January 2011 Edition - Access Press by Access Press

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Inside:

H i s t o r y

■ Impacts explained - pg 3 ■ Our new directory- pp 7-10 ■ Back in the game - pg 15

N o t e P g 2

“Majority rule only works if you’re also considering individual rights. Because you can’t have five wolves and one sheep voting on what to have for supper.” — Larry Flynt Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Mpls. MN Permit No. 4766 Address Service Requested

Volume 22, Number 1

Minnesota’s Disability

Taking a dive

Community Newspaper

January 10, 2011

Sidewalk café regulations continue to cause debate by Jane McClure

Autumn Paulson didn’t let cerebral palsy stop her from diving in Grand Cayman. She earned her diving certification and then took the trip of a lifetime. Read her story on page 14. Photo courtesy of Autumn Paulson

St. Paul’s proposed changes to sidewalk café and store display regulations will not take effect until late February or March at the earliest, if the St. Paul City Council sticks to the agreed-on schedule. The continuing delays in proposed ordinance changes meant to ensure sidewalk accessibility are beginning to frustrate some members of the city’s disability community. More than half a dozen people with disabilities and their family members attended a Dec. 15 public hearing on the proposed changes. One Grand Avenue coffee house owner also attended. They spoke in support of the changes which would require a minimum 48-inch clearance zone through sidewalk cafes, sidewalk sales or merchandise and other sidewalk displays.

But several restaurant owners contacted council members in December and asked for more time to study and speak out about the changes, given the busy holiday dining season. The City Council agreed to lay over the public hearing until Jan. 5. Ward Two Council Member Dave Thune agreed to the layover. But he also pointed out that the city’s current ordinance, calling for just 36 inches of sidewalk clearances, isn’t in compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and that the city cannot continue putting off adoption of the changes. The ADA calls for a minimum 48 inches of clearances. Pending federal regulations on sidewalk access could also add additional requirements during 2011, including the erection

of fences to separate diners and sidewalk users. The delays mean any local changes cannot be adopted until Jan. 12 at the earliest. Ordinances and ordinance changes in St. Paul don’t take effect until 30 days after those changes are adopted and then published. A second version of the ordinance was introduced Jan. 5, which could cause more debate and delays. The ordinance is expanded to not cover just sidewalk cafes but also to include other uses of public sidewalks, including sidewalk sales or use of sidewalks to display signs and merchandise. The ordinance changes address these uses. Advocates are pushing for the changes to be adopted, including current and former members of the St. Paul Regulations - cont. on p. 15

Analysis

Understanding what the legislative session will mean by John Tschida With Gov. Mark Dayton heading the executive branch and Republican majorities steering the Minnesota Legislature, the 2011 session began Jan. 4 with a daunting task: plug the state’s $6.2 billion budget deficit before the fiscal year ends July 1. At roughly 19 percent of the state’s overall budget, the gap between projected spending and anticipated revenue will not be easily bridged. DFLer Dayton has pledged to seek additional tax revenue from high-income Minnesotans as a part of the solution. Republican leaders in both the House and Senate say that proposal will be dead on arrival. So what does all this mean for people with disabilities? Here are a number of things everyone with an interest in disability programs and services should understand.

Amy Koch and Speaker of the House Kurt Zellers have made it clear in many public forums that Minnesota has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. Their top priority is creating new jobs and growing the state’s economy. How they will do this is uncertain, but additional taxes will not be part of the solution. Also uncertain: where the new majority will stand on key elements of the federal health reform law. While they oppose the expansion of Medicaid (as did outgoing Gov. Tim Pawlenty) it’s unclear what position they’ll take on certain grant or innovation opportunities, as well as the emerging health insurance exchange. The latter needs to be up and running by 2014, but will take years to plan and implement.

dependent, the most common form of support is the Medicaid program. Unfortunately, this is the fastest growing part of the state budget, now accounting for 30 percent of state general fund expenditures. More than two-thirds of that spending is devoted to the elderly and disabled. That means it will be nearly impossible to cut the state’s budget without significant harm to these vulnerable populations. The chair of the House human services budget committee, Rep. Jim Abeler, has said the overall human services budget cuts will total around $1.6 billion. That’s almost as much as the state’s total public safety budget.

The rookie factor Nearly one in three legisFollow the money lators at the capitol are new. While people with disabili- Many have no background in New leadership/philosophy ties often rely on many areas local politics. Republicans Senate Majority Leader of government to remain in- account for 54 of the 60 new

incoming members. Many of these individuals are more conservative than moderate and were elected on a ‘less government, no more taxes’ platform. Learning the ropes to understand the rules of the legislative process is hard enough. But digging into the mind-numbing minutia of state budget spreadsheets (to understand, for example, the implications of proposed changes to inpatient Medicaid reimbursement rates, disproportionate share hospital payment percentages and their cumulative effect on rural hospitals) is something that leaves even capitol veterans scratching their heads. Many of these rookies are likely to defer to their caucus leaders for guidance on policy content, but remember: many of these leaders will be holding power as committee chairs for the first time. How they’ll handle the pressure and responsibility of

making huge cuts is unknown and untested. Executive power is great While the legislature will in all likelihood pass a budget that significantly and negatively impacts the disability community, don’t forget the role Dayton will play. The power of the governor’s veto is significant. He and his team of appointees also control every state government agency. There’s a great deal the governor can do by executive order and the legislature can do nothing to stop or alter it (especially in the area of health care and opportunities created by the federal Affordable Care Act). Because of the large philosophical divide between the two government branches, many lobbyists are already predicting a special session come spring.

Power of the people The scope of the budget challenge and the educational opportunities presented by having 60 new lawmakers are equally great. Members of the disability community and the providers who serve them must engage in the political process and explain the value of state programs and services, as well as the consequences that will occur if they are significantly scaled back. Coalitions like the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (www.mnccd.org) have been successful in stemming some adverse proposals, but this year, individuals need to develop ongoing relationships with their legislators to support the efforts of those who advocate full time at the state capitol. Please visit the website or call Anni Simons at 651523-0823, x112 for more information on how to become involved. ■

January 10, 2011

Tim Benjamin, Editor Our 40th Governor, Mark Brandt Dayton, has taken the oath as Chief Executive Officer of Minnesota. His inaugural speech was loaded with themes of cooperation and our need to work together. He said, “Let’s get Minnesota working ... together. We can’t succeed without you. You can’t succeed without one another…. Let us recognize all that is good about Minnesota and make it better ... by working together.” His three main goals are more jobs, a

fair balanced budget and improved government services. He said we have the talent, and the spirit, and a priceless quality of life that can bring more jobs to Minnesota. On balancing the budget: “My proposed budget solution will be reasonable, balanced—and painful—because I see no easy alternative. I will insist that any final solution make Minnesota’s overall tax burden more progressive, not more regressive.” As to improving government social services, our new governor suggests that we all must get involved. He quoted Roman statesman Cicero, who said that in a democracy, the most important office is that of citizen. As the state’s resources continue to fall short of needs, we must all get involved in some capacity. I still suggest that those of us who depend on state social services can look for ways to save state money by recycling or safely reusing some state-supplied products. We can exercise our current or

future job skills by volunteering at libraries, schools, hospitals or nonprofits. Whatever else you decide to do, make sure you’re at the capitol to tell your story and educate our new legislators. Help them understand your needs and thoughts on how to save vital financial resources. Dayton said he wanted a more progressive state tax, and if those with higher incomes will have to help out financially, those of us with low incomes ought to contribute in other ways. We all have to contribute. Minnesota Disability Law Center’s Patricia Siebert stepped up for this month’s history note. Luther Granquist is taking a brief sabbatical. (He and his wife, Anita Schermer are both tremendous contributors to Access Press, the disability community and the quality of life in Minnesota. Siebert does an excellent job of recapping the history of what we know today as NAMI Minnesota. Like so many nonprofit disability

rights organizations, NAMI began at a kitchen table. Some concerned parents of children with disabilities were determined not to let down their children, and they saw it as their parental obligation to ensure that the state fulfilled its social responsibility to all children. Anne Henry, also from Minnesota Disability Law Center, gives us a view of service options available to the disability community, from federal government funding to state medical assistance. Henry explains two programs, Money Follows the Person and the Community First Choice Option, that you may have heard about but never completely understood. This easy-to-understand article will be useful for new legislators in coming to appreciate the massive savings that federal grant programs offer to our state budget. Many thanks to the Disability Law Center for good articles this month. Courage Center’s John

Tschida contributed two articles this month. Since Tschida is one of our community’s finest lobbyists, readers can use his legislative analysis to get the expert’s view of what’s coming up. On page 4, Tschida responds to Billy Golfus, one of our finest, most outspoken disability community activists. Golfus has expressed his concerns about what he sees as shortcomings of Courage Center and his legislatively enforced poverty. Golfus has a very long history of involvement and photojournalistic documentation of the disability rights movement, and is nationally known for his award-winning 1995 documentary “When Billy Broke His Head ... and Other Tales of Wonder” (www.fanlight.com/catalog/ films/136_wbbhh.php). If you haven’t seen it, put it at the top of your list. It’s a must-see film about the history of the disability rights movement, as well as the brave, funny story of Billy’s life.

It was a hectic ending for 2010 at Access Press. The day after Christmas a pipe burst and began flooding our offices. Because of the quick work of the staff, disaster was diverted. Jane McClure stopped into the office Sunday shortly after the pipe ruptured. She moved the phones and computers out of harm’s way while waiting for maintenance people to arrive and shut off the water. The following morning Dawn Frederick came in and with a little help from Griggs Midway staff, moved things back into place and had almost everything up and running by noon. On-Site Computer’s Michael Stier was there to get the computers back up and running and Dick Johnson, of Sound Services, had the telephones working again by 3 p.m. Tuesday morning we were sending this edition to our desktop publisher. We are back functioning as if nothing had happened! We wish you all a happy, dry 2011. ■

History Note

Kitchen table coalition brought mental health changes by Pat Siebert In 1975, not a nickel of state money was spent on mental health services in the community. In 1976, the state decided to close Hastings State Hospital—with no transfer of funds to community services. At the same time, Pat Solomonson, a mother of five, struggled to find community care and treatment for her young adult son who had developed schizophrenia. Unable to find services for her son or support for herself, she gathered what she called a “kitchen table coalition” of similarly situated families to talk about badly needed changes in mental health care. Solomonson and her coalition were determined to get beyond the stereotypes keeping people in institutions and to

get others to see that mental illnesses were biological disorders. Calling themselves “FED UP—Families of the Emotionally Disturbed United for Progress”; they decided to pressure the Minnesota Legislature to use savings from the Hastings hospital closure as a starting place to fund community mental health services. The legislation that resulted in large part from their efforts was, somewhat ironically, attached to a bill for a domed stadium—which almost died due to lack of support. Luckily, the bill survived, with allocations paving the way for community mental health services. The legislature ultimately allocated $300,000 from the Hastings closure to

community services, plus $750,000 for SLIC (Shared Life in the Community) and $500,000 for Rule 22, which provided state monies for dropin centers, independent living services and program development. Robert T. Smith, a columnist for the Minneapolis Tribune, wrote about the coalition’s efforts in a May 16, 1976 column. “Ms. Solomonson has done the near-impossible; she bulldogged a bill through the Minnesota Legislature the first time around. She did it by organizing parents of the mentally ill, mainly mothers, and by a lot of work. She had never given a speech before a group, had never lobbied for a bill, and had never been head of any-

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 ........................................................................................ 651-644-2133 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

thing. ‘I was told it would take two years just to present such a program,’ said Ms. Solomonson. Working 50 hours a week, she and her mothers did it in nine month. A note to the legislators: Ms. Solomonson and her mothers will probably be back next year. Why don’t you just mail her the money?” Solomonson’s advocacy group incorporated as the Mental Health Advocacy Coalition (MHAC) in 1977, with, as she noted, “no office, no staff and no funding”. Yet, in a short five years, MHAC and its allies saw community mental health funding increase dramatically. The 1981 legislature appropriated $4.9 million for Rule 36 residential services, $5 million for programs such as day treatment and crisis intervention services, and $2 million for community based support programs such as drop-in centers. All of this was accomplished before the passage of the milestone Com-

Pat Solomonson Photo courtesy of NAMI Minnesota

prehensive Mental Health Act of 1987. MHAC is now known as NAMI Minnesota. ■ Pat Siebert, Minnesota Disability Law Center, is filling in for regular History Note writer Luther Granquist.

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

January 10, 2011

New options could benefit community support services by Anne Henry There are several new opportunities for Minnesota to obtain both a federal demonstration grant and increased federal Medicaid matching funds to improve our state’s community support services and reduce the use of institutions for persons with disabilities of all ages. How the state takes advantage of these opportunities will play out in the weeks and months ahead. Congress adopted a variety of provisions for long-term care as part of federal health care reform legislation in March 2010. Two sections appear to be very promising opportunities for Minnesota: a “Money Follows the Person” demonstration grant and a new state Medicaid option, “Community First Choice Option,” for home and community-based attendance services. Money Follows the Person (MFP) grants were first available under the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. Changes were made and the grant availability was extended by Congress last March. Minnesota is currently applying to secure a

five-year MFP grant for our state to: 1) Assist persons who have been in an institution for more than 90 days to move to the community; 2) Provide critical service and supports to reduce crises and avoid institutional use; 3) Develop and provide initial services and/or referrals to high-risk individuals to avoid institutionalization. The Department of Human Services has sought input from a variety of people on a very short timeline, since the grant application was to be submitted to the Center on Medicare and Medicaid Services by Jan. 7, 2011. Because of a significant federal effort to assist states in reducing institutional care, it appears quite likely that Minnesota will join more than 30 other states and receive an MFP grant. The MFP demonstration grant will provide 25 percent extra federal Medicaid match for the first year that a person living in an institution for more than 90 days moves to the community; and provide funds to cover the costs of administering the grant. It will provide the money needed for infrastructure

changes to support people who have moved from institutions or need services to prevent institutionalization or crises which could lead to institutional placement. Full information about Minnesota’s application for Money Follows the Person funds and plans to improve services will be posted on the DHS website. The Community First Choice Option (CFCO), also titled 1915k, is a new Medicaid optional service included in the Affordable Care Act of 2010. The CFCO has several positive features which would improve Minnesota’s Personal Care Assistant (PCA) program. First of all, the CFCO requires that services and supports are provided in a manner that does not discriminate based on age, condition, disability, or type of diagnosis or help needed. This inclusive provision would mean that Minnesota would have to change its restrictive PCA criteria which disproportionately affects those with mental illnesses, behavioral challenges, cognitive limitations and brain injury. Also, CFCO provides

six percent more in federal Medicaid match funds. The type of assistance which can be provided under the CFCO includes assisting a person to acquire, maintain or enhance skills or functioning, and is not limited to a maintenancelevel of service. Room and board payments as well as medical supplies and home modifications are excluded under the CFCO. However, transition assistance to move from an institutionlevel-of-care, including an institution for mental disease (IMD), including rent and utility deposits and technology which substitutes for human assistance, are covered. The CFCO would require state legislation to authorize the Department of Human Services to submit a state plan amendment to implement it. The Department of Human Services is required to work with a stakeholder group composed of a majority of persons with disabilities, seniors, and their representatives. Also required is a comprehensive, continuous quality improvement program for services provided under CFCO.

People and places

News about people in our community Grants benefit several groups The Digital Inclusion Fund has awarded 11 grants totaling $100,000 to Minneapolis organizations for programs to promote technology access and technology literacy. These are the third set of grants awarded from the Digital Inclusion Fund, which was created in 2007 as part of the “Wireless Minneapolis” contract between the City of Minneapolis and US Internet Wireless, the company that manages the citywide wireless network. The “Wireless Minneapolis” contract included a Community Benefits Agreement that was the first of its kind in the country, and the Digital Inclusion Fund is a key component of the agreement. The Digital Inclusion Fund provides financial resources to organizations in Minneapolis that increase technology access and skills among low-income people, people with disabilities, people of color, immigrants and refugees, displaced workers, seniors in order to bridge the digital divide. The fund is managed by the Minneapolis Foundation. Organizations serving senior citizens and people with disabilities receiving grants include Augustana Care, $7,500 to support the Seniors Online program at Augustana Care’s Minneapolis Campus. Funds will be used to upgrade computer equipment, and for technical support and assistive devices primarily for older adults with low vision. Learning in New Dimensions, Inc. received $10,000 to teach technology access to blind persons in Minneapolis using synthesized speech and refreshable Braille displays. Little Brothers—Friends of the Elderly received $6,995 for technology improvements for elderly program participants in order to increase quality and efficiency of programs, assessment and implementation of computer training for staff, and replacement of key equipment. To date, USI Wireless has provided more than $500,000 to the Digital Inclusion Fund. In the years to come, a percentage of USI Wireless’ revenue from wireless subscriptions will go into the fund.

UCare debuts new Mobile Dental Clinic UCare Minnesota has unveiled a fully accessible “dentist’s office on wheels.” The clinic made its inaugural stop at the Dakota County Northern Service Center in West St. Paul. It replaced UCare’s first-ever mobile clinic vehicle. Nancy Feldman, President and CEO, UCare and Paul Schulz, DDS, MPH, Associate Clinical Specialist, Director of Outreach and Director of the Mobile Dental Clinic, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, were on hand for the first stop,

as were Sheila Riggs, DDS, Chair of the Department of Primary Dental Care, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and Bonnie Brueshoff, Public Health Director, Dakota County. The custom-built, full accessible clinic vehicle replaced UCare’s first vehicle, which was retired after driving almost 100,000 miles to serve UCare members and community agencies. The clinic is a fully equipped, 43-foot vehicle—a “dentist’s office on wheels”—that brings quality dental care to UCare members in Minnesota who have limited access to dental services. UCare is the first health plan in Minnesota to own and operate a mobile dental unit. The health plan works to reduce disparities and raise awareness of the issue of dental access for the uninsured, and connect members to a health care provider in their community. Staff on the vehicle provide dental exams, cleanings, fluoride treatment, and primary dental care to eligible members of UCare’s Minnesota Health Care Programs and Medicare plans. The vehicle is a partnership between UCare and the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. All dental services are provided by School of Dentistry dental and dental hygiene students, who treat patients under supervision of a School of Dentistry faculty dentist. This partnership began with the original clinic’s launch in August 2002.

North Country Health Services, Sanford Health to merge Two long-standing health care systems announced plans to combine their strengths and expertise, which will offer greater depth and breadth of services to people in northern Minnesota. North Country Health Services (NCHS), based in Bemidji, and Sanford Health, based in Fargo, and Sioux Falls, announced the NCHS Board of Trustees and Sanford Board of Trustees have signed letters of intent to launch the merger. “North Country Health Services and Sanford Health announced their intent to come together as one organization, better positioning us to lead in northern Minnesota by delivering innovative health care and expanding our capabilities in highly specialized areas of medicine,” said Dr. Jim Bensen, North Country board of trustees. Coming together enhances an already solid relationship between NCHS and Sanford Health. By integrating, $75 million would be invested into the community through facilities, recruitment and technology over the next ten years. A portion of the total investment, a $5 million gift, will be given to the NCHS Foundation to begin that process. NCHS and Sanford People/places - cont. on p. 14

In order to qualify for CFCO attendant care, an individual must meet a state’s institutional-level-of-care criteria. Currently, Minnesota has rather broad institutionallevel-of-care criteria which cover nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities for persons with developmental disabilities, institutions for mental disease, as well as children and adult mental health residential treatment. It appears that most of Minnesota’s currently eligible PCA recipients would continue to be eligible under this institutional-levelof-care criteria. However, Minnesota has already adopted new institutional-level-of-care criteria for nursing facilities which will likely have to be delayed until 2014 due to a federal maintenance of effort requirement. Even under Minnesota’s stricter nursing facility-level-of-care criteria, it appears that the CFCO would be able to cover most current PCA recipients. More restrictive PCA eligibility criteria will be imposed in Minnesota beginning July 1, 2011, requiring persons to be dependent in at least two activities of daily living (ADL). Beginning in July 2011, Level I behavior will no longer be considered a factor in qualifying for PCA service. More than 2,500 current PCA recipients are at risk of being terminated from service due to the new criteria. It will be easier to qualify for a nursing

facility than for Minnesota’s PCA service when the new criteria become effective. Because the Community First Choice Option is brand new, there are many questions about how the new program will be implemented and regulated by the federal agency in charge, Center for Medicaid and Medicare services (CMS). It is essential that CMS provide specific guidance to states before Minnesota can proceed with a detailed analysis to determine whether Minnesota should seek a state plan option under CFCO. Some of the concerns stated by the Department of Human Services include assuring that eligibility would not expand financial eligibility or functional criteria beyond those currently eligible for PCA services. Limits on expansion are needed because of the staggering state budget deficit Minnesota faces for the coming legislative session of $6.2 billion. However, Minnesota’s budget crisis is also a prime reason for pursuing both the Money Follows the Person demonstration grant and the CFCO to obtain additional federal funding to accomplish long agreed-upon state policy goals of improving community support services for Minnesotans with disabilities of all ages. ■ Anne Henry is an attorney at the Minnesota Disability Law Center.

January 10, 2011

Guest commentary and response

Costs are a barrier to Courage Center program by Billy Golfus Courage Center is forcing me out of the sailing program by their insistence on charging a man who has already been legislated into poverty. You may say that this is about fun and sailing but it is also political (as much as I hate that aspect). My graduate school advisor said politics dictates who controls the goods and services. You want to be especially accommodating to Courage Center because that is the source of the boats, volunteer training, liability protection and quack quack quack. I get $1,010 a month Social Security Disability Income from which the state of Minnesota has legislated me and people like me further into poverty by taking an additional $333 “spend down.” The state

will not let me earn above $650 a month. I know of people who have been forced to give everything away and move into nursing homes because of the state “spend down”. The state is taking the federal money that I earned as a taxpayer. The federal government allows me $1,010 and the state government only allows $650; what’s wrong with this picture? Then, I am told that Courage Center “has to” pay their staff. If you charge for the service you will force me and most disabled people out. Courage Center is more concerned with their expenses and paying their staff than the plight of people with disabilities. Have you ever read “Disabling Professions,” an essen-

tial book about how the “helping professions” need groups to make their money? They work with the Mask of Love, as the book calls it. The Mask of Love is to pretend to have concerns about people with disabilities and then look for ways to take more money from the poorest group and keep disabled people isolated and powerless. I know that people don’t want to look at anything academic when they’re trying to have fun. But I hope that you do: http://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/Social_model_of_ disability The Social Model of Disability is a reaction against the Medical Model of Disability. There were 54 some million people with disabilities as of the U.S. Census in 1996.

Roughly 1 in 5 (20%) of America has some disability. One in 12 Americans has a severe disability. 75% of that population is unemployed primarily through a combination of prejudice and governmental rules. Of the 25% who are working 75% can only find part-time jobs. As you know manufacturing —made in America—is a thing of the past. All of the “work” work has been exported. Now more than 60% (a decade ago) are in service professions. There are places like Courage Center and they need people to serve. I was told that they wanted to charge a fee to pay their staff. That is exactly what I am talking about. The sailing program is not

being made available to most disabled people who can’t afford Courage Center. Oh, yeah, I forgot there are those who think it is all about wheelchairs and doesn’t have anything to do with politics and economics, has nothing to do with the 75% WHO CAN’T AFFORD the Courageous Center. I was so excited about the disability sailing program because it looked as if it might be about fun and sailing and equality and people helping each other. But it is always about power and money isn’t it? Most peoples’ ideas about disability come from the postWorld War II polio epidemics. The national icon is the wheelchair symbol. For most of the last half of the 20th cen-

tury the disability leaders were predominantly post-polio. Now since the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan where there are all these IED brain Injuries (my disability) you’re going to see lots more people with brain damage like me. And our national perception of disability will change. I don’t have any money or any resources to offer but I would like to know if grants and corporations could help fund disability sailing. Courage Center is forcing me out of the sailing club and making it middle class and exclusive. I hope people don’t let that happen. I was excited to get to do something that I have always been excluded from-here we go again. ■

Concerns raised reflect harsh realities for nonprofits by John Tschida Thank goodness for the Billy Golfuses of the world. They serve as our canaries in the mine shaft, taking great risks to tell us when things are becoming difficult, unfair or untenable. Golfus’ commentary reflects the harshest realities of today’s torn social safety net and failing medical system

which for folks who are living in poverty—many of whom are disabled—often is too expensive or inaccessible. Here are the facts: Courage Center was founded 83 years ago in the spirit of the “social model” Golfus references—a community organization largely dependent on dona-

tions, focused on changing society’s biases, improving accessibility, and offering opportunities so people with disabilities can maximize their independence and have full lives. Our mission has not changed, although today Courage Center also offers aspects of the “medical

Diamond Hill Townhomes We are currently accepting applications for our waiting list at Diamond Hill Townhomes, a great property located near the Minneapolis International Airport. We have two and three bedroom townhomes that are HUD subsidized and rent is 30% of the total household's adjusted gross income. We have a large number of mobility impaired accessible units and we are scheduling appointments for persons in need of a mobility impaired accessible unit immediately. To schedule an appointment please call (612) 726-9341.

model,” including an array of therapies and technologies. However, the “social model” is at our core, and includes vocational services, fitness and wellness programming and in-home services that save money and keep people independent. Our largest non-medical program, with nearly 400 participants of all ages, is referenced by Golfus: Courage Center’s Sports and Recreation program, which co-sponsors an adaptive sailing program, along with the Lake Harriet Yacht Club. Again, the facts: the adaptive sailing program fee is $100 for 13 weeks, all inclusive. Volunteers train our participants, maintain and store the boats and equipment, and individuals and sailing clubs have donated our fleet of Mach 4 Paralympic adaptive sail boats. If a participant can not pay the fee, Courage Center has a simple, confidential scholarship application. Our long-term policy in Sport and Rec is no one gets turned away. Golfus knows this.

However, his frustration is a grim warning. Courage Center, like all other venerable non-profits in our community, faces its most threatening financial challenges in its 83year history. Like investors everywhere, our endowment funds were greatly diminished leaving less foundation dollars for the organization and its operations. One-third – or $1 of every $3 spent – of our operating revenues comes from donations, donations that provide things like sailing scholarships, or supplement the true cost of keeping our doors open. Government payment for medical services no longer covers our costs to provide those services; we must supplement the cost for every client we see who is covered by a government program, specifically MA. This is a problem we share with other organizations that provide medical services. So if you are interested in an adaptive sailing program, give Courage Center a call or check us out at www.CourageCenter.

org If you can’t afford the $100 fee, we would intend to have you covered. But Golfus is right to sound the alarm about the larger picture. Without a shift in funding priorities, without a change in community values that celebrates all of us no matter our differences, and without the traditional generosity of our contributors, places we count on, like Courage Center, may not all be here when you or I need them. To assure its sustainability and remain successful, Courage Center must join organizations of all sizes and pedigrees in being creative, nimble and willing to accept that the business models of old are ill-suited for today’s economic reality. Our business model must evolve, and it will always have the individual and the needs of the community at its heart. ■ John Tschida is Vice President, Public Policy and Research, Courage Center

January 10, 2011

Pete’s Reflections

Camera obscura part IV: As they say, you can’t get there from here by Pete Feigal There is a famous New York saying, “You can’t get there from here.” This is exactly what many of our lives have been like. “You just can’t get there from here.” That feeling that you have that you’re always auditioning for an unknown part in an unknown play, and you can’t remember your lines, and a faceless voices in the back, stop you with a bored; “Thank you. That will be all for today.” According to Plato, we never learn anything. Our souls have been around for so long, we know everything, we just don’t remember from life to life. Maybe it’s there, so close, hiding out in the right side behind a wisp of breath, the curtain separating the left brain from the right. Sometimes teachers, books, experiences, beauty and suffering can remind us of what we already know. I think our pain, misery and loneliness causes a suppression of our rational mind and allows that wild, rebellious Right Side to break loose, and become the source of our inspiration. “Inspiration” means “divine breath,” maybe that’s where God or our higher power lies within us: on the elusive Right Side. Maybe it’s in those wonderful/terrible moments of crisis or ecstasy, that’s when our

higher power comes flooding in. Why is it when we talk to our higher power, we’re praying and when our higher power talks to us, we’re schizophrenic? Like many wonderful and precious things, whether it be a painting from a master, or a religious conversion, even maybe to win the heart of your true love, it takes fierceness to get it, some struggle, some sacrifice, some price to be paid. Maybe our pain is the tax for those precious things. Nothing of real value comes free. Enough of any stress, good or bad, love or pain, can bring us ideas, insights and talents we can achieve in no other way. For more than 30 years, I have professionally worked as an actor, writer, artist and motivational speaker. I believe that the job of the artist is to make order out of chaos; chaos of the world, chaos within our own souls and bodies. Chaos gets a bad rap, but is actually the essence of all birth; our Universe was created from chaos. As an artist, we collect things: details, patterns, alternative answers to puzzles, organize, assemble, montage. All the little moments, visions, dreams and experiences; all the beautiful sunsets and failed relationships. All the little but-

terflies of creative ideas that are collected, before we lost them forever. Everything by itself is useless; useless until you tie them together. Then if you’re very lucky or very damned, it happens, the precise ingredients and the right alchemy comes together somehow, and something

unique and amazing is created and then it’s all worth it. Part of what I teach to both physicians and to those battling chronic illness, especially mental illness, is that there is nothing wrong with us. We don’t need to be, and can never be “Fixed”! We don’t need to change

anything; we simply must reawaken what is already wise and strong within ourselves. What we need to heal ourselves is already there. We just have to remember where it is, and then believe it’s ours. It’s the Camera Obscura. ■

January 10, 2011

Regional news in review . . . Dog guide found after night away

Final sentencing in nursing home case

The final defendant in the Albert Lea, Good Samaritan nursing home abuse case was sentenced to 180 days in jail. Ashton Larson, 20, of Albert Lea, was the second of two former aides sentenced for abusing residents of the nursing home. The sentencing brings to an end the criminal proceedings in an abuse case that shocked and angered people around the region. Larson, Brianna Broitzman and four other nursing home workers were accused of taunting, spitting on, hitting and committing other forms of physical and mental abuse on the elderly nursing home residents. Broitzman was sentenced in October to a sentence similar to Larson’s, according to the Albert Lea Tribune. Larson’s attorney asked if her sentence could begin after Christmas. But Judge Steven Schwab sent her to jail immediately. Larson will serve 60 days now and two more 60-day stints in 2011. But she can petition the court to waive the second two terms. In court, Larson apologized to victims’ families and said her actions were “extremely harmful and dumb.” Families of several victims plan a civil lawsuit in connection Help available to find family members The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office is offering a new service with the case. They contend that the nursing home should have to Anoka County residents: transmitting bracelets for any person known about the abuse and should have done more to prevent it. [Source: Albert Lea Tribune] with cognitive impairments who has a tendency to get lost. “It’s not for moms who are just worried their child will wander off; this is not a babysitting tool,” said Christine Platz, Hastings Veterans Home makes changes The two top administrators at Hastings Veterans Home are a spokeswoman for Project Lifesaver International, which out of their jobs after state investigators concluded that director makes the bracelets. Project Lifesaver International is a nonprofit organization of nursing Connie Ball mistreated workers by creating a “fearthat works with public safety agencies to help find missing ful environment,” and that the administrator failed to intervene. “Staff members appeared to be sincerely afraid of Ball, children and adults with Alzheimer’s, autism or dementia. Participants in the program are fitted with transmitting brace- [describing] behaviors such as raising her voice at staff memlets on their wrists or ankles. If a client wanders off, the bers, screaming, ripping paper, openly belittling staff, swearSheriff’s Office is notified by a friend or family member and ing, name-calling, slamming her hand on the table ... and sends a response team with specialized equipment to locate the displaying an overall negative attitude,” said the report, by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, which operates the missing person. The bracelet uses a radio frequency. The last time a person went missing in Anoka County was a home. However the investigation found that allegations of year ago, when an elderly woman suffering from dementia retaliation against some of the 171 residents were “unsubstanwandered from home with her dog. It took the Sheriff’s Office tiated.” Ball and administrator Charles Cox both of Hastings, distwo days to find her, said Sheriff’s Office Lt. Shelly Orlando. puted the findings. Ball, 62, retired on Dec. 6 and Cox, 55, [Source: Star Tribune] resigned Dec. 9. A blind St. Paul man whose dog guide ran away during the December 12 blizzard was relieved to find the dog safe at a neighbor’s house the next day. Justin McDevitt’s dog Spaulding, a 22-month-old golden retriever, ran away while McDevitt was shoveling snow behind his home in St. Paul’s Merriam Park neighborhood. The dog had a collar but no tags. The hunt for the dog involved the city’s Animal Humane Society and Animal Control, as well as neighbors and friends. Twin Cities news media ran reports asking for people to look out for the dog and family members searched the neighborhood. Neighbor Connie Murphy found the dog outside. She put him on a leash and walked him around the neighborhood to find his owner before allowing him to sleep overnight in her home. After learning of Spaulding’s disappearance from news reports Murphy returned the dog to McDevitt. McDevitt has only had Spaulding for a short time. [Source: Pioneer Press]

The department is continuing to investigate whether a third employee, an unidentified administrative assistant to Cox, was operating outside the scope of her job description, officials said. “We have zero tolerance for the type of behavior our investigation found,” said Gil Acevedo, state veterans affairs deputy commissioner. He oversees the state’s five veterans homes. The Hastings home offers board and lodging care for veterans who have chronic physical and emotional conditions but do not need nursing home care. Cox took the helm of the homes after allegations of poor care at the Minneapolis Veterans Home surfaced. Those problems later led Gov. Tim Pawlenty to move governance from an appointed board to the state Department of Veterans Affairs. Federal officials also looked into issues at the home last summer but state officials have been unable to get results of that report, much to their frustration. [Source: Star Tribune]

Grant will expand services to elderly The Amherst M. Wilder Foundation has received a $2.2 million grant that will be used to “support and develop critical services for older adults and their caregivers.” The money comes from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation. Schulze is the founder of Best Buy. Wilder is a St. Paul-based social services provider. The agency is currently preparing to open its new Community Center for Aging, which will consolidate most of the Wilder Foundation’s services for older adults. This new center will serve as a center point for Wilder resources and programs, including caregiver support and services for senior citizens with an array of disabilities and other issues. While the newly awarded grant will not be used to operate the center, it will be tied to programs provided at the site. The center will open in January in St. Paul. Wilder has spent several months consolidating programs and shutting down some of its longtime service locations. The grant itself will be used to provide community leadership, model best practices in aging services and design new caregiver models of support. The grant will be used over a fiveyear period. ■ [Source: Wilder Foundation]

January 10, 2011

Directory of Organizations Minnesota’s Disability Community Newspaper VOICE LINE

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www.accesspress.org

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E-MAIL/WEB SITE

Want to be seen on potential clients' tables for 3 months at a time?

