September 2010 Edition - Access Press

www.accesspress.org

Inside ■ Get banquet tickets–pg 3 ■ Happy 20th!–pg 7 ■ Be a volunteer–pg 10

H i s t o r y

N o t e

“Of all tyrannies a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive.”

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— C. S. Lewis

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

Volume 21, Number 9

Minnesota’s Disability

Community Newspaper

September 10, 2010

Celebrating 125 years

by Access Press staff Renaissance of the Minnesota Deaf is the theme of the Minnesota Association of Deaf Citizens’ (MADC) 125th anniversary celebration. The organization began in 1885 in Faribault. Members are looking back at their history September 25 through October 2, with events throughout the state.

A full list of events appears on www.minndeaf.org/125 years and on MADC 125th Anniversary on Facebook. Volunteers have planned numerous activities to commemorate the anniversary.

On Friday and Saturday, Sept. 25-26, Faribault is the place to be. A homecoming celebration is planned at the Minnesota State Academy of the Deaf, with deaf heritage bus tours. Visitors will see significant sites and buildings, including the graves of those who lived at the academy. They can also attend an open house and interpretive tours, hosted

by MSAD and the Alumni Association Museum.

On Sunday, Sept. 26, the action moves to Minneapolis.

A celebration of deaf fellowCharles Thompson Memorial Hall is the nation’s oldest deaf social club. For informaship is planned at the North tion about activities there, check the Web site thdeafclub.com Photo by Jane McClure Central University Sanctuary.

NCU is located at 910 Elliot Ave. That will be followed by a brunch at the university’s gymnasium, hosted by the Junior National Association for the Deaf. In the afternoon the whole family can enjoy oldfashioned fun and games.

Many other activities are planned in the Twin Cities and statewide during the week. The week’s activities Sept. 27-30 include the Gallaudet University traveling exhibit about the life and work of deaf architect Olof Hanson, art exhibits at the Minneapolis Art Institute, deaf heritage bus tours, ASL storytelling at the Merriam Park Branch of the St. Paul Public Library, an open house at Metro Deaf School/Minnesota Northstar Academy, a “red hat” tea party and a Minnesota Twins game Sept. 30 with a tribute to a deaf/hard of hearing audience.

Much attention will be focused on Charles Thompson Memorial Hall, which stands at the corner of Fairview and Marshall avenues in St. Paul.

Many people have passed by that building countless times, without knowing its unique heritage in the state and nation.

Thompson Hall is the nation’s first and oldest clubhouse for the deaf. It is a local historic site in the City of St. Paul, winning designation from the City Council and mayor in 1995. MADC History Chairman Douglas Bahl has extensively researched Thompson Hall history and his history appears online.

Thompson Hall was dedicated on Nov. 5, 1916, and was named in honor of the late Charles Thompson.

Thompson was a St. Paul civic leader and leader in the growing Minnesota deaf activist community in the late 19th and early 20th century.

After his death in 1915, his widow Margaret built the hall in his memory, keeping alive his dream that there be clubhouse for deaf Minnesotans.

The three-story brick structure, designed by Thompson family friend Olof Hanson, cost $45,000 to build. It has stone and terra cotta trim, a large front staircase and a large porch.

An additional $45,000 was set aside for building maintenance and a five-member Board of Trustees was set up MADC - cont. on p. 5

Restraints hearing delayed; families still want answers

by Jane McClure Debate over use of restraints and seclusion as punishments at the Minnesota Extended Treatment Options (METO) facility in Cambridge continues. A hearing set for August 30 was postponed as attorneys for the state and for families affected by METO’s practices discussed a possible settlement. That raised hopes that a settlement would end the legal dispute, which has gone on for more than a year.

But the hearing is now rescheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21 in U.S. District Court in downtown St. Paul. The

Jensen, Brinker/Allen and Jacobs families will argue for class action status in the case.

They also will renew their request for a temporary injunction that would prohibit the use of various types of restraints and the use of seclusion at METO, which is a program of the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

DHS and DHS staff are named as defendants in the lawsuit.

The families involved are the Jensen, Brinker/Allen and Jacobs families. The Jensens were the initial plaintiffs. The Brinker/Allens and Jacobs

families joined the case later.

All allege abuse of their children at METO, through use of restraints as well as seclusion.

The families contend that restraints and seclusion were used improperly on their developmentally disabled children.

Their intent is to get the practices to stop, arguing that there are more appropriate ways to handle behavior problems. The preliminary injunction would cover all types of restraints, including mechanical restraints, manual restraints, HEARING - cont. on p. 13

Minnesota State Services for the Blind was one of many groups represented at the Minnesota State Fair, which wrapped up on Labor Day. Volunteer Joan Lindusky, left, handed out jokes in Braille to visitors. Look for more state fair photos on page 5.

Photo by Jane McClure

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Septemger 10, 2010 Well, it’s September and, after that blast of Fall on Labor Day weekend, it feels like summer is over. Again, the state fair was great this year and we’ve got a few highlights from our visits at the fair. This year Access Press was highlighted at the newspaper history museum at the fair. An article on our 20th anniversary appeared in the newspaper printed there. We are very proud to be part of the history of journalism in Minnesota.

Many of you have started classes at local schools and colleges and I hope you all do very well. I truly believe the key to success is education and lifelong learning. It’s hard to think about going back to school, I know. I’ve been struggling with it for a couple years now and finally made the dive back into the pool. I hope you’ll join me—if you’re not already ahead of me—in dedicating ourselves to becoming a more educated community. The classroom is a fabulous place

Tim Benjamin, Editor

to break down stereotypes for all of us with disabilities. Most of our high schools and colleges have very good disability services already in place.

Things have changed in our educational opportunities and we can all take advantage of that. Just by being among them, we show our fellow students and teachers that we are an asset to the classroom and to society. That in turn will break down other barriers for getting well-paid jobs in the fields that we choose. The job market is getting better and each of us has to be prepared to step up for new changes in our lives.

The unemployment rate in the disability community is outrageous and one way we can help ourselves is through education. It can be uncomfortable at times and we may feel awkward, but in addition to the challenges that school presents (and if it’s good, there are lots of them), there’s plenty of fun. Make sure you have a good time and enjoy yourself!

Access Press received the Skip Kruse Memorial Return to Work Award in August in Chicago from the Social Security Administration, for our work in making people in our community aware of SSA programs and opportunities to work. It was a privilege to represent Access Press at this regional event, in front of hundreds of people. The Social Security Administration is having its 75th anniversary this year. There were about 30 employees who received 40year service awards from the Midwest Social Security administration. It was pretty amazing to see all these people that have been with SSA for more than half of its existence.

What a prestigious honor for them and their families to be such a big part of the success of one of our government’s most helpful programs.

We’re beginning to see TV ads on the gubernatorial race.

Not only is it going to be one of the most expensive gover-

nors’ races in the state’s history, but also it looks like it’s going to be one of the dirtiest.

Already it’s a short-on-substance race with lots of misinformation. That may not be new, but it means that we as voters need to do our research diligently. We need to dig deep and determine our own priorities and then see how each candidate best matches our needs and priorities. You may learn some things from what is on TV commercials or what comes in your mailbox, but also look into each candidate’s background and what they’ve actually done in the past. Be your own fact-checker. Soon the candidates and their staff and volunteers will be doing door-knocking and phonecalling campaigns. Make sure you have all your questions handy and don’t be afraid to ask the representative to answer your concerns. Each candidate has a pretty extensive Website that outlines much of their philosophy on govern-

ing; check those out, too.

There may be other races in your district, so don’t forget to brush up on those candidates and be informed about them as well. There’ll be many forums around the state where you can ask your questions in public (which informs other voters, too). Listen and ask the candidates about their disability platforms, and compare their platforms with your priorities. The candidates want us to ask and they want us to vote for them, so make sure you’re voting for the one that is most likely to have similar ideas on how to serve your needs. Look at the whole picture and consider the great good of all of us; try not to be a one-issue voter. In next month’s issue of Access Press, we will have more guidelines on what to do at the polls. Whether you’re in a classroom or registering to vote, fall’s a time to get educated. ■

History Note

Lindsay School offered therapy services, education for children

by Luther Granquist In 1929 the Ramsey County Committee of the recently organized Minnesota Association for Crippled Children urged the City of St. Paul to keep faith with children with disabilities by building a new school for them. In those days St. Paul Public Schools were under the direct control of city government. Members of the committee, in particular Wilfred F. Johnson, collaborated with school officials and medical advisors from Gillette State Hospital, Children’s Hospital and the University of Minnesota to design a building “that would be a model for its type.” The building, located

just west of downtown at Pleasant and Sherman, cost $200,000. Part of the funding was donated by Mary Helen Lindsay from the Weyerhaeuser forest products family.

On Nov. 2, 1931 the St. Paul Dispatch printed a front-page picture and story about 28 children with disabilities exploring their new one-story school with cork floors, rails on the walls, manual training and home economics rooms, a gymnasium and a swimming pool. The Mary Helen Lindsay School, as it was named, also had clinic rooms for use by therapists and consulting physicians, an “Alpine light

room” for ultraviolet treatment, and a large room with beds for mandatory rest periods. Later that month, 5,000 people attended the school’s open house.

Soon after it opened, the school had 50 children with orthopedic disabilities and 16 with cardiac problems. To be eligible to attend, children had to be recommended by a physician, examined and approved by the school’s orthopedic consultant, and determined “educable” (an IQ of 50 or above) by the school’s psychologist. The school district received state aid of $250 per student per year, an amount

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, Anita Schermer, Carrie Salberg, 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

that finally increased in 1949 to $400 per year. As the school population grew to exceed its 100-student capacity, two portable classrooms were added.

The Lindsay School provided physical, occupational, and speech therapy services, as well as regular consultation by physicians, including Dr. Carl Chatterton of Gillette State Hospital. Through the years the school faced the challenge of providing and coordinating both the school district’s regular academic program and the therapy services the children needed.

The need for advocacy continued throughout Lindsay’s history. In 1929, pressure from a parent group had prompted the St. Paul City Council to build the school. In 1974, shortly before the children were moved to new programs

Lindsay School served generations of children with disabilities.

Photo courtesy of Minnesota Historical Society at Como Park Elementary and the Child Development Center (Bridgeview School), both the Lindsay School PTA and Dr. Daniel Halpern from the University of Minnesota stressed the need for additional therapy services for the children.

Lindsay School was torn down in 1978.

The History Note is a monthly column sponsored by

the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, www.mncdd.org and www. partnersinpolicymaking.com/ A 1958 bulletin from the Minnesota Department of Education, “Meeting the Needs of the Crippled Child in Minnesota,” is included in With an Eye to the Past on the council’s website at www.mnddc.org/ past/pdf/50s/58/58-MNCDEPTED.pdf ■

September 10, 2010

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Charlie Smith Award banquet date is nearing, be an event sponsor, get tickets

by Access Press staff Tickets are still available for the annual Charlie Smith Award banquet, 5-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5 at the Airport Marriott in Bloomington. The banquet, hosted by Access Press, is a great way for members of Minnesota’s disability community to get together and celebrate our accomplishments.

The highlight is the award given in honor of the late Charlie Smith, founding editor of Access Press. Nominations closed August 31, and the winner will be announced in Access Press’ October issue. The newspaper’s board of directors will review the nominations this month. It is always a difficult choice as deserving community members are always nominated.

Previous Winners of the Charlie Smith Award: 2009 – Anne Henry, of the Minnesota Disability Law Center, 2008 – Pete Feigal, Co-Founder of Tilting at Windmills, 2007 – Jim and Claudia Carlisle, People Enhancing People,

2006 – John Smith, University of MN, 2005 – Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD), 2004 – Rick Cardenas, Co-Director of Advocating Change Together (ACT), 2003 – Margot Imdieke Cross, Minnesota State Council on Disability A delicious meal, musical entertainment by Larry McDonough, a raffle and silent auction are also part of the event. Lots of great silent auction and raffle prizes will be up for grabs, ranging from vintage sewing buttons to plane tickets.

Tickets are $45 per person or $325 for an 8-person table (save $35). Ask about sponsorships or consider sponsoring a person who is in need.

Sponsors are still sought for the banquet. Sponsor titles reflect historic printing terms.

Keyliners Level: $150 Keyliners were the people who cut, waxed and pasted in copy in the pre-computerized publishing days. The work took a

good eye and steady hand.

Keyliners get: • Your logo displayed at a table • Your organization/company name listed in the 2010 Charlie Award Banquet program • Your organization/company recognized in the November and December issues • A free web site ad (your month of choice), a value of $100 Proofreaders Level: $250 Proofreaders are still needed, even in the days of spell-check.

In the days when type was set by hand, the top proofreaders could read off of the metal page plates, reading the words backwards and upside-down.

Proofreader sponsors get: • Your logo displayed at a table • Your organization/company name listed in the 2010 Charlie Award Banquet program • Your organization/company recognized in the November and December issues.

Letters to the editor

Diamond Hill Townhomes

Need for PCA oversight What did I do?

