsiders Through 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

Bright Ideas Through May 23 Urban Samurai Productions at Sabes Jewish Community Center, 4330 S. Cedar Lake Rd., St. Louis Park. ASL: Sat., May 15, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $10 for ASL with advance purchase at least 36 hours beforehand (reg. $16, student/ senior/Fringe button $12; online $2 discount); Phone: 612-396-2025; to reserve Pa’s Hat: Liberian Legacy May 28 – June 27 ASL, E-mail: tickets@urban samurai.org by noon the day Pillsbury House Theatre, 3501 before the show. Web: www. Chicago Ave. S., Mpls. AD: urbansamurai.org/ Fri., June 11, 7:30 p.m. ASL: Sat., June 19, 7:30 p.m. Tix: The Magic Pot: Three Reduced to $10 (must call for Tales from China discount code VSAARTS; reg.

Through May 23 $20, student/senior $15); SteppingStone Theatre for Phone: 612-825-0459; EYouth Development, in col- mail: info@pillsburyhouse theatre.org Web: www.pills buryhousetheatre.org Quartermaine’s Terms May 28 – June 20 Theatre in the Round, 245 Cedar Ave., Mpls. AD: Sun., June 20, 2 p.m. Tactile tour 1 p.m. on request. Tix: $20, senior $18, student with ID $10 (Sun. prices); Phone: 612333-3010. Web: www.theatr eintheround.org

ties): ASL: Sat. & Sun., June 5-6. Tix: $5 (World Stage outdoors free); Phone: 651-2244222, TTY 651-282-3100.

Web: www.ordway.org/accessibility or www.ordway. org/festival/performances

The Prisoner of Second Avenue May 28 – June 27 Pillsbury House Theatre, 3501 Chicago Ave. S., Mpls. AD: Fri., June 11, 7:30 p.m. ASL: Sat., June 19, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $10 (must call for discount code VSAARTS; reg. $20, student/senior $15); Phone: 612-825-0459; Email: info@pillsburyhouse theatre.org Web: www.pills buryhousetheatre.org

Film: Winter’s Bone June 2 Walker Art Center Cinema, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.

AD: Wed., June 2, 7:30 p.m.

Tix: $8 ($6 Walker members).

Phone: 612-375-7600; EQuartermaine’s Terms mail: access@walkerart.org.

May 28 – June 20 Web: http://calendar.walker art.org/event.wac?id=4915. Theatre in the Round, 245 Cedar Ave., Mpls. AD: Sun., Sherlock Holmes and the June 20, 2 p.m. Tactile tour 1 p.m. on request. Tix: $20, seCase of the Jersey Lily nior $18, student with ID $10 June 4 – July 3 Park Square Theatre, 408 St. (Sun. prices); Phone: 612Peter St., St. Paul. AD, ASL: 333-3010. Web: www.theatre Sat., June 12, 7:30 p.m. Tix: intheround.org Reduced to half-price The Transdimensional ($18.50); Phone: 651-291Couriers Union 7005. Web: www.parksquare Through May 29 theatre.org Walking Shadow Theatre Co. at People’s Center Theatre, Father of the Bride 425 20th Ave S., Mpls. AD: June 4-19 Lyric Arts Company of Anoka, Sat., May 15, 7:30 p.m. ASL: Main Street Stage, 420 E. Main Fri., May 21, 7:30 p.m. Tix: St., Anoka. ASL: Sat., June 5, Reduced to $5 (reg. $18, $15 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to student/senior); Phone: 612$13 (reg. $18, $16 student/ 375-0300; E-mail: info@ senior), $20 box seats; Phone: walkingshadowcompany.org 763-422-1838. Web: www. Web: www.walkingshadow company.org/ lyricarts.org

Queer Music Consortium Pride Concert June 7 One Voice Mixed Chorus, Calliope Women’s Chorus, Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus, Minnesota Freedom Band, TransVoices, Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra perform at Como Pavilion, 1360 LexThe Transdimensional ington Parkway N., St. Paul.

Couriers Union Through May 29 ASL: Mon., June 7, 7 p.m.

Walking Shadow Theatre Co. Tix: free. Web: www.ovmc. at People’s Center Theatre, org, www.calliopewomen 425 20th Ave S., Mpls. AD: schorus.org, www.tcgmc.org Sat., May 15, 7:30 p.m. ASL: Fri., May 21, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Mysteries in the Museum Reduced to $5 (reg. $18, $15 June 6 student/senior); Phone: 612- Mpls Institute of Arts, 2400 375-0300; E-mail: info@ Third Ave. S. ASL: Sun., June walkingshadowcompany.org 6, 1 p.m. Tix: free. Phone: Web: www.walkingshadow 612-870-3131 or TTY 612company.org/ 870-3132; E-mail: dhegstrom @artsmia.org. Web: www.

Flint Hills International artsmia.org.

Children’s Festival M. Butterfly June 1-6 Ordway Center for the PerThrough June 6 forming Arts, 345 Washing- Guthrie Theater, 818 2nd St. S., ton, St. Paul. Shangilia Youth Mpls. AD: Sat., May 8, 1 p.m., Choir of Kenya with JD Steele: with sensory tour at 10:30 a.m.; AD, ASL: Sat., June 5, 11 a.m. Fri., May 14, 7:30 p.m. ASL: (Main Hall). Mermaid The- Fri., May 21, 7:30 p.m.; Thurs., ater of Nova Scotia: Goodnight May 27, 7:30 p.m. CaptionMoon and The Runaway ing: Fri., June 4, 7:30 p.m.

Bunny: AD, ASL: Sun., June Tix: Reduced to $20 (reg.

6, 10 a.m. (McKnight The- $15-40); Captioning $25; atre). Teatro Hugo & Inez: Phone: 612-377-2224, TTY Short Stories: AD: Sun., June 612-377-6626. Web: www.

6, 2 p.m. (McKnight Theatre). Guthrietheater.org World Stage (outdoors activi-

Flint Hills International Children’s Festival June 1-6 Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 345 Washington, St. Paul. Shangilia Youth Choir of Kenya with JD Steele: AD, ASL: Sat., June 5, 11 a.m.

(Main Hall). Mermaid Theater of Nova Scotia: Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny: AD, ASL: Sun., June 6, 10 a.m. (McKnight Theatre). Teatro Hugo & Inez: Short Stories: AD: Sun., June 6, 2 p.m. (McKnight Theatre).

World Stage (outdoors activities): ASL: Sat. & Sun., June 5-6. Tix: $5 (World Stage outdoors free); Phone: 651-2244222, TTY 651-282-3100.

Web: www.ordway.org/accessibility or www.ordway. org/festival/performances Film: Winter’s Bone June 2 Walker Art Center Cinema, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.

AD: Wed., June 2, 7:30 p.m.

Tix: $8 ($6 Walker members).

Phone: 612-375-7600; Email: access@walkerart.org Web: http://calendar.walker art.org/event.wac?id=4915.

Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersey Lily June 4 – July 3 Park Square Theatre, 408 St. Performances - cont. on p. 18

May 10, 2010

15

Upcoming events To list an event, email access@accesspress.org Advocacy Take an ADA survey How do people with disabilities Minnesota rate their community’s implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act? ADA Minnesota, in conjunction with the DBTAC: Great Lakes ADA Center, is conducting The ADA in Your Community Survey to find out the answer.

ADA was signed into law in 1990 but there is still need for further compliance. The survey asks Minnesota citizens to identify how they view their community’s current implementation. There is also opportunity for them to provide opinions and ideas about how accessibility can be improved.

People with disabilities, family members and advocates are invited to complete the survey. It is available online at: www.TheADASurvey.org.

Print copies and alternative formats are available on request. The survey is available in alternative formats. FFI: Cindy Tarshish, 651-6032015, cindyt@mcil-mn.org Give them a call Metro Center for Independent Living has set up a PCA “You Need to Hear Me” call-in line The purpose of this call-in line is to provide consumers, PCAs/DSPs, families, and interested others the chance to share anonymous comments, reactions and concerns with Department of Human Services and Minnesota Legislature regarding the impact of recent legislative changes which are affecting their lives.

How it works: Call 651-6032009 to connect to the “You need to hear me” message line.

The caller will hear a short pre-recorded message. The phone will not be answered, ensuring caller anonymity.

The callers may leave a short message describing the impact of these changes on their lives,

or the lives of their family. The messages can be complaints, concerns, suggestions or general comments. Zip code will be asked for only so comments can be communicated to specific legislators.

Workshops 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 Make connections Receiving Social Security disability benefits and interested in exploring work options?

Attend a free Work Incentives Connections workshop to learn how work would affect you benefits. Meet people who can help you find a job. Workshops are 1:45-3:35 p.m. Tue, May 18 at Brookdale Library, 6125 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center or 1:15-3:15 p.m. Wed, May 26 at Rondo Community Library, Dale and University, St. Paul. Pre-register. Ask for accommodations. FFI: 1-877-743-8237, www.socialsecurity.gov/ work/wise 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 unless otherwise specified.

Workshops are free, advance registration requested. Workshops include: Practice the Positive: Tips for Supporting Your Child with Behavior Needs, for parents, 7-9 p.m.

Tue, May 11in the media room at Weaver Lake Elementary School, 15900 Weaver Lake Rd., Maple Grove. Discover a positive approach to changing their child’s problem behavior.

augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). It is offered by the Center for ACC and Autism. FFI: 1-866-998-1726, www.aacandautism.com/trng

NAMI/autism workshop The National Alliance on Mental Illness of MN (NAMI Minnesota) and Autism Recovery Foundation host a workshop that provides parents and other caregivers with straight talk about autism and early intervention, 4-7 p.m. Tue, May 18 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 4100 South Lyndale Ave., Mpls. $10 registration *Response to Intervention, for includes lunch. FFI: 651-645parents of elementary-school 2948, www.nami helps.org students and professionals, Challenging behaviors 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wed, May 12.

Response to Intervention is a Raising a child or adolescent tiered approach some school with challenging behaviors can districts are using to provide be difficult. Children’s Chaladditional instruction to el- lenging Behaviors is a dayementary-school students who long workshop Fri, May 15 at have academic or behavior is- Amazing Grace Lutheran Church, 7160 S. Robert Trail, sues.

Inver Grove Heights. FFI: *Life Planning for Persons Suzette at 651-645-2948 with Disabilities, two work- ext.102, www.namihelps.org shops for people with disabiliSpecial events, ties and their families, 7-9 p.m. conferences Thu May 13 and 27. Each family that attends is invited to Art show receive a free, two-hour consultation from Life Planning The 47th annual Sister Kenny for Persons with Disabilities Rehabilitation Institute Interto discuss how a comprehen- national Art Show for People sive life plan could work in with Disabilities continues their situation. FFI: 952-838- through May 21 at Sister 9000, 952-838-0190 (TTY), Kenny Institute, Abbott North1-800-537-2237 (toll free) or western Hospital Campus, Second Floor, 800 E. 28th St., PACER.org Mpls. Free admission. FFI: 612-863-4872, www.sisterken Learn about LAMP Putting LAMP (Language nyinstitute.com Acquisition through Motor Independent living Planning) to Work: AAC Strategies to Promote Communi- May 13-14 is the Statewide cation is a free day-long work- Independent Living Confershop Fri, May 21 at University ence at Mystic Lake Casino of MN Duluth, Chester Park Hotel, Prior Lake. IndepenHall, 31 W. College S. This workshop will cover the role of readiness to learn and share focus in the implementation of

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.

dent Living Center staff, directors and board members, and others interested in this field should attend. The event is sponsored by the Statewide Independent Living Council.

FFI: Carol, 651-222-7409 x205, or 800-500-4157 x205, cschoeneck@mngts.org Jennifer Holliday People Incorporated Mental Health Services hosts Broadway entertainer Jennifer Holliday and Singing from the Heart 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Thu, June 10 at Midland Hills Country Club, 2001 Fulham St., Roseville Holliday will discuss her experience of overcoming a decade of depression. She will also perform.

Tickets for the talk and luncheon are $30. Table sponsorships available. FF: 651-2883508, www.peopleincorpor ated.org Tour de Vail Vail Place, provider of community-based recovery services for people with longterm mental illnesses, hosts the Tour de Vail, Roll & Stroll for Mental Health fundraiser, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat, June 26 at Minneapolis Vail Place, 36th St. and Hennepin Ave. The non-competitive event includes a family-friendly bike, blade, walk or run around Lake Calhoun, followed by food and festivities. Kickoff will feature Minnesota Roller Girls.

Pre-registration $30; day of event $35. Children 11 and under participate for free with a paid registrant. FFI: Stefano LoVerso, 952.938.9622 ext.

27 (office), sloverso@vail place.org

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 Sign up for Opportunity Partners ’ Career Camp, a five-day summer day camp helping youth with disabilities set reachable dreams and goals for careers, personal well-being and growth. The camp, geared for students with disabilities ages 16-21, is designed with fun in mind, learning through games, employer tours, and activities to explore the world of employment and reachable career goals. Participants will gain knowledge of career resources, will enhance their job-seeking skills, and will boost their mindbody-spirit connection through sensory games. Camp session I is July 26-30, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (deadline July 16). Camp session II is Aug. 16-20, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (deadline Aug. 6). The cost to attend is $450 per session, plus transportation costs if requested and arranged in advance. FFI: Jennie Meuwissen, 952-930-7688, e-mail jmeuwissen@opportunities.org

Arc sibshops Kids who have a brother or sister with autism can make friends and have fun at a new Sibshop group in Roseville from Arc Greater Twin Cities.

The group meets 6-7:30 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at Fairview Community Center, 1910 County Road B West, Room 143, Roseville.

Sibshops use games and recreation to help kids ages 6 -12 Save the date expresses their thoughts and Americans with Disabilities feelings about having a sibling Act (ADA) 20th anniversary with a disability. Participants celebration is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Events - cont. on p. 18

16

May 10, 2010

Putting a face with the name

by Bret Hesla Remember the old Minnesota state hospital cemeteries?

The ones with anonymous graves for people with disabilities? The same cemeteries that are now getting restored with headstones that have names, birth and death dates? Here’s a question for you: how did they ever figure out who was buried where, and what their names were? And what did these people look like, anyway?

A free new interactive art exhibit goes on display noon-4 p.m. Sat. May 29 in Newell Park, Fairview Avenue and Pierce Butler Route, St. Paul. Advocating Change Together’s (ACT) Remembering With Dignity project presents See Their Faces, a series of new portraits and an interactive game that gives the public a chance to experience the process of turning a clearing in the forest that was an abandoned cemetery into a place of dignity and remembrance.

See Their Faces offers new art created by people with disabilities who are members of Remembering with Dignity.

Each artist created a piece re-

lated to the story of a person with a disability in the past century that lived and died in one of Minnesota’s state hospitals, and was buried in an anonymous, numbered grave.

Remembering with Dignity works to highlight and celebrate the lives of people with disabilities who lived and died in the Minnesota state institutions. “We’re turning numbers to names,” said Carol Robinson when describing the work to convert numbered grave markers to proper headstones.

When the project began in 1994, Minnesota had more than 13,000 unmarked or numbered graves. Since then, the legislature has provided funds to restore 5,629 markers.

“I worked on a portrait of Eddie Walesheck,” said artist Liz Koltes. “He died when he was 42 and was buried under number 424 in Faribault. That could have been me.”

Since late 2009 experienced artists and teachers supported Remembering With Dignity members as they embarked on a new path as emerging artists.

“We came in two times a week,” said Kelly Lee. “We worked on drawing faces. We

worked on drawing shapes. It was fun; and hard. I even came in on my days off.” Each new artist kept a sketch book, and wrote his or her own artistic statement. “I went through seven sketch books” said Carol Robinson.

“The project had two equally important goals,” said Halle O’Falvey, Remembering With Dignity organizer and lead teaching artist for the exhibit.

“We’re educating society about a powerful piece of the past, and providing an opportunity for the people with developmental disabilities to see themselves as artists.”

The exhibit includes a game that mimic’s O’Falvey’s job of researching and verifying the identities of the former inmates/patients buried in the cemeteries, not to mention finding the markers themselves. “Finding those old numbered markers was pretty tough,” said Larry Lubbers.

“We had to walk through the woods looking for old con-

Jenny Johnson took part in a Remembering With Dignity exercise to put faces to the names in Minnesota’s institutional cemeteries. crete cylinders made from coffee cans.”

Visitors will look for numbered grave markers hidden in Newell Park, starting at 1 p.m.

When they find the numbered markers, they will then have to match the number with the name. Various files will be

available for this process, including cemetery records, admission records, coroner reports, death certificates and birth certificates. All of this must be done to verify that the information is correctly spelled and dates are correct.

‘See Their Faces’ has been

a great and honorable feat,” said O’Falvey.” Nearly every member began this art project thinking that they were not artistic and could not draw. Look what they did.” For more information, call Remembering With Dignity organizer Halley O’Falvey at 651-641-0297. ■

Radio Talking Book • May Sampling Programming Change: Radio Talking Book has announced a program change, effective June 1. Two of the book hours will have name changes. One will be changed from fiction to nonfiction, as the service records many more nonfiction books than it has an opportunity to air.

The 2 p.m. Potpourri nonfiction hour will become The Writer’s Voice, to reflect its transition to mostly memoir and biography. The 11 p.m. Evening Odyssey, which has featured fiction, will be renamed Potpourri and will feature nonfiction books of a wide variety.

Buzz Aldrin became the second human to stand on the moon, making him one of earth’s most famous people. But his success was followed by incredible challenges. Read by John Hagman.

12 broadcasts. Begins May 10.

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 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.

PM Report • Monday – Friday 8 p.m.

The Family, Nonfiction by Jeff Sharlet, 2009. The Family is an elite network dedicated to a religion of power for the powerful.

Their method is backroom diplomacy. Their faith has come to be interwoven with the affairs of nations around the world.

Read by Jack Rossman. 18 broadcasts. Begins May 24.

Chautauqua • Tuesday – Saturday 4 a.m.

The Third Man Factor, Nonfiction by John Geiger, 2009.

People at the edge of death often sense an unseen presence beside them encouraging one final effort to survive. The phenomenon is called the “third man factor.” Read by Wally Vavrosky. Nine broadcasts. Begins May 19.

Choice Reading • Monday – Friday 4 p.m.

Woodsburner, Fiction by John Pipkin, 2009. Thoreau was a dreamer who wanted to be more than a pencil designer for his father. One day, he meets with three other dreamers. It’s the day he starts a massive forest fire. Read by Stevie Ray.14 broadcasts. Begins May 19.

Night Journey • Monday – Friday 9 p.m.

September Fair, Fiction by Jess Lourey, 2009. At the Minnesota State Fair, the newly crowned Milkfed Mary, Queen of the Dairy, a Battle Lake native, is brutally murdered while her likeness is carved in butter. It’s up to Mira James, covering the fair for the Battle Lake Recall to expose the killer. L - Read by Audray Rees. Nine broadcasts. Begins May 4.

Evening Odyssey • Monday – Friday 11 p.m.

Rhino Ranch, Fiction by Larry McMurtry, 2009. Duane Moore returns home to Thalia, Texas, but finds it has changed considerably. His rich new neighbor is opening a ranch to preserve the black rhinoceros in this old oil town. L – Read by Malcolm McLean. Seven broadcasts. Begins May 24.

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

The Drillmaster of Valley Forge, Nonfiction by Paul Lockhart, 2008. A failure in Europe, the Baron de Steuben was a great success in the New World. After training Washington’s troops, he helped create West Point. Read by Leila Poullada. 12 broadcasts. Begins May 10.

Good Night Owl • Monday – Friday midnight Blood’s a Rover, Fiction by James Elroy, 2009. During the summer of 1968, tensions are high because of the King and Kennedy assassinations and the upcoming Democratic Convention. Three lives collide in pursuit of a woman named Joan Rosen Klein. V,L,S – Read by Neil Bright. 31 broadcasts.

Begins May 10.

Bookworm • Monday – Friday 11 a.m.

No Time to Wave Goodbye, Fiction by Jacquelyn Mitchard, 2009. The Cappadora family survived having an abducted child, though their son returned as a stranger. Now adults, the children have made their own careers and one son has made a film about abductions. L - Read by Pat Lelich. Eight broadcasts. Begins May 13.

After Midnight • Tuesday – Saturday 1 a.m.

Remedies, Fiction by Kate Ledger, 2009. Simon and Emily look like the perfect couple – he’s a respected doctor; she’s a successful professional. But their marriage is scarred by old wounds. When a lover from Emily’s past resurfaces, she examines her marriage anew. S – Read by Sue McDonald. 14 broadcasts. Begins May 27.

Potpourri • Monday – Friday 2 p.m.

Magnificent Desolation, Nonfiction by Buzz Aldrin, 2009.

Abbreviations V: violence, L: offensive language, S: sexual situations.

May 10, 2010

20 YEARS -

17

Cont. from p. 12

School District 197 in northern Dakota County offered a new access project for people with disabilities and for people who wanted to learn more about disabilities. Community education programs were offered on the topics of service dogs. Sign language for emergency personnel and community service opportunities. Programs were also established to help deaf students obtain their GEDs, and develop writing skills.

For 20 years Access Press has been a leading voice for persons with disabilities. Access Press has consistently provided comprehensive coverage of key issues and challenges and has challenged all of us to become informed and involved. Thank you for providing us with a strong voice.

— Steve Larson, The Arc of Minnesota, Co-chairman, MN-CCD

November 1993 Dan Hibbert of Metro Mobility’s management company, ATE Management and Services, met with disgruntled riders.

He said improvements had been made to improve the transit service but many riders weren’t convinced. Their concerns filled three pages of the newspaper. One writer, Lolly Lijewski, wrote that one of her friends had only been picked up twice from work in the last three weeks. Getting rides home from coworkers meant leaving her wheelchair at work. Access Press, for its part, checked ATE’s references from around the country and found negative responses.

Minneapolis and St. Paul each no longer had a Society of the Blind. The groups merged to form a new entity, Vision Loss Resources, Inc. The merger began in 1992.

December 1993 President Bill Clinton’s efforts to get a national health care bill passed were foundering, which disability community members saw as a lost opportunity. Smith wrote that the proposal was too cumbersome and that recent response from the community indicated a preference for single-payer plans. Several forums were held to discuss the Clinton proposal and other plans.

Achilles Track Club, a group that promoted long-distance running for runners with disabilities, had started in the Twin Cities area. “Mainstreaming is our goal, people doing the most they can is our philosophy,” an article stated.

Scrutiny of Metro Mobility and RTB continued., Transit providers as well as disgruntled riders had filed lawsuits. A study of the service was also underway.

January 1994 James Brady, former press secretary to President Ronald Reagan, visited Minneapolis to present awards from the National Organization on Disability. Brady was disabled in the attempt to assassinate Reagan. He honored the community of

CONGRATS dream alive. The ADA is also celebrating its 20 year anniversary that is no coincidence that there have been ebbs and flows regarding how this legislation has affected the disability community. We need to rededicate ourselves to the ideals and

Columbia Heights for building the accessible Castle Heights playground and the accomplishments of the Minneapolis Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities. Both groups received cash awards.

Community Involvement Programs hosted a discussion with U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone to discuss housing and health care for people with disabilities. Wellstone announced a federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant of $3.2 million to help the agency provide housing for homeless mentally ill adults. CIP would use the grant to create more housing opportunities.

February 1994 Rider outrage was finally having an effect on Metro Mobility as state lawmakers took notice of the complaints streaming in.

Sen. John Marty was one of the first to step in, suggesting the formation of a riders’ board to manage Metro Mobility, taking control away from RTB. More than 20 community organizations were pressuring state lawmakers for change. Metropolitan Center for Independent Living was organizing community members to contact state legislators.

Open Door – New Abilities, a new Twin Cities theater group, was raising money to travel to Brussels for a performance at the international Very Special Arts Festival. Open Door promised to change the way audiences view theater. The group performed at several Twin Cities theaters.

March 1994 At an ARC of Hennepin County health care forum, Anne Henry of the Minnesota Disability Law Center urged community members to carefully evaluate proposed reforms. She warned that some proposals could result in the loss of benefits people with disabilities had won in past years.

ATE Management and Services Company would no longer operate Metro Mobility, as a result of a class action lawsuit settlement. ATE and RTB also had to pay $1.35 million to Metro Mobility riders who suffered damages when the transportation system collapsed in 1993. Included in the settlement amount was $200,000 in free ride coupons.

For the first time in its 40-year history, United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota elected a president with cerebral palsy. Rob Chalmers had been active with UCP since 1972.

April 1994 Planning was underway to redesign the troubled Metro Mobility agency. The RTB held community forums to discuss needed changes and hired an ombudsperson to resolve and mediate disputes during a period of transition for the agency.

RTB was in the process of hiring a new management company. But there were still problems. One letter to the editor described a rider who watched

Cont. from p. 2 visions that Charlie and the host of other people that have been involved with the paper over the last 20 years have held.

Congratulations, to Access Press for maintaining the vision and the legacy.

Congratulations to Tim Ben-

jamin for keeping the dream alive!

Steve Kuntz past board member and chairman of the Access Press Board, 1995-2003 ■

as not one but two Metro Mobility vans pulled near her apartment building, then drove away. She had called the agency to complain but didn’t get a good response.

Jimmiee Lee Gaulden, a member of the Goodwill Easter Seals Board, was profiled. He didn’t let a neuromuscular disorder keep him from working for First Bank Systems and being an active volunteer.

May 1994 KTCA-TV became the first television station in the country to offer a new technology device to make programs accessible to visually impaired viewers. Descriptive Video Service was hailed for providing narrated descriptions of key video elements of programs. “DVS does for the blind what subtitling does for the deaf,” said Glenn Fishbeck, president of United Blind in Minnesota.

U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone explained in a guest opinion piece that mental health and substance abuse disorders should be included in federal health care reform programs. He urged other members of Congress to look at cost-effectiveness benefits of mental health and substance abuse treatment.

The group Voices for Disability Rights hosted its second annual meeting, with State Sen. Linda Berglin as keynote speaker. ■

Access Press has been the gateway, the pathway, and a most important voice for the disability community over this past 20 years of change. The power of information and the resulting discussion and debate has strengthened all who have participated, and surely influenced, the powerful changes made over the past 20 years improve the lives of persons with disabilities in our communities.

The disability community is stronger, better informed and more engaged as a direct result of your stellar work over the past 20 years. We need the power of information and knowledge to be spread now more than ever, as we face the budget challenges of the future. Keep it up!

Thank you Access Press! — Anne Henry, Attorney at Law, MN Disability Law Center

18

May 10, 2010

REGIONAL NEWS - Cont. from p. 6 EVENTS on PTSD issues. PTSD, he adds, is “among the easiest (psychiatric) conditions to feign.”

Mark Rogers, a longtime claims specialist with the Veterans Benefits Administration, agrees. “I could get 100 percent disability compensation for PTSD for any (honorably discharged) veteran who’s willing to lie,” said Rogers, a Vietnamera vet who is now retired. “I just tell him what to say and where to go.”

Some claims are built on a foundation of fake documents; in other cases, the right medals—plus a gift for storytelling— secure unearned benefits. Each of these cases represents potentially millions of dollars in tax-free benefits over the veteran’s lifetime—benefits that may continue while the veteran works and even into retirement.

“There’s pressure from the public to sympathize with veterans and treat them with respect,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig J. Jacobsen in Roanoke, Va., who prosecuted Barnhart and has handled other such “stolen valor” cases. “And you don’t want to go questioning their stories unless you have a very good reason to do so. ... So I think it’s hard to sift out the phonies from that.”

PTSD is an undeniably real sickness whose symptoms— flashbacks, vivid nightmares, intrusive thoughts, exaggerated startle response, emotional numbness—can be debilitating. As of fiscal year 2009, nearly 390,000 veterans were receiving benefits for PTSD, making it the fourth-most prevalent serviceconnected disability, according to the VA. [Source: Associated Press, Veterans Administration]

Cont. from p. 15

explore common sibling issues such as teasing and problemsolving through activities and discussion. Dates are May 13.

Sibshops are free for Arc members and $10 per child (each meeting) for others. Arc also offers 13 additional Sibshops at locations throughout the metro area, including two more locations in Ramsey County.

FFI: 952-920-0855 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

Support groups

Target Marketing at its Finest!

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

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 month. Down Syndrome group meets 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. fourth Monday of the month. (No December meeting.) FFI: 952920-0855 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. May is Mental Health Month, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Minnesota and other organizations are involved in community education about mental illness, including creating awareness that treatments are available

and recovery is possible.

NAMI Minnesota offers over 140 free educational classes statewide for families each year. In addition, NAMI has 23 family support groups, over 20 support groups for people living with a mental illness, 2 anxiety support groups, and Vet Connection groups for returning soldiers. 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

Children with Disabilities Networking Group meets on the second Tue of each month from 1 – 2:30 p.m. at Java Train Café, 1341 Pascal St., St. Paul.

Meeting dates are Jan. 12, Feb. 9, Mar. 9, Apr. 13 and May 11.

Please pre-register for either group. FFI: Arc, 952-9200855, www.arcgreatertwinc ities.org Anxiety support group The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Minnesota (NAMI-MN) sponsors free support groups for persons with anxiety disorders. The groups help individuals develop better coping skills and find strength through sharing their experiences. An Open Door Anxiety and Panic support 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

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 relaVolunteer tives who are raising a family member’s child with an intelTutor a Child, Change a lectual or developmental disFuture ability. The Relatives Raising Volunteers are needed to tutor

PERFORMANCE -

elementary students in the St. Paul Public schools in reading and math. Under the guidance of a classroom teacher, volunteers assist students one-onone or in small groups determined by classroom need. By contributing as little as two hours per week, you can give a struggling student the extra attention needed to help them succeed. Volunteers age 55 and older are eligible to receive free supplemental insurance, mileage reimbursement and other benefits through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) sponsored by Volunteers of America of Minnesota. FFI: Connie at 612.617.7807 or e-mail cerick son@voamn.org Volunteer with RSVP Volunteers age 55 and older are eligible to receive free supplemental insurance, mileage reimbursement and other benefits through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) sponsored by Volunteers of America of Minnesota. RSVP/Volunteers of America of Minnesota and AARP Foundation need volunteers with good budgeting and organizational skills to help manage finances of older or disabled low-income individuals. Have a few hours a month to volunteer? Money Management Program staff will train and match you with someone in the community.

FFI: Money Management Program Coordinator, 612-6177821 Be a literacy volunteer Last year, Minnesota Literacy Council volunteers helped more than 24,000 adults achieve their learning goals. Tutor immigrants, refugees and life-long Minnesotans in reading, writing and English. Tutor one-to-one, in a small group or as a classroom assistant. Training, ongoing support provided. Opportunities are available throughout Minnesota. FFI: 651-645-2277, ext 219, volunteer@theMLC.org ■

Cont. from p. 14

Peter St., St. Paul. AD, ASL: Queer Music Consortium Sat., June 12, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Pride Concert Reduced to half-price ($1850); June 7 Phone: 651-291-7005. Web: One Voice Mixed Chorus, www.parksquaretheatre.org Calliope Women’s Chorus, Twin Cities Gay Men’s ChoFather of the Bride rus, Minnesota Freedom Band, June 4-19 TransVoices, Minnesota PhilLyric Arts Company of Anoka, harmonic Orchestra perform Main Street Stage, 420 E. Main at Como Pavilion, 1360 LexSt., Anoka. ASL: Sat., June 5, ington Parkway N., St. Paul.

7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $13 ASL: Mon., June 7, 7 p.m. (reg. $18, $16 student/senior), Tix: free. Web: www.ovmc. $20 box seats; Phone: 763- org, www.calliopewomens 422-1838. Web: www.lyric chorus.org, www.tcgmc.org arts.org Mysteries in the Museum June 6 Mpls Institute of Arts, 2400 Third Ave. S. ASL: Sun., June

6, 1 p.m. Tix: free. Phone: 612-870-3131 or TTY 612870-3132; E-mail: dhegstrom @artsmia.org Web: www.arts mia.org M. Butterfly Through 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; Phone: 612377-2224, TTY 612-377-6626.

Web: www.Guthrietheater.org ■

May 10, 2010

TEARDROPS but Tim, with an incredible absence of ego, took what Charlie did, kept what worked, and set about looking at what didn’t work as well. Tim wasn’t shy about asking the staff our opinions and what we wanted to see happen with the newspaper.

Over the years at Access Press I can not count the number and quality of the writers we’ve had. But to me, one writer who always captured the heart of the Press is the amazing Jeff Nygaard. A bulldog, a gladiator, our champion, and one of the finest writers I’ve ever read.

One of the things that Access Press does is to keep us going, keep us inspired and keep us laughing. The doors we’ve banged our heads against for a century: the government, the insurance companies, the pharmaceutical companies, the medical profession, the police forces, the churches, institutions so large that our knocks weren’t even given the respect of a simple reply. For decades we have measured political success NOT by what they have given us, but by what they haven’t taken away. So many who came before us banged on those doors until they were bloody and broken, for them-

Cont. from p. 3 selves, for love of their children, for hope of change. And all the work we do now is standing on their shoulders, and we must never forget them.

Because of the work of Access Press, hundreds of separate organizations that worked alone, fighting for the same dollar and volunteer time are now working more and more as a team. Working cooperatively is our only chance for the big changes, anything else is a waste of time and resources. And doors are starting to open. Access Press has invited us all to unite as a community, showing how we don’t have to keep reinventing the wheel.

During the tough times when we don’t seem to be making progress for ourselves and our children fast enough, when despair and exhaustion wear us down, Access Press helps us answer the hard questions: Why and how DO we keep fighting for this cause, for equality, for justice, for aid for those of us who suffer most, suffer through no fault of our own, suffer because of biology, our situations, our genes, our families, or our sheer bad luck?

The stories in Access Press give us the answers. They show us that when we quit, burn out,

neglect caring for our own had gone through it myself, mental and physical health, put but seeing it happen to others up our hands and say “no was far more horrific. I said, more,” we lose. If we would “It never ceases to surprise have withdrawn from the fight, and amaze me that people who we would not have the break- have had the most painful and throughs in stigma, accessibil- difficult lives, are able to surity, independence, respect, vive and to do more than surmedicine and care. But even vive: to retain an ability to be more terrible we would still themselves in all the complexihave the inner stigma where ties and contradictions of their we tell ourselves we are toxic, identity, history, and feelings, broken or damaged goods. and to be capable still of takAll we have ever asked for ing some pleasure in this often is a fair word or a fair fight: cruel and incomprehensible simply equality. We dreamed world, and the dignity, grace for it, worked for it, died for it, and hopefulness they display and now it’s happening. while they endure it. Is it me Maybe us old timers won’t who is insane because I cannot see the day when it will be as bear their pain, or are they, normal to say “I’m seeing my because they can?” psychiatrist” as it would be to Charlie replied: “It doesn’t say, “I’m seeing my eye doc- happen overnight. You can’t tor.” But it will come. And we save the whole world. But if will have victory and kindness we can hang onto the idea, the for those of us who struggle. hope, that we can perhaps help So many unnamed and unsung just one person, whoever is heroes gave their all, without put in our path today, that’s recognition, without pay, with- all, just today. Then we can out even a sign of hope. They bring hope to others, maybe have opened up those impen- they will be inspired, their vietrable huge doors with their sion of the world might change, teardrops and their toil. just a little, and they may be They will have, by never compassionate to just one perquitting, by never saying ‘NO”, son. And bit by bit, we can see transformed vanquishment in that we are ALL struggling, to victory and their heroic that we ALL are, sooner or never-ending struggles have later, going to face the same sown courage into those who physical and mental chalhave come after them, all of us lenges. that will ultimately produce “And if there is a commuvictory. nity out there so people don’t Cont. from p. 3 I remember a phone conver- have to feel alone and afraid, organizing, Youngdahl per- comfort to those most forgotsation with Charlie when I that will be our victory.” suaded the legislature to in- ten of all people—our mencouldn’t stand the cruelty and Through Access Press, crease funding for the state tally ill fellow citizens ….” insensitivity that I was seeing Charlie, Tim, scores of writinstitutions by millions and to while collecting the stories of ers, hundreds of volunteers, make major changes in policy The pictures from Maisel’s the brave people that I meet. I board members, and all the in the Mental Health Act of “Bedlam 1946” are available 1949. By November 1950 on the DD Council website at Hoffner and Hager could re- www.mnddc.org/parallels2/ Be our friend! Join our cause! port in “Minnesota Bedlam prologue/6a-bedlam/6a- Access Press is on facebook Revisited” in the Minneapolis bedlam.html His article is Link up with us. Join in on discussions Tribune that big steps had been there at www.mnddc.org/parDonate to Minnesota’s taken to improve conditions in allels2/prologue/6a-bedlam/ the hospitals, although the bedlam-life1946.pdf. Out of disability community newspaper progress was uneven and Sight, Out of Mind is available spotty. at www.disabilitymuseum.

Taylor concludes that the org/lib/docs/1754card.htm.

COs who exposed abuses in ■ the nation’s mental hospitals and organized a national re- The History Note is a monthly form movement “did not, in column sponsored by the fact, make lasting changes in Minnesota Governor's Counwww.facebook.com the care of people with psychi- cil on Developmental DisabiliFacebook is a free social networking Web site that allows atric and intellectual disabili- ties,www.mncdd.organdwww. people to connect with friends, share ideas and support ties in America.” The point of p a r t n e r s i n p o l i c y m a k issues and causes. Sign up and search for Access Press their story, he wrote, was that ing.com “they tried to make a difference,” that their acts of conscience were “inherently worthy and deserving of praise,” and that they should be “remembered and honored.”

The actions taken by the Minnesota Unitarian Conference, by Justin Reese, by Geri Hoffner and Arthur Hager, and by Governor Luther Youngdahl did not create a perfect mental health system.

But their joint efforts to try to benefit humanity are worthy and deserving of praise. And we should remember and honor a governor who concluded his radio address in May 1948 with an “appeal to the soul and conscience of our citizens for the things which are required to bring hope and

HISTORY -

19

organizations that work so closely with them, have helped to build a whole community and to inspire others. We are winning the fight, piece by piece. We are creating a community of hope, a reservoir of cooperation, calm, and safety that we can all draw from, to rest a moment, just a moment,

before we return to the cause and struggle of hope and help for those of us who have sometimes only dreamed of those things in the privacy of our hearts. A cause we are winning.

With our teardrops and our toil. ■

A GREA T RESOURCE! GREAT

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