ADVOCACY

Advocating Change Together (ACT)

V-651-641-0297 TF-800-641-0059

www.selfadvocacy.org

Arc Greater Twin Cities V-952-920-0855 F-952-920-1480 Arc of Minnesota V-651-523-0823x115 TF-800-582-5256 Assoc. of Residential Resources in MN V-651-291-1086 TTY-800-551-2211 Courage Center V-763-520-0725 TTY-763-520-0245 Hearing Loss Assoc. of America (HLAATC) V-763-537-7558 MN Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities V-651-523-0829x112 F-651-523-0829 MN Developmental Achievement-Center Assoc V-651-647-9200 F-651-647-9353 PACER Center V-952-838-9000 TTY-952-838-0190

www.arcgreatertwincities.org www.thearcofminnesota.org www.arrm.org www.CourageCenter.org www.hlaatc.org www.mnccd.org www.mndaca.org www.pacer.org

ASSISTED-LIVING PROGRAMS Dungarvin, Inc. - Minnesota Mary T. Inc. Catered Living

V-651-699-6050 TTY-651-695-5802 V-763-754-2505 TF-888-255-6400

www.dungarvin.com www.marytinc.com

BRAIN INJURY Brain Injury Association of Minnesota Courage Center Mary T. Inc. Human Service Programs Tandem Residential TBI Metro Services - Richfield & W. St. Paul

V-612-378-2742 TTY-800-669-6442 V-763-520-0312 TTY-763-520-0245 V-763-754-2505 TF-888-255-6400 V-651-641-0491 F-651-645-2780 V-612-869-3995 V-651-457-4756

www.braininjurymn.org www.CourageCenter.org www.marytinc.com www.tandemresidential.com www.opportunitypartners.org

CHEMICAL HEALTH Vinland National Center

V/TTY-763-479-3555

F-763-479-2605

www.vinlandcenter.org

COMMUNITY LIVING Cooperating Community Programs V-651-917-8322 F-651-917-8311 DeafBlind Services Minnesota V-612-362-8454 TTY-612-362-8422 Dungarvin, Inc. - Minnesota V-651-699-6050 TTY-651-695-5802 Howry Residential Services V-651-917-9111 F-651-917-1018 Mary T. Inc. Human Service Programs V-763-754-2505 TF-888-255-6400 Metro Work Center, Inc V/TTY-612-729-7381 F-612-729-7382 Opportunity Partners V-952-938-5511 TTY-952-930-4293 Reach for Resources V-952-988-4177 F-952-988-6728 REM Minnesota V-952-945-4952 F-952-922-6885 S MN Independ. Living Enterprises/Services V/TTY-507-345-7139 TF-888-676-6498

www.theccpinc.com www.dbsm.org www.dungarvin.co www.howryinc.com www.marytinc.com www.metroworkcenter.org www.opportunitypartners.org www.reachforresources.org www.remminnesota.org www.smilescil.org

CONSUMER-DIRECTED COMMUNITY SUPPORTS CCP Self Directed Services V-651-209-3350 Community Involvement Programs V-612-362-4437 EDUCATION Community Education Network on Disabilities Institute on Community Integration MRC - Minnesota Resource Center Upstream Arts

F-651-641-8623

www.ccpcdcs.com www.cipmn.org

V-651-748-7436 V-507-494-0950 V-612-624-6300 F-612-624-8279 V-612-752-8100 TTY-612-752-8019 V-612-331-4584 F-480-393-5587

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

advertising@accesspress.org

EMPLOYMENT/VOCATION Assistive Technology of MN, DBA Equip A Life V-763-479-8239 TF-866-535-8239 www.atmn.org CCP Works! (Cooperating Community Prog.) V-763-540-6833x305 F-651-917-8311 www.theccpinc.com Chrestomathy, Inc. V-952-974-0339 F-952-974-0307 www.chrestomathyinc.org Community Connections Partnership V-763-540-6833x302 www.communityconnectionspartnership.org Community Involvement Programs V-763-559-0773 V-952-851-6193 www.cipmn.org Cooperating Community Programs V-651-917-8322 F-651-641-8623 www.theccpinc.com Courage Center V-763-520-0564 TTY-763-520-0245 www.CourageCenter.org East Suburban Resources V-651-351-0190 www.esrworks.org Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota V-651-379-5800 F-651-379-5803 www.goodwilleasterseals.org Kaposia Inc. V/TTY-651-224-6974 F-651-224-7249 www.kaposia.com Lifetrack Resources - Minneapolis V-612-788-8855 F-612-788-8577 www.lifetrackresources.org Lifetrack Resources - St. Paul V-651-227-8471 TTY-651-227-3779 www.lifetrackresources.org Lifeworks Services, Inc. TF-866-454-2732 TTY-651-365-3736 www.lifeworks.org

Directory of Organizations - cont. on next page

BDC Management Co. is now accepting applications for our waiting lists at the following affordable communities Albright Townhomes Buffalo Court Apartments Elliot Park Apartments Evergreen Apartments Franklin Lane Apartments Hanover Townhomes Lincoln Place Apartments Olson Towne Homes Prairie Meadows Talmage Green Trinity Apartments Unity Place Vadnais Highlands Willow Apartments Woodland Court Apartments

Minneapolis Buffalo Minneapolis Hutchinson Anoka St. Paul Mahtomedi Minneapolis Eden Prairie Minneapolis Minneapolis Brooklyn Center Vadnais Heights Little Falls Park Rapids

(612) 824-6665 (763) 684-1907 (612) 338-3106 1-800-661-2501 (763) 427-7650 (651) 292-8497 (651) 653-0640 (612) 377-9015 (952) 941-5544 (612) 623-0247 (612) 721-2252 (763) 560-7563 (651) 653-0640 (320) 632-0980 1-888-332-9312

1 BR 2 BR 2 BR 1 BR 1 & 2 BR 1 BR 2 BR 1 BR 2 & 3 BR 2 BR 1 BR (sr) 2 BR 3 BR 1 & 2 BR 1 BR

(Please call each individual site for specific building information. All listings are accessible.)

January 10, 2011

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

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EMPLOYMENT/VOCATION (continued) Merrick, Inc. V-651-789-6231 F-651-789-9960 Metro Work Center, Inc. V/TTY-612-729-7381 F-612-729-7382 Midway Training Services V-651-641-0709 F-651-641-0976 Midwest Special Services, Inc. V-651-778-1000 Minnesota Diversified Industries V-651-999-8200 F-651-999-8242 Minnesota Work Incentives Connection V-651-632-5113 TF-800-976-6728 MRC - Minnesota Resource Center V-612-752-8100 TTY-612-752-8019 Opportunity Partners V-952-938-5511 TTY-952-930-4293 Partnership Resources, Inc. V-952-925-1404 F-952-925-6055 Partnership Resources, Inc. - Minneapolis V-612-331-2075 F-612-331-2887 Partnership Resources, Inc. - Older Adults Program V-952-746-6206 F-952-746-6209 ProAct Inc. V-651-686-0405 F-651-686-0312 ProAct - Red Wing V-651-388-7108 F-651-388-9223 Rise, Inc. V/TTY-763-786-8334 F-763-786-0008 TBI Metro Services - Richfield & W. St. Paul V-612-869-3995 V-651-457-4756 TSE, Inc. V-651-489-2595 F-651-489-0410 University of Minnesota Disability Services V-612-626-1333 F-612-625-5572 GOVERNMENT Minnesota State Council on Disability V/TTY-651-361-7800 TTY-800-945-8913 MN Gov. Council on Developmental Disabilities V-651-296-4018 TF-800-627-3529 Social Security Admin. & St. Paul PASS CadreTF-866-667-6032 x10661, x10674, or x10640 HEALTH CARE PLANS Cornerstone Solutions Edelweiss Home Health Care UCare HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICES Dungarvin, Inc.- Minnesota In Home Personal Care Mary T. Inc. Home Health

Kent’s Accounting Service, LLC Kent Fordyce 612-889-2959 • fordyce6@aol.com Fax: 952-472-1458 6371 Bartlett Blvd, Mound, MN 55364 Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 & 2005

www.disability.state.mn.us www.mncdd.org www.socialsecurity.gov www.cornerstone-solutions.org www.edelhomecare.com www.ucare.org

V-651-699-6050 TTY-651-695-5802 V-763-546-1000 F-763-546-1018 V-763-754-2505 TF-888-255-6400

www.dungarvin.com www.inhomepersonalcare.com www.marytinc.com

F-952-926-7712 www.accessibilitydesign.com F-651-554-3085 www.accessiblehomesllc.net F-651-450-1330 www.EqualAccessHomes.com www.McCarthyBuildersandRemodelers.com

V-651-645-7271 TTY-800-466-7722 www.accessiblespace.org V-612-879-2233 F-612-879-8889 www.fairviewebenezer.org/minneapolis V-612-522-2500 F-612-521-1577 www.housinglink.org V-763-754-2505 TF-888-255-6400 www.marytinc.com V-651-639-9799 F-651-639-9699 www.nhhiaccessiblehousing.com

INFORMATION AND REFERRAL RESOURCES ADA Minnesota V-651-603-2015 TF-888-630-9793 Arc Greater Twin Cities V-952-920-0855 F-952-920-1480 Assistive Technology of Minnesota V-763-479-8239 TF-866-535-8239 Minnesota State Council on Disability V/TTY-651-361-7800 TTY-800-945-8913 National Multiple Sclerosis Society - MN Chapter V-612-335-7900 TF-800-582-5296 PACER Center, Inc. V-952-838-9000 TTY-952-838-0190 United Cerebral Palsy of MN V-651-646-7588 TF-877-528-5678

Directory of Organizations - cont. on next page

www.merrickinc.org www.metroworkcenter.org www.midwaytraining.org www.mwsservices.org www.mdi.org www.mnworkincentives.com www.mrc-mn.org www.opportunitypartners.org www.partnershipresources.org www.partnershipresources.org www.partnershipresources.org www.proactinc.org www.proactinc.org www.rise.org www.opportunitypartners.org www.tse-inc.org http://ds.umn.edu

TF-866-601-8962 TTY-800-627-3529 V-612-273-5560 F-612-273-7360 V-800-707-1711 TTY-800-688-2534

HOUSING-CONSTRUCTION/REMODELING Accessibility Design V-952-925-0301 Accessible Homes, LLC. V-612-978-1054 Equal Access Homes, Inc. V-651-249-7751 McCarthy Builders & Remodelers, Inc. V-612-250-0816 HOUSING-RENTAL Accessible Space, Inc. Ebenezer Park Apartments HousingLink Mary T. Inc. - Villas and Townhomes National Handicap Housing Institute, Inc

E-MAIL/WEB SITE

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

January 10, 2011

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

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E-MAIL/WEB SITE

LEGAL MN Disability Law Center

V-612-334-5970

TF-800-292-4150

www.mndlc.org

MEDICAL SUPPLIES/EQUIPMENT Fairview Rehabilitation Services Fairview Wheelchair Seating and Mobility Handi Medical Supply Key Medical Supply, Inc. Liberty Oxygen & Medical Equipment Tamarack Habilitation Technologies

V-612-273-6228 TTY-800-824-1953 V-612-273-5560 F-612-273-7360 V-651-644-9770 F-651-644-0602 V-651-792-3860 F-651-792-3867 V-952-920-0460 F-952-920-0480 V-763-795-0057 TF-866-795-0057

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

MENTAL HEALTH Community Involvement Programs Courage Center Howry Residential Services Lifetrack Resources - St. Paul National Alliance on Mental Illness of MN People Inc. Epilepsy & Mental Health Services

V-612-362-4449 V-763-520-0312 V-651-917-9111 V-651-227-8471 V-651-645-2948 V-651-338-9035

V-612-362-4452 TTY-763-520-0245 F-651-917-1018 TTY-651-227-3779 TF-888-NAMI-Helps TTY-651-338-1160

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

PHYSICIANS Courage Center

V-763-520-0453 TTY-763-520-0245

www.CourageCenter.org

RECREATION-ADAPTIVE HOBBY/EXERCISE/SPORTS/ARTS Courage Center V-763-520-0537 TTY-763-520-0245 Mind Body Solutions V-952-473-3700 VSA Minnesota V/TTY-612-332-3888 TF-800-801-3883

www.CourageCenter.org www.mindbodysolutions.org www.vsamn.org

RECREATION-TRAVEL/CAMPING Camp Winnebago Friendship Ventures Ventures Travel, LLC Wilderness Inquiry

www.campwinnebago.org www.friendshipventures.org www.venturestravel.org www.wildernessinquiry.org

V-507-724-2351 V-952-852-0101 V-952-852-0107 V-612-676-9400

F-507-724-3786 TF-800-450-8376 TF-866-692-7400 TF-800-728-0719

REHABILITATION (PHYSICAL, OCCUPATIONAL, SPEECH, AUDIOLOGY THERAPISTS) Cooperating Community Prog. (Home-Based Support)V-651-379-9711 F-651-645-7350 www.theccpinc.com Courage Center V-763-588-0811 TTY-763-520-0245 www.CourageCenter.org Courage Center - Burnsville V-952-898-5700 F-952-898-5757 www.CourageCenter.org Courage Center - Forest Lake V-651-464-5235 F-651-464-3547 www.CourageCenter.org Courage Ceter - St. Croix V-651-439-8283 F-651-439-0576 www.CourageCenter.org DeafBlind Services Minnesota V-612-362-8454 TTY-612-362-8422 www.dbsm.org Fairview Acute Rehabilitation Center V-612-273-8660 F-612-273-4706 www.fairview.org/arc

Directory of Organizations - cont. on next page

CHECK US OUT AT: www.accesspress.org

January 10, 2011

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

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REHABILITATION: PHYSICAL, OCCUPATIONAL, SPEECH, AUDIOLOGY THERAPISTS (continued) Fairview Balance Center V-612-273-6228 F-612-273-7360 www.fairview.org/balance Fairview M.S. Achievement Center V-612-672-2815 F-651-645-2254 www.fairview.org/msac Fairview Rehabilitation Services V-612-273-6228 TTY-800-824-1953 www.fairview.org/rehab Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare V-651-291-2848 TF-800-719-4040 www.gillettechildrens.org In Home Personal Care V-763-546-1000 F-763-546-1018 www.inhomepersonalcare.com Lifetrack Resources - St. Paul V-651-227-8471 TTY-651-227-3779 www.lifetrackresources.org RESIDENTIAL/GROUP HOME PROGRAMS Capstone Services, LLC V-651-641-0042 x211 F-651-645-2780 Community Involvement Programs V-612-362-4403 V-612-362-4417 CCP Home-Based Support V-651-917-8322 F-651-641-8623 Dungarvin, Inc. - Minnesota V-651-699-6050 TTY-651-695-5802 Fraser V-612-861-1688 F-612-861-6050 Howry Residential Services V-651-917-9111 F-651-917-1018 Mary T. Inc. Human Service Programs V-763-754-2505 TF-888-255-6400 Opportunity Partners V-952-938-5511 TTY-952-930-4293 People Inc. Epilepsy & Mental Health Services V-651-338-9035 TTY-651-338-1160 Phoenix Residence V-651-227-7655 F-651-227-6847 Restart Inc. V-763-588-7633 F-763-588-7613

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

SERVICE ANIMALS Can Do Canines Helping Paws, Inc.

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

SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES Ebenezer Care Center

V-612-879-2262

SOCIAL SERVICES Restart Inc.

V-763-588-7633

F-763-588-7613

www.restartincmn.org

TECHNOLOGY Assistive Technology of MN, DBA Equip A Life Fairview Assistive Technology Program Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare Marbesoft - Simtech PACER Center, Inc. STAR Program Tamarack Habilitation Technology

V-763-479-8239 TF-866-535-8239 V-612-273-6228 F-612-273-7360 V-651-291-2848 TF-800-719-4040 V-763-755-1402 TF-888-755-1402 V-952-838-9000 TTY-952-838-0190 V-651-201-2640 TF-888-234-1267 V-763-795-0057 TF-866-795-0057

www.atmn.org www.fairview.org/rehab www.gillettechildrens.org www.marblesoft.com www.pacer.org www.starprogram.state.mn.us www.tamarackhti.com

TRANSPORTATION RENTAL/SALES/MODIFICATION IMED Mobility V-651-635-0655 VISION IMPAIRMENT Vision Loss Resources

V-612-871-2222

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

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

www.fairviewebenezer.org/minneapolis

TF-800-788-7479

www.imedmobility.com

F-612-872-0189

www.visionlossresources.org

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January 10, 2011

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 Alexander & the Terrible, Horrible, No-Good, Very Bad Day Through Jan. 16 GREAT Theatre at Stephen B. Humphrey Theater at St. John’s University, Collegeville. ASL: Fri., Jan. 14, 7 p.m. Tix: $17, senior $15, child/student $11; Phone: 320-363-5777. Web: www.GreatTheatre.org Mrs. Smith Presents: A Benefit for the Carlyle Foundation Empowerment School for People & Cats with Severe & Persistent Challenges Jan. 19-23 Sisters Boil Theater Co. at Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Ave. S., Mpls. ASL: Sat., Jan. 22, 9 p.m. Tix: $16; Phone: 612-340-1725. Web: www.southerntheater.org

Tix: Reduced to $21 (reg. $2528); Phone: 952-563-8575. Web: www.bloomingtoncivic theatre.org. The Lion in Winter Jan. 14-30 Lakeshore Players Theatre, 4820 Stewart Ave., White Bear Lake. ASL: Sun., Jan. 30, 2 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $10 (reg. $18-20); Phone: 651-4295674; E-mail: tickets@lake shoreplayers.com Web: www.lakeshoreplayers.com

WTF Jan. 21 – Feb. 6 Mu Performing Arts at Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 S. 4th St., Mpls. AD: Sun., Jan. 30, 2 p.m. Tix: reg. $24, $22 student/senior; $17 group of 10+; Phone: 612-338-6131. Web: Come Back to the 5 & Dime, www.mixedblood.com or Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean www.muperformingarts.org Through Jan. 30 Helen Theatre in the Round, 245 Jan. 28 - Feb. 12 Cedar Ave., Mpls. AD: Sun., Jan. 30, 2 p.m. Tactile tour 1 20% Theatre Company Twin p.m. on request. Tix: $20, se- Cities at Gremlin Theatre, nior $18, student $10; Phone: 2400 University Ave. W., St. 612-333-3010. Web: www.the Paul. AD: Sun., Jan. 30, 2 p.m. ASL: Sat., Feb. 5, 7:30 p.m. atreintheround.org Tix: Sliding Scale $12-20; Reduced to $10 for ASL/AD paThe Comedy of Errors trons: Phone: 612-227-1188, Through Jan. 30 The Acting Company at the E-mail: tickets@tctwenty Guthrie Theater, 818 2nd St. S., percent.org. Web: www.tc Mpls. ASL, AD: Sat., Jan. 29, twentypercent.org 1 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $20 Sample Night Live (reg. $15-40); Phone: 612-377Feb. 2, March 2 2224, TTY 612-377-6626. Web: www.Guthrietheater.org Numerous performing artists at History Theatre, 30 E. 10th St., St. Paul. ASL: Wed., Jan. Romeo and Juliet 5, Feb. 2, March 2, 7 -10:30 Through Jan. 30 The Acting Company at the p.m. Tix: Reduced to $10 (reg. Guthrie Theater, 818 2nd St. S., $20); Online enter coupon Mpls. ASL, AD: Sat., Jan. 22, code ASL. Phone: 612-2011 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $20 4000. Web: www.samplenight (reg. $15-40); Phone: 612-377- live.com 2224, TTY 612-377-6626. Gallery Tour Web: www.Guthrietheater.org 1st Saturday of month Walker Art Center, 725 The Odyssey Vineland Place, Mpls. ASL: Jan. 14 - Feb. 6 Park Square Theatre, 408 Saint Sat., Feb. 5, 2 p.m. Tix: free, Peter St., St. Paul. AD, ASL: Phone: 612-375-7564; ESat., Jan. 29, 7:30 p.m. Tix: mail: access@walkerart.org Reduced to half-price $18.50; Web: www.walkerart.org Phone: 651-291-7005. Web: Free one-hour ASL-interwww.parksquaretheatre.org preted public gallery tours gather in the Bazinet Garden If You Give a Moose a Muffin Lobby on the first Sat. of each month. No registration reJan. 14 – Feb. 13 Stages Theatre Co. at Hopkins quired. Assistive Listening Center for the Arts, 1111 Main Devices available. DeafBlind Street, Hopkins. ASL: Sat., ASL can be arranged with two Jan. 29, 1 p.m.; Thurs., Feb. 3, weeks’ advance notice. 10 a.m. AD: available on reImpressionism: quest. Tix: $11, $9 child or Breaking the Rules senior, group $8.50, school 1st Sunday of month group $5.50; plus handling fee; Phone: 952-979-1111. Web: Mpls. Institute of Arts, 2400 Third Ave. S. ASL: Sun., Feb. www.stagestheatre.org 6, 1 p.m. Phone: 612-8703131 or TTY 612-870-3132; Into the Woods E-mail: dhegstro@artsmia. Jan. 14 – Feb. 13 Bloomington Civic Theatre, org. Web: www.artsmia.org. 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd. Free ASL-interpreted public AD: Fri., Jan. 28, 7:30 p.m. tour on the first Sun. of each

month. Free tours for visitors Sun. $15), Phone: 612-203with memory loss, Alzheimer’s 9502. Web: www.tenthousand and friends or care partners things.org offered on the second weekend of each month. Little Eyes Feb. 4-20 Workhaus Collective at Shrek: The Musical Feb. 1-6 Guthrie Theater’s Dowling Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hen- Studio, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. nepin Ave. S., Mpls. ASL: ASL, AD: Thurs., Feb. 17, Sun., Feb. 6, 1 p.m. AD, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $20 Captioning: Sun., Feb. 6, 6:30 (reg. $18-30); Phone: 612-377p.m. Tix: $28-78. Limited 2224, TTY 612-377-6626. seats available at the lowest Web: www.Guthrietheater.org price level to patrons using The Drowsy Chaperone ASL interpreting or CapFeb. 11-20 tioning. E-mail accessible@ broadwayacrossamerica.com; Fargo-Moorhead Community Phone: 612-339-7007 or 612- Theatre, 333 Fourth St. S., 373-5639; hotline 612-373- Fargo. AD: Thurs., Feb. 17, 5650. Web: www.hennepinthe 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $8 (reg. $20, senior/student $14, atretrust.org/accessible child $8); Phone: 701-2356778. Web: www.fmct.org. Mary Stuart Jan. 29 - Feb. 6 Leave Minnesota Opera at Ordway Feb. 11-26 Center for Performing Arts, 345 Washington St., St. Paul. Urban Samurai Productions at AD: Sun., Feb. 6, 2 p.m. Sung Sabes Jewish Community Cenin Italian with English cap- ter, 4330 S. Cedar Lake Rd., tions projected above the stage St. Louis Park. ASL: Sat., Feb. at every performance. Tix: 19, 7:30 p.m. Tix: $16, stuReduced to half-price for AD dent/senior/Fringe button $12; patrons (reg. $20-200); Phone: online $2 discount; Phone: 612-333-6669; TTY 651-282- 612-396-2025; to reserve ASL 3099. Web: www.mnopera.org interpretation, E-mail: tickets Four Little Girls: Birmingham 1963 Feb. 4-27 SteppingStone Theatre, 55 Victoria St. N., St. Paul. AD: Fri., Feb. 11, 7 p.m. ASL: Sun., Feb. 13, 3 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $8 access rate (reg. $14; youth/senior 55+ $10; groups 20+ $7); Phone: 651-2259265; E-mail: info@stepping stonetheatre.org. Web: www.steppingstonetheatre.org Babe, the Sheep Pig Jan. 11 - Feb. 27 Children’s Theatre Co., 2400 Third Ave. S., Mpls. ASL, AD: Wed., Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Ask about special price rates (reg. $16-40); Phone: 612874-0400; E-mail: tickets@ childrenstheatre.org. Web: www.childrenstheatre.org Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Feb. 11 - March 13 Lyric Arts Main Street Stage, 420 E. Main Street, Anoka. ASL: Sat., Feb. 12, 7:30 p.m. Tix: $10-18 each for ASL patron and companion; Phone: 763-422-1838; E-mail: jessica @lyricarts.org. Reserve by two weeks prior to the show. Web: www.lyricarts.org Doubt Feb. 11 - March 6 Ten Thousand Things Theater at Open Book, 1011 Washington Ave. S., Mpls. AD: Sun., Feb. 13, 4 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $18 (reg. $25; students on

@urbansamurai.org by noon the day before the show. Mondays are pay what you can. Web: www.urbansamurai.org

lege Theatre, Fine Arts Building Black Box Theatre, 9700 France Ave. S., Bloomington. ASL: Fri., Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m. Tix: $10; ($5 NCC student/ Drakul staff/senior); Phone: 952-487Feb. 11-26 7462. Web: www.normand Walking Shadow Theatre Co. aletheatre.org at Red Eye Theater, 15 W. 14th St., Mpls. AD: Sat., Feb. The Winter’s Tale 19, 7:30 p.m. ASL: Fri., Feb. Jan. 29 – March 27 25, 7:30 p.m. Tix: $15-18; Guthrie Theater, 818 2nd St. S., Reduced to $5; Phone: 612- Mpls. AD: Fri., Feb. 25, 7:30 375-0300; E-mail: boxoffice p.m.; Sat., Feb. 26, 1 p.m.; Sen@walkingshadowcompany. sory Tour 10:30 a.m. ASL: Fri., org. Web: www.walking March 4, 7:30 p.m.; Thurs., shadowcompany.org March 10, 7:30 p.m. Open Captioning: Fri., March 11, 7:30 Adrift on the Mississippi p.m. by c2 inc. Tix: Reduced to Feb. 10-27 $20 (reg. $24-64); Phone: 612The History Theatre, in col- 377-2224, TTY 612-377-6626. laboration with the Department Web: www.guthrietheater.org of Theatre and Dance at Concordia University. At Picnic Concordia College, E.M. Feb. 24 – March 6 Pearson Theatre, 312 Hamline Tin Roof Theatre Co. at FargoAve., St. Paul. ASL, AD: Sun., Moorhead Community TheFeb. 20, 2 p.m. Tix: Reduced atre, 333 4th St. S., Fargo. AD: to $15 (reg. $32); Phone: 651- Sat., Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m.; pre292-4323; E-mail: boxofc@ show description at 7:10 p.m. historytheatre.com. Web: Tix: Reduced to $8 (reg. $15, www.historytheatre.com student/senior $10); Phone: Tin Roof: 701-205-5788, or Almost, Maine FMCT: 701-235-6778. Web: Feb. 23-26 & March 2-5 www.tinrooftheatre.org or Normandale Community Col- www.fmct.org ■

January 10, 2011

Upcoming events To list an event, email access@accesspress.org Advocacy Disability Matters Day Join disability advocates at Disability Matters Day at the Capitol, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tue, Jan. 25 at the state capitol in St. Paul. Advocating Change Together, Brain Injury Association of Minnesota, People First of Minnesota, Self-Advocates Minnesota, and The Arc of Minnesota are event sponsors. Health, human services, and education will be targeted for unprecedented cuts. Come join us to advocate for services and supports for persons with disabilities. Learn about key legislative issues through briefings and printed materials. Join advocates at a noon rally in the Capitol Rotunda. Visit your legislators, and educate them about how important disability supports are to you. The event is free, but lunch is on your own. Go to www.arcmn.org for a registration form. FFI: 1-800-6696442, or e-mail info@brain injurymn.org Give them a call Metro Center for Independent Living has set up a PCA “You Need to Hear Me” call-in line. The purpose of this call-in line is to provide consumers, PCAs/DSPs, families, and interested others the chance to share anonymous comments, reactions and concerns with Department of Human Services and Minnesota Legislature regarding the impact of recent legislative changes which are affecting their lives. How it works: Call 651-6032009 to connect to the “You need to hear me” message line. The caller will hear a short pre-recorded message. The phone will not be answered, ensuring caller anonymity. The callers may leave a short message describing the impact of these changes on their lives, or the lives of their family. The messages can be complaints, concerns, suggestions or general comments. Zip code will be asked for only so comments can be communicated to specific legislators.

of this research study is to evaluate the effects of loss or reductions in PCA hours or services. Adults 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. This survey may be completed online or printed and mailed. FFI: Leslie Nordgren 763-5200440, leslie.nordgren@ couragecenter.org Attend Arc meetings Arc Home Visits and Town Hall Forums sponsored by Arc Greater Twin Cities help those who use government services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and those on waiting list for services. Residents of Ramsey County legislative districts 53, 54 and 55 can attend a Town Hall Forum 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thu, Jan. 13, at Fairview Community Center, 1910 County Road B West, Roseville. Residents of Anoka County District 5/Legislative District 49 can meet elected officials 6:308 p.m. Thu, Jan. 20 at the home of Scott and Laura Price, 14275 Crane St. NW, Andover. Meet your legislators and county commissioners. RSVP for the Roseville event; the Andover event by Jan. 17. FFI: Arc, 952-920-0855 or e-mail denafelper@arcgreatertwin cities. org Questions may be e-mailed to genemartinez@ arc greatertwincities.org

classes are offered by Hennepin County Library, at the downtown Mpls library, 300 Nicollet Mall. Classes are free but you must pre-register for these classes for persons who are blind or have low vision. In addition to classes there are often volunteers available to introduce patrons to the equipment and software available. Volunteer hours vary, so it’s best to call ahead. Funding for Adaptive Technology classes is provided by a generous grant from the Hudson Family Foundation. FFI: 612-630-6469, www.hclib.org

Opportunities Assistance available Low-income consumers in CenturyLink service areas may qualify for assistance programs that will reduce the cost of initial telephone installation and basic monthly service. The assistance programs, known as Link-Up and Lifeline, help pay costs of getting phone service and monthly phone bill discounts. Qualifications for participation varies and you must live in the service area. FFI: 1800-366-8201, www.lifeline. gov. www.centurylink.com/ lifeline

Be more accessible More than $220,000 will be available to arts organizations in the seven-county metro area to make facilities or programs more accessible to people with disabilities. VSA Minnesota administers this grant opportunity, using funds from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Seventeen Special events groups have received grants; are you next? Deadlines are Winter Walkabout Vinland Center hosts the Sec- Jan. 14 and April 29, 2011. ond Annual Winter Walkabout For more info: 612-332-3888 Sat, Feb. 19. A 3k snowshoe v/tty or www.vsamn.org course is added to the event. Skålmusik will perform inside Youth and families the heated tent. Skålmusik is a PACER offers services Scandinavian ensemble who have performed for the King PACER Center offers useful and Queen of Sweden and ap- free and low-cost workshops peared on A Prairie Home for families of children with Companion. Gather pledges, disabilities. Register in adhave fun and support Vinland. vance for workshops. All Individual need to raise at least workshops are at PACER Cen$25 and families of three or ter, 8161 Normandale Blvd., more $60. FFI: WinterWalk Bloomington, unless specified. PCA survey Upcoming workshops includCourage Center is conducting about.org ing the CRAM (Children a research study examining the Reaching Academic MileWorkshops, effects of recent changes to stones) conference for children conferences the PCA program in an effort with mild to moderate brain to inform future policy decisions pertinent to Personal Adaptive technology classes injury, creativity and technolCare Assistance. The purpose Free adaptive technology ogy workshops and workshops for parents wanting more information about special eduThis Could Be Your Ad! cation and specific programs. Reach Active and Interested FFI: PACER at 952-838-9000 or 800-537-2237 (toll free), or Readers by Calling visit the PACER website at www.PACER.org

651- 644- 2133 or visit us at accesspress.org

Support groups, meetings Mental illness The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Minnesota (NAMI-MN) sponsors free support groups for families who have a relative with a mental illness. NAMI has 23 family support groups, over 20 support groups for people living with a mental illness, anxiety support groups, and Vet Connection groups for returning soldiers. Led by trained facilitators who also have a family member with mental illness, the support groups help families develop better coping skills and find strength through sharing their experiences. A family support group meets in the St. Paul area at 6:30 p.m., on the second and fourth Wed. FFI: Anne Mae, 651-730-8434. A NAMI Connection peer support group for adults recovering from mental illness meets bi-weekly in Roseville. 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. Trained facilitators who are also in recovery lead NAMI Connection groups. The group meets 6:30 p.m. 2nd and 4th Wed at Centennial Methodist Church, 1524 Co. Rd. C-2 W., Rose-ville. FFI: Will, 651578-3364, A Family support group meets in St. Paul at 6:30 p.m., on the fourth Tues, at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 285 North Dale St. FFI: Hilary, 651-222-4323. Another family support group meets 5:45-7 p.m. on the second Tues at Bandana Square, Room 216, 1021 Bandana Bvld. E., St. Paul. FFI: Sonja, 651-357-2077, www.nami helps.org UCare meetings UCare hosts informational meetings about its UCare for Seniors Medicare Advantage plan. Meetings are held all over the region. UCare for Seniors has more than 75,000 members across Minnesota and western Wisconsin. UCare is an independent, nonprofit health plan providing health care and administrative services to more than 185,000 members. UCare serves Medicare-eligible individuals throughout Minnesota and in western Wisconsin; individuals and families enrolled in income-based Minnesota Health Care Programs, such as MinnesotaCare and Prepaid Medical Assistance Program; adults with disabilities and Medicare beneficiaries with chronic health conditions and

Minnesotans dually eligible for Medical Assistance and Medicare FFI: 1-877-523-1518 (toll free), www.ucare.org

Volunteer, donate Give away that car Autos for Arc™ can take old vehicles off your hands, give you a tax deduction and say “Thank you!” for helping change the lives of people with disabilities. Autos for Arc accepts cars and trucks of any model and condition and other vehicles including boats (with trailers), RVs, ATVs, golf carts, personal watercraft, motorcycles and snowmobiles. Revenue from the sale of donated items helps fund Arc Greater Twin Cities’ programs for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Within the seven-county metro area, Autos for Arc can arrange to have a vehicle towed free of charge. Call the tollfree Autos for Arc hotline, 1877-778-7709, to arrange a pickup. Or drop off vehicles at a Value Village location. FFI: 1-877-778-7709, www.autos forarc.org Volunteer with RSVP Volunteers age 55 and older

are eligible to receive free supplemental insurance, mileage reimbursement and other benefits through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) sponsored by Volunteers of America of Minnesota. RSVP/Volunteers of America of Minnesota and AARP Foundation need volunteers with good budgeting and organizational skills to help manage finances of older or disabled low-income individuals. Have a few hours a month to volunteer? Money Management Program staff will train and match you with someone in the community. FFI: Money Management Program Coordinator, 612-6177821 Be a reading tutor Encouraging, enthusiastic volunteers needed to help adults learn to read! Spark a love of literature and partner with someone new by tutoring at one of the many convenient locations throughout the metro area. This ongoing training and support is provided by the Minnesota Literacy Council. FFI: Allison, 651-645-2277 x219 or email volunteer@ themlc.org, or visit www. themlc.org. ■

Across the Airwaves Access for All is a radio program that focuses on topics and issues that Minnesotans with disabilities face. The program takes a non-biased approach to discussing the true barriers for all citizens to be a full part of society. Access for All is a weekly radio program hosted by Mike Chevrette airing Sundays at 23 p.m. on KTNF AM 930, www.am950ktnf.com/listen and www.accessminne sota.org Disabled and Proud is the radio show that brings you insights into, ideas about and discussions of disability culture. Disabled and Proud is a weekly radio show hosted by Sam Jasmine and airs 6:30-7 p.m. Thursdays. KFAI is a non-commercial FM radio station operating on 90.3 MHz in Minneapolis and 106.7 MHz in St Paul. KFAI exists to broadcast information, arts and entertainment programming for an audience of diverse racial, social and economic backgrounds. By providing a voice for people ignored or misrepresented by mainstream media, KFAI increases understanding between peoples and communities, while fostering the values of democracy and social justice. Disability Viewpoints is a cable television program that spotlights disability issues, organizations and community members. It is hosted by Mark Hughes and includes Living Forward segments hosted by Sheri Melander-Smith. The program airs on CTV Channel 15 7:30 p.m. Mondays, 3:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesdays and 1 a.m., and 9 a.m. Wednesdays. Disability Viewpoints is also airing this winter on TPT’S Minnesota Channel. On the air the channel is 2.2; check your cable provider for the channel setting. Shows air at 9:30 p.m. and 3:30 a.m. Saturdays and 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Sundays through Feb. 12. CTV is a non-profit organization operated by the North Suburban Access Corporation. The ten commission members represent the cities of Arden Hills, Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Little Canada, Mounds View, New Brighton, North Oaks, Roseville, St. Anthony and Shoreview. ■

January 10, 2011

Radio Talking Book • Jan. 2011 Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) BARD, the National Library Service (NLS) book download site, now has more than 20,000 audio titles and 40 magazines. NLS plans to add Braille titles this year. To sign up for BARD, the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library (MBTLB) requires high-speed internet connection, an e-mail address, and the ability to navigate the Web, complete forms online, download and unzip files, and transfer files to an external memory device. Register for BARD online at the MBTLB BARD Website. Questions? Call the library at 1-800722-0550. Listening to CC Recordings on Digital Players Use an NLS digital player to listen to audio recordings produced at the Communication Center. Simply copy the CD to a computer and then copy those files to a thumb or USB flash drive. Place the flash drive into the side of the NLS digital players and listen to the recordings. Many thumb or USB flash drives are compatible with the NLS players. Files can also be copied onto a cartridge for the NLS digital players. Victor Stream users can easily copy Communication Center audio CDs to the Victor Stream. To learn more, call Audio Services at 1-800-652-9000.

from the fleet and they spent a year on Bermuda. Read by Judith Johannessen. Nine broadcasts. Begins Jan. 25. Bookworm • Monday – Friday 11 a.m. The Fortunate Ones, Fiction by Frederick W. Noesner, 2010. Amateur historian Frederick W. Noesner imagines life as a blind person living in Philadelphia in the 18th century. Andrew Annaler worked as an armorer until a gunpowder accident left him blinded. Read by Scott Ford. Nine broadcasts. Begins Jan. 18. The Writer’s Voice • Monday – Friday 2 p.m. Spoken from the Heart, Nonfiction by Laura Bush, 2010. Born in the boom-and-bust oil town of Midland, Texas, Laura Welch grew up as an only child. When she left West Texas in 1964, she never imagined that her journey would lead her to the world stage and the White House. Read by Natasha DeVoe. 17 broadcasts. Begins Jan. 20. Choice Reading • Monday – Friday 4 p.m. That Old Cape Magic, Fiction by Richard Russo, 2009. Thirty years before, Griffin and his wife Joy drafted a plan for their lives. Over the course of a year, as he is immersed in images of his past, Griffin learns that it’s not always good to get what you ask for. L - Read by John Ward. 11 broadcasts. Begins Jan. 19.

Books Available Through Faribault Books broadcast on the Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network are available through the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library in Faribault. Phone is 1-800-722-0550 and hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The catalog is also online, and can be accessed by going to the main website, http://education.state.mn.us, and then clicking on the link. Persons living outside of Minnesota may obtain copies of books by contacting their home state’s Network Library for the National Library Service. Listen to the Minnesota Radio Talking Book, either live or archived programs from the last week, on the Internet at www.mnssb.org/rtb. Call the staff at the Radio for your password to the site. See interesting information about current RTB events on the Facebook site for the Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network. Register for Facebook at www.facebook.com.

PM Report • Monday – Friday 8 p.m. Googled, Nonfiction by Ken Auletta, 2009. Only eleven years old, Google has transformed the way we live and work, changing how we access information and disrupting the way entire industries operate. L - Read by Lannois Neely. 16 broadcasts. Begins Jan. 31.

Chautauqua • Tuesday – Saturday 4 a.m. Common as Air, Nonfiction by Lewis Hyde, 2010. Suspicious of the current idea that all creative work is intellectual property, Hyde turned to the founding fathers in search of ways to value the fruits of human wit and imagination. He discovered a rich tradition in which knowledge was assumed to be a commonwealth. Read by Marylyn Burridge. 11 broadcasts. Begins Jan. 18.

Potpourri • Monday – Friday 11 p.m. Surviving the Dragon, Nonfiction by Arjia Rinpoche, 2010. Ordained as a reincarnate lama at age two, Arjia Rinpoche fled Tibet 46 years later. Between those times, his fortunes ebbed and flowed with Chinese politics. Read by Stuart Holland. 11 Br. Begins Jan. 17.

Night Journey, Monday – Friday 9 p.m. Woman with Birthmark, Fiction by Håkan Nesser, 2009. A mother’s dying wish becomes a deadly promise of revenge by the daughter. The murder that follows leaves the Inspector bewildered because of the dullness of the victim. L - Read by Judy Woodward. Nine broadcasts. Begins Jan. 26.

Off the Shelf • Monday – Friday 10 p.m. Elegies for the Brokenhearted, Fiction by Christie Hodgen, 2010. There are five people Mary Murphy will never forget. In five elegies to lost friends and relatives, Mary tells us the story of her life. By the time she leaves for It Makes a Difference • Sundays 9 p.m. college, she has no one to write home to. L Access Press is one of the publications fea- Read by Pat Lelich. Nine broadcasts. Begins tured. Jan. 25.

Past is Prologue • Monday – Friday 9 a.m. A Brave Vessel, Nonfiction by Hobson Woodward, 2009. When William Strachey set out in the Sea Venture in 1609, he was leading a fleet of nine to re-provision and strengthen Jamestown. But a hurricane separated them

Good Night Owl • Monday – Friday midnight If the Dead Rise Not, Fiction by Philip Kerr, 2010. Bernie Gunther is a detective in 1934 Berlin caught between warring factions of the Nazi apparatus. Then twenty years later, he is in Havana where a vicious killer from his Berlin days shows up - then gets murdered. V,L,S - Read by Don Lee. 17 broadcasts. Begins Jan. 27.

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

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

January 10, 2011

People and places

Sharing her scuba story

Liebl named to board

by Autumn Paulson A few months ago, I was on the verge of taking my first underwater adventure in the Caribbean. My name is Autumn Paulson, and I am an 18year-old high school graduate from Bloomington. I traveled to Grand Cayman during my senior year spring break. And if you read the article about me in the April issue of Access Press, you’ll know that I have the condition of cerebral palsy, which makes me wheelchairbound and non-verbal. Inspite of that reality, and as I am about to relate in the following story, I can dive just like any other free spirit. More than a year ago, I was approached by Scott Stenbeck, my science teacher, and his friend, Randy Christman, the operator of Over EZ Diving, with the idea of me, a person with a disability, getting a diving certification. I secretly wondered what it would be like to experience diving, and to explore the world underwater, but I never expressed that wonder to anyone. (How very odd that the one wish that came true was

the one I kept a secret to all, save myself?) After many pool sessions and training with Randy Christman and Bill Carlson, I headed off to the Cayman Islands. Randy promised me that I would only go to a depth of ten feet once in the ocean. Once again, I surprised everyone by descending down to 30 feet, three times the initial estimate. Soon after that, I was even more shocked when Randy proposed the idea of descending down as low as 100 feet on their next adventure together. We will have to wait and see what happens with that plan! While I was underwater, I enjoyed sitting on the sandy ocean floor, collecting shells for souvenirs, just like my scuba diving peers. I would point at the most interestinglooking thing I could spot and Randy put them in his pocket of his swimsuit for me to save and take home. Once in a while I would spot something that would only look like a shell, but discovered to be living creatures camouflaging themselves. I know that divers are

PEOPLE AND PLACES -

College of St. Benedict freshman and Special Olympics Minnesota athlete, Danielle Liebl, has been named Special Olympics Minnesota’s newest member of the Board of Directors. Liebl will begin serving her term in 2011. Liebl, 19, has been active with Special Olympics Minnesota since she was 11, including involvement in the Athlete Leadership Program where she trained as a spokesperson and leader for the organization. Liebl competed in the Special Olympics 2006 USA National and was awarded the Minnesota State Council on Disability Youth Award in 2008. She was one of 20 athletes selected to attend the Special Olympics Global Youth Summit in 2009. During her senior year of high school, Liebl educated her peers about acceptance and inclusion by forming Danielle Liebl, 19, is the newest member of a Partners Club® promoting social the Special Olympics Minnesota’s Board of activity between students with and withDirectors. out intellectual disabilities, and traveled to Minnesota schools as an advocate for change through the “Spread the Word to End the Word” campaign. Liebl spoke with Minnesota representatives in Washington, D.C. in January at Special Olympics Capitol Hill Day, was invited to attend a White House celebration in October for the enactment of Rosa’s Law. Liebl interned last summer at Special Olympics International and presented at the 2010 Youth Activation Summit as part of the Special Olympics 2010 USA National Games. Liebl is a member of the Special Olympics Project UNIFY® National Youth Activation Committee and plans to continue her advocacy work as she attends the 2011 Global Youth Summit in Athens, Greece as part of the 2011 World Summer Games. ■

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Clinic Bemidji have worked together for many years. Both have deep roots in the Bemidji region and have a strong reputation for quality and excellence in staff, technology and service. “Joining with Sanford in a fully integrated model of care is truly a natural progression of our long-standing relationship. With an eye toward the future, we are seeking new ways of improving health and access to care for people across the entire region, including key services like heart, cancer, orthopedics and neuroscience,” said Paul Hanson, CEO and president, NCHS. The fully integrated clinic and hospital in Bemidji will be a not-for-profit, community-based health care system. It will combine the experience of the two health care organizations, which will increase efficiency and lead to better coordination of patient care.

Scarves are sought for team

not supposed to touch live ocean creatures, so I would always have Randy check out the items I spotted first. Despite this protocol, I couldn’t help the periodic spasmodic movements in my arms and legs (because of my cerebral palsy), so I would accidentally come into contact with fish and other sea creatures. Well, a diver can never be perfect! The most memorable dive for me on this trip involved one of the thousands of unique types of fish found in ocean waters, a tarpon. A tarpon came right up to my face, leaving just inches between us. I couldn’t help myself from screaming at the huge grey fish through my full-faced mask to try and scare it away. There are questions about my ability to descend below 30 feet, since there is a better chance of confronting even larger fish than tarpons at that depth. I have been afraid of sharks since I was a little girl. Will I face the fear and merge into waters a person with a disability has never gone before? We’ll just have to wait and see. ■

teers to wear as a symbol of unity during Winter Games this year. “These hand- knit and crocheted scarves are truly symbols of unity and encouragement for our Special Olympics Minnesota athletes,” said Dave Dorn, President of Special Olympics Minnesota. “We are excited to spread this message of support as we distribute the donated scarves at Winter Games this February.” Participating knitters and crocheters are asked to follow specific size and yarn color guidelines, but creativity in pattern and design is encouraged. Scarves should be 54-60 inches long, 6 inches wide and be knit or crocheted using Red Heart® Yarns Super Saver 886-Blue and Red Heart® Yarns Super Saver 512Turqua. Individual Program deadlines and additional instructions can be found at www.scarvesforspecialolympics.org. The website contains everything from project guidelines and specific state deadlines to frequently asked questions and other ways to contribute to Special Olympics. Follow the 2011 Special Olympics USA Scarf Project on the website www.scarvesfor specialolympics.org, Face-book; Scarves for Special Olympics and Twitter @USAScarf Project.

Special Olympics Minnesota has teamed up with Coats & Clark, owner of Red Heart® Yarns to announce the 2011 Special Olympics USA Scarf Project. This nationwide initiative gives knitters and crocheters the opportunity to contribute to the Special Olympics Program(s) of their choice, and to know that in doing so, they are contributing to an unprecHudson High School edented sense of unity and support for the Special Olympics program provides friendship athletes and the movement as a whole. Hudson High School’s, Student to Student Program, which is Special Olympics Minnesota is requesting 1,000 scarves now in its fifth year, was featured recently in the St. Paul from the knitting and crocheting community by February 11, Pioneer Press. The program provides social opportunities to 2011 to give to participating athletes, coaches and volun- students with special needs. Student to Student is a partnership between Hudson High School and Bridge for Youth with Disabilities, a nonprofit group. The student mentors meet each month with their buddies for an event, maybe an ice cream social or school basketball game —something that allows everyone to interact and have fun. The program recently has seen a dramatic rise in popularity. This year, 131 mentors in 11th or 12th grade are participating— about twice as many as last year, said John Dornfeld, a counselor at the Wisconsin school. “We don’t have to work very hard at promoting it—our kids just want to be a part of it,” Dornfeld said. He added that because of the program’s growth this year, counselors

have decided to include Hudson Middle School students with special needs. Other area schools have adopted or are considering similar programs. The success of the program could be attributed to kids outside of Student to Student watching the buddies and their mentors interact, said Ben Peters, 17, a senior in his second year mentoring. “They see all these students talking and always laughing and having a good time, and that might spark their interest,” Peters said. “It always put a smile on your face no matter what kind of day you’re having,” Peters said of the buddies, “And it makes everyone’s day.”

Seniors honored for service Foster Grandparents in the community were honored at special luncheons in the Twin Cities for their service in the Foster Grandparent Program. Celebrating 45 years of service to children, the Foster Grandparent Program is part of the National Corporation for National and Community Service and sponsored in Minnesota by Lutheran Social Service (LSS). Senior Companions, a sister program, were also honored. Foster Grandparents, age 55 or older, provide tutoring and one-to-one mentoring to children in schools, Head Start programs and shelters. Senior Companions, also 55 and older, help frail seniors remain at home and independent by offering companionship, grocery shopping assistance and transportation to medical appointments. More than 300 Senior Companions and Foster Grandparents serve in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey and Washington counties. “Our senior volunteers are outstanding individuals and great role models who provide a very important service in our community to kids and older adults alike,” said John Bringewatt, senior director for LSS. “We know that their service makes a difference in helping children improve test scores in school and helping frail elderly stay in their homes. As our aging population increases in the next 10 to 20 years, we will definitely need more senior volunteers in the future.” Senior volunteers serve a minimum of 15 hours per week and receive a modest tax-free stipend and mileage reimbursement. The programs are supported with grants from the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Minnesota Board on Aging, as well as support from local counties, United Ways and partner organizations. Senior volunteers serve in most counties around the state. In 2010, 491 Foster Grandparents worked one-on-one with 2,965 children, offering 313,000 hours of tutoring and support. Of those tutored in reading, 85% improved at least one grade level. 415 Senior Companions served 2,214 individuals in their homes with 260,000 hours of service, with 89% of seniors served remaining in their own homes for the year. ■ For more information on senior volunteer opportunities in your area, contact Mary Kay Connolly at LSS at 651-310-9440.

January 10, 2011

New medical device gets him back onto the ice by Laurie Claeys, RN

Todd Claeys

For my son, Todd Claeys, 18, of Rochester, 2011 has started off right. He’s back to playing floor hockey with the Rochester Raiders. For Todd —as well as for our family— this is a New Year’s blessing. The reason: he has two severe congenital heart conditions, as well as Down syndrome. He’s competing in the sport he loves because of a newly approved medical device, not to mention a doses of inspiration from his family. I believe he’s living proof how medical technology can level the playing field for athletes with disabilities. About 40 percent of children born with Down syndrome have heart problems, but most are not as severe as Todd’s. He has tetralogy of Fallot and atrioventricular caPhoto courtesy of the Claeys family nal defect, which required a complex valve replacement. When Todd was just 10

REGULATIONSMayor’s Advisory Council on Disabilities. “I’m 51 years old and I have never used my wheelchair as a trump card,” said Mark Hughes, former chairman of the advisory council. He asked the City Council, “What would you do if you were me?” Kari Sheldon, also a member of the mayor’s advisory council, said that providing adequate access on sidewalks treats people with disabilities with the same kind of respect and dignity that other sidewalk users. Sheldon has had to move chairs out of her way to get through sidewalks in her wheelchair. She said that is “an embarrassment for myself and for any other people with disabilities.” “St. Paul doesn’t have a good record of complying with the ADA and that has to change,” said downtown resident Rick

months old he underwent his first heart surgery. By age 7, he had undergone his second, in which surgeons replaced his pulmonary valve. Both procedures required opening his chest, resulting in great discomfort and long recoveries. During a November 2009 appointment with Todd’s cardiologist, we were told he would likely need another surgery. Todd, however, was in the midst of his hockey season and insisted the surgery happen post-season. The cardiologist consented. When we returned to Todd’s cardiologist, we learned of a gamechanging, cutting-edge device for patients with congenital heart disease. This device, called the Melody® Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve, was first introduced to the U.S. market in January, 2010. Developed by Medtronic, the Melody valve is an innovative medical

Cont. from p. 1

Cardenas. He is concerned with a lack of access on some sidewalk. At Meritage restaurant on St. Peter Street downtown, Cardenas has had to have wrought iron fences moved out of his way. “All we’re asking the council to do is to follow the letter of the law and the Americans with Disabilities Act,” said advisory council member Scott Cohen. Council members said no one is against providing access and following the ADA. But they questioned about some of the ordinance requirements. Thune has already amended the ordinance to address some concerns, dropping a proposed 10 p.m. closing time for sidewalk cafes and allowing business owners to file for sidewalk café licenses and right-of-way permits with only one city department and not two.

Ward Four Council Member Russ Stark questioned the need for a 24-inch buffer between the curb and any cafes. According to City Traffic Engineer, Paul St. Martin, the 24-inch distance is needed as a safety zone if there is traffic at curbside or as a safe distance to open car doors if the sidewalk café or display is in an area where on-street parking is allowed. Other council members questioned the need to have a site plan posted, showing the arrangement of sidewalk café tables and chairs. The original draft of the ordinance called for the site plan to be in a restaurant window. The latest recommendation is to display the site inside, in the same way licenses to business are hung on a wall. Amore Coffee owner Nancy Breymier supported the posting of a site plan. She said

Amore has 19 employees and she has trouble getting them to follow the site plan and not block her sidewalk at Grand and Milton. Thune said it’s not his intent to force restaurants to have plans professionally drawn, to scale. But he said there is a need to have the plan posted so that customers and restaurant staff can refer to it. “If I come in with my party of eight and we squish the tables together, is that a violation of the site plan?” asked Council President Kathy Lantry. If the sidewalk is blocked by the pushed-together tables and chairs, that is a violation, said Assistant City Attorney Rachel Tierney. ■

therapy—and the first transcatheter valve available in the world—used to mend the impaired pulmonary heart valve caused by the condition tetralogy of Fallot. This past July, Todd underwent the catheter-based procedure at the Mayo Clinic. During the procedure, a congenital interventional cardiologist inserted a catheter into Todd’s leg and implanted the new valve without opening his chest. The approach is significantly less invasive than traditional open-heart procedures and allows for a faster recovery. Within 13 days of the procedure, Todd was ready to live like a teenager again. He was back to himself and full of energy, attending adaptive floor hockey camp and managing his varsity high school football team. On Jan. 7 th, his floor hockey season with the local Roch-

ester Raiders officially started. He has a passion for sports, and we knew that the real test of this device would be his performance when he returned to the rink. I can recall his first goal—the crowd was cheering like crazy. It has been incredible to watch him chase his ambitions, and really we’re all just trying to keep up with him. Without his new, lifechanging medical device, however, many of these feats would not be possible. As a nurse at the Mayo Clinic, I witness the value of innovative medical technology every day. The benefits of this medical technology continue to shape Todd’s opportunities in the New Year, allowing our family to live healthier, more productive, and independent lives. Six months following the original procedure, hockey season is in full swing and Todd is back in the game. ■

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January 10, 2011

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