Is there any person with a disability, working to remain independent with assistance, that has not had complains about a problem Personal Care Attendant, but held onto them much longer than we would like to admit because of: • Fear that you could not find a replacement.

• Fear of retaliation.

• Fear that they are using drugs.

• You can’t prove your attendants stole your expensive clothing or other valuables that are important to you.

• Someone who is loud, disrespectful, argumentative and/or abusive and they insist that you are the one with the problem.

• Someone who needs your help as much as you need theirs. (Eats your food and/ or begs money from you) How many people would you suspect have had these problems? I know I have. I don’t know what to do when that happens. Do they have to be given a two-week notice?

What are the best places to find PCAs who share common goals?

Personal Care Attendants actively using illegal drugs and lying have been my most common and exasperating problem.

What are specific steps I can take in each of these situations?

A decade ago I informed a Minneapolis home health care

that their employee had stolen money from my home while working. They informed me that “she had been accused two other times that same week by two other clients.” Yet instead of firing her they sent her to my home because she said she was innocent and they believed her. After I accused her, the attendant (I was told) was fired by the agency. They said, “She is such a liar.”

The Minnesota Department of Health investigated. The MDH concluded that only one incident could be proven and the two other accusers would not prove their accusations.

MDH left out details in their report that I gave them as proof that this particular attendant was guilty.

The home health care agency was commended and told they had done nothing wrong.

MDH stated in their report that the three accusers were “forgetful, elderly and had psychiatric problems” and that the accused PCA said she was innocent. The accusations totaled $1,100. After promising to replace my stolen money and belongings, the agency refused to even discuss the issue with me again.

I felt powerless; I was accused of lying by the MDH for the sake of saving the agency.

I felt the professionals I trusted, the agency, the PCA and the MDH, betrayed me. This took place at Christmas. I never met the other accusers. These events may still be happening

• Two free rotating web site ads (your month of choice), a value of $200 • Your organization/company listed on a special banner Charlie Smith displayed during the 2010 Charlie Award Banquet Editor-in-Chief Level: $350 The editor-in-chief has always run the newsroom, for as long as there have been newspapers. This sponsorship level denotes the top of the organizational chair, even if editors don’t wear green eyeshades any more. Editor-in-chief sponsors get: • Your logo displayed at a table • Your organization/company 2009 Charlie Smith Award winner, Anne Henry name listed in the 2010 or if you have other questions Charlie Award Banquet proCharlie Award Banquet gram • Your organization/company about the banquet. As always, • Your organization/company recognized by the emcee Access Press welcomes readrecognized in the Novemduring the 2010 Charlie ers to sponsor the banquet fee for a person who may not othber and December issues Award Banquet • Two free rotating web site • A table named in your orga- erwise be able to attend. Conads (your month of choice), nization/company’s honor tact Dawn at 651-644-2133 if you would like to make bana value of $200 the evening of the event quet attendance possible for • Your organization/company listed on a special banner Contact Dawn at 651-644- someone else. ■ displayed during the 2010 2133 about event sponsorships

at that agency.

Now as a PCA choice client, I am CEO of my life and my home. I have been happily matched with an organization of common goals and trustworthy attendants for six years.

What information can you share that can empower me to advocate for myself in the future? Who can clients trust to get our money back?

Why is there no state PCA board of clients/Facebook group that we can contact to mediate/help get money back/ advise clients of these issues?

Numerous friends have shared the same problem with me.

Eager for solutions, Patricia Anita Young Minneapolis ✦✦✦✦

See the world of birds Would you like to feed a bird today? It is easy to do!

Begin with a bird stand and feeder. Fill with a general bird food.

Watch instantly. Many varieties come to your home. A chickadee, a cardinal, a robin, a bluejay. Add a bird bath for needed water.

Would you like to feed a bird today? It is easy to do! We live in a great area. So let’s do it! It does not take much time and continue through the winter. They need you!

Cassandra Doyle Eden Prairie ■

We are currently accepting applications for our waiting list at Diamond Hill Townhomes, a great property located near the Minneapolis International Airport.

We have two and three bedroom townhomes that are HUD subsidized and rent is 30% of the total household's adjusted gross income.

We have a large number of mobility impaired accessible units and we are scheduling appointments for persons in need of a mobility impaired accessible unit immediately.

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

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Septemger 10, 2010

Redeemer Arms gets new owner, renovations planned

by Jane McClure with the challenges of property management.

The 150-unit brick structure was built in 1963 as a nursing house. It was later converted to senior housing. Redeemer Arms bought the building from the HRA in 1977.

Several years ago the owners contracted with Wilder Foundation to provide supportive services, with a focus on residents who were homeless or who are at risk of becoming homeless. More than a year ago, Wilder chose to get out of the housing and supportive services field, which is forcing changes at Redeemer Arms and other similar housing.

The property itself is in need of major upgrades. That forced the owners to work with city staff and consultants to seek a new property owner. The nonprofit worked with Planning and Economic Development (PED) staff and Ward One Council Member Melvin Carter III’s office.

Carter said it was critical to find a property owner, one who will be able to upgrade the building and bring it up to standards that meet the residents’ needs. Carter believes there is a strong need for the housing and it should be maintained and improved.

Redeemer Arms is at Dale Street and Concordia Avenue.

Photo by Jane McClure

CHDC has entered a purchase agreement to acquire and rehabilitate the building, which is being managed by BDC Management. BDC has managed the property since Wilder stepped aside. BDC Management oversees many Twin Cities buildings for people with disabilities.

Improvements planned by the new owners include window replacement, air conditioning upgrades, installation of a new sprinkler system, kitchen renovation, ventilation improvements and other repairs to improve the building’s appearance.

CHDC and BDC Management have extensive experience owning and managing supportive housing, in St. Paul and Minneapolis. These include Hamline Park, Hanover Townhomes, Elliot Park Apartments and Seven Corners Apartments. CDHC has worked with Catholic Charities in Minneapolis to development supportive housing.

Under those arrangements CDHC owns the properties and Catholic Charities provides the services.

The St. Paul city funds are in the form of a grant and CDHC will have to meet con-

ditions in exchange for the funding. One key condition is that the current population at Redeemer Arms be served for the next 30 years.

Redeemer Arms has applied to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) for additional project funds. Federal housing and Urban Development (HUD) dollars and other outside funding are already part of the project, for a total of $12.9 million. Of that amount, $5.6 million is for property acquisition, with most of the rest dedicated for building rehabilitation. ■

MN-CCD candidate forums Meet candidates for office and learn about issues important to the community The general election is Nov. 2. Meet candidates for office and learn about issues at the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD) candidate forums this fall. Ask candidates their positions on issues important to the disability community.

All events are free and re-

freshments will be provided.

2900 Piedmont Ave., ASL interpreters will be availDuluth. able.

• 2-3:30 p.m. Thu, Sept. 16, Most forums are for legisto meet Secretary of State lative candidates. One is for candidates, at Goodwill Minnesota Secretary of State Easter Seals, 553 Fairview hopefuls. The forums are: Ave. N., St. Paul.

• 6-7 p.m. Tue, Sept. 14, Dis- • 5:30-7 p.m. Tue, Sept, 21, District 15, at Whitney Setrict 7, at Residential Sernior Center: 1527 Northway vices of Northeast MN: Drive, St. Cloud.

• 2-3:30 p.m. Tue, Sept. 21, District 28, Jordan Towers 2, 440 W 5th St., Red Wing.

• 6-7:30 p.m. Thu, Sept. 23, District 41, Edina City Hall, City Council Chambers, 4801 W. 50th St, Edina.

• 6-7:30 p.m. Thu, Sept. 30 in District 56, Lake Elmo Inn Event Center, 3712 Layton Ave. N., Lake Elmo.

• 6-7:30 p.m. Thu, Oct. 7, District 21, Adult Community Center: 107 South Fourth St., Marshall.

Become an Issue

Sponsor

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Call: 651-644-2133 TOD AY! TODA

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(SUPC) has tracked the project for many months, as its owners have worked to sell the property and find building rehabilitative funds. Consultants have met with the district council to provide updates and to explain the need for a property sale and major rehabilitation.

The building provides supportive housing to elderly and disabled residents. More than half of the residents have multiple disabilities. More than one-third of the residents face chemical dependency and/or chronic mental illness. Also, all receive some form of assistance. The long-term goal for the facility is to be fully accessible housing.

“This is housing that is badly needed,” said SUPC President Steve Wilson. The project is consistent with the SummitUniversity District Plan, which includes a goal of maintaining affordable housing and housing with an array of supportive services.

The current owner, the nonprofit Redeemer Arms, can no longer afford to maintain the building. Redeemer Arms is associated with the adjacent Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. The church’s congregation has gotten smaller and the nonprofit has struggled

ma ke

One of the Twin Cities’ oldest and largest supportive housing facilities will be under new ownership. Redeemer Arms, which is located at 313 N. Dale St., will be sold to Minneapolis-based Community Development Housing Corporation (CDHC). The five-story building will also be renovated. The St. Paul City Council, acting as the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Board, allocated $1 million in Invest St. Paul supportive housing funds toward the project this summer.

Janet Pope is a consultant to CHDC. “We’re excited about the possibilities for Redeemer Arms,” she said. The intent is to continue to serve the “very, very low-income” population already living there.

The plans to rehabilitate the building call for significant updates, which will improve the residents’ quality of life.

Having $1 million from the city will allow the developers to leverage other funding, said Pope.

The sale and efforts to redevelopment the property are welcome news in the SummitUniversity neighborhood, where Redeemer Arms has stood since 1963. SummitUniversity Planning Council

For more information, contact Anni Simons at 651-5230823 ext. 112 or by email at asimons@arcmn.org ■

September 10, 2010

5

Disability community groups enjoyed the State Fair

Liz Demski and Erwin Rud greeted visitors at the Minnesota State Council on Disability Booth in the Education Building. Visitors could get information on a wide range of topics and learn about issues. MSCOD was one of several organizations with booths. The booths allowed community groups to reach out to and educate members of the general public.

MSCOD was able to refer some fairgoers to needed resources.

The MS Society of Minnesota asked fairgoers to write or draw their vision of a world free of multiple sclerosis. Many of the drawings and statements by children were especially moving.

Some children drew pictures of themselves and depicted themselves making comments about life with and without MS. Photos by Jane McClure

Deaf Minnesotans contributed greatly to state MADC -

Cont. from p. 1

to manage the trust fund. Four Thompson family members and one deaf person made up the first board. Thompson family members continued on the board until 1951. The board is now made up of deaf community members. Another level of oversight for Thompson Hall is its House Committee.

Volunteers work to maintain Thompson Hall and plan to make improvements including an elevator.

The building includes a large assembly hall, a smaller social hall and a kitchen. The assembly hall was designed with a 127-foot ceiling. The building’s other spaces were originally designed for uses including a ladies parlor and a billiards room and a bowling alley. One feature of Thompson Hall’s design is large windows and natural light on all three levels.

The week’s events conclude

scientists of a Renaissance do much to shape the social and political agenda for the time while setting the stage for a future generation of change makers.”

“Minnesota’s deaf community witnessed the most powRenaissance of the erful examples of cultural Minnesota Deaf will grace, courage and activism during the late 1800s and early be held Oct. 1 1900s by the likes of James Smith, Anson Spear, Olof followed by workshops for Hanson and Agatha Hanson, MADC members, the public Jay C. Howard, Charles and Margaret Thompson, Petra F. and young people.

The anniversary gala, Re- Howard, and many others who naissance of the Minnesota Deaf, will be held that evening.

The theme refers to a revival or rebirth of cultural awareness and learning. Many may have heard of the Italian Renaissance in the 15th century or the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s and 1930s. MADC notes that “The thinkers, artists, musicians, writers and with two large gatherings. On Friday, Oct. 1, the renaissance will be celebrated at the Historic Depot in downtown Minneapolis. A breakfast will be held as a fundraiser for MADC and Thomson Hall. It will be

understood the value of community pride, civic engagement and cultural heritage.”

Events wrap up Saturday, Oct. 2 at Wayzata Bay Park and Beach on Lake Minnetonka where the MADC 125 Anniversary Picnic will be held. Exhibits will be on display at the Wayzata Historical Society/Historic Depot Museum. Boat rides will be available, and there will be lots of old-fashioned fun for the whole family. Wayzata is important in Minnesota deaf history because it was founded by Oscar

Garrison, a deaf civil engineer.

Garrison settled in the area in 1852. He was a leader in platting the community and working for improvements such as roads.

To find out more about MADC event costs and times, contact history@minndeaf.org or go to www.minndeaf.org/ 125years or visit www.tcdeaf. com and click on that page’s community calendar. ■.

? g n vi o M

Please contact Access Press with your new address so you don’t miss a single issue!

651-644-2133 (Information from MASD was used in compiling this article.) access@accesspress.org

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Septemger 10, 2010

Regional news in review . . .

Cab service generates complaint

added to the ordinance. Another change to the ordinance would allow seating at curbside if there is adequate space for pedestrians to get through between diners and the building. Ward Two Council Member Dave Thune said he has received complaints that some sidewalk cafes, especially those where liquor is served with food, tend to sprawl out and take up much of the available sidewalk area. People who use wheelchairs, walkers or canes have had difficulty passing through the café areas, especially in places where there are sloping sidewalks or tree grates that can catch a cane or chair wheel.

The most recent rewrite of ADA regulations affecting sidewalk cafes was completed in 2004; it’s not clear why St. Paul didn’t bring its regulations into compliance at that time. Federal ADA requirements call for clear, unobstructed pedestrian access that is four feet or 48 inches from the edge of any obstruction. A tree grate, light pole or tables and chairs are considered to be obstructions. St. Paul’s current ordinance isn’t in compliance with the ADA as it requires that there be clearance of only three feet or 36 inches. A spot check of many area establishments showed that most cafes meet that distance requirement but not all meet the ADA requirement. HamlineMidway resident Michael Samuelson and Access Press Executive Editor Tim Benjamin submitted written testimony about the need for clearance on sidewalks. Samuelson indicated that not only is the city not in compliance with federal law, it also is measuring the clearance zone incorrectly. Samuelson, who has worked as a property inspector in other cities, noted that best practices call for the pedestrian clearance zone to be measured four to six inches from the inside edge of the curb, not Sidewalk cafes are scrutinized from the outside edge.

The popularity of sidewalk cafes in St. Paul has prompted the [Source: Access Press staff] City Council to adopt an ordinance that calls for clarifying requirements on where the cafes are located. However, the GAMC in line for changes review of the ordinance revealed that St. Paul is out of compliState officials are pondering changes to the payment formula ance with federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for hospitals participating in an experimental new health plan requirements. That in turn has triggered a need to revisit and for some of the state’s poorest residents — a further sign that make further changes to the ordinance, most likely in time for the revised General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) prothe 2011 outdoor dining season. gram launched last spring is not working out the way authorities The change adopted Aug. 25 calls for sidewalk cafes where had hoped. liquor is sold to be placed on property that is compact and GAMC has been causing headaches since the program went contiguous to the licensed premises. The word “compact” was through changes last spring. State officials had expected 17 A Bloomington man has filed a Minnesota Department of Human Rights complaint alleging that a taxi service provider is not providing services to patrons with disabilities. Zachary Johnson, 26, and the Minnesota Disability Law Center filed the complaint in mid-August. Johnson is alleging that Airport Taxi failed to provide wheelchair-accessible cabs on a 24-hour basis, and that the cabs are only provided between the hours of 5 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Johnson, who recently graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in sports management, uses an electric wheelchair. “If this is happening to me, it’s happening to other people,” he said. “I can’t be the only one this is happening to.

I want to see this fixed.” Johnson also said he hopes the complaint will draw attention to the problems wheelchair users have in trying to find public and private transportation.

Not having access to taxi service means Johnson runs the risk of being stranded away from home if he goes out late at night with friends, or if he finds a job that requires evening hours. He can schedule rides through Metro Mobility in advance, but not having access to cab service means he cannot do things at the spur of the moment or even with a day’s notice.

Johnson also points out that some Twin Cities communities, including Minneapolis, are requiring that at least 10 percent of new cab fleets be accessible.

As of Access Press deadline, Airport Taxi had not filed a response to the complaint.

[Source: Access Press staff]

hospitals to sign up but have only four. The latest questions were raised because Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) in Minneapolis has had a smaller percentage of potential patients enroll than the other three participating hospitals and, as a result, is getting paid more than twice the amount per patient. The state “is evaluating the enrollment patterns and [payment] options,” Bonnie Martin, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Human Services, told the Star Tribune. So far, about 12,350 patients have signed up to receive coordinated care at the four hospitals, but enrollments have not been evenly distributed.

University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview and North Memorial Medical Center, Robbinsdale, have reached their patient enrollment limit. That leaves Hennepin County and Regions Hospital in St. Paul for about 20,000 GAMC patients statewide who have not yet selected one of the four hospitals for coordinated care. Regions officials expect to reach the limit soon.

Even if Hennepin County reaches its full enrollment, the program would cover 17,236 patients, leaving about 12,000 without coordinated care. Those left out must find clinics offering charity care, get care from hospital emergency rooms or go without.

[Source: Star Tribune]

Charges amended in nursing home case One former nursing home worker reached a plea agreement and another faces amended charges in the case of alleged abuse of residents at Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea. Last month the Freeborn County Attorney’s Office filed amended charges against Ashton Michelle Larson. Larson, 20, had been charged with 10 counts ranging from fifth-degree assault, criminal abuse of a vulnerable adult, criminal abuse of a vulnerable adult involving sexual contact, disorderly conduct by a caregiver and failure to report suspected abuse. She is now charged with 17 counts. Most of the added counts are similar to the existing charges. The charges represent five alleged victims.

Freeborn County Attorney Craig Nelson told the Albert Lea Tribune that the amended charges came about as he was Regional news in review - cont. on p. 14

September 10, 2010

7

People and places

Vinland celebrates 20 years of specialized services Vinland National Center’s chemical health program is celebrating its 20-year anniversary. The program began in 1990 after Vinland recognized a need for specialized services for individuals with disabilities. The chemical health program has steadily grown for the past 20 years and has established itself as the premier program at Vinland.

Vinland was founded in Loretto with a bicentennial gift to the United States from the Kingdom of Norway. It originally was planned as a comprehensive health/sports facility for people with various disabilities, and modeled after Beitostolen Helsesportsenter in Norway.

When Vinland began offering chemical health services for adults with brain injuries in

1990, no other organization provided a similar type of specialized service. Thanks to advancements in medical technology during the 1980s, survival rates for traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients had more than doubled. Services were evolving and expanding in scope to meet the growing demands of this population. Research at the time showed alcohol and drug use was involved with roughly 50 percent of traumatic brain injury accidents, and of those cases 50 percent of the people involved had a previous history of substance abuse.

Many people living with a brain injury have difficulty with memory, controlling impulsive behavior, focusing and concentration. Those are all skills important in traditional

chemical dependency treatment programs, which is why many TBI survivors are unsuccessful in such programs.

Vinland developed a chemical dependency treatment program that could accommodate TBI survivors’ barriers to success and increase their chance for long-term sobriety. The new program placed an emphasis on positive reinforcement and low confrontation as a more appropriate way to interact with people living with brain injuries. The program proved beneficial not just for adults living with brain injuries, but people living with other types of disabilities such as learning disabilities and mental illnesses. Twenty years later, Vinland remains one of only a few treatment centers that provides chemical health

services tailored for adults with cognitive disabilities. The program has received many awards over the years.

The chemical health program started out as a residential program with five beds at Vinland’s main campus. Demand for the program grew steadily, soon expanding to include outpatient, day treatment, and board and lodge services to better meet the needs of clients and managed care payers. In 1997 Vinland expanded into long-term supportive housing for chemically dependent people with disabilities.

In 1998 the first Vinland LivingWorks Lodge—a permanent, community-based residence for chemically dependent people with cognitive disabilities—opened in the

Twin Cities in collaboration with Tasks Unlimited, a nonprofit provider of housing and employment services for people with disabilities.

In 2005 Vinland began offering chemical health services to clients of Courage Center Golden Valley’s Transitional Rehabilitation and Pain Management Programs. The following year Vinland began offering outpatient chemical health services at Courage Center Golden Valley. This location has allowed Vinland to serve clients with varying levels of chemical dependency issues who need the convenience of a metro location so they can fulfill their work, family and life obligations.

Vinland is dedicated to treating the whole person— mind, body and spirit. Vinland also

provides a therapeutic exercise program, psychology and psychiatry services, family programming, traumatic brain injury groups, mindfulnessbased stress reduction, recreation activities, and basic computer training.

Demand for the chemical health program increases every year. Currently the growth of the program is hindered by space constraints. Vinland has plans for a building expansion project that will increase capacity from 41 beds to 100 beds. The expansion will also provide a new fitness center, more group meeting spaces, new dining and kitchen facility, and new common areas.

For more information about the expansion project, visit www.vinlandcenter.org/ campusexpansion. ■

Family-owned

Tamarack marks 20 years of product design, services Tamarack Habilitation Technologies turns 20 years old in 2010. The company, which is based in Blaine, opened its doors in Fall 1990 as a full-service orthotic, prosthetic, rehab engineering facility. Tamarack is a small corporation of 16 employees, wholly owned by the Marty and Peggy Carlson family.

Though small in employee numbers, Tamarack stands tall in product design and service for people with disabilities.

The company is known worldwide in the orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) marketplace for developing the “Tamarack”, a line of free motion and dorsiflexion assist ankle joints as well as ShearBan® low-friction interfaces, fabrication tools and a wide range of journal publications related to orthotic design.

“The Tamarack management team considers physical challenges of injured/impaired people to be akin to, and part of, a continuous spectrum including the physical challenges

of elite athletes,” said Marty Carlson. “We enjoy the process of discovering ways to enhance function for people across that entire performance spectrum with greater efficiency, comfort/safety and enjoyment.”

In its 20th year Tamarack has made physical changes to its facilities, expanding its research and development and manufacturing departments.

The facility’s heating, cooling and lighting systems have also been improved.

Tamarack’s founding professionals were Dave Harris, Catherine Voss, Mark Payette, Dianne Goodwin and Marty Carlson.

In 1995 the company completed development and began producing the Tamarack Flexure Joint™. In the next five years, the TFJ was followed by a related group of tools, additional joint componentry and ShearBan®, a low-friction interface patch material. Shearban was introduced in 1998.

At the end of the 1990s, the patient care portion of Tamarack Habilitation Technologies was split off and turned over to a local hospital system.

In 2000 Tamarack moves operations to its current Blaine location. The company also completed its restructuring as a research, development and manufacturing firm for all Tamarack product lines. Also in 2000 the company introduced another new product, the Free Arm Deep Throat Press. In 2002 Tamarack introduced the Tamarack Variable Assist™ (TVA) ankle joint and followed that accomplishment in 2004 by unveiling the Clevisphere™ free-motion, adjustable stop ankle joint. Yet another accomplishment in joint technology was achieved.

Also in 2004 Tamarack introduced ENGO® Blister Prevention Patches, a sister product to Tamarack’s ShearBan low-friction material. Three years later, the patches reached the summit of Mount Everest

with the Caudwell Xtreme Everest Expedition Team Tamarack continues as a developer and manufacturer of components and materials for orthotic, prosthetic and pedorthic care professionals.

Tamarack has enjoyed success with products which enhance

the reliability and range of solutions for clients with disabilities. In a recent article, cofounder Marty Carlson said, “Beyond that, the central Tamarack dream for the next few years is that our friction management products (ShearBan® & its variants) will have

a major impact to prevent and improve the care of neuropathic foot wounds. The prevalence of diabetes in the U.S., and around the world, is increasing at a very alarming pace. Our knowledge of the mechanics of soft tissue trauma Tamarack - cont. on p. 15

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8

Septemger 10, 2010

People and places

Generalizations about people can cut both ways

by Kenna McKinnon Ten years ago Jake Miller, now living in Minneapolis, dove into a Wisconsin lake and broke his neck. He was 17 years old. Miller is now a quadriplegic and in a wheelchair; due to unforeseen circumstances he was unable to visit the lake in Wisconsin this year, to say in his own words, “Ha ha, lake, ha ha, screw you, lake…I’m living, I’m living!”

He spent the anniversary of his accident, July 9, in Minneapolis, with a couple of his friends and his mother Terri Fulmer.

Christopher Reeves and Stephen Hawking are Miller’s heroes; Nick Vujicic, born without arms or legs, is a superstar as well. Miller admires these role models because they “don’t let the disability get them down…they lived their life…a normal life.” Miller is exemplary himself. He has chosen hell on wheels as his email persona: he doesn’t let the disability get him down.

What message would Miller

like to share about individuals in wheelchairs? “We’re normal people,” he said. Persons in wheelchairs have a physical disability…they may be quadriplegic or paraplegic but “we’re not mentally deficient.”

Jake is outgoing, humorous, independent, and intelligent.

He is sometimes bemused by but appreciative of the many individuals who offer help while he is out and about in his wheelchair. He thinks that sometimes people believe individuals in wheelchairs need more help than they really do.

Jake doesn’t need assistance 24 hours a day.

Yet just as he doesn’t want people to make generalizations about people with disabilities, Miller has learned he should also not make generalizations about others based on appearance or other factors. He gives an example of an incident in which he was heading home at dusk through a rough area of the city when his wheelchair

hit a bump and a piece fell off the back. He was stuck. To make matters worse, his wallet slipped off his lap onto the ground. A rather unsavory looking fellow came by, picked up the wallet and put it back on Miller’s lap. As this individual bent down to fix the back of the wheelchair Miller saw a gun under the man’s coat.

Miller said we should remember “just because people seem a certain way doesn’t mean they are bad”. This helpful individual then went on his way and Miller returned safely home.

Miller said that although Minneapolis is very wheelchair-friendly, occasionally curbs cut too high in a residential area, curbs which are not shoveled out after a snowstorm, stores without automatic door openers, or doors with circular knobs can pose a problem because they are hard for him to open.

Miller and his caregivers are

able to enjoy many activities together. He has partial use of his arms but not his hands or fingers. He can pick up objects with his fingers curled.

He cannot use his legs. Jake is medically labeled a quadriplegic perhaps because of the location of his fracture at C5/6.

He can swim, employing his arms, with the aid of flotation devices. He likes to fish, although someone has to cast out the line for him. He can play pool. He likes computers and enjoys interactive video games. He loves to shop, especially for the newest electronic gadgets. Miller has fun with Wii Fit and the exercise it affords him for upper body strength. Going out for walks and picnics is enjoyable.

“Don’t judge a book by its cover,” said Miller. “We’re no different from anyone else. Just because…you see on the outside…there’s a disability, don’t think that’s all there is to (us)…there’s obviously a story

Jake Miller Photo courtesy of Alberta Caregiver

behind the wheelchair and why (we’re) in a wheelchair.”

“Just look at it—it can always be worse.” He chuckles defiantly and quotes Elton John— his high school graduation mantra. “I’m Still Stand-

ing”! he said. Hell on wheels.

Jake Miller. ■ This article originally appeared in the Alberta Caregiver, a publication based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Lions roared and also taught a valuable lesson

by Clarence Schadegg The Minnesota Fighting Lions represented Minnesota at the 2010 Beep Baseball World Series in Rochester, August 27. The Lions finished with a

1(W)-6 (L) record. Although the Lions didn’t finish among the top teams, the tournament was an incredible learning experience for everyone on the

squad. Teams were from all over the world, with the West Coast Dawgs winning the title.

An incredibly competitive group of ball players played hard

in all seven of our games.

Beepball is a sport much like baseball, except it involves a special ball that makes a noise.

The sport is enjoyed by many athletes with visual impairments.

The competitive team was Matt Mitchell, Evan Van Duyne, Ryan Quast, James Mastro, Ben Goodrich, Matt McCoy, Robert Moore, Steven Guerra, catcher Zach Hahnen and pitcher Brett Scott.

But for many the tournament began with frustration.

We had practiced for more than a year. Our speed and batting ability were comparable to others on the field.

Why many of us were blocked from playing was a mystery.

Even more confusing, was why none of us were rotated in to relieve tired athletes.

For four days, we sat on the sidelines with our active supporters Marilynn Highland, Jerry Lindau, Jeffrey Katz,

Gary Boettcher, Jennifer Dubbin and Nancy Schadegg.

Not getting to play was frustrating. We wanted to field the beep balls hit by opposing players. We wanted to be at bat or take right field to get the feeling of the game on the World Series field. We all wanted to be a player who was part of a team.

One of our captains saw the tournament as more competitive and less a chance for recreation and fun. While respect and inclusion of all players is one of the most important elements for a successful team, to have fun is far more important than winning, for most beepball players.

In retrospect, a better way for us to have felt and to have expressed what we felt was for us to not focus on what we felt but on what was best for the team as a whole.

I had a wonderful vantage

point on the sidelines to observe our coaches, ball players and visitors. Gary, Marilynn, Nancy, Jennifer, Jeff and Jerry never stopped rallying our team. One of our team captains would lead a cheer from the field, L-I-O-N-S, LIONS! And the bench responded LIONS! The entire team learned about the spiritual gift of grace amidst competition that older and younger ball players shared so well day after day, year after year.

One of our two team captains had his heart set on winning. The other tried hard to get players into the games.

Most of our team just had our hearts set on playing together.

The team that had practiced together for more than a year had a better record to show than the team that played in the World Series.

Lions - cont. on p. 13

September 10, 2010

9

People and places

News about people in our community Team gets a real field The Courage Center Rolling Twins youth softball team will soon have a new paved softball field. The field will become reality thanks to the Minnesota Twins and a $200,000 Pepsi Refresh Grant.

The Minnesota Twins competed with other Major League baseball teams for the grant, which was won through online voting. Twins star Michael Cuddyer led the charge for the project.

The Pepsi grant will help to create a specialty softball field for Courage Center’s Rolling Twins youth softball wheelchair team, which currently plays in a parking lot and is in desperate need of a new home field. Pavement is needed because team members play in wheelchairs and need a hard, flat surface for their games.

Courage Center is the home of the Rolling Twins and the Jr. Rolling Twins. The youth team features players ages 7-16; the other team is for older players. The youth players learn fundamental softball skills of batting, fielding and base running in addition to the competition of games, some on a national level.

The adult team competes both regionally and nationally. In 2008 the team finished second at the national tournament.

PowerHockey Cup champs are from MN North America’s elite PowerHockey teams played in Toronto to compete for the most sought after PowerHockey™ championship, the PowerHockey™ Cup. More than 20 athletes with disabilities represented Minnesota in the bi-annual tournament as members of the Minnesota Stars and the Minnesota Saints.

The Saints won the championship 6-4, in an exciting game over Michigan. The Stars placed fourth, falling to the Toronto Lake Raiders 3-1 in the third place game.

PowerHockey is a fast-paced, skilled sport for persons requiring the use of a power-wheelchair. The games are filled with everything from end-to-end rushes on goal, to stick

handling and passing, to skillful defensive play. The ice is replaced with a gym floor and the puck is replaced with a waffle ball. Wheelchairs replace skates.

The PowerHockey Cup 2010 took place Aug. 6-9 at Ryerson University in the heart of downtown Toronto. The Minnesota PowerHockey League hosted daily coverage of both Minnesota teams on Facebook and Twitter. Coverage included pictures, videos, game summaries, player interviews and live tweeting during Minnesota games. It is still available online for those who missed the tournament.

The Minnesota Saints participation in the 2010 PowerHockey Cup marks their tenth year in existence as a tournament team.

Founded in 2000, the Saints’ first tournament experience came at the 2001 PowerHockey World Cup in Minneapolis. Experience and an upgraded roster has led to better success in tournament play with third place finishes at Cup events in 2004 and 2008, and a 4th place finish at the 2006 PowerHockey Cup. The Minnesota Saints 2010 roster includes Cindy Hugley, Minneapolis; Gordy Foster, Woodbury; Sarah Heinsch, New Hope; Dan Hugley, St. Paul; Joe Hugley, St. Paul; Dave Kaup, St. Paul; Josh Twite, Chatfield; Chad Wilson, Chaska, and Kristina Kent, Willmar. The Minnesota Saints are coached by Josh Holler of Minneapolis and Brian Little, Robbinsdale.

The Minnesota Stars were formed in 1993, and were the first power wheelchair-only hockey team in the United States. The Stars were also the first PowerHockey team from North America to participate in a European tournament. That tournament took place in Erlangen, Germany in 1993, and was the team’s first opportunity to play in a power-wheelchair hockey tournament.

The Stars won the 2004 PowerHockey Cup in Minneapolis and were runners-up in 2006 (Calgary) and 2008 (Minneapolis).

The Minnesota Stars 2010 roster includes: Wayne Baier, Crystal; Jacob Holmquist, Corcoran; Jeremy James, Minneapolis; Chris Kram, Cambridge; Craig McClellan, New Hope;

We remember

Aubrey and Nicholas Olson Photo courtesy of MDA

A “dynamic duo” is together again. Aubrey Olson, 23, died of complication of Friedreich’s ataxia, last month. Two months ago her 21-year-old brother Nicholas passed away.

In 1998-99, the sister and brother from Pine City were national co-ambassadors for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. They didn’t let the disease slow them from full participation in school and community activities.

Their mother, Cindy Olson of Pine City, told the Star Tribune that her daughter couldn’t sleep after Nicholas died: “She just grieved so hard,” she said.

“And with her condition, she didn’t have a lot of reserves.”

Services for Aubrey Olson

were held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 825 Golf Av. SW., Pine City. In addition to her parents, Cindy and Bruce Aubrey is survived by her sister, Brittney, and her grandparents, John and Joyce Olson.

Aubrey Olson spent more time in the hospital during the last nine months than at home, her mother said. She shattered her right elbow during a hunting trip last November. Her kidneys failed, too, putting pressure on a heart weakened by her disease.

But she was able to participate in graduation ceremonies in May at the University of Minnesota and to play soccer with a wheelchair team in St. Louis in February. She was

close to completing a degree in child psychology, with a goal of attending law school.

When she attended class, she was accompanied by a service dog, Kethry, a black Labrador retriever known for snoring during classes.

She played power soccer in tournaments across the country, swam and skied using adaptive skiing equipment. In her spare time, she was a volunteer for a homeless shelter in Minneapolis.

MDA President & CEO Jerry Weinberg remembers Aubrey’s optimism. In a post on the MDA Web site, he said, “Aubrey won the heart of everyone she met. She was always looking out for other people. She had great courage, a beautiful spirit and positive attitude,” Weinberg said.

Friedreich’s ataxia is a disease of the peripheral nerves that causes impairment of limb coordination, muscle and heart weakness. It is one of the more than 40 neuromuscular diseases in MDA’s program.

When Aubrey and Nick were MDA National Goodwill Ambassadors, they traveled across America for two years representing MDA and the families it serves. They appeared on the Jerry Lewis Telethon. The entire family became active MDA volunteers after Aubrey and Nick were diagnosed with FA in 1995.

In Pine City, physical reminders remain of the duo’s lives and passions. Nicholas earned Eagle Scout honors by

building a wheelchair-accessible ramp at Robinson Park.

At Java Joe’s Bistro is the head of a moose that Aubrey bagged during a 2008 hunting trip.

Cindy Olson said that the two children, who were diagnosed with the disease when they were 5 and 7, taught her how to live in the moment—that “what’s happening now is what’s important.” Now she wonders about the family’s future.

“It is going to be hard for us to fill this void and reinvent our lives,” she told the Star Tribune. “They have been part of our pulse. They were our focus. They defined us. They inspired us.” ■

Steve Onsum, Brooklyn Park; Luke Pedersen, Minneapolis; Josh Wimmergren, Maple Grove; Matt Wimmergren, Maple Grove, and Frankie McNamara, St. Paul. The Minnesota Stars are coached by Dan Enna, Crystal; Mike Hoschka, Golden Valley; Justin Bilden, Minneapolis and Dave Wimmergren, Maple Grove.

Intermedia Arts receives grant Minneapolis-based Intermedia Arts has announced receipt of a two-year general operating grant from the Kresge Foundation, in the amount of $200,000. Intermedia Arts will receive $125,000 in the coming fiscal year and $75,000 in the following fiscal year. Intermedia Arts is a multidisciplinary, multicultural arts center, which supports a broad spectrum of artists, with a particular emphasis on voices audiences are unlikely to hear anywhere else.

The Kresge Foundation awards grants to small, mid-size, and large nonprofit organizations in six fields of interest: health, the environment, community development, arts and culture, education, and human services. Working with grantees, Intermdeia Arts endeavors to improve the life circumstances and opportunities for poor, disadvantaged and marginalized individuals, families, and communities.

People/Places - cont. on p. 10

10

Septemger 10, 2010

People and Places

MN Reading Corps: opportunities, accommodations available to volunteers Reading, writing, and relating to others; they’re fundamental skills for success in school - and life. And, they’re three things that Andy Marso nearly lost the chance to do six years ago. In May 2004, the St. Cloud native nearly died after falling ill with bacterial meningitis while finishing his senior year as journalism major at Kansas University. After a three-week coma and suffering from septic shock, Marso lost the circulation in his hands and feet and spent months in the hospital, enduring 16 surgeries to amputate his fingers, toes and half of each foot.

After recovering from this life-changing experience, Marso tapped into his love of reading and writing—and gave back to the community that supported him and his family through their difficult days— by becoming a Minnesota Reading Corps literacy tutor.

The Reading Corps is a statewide initiative to help every Minnesota child become a successful reader. The program matches trained AmeriCorps members and community volunteers with children from age

3 to third grade who are at risk for not reading at grade level.

As a tutor, Marso worked oneon-one with students at Madison Elementary School in St. Cloud—and his lessons went far beyond reading.

“The Minnesota Reading Corps is a program where you can really make a difference, not only in a child’s ability to read, but also in their lives, in their consciousness of the world around them,” said Marso.

“I was nervous about how the kids would react to my disability. I don’t wear any devices—it’s just my right thumb and what’s left of my left. But in the end, it turned out to be a really good thing for me. It was great working with kids because they’re so open and so accepting —they unintentionally help you become less self-conscious about your disability.”

Each year, approximately 20 percent of AmeriCorps members in Minnesota disclosed having a disability, including spina bifida, cerebral palsy, visual and hearing impairments, lupus and multiple sclerosis. ServeMinnesota, the or-

ganization that administers AmeriCorps programs, is recognized as a leader in including individuals with disabilities. In a survey, 97 percent of members who disclosed having a disability agreed with the statement, “I would strongly recommend serving in AmeriCorps to anyone.”

Although Marso didn’t ask for specific equipment or accommodations to aid him, he said the Reading Corps team does offer accommodations to help members and volunteers with disabilities perform their service. For example, the Reading Corps has provided services and tools such as sign language interpreters and incorporating microphones into training sessions to assist members with hearing impairments, as well as individual coaching and computer skills training.

ServeMinnesota has also provided accommodations and support to assist members with disabilities including flexible schedules, computer software, special keyboard, adjustable table, tape recorder, and other miscellaneous tools.

Marso has completed his Reading Corps service, and

Volunteer Andy Marso Photo courtesy of Minnesota Reading Corps

returned to reading and writing in a different way – this time at the University of Maryland, where he’s working on a master’s degree in journalism (in part, thanks to the education grant he received upon completing his year of service to the Reading Corps). He has also written a manuscript, For Life and Limb: My Battle with

Meningitis, which he hopes to publish soon to continue educating and inspiring others.

“It’s great that the Minnesota Reading Corps welcomes diversity—these kids will be so connected to the world, and will be comfortable with people who look different than them,” Marso said. “The next time these students interact

with amputees and others with disabilities, it’ll be easier for them to understand and to deal with.”

For more information on the Minnesota Reading Corps, please visit www.Minnesota ReadingCorps.org, or call 651-251-9075 or toll-free 866859-2825. ■

PEOPLE/PLACES - Cont. from p. 9 Lane plans 2011 retirement Mid-Minnesota Legal Assistance (MMLA) has announced that Jerry Lane will be leaving his role as executive director in 2011. MMLA is an urban-rural Legal Aid program serving 20 counties in central Minnesota, including Minneapolis. Lane has been with Legal Aid for a total of forty-one years, serving as Executive Director of MMLA for the past thirty.

MMLA will consider both internal and external candidates to fill the Executive Director position. Lane will continue in his role until his successor has been selected and then will assist with the transition.

“Legal Aid makes a difference in the lives of thousands of Minnesotans every year and will continue to serve our community’s most vulnerable.” Lane said. “I have been privileged to serve our clients throughout my career. Time and again they have set an example for me of dignity, courage and generosity in the face of adversity the likes of which I have never had to endure. I look forward to the next chapter in our history. I remain committed to our staff, our supporters and our partners. I hope to help build our resources so we can be there for our clients when they need us in the future.”

“I want to thank Jerry for his tremendous contributions over the past forty-one years and for his leadership in building a coalition of legal service providers, both locally and nationally,” said David Kantor, MMLA Board Chair. “Jerry has built a very capable and dedicated team to continue this important work.”

“No one has been a stronger advocate for the rights of underprivileged individuals, children, seniors and persons with disabilities,” said Mary Knoblauch, Chair of The Fund for the Legal Aid Society. “Jerry’s name is synonymous with justice and he has made an indelible impact on the quality of life for citizens of our state.”

During his tenure, Lane has played a significant role in the development of strong partnerships between Legal Aid and other legal service providers, the court system, local and state bar associations, law firms, the business community, the United Way, foundations, and local, state and federal lawmakers.

Arc award winners set Every year The Arc of Minnesota honors outstanding individuals and agencies for their work in improving the lives and dignity of persons with developmental disabilities and their families. Recipients are selected from nominations submitted from across Minnesota. Winners will be feted Oct. 9 at a banquet at Breezy Point. This year’s recipients are:

Andrew R. Richardson Advocacy Award: Cheryl Ghionzoli of Home and Community Options in Winona, for speaking up for the rights and human acceptance of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Betty Hubbard Family Advocacy Award: Kari Jo Johnson of Aitkin, for spearheading a “Spread the Word to End the Word” campaign to educate fellow students on her college campus about the offensiveness of the “R” word.

Bill Sackter Citizenship Award: Amanda Bernu of Virginia and Andrew Nightengale of St. Louis Park. Amanda and Andrew are two self-advocates who are living independently and contributing to their communities.

Boggs Mitchell Award for Inclusive Recreation: Coach Kevin Schagel and the St. Cloud State Men’s Basketball Team, for making Ryan Slingluff, a man with Down syndrome, their bench coach and an integral part of the team.

Community Innovator Award: Minnesota Works, for creating and implementing a fellowship program at the State Capitol in 2010 for people with disabilities.

Community Media Excellence Award: Rena Sargianopoulos of KARE-11 TV, for her sensitive reporting about people with disabilities over the past several years.

Distinguished Community Service Award: Dr. Daniel Rose from Pillager, for his long-standing commitment to providing dental services to people with disabilities.

Employer of the Year Award: Culver’s in Little Canada, for providing inclusive, competitive employment for people with disabilities.

Frances Klas Johnson Spirit of Giving Award: The Otto Bremer Foundation, for its many years of support for The Arc of Minnesota’s programs.

Government Partner Award: The Minnesota Department of Education Positive Behavioral Intervention Supports Team,

for promoting and implementing positive behavioral programming in Minnesota schools.

Inclusive Housing Award: Mary David of Opportunity Partners in Minneapolis, for her support for individuals with disabilities living independently in apartments and homes Irving Martin Professional of the Year: Jennifer Malm of ProAct in Eagan & Shirley Orth of TSE in Roseville. These women work in community-based services for persons with developmental disabilities. They have provided outstanding service that has increased the independence for people with developmental disabilities.

Luther Granquist Systems Change Award: Advocating Change Together, for leading the successful effort to pass a bill calling on the State of Minnesota to apologize for the past treatment of people with developmental disabilities in state institutions.

Teacher of the Year: (2 recipients): Lisa Lenhart-Murphy and Holly Hoey Germann of Benilde-St. Margaret High School in St. Louis Park, for providing volunteer experiences to their students to work with individuals with disabilities.

The Arc Family Award: Barb and Phil Lindblad of St. Louis Park, for 40 years of dedicated service to Arc Greater Twin Cities.

Volunteer of the Year Award: Diane Peters of Rogers, for her dedicated commitment to fundraising activities at Arc chapters in Minnesota.

For more information or to order tickets to the banquet, contact Mike Gude at mikeg@arcmn.org or 651-52-0823, ext.

113. ■

September 10, 2010

11

Upcoming events To list an event, email access@accesspress.org Help us Access Press survey Access Press is in the midst of a strategic planning process. Help the newspaper by taking an online reader survey. Weigh in on which newspaper features you like or dislike, and what you would like to see that is missing. If you do not have Internet service or cannot use a computer, call the newspaper office at 651-6442133 and ask for an alternative format or assistance. The survey is at www.accesspress.org

Advocacy

SAGES is a collaboration of community organizations that work together to offer education for parents and caregivers of people with disabilities. $15 charge; checks payable to ISD #271. Pre-register by Oct. 13.

FFI: Gina Carpenter, 952-6816122, gcarpenter@blooming ton.k12.mn.us 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 651-603-2009 to connect to the “You need to hear me” message line. The caller will hear a short prerecorded 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 requested, only so comments can be communicated to specific legislators.

Effects of Changes in Personal Care Assistance Services A research study examining effects of these changes is in progress. Have you experienced or do you know someone who has experienced a change in Personal Care Assistance (PCA) hours or services in the past few months?

The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the effects of loss or reductions in PCA hours or services. Adults (18 years of age or older) are eligible to complete the survey about themselves or any person they know who has been receiving PCA services in Minnesota under Medicare or County Waiver. The study questionnaire will take approximately 5 minutes of your time. The survey may be completed online or printed and Special events mailed. You may access this survey at www.couragecenter.

Year of the Apology org/pcasurvey/. FFI: Leslie Advocating Change ToNordgren, 763-520-0440, gether hosts its annual meetleslie.nordgren@courage ing 5:30-9 p.m. Fri, Oct. 29 at center.org Black Bear Crossings, Como Park Pavilion, 1360 N, LexSave Our Services (SOS) ington Pky, St. Paul. CockState-funded services for tails, dinner, a board election people with disabilities are in and program are featured. The peril because of Minnesota’s 2010 Minnesota Legislature budget deficit. If disability ser- passed a resolution apologizvices are important to a mem- ing to people who were kept in ber of your family who has a state institutions in the last disability, get an update on century for the mistreatment service cuts and learn how you they received. ACT’s Rememcan advocate for continued bering With Dignity program funding at S.O.S. – Save Our worked for 13 years to get this Services. The forum is 1-3 p.m. apology. Attending the Fri, Oct. 15 at the Fellowship evening’s events will be people Hall, Christ the King Church, who lived in state institutions 8600 Fremont Ave. S., and waited many years for the Bloomington. Anne Henry, apology. The program features attorney with the Minnesota presentation of the official Disability Law Center, will apology by Secretary of State discuss disability-related Mark Ritchie. Sen. John Marty health and human services cuts and Rep. Karen Clark will over the past decade, the catastrophic budget picture for the next biennium, changes planned or underway to reform or improve services, and potential cuts in disability services during the coming legislative session. Lynne Megan, president and CEO of TSE Inc., will present “Connecting with Elected Officials,” strategies and tips for making your voice heard at the legislature.

speak. RSVP by Oct. 21. $25 includes ACT dues. FFI: Rick, 651-641-0297 Deaf renaissance A week-long celebration, Renaissance of the Minnesota Deaf, is planned with a series of statewide events Sept. 24Oct. 2 in Faribault and throughout the Twin Cities. Help the Minnesota Association of Deaf Citizens celebrate with history tours, a brunch, a picnic, exhibits, ASL storytelling, and an anniversary gala. FFI: www.minndeaf.org.125 or email history@minndeaf.org Bowl-a-thon Bowl, win prizes and help raise funds to stop violence in the deaf community at the CSD of Minnesota fundraiser, 2:305 p.m. Sun, Oct. 3 at Park Tavern, 3401 Louisiana Av., St. Louis Park. Cost is $10 per adult, $6 per child or $25 for a family of four in advance; $12, $7 and $30 at the door. Fee covers bowling, shoes, pizza, pop and a raffle ticket. FFI: andersonh11@ hotmail.com, jfrank@c-s-d.org, www.tcdeaf.com Save the date Access Press hosts its annual Charlie Smith Award Banquet Fri, Nov. 5 at the Minneapolis Airport Marriot, 2020 E. America Blvd., Bloomington. Save the date for an evening of fun and help Access Press honor the 2010 Charlie Smith Award winner.

The newspaper is accepting donations for its silent auction and raffle. FFI: 651-644-2133; d a w n @ a c c e s s p r e s s . o r g, www.access press.org Jeans to Gems Opportunity Partners’ 6th annual benefit gala is Fri, Oct. 15 at Sofitel Minneapolis, Bloomington. This year’s theme, “Jeans to Gems,” celebrates style, fun, and the mission to help people with disabilities build independence and gain new skills through advanced learning, deep community supports and meaningful work. A gourmet dinner, entertainment and silent and live auctions are features. Tickets start at $100; sponsorships are available.

FFI: Noel McCormick, 952912-2494, www.Opportunity Partners.org or nmccormick@ opportunities.org

Workshops, conferences

8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mon, Sept. 20, 2010 at Eagan Community Center. Featured speaker is Derrick Dufresne, the founder and president of Community Resource Associates, Inc. Breakout sessions for self-advocates include: The Art of Work presented by Upstream Arts, Theatre for Life with Wilbur Neushwander-Frink, and Living Your Passion presented by self-advocates Evan Smith and Jeff Pearlman. Sessions will also be held for direct staff. Scholarships for selfadvocates are provided by a grant from the Minnesota Governor’s Council. FFI: Susan Hilden, 651-365-3731, w w w . l i f e w o r k s . o r g or shilden@lifeworks.org

Disability Awareness Week Northwestern College Disabilities Office for Support Services (DOSS) hosts the 12th annual Disability Awareness Week Oct. 4–8, with panel discussions, interviews, guest speakers and an emphasis on providing equal access for all students. Theme is Differing Abilities. A Common Hope.

One featured speaker is Jonathan Friesen, who was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome in grade school. Friesen, originally from Mora, is the author of Jerk, California.

Learn how he coped with Tourette’s and obtained his teaching license. FFI: nwc.edu/doss; www.jonathan Adaptive technology classes friesen.com/author Free adaptive technology classes are offered by HenMission Possible nepin County Library, at the The Arc of Minnesota hosts downtown Mpls library, 300 its annual state conference, Nicollet Mall. Classes are free Mission Possible: Empowered but you must pre-register for to Work, Live, and Advocate these classes for persons who in the Community, Oct. 8-9 at are blind or have low vision.

Breezy Point, Brainerd. Key- In addition to classes there are note speaker is Erin Reihle, often volunteers available to Director of Project Search, an introduce patrons to the equipinnovative program providing ment and software available. onsite training, experience, and Volunteer hours vary, so it’s placement of people with dis- best to call ahead. The Blind abilities into jobs. Workshops and Low Vision Computer include tips for parents of chil- User group meets in Room dren with autism, ways of find- N402 1-3 p.m. the second Sating employment, preparation urday of each month, with a for a challenging 2011 Legis- different speaker. Funding for lative session, and job skills Adaptive Technology classes and independent living for self- is provided by a generous grant advocates. Disability Mentor- from the Hudson Family Founing Day to introduce students dation. FFI: 612-630-6469, and job seekers with disabili- www.hclib.org (www.ucare.org) ties to employers and the world Children and of work is Oct. 8. Reduced families registration fee available for members of The Arc, self-adPaws to Read vocates, and direct care staff Back-to-lifelong-learning accompanying a self-advocate.

FFI: 1-800-582-5256, www. programs for all ages are scheduled in September at TheArcOfMinnesota.org Hennepin County libraries, including story times, comCreative Options Creative Options, a one-day puter classes, job and small energizing conference for business programs, multi-culpeople with disabilities and tural programs, author talks, the staff who support them, is programs for aspiring writers,

and other events. All programs are free. North Star Therapy Animals presents Paws to Read at four libraries, for children in K-5. Certified volunteers help put young readers at ease so they can cuddle up with a dog or other animal and practice reading aloud. Call ahead to find out what types of animals will be visiting each library.

The program is ongoing at Sumner, 611 Van White Mem. Blvd., Minneapolis, 952-8472875, at 12:30-2 p.m. Sat, Sept.

11, Oct. 2, Nov. 13 The program is also offered at Golden Valley, 830 Winnetka Ave. N., Golden Valley, 952-847-5475, 12:30-2 p.m.

Sun, Sept. 26; 12:30-2 p.m.

Sat, Sept. 18 and Nov. 20 at Pierre Bottineau Library, 55 Broadway St. NE, Mpls, 952847-2850; at Southdale, 7001 York Ave. S., Edina, 952-8475900, 10:30-noon Sat, Sept.

25. The Southdale program is for children in preschool-grade 4. Arrive between 10:30-11:40 a.m. to sign up for a time slot.

FFI: hclib.org Workshop for families A free workshop for parents of children with challenging behaviors or mental illness is 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tue, Sept. 28 at Northern Service Center, 1 Mendota Rd W., W. St. Paul. Hosted by NAMI Minnesota. Lunch is provided.

Learn the role of county crisis teams, de-escalation techniques and how to create effective crisis plans. This workshop also provides information about resources in the community. Pre-register. FFI: Suzette, 651-645-2948 ext. 102.

PACER offers services PACER Center offers useful free workshops for families of children with disabilities. Register in advance for workshops. Upcoming workshops include: Special Education: What Do I Need to Know, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tue, Sept. 14, Events - cont. on p. 15

12

Septemger 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 City of Angels Aug. 20 - Sept. 19 Bloomington Civic Theatre, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd. AD: Fri., Sept. 10, 7:30 p.m.

Tix: Reduced to $21 (reg. $2528); Phone: 952-563-8575.

Web: www.bloomingtoncivic theatre.org Defeat of Jesse James Days reenactment Sept. 10-12 The James-Younger gang’s 1876 attempted bank robbery is reenacted at 408 Division St., Northfield. ASL: Fri., Sept.

10, 7 p.m.; Sat., Sept. 11, 1 p.m.; Sun., Sept. 12, 12:30 p.m. (bleacher area with wheelchair spaces available). Tix: $4 celebration button; Phone: 507663-0008 or 507-645-5604.

Web: www.djjd.org MN Renaissance Festival Weekends through Oct. 3 Sign Language Sat. offers interpreters at most performances during the day. 20 miles south of the Twin Cities, 3 miles south of Shakopee off Highway 169 at 145th St. ASL: Sat., Sept. 11, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Tix: $20.95, Senior (60+) $18.95; Child (6-12) $11.95.

Phone: 952-445-7361; E- How To Talk Minnesotan: mail: info@renaissancefest.

The Musical com; Web: www.renaissance through Oct. 30 fest.com/mrf Plymouth Playhouse, 2705 Annapolis Lane N., Plymouth.

A Taste of Asia AD: Sun., Sept. 19, 2 p.m.

Sept. 12 Tix: $30, $27 Sr 65+/ Student Mpls. Institute of Arts, 2400 18-23, Kids 12-17 ½ price; Third Ave. S. ASL: Sun., Sept. Phone: 763-553-1600 x 1.

12, 1 p.m. Tix/Phone: 612- Web: www.plymouthplayhouse.com 870-3131 or TTY 612-8703132; E-mail: dhegstro@ Tales of Hoffmann: artsmia.org Web: www.arts A Picnic Operetta mia.org/. On the second week- Weekends, Aug. 21 - Sept. 26 end of each month, free tours Mixed Precipitation performs are offered for visitors with at 12 Twin Cities community memory loss, Alzheimer’s and gardens, with some movement their friends or care partners. required of the audience.

Sighted guide suggested. AD: Brighton Beach Memoirs Sun., Sept. 19, 4 p.m. at Bronx Park Community Garden, Sept. 17-26 Fargo-Moorhead Community 2500 Georgia Ave. & Cedar Theatre, 333 Fourth St. S., Lake Trail, St. Louis Park. Tix: Fargo. AD: Fri., Sept. 17, 7:30 By donation, advance reserp.m. Tix: Reduced to $8 (reg. vations requested: Phone: $20-$8); Phone: 701-235- 612-619-2112. Web: www.

6778. Web: www.fmct.org mixedprecipitation.wordpress.com.

Sherlock Holmes Sept. 10-26 Rochester Civic Theatre, 20 Civic Center Drive SE. ASL: Fri., Sept. 17, 8 p.m. Tix: $18.50, - $13.50; Phone: 507282-8481. Web: www.rochest ercivictheatre.org

The Last Seder Sept. 10 – Oct. 3 Park Square Theatre, 408 St. Peter St., St. Paul. AD, ASL: Sat., Sept. 25, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to half-price ($18.50); Phone: 651-2917005. Web: www.parksquare theatre.org Eclipsed Sept. 17 - Oct. 10 Frank Theatre at Playwrights’ Center, 2301 E. Franklin Ave., Mpls. AD: Sun., Sept. 26, 2 p.m. Tix: ($20 Thurs./Sun. $22 Fri.-Sat.; pay-what-youcan Sept. 18; Phone: 612-7243760. Web: www.frank theatre.org

Steel Magnolias Sept. 17 – Oct. 10 Bloomington Theatre and Art Center Black Box Theater, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd. AD: Fri., Oct. 1, 7:30 p.m.

ASL: Sun., Oct. 3, 2 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $11 (reg. $16-18); The Glass Menagerie Sept. 10 – Oct. 17 Phone: 952-563-8575. Web: Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale www.bloomingtoncivictheatre.org Ave. S., Mpls. AD: Thurs., Sept. 23, 7:30 p.m. Tix: ReNatural Causes duced to $10 (reg. $20-35); Sept. 10 – Oct. 2 Phone: 612-822-7063. Web: Rochester Repertory Theatre, www.jungletheater.com 103 7th St. NE, Rochester.

ASL: Fri., Oct. 1, 8 p.m. Tix: $20; student/senior $18; Phone: 507-289-1737; Email: BoxOffice@Rochester Rep.org Web: www.Rochester Rep.org Louis CK: WORD Oct. 1 State Theatre, 805 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls. ASL: Fri., Oct. 1, 8 p.m. Tix: $35, day of show $40; Phone: 612-373-5639; hotline 612-373-5650; Email: accessible@broad wayacrossamerica.com.

Web: www.hennepinthea tretrust.org/accessible A Few Good Men Sept. 24 – Oct. 10 Urban Samurai Productions at Sabes Jewish Community Center, 4330 S. Cedar Lake Rd., St. Louis Park. ASL: Sat., Oct. 2, 7:30 p.m., if requested in advance. Tix: $16-$12; online $2 discount; Phone: 612-396-2025; to reserve ASL interpretation, E-mail tick ets@urbansam urai.org in advance. Web: www.urban samurai.org Embarrassment of Riches: Picturing Wealth Sept. 17 – Jan. 2 Mpls. Institute of Arts, 2400 Third Ave. S. ASL: Sun., Oct. 3, 1 p.m. Tix/Phone: 612-8703131 or TTY 612-870-3132; E-mail: dhegstro@artsmia. org Web: www.artsmia.org.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead Sept. 10 - Oct. 3 Theatre in the Round, 245 Cedar Ave., Mpls. AD: Sun., Oct. 3, 2 p.m. 1 p.m. tactile tour on request. Tix: $20, senior $18, student $10 (Sun. prices); Phone: 612-3333010. Web: www.theatrein theround.org

(reg. $29-69); Phone: 612377-2224, TTY 612-3776626. Web: www.guthrie theater.org

The Master Butchers Singing Club Sept. 11 – Nov. 6 Guthrie Theater, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. AD: Fri., Oct. 8, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Oct. 9, 1 p.m.; Sensory Tour 10:30 a.m. Open Captioning: Wed., Oct. 13, 1 p.m.; Sat., Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m.

ASL: Thurs.-Fri., Oct. 28-29, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $20

Evita Sept. 30 - Oct. 31 Theater Latte Da at Ordway Center’s McKnight Theatre, 345 Washington, St. Paul. AD, ASL: Thurs., Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m. Tix: $29-35, Phone: 651224-4222. Web: www.theater latteda.org or www.Ordway. org Perform. - cont. on p. 14

Charlotte’s Web Sept. 24 – Oct. 24 Stages Theatre at Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Main St., Hopkins. ASL: Sun., Oct. 10, 2 p.m.; Thurs., Oct. 14, 10 a.m. AD: available on request.

Orpheus & Eurydice Tix: $11, $9 child/senior, Sept. 25 - Oct. 3 group $8.50; plus $1.50 per Minnesota Opera at Ordway ticket handling fee; Phone: Center for Performing Arts, 952-979-1111. Web: www.

345 Washington St., St. Paul. stagestheatre.org Sung in Italian with English captions. AD: Sun., Oct. 3, 2 Dudley: Rigged for Laughter! p.m.; pre-opera discussion 1 Oct. 2-24 p.m. Tix: half-price for AD History Theatre In collaborapatrons (reg. $20-200); Phone: tion with the Brave New Work612-333-6669; TTY 651-282- shop at History Theatre, 30 E. 3099. Web: www.mnopera.org 10th St., St. Paul. AD: Sun., Oct. 10, 2 p.m. ASL: Sun., Don’t Drink the Water Oct. 17, 2 p.m. Tix: Reduced Sept. 10 – Oct. 3 to $15 (reg. $32); Phone: 651Lakeshore Players, 4820 292-4323; E-mail: boxofc Stewart Ave., White Bear @historytheatre.com. Web: Lake. ASL: Sun., Oct. 3, 2 www.historytheatre.com p.m. (If reserved two weeks in advance). Tix: Reduced to $10 The Great Game: Afghanistan (reg. $18-20); Phone: 651Sept. 29 – Oct. 17 429-5674; E-mail: tickets@ Britain’s Tricycle Theatre at lakeshoreplayers.com Web: Guthrie Theater, 818 2nd St. S., www.lakeshoreplayers.com Mpls. AD, ASL, Captioning: Part 1 - Wed., Oct. 13, 7:30 Sample Night Live p.m. Part 2 - Thurs., Oct. 14, Oct. 6, Nov. 3, Dec. 1 7:30 p.m. Part 3 - Fri., Oct. 15, Numerous performing artists 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $20 at History Theatre, 30 E. 10th for AD/ASL (reg. $15-40); St., St. Paul. ASL: Wed., Oct. Captioning $25; Phone: 6126, Nov. 3, Dec. 1, 7-10:30 377-2224, TTY 612-377p.m. Tix: Reduced to $10 (reg. 6626. Web: www.Guthrie $20); Online enter coupon theater.org code ASL. Phone: 612-2014000. Web: www.sample Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde nightlive.com Oct. 13-16 Normandale Community ColA Cool Drink a Water lege Theatre, Fine Arts Building, 9700 France Ave. S., Sept. 17 – Oct. 10 Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 Bloomington. ASL: Fri., Oct. South 4th St., Mpls. AD, ASL, 15, 7:30 p.m. Tix: $10; ($5 Captioning: Thurs., Oct. 7, NCC student/staff/senior); 7:30 p.m. Tix: $16 access rate Phone: 952-487-7462. Web: (reg. $22, $18 student/senior, www.normandaletheatre.org $14 group); Phone: 612-338Inherit the Wind 6131. Web: www.mixedblood.

Oct. 14-24 com Tin Roof Theatre at FargoMoorhead Community TheThe 500 Hats of atre, 333 Fourth St. S., Fargo.

Bartholomew Cubbins AD: Fri., Oct. 15, 7:30 p.m.; Sept. 7 - Oct. 30 Children’s Theatre, 2400 pre-show description at 7:10 Third Ave. S., Mpls. ASL, AD: p.m. Tix: Reduced to $8 (reg.

Fri., Oct. 8, 7:30 p.m. Tix: $15, student/senior $10); $17-41; Phone: 612-874- Phone: Tin Roof: 701-2050400; E-mail: tickets@child 5788, or FMCT: 701-235renstheatre.org Web: www. 6778. Web: www.tinroof childrenstheatre.org theatre.org or www.fmct.org

September 10, 2010

HEARING -

Cont. from p. 1

prone restraint, seclusion, individual isolation, electroconvulsive therapy and chemical restraints.

But if recent federal court filings are any indication, the case has become even more frustrating for the families and their attorneys. Attorneys for the families and for the state are disagreeing on a number of points, including the number of potential plaintiffs there could be in a class action case.

There is also continued sparring over the amount of information the state has provided to the court and to the defendants.

One recent court filing stated, “In an obvious attempt to blame the victims, the state defendants seek to highlight behaviors of METO residents to justify the State’s abuse, twist protected settlement discussions, cherry pick e-mails to suggest plaintiffs and their counsel are greedy and care only about money, attacking the motives of opposing coun-

sel and insisting that restraint has stopped at METO when they know, and have openly stated, that the state fully intends to continue its practice of restraining people with developmental disabilities.”

One filing on behalf of the families states, “On May 4, 1950, Governor Luther Youngdahl delivered a speech before a meeting of the American Psychiatric Association convention, stating: ‘…there is no place in a state hospital for mechanical restraints.’ Yet, here we are. Again. The state first rejected the dread of restraints 60 long years ago with the enlightened words of Governor Youngdahl. The state was then reminded in the 1980s and 1990s after a federal lawsuit shuttered the Cambridge State Hospital due to conditions of improper care and treatment. Now this case in 2010, despite the Minnesota Legislature’s creation of METO in response to the Cambridge lawsuit. Because the

13

Pete’s Reflections State Defendants continue to employ treatment strategies involving restraints, this Court should issue a preliminary injunction to protect the vulnerable citizens in the State’s institutions and certify this lawsuit as a class action.”

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

Court documents state that staff there routinely restrained patients in a prone face-down position and placed them in metal handcuffs and leg hobbles at risk of injury, causing them to struggle, cry and yell once they were in the restraints. METO also placed patients in seclusion rooms for extended time periods, and deprived them of visits from

family members. The lawsuit also states that restraints and seclusion were used by METO as a practice of behavior modification, coercion, discipline, convenience and retaliation.

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

The lawsuit was filed in July 2010. Since then there have been numerous motions, as well as discussions of when METO could phase out the use of restraints, proposed METO policies calling for ending use of restraints and ways METO staff could be trained in lieu of using restraints. But those discussions haven’t resulted in any timelines or agreements. ■

White knight

by Pete Feigal

When I was first hospitalized in 1971 at 14, in a place that took the “fun” out of “dysfunctional,” I prayed nightly for a White Knight to come to my rescue. But that young boy waited in vain.

When I was hospitalized in 1981, at 24, in a place where the charge nurse fell in love with me and took me out of the hospital against medical advice, I prayed nightly for a Knight on a White Stallion to come and save me. But it never happened for that young man.

Three weeks ago I was hospitalized at 55, at Fairview Riverside, and my former “jailers” had somehow become my “Angels.” And now, crawling death-quick into middle age, my White Knights DID come, but they wore White Coats.

With thanks to my dear friend, Delores. ■

LIONS -

Cont. from p. 8

A team cannot expect to play just to win. We have to have fun as top priority. Winning is nice, but it is not an end in itself.

After each game, we’d line up and shake hands with the players of the opposing team, congratulating each other for a game well played. Sportsmanship is an important part of beepball.

The Minnesota Fighting Lions’ weekly practices are held at the Cretin-Derham Hall High School Field in St. Paul. Come out and watch us play sometime. Maybe you will join our team Books Available Through Faribault pays special attention to those who are dying, knowing that time too and share in the excitement of this fantastic sport called Books broadcast on the Minnesota Radio Talking Book before anyone else. He never spends much time with the beepball.

Network are available through the Minnesota Braille and residents until they are in their last hours. Read by Charlie Contact Coach Dennis Stern for more details at 651-452Talking Book Library in Faribault. Call 1-800-722-0550, 7:30 Boone. Six broadcasts. Begins Sept. 27.

5324; dennisstern@comcast. net ■ a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Get information online by going to www.education.state.mn.us, and then clicking on Choice Reading • Monday – Friday 4 p.m.

Be our friend! Join our cause! the link. Listeners living outside of Minnesota may obtain The Postmistress, Fiction by Sarah Blake, 2010. Three women’s copies of books by contacting their own state’s Network lives come together in wartime: Frankie, who broadcasts re- Access Press is on facebook Library for the National Library Service. ports from London in 1940; Iris, the postmistress on Cape Cod; Link up with us. Join in on discussions Listen to the Minnesota Radio Talking Book, either live or and Emma Fitch, whose new husband heads to London to offer Donate to Minnesota’s archived programs from the last week, on the Internet at his help. Read by Bernadette Flynn. 15 broadcasts. Begins disability community newspaper www.mnssb.org/rtb. Call the staff for your password to the site. Sept. 20.

Get interesting information about current RTB events on the Facebook site for the Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network.

PM Report • Monday – Friday 8 p.m.

Facebook is a free social networking Web site. Register for Renegade, Nonfiction by Richard Wolffe, 2009. How did Facebook at www.facebook.com political newcomer Obama, with no money and an alien name, www.facebook.com Access Press is one of the publications featured at 9 p.m. become the world’s most powerful leader? He learned skills in Facebook is a free social networking Web site that allows Sundays on the program, It Makes a Difference. his youth and early career. L - Read by Kristi Sullivan. 17 people to connect with friends, share ideas and support broadcasts. Begins Sept. 27. issues and causes. Sign up and search for Access Press Chautauqua • Tuesday – Saturday 4 a.m.

The Philosophical Baby, Nonfiction by Alison Gopnik, 2009.

Night Journey • Monday – Friday 9 p.m.

There has been a revolution in understanding of minds of Hollywood Moon, Fiction by Joseph Wambaugh, 2009. While infants and young children. They learn, create, care, and in pursuit of a prowler who has been attacking women, “Holexperience more than we could imagine. Read by Audray Rees. lywood Nate” Weiss and Dana Vaughn, of the LAPD, stumble Nine broadcasts. Begins Sept. 22. on the crime web run by Dewey Gleason and his wife. L - Read

by Judy McGuigan. 15 broadcasts. Begins Sept. 13.

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

The Sisters Who Would Be Queen, Nonfiction by Leanda de Off the Shelf • Monday – Friday 10 p.m.

Lisle, 2009. The Grey sisters were great-granddaughters of Shadow Tag, Fiction by Louise Erdrich, 2010. Irene discovers Henry VII, legitimate successors to the throne and rivals to her husband Gil is reading her diaries and begins writing a fake Henry VIII’s daughters Mary and Elizabeth. Read by Bonnie one for him to find. L - Read by Jenny O’Brien. Six broadcasts.

Smith-Yackel. 14 broadcasts. Begins Sept. 28.

Begins Sept. 27.

Radio Talking Book • September Sampling

Bookworm • Monday – Friday 11 a.m.

Victoire, My Mother’s Mother, Fiction by Maryse Condé, 2010. Maryse’s grandmother was a white-skinned mestiza who cooked for a white family. Yet her daughter was a black militant. Read by Sherri Afryl. Eight broadcasts. Begins Sept.

20.

Potpourri • Monday – Friday 11 p.m.

The Snakehead, Nonfiction by Patrick Radden Keefe, 2009.

Sister Ping ran a full-service bank for illegal Chinese immigrants, but her real business was smuggling people. V, L - Read

by Colleen Matz. 14 broadcasts. Begins Sept. 28.

After Midnight • Tuesday – Saturday 1 a.m.

The Writer’s Voice • Monday – Friday 2 p.m.

The Anthologist, Fiction by Nicholson Baker, 2009. Poet Paul Making Rounds with Oscar, Nonfiction by David Dosa, M.D., Chowder is writing an introduction to a poetry anthology but 2010. Oscar is an ordinary cat at the Steere House Nursing and he’s having a hard time starting. L - Read by Arlan Dohrenburg.

Rehabilitation Center in Rhode Island. Normal except that he Eight broadcasts. Begins Sept. 30.

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

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14

Septemger 10, 2010

PERFORM. -

Cont. from p. 12

Anon Oct. 15-30 20% Theatre Twin Cities at Gremlin Theatre, 2400 University Ave. W, St. Paul. ASL: Sat., Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $10 (reg. $12$20); Phone: 612-227-1188; E-mail: tickets@tctwenty percent.org. Web: www. tctwentypercent.org My Name is Asher Lev Oct. 16 - Nov. 7 Minnesota Jewish Theatre at Hillcrest Center, 1978 Ford Pky, St. Paul. AD: Sun., Oct. 24, 1 p.m. Tix: $22; Phone: 651-647-4315. Web: www.mn jewishtheatre.org Rock of Ages Oct. 19-24 Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls. ASL: Sun., Oct. 24, 1 p.m. AD, captioning: Sun., Oct. 24, 6:30 p.m. Tix: $24-76; Limited seats available at lowest price level to ASL or captioning patrons. E-mail accessible@ broadwayacrossamerica.com; Phone: 612-339-7007 or 612373-5639; hotline 612-3735650. Web: www.hennepin theatretrust.org/accessible

Victoria St. N., St. Paul. ASL: Sun., Oct. 24, 3 p.m. AD: Fri., Oct. 29, 7 p.m. Tix: $14; youth/ senior (age 55+) $10; Phone: 651-225-9265; E-mail: info@ steppingstonetheatre.org Web: www.steppingstone theatre.org The Frog Prince Oct. 15 – Nov. 7 Stages Theatre at Hopkins Center for the Arts Jaycees Studio, 1111 Main St., Hopkins. ASL: Sat., Oct. 30, 1 p.m.; Thurs., Nov. 4, 10 a.m.

AD: available on request. Tix: $11, $9 child/senior, plus $1.50 per ticket handling fee; Phone: 952-979-1111. Web: www.stagestheatre.org Gee’s Bend Oct. 15 – Nov. 7 Park Square Theatre, 408 Saint Peter St., St. Paul. AD, ASL: Sat., Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to half-price ($1850); Phone: 651-291-7005. Web: www.parksquare theatre.org

Life is a Dream Oct. 29 - Nov. 21 Ten Thousand Things Theater at Open Book, 1011 Washington Ave. S., Mpls. AD: Sun., Oct. 31, 4 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $18 (reg. $25; students on Afternoon of the Elves Sun. $15), Phone: 612-203Oct. 6-22 Youth Performance at Howard 9502. Web: www.tenthous Conn Fine Arts Center, 1900 andthings.org Nicollet Ave., Mpls. AD, ASL: Evil Dead: The Musical Sun., Oct. 24, 2 p.m. Tix: ReOct. 22 – Nov. 7 duced to half-price (reg. $12, student 18 & under or senior Mpls. Musical Theatre at Illu62+, $10); Phone: 612-623- sion Theatre, 528 Hennepin 9080. Web: www.youth Ave., Mpls. AD, ASL: Sun., Oct. 31, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reperformanceco.com duced to $18 (reg. $25); Stone Soup Feeds the World Phone: 612-339-4944. Web: www.aboutmmt.org ■ Oct. 22 - Nov. 7 SteppingStone Theatre, 55

Computerized Desktop Publishing: Advertisements Brochures Catalogs Flyers Logos Newsletters Newspapers and More!

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

REGIONAL NEWS IN REVIEW preparing for Larson’s trial. The total counts represent three or four ways of charging the same allegations.

Larson is one of six young women who face charges of alleged abuse from January through May 2008. She and codefendant Brianna Broitzman have been charged as adults, while the remaining four young women faced charges in juvenile court.

Broitzman, who faces 15 counts, pleaded guilty Aug. 16 to three counts of disorderly conduct by a caregiver as part of a plea agreement in the case. Nelson added four counts to her charges a few days prior to when she entered the plea. Her sentencing is Oct. 22.

Larson’s pretrial court hearing is Sept. 15. No trial date has been set.

[Source: Albert Lea Tribune]

Stolen wheelchair returned to teen A Hugo teen’s wheelchair, stolen when her family’s vehicle was taken, has been recovered by St. Paul Police and Washington County law enforcement. The missing $6,000 specialized wheelchair went missing Aug. 11 when a burglar entered the Hugo garage of Kris Diel and stole a red Chevy Avalanche with the wheelchair in it. The chair is used by Diel’s 13-year-old daughter, Amber, who has spina bifida.

The family was surprised and pleased by an outpouring of public support from strangers wanting to replace the chair, which is pink and black with gray wheels.

But Amber Diel was happy to get her chair back after the arrest of Chad M. Dann, 35 of St. Paul. He was arrested just a few days after the vehicle and wheelchair were stolen.

Dann is charged with auto theft, fifth degree drug possession and fleeing a police officer. After his arrest law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at his home and recovered the wheelchair. It was quickly returned to its owner.

[Source: Pioneer Press]

Beep Baseball wants vets to play The World Series of Beep baseball or beep ball was hosted in Rochester at Fuad Mansour Soccer Complex. Remarkable athletes from around the world took the fields, and every one of them has a story.

But something is still missing, according to National Beep Baseball Association Vice President Jan Traphagan — former soldiers who have been blinded in combat. She recently took the first step toward creating a partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs by proposing the idea, though the plan remains in its infancy. Traphagan views it as a logical step for both sides to take, perhaps even incorporating Beep Baseball into the military’s rehab program for those who become visually impaired. ”They probably think they can’t do anything active anymore,” Traphagan told the Rochester Post-Bulletin. “I’m here to tell them they can. After rehab, or maybe it’s even a part of rehab, we’ll help these (people) get their self esteem back, their confidence back. Beep Baseball is a wonderful way to increase their mobility.”

Traphagan has not gotten in touch with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs yet, but Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Communications Director Anna Long called the proposal something that “sounds like it’s right in line with our initiatives.”

[Source: Rochester Post-Bulletin]

Cont. from p. 6

Daring rescue in Vadnais Heights Maplewood resident Darrell LaFountaine has a new friend for life in Henry Anderson. Anderson, 65, rescued LaFountaine from a burning van Aug. 8. LaFountaine and his girlfriend Faith Lockwood were driving their van along Centerville Road in Vadnais Heights when a broken gas line sent fire shooting from the engine. Smoke was beginning to fill the air inside.

LaFountaine, who has been paralyzed on his left side since 2008, uses a wheelchair. He was unable to get out of the van by himself. Anderson was running errands and getting ready for his wife’s baptism that day when he saw the burning van. The Vadnais Heights resident pulled off to the side and ran to help.

He calmed Lockwood and LaFountaine, and helped get LaFountaine out of the vehicle. He then grabbed the wheelchair and helped LaFountaine to safety. Anderson also helped rescue a pet dog from the van.

Anderson will receive an award for heroism this month from Ramsey County.

Vadnais Heights Fire Chief Ed Leier said Anderson is a “good Samaritan” for what he did not only during, but also after the incident. “He brought them and their belongings into his own van and took them to their home in Maplewood,” he said.

Anderson never made it to his wife’s noon baptism at Roseville Baptist Church that day. His wife, Trudy Irish, took it in stride.

“It was fine with me. He had called me and told me what was going on,” she said on Monday. “That’s just Henry. When there’s someone who needs help, he’s there.”

[Source: Pioneer Press]

Police seek driver who ran down disabled man St. Paul Police continue to seek the public’s help in finding out the motorist who struck and fatally injured Pine City resident Danny Wright. Wright, a person with disabilities, was struck and killed Aug. 8 as he walked from Regions Hospital to a rented room at Union Gospel Mission.

Wright had gone to Regions for medical treatment. As he walked back to the mission, a man drove up alongside him, shouting at him for reasons still unclear, police said. Wright continued walking to the mission’s parking lot, where the driver stopped behind him, then accelerated. Then, police said, he ran Wright down. Wright was taken back to Regions, where he died later that day.

Wright’s family and friends were stunned by the incident and said Wright would have done nothing to provoke someone else.

“Whoever was yelling at Danny, I’m sure he didn’t engage,” said his cousin Tracy Clymer, of Pine City. “When the car pulled up behind him, I know he felt fear. This was just really sadistic and vicious.”

Wright was psychiatrically disabled, but was a highly functioning adult and not homeless, she said. Before his disability was diagnosed about 20 years ago, he managed apartment complexes and worked as a handyman. He had planned to return to the Pine City farm after spending two weeks in the Twin Cities for medical appointments. When in the Cities, if he wasn’t staying at his father’s home in South St. Paul, he would rent a room at the mission. He had two adult sons and many other relatives and friends.

Wright was cremated and his cremains buried in one of his favorite flowerbeds at the farm. Wright stayed on-and-off at the farm and helped care for the nearly 30 dogs housed at its no-kill animal shelter, called Guardian Angel, Clymer said.

Crime Stoppers offers a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of a suspect in the case. ■ [Source: Star Tribune, KSTP TV]

September 10, 2010

EVENTS -

15

Cont. from p. 11

Bloomington Education Center, 1350 West 106 th St., Bloomington. Learn about special education, the importance of parental involvement and working with schools English, Somali, and Spanish versions of this workshop will be presented concurrently.

Talk the Talk, for parents of children with disabilities from birth to age 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Thu, Sept. 16, PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington. Learn the importance of early intervention and early childhood special education services for children. IDEA: Blueprint for Understanding the Special Education Process, for parents and professionals, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Mon, Sept. 13, at PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington. Learn to work with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to develop appropriate services for students. FFI: PACER at 952-838-9000 or 800-537-2237 (toll free) or visit the PACER website at PACER.org Apply now for Project KITE Project KITE, a free program for early childhood personnel and parents of young children with disabilities in Minnesota, is funded by the Minnesota Department of Education.

Next program deadline is Sept.

15. The primary goal of Project KITE is to foster inclusion of children with disabilities through the use of innovative assistive technology. The program provides assistive technology if applicants meet a number of conditions. Parents and professionals will learn to use assistive technology together through five hands-on training sessions, starting September and ending December 2010. KITE trainers will provide participants with knowledge and confidence to select, modify, customize and incorporate appropriate technology to improve educational outcomes. Trainings take place at or near the child’s school.

Upon completion of Project KITE, each participating team will receive a FREE Young Explorer Computer (pictured above) valued at over $2,500 for the classroom to help continue to promote inclusion among students. Young Explorer Computers are donated

by IBM and come pre-loaded with award winning educa-

TAMARACK and our low-friction interface technology can help orthotists, prosthetists and pedorthists prevent and care for those wounds. In this, our 20th year, we are launching a major campaign to educate care providers about the techniques and benefits of offloading both pressure and friction/shear.”

Tamarack contributes funds, materials and employee time to help educate and assist O&P

tional software.FFI: Tenley at meetings about its UCare for stc@pacer.org or (800) 537- Seniors Medicare Advantage 2237, www.pacer.org/stc/kite plan. Meetings are held all over the region. UCare for Seniors Support groups, has more than 75,000 memmeetings bers across Minnesota and western Wisconsin. UCare (is Mental illness an independent, nonprofit The National Alliance on Men- health plan providing health tal Illness of Minnesota care and administrative ser(NAMI-MN) sponsors free vices to more than 185,000 support groups for families members. UCare serves Mediwho have a relative with a care-eligible individuals mental illness. NAMI has 23 throughout Minnesota and in family support groups, over western Wisconsin; individu20 support groups for people als and families enrolled in living with a mental illness, 2 income-based Minnesota anxiety support groups, and Health Care Programs, such Vet Connection groups for re- as MinnesotaCare and Prepaid turning soldiers. Led by trained Medical Assistance Program; facilitators who also have a adults with disabilities and family member with mental Medicare beneficiaries with illness, the support groups help chronic health conditions. And families develop better cop- Minnesotans dually eligible for ing skills and find strength Medical Assistance and Medithrough sharing their experi- care FFI: 1-877-523-1518 (toll ences. A family support group free), www.ucare.org meets in the St. Paul area at 6:30 p.m., on the second and Volunteer fourth Wed. FFI: Anne Mae, 651-730-8434. A NAMI ConTutor a Child, nection peer support group for Change a Future adults recovering from mental Volunteers are needed to tuillness meets bi-weekly in tor elementary students in the Roseville.

St. Paul Public schools in A family support group reading and math. Under the meets in St. Paul at 6:30 p.m., guidance of a classroom on the fourth Tuesday of the teacher, volunteers assist stumonth, at Lutheran Church of dents one-on-one or in small the Redeemer, 285 North Dale groups determined by classSt. FFI: Hilary, 651-222-4323. room need. By contributing The free group is sponsored as little as two hours per week, by the National Alliance on you can give a struggling stuMental Illness (NAMI) of dent the extra attention needed Minnesota. Trained facilitators to help them succeed. Volunwho are also in recovery lead teers age 55 and older are NAMI Connection groups. eligible to receive free suppleThe group meets 6:30 p.m. mental insurance, mileage re2nd and 4th Wed at Centen- imbursement and other bennial Methodist Church, 1524 Co. Rd. C-2 W., Roseville.

FFI: Will, 651-578-3364, www.namihelps.org

efits through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) sponsored by Volunteers of America of Minnesota. FFI: Connie at 612-6177807 or e-mail cerickson @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

Reach 11,000 Active, Interested Readers with Access Press Classifieds. $13 up to 12 words, 60¢/word thereafter. Must be prepaid. Mail with check to: Access Press, 1821 University Ave W, #104S, St. Paul, MN 55104 • 651-644-2133 FOR RENT Holmes-Greenway Housing: One- and two-bedroom wheelchair-accessible apartments.

Section 8 subsidized. Convenient SE Minneapolis location. Call 612-378-0331 for availability information. Equal Opportunity Housing.

Lewis Park Apartments: Barrier-free housing with wheelchair users in mind. SecUCare meetings UCare hosts informational tion 8 subsidized. One- and two-bedroom units. For more information on availability call Cont. from p. 7 651-488-9923. St. Paul, MN. schools in many locations Equal Opportunity Housing. across the nation and around the world.

Oak Park Village: We are Looking forward, Tamarack accepting applications for the will continue to develop upon waiting list for one-bedroom its understanding of ankle-foot wheelchair accessible apartbiomechanics and skin trauma ments. Section 8 subsidized. in order to fuel future product Convenient St. Louis Park lodesign efforts. ■ cation. Call 952-935-9125 for (This information was com- information. Equal Opportupiled from the Tamarack news- nity Housing. letter and Web site.)

Kent Fordyce 612-889-2959 • fordyce6@aol.com Fax: 952-472-1458 6371 Bartlett Blvd, Mound, MN 55364 Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 & 2005

Employment

Be a literacy volunteer Enthusiastic individuals Employment ads are $22-$25 per col. inch. Sept. 30 is the needed to make a lasting difdeadline for the Oct. 10 issue. Mail to: Access Press, ference in the life of an adult 1821 University Ave. #104S, St. Paul, MN 55104 learner. Help someone in your FAX 651-644-2136 • Email: access@accesspress.org community learn English, prePCL CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, INC. pare for the GED or increase their basic math, reading and Central Corridor Light Rail Transit computer skills. Ongoing trainOperations & Maintenance Facility ing and support is provided through the Minnesota LitBid Date: October 28, 2010 @ 2:00 PM CST eracy Council. FFI: Allison Bid Amount: $45,000,000 Runchey, 651-645-2277, ext 219, arunchey@theMLC.org, Owner – Metropolitan Council www.theMLC.org ■ Design – AECOM Design Team

Classifieds

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, 651-645-2948, www.namihelps.org

Kent’s Accounting Service, LLC

Seward Square Apartments: We are currently accepting applications for our waiting list for barrier-free housing, in Minneapolis, that is federally subsidized. For an application, please call 612-338-2680.

Equal Opportunity Housing.

Calvary Center Apts: 7650 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN. A Section 8 building now accepting applications for our waiting list. Call 9 am to 4 pm, Mon – Fri 763-5464988 for an application. Equal Opportunity Housing.

PCL encourages all DBE subcontractors and suppliers to submit bids for this project. We also recommend all bidding subcontractors expend every good faith effort to achieve maximum participation by DBE’s.

Plans are available for download for $10 at www.questcdn.com, eBidDoc #: 1278004.

Plans are available for viewing at: Minneapolis Builders Exchange, St. Paul Builders Exchange, and PCL’s Burnsville Office.

Scopes include, but are not limited to: selective demolition, parking lot paving and site concrete, cast-in-place concrete, masonry, structural steel framing, light rail track, roofing, glazing, finishes, mechanical and electrical systems, O&M Facility equipment.

PCL Construction Services, Inc. Attn: Chris Hauck 12200 Nicollet Avenue South Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 952-882-9600 FAX: 952-882-9900 An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V Exec Dir Mid-MN Legal Assist (MMLA)

FOR SALE This could be your ad. Thousands of people could be reading about that special something you have for sale and reaching for the phone to call you right now! Let Access Press help you market your organization, products and service. Call today to place your ad. 651-644-2133

MMLA is an urban-rural prog serv 20 counties in central MN, incl Mpls, on poverty law issues, and the entire state on disability law and legislative issues. The posn is located in Mpls. Ideal candidate will have personal qual that incl integrity, commitment to MMLA’s mission, respect for diversity and the ability to inspire and motivate. Must be a strategic thinker, with a demonstrated commitment to low-income and disadvantaged people’s issues; possess mngmt and litigation exp and be able to lead, motivate, and dev staff. More info: www.midmnlegal.org/jobs.

Septemger 10, 2010

16

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