See Pg 11
Volume 22, Number 4
There’s a deficit problem in St. Paul that goes beyond the $5 billion budget shortfall. This deficit involves a lack of innovation in some programs, as much as any lack of funding. It’s a shortfall of efficiency and accountability in other areas, as much as any shortfall in staff or resources. Compounding the problem, there’s no deficit of red tape and regulations.
Charlie Remembered by Tim Benjamin
It’s been 10 years since my friend Charlie Smith passed away. Those of us who knew Charlie know we lost a strong advocate. Without Charlie Access Press would probably not exist. Legislatively, much of what we’re fighting for today, Charlie was involved in authoring the legislation or was there fighting to improve many of those supports already in place. Many of us knew him as a legislative leader—and many politicians knew him as a tenacious fighter or their strong ally. The amazing thing about Charlie was that he was a different friend to all of us; many knew him as a card playing, concert going, partier, and a man that wouldn’t allow his disability to stop him from anything. I knew him as a teacher, mentor, a cheerleader, and someone who wouldn’t let me down. I know all of you who knew him, miss him, as I do!
Charlie Smith 1953-2001
April 10, 2011
www.accesspress.org
More about the legislature on pages 3-5
Kriesel brings unique experience to disability, veterans’ issues First-termer Republican is from Cottage Grove
Address Service Requested
“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” –Winston Churchill
NEWS DIGEST
by Jane McClure
State Rep. John Kriesel (R-Cottage Grove) is proud to be working with the Amputee Coalition on a bill that would ensure fairness in medical coverage for those who have lost limbs. That’s because he knows first-hand what limb loss is like. In 2006, Staff Sergeant Kriesel was near Fallujah leading a group of soldier on a mission to find improvised-explosion devices or IEDs. His Humvee struck one of the devices. Kreisler was badly injured; two of his fellow soldiers and close friends were killed. He has a memory of seeing his badly mangled legs after the explosion. After the bomb blast and catastrophic injuries, Kriesel was kept in a medically induced coma. On a metal bracelet that never leaves his wrist, he wears their names and the name of a third friend killed in Iraq. The book Still Standing, written by Kriesel and Jim Kosmo and published by Beaver’s Pond Press, describes what Kriesel went through next. He died three times on the operating table. He was kept in a medically induced coma. He was flown to Germany and then to the United States for treatment and rehabilitation. The book describes the many miracles that helped Kriesel through four hospitals, 35 surgeries and many months of rehabilitation. Still Standing describes Kriesel’s remark-
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Mpls. MN Permit No. 4766
Artists with disabilities will show off their work at the upcoming Sister Kenny Institute show and sale. Pg 11
Representative John Kriesel
Photo by Jane McClure
able story. The book is told in his own words. He was told to expect two years of rehabilitation; he was done in eight months. He was told he would be using a wheelchair for the rest of his life; now he uses a cane, crutches and occasionally a wheelchair. He met then-Sen. Norm Coleman at Walter Reed Medical Center and became an intern in his office. That got him more involved in public politics and he was recruited by the Minnesota Republican Party to run for a House seat. He was elected to the Minnesota House last fall, campaigning hard in what has traditionKriesel - p. 15
A tough legislative session is grinding on by Access Press staff
Minnesotans with disabilities, senior citizens and their advocates continue to face uncertainty about day-to-day life as the Minnesota Legislature and Gov. Mark Dayton prepare to sort out the health and human services budgets. As Access Press went to press, the two budgets were headed to conference committee. The bills, when adopted by the House and Senate late last month were met with dismay as a slew of cuts took shape. The House and Senate Health and Human Services Committees were told to find $1.6 billion in savings as part of legislative leadership’s overall work to address Minnesota’s $5-plus billion state deficit. It is a tough session all around as members of the disability community find themselves battling on many fronts. One huge dilemma are House and Senate bills that would freeze funding for special education. Deep cuts to transit funding could raise fares for services that provide transportation to people with disabilities or even eliminate services in rural areas. “Legislative leaders have repeated on many occasions since the beginning of this legislative session that protecting services for Minnesotans with disabilities is a priority for this legislature,” said Steve Larson, Minnesota Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD) co-chair. “The cuts proposed in these bills will result in Minnesotans with disabilities bearing much of the brunt of balancing our state’s budget deficit - indicating significant inconsistency between what legislative leaders are saying publicly and what they are proposing through legislation.” Nick Nelson spoke at one of the many rallies held Additionally, many of the specific cuts included in the two bills are cuts to the services that allow at the state capitol this session. Photo by Jane McClure Session - p. 6
Amputees had their day at the state capitol, as they pushed for changes in insurance coverage. Meet a young lobbyist on this issue. Pg 3
Best of the Blogs shows off the talents of our Access Press Unbound writers. See a sampling of their work, then go online. Pg 3
A University of Minnesota program is offering more information on disability history. Help with this important work and contribute to a wiki. Pg 6
UCare is this issue's sponsor. Pg 16
INSIDE Regional News, pg 4 People & Places, pg 11 Events, pg. 12 Accessible Performances, pg 13 Radio Talking Book, pg. 14
Pg 2 April 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 4
EDITOR’S DESK Tim Benjamin
There has been so much happening at the capitol it’s hard to keep up. It’s impossible to say what will be law and what will be vetoed at this point. Some of the budget cuts that are being proposed would take away basic needs care for many individuals with disabilities. I’m not always sure that our legislators recognize that not maintaining basic needs funding will just create compounded health and financial problems in the very near future. I think there are ways to reduce costs, but slashing basic-need programs is not the answer. Late in March, a Senate bill drew extensive discussion, sometimes heated, about privatizing health care for low-income Minnesotans. The bill under discussion would affect more than 100,000 of our low-income and medically fragile adult Minnesotans. As you may know, Sen. David Hann (R- Eden Prairie) says our Medicaid program is broken. I’m not sure it’s working as well as it could, but in my opinion, it is certainly not broken to the point of starting over, and that is what Hann seemed to be suggesting. Sen. Linda Berglin (DFL-Minneapolis),
HISTORY NOTE
Three women who did their part for children by Luther Granquist
Today, agencies provide most of the communitybased services for persons with disabilities,
generally supported by public funds. In the decades after the School for the Feebleminded opened at Faribault,
Volume 22, Number 4 • Periodicals Imprint: Pending ISSN 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 Steve Anderson Kristin Jorenby Anita Schermer Carrie Salberg Kay Willshire Advertising Sales Cheryl D. Pfeifer
Executive Director Tim Benjamin Assistant Editor Jane McClure Business Manager/Webmaster Dawn Frederick Cartoonist Scott Adams Production Ellen Houghton with Presentation Images Distribution S. C. Distribution
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. Access Press is a monthly tabloid newspaper published for persons with disabilities by Access Press, Ltd. Circulation is 11,000, distributed the 10th of each month through more than 200 locations statewide. Approximately 450 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. Inquiries and address changes should be directed to: Access Press 1821 University Ave. W. Suite 104S St. Paul, MN 55104 651-644-2133 Fax: 651-644-2136 email: access@accesspress.org www.accesspress.org
agrees and is very concerned about Hann’s privatization plans. According to Berglin, Hann’s proposal would give a specific amount of money to low-income Minnesotans to buy private insurance on the open market. These individuals would be given money, a “block grant,” that could only be used to buy health insurance. Berglin raises the point that low-income people would be unlikely to be able to find an insurance policy whose deductible they could afford. How would a person who only makes, say, $10,000 - $12,000 a year be able to afford even a $500 deductible before the insurance would start paying anything? Berglin used a personal example in talking to her colleagues: if she were having heart problems and were in this program, she would go to the emergency room to avoid paying the deductibles that she would be required to pay at her clinic. The emergency room visit would leave the state or hospital paying that first $500 cost of the treatment, in addition to the state paying the cost of the private insurance plan. To me, this is the plan that sounds broken. Most of the block grant plans I’ve seen would be devastating to the disability community in the long run.
however, three women, on their own and without public support, established the first group homes and day programs for persons with developmental disabilities. In 1897, Laura Baker, the lead teacher at the School for the Feebleminded at Faribault, left there to start the School for Nervous and Backward Children in Minneapolis. Faribault Superintendent Arthur C. Rogers reported that Baker “carried out a long-cherished plan” and that the crowded condition of the state school suggested “the need of a place in the state where people financially able could secure for pay special privileges for their afflicted children.” After a year she moved the school to Northfield and
called it the Laura Baker School. Alvina Hammer, a nurse employed at Faribault, resigned her position in 1923 to open a home in south Minneapolis for four children. She did so at a time when Guy Hanna, the Superintendent at Faribault, published his diatribe, The Menace of the Feebleminded, and the Hennepin County Child Welfare Board distributed a pamphlet that proclaimed that “feebleminded” persons were “a causative factor in the production of crime, pauperism, prostitution and other social diseases.” For the next 40 years she directed the expansion of what is now Hammer Residences. Despite the depression, Louise Whitbeck Fraser, a teacher, started
I don’t think that anyone anymore will argue that institutionalization of any kind is cheaper than communitybased services. We all know that if Grandma, or a young disabled adult, goes to a nursing home, they’re likely to experience significant decreases in physical and mental health. But most importantly, institutionalization is demeaning and demoralizing. At the level of some of the cuts being proposed, there is no question people will have to move out of the community and into institutions. I’ve even heard the Nursing Home Association say that they won’t be able to house the number of people that will be needing institutionalization if some of these budget cuts are made. Some of our community’s best advocates have made it into mainstream media lately. Cindy Johnson and Kurt Rutzen, along with 20 or 30 others, testified at a recent finance committee meeting concerning legislative cuts to supports for people with disabilities. Johnson made the TV news and an Internet newspaper, Twin Cities Daily Planet. The interview that Johnson gave the Daily Planet provided an outstanding description of how these cuts will affect her family. You know, it sure seems that the mainstream media has been picking up on more disability community issues than in years past—we’re even developing our own celebrities or “rock stars.” I wonder if we aren’t getting more attention because many disability issues have begun to affect the huge base of baby boomers and their parents. Whatever the reason, we need all the serious attention we can get as some in the legislature get ready to sweep us under the carpet. ■
Hammer founder, Alvina Hammer picks flowers with three young residents in their Wayzata garden.
a school in her home in Minneapolis in 1935. After encounters with NIMBY neighbors and a university skeptic who called her a fraud, she finally located her Home Study School in a building on Penn Avenue that previously was used as a machine shop. This day program, the first of its kind in Minnesota, was renamed the Fraser School in 1965. In 1936, Mildred
Thomson, who for years filled the role of state guardian and was an ardent supporter of the institutions, went to a picnic at the Home Study School. Later she wrote that it was a new idea to her that these “lower grade children” living at home could respond to and enjoy group activities, but that at the time she had no idea how to implement this realization. She had a “nagging feeling” that more could be done for these children than offer them institutional space. But Laura Baker, Alvina Hammer, and Louise Whitbeck Fraser had had the vision and had already demonstrated the will and the ability to serve these children outside of the state’s institutions. The History Note is a monthly column sponsored by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, www.mncdd.org and History - p. 15
April 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 4
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Goal: fair orthotic, prosthetic coverage by Jane McClure
Cost caps and other restrictions make it difficult for many Minnesotans to obtain needed orthotic and prosthetic equipment. Rep. John Kriesel (R- Cottage Grove), an amputee who lost both legs in the war in Iraq, wants to change that. He is working with the Amputee Coalition and other advocates to pass H.F. 847. The bill would require private insurance companies to provide coverage equal to the coverage provided through Medicare. The bill and its Senate companion, which were introduced last month, are in committee awaiting hearings this month. Kriesel was one of the speakers at a March 7 Amputees Coalition rally, held to draw attention to the bill. As Access Press went to press, a hearing had not been set. “It’s fair, it’s not asking for a heck of a lot,
but it’s helping people get back to life,” said Kriesel. Without his two prosthetic legs he could not have campaigned for and won a House seat, coach his kids’ teams and take part in other activities most people take for granted. He was fortunate to have good coverage as a member of the armed forces but is mindful of those who must battle private insurers for the care they need. Speakers said some health care plans cap coverage at $2,500 or may restrict patients to one limb for a lifetime. The bill has run up against opposition from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has raised red flags about additional costs for anyone buying insurance. The organization is also pushing for a cost-benefit analysis on the bill. Nineteen states have adopted similar legisla-
BEST OF THE BLOGS Access Press has launched Access Press Unbound’s first three blogs. Here are some samples of the last month’s blog posts, from Animals at your Service, Accessing the Arts and A Better Life.
Accessing the Arts by Roxanne Furlong
I recently visited the History Theater’s production of Tale of Twin Cities and the Minneapolis Institute of Art exhibit “Titian and the Golden Age of Venetian Painting: Masterpieces from the National Galleries of Scotland.” Here are her comments on accessibility: When visiting MIA, be prepared to walk as its corridors and archways, with compelling placement of statuary and paintings, lead you from one gallery to the next. The architecture of the building and window views are themselves works of art. After you take a ramp from the main entrance up to the information/tour area, you’ll find a 1930s elevator that will take you up to gallery floors. Benches, for seating are throughout the galleries to rest and contemplate. Most of the art descriptions are above eyelevel for wheelers, and have small type; you may want to opt for the $4 audio interpretation.
The History Theatre is located in the old Science Museum, on 10th St. East, and Cedar in downtown St. Paul, and has a handicap entrance is left of the Cedar Street main entrance. According to the volunteer who met us at the door, the passenger elevator had been out of service for months. We had to use the freight elevator at the other end of the building. Once upstairs, we were brought through a maintenance area to get to the theater. (I have heard the passenger elevator is working now.) There are about five spots on either side of the theater with removable seats for wheelchair users. The steps down to the stage and other seating have a high rise and we watched many people struggle to get down to their seats. There isn’t a seat in the house that isn’t afforded a great view of the stage. The ASL interpreter, who did a fabulous job acting out Kevin’s stories, is in full view, left of the stage. ■
tion. Another 15 are considering similar bills. Several people who have had limbs amputated due to accidents or health conditions spoke on behalf of the bill. They noted that the need for orthotic and prosthetic devices could happen at any time, for anyone. Aaron Holm of Shakopee was helping change a tire in January 2007 when he was pinned between two motor vehicles. He lost both legs above the knee. His steps to recovery are described on the Wiggle Your Toes website. He founded the nonprofit group to help other amputees and their families regain independence and mobility. “A common theme we hear is, my insurance company will not cover the costs of the prosthesis,” Holm said. Costs for amputees can go up “very, very quickly,” said Rob
Bemidji State program helps students by Dave Wright
One of the big dilemmas faced by parents of children with disabilities who are just starting high school is this: Is college a reasonable goal? A one-of-its-kind program at Bemidji State University may be able to help answer that question. PREP (Post-Secondary Readiness Experiential Program) is a week-long program that takes place July 24-30 on the BSU campus. Because of the skills needed to understand the curriculum, it is aimed at students who have just finished ninth grade. But BSU will accept students from higher prep levels as well. Kathi Hagen, the coordinator, says it is a chance for students to get a feel for what college life might be like. “We work with the students on things like note taking, independent living and disability management skills,” she said. “That seems basic to a lot of folks but not to these kids. We talk a lot about goals, too.” Because of the intense nature of such a program, which is in its fifth year, enrollment is limited to 20 students. Although, it Access Press Unbound- p. 15
Rieckenberg, a Twin Cities resident who has been helped by Wiggle Your Toes and other groups. He noted that one little socket on his artificial leg is $22,000. But insurance wouldn’t cover even half of that and he had to fight to get it covered Reikenberg said he generally has good insurance coverage through his work. “But I want to help other amputees maintain a normal standard of living,” he said. “With two million Americans now living with limb loss, we applaud Rep. Kriesel for taking this important step for the limb loss community in Minnesota to obtain fair access to the care they need and deserve,” said Kevin Hines, MN Society of Orthotists, Prosthetists, and Pedorthists. “No one would say you can only have $2,500 a year for a knee replacement or $5,000 for a heart stent, and you certainly wouldn’t suggest someone can only have one heart attack per lifetime, but these are some of the common caps and restrictions that are placed on
Greta Nelson and her son Nick
orthotic and prosthetic devices. We ask all Minnesotans to contact their representatives to support passage of this crucial legislation, which will enable people with limb loss to reach their full potential.” “This is about equality and good medical care, and I am proud to carry the legislation,” Kriesel said. “We shouldn’t punish people because they carry private insurance.” Greta Nelson and her son Nick also spoke. Nick, who has popliteal pterygium, is a bilateral amputee. The fifth grader chose to have both legs amputated a few years
ago, as the condition created webbing on the back of his legs. He has used prosthetic legs and a wheelchair to get around. “I think this bill is very important,” Nick Nelson said. “Without the proper tools, life just doesn’t go on,” Greta Nelson said. Their family has adequate coverage now but she is concerned that could change in the future. Her son is growing, meaning his prosthetic need frequent replacement. He will also eventually age out of his family’s insurance plan, which is another worry. ■
Pg 4 April 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 4
tory, which will house the experiences, stories, and archival materials submitted by leaders in the evolves with contributions movement. As many older Leadership history from leaders around the leaders who’ve been part is preserved country. of the tremendous For more than a century, a “We envision this web progress in the Developmovement has been grow- site as a tree,” said mental Disabilities Moveing in this country to enCharlie Lakin, RTC Diment since the 1950s are sure that people with derector. “It presents an reaching retirement age velopmental disabilities overview course on disand beyond, the time is are valued, included, em- ability history that we’ve right to gather and prepowered and productive developed, and that’s the serve the information, inmembers of society. This trunk of the tree. But to sight, and resources they collective effort of indimake it a living tree we possess as an important viduals and groups, realso need branches, and legacy for future generaferred to broadly as the branches off of those tions. Developmental Disabilibranches. We hope that “Our hope for this ties Movement. A new many of the established project is that it will be a Web resource that offers a leaders and historians of source of inspiration for history of this movement our field will contribute current and future leaders and some of its key lead- those branches by using in the field of intellectual ers has been launched by the site as a multi-media and developmental disthe Research and Training repository through which abilities,” said Dwight Center on Community to share the personalities, Robson, President of The Living (RTC) at the Uni- ideas, and lessons that MENTOR Network versity of Minnesota, with have shaped our field to Charitable Foundation. support from The MENdate. Hopefully, by pass- “Especially for those new TOR Network Charitable ing on their stories of how to the field, this project Foundation. Titled Lead- we got to where we are, will underscore how ership in the History of future leaders will be bet- much progress had been the Developmental Dister aided to guide the con- made while energizing all abilities Movement: A tinued evolution of the of us to continue to push Web-Based Instructional, movement.” the movement forward Discussion, and Wiki ProThe overview course toward a day of full gram, this multimedia reaches back to 1845 and equality and integration Website (www.disability profiles key leaders and for those we support.” ■ historywiki.org) uses events in the movement [Source: University of Wiki technology to create from that time forward to Minnesota] a living history that contoday. This is expanded tinually expands and upon by the Wiki reposi-
REGIONAL NEWS
Officer is honored for work Last year St. Paul police officer Chad Koch had a thought that seemed pioneering yet obvious: The department has held classes to teach officers elementary Spanish, why not teach American Sign Language? He took on the project himself, and got the department’s first 10week course rolling. If funds are available this year, he hopes that an intermediate course will be the next step in bridging the gap between law enforcement and St. Paul’s deaf and hard of hearing residents. In March the Commis-
sion of Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Minnesotans gave Koch its community justice award in a ceremony at the State Capitol. “I think it’s just assumed that it’s not a minority community,” said Koch, who is not deaf. “It is a whole different language, a whole different culture. There are a lot of things we need to know.” In 2006, the department was embroiled in a case involving a deaf community leader who was sprayed with a chemical irritant and dragged out of his car for allegedly running a red light. Advocates said that Koch’s work has made strides in improving communication
to eliminate these misunderstandings. He also reached out to St. Paul schools, meeting with deaf students each week. “For quite some time, the police force didn’t have the ability or support to work with deaf or hard of hearing people who communicated with American Sign Language,” said Marian Hausladen, an advocate and former chair of the commission. Hausladen was a social worker for St. Paul schools when Koch approached her about meeting with deaf students to help understand their language and culture. ■ [Source: Star Tribune]
New ADA rules are in effect Revised regulations implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will take effect March 15 , the Department of Justice announced. The revised rules are the department’s first major revision of its guidance on accessibility in 20 years. The regulations apply to the activities of more than 80,000 units of state and local government and
more than seven million places of public accommodation, including stores, restaurants, shopping malls, libraries, museums, sporting arenas, movie theaters, doctors’ and dentists’ offices, hotels, jails and prisons, polling places, and emergency preparedness shelters. The rules were signed by Attorney General Eric Holder on July 23, 2010, More Regional News on p. 6
and the official text was published in the Federal Register on September 15, 2010. The department is also releasing a new document, “ADA Update: A Primer for Small Business,” to help small businesses understand the new and updated accessibility requirements. In addition, the department is announcing the release
April 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 4
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Commentary
Reform and redesign offer the best hope for taxpayers and people with disabilities by Chris Bell and Steve Larson
There’s a deficit problem in St. Paul that goes beyond the $5 billion budget shortfall. This deficit involves a lack of innovation in some programs, as much as any lack of funding. It’s a shortfall of efficiency and accountability in other areas, as much as any shortfall in staff or resources. Compounding the problem, there’s no deficit of red tape and regulations. People with disabilities and those of us who have the privilege of working with them recognized this innovation deficit years ago. We made a strategic decision to collectively take a more reform- centered approach to delivering the highest quality of services and greatest opportunity to the most vulnerable Minnesotans at a better price. Through the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, (MN-CCD) a coalition with dozens of members large and small, we took action for the same reason as private sector businesses in these challenging economic times. We understood that the projected growth in the health and human services budget would be unsustainable in the long run if we did not reform the way we provide disability services. We had to come forward with ideas for doing things smarter in order to succeed in our mission of advancing public policies that provide the most cost-effective delivery of services and help individuals with disabilities maintain their health and live as independently as possible in their community.
The result was a set of bills with bipartisan support that will increase the quality of disability services and allow us to stretch the state taxpayer dollar further over time. In order for the state to save money in the longterm, we need to provide the supports that enable a person with a disability of any age to access a spectrum of services based on need and cost that includes remaining in his or her own home or community. This is more beneficial to one’s health and quality of life and generally costs the state less than pigeon-holing people into settings and services they often don’t need or want. These bills streamline rules and statutes into a single set of standards; increase coordination of health and long-term care services and make it easier for Minnesotans with disabilities to have control over those services. Specific examples, of provisions of the bills include allowing the use of monitoring devices in lieu of staff when appropriate for overnight sleep supervision of individuals. Providing incentives for primary service providers to coordinate the various services accessed by an individual. And, informing individuals with disabilities of the annual budget available for their services, allowing them to make more informed decisions about how to most effectively use these funds. The ability of our legislature and Minnesota’s disability community to work together in moving forward towards a sustainable future for disability services should be of interest to all citizens. After all, most dis-
ability service providers are businesses that operate in hundreds of communities and pay out hundreds of millions of dollars in wages Steve Larson, across Minnesota. Further- Public Policy Director more, the adage that one of Arc of MN never knows when they or a loved one may need to access disability services rings even truer today, due to medical advances and the aging of the baby-boom generation. Indeed, a person aged 65 has a 70 percent chance of acquiring a disability as they grow older. This redesign is the next logical step in Minnesota’s long and proud tradition of leadership in transitioning people with disabilities of all ages out of institutions and into less costly and more desirable community settings. Now that we have momentum, it’s important to keep pushing for common sense reforms and opportunities, such as a recently announced federal wellness grant that could lead to reduced health care costs and improved community based services. We are on the road to innovation and welcome all ideas on how we can continue to streamline and develop new service models to make sure taxpayers get the most return for their investment . Suggestions and solutions should be sent to the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities. Contact information is available on our website at www.mnccd.org ■ Chris Bell and Steve Larson are co-chairs, Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD)
Cuts will force hard choices for many Minnesotans by David Hancox
If tomorrow morning my employer told me that I had to take a 20% pay cut, I would naturally think about where I could cut my expenses. I would also begin thinking about ways to replace that income . . . a second job, perhaps. Apparently, it does not work that way with our government. Even though the projected $5.2 billion deficit is clearly a mix of both revenue (the state of Minnesota is collecting less in personal income tax and sales taxes, which combined account for nearly 75% of the state revenue base) and expense problems, our legislative leaders continue to be convinced that the projected deficit can be resolved solely through budget cuts. And, as is expected, disenfranchised individuals . . . older adults, people with disabilities, the working poor and those living in chronic poverty . . . are facing a much larger impact than others. The Health and Human Services legislation passed the week of March 21 by the Minnesota House cut $1.6 billion from general fund base spending for the FY 2012-13 biennium. The bills also reduce provider reimbursement rate for personal care attendant (PCA) and other services by 2%. The legislation includes provisions to cut PCA rates by 20% for relatives who provide PCA services, and places the burden on the PCA agencies to report the direct service providers (DSPs) they employ who are relatives (defined as parents of adults, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings over 16 and adult children) of a recipient. We also saw $268 million in cuts to the Health Care Access Fund and $23 million in cuts to federal funding for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The Senate Health and Human Services legislation would also have a significant impact on tens of thousands of Minnesotans, including working people who would lose access to affordable health care, people with disabilities who would no longer have services that help them live independently, and individuals and families that would see essential safety-net programs disappear. This legislation includes $103 million in cuts to waiver programs that enable individuals with disabili-
ties to access home-based Medicaid services, which prevents a more expensive out-of-home placement in institutional settings. The cuts include capping growth in waiver programs and reducing rates for residential facilities. It is estimated that more than 830 Minnesotans with disabilities will be forced into an institutional setting–either a nursing home or hospital –as a result of these cuts. (Gov. Mark Dayton’s budget also reduces funding for waivered programs, but to a lesser degree.) This is in addition to the anticipated changes in Activity of Daily Living (ADL) requirements for people with disabilities who need and use PCA services. The changes, which take effect July 1, 2011, would eliminate eligibility for approximately 2200 individuals. Combined with the 803 individuals mentioned above, institutional services for approximately 3000 individuals would likely erase any projected cost savings. At best, the state would simply be cost shifting. It also eliminates coverage for some services for Minnesotans on Medical Assistance (MA) and MinnesotaCare, including chiropractic, podiatry, spe-
cialized therapies for adults, eyeglasses and prosthetics. There are numerous other important issues in both the Senate and House bills affecting individuals with disabilities and other David Hancox, disenfranchised communi- Executive Director of MCIL ties. We just concluded round one, so there is still time to affect a change in this dangerous direction. It is important that members of the legislature and the governor’s office hear from individuals with disabilities, their families and others. It is critical that we share our stories and the impacts these proposed changes will have on our lives and the ability of people with disabilities to live productive, participatory self directed lives. Nothing about us, without us! ■ David Hancox is Executive Director of Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL)
Pg 6 April 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 4
Session - from p. 1
called therapeutic cloning, CCD Co–Chair Chris Bell Minnesotans with disabilisaid, “Why would we want scientists have indicated they ties to remain as functioning, to cut the very services that don’t want to lose that option contributing community in the future. Therapeutic allow Minnesotans with members. Advocates said disabilities to make the most cloning offers the possibility the cuts will result in longer of their lives and liveliof merging a patient’s cells care costs over the long term. hood? It is these services with embryonic cells, so One example of this is cuts there’s less risk of rejection. that increase the quality of the House proposes to waiv- life for our community MCCL is advocating for use ers, by $373 million over of adult stem cells, and remembers with disabilities, two years. The waivers enprogramming of adult stem and that save our state treable people with disabilities mendous amounts of money cells for research. Researchto access home-based Med- by preventing more expen- ers contend that this may not icaid services. Waivered ser- sive, institutional type work for some diseases. vices help Minnesotans with placements.” Bills affecting elections and disabilities to identify and Many other areas are fac- voting are also a worry, as a maintain employment, hous- ing huge changes as well. wide range of proposals ing, transportation, and other One major dilemma is stem- have been in play. MNfacets of day-to-day life en- cell research. Both the CCD, the Minnesota Disjoyed by non–disabled Min- House and Senate bills con- ability Law Center and nesotans. While funding is other groups have spent tain language that would being much of the It is these services that increase the quality of life past few slashed, there won’t for our community members with disabilities. weeks be a reducfighting tion in the number of people make human cloning a changes that would affect needing services but the reeverything from voter assisfelony offense. Opponents sult is likely to be major recontend the language would tance to guardianship issues. ductions in the services. Some of the proposed still allow stem cell reThe House bill also cuts search, so long as embryos changes, which would have money set aside by the leg- are not destroyed. But oppo- greatly affected who could islature two years ago to assist voters, have been nents content that it would provide an minimal level of decimate research and stripped from the bills. But personal assistance, about a eliminate potential medical controversial identification half -hour a day to a group requirements remain, as solutions for people with a of Minnesotans with disdoes a proposal that would wide range of disabilities. abilities who will lose acObjections have been raised require an annual court cess to more comprehensive by researchers as well as the hearing on guardianship services this July. These remained in the bill. state’s growing bio-tech personal care services probusiness sectors. Families in Typically, persons under vide Minnesotans with dis- search of cures for their guardianship retain the right abilities with the assistance loved ones are also speaking to vote unless that right is needed to bathe, shower, specifically taken away by a out. and dress each day—often judge. Pamela Hoopes of The debate has also pitted the critical service that althe Minnesota Disability groups including the antilows an individual with a Law Center, self-advocate abortion group Minnesota disability to get to work. Citizens Concerned for Life Roberta Blomster and her The Senate Health and Hu- (MCCL) against the Unisister and guardian Ann man Services bill proposes versity of Minnesota. The U were among those testifying the elimination of coverage of M Stem Cell Institute against increased restricof occupational, speech, and uses a variety of stem cells, tions on guardianship. physical therapy; and cover- including embryonic stem Hoopes pointed out that if age of dentures, prosthetic cells, to research treatments the annual hearing requiredevices, and other services ment went into place, it for diseases including helping individuals to rewould affect several thouParkinson’s, diabetes and main productive in their heart disease. They use em- sand Minnesotans. It would communities. also add costs to an already bryonic stem cells copied Viewing these two proburdened courts system. ■ from existing cell lines. posals collectively, MNWhile the U doesn’t do so-
Regional News - from p. 4 of a new publication explaining when the various provisions of its amended regulations will take effect. Both documents will be available tomorrow on the department’s ADA website, www.ada.gov “The new rules usher in a new day for the more than 50 million individuals with disabilities in this country,” said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. “The rules will expand accessibility in a number of areas and, for the first time, provide detailed guidance on how to make recreation facilities, in-
cluding parks and swimming pools, accessible.” The new ADA rules are seen as more user-friendly for building code officials, construction companies, and architects, and have been harmonized with state and local accessibility codes. They also include, for the first time, standards on making swimming pools, parks, golf courses, boating facilities, exercise clubs, and other recreation facilities accessible for individuals with disabilities. Entities covered by the ADA have until March 15, 2012 to comply with the 2010 Standards. “ADA Up-
date” and “ADA 2010 Revised Requirements: Effective Date/Compliance Date” are the first of several planned publications aimed at helping businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and state and local governments understand their obligations under the amended Title II and Title III regulations. Individual print copies of the Effective Date/Compliance Date publication can be ordered from the ADA Information Line (800-5140301 voice or 800-5140383 TTY). ■ [Source: U.S. Department of Justice]
Swindler must pay $456,367 restitution Katharine L. Rosenthal, 41, stole from her autistic neighbor and now must spent a year in prison. The former Eagan woman also must pay the victim $456.367. Rosenthal was sentenced last month in Dakota County District Court after pleading guilty to three counts of defrauding a vulnerable adult. Nine other felony counts, including theft by swindle, were dropped.
Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom called the offenses “egregious,” because Rosenthal stole money that she was supposed to use to care for a person with disabilities. Rosenthal will also serve 20 years’ probation. Any more violations and she will have to serve another 33 more months’ imprisonment. Rosenthal apologized in court, saying she had
Father must pay support The Minnesota Court of Appeals has rejected a wealthy man’s claim that he shouldn’t have to pay part of his adult son’s care. The son has Down syndrome. The father with more than $1.2 million in annual income had argued that he pays high taxes and his son is eligible for government support. The court’s decision in March upheld Hennepin County District Judge Kevin Burke’s order that Timo-
requires intensive care and is therefore still eligible for child support under the law. “Essentially, [the father] argued that it was unfair to require him to fund his son’s care when the taxpayers could do it,” the Appeals Court decision stated. The court agreed with Burke’s reasoning “that it is not unreasonable or unfair to require a father with over $1.2 million in annual income” to help support his
made a mistake. The victim’s family had known Rosenthal for several years and gave her power of attorney over the victim’s inheritance. Rosenthal even bought a house in Texas and moved the victim there temporarily. Worried friends got the power of attorney revoked. ■ [Source: Pioneer Press, Star Tribune]
Guilty plea in assault
A St. Paul man has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a fellow Metro Transit bus passenger. The crime was shocking because the assault victim has Down syndrome. Herbert Lee House III, 22, pleaded guilty in Ramsey County District Court March 23 to third-degree criminal sexual conduct. The terms of a plea agreement call for him to be sentenced May 18 to at least five years in prison. His attorney may ask the judge for leniency. During the Feb. 22 assault, The father argued in part that House sat next to the because he paid high income taxes, woman, who was traveling with a school group on a he was funding his son’s care twice. Route 64 bus. thy Hanratty must condisabled child “rather than According to a criminal tinue to pay $2,300 a shifting the burden to a complaint, House sat next month in child support, state that is cutting proto the woman and forced which his ex-wife in turn grams for [its] most vulher to perform a sex act. pays to the group home nerable citizens.” House also tried to lead her where their 32-year-old Hanratty told the Star off the bus with him, but a son lives. Although he Tribune that he wants the personal attendant accommade more than $1 milbest for his son and foots panying the group yelled to lion a year in 2007 and the bill for his health inher, “Get back on the bus.” 2008, Timothy Hanratty surance, but he does not Two teens who witnessed argued his child support is believe he is being treated the incident notified police no longer necessary beequally. He argued in part after they got home. The cause Travis has moved to that because he paid high personal attendant, who a group home where eligi- income taxes, he was worked with vulnerable bility for government refunding his son’s care adults at the St. Paul Public imbursement would make twice. He has the option Schools’ Transition to Inhim self-supporting. The to appeal to the Minnedependence school, is on monthly group home bill sota Supreme Court. ■ paid administrative leave is $6,500 for his son, who [Source: Star Tribune] pending an investigation. ■ [Source: Pioneer Press]
April 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 4
Pg 7
ADVOCACY Advocating Change Together (ACT)
V-651-641-0297
TF-800-641-0059
Amputee Coalition
V-888-267-5669
F-865-525-7917
www.amputee-coalition.org
www.selfadvocacy.org
Arc Greater Twin Cities
V-952-920-0855
F-952-920-1480
www.arcgreatertwincities.org
Arc of Minnesota
V-651-523-0823x115
TF-800-582-5256
www.thearcofminnesota.org
Assoc. of Residential Resources in MN
V-651-291-1086
TTY-800-551-2211
www.arrm.org
Courage Center
V-763-520-0725
TTY-763-520-0245
www.CourageCenter.org
Hearing Loss Assoc. of America (HLAATC)
V-763-537-7558
MN Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities
V-651-523-0829x112
F-651-523-0829
www.mnccd.org
MN Developmental Achievement Center Assoc.
V-651-647-9200
F-651-647-9353
www.mndaca.org
PACER Center, Inc.
V-952-838-9000
TTY-952-838-0190
www.pacer.org
Dungarvin Minnesota, LLC
V-651-699-6050
TTY-651-695-5802
www.dungarvin.com
Mary T. Inc. Catered Living
V-763-754-2505
TF-888-255-6400
www.marytinc.com
Brain Injury Association of Minnesota
V-612-378-2742
TTY-800-669-6442
www.braininjurymn.org
Courage Center
V-763-520-0312
TTY-763-520-0245
www.CourageCenter.org
Mary T. Inc. Human Service Programs
V-763-754-2505
TF-888-255-6400
www.hlaatc.org
ASSISTED-LIVING PROGRAMS
BRAIN INJURY
www.marytinc.com
Tandem Residential
V-651-641-0491x315
F-651-645-2780
www.tandemresidential.com
TBI Metro Services - Richfield & W. St. Paul
V-612-869-3995
V-651-457-4756
www.opportunitypartners.org
V/TTY-763-479-3555
F-763-479-2605
www.vinlandcenter.org
www.theccpinc.com
CHEMICAL HEALTH Vinland National Center
COMMUNITY LIVING CCP - The Cooperating Community Programs
V-651-917-8322
F-651-917-8322
DeafBlind Services Minnesota (DBSM)
V-612-362-8454
TTY-612-362-8422
www.dbsm.org
Dungarvin Minnesota, LLC
V-651-699-6050
TTY-651-695-5802
www.dungarvin.co
Howry Residential Services
V-651-917-9111
F-651-917-1018
www.howryinc.com
Mary T. Inc. Human Service Programs
V-763-754-2505
TF-888-255-6400
www.marytinc.com
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
www.reachforresources.org
REM Minnesota
V-952-945-4952
F-952-922-6885
www.remminnesota.org
So. MN Indep. Living Enterprises & Services
V/TTY-507-345-7139
TF-888-676-6498
www.metroworkcenter.org www.opportunitypartners.org
www.smilescil.org
CONSUMER-DIRECTED COMMUNITY SUPPORTS CCP Self Directed Services
V-651-209-3350
Community Involvement Programs (CIP)
V-612-362-4437
F-651-641-8623
www.ccpcdcs.com www.cipmn.org
EDUCATION Community Education Network on Disabilities
V-651-748-7436
V-507-494-0950
V-320-529-6500 x6271
Institute on Community Integration
V-612-624-6300
F-612-624-8279
www.ici.umn.edu
MRC - Minnesota Resource Center
V-612-752-8100
TTY-612-752-8019
www.mrc-mn.org
Upstream Arts
V-612-331-4584
F-480-393-5587
www.upstreamarts.org
CONTINUED
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.)
Pg 8 April 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 4
EMPLOYMENT/VOCATION Assistive Technology of MN - DBA Equip A Life
V-763-479-8239
TF-866-535-8239
www.equipalife.org
CCP Works! - Cooperating Community Programs
V-763-540-6833x302
F-651-917-8322
www.theccpinc.com
Chrestomathy, Inc.
V-952-974-0339
F-952-974-0307
www.chrestomathyinc.org
Community Connections Partnership (CCP)
V-763-540-6833x302
Community Involvement Programs (CIP)
V-952-851-6186
V-952-851-6193
www.communityconnectionspartnership.org www.cipmn.org
Cooperating Community Programs (CCP)
V-651-503-8618
F-651-641-8623
www.theccpinc.com
Courage Center
V-763-520-0564
TTY-763-520-0245
East Suburban Resources
V-651-351-0190
www.CourageCenter.org 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
Merrick, Inc.
V-651-789-6231
F-651-789-9960
www.merrickinc.org
Metro Work Center, Inc.
V/TTY-612-729-7381
F-612-729-7382
www.metroworkcenter.org
Midway Training Services
V-651-641-0709
F-651-641-0976
www.midwaytraining.org
Midwest Special Services, Inc.
V-651-778-1000
F-651-772-4352
www.mwsservices.org
Minnesota Diversified Industries (MDI)
V-651-999-8200
F-651-999-8242
www.mdi.org
Minnesota Work Incentives Connection
V-651-632-5113
TF-800-976-6728
MRC - Minnesota Resource Center
V-612-752-8100
TTY-612-752-8019
www.mnworkincentives.com www.mrc-mn.org
Opportunity Partners
V-952-938-5511
TTY-952-930-4293
www.opportunitypartners.org
Partnership Resources, Inc.
V-952-925-1404
F-952-925-6055
www.partnershipresources.org
Partnership Resources, Inc. - Minneapolis
V-612-331-2075
F-612-331-2887
www.partnershipresources.org
Partnership Resources, Inc. - Older Adults Program V-952-746-6206
F-952-746-6209
www.partnershipresources.org
ProAct Inc.
V-651-686-0405
F-651-686-0312
www.proactinc.org
ProAct - Red Wing
V-651-388-7108
F-651-388-9223
www.proactinc.org
Rise, Inc.
V/TTY-763-786-8334
F-763-786-0008
www.rise.org
TBI Metro Services - Richfield & W. St. Paul
V-612-869-3995
V-651-457-4756
www.opportunitypartners.org
TSE, Inc.
V-651-489-2595
F-651-489-0410
www.tse-inc.org
University of Minnesota Disability Services
V-612-626-1333
F-612-625-5572
http://ds.umn.edu
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
www.mncdd.org
Social Security Admin. & St. Paul PASS Cadre
TF-866-667-6032 x10661, x10674, or x10640
www.socialsecurity.gov
GOVERNMENT www.disability.state.mn.us
HEALTH CARE PLANS Cornerstone Solutions
TF-866-601-8962
TTY-800-627-3529
Edelweiss Home Health Care
V-612-273-5560
F-612-273-7360
UCare
V-800-707-1711
TTY-800-688-2534
Break-Thru Home Care, Inc.
V-612-659-1505
TTY-612-659-1499
In Home Personal Care
V-763-546-1000
F-763-546-1018
Mary T. Inc. Home Health Care
V-763-754-2505
TF-888-255-6400
www.cornerstone-solutions.org www.edelhomecare.com www.ucare.org
HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICES
Desktop Publishing: Advertisements Flyers Logos Newsletters Brochures And More! Ellen Houghton • 952-404-9981 presentationimages@comcast.net
www.breakthrucare.com www.inhomepersonalcare.com www.marytinc.com
HOUSING-CONSTRUCTION/REMODELING AccessAbility Options, Inc.
V-763-571-6789
F-800-632-0798
www.accessoptionsmn.com
Accessibility Design
V-952-925-0301
F-952-926-7712
www.accessibilitydesign.com
Accessible Homes, LLC.
V-612-978-1054
F-651-554-3085
www.accessiblehomesllc.net
Equal Access Homes, Inc.
V-651-249-7751
F-651-450-1330
www.EqualAccessHomes.com
McCarthy Builders & Remodelers, Inc.
V-612-250-0816
CONTINUED
Diamond Hill Townhomes Diamond Hill Townhomes is a great property located near the Minneapolis International Airport. Our waiting list is currently closed. Call for updated openings as this can change from time to time. 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.
To check for future waiting list openings please call (612) 726-9341.
www.McCarthyBuildersandRemodelers.com
April 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 4
Kent’s Accounting Service, LLC Kent Fordyce HOUSING-RENTAL Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI)
V-651-645-7271
TTY-800-466-7722
www.accessiblespace.org
Ebenezer Park Apartments
V-612-879-2233
F-612-879-8889
www.fairviewebenezer.org/minneapolis
HousingLink
V-612-522-2500
F-612-521-1577
www.housinglink.org
National Handicap Housing Institute, Inc
V-651-639-9799
F-651-639-9699
www.nhhiaccessiblehousing.com
Villas and Townhomes by Mary T. Inc.
V-763-754-2505
TF-888-255-6400
www.marytinc.com
INFORMATION AND REFERRAL RESOURCES 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
The Natl Multiple Sclerosis Society - MN Chapter
V-612-335-7900
TF-800-582-5296
www.arcgreatertwincities.org www.atmn.org www.disability.state.mn.us www.mssociety.org
PACER Center, Inc.
V-952-838-9000
TTY-952-838-0190
www.pacer.org
United Cerebral Palsy of MN
V-651-646-7588
TF-877-528-5678
www.ucpmn.org
V-612-334-5970
TF-800-292-4150
www.mndlc.org
LEGAL MN Disability Law Center
MEDICAL SUPPLIES/EQUIPMENT Fairview Rehabilitation Services
V-612-273-6228
TTY-800-824-1953
www.fairview.org/rehab
Fairview Wheelchair Seating and Mobility
V-612-273-5560
F-612-273-7360
www.fairview.org/rehab
Handi Medical Supply
V-651-644-9770
F-651-644-0602
www.handimedical.com
Key Medical Supply, Inc.
V-651-792-3860
F-651-792-3867
www.keymedicalsupply.com
Liberty Oxygen & Medical Equipment
V-952-920-0460
F-952-920-0480
www.libertyoxygen.com
Tamarack Habilitation Technologies
V-763-795-0057
TF-866-795-0057
Community Involvement Programs (CIP)
V-612-362-4434
V-612-362-4452
Courage Center
V-763-520-0312
TTY-763-520-0245
Howry Residential Services
V-651-917-9111
F-651-917-1018
Lifetrack Resources - St. Paul
V-651-227-8471
TTY-651-227-3779
www.tamarackhti.com
MENTAL HEALTH www.cipmn.org www.CourageCenter.org www.howryinc.com www.lifetrackresources.org
National Alliance on Mental Illness of MN
V-651-645-2948
TF-888-NAMI-Helps
People Inc. Epilepsy & Mental Health Services
V-651-338-9035
TTY-651-338-1160
www.peopleincorporated.org
www.namihelps.org
V-763-520-0453
TTY-763-520-0245
www.CourageCenter.org
PHYSICIANS Courage Center
RECREATION-ADAPTIVE HOBBY/EXERCISE/SPORTS/ARTS Courage Center
V-763-520-0537
Mind Body Solutions
V-952-473-3700
VSA Minnesota
V/TTY-612-332-3888
TTY-763-520-0245
www.CourageCenter.org www.mindbodysolutions.org
TF-800-801-3883
www.vsamn.org
RECREATION-TRAVEL/CAMPING Camp Winnebago
V-507-724-2351
F-507-724-3786
Friendship Ventures
V-952-852-0101
TF-800-450-8376
www.campwinnebago.org www.friendshipventures.org
Ventures Travel, LLC
V-952-852-0107
TF-866-692-7400
www.venturestravel.org
Wilderness Inquiry
V-612-676-9400
TF-800-728-0719
www.wildernessinquiry.org
REHABILITATION (PHYSICAL, OCCUPATIONAL, SPEECH, AUDIOLOGY THERAPISTS) Cooperating Community Prog. - Home-Based Support V-651-379-9711
F-651-645-7350
www.theccpinc.com
CONTINUED
Your home, your independence . . . 763-546-1000 At In Home Personal Care, we pride ourselves not only on the help we provide, but also on our ability to listen. We understand that each of our clients has different needs at different times.
Serving Adults and Children with Long-Term Needs since 1991 SERVICES: 8441 Wayzata Blvd; Suite 130 • Personal Care Assistants (PCA) • Live-ins Golden Valley, MN 55426 • PCA and PCA Choice Provider • Home Health Aides (HHA)
“I know something about the word “personal” in our company name because I’m not only the founder – I’m also a client. Our quality home care services are formed around a plan that works for you and your individual situation.” - Kevin Sullivan”
Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor for: 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 612-889-2959 fordyce6@aol.com
Pg 9
Pg 10 April 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 4
REHABILITATION (CONTINUED) 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 www.CourageCenter.org
Courage Ceter - St. Croix
V-651-439-8283
F-651-439-0576
DeafBlind Services Minnesota (DBSM)
V-612-362-8454
TTY-612-362-8422
Fairview Acute Rehabilitation Center
V-612-273-8660
F-612-273-4706
www.fairview.org/arc
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
Lifetrack Resources - St. Paul
V-651-227-8471
TTY-651-227-3779
www.lifetrackresources.org
F-651-645-2780
www.capstoneservices.net
V-612-362-4403
www.cipmn.org
www.dbsm.org
www.inhomepersonalcare.com
RESIDENTIAL/GROUP HOME PROGRAMS Capstone Services, LLC
V-651-641-0042 x211
CCP-The Community Involvement Programs - Residential Programs CCP Home-Based Support
V-651-917-8322
F-651-617-8322
www.theccpinc.com
Dungarvin Minnesota, LLC
V-651-699-6050
TTY-651-695-5802
www.dungarvin.com
Fraser
V-612-861-1688
F-612-861-6050
www.fraser.org
Howry Residential Services
V-651-917-9111
F-651-917-1018
www.howryinc.com
Mary T. Inc. Human Services Programs
V-763-754-2505
TF-888-255-6400
www.marytinc.com
Opportunity Partners
V-952-938-5511
TTY-952-930-4293
www.opportunitypartners.org
People Inc. Epilepsy & Mental Health Services
V-651-338-9035
TTY-651-338-1160
www.peopleincorporated.org
Phoenix Residence
V-651-227-7655
F-651-227-6847
www.phoenixresidence.org
Restart, Inc.
V-763-588-7633
F-763-588-7613
www.restartincmn.org
Can Do Canines
V-763-331-3000
F-763-331-3009
www.can-do-canines.org
Helping Paws, Inc.
V-952-988-9359
F-952-988-9296
www.helpingpaws.org
V-952-226-2063
www.PawPADS.org
SERVICE ANIMALS
Pawsitive Perspectives Assistance Dogs (PawPADs)
SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES Ebenezer Care Center
V-612-879-2262
www.fairviewebenezer.org/minneapolis
SOCIAL SERVICES Restart, Inc.
V-763-588-7633
F-763-588-7613
www.restartincmn.org
Assistive Technology of MN, DBA Equip A Life
V-763-479-8239
TF-866-535-8239
Fairview Assistive Technology Program
V-612-273-6228
F-612-273-7360
www.fairview.org/rehab
TECHNOLOGY www.equipalife.org
Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare
V-651-291-2848
TF-800-719-4040
www.gillettechildrens.org
Marbesoft - Simtech
V-763-755-1402
TF-888-755-1402
www.marblesoft.com
PACER Center, Inc.
V-952-838-9000
TTY-952-838-0190
STAR Program
V-651-201-2640
TF-888-234-1267
www.starprogram.state.mn.us
Tamarack Habilitation Technology
V-763-795-0057
TF-866-795-0057
www.tamarackhti.com
www.pacer.org
TRANSPORTATION RENTAL/SALES/MODIFICATION IMED Mobility
V-651-635-0655
TF-800-788-7479
www.imedmobility.com
American Council for the Blind of Minnesota
V-651-428-5059
V-612-486-5180
www.acb.org/Minnesota
Vision Loss Resources
V-612-871-2222
F-612-872-0189
www.visionlossresources.org
Volunteer Braille Services
V-763-544-2880
F-763-544-3612
www.vbsmn.org
VISION IMPAIRMENT
April 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 4
Pg 11
PEOPLE & PLACES Granquist honored for advocacy disabilities would live as fully-included and productive members of society.
Five honored for removing barriers Five Minnesota citizens, educators and organizations were recognized April 5 as champions of removing barriers to independence for people with disabilities. STAR is Minnesota’s Assistive Technology Act Program, administered through the Minnesota Department of Administration. The STAR program is federally funded by the Rehabilitation Services Luther Granquist, center, his wife Anita Schermer, right, and grandson Erick Granquist, left, celebrate at The Arc event. Administration under the Assistive Technology Act Luther Granquist, attorney for the Minnesota Disabilof 1998, as amended in 2004. ity Law Center (MLDC) for 36 years and a regular The Minnesota STAR Program’s Awards for Excontributor to Access Press, was honored by The Arc cellence in Assistive Technology honor individuals Minnesota for his decades-long commitment to proand groups for championing the removal of barriers to tecting and upholding the rights of people with develindependence through the use of assistive technology opmental disabilities. (AT). AT is any device that maintains, improves or “Few people have impacted the lives of as many increases function at home, school, work and in the Minnesotans with developmental disabilities as has community. Examples of AT range from a magnifier Luther Granquist,” said Pat Mellenthin, The Arc for printed materials and a ramp for accessing a buildMinnesota’s Chief Executive Officer. “His work ening or home to software that generates speech, reads hanced the dignity and protected the legal and human text, controls appliances and performs computer tasks. rights of those who otherwise might be forgotten. Recipients include pioneers in the field of assistive Children with disabilities living with their families, technology, educators, professionals and consumers students with disabilities whose rights to an appropriwho promote the use of assistive technology. The five ate education were in jeopardy, and adults with diswinners were honored during a ceremony at the state abilities living and participating in their communities capitol. Winners are Consumer, Tana Vogele, Cottage have all benefited from Luther’s advocacy.” Grove; Innovator–Auditory Sciences, Northfield; AdThe honors came during The Arc Minnesota’s Pub- vocate, Richard Brown, St. Louis Park; Educator– lic Policy Recognition Event March 12. The annual Erika Kluge Frake, Delano and Debbie Bock, event honors individuals for their lifetime achieveBloomington. ment in advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities. This year’s event was held at Midland New program is unveiled Hills Country Club in Roseville. Tim Larson, The Arc Minnesota Board President; After raising nearly $2 million in start-up funds, Richard Brown, a self-advocate whom Luther supPeople Incorporated Mental Health Service opened its ports at Partnership Resources; Anne Henry, attorney innovative new facility, Huss Center for Recovery at MDLC; and members of Advocating Change Toand Stark Mental Health Clinic, at 2120 Park Avenue gether (ACT) all gave heartfelt testimony (and In in Minneapolis. An April 6 open house allowed the ACT’s case, a musical tribute) to Granquist’s work public to tour the restored Crosby mansion (Huss and influence over the past decades. Center for Recovery locale) and its carriage house Granquist’s career with the MDLC spanned four (Stark Mental Health Clinic locale). decades. He was a key figure in the Welsch lawsuits Using elements of the “harm reduction” model— that began in the 1970s, when parents and others rather than the Twelve Step approach—the Huss Cenraised their voices against conditions in state hospiter will provide treatment for metro area residents tals. Granquist’s and others’ work on these lawsuits who are diagnosed with chemical dependency (CD), helped start the movement of people with developmany of whom also have an underlying mental illness mental disabilities from institutions into the commu(MI). The abstinence-based Twelve Step approach nity. has generally not worked well for people with CD and Retired from the center, Granquist has continued underlying MI, who need a setting where relapse is involvement with involved with disability issues and not viewed as total failure. The center provides resiorganizations. He writes a monthly column for Acdential treatment, a day program, and aftercare. The cess Press; volunteers weekly with Partnership Reclinic offers psychiatric, nursing, and counseling sersources, providing support to Brown by helping to vices. Together, the center and clinic will treat approgram Brown’s communication device; gathers and proximately 400 people per year. organizes historical documents for the Governor’s Dr. Tim Burkett, CEO of People Incorporated, says Council on Developmental Disabilities’ website; and the new facility is a milestone. “This is a significant assembles material for a book he is writing on the his- leap forward for those who cycle in and out of CD tory of disability in Minnesota. programs due to underlying mental illness. We’ve Granquist’s previous honors include the Bernard P. been using the harm reduction model for over 12 Becker Award for skilled legal representation for low- years in other programs, and its success points to it income and disadvantaged persons; the Honorary becoming the new norm for treating people with coAward of the Vincent L. Hawkinson Foundation for occurring CD and MI.” Peace and Justice; and special recognition by Arc This program got started in early 2009, when Greater Twin Cities, for helping to realize The Arc’s Hennepin County asked People Incorporated to open vision of creating communities where persons with a harm reduction CD/MI program. After raising
nearly $2 million and investing approximately $500,000 of its own capital, People Incorporated purchased the Crosby mansion in 2010. Renovations were completed in early March 2011, and the first clients moved in on March 7. Fees for residential and outpatient services will cover anticipated expenses moving forward.
Generosity shown at annual event Hennepin County Bar Foundation’s annual Bar Benefit raised more than $124,000 to serve the legal needs of those in need, and the Volunteer Lawyers Network raised more than $18,000 through its silent auction and raffle held in conjunction with the benefit. Foundation President Marshall Lichty expressed his enthusiastic thanks to all for their generosity. The benefit, held at the Radisson Plaza Hotel, Minneapolis, was an evening of fellowship, fun, and fundraising, supported by 450 members of the legal community, both bench and bar. In addition to providing financial support for legal services, the Bar Benefit also provides an opportunity for the legal community to honor those who have distinguished themselves in pro bono work. This year’s Pro Bono Publico awards were presented to Tom Tinkham, Dorsey & Whitney, Distinguished Service award; Keith S. Moheban, Leonard Street and Deinard, Excellence in the Private Sector; and Roderick “Rick” Macpherson, III, Mid-Minnesota Legal Services, Excellence in the Public Sector. Founded in 1968, the Hennepin County Bar Foundation is dedicated to the mission of ensuring the fairness of, and accessibility to, the legal system by promoting public understanding and confidence in our system of justice. Toward this end, the foundation makes grants each year to community organizations involved in promoting the administration of justice, public legal education and the delivery of legal services to the citizens of Hennepin County. Grants for 2011 will be announced in July. More than $800,000 in grants has been distributed in the last decade, supported in large part by the Bar Benefit, as well as individual contributions from the members of the Hennepin County Bar Association.
Coalition focuses on putting patients ahead of politics Putting the focus on patients instead of politics, the newly formed Minnesota Patient Advocacy Coalition held an event March 25th to mark the one-year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act. The coalition, consisting of more than a dozen health and patient groups representing the elderly, the disabled, patients, survivors and caregivers whose lives have been impacted by diseases or chronic conditions such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and Multiple Sclerosis, is dedicated to giving patients a stronger voice in the capitol and improving access to affordable health care for all Minnesotans. “For far too long, far too many people have been forced to make the difficult choice between saving their lives and their life savings,” said Robianne Schultz, a cancer patient and member of the Patient Advocacy Coalition. “The Affordable Care Act, while not perfect, includes significant patient protections that need to be fully implemented.” Patient stories from across the state were highlighted at the event. Minnesotans and their families who live with cancer, Type I diabetes, HIV-positive status and psoriatic arthritis spoke. Commissioner of Health Ed Ehlinger, M.D., gave an overview of Affordable Care. People & Places - p. 15
Pg 12 April 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 4
UPCOMING EVENTS Special events April is National Limb Loss Awareness Month
Ms. Wheelchair Minnesota 2011
Each day 507 people lose a limb, largely to vascularrelated diseases. Sixty percent are preventable. The Amputee Coalition is on a mission to increase awareness about limb loss prevention and about those living with limb loss, including an online risk assessment. FFI: Kim Henshaw, Support Group Coordinator, 1-888-2675669, khenshaw @ampu tee-coalition.org
The inaugural Ms. Wheelchair Minnesota Pageant is Mon April 11th at Running Aces in Columbus, A 6 p.m. social hour is follow by entertainment and the competition at 7 p.m. The pageant will provide an occasion for women of achievement who use wheelchairs to compete for the title of Ms. Wheelchair Minnesota 2011. The titleholder’s mission is to successfully educate and advocate for individuals with disabilities through speaking engagements and public appearances and to compete in the Ms. Wheelchair America Pageant. FFI: Anne Krebsbach Neumann, 612-386-7265, akrebsbach @cornermedical.com
Join the discussion The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living, MCIL, hosts three community discussions for individuals with disabilities, family members, and others. Join one of three facilitated discussion to discuss MCIL’s plan for a potential new home. Discussions are 6-7:30 p.m. Mon, May 2, Rondo Library, 461 North Dale St, St. Paul; 67:30 p.m. Wed, May 4, Penn Lake Library, 8800 Penn Ave,, S, Bloomington; 6-7:30 p.m. Mon, May 9, Anoka County Library, Anoka. Preregister. FFI: Jenn, 651-646-8342
Sheryl Crow at PACER benefit Grammy Award winner Sheryl Crow will rock the house during PACER Center’s 29th Annual Benefit at the Minneapolis Convention Center Sat, May 7. PACER’s benefit, presented by SuperValu and P&G, also includes silent and live auctions. Tickets begin at $65. A pre-benefit gourmet dinner
is available by separate ticket. FFI: 952-838-9000, PACER.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. Within the seven-county metro area, Autos for Arc can arrange to have a vehicle towed free of charge. Call the toll-free Autos for Arc hotline, 1-877-7787709, to arrange a pickup. Or drop off vehicles at a Value Village location. FFI: 1-877-778-7709, www.autosforarc.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, 612-617-7821
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. Ongoing training and support is provided by the Minnesota Literacy Council. FFI: Allison, 651-6452277 x219 or email volunteer@themlc.org, or visit www.themlc.org
Workshops, conferences 2011 Child & Adolescent Mental Health Conference Join the Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health at Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center May 1 – 3 for the 2011 Child & Adolescent Mental Health Conference. A wide range of topics will be offered and continuing education credits are available. Register online. FFI: www.macmh.org/
Explore Dual Diagnosis Caregivers and professionals explore the world through the eyes of a person with a dual diagnosis of developmental disability and mental illness at a forum hosted by SAGES, 13 p.m. Fri, April 15 at Christ the King Church, Fellowship Hall, 8600 Fremont Ave. S., Bloomington. $15 charge. Dual Diagnosis (DD/MI)
The 48th annual Sister Kenny Art Show for Artists with Disabilities is April 14-May 13 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, second floor, Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, 800 E. 28th St., Mpls. The show is free. FFI: 612-8634872, Web: www.allina.com/ahs/ski.nsf/page/artshow Across a Life Span presents information on the mental health system, including diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. Register by April 12. FFI: Gina Carpenter, 952681-6122, gcarpenter@ bloomington.k12.mn.us
susceptible to fraud or undue influence. Session is 10 a.m.-noon, Tue, April 26, Eastside Neighborhood Services, conference room B7, 1700 Second St. N.E., Minneapolis. FFI: 612-596-6631, www.hennepin.us/adsinfo
Track your earnings
Adaptive technology classes Free adaptive technology classes are offered by Hennepin County Library, at the downtown Mpls library, 300 Nicollet Mall. Classes are free but you must pre-register for these classes for persons who are blind or have low vision. In addition to classes there are often volunteers available to introduce patrons to the equipment and software available. Volunteer hours vary, so it’s best to call ahead. Funding for Adaptive Technology classes is provided by a generous grant from the Hudson Family Foundation. FFI: 612-6306469, www.hclib.org
Did you know that a Social Security beneficiary that receives SSDI has to track their earnings differently each month than a beneficiary who receives SSI? Being able to track and report earnings for Social Security purposes is one of the most important skills a person with disabilities can possess. It helps minimize overpayments and it gives the individual more control over their life. The Work Incentives Connection hosts community meetings for beneficiaries, family members and professionals throughout the state to teach people how to track earnings the same way Social Security does. Attendees will leave with information and a calendar that will help track earnings accurately. FFI: 651632-5113, 1-800 976-6728 or www.mnworkincentives. com, click on “Resources” and then click on “Publications and Meeting Notices”
Get WISE about benefits and working Receiving Social Security benefits for a disability and interested in working? Make WISE connections. Attend one of these free, two-hour meetings:12:45 p.m. Tue, May 3, Duluth; 12:45 p.m. Thu May 19, St. Cloud; 12:45 p.m. Wed, May 25, Mankato; 10:30 a.m. Tue, June 7, West St. Paul; 9:45 a.m. Thu June 9, Rochester. FFI: 1-866-968-7842 (voice), 1-866-833-2967, www.socialsecurity.gov/ work
Learn about guardianship Hennepin County is offering a free session, Guardianship, Limited Guardianship and Conservatorship, to help families learn about this process. Guardianship is a legal process used when a person cannot make or communicate safe or sound decisions about his or her person or property or has become
Opportunities Accessibility grants More than $220,000 will be available to arts organizations in the sevencounty 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 groups have received grants; are you next? Deadline April 29. For more info: 612332-3888 v/tty or www.vsamn.org
Youth and families PACER offers services PACER Center offers useful free and low-cost workshops for families of children with disabilities. Register in advance for workshops. All workshops are at PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, unless specified. Some workshops are in Greater Minnesota. FFI: PACER at 952-838-9000 or 800-5372237 (toll free), or visit the
Events - p. 15
April 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 4
ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES The following performances will be Audio Described (AD) for people who are blind or have low vision, interpreted in American Sign Language (ASL) or Captioned for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Reduced prices available (when noted) to people using ASL/AD services plus one companion; Performance information compiled by VSA Minnesota, 612-332-3888 voice/tty or www.vsamn.org
American as Curry Pie Through April 10 History Theatre, 30 E. 10th St., St. Paul. ASL, AD: Sun., April 10, 2 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $15 (reg. $32); Phone: 651-2924323; E-mail: boxofc@ historytheatre.com Web: www.historytheatre.com
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Through April 10 Rochester Civic Theatre, 20 Civic Center Drive SE. ASL: Sun., April 10, 2 p.m. Tix: Adult $23.50, Senior $20.50, student $13.50; Phone: 507-282-8481. Web: www.rochester civictheatre.org
Oil! and The Jungle Through April 16 University of Minnesota Department of Theatre at Rarig Center, 330 21st Ave. S, Mpls. AD: Sun., April 10, 2 p.m. ASL: Sat., April 16, 8 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $10 (use code ASLAD; reg. $10-18); Phone: 612-624-2345. Web: http://theatre.umn. edu/utheatredance/
Once Upon a Mattress Through April 10 North High School Theatre, 2416 E. 11th Ave., North St. Paul. ASL: Sun., April 10, 2 p.m. Tix: $8 at the door (student/senior $6); Phone: 651-748-6090 or 651-748-6000. Web: www.northhightheatre.org
Avenue Q Through May 1 Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 South 4th St., Mpls. AD, ASL, Captioning: Thurs., April 14, 7:30 p.m. Tix: $12 access rate (reg. $22, $19 student/senior, $16-18 group); Phone: 612-338-6131. Web: www.mixedblood.com
Arms and the Man March 19 – May 15 Guthrie Theater, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. AD: Fri., April 15, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., April 16, 1 p.m.; Sensory Tour 10:30 a.m. ASL: Thurs.Fri., April 21-22, 7:30 p.m. Open Captioning: Fri., May 6, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $20 for AD/ASL, $25 for Captioning (reg. $24-60); Phone: 612-377-2224, TTY 612-377-6626. Web: www.guthrie theater.org
Naked Darrow April 11-17 Park Square Theatre, 408 St. Peter St., St. Paul. AD, ASL: Sat., April 16, 2 p.m. Tix: Reduced to half-price ($18.50); Phone: 651-2917005. Web: www.park squaretheatre.org
Tinytown - A Very, Very Poor Village April 16 Central Lakes College Theatre, Dryden Theatre, 501 W. College Drive, Brainerd. ASL: Sat., April 16, 2 p.m. Phone: 218855-8199. Web: www.clcmn.edu/news/ calendar.htm#/?i=6
Hamlet Through April 17 Theatre in the Round, 245 Cedar Ave., Mpls. AD: Sun., April 17, 2 p.m. Tactile tour 1 p.m. on request. Tix: $20, senior $18, student with ID $10 (Sun. prices); Phone: 612-3333010. Web: www.the atreintheround.org
Wuthering Heights April 16-17, 19, 21, 23 Minnesota Opera at the Ordway Center for Performing Arts, 345 Washington St., St. Paul. Sung in English with captions projected above the stage at every performance. AD: Sun., April 17, 2 p.m.; preopera discussion 1 p.m. Tix: Reduced to half-price for AD patrons (reg. $20200); Phone: 612-3336669; TTY 651-282-3099. Web: www.mnopera.org
Next Fall Through May 22 Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls. AD: Thurs., April 21, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Disc. to $10 (reg. $2035); Phone: 612-822-7063. Web:www.jungletheater.com
Comedy of Errors April 20-23 Normandale Community College Theatre, Fine Arts Building, 9700 France Ave. S., Bloomington. ASL: Fri., April 22, 7:30 p.m. Tix: $10; ($5 NCC student/staff/senior); Phone: 952-487-7462. Web: www.norman daletheatre.org
[title of show] April 15-30 Urban Samurai Productions at Sabes Jewish Community Center, 4330 S. Cedar Lake Rd., St. Louis Park. ASL: Sat., April 23, 7:30 p.m. (advance reservation). Tix: $16, student/senior/Fringe button $12; online $2 discount; Phone: 612-396-2025; Email: Tickets@urban samurai.org by noon the day before show. Mondays: pay what you can. Web: www.urbansamurai.org/
River of Passion: The Saga Continues April 2, 9, 16, 23 The Flower Shop Project
at Bryant-Lake Bowl, 810 W. Lake St., Mpls. AD: Sat., April 23, 7 p.m. Tix: $10 for AD patrons or $12$15 pay-what-you can. Phone: 612-825-8949. Web: www.theflowershop project.com or www. bryantlakebowl.com
Jersey Boys April 11 – May 8 Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls. ASL: Sun., April 24, 1 p.m. AD, Captioning: Sun., April 24, 6:30 p.m. Tix: $29-133.50; Limited seats available at lowest price level to ASL or Captioning patrons on a first-come basis (up to two tickets per patron requiring ASL; more seats sold separately at reg. price. Audio Description receivers may be used in any price level. E-mail: accessible@broad wayacrossamerica.com; Phone: 612-339-7007 or 612-373-5639; hotline 612-373-5650. Web: www. hennepintheatretrust.org/ accessible
Art in Bloom April 28 – May 1 Mpls. Institute of Arts, 2400 Third Ave. S. ASL: Thurs., April 28, 7 p.m., and Sun., May 1, 1 p.m. Tix: Phone: 612-870-3131 or TTY 612-870-3132; Email: dhegstro@artsmia. org Web: www.artsmia.org
A Look in the Mirror The Memoir of a Deaf Performer April 29-30 Performed in ASL by Nic Zapko, voiced by Patty Gordon in fund-raiser for Bread of Life Deaf Lutheran Church, 2901 38th Ave. S., Mpls. ASL, Voicing: Fri.-Sat., April 29-30, 7:30 p.m. Tix: $15 in advance ($18 at the door); E-mail: niczapko@yahoo.com
Man of La Mancha April 15 - May 8 Ten Thousand Things Theater at Open Book, 1011 Washington Ave. S., Mpls. AD: Fri., April 29, 8 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $18 (reg. $25; students on Sun. $15), Phone: 612203-9502. Web: www.ten thousandthings.org
Arsenic and Old Lace April 9 – June 5 Guthrie Theater, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. AD: Sat., April 30, 1 p.m.; Sensory Tour 10:30 AM; Fri., May 6, 7:30 p.m. ASL: Fri., May 13, 7:30 p.m.; Thurs., May 19, 7:30 p.m. Open Captioning: Sat., May 14, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $20 AD/ASL, $25
Pg 13
Captioning (reg. $24-64); Phone: 612-377-2224, TTY 612-377-6626. Web: www.guthrietheater.org
Gospel According to Jerry April 16 - May 8 MN Jewish Theatre Co. at Hillcrest Center Theater, 1978 Ford Parkway, St. Paul. AD: Sun., May 1, 1 p.m. Tix: $22; Phone: 651-6474315. Web: www.mn jewishtheatre.org
Holes April 15 - May 8 Stages Theatre Co. at Hopkins Center for the Arts Jaycees Studio, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins. ASL: Sun., May 1, 2 p.m.; Thurs., May 5, 12:30 p.m. AD upon request. Tix: $11, $9 child or senior, group $8.50, school group $5.50; plus $1.50 per ticket handling fee for single tickets; Phone: 952-979-1111. Web: www.stagestheatre.org
Monthly Gallery Tour May 7 Walker Art Center, 725 Vineland Place, Mpls. Onehour tour begins in the Bazinet Garden Lobby the first Sat. of each month. DeafBlind ASL can be arranged with two weeks’ advance notice. ASL: Sat., April 2, May 7, 2 p.m. Tix: free, Phone: 612-3757564; E-mail: access@walkerart. org Web: http://info.walkerart. org/visit/directions.wac #Directions
Now Eye See You, Now Eye Don’t • April 28 - May 7 Off-Leash Area at Ritz Studio, 345 13th Ave. NE, Mpls. AD: Mon., May 2, 8 p.m. Tix: $15-20 sliding scale (pay what you can May 2); Phone: 612-724-7372; E-mail: Offleash @offleasharea.org Web: www.offleasharea.org
The Magic Bus to Asian Folktales April 29 - May 22 SteppingStone Theatre and Mu Performing Arts perform at SteppingStone Theatre, 55 Victoria St. N., St. Paul. AD: Fri., May 6, 7 p.m. ASL: Sun., May 15, 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
Three Viewings April 15 – May 14 Illusion Theater, 528 Hennepin Ave, 8th floor, Mpls. ASL: Fri., May 6, 8p.m. AD: Sat., May 7, 8 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $20 (reg. $30) for AD/ASL patron discount code DISCTV; balcony $18; Phone: 612-339-4944. Web: www.illusion theater.org ■
Pg 14 April 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 4
Radio Talking Book 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. Mon. through Fri. 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 more information about RTB events on the Facebook site for the Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network. Access Press is one of the publications featured at 9 p.m. Sundays on the program It Makes a Difference.
The Writer’s Voice • Monday – Friday 2 p.m. Mark Twain’s Other Woman, Nonfiction by Laura Skandera Trombley, 2010. After Twain’s wife died, he spent the bulk of his last decade in the company of another woman, Isabel Van Kleek Lyon. She nursed him, managed his household, and was his adoring audience. But at the end, he bitterly denounced her. Read by Audray Rees. 13 broadcasts. Begins April 18.
Choice Reading • Monday – Friday 4 p.m. House Rules, Fiction by Jodi Picoult, 2010. Jacob and his family just want to fit in but Jacob’s Asperger’s syndrome makes that impossible. His obsession is forensic analysis and he’s brilliant at it. It seems fun until the police think he may have committed murder. Read by Bernadette Flynn. 25 broadcasts. Begins April 13.
PM Report • Monday – Friday 8 p.m.
It’s Our Turn to Eat, Nonfiction by Michela Wrong, 2009. John Githongo was made Kenya’s anti-corruption czar and was expected to co-operate with tribal Chautauqua • Tuesday – Saturday 4 a.m. malfeasance. But at great risk, he made evidence pubThe Mind’s Eye, Nonfiction by Oliver Sacks, 2010. lic. V - Read by Barbara Struyk. 14 broadcasts. BeThe human brain is extremely complex with great abil- gins April 19. ity to adapt to physical limitations. Sacks asks, “How do we see? How do we think? How important is interNight Journey • Monday – Friday 9 p.m. nal imagery? Why do humans have a universal poten- Frozen Tundra, Fiction by Rick Shefchik, 2010. Sam tial for reading?” Read by Yelva Lynfield. 11 broadSkarda is hired by the president of the Green Bay casts. Begins April 21. Packers to investigate an insider plot designed to sell the publicly-owned Packers to a private buyer. With Past is Prologue • Monday – Friday 9 a.m. death, the board is two votes short of a sale. L - Read American Dreams, Nonfiction by H.W. Brands, 2010. by James Randall. 11 broadcasts. Begins April 25. For a moment in 1945, America stood at its apex, looking back on victory against Axis powers as well as Good Night Ow • Monday – Friday midnight against the Great Depression, and looking ahead to Conspirata, Fiction by Robert Harris, 2010. The death limitless power and promise. Read by Charlie Boone. of a boy sends ripples of fear through Rome. The 18 broadcasts. Begins April 13. young slave appears to have been offered as human sacrifice, forbidden in the Roman Republic. Read by Bookworm • Monday – Friday 11 a.m. John Gunter. 16 broadcasts. Begins April 11. The Double Comfort Safari Club, Fiction by Alexander McCall Smith, 2010. Mma Ramotswe and After Midnight • Tuesday – Saturday 1 a.m. Mma Makutsi have a delicate mission investigating a A Lion Among Men, Fiction by Gregory Maguire, large amount of money left to a safari guide. Mean2009. As Yackle prepares for her death, Brr, the Cowwhile, the aunt of Mma Makutsi’s fiancé looks like she ardly Lion, arrives seeking news of the Wicked Witch is trying to push Mma Makutsi out of the picture. Read of the West. L - Read by Joe Sadowski. 11 broadcasts. by Kristi Sullivan. Eight broadcasts. Begins April 25. Begins April 26. Abbreviations: V – violence, L – offensive language, S – sexual situations.
Honor Andy Virden, watch for all pedestrians by Clarence Schadegg
The tragic death of Andy Virden, an 83-year-old advocate for the blind, has saddened me and many other Minnesotans. Virden was struck and killed by a motor vehicle March 11 as he crossed a street in Waite Park. Nobody should die that way, especially Andy. He dedicated his life as a mentor to all, blind and sighted. I met Andy in 1973, during undergraduate studies at St. Cloud State University. We were involved in organizations for the blind and worked together on projects for several years. Though our political beliefs may not have been the same, we became good friends. I was no influenced by his generosity, kindness and wisdom. He gave much of his time to help others. So why should I be so sad? It was because his death was avoidable and unnecessary. I and others have not only lost a longtime friend, I am also left thinking how that could have been me had I crossed the same street and corner at that same time. Andy used a white cane as a mobility tool. He was an experienced cane user. He had his white cane with him the night of the accident. I find it hard to understand how the driver of the vehicle that struck and killed Andy didn’t see him or his white cane. Yet I also believe that regardless of how good of a cane user Andy was, nothing could have prevented him from his fate that tragic night in Waite Park. I believe that because none of us, whether a user of a dog guide or white cane, can educate motorists. It doesn’t seem to matter how well somebody may learn and practice good white cane travel techniques. It doesn’t seem to matter how well we perfect partnerships with service dogs. The lesson is clear: We cannot anticipate what type of driver will cross our path as we cross a busy street. Drivers are required to come to a complete stop and let people who have a white cane or dog guide cross safely from one side of the street to another. That’s the law. Yet I ’m often dodging cars with my dog guide on one side and a sighted guide on another. None of these drivers could make the claim they did not see me. I can only imagine what happened to Andy that night. He was crossing the street at the nearest corner to his residence. There was a lighted intersection one block over from the corner Andy chose to cross. His decision may have been made because of the cold that night as well as the snow and icy conditions on the sidewalk. Could his decision to not walk a block to a lighted intersection been influenced by clumps of snow and ice on the sidewalk, or blockage of the curbside and curb cuts? It makes sense that Andy would cross at the spot he was most familiar with, where he felt confident and safe. He crossed where he had crossed many times over the years. Only this time his life was cut short because a motorist struck and killed him. Could that have happened at a lighted intersection? You bet it could! News accounts state that Andy had his cane yet conflict as to other details. Nobody can dispute, however, that Andy didn’t have his white cane. Canes are visible at night and should have indicated that the driver must stop. That did not happen. If there is a lesson here, it is that all motorists must drive more carefully and be aware of all pedestrians, Always obey the traffic laws; not just the laws that suit you at the moment. I don’t drive a car, but I know the human is no match against a powerful vehicle at any speed. Nobody can undo what happened to Andy that night. Perhaps the driver will use his experience to help educate others on pedestrian safety. It is a privilege to drive a car. It is a right for pedestrians to be safe while crossing streets. Perhaps we need stronger measures to hold motorist accountable when pedestrians are injured or killed, regardless if we carry a white cane or use a dog guide. ■
April 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 4
People & Places - from p. 11
Events - from p. 12
Anti-bullying advocates at White House
PACER website at www.PACER.org
Paula F. Goldberg, executive director of PACER Center, and PACER advocate Lynn Miland, along with her daughters Kelly and Maggie, participated in the White House Conference on Bullying Prevention March 10. They heard President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama deliver remarks on bullying prevention. The Obamas, the Department of Education, and the Department of Health and Human Services welcomed students, parents, teachers and others to the conference who have been affected by bullying as well as those who are taking action to address it. Participants had the opportunity to talk with Obama and representatives from the highest levels of his administration about how all communities can work together to prevent bullying. “It is an honor to be invited to this conference,” Goldberg said. “For the past five years, PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center has been working to educate communities about this serious issue and provide communities with the tools to prevent bullying. I’m glad to see that the president has made this a priority.” Miland’s daughter Kelly,19, has autism and was verbally and physically bullied during her school years. Miland worked successfully with school administration to keep Kelly safe at school. Miland’s other daughter, Maggie, has seen the effects bullying had on her sister and others and is taking action to prevent bullying and create awareness of the issue at Northfield High School where she is a junior. She created a sign titled “NHS Stands Up to Bullying,” which hangs in the school’s entry way and contains hundreds of student signatures. The signatures are surrounded by a Martin Luther King, Jr. quote that says: “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center provides information on bullying prevention for children, teens, schools and communities as well as tools that everyone can use to take a stand against bullying. Learn more at PACER.org/bullying. ■
Recognizing Signs of Mental Illness in Children The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Minnesota (NAMI Minnesota) will hold a free, two-hour workshop for parents and teachers on recognizing warning signs of mental illness in children, and how early intervention and treatment is essential for their success. The workshop will be held in Little Canada on April 27, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., at Capitol View Center, 70 W. Co. Rd. B-2. The workshop meets the continuing education requirement for teachers. For more information, or to register for this class, contact NAMI at 651-645-2948.
Support groups, meetings 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
kota and Wisconsin. “I’m not a predictor,” she said. “Not everybody is made for college. But this is a good opportunity to find
Who brings their service dog to the hospital? I did. Some friends of mine did too. A friend of mine, who is currently being treated in a hospital, brought his service dog along. His wife sent out an e-mail on March 22 about how the dog came to the aid of his handler. While her husband was alone in the room on an ICU station, he stopped breathing. The dog went to the nurse’s desk to get their help. The wife wrote–“he did indeed code which in this case meant he stopped reathing”…when he “coded, Garron when to get the nurses to let them know. Of course this made me cry buckets.” What remarkable stories can you share about what your dog did for you?
I brought each of my dog guides to stay with me while I was in the hospital. My first dog guide, Frisco, was with me during some of my eye surgeries. The staff was great. The nurses ask me what Frisco liked to eat, his favorite snacks. Apples, I responded, cut the apples into bite size pieces, that’s how he likes them. The nurse came back with a bowl of finely cut apples. Can I hand them to him, she asked. Sure! Frisco ate a piece as he took each one carefully from her fingers, careful not to bite the hand that fed him. Telly, my second guide dog, was with me during my near death experience in 2007 that landed me in the hospital for nine days. The nurses brought him a stack of blankets to lie on and he
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
Mental Illness support groups 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. FFI: NAMI, 651-645-2948 or www.namihelps.org ■
ally been a DFL-leaning district. He did some of his door-knocking and campaigning on a Segway. Kriesel emphasizes that he considers himself more fortunate than others. He came back from combat and can still spend time with family and friends. At the rally for House File 877, he spoke of how people with artificial limbs need to be able to live their lives fully, every day. Providing equal coverage for persons who need artificial limbs is a way of doing that. “We have some insurance companies that are doing the right thing,” he said. “The state also seems to take care of people and there’s a health cost. Yet people pay insurance premiums and the some insurance
companies aren’t doing what they’re supposed to do. We shouldn’t be punishing people for having private insurance.” He is well-known at the capitol and well-liked for his positive attitude. As for his first session, Kriesel said, “It’s a lot different than anything I have ever done.” But he is enjoying his work. He also said that despite what is often portrayed as a highly partisan atmosphere, elected officials can and do work together. “We can have a very partisan, passionate debate and then after that, we treat each other with respect,” Kriesel said. “We’re all the same in that we want what is best for the state. We just don’t always agree on how to get there.” ■
EMPLOYMENT Employment ads are $22-$25 per col. inch. February 28 is the deadline for the March 10 issue. Mail to: Access Press, 1821 University Ave. #104S, St. Paul, MN 55104 FAX 651-644-2136 • Email: access@accesspress.org
History out a few things. It’s a perfect program, for example, for a person with Asperger’s.” ■
Hospital Visits: Dogs at your Bedside by Clarence Schadegg
Kriesel - from p. 1
SharePoint/NET Developer Development For details go to www.mylegalaid.org/jobs
Access Press Unbound - from p. 3 is not exactly on a lot of folks’ regular beaten paths, students have come from as far away as Connecticut, North Da-
Pg 15
seemed to enjoy that soft bed. Security as well as some nurses offered to take him to relieve himself, about every four hours. My wife took Telly home with her on the fourth day. The nurses who came on duty after Telly went home told me how much they liked my dog. Some asked me “where’s your dog? Will you bring him back?” Several months after I was discharged and returned for a routine examination, I was greeted by one of the nurses on the station that I stayed on. As she walked by the waiting room, she greeted my dog and me. Hi Telly, hi Mark. If there is any wonder who she remembered, my name is Clarence. ■
- from p. 2 www.partnersinpolicy making.com Would you like to make history? Access Press is interested in reader submissions for the monthly History Note column, to complement the articles written by Luther Granquist and other contributors. Submissions must center on events, people and places in the history of Minnesota’s disability community. We are in interested in history that focuses on all types of physical and cognitive disabilities, so long as the history has a tie to Minnesota. We are especially interested in stories from Greater Minnesota. Please submit ideas prior to submitting full stories, as we may have covered the topic before. Past History Note articles can be found on www.access press.org Contact us at access@accesspress.org or 651-644-2133 if you have questions.
CLASSIFIEDS Reach 11,000 Active, Interested Readers with Access Press Classifieds. $13 up to 12 words, 60¢/word thereafter. Must be prepaid. Mail with check to: Access Press, 1821 University Ave W, #104S, St. Paul, MN 55104 • 651-644-2133 FOR SALE 2000 Forde Econoline E150 van, fully handicap accessible-including hand controls & much more. Call Wendy, Clear Lake, IA 641-3575644 FOR RENT Holmes-Greenway Housing: One- and two-bedroom wheelchair-accessible apartments. Section 8 subsidized. Convenient SE Minneapolis location. Call 612-378-0331 for availability information. Equal Opportunity Housing. Lewis Park Apartments: Barrier-free housing with wheelchair users in mind. Section 8 subsidized. Oneand two-bedroom units. For more information on availability call 651-488-9923. St. Paul, MN. Equal Opportunity Housing. Oak Park Village: We are accepting applications for the waiting list for one-bedroom wheelchair accessible apart-
ments. Section 8 subsidized. Convenient St. Louis Park location. Call 952-935-9125 for information. Equal Opportunity Housing. Seward Square Apartments: We are currently accepting applications for our waiting list for barrier-free housing, in Minneapolis, that is federally subsidized. For an application, please call 612-338-2680. Equal Opportunity Housing. Calvary Center Apts: 7650 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN. A Section 8 building now accepting applications for our waiting list. Call 9 am to 4 pm, Mon – Fri 763-546-4988 for an application. Equal Opportunity Housing. Tralee Terrace Apts Offering 1, 2, & 3 bedroom apts. Coon Rapids, MN Please contact manager for showings 763-767-1123.
Pg 16 April 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 4
ISSUE SPONSOR
UCare sponsors accessibility seating at Target Field Twins baseball fans who use wheelchairs are enjoying watching games at Target Field thanks to more than 700 accessible seating areas located throughout all levels of the two-year-old stadium. The seating areas are sponsored by UCare, which took on this initiative at the end of last season. Accessible seating at Target Field is available to all guests with special seating needs, according to the Minnesota Twins. The seating areas accommodate fans using wheelchairs and similar mobility aids, and allow for companion seating, as well. “Accessibility Day at Target Field.” May 15, 2011 The Twins and UCare will call attention to these features on Sunday, May 15, as part of “Accessibility Day at Target Field.” The day will help highlight the stadium’s incorporation of universal design elements, such as the lack of physical barriers, and extensive seating for fans with disabilities or similar concerns. Target Field meets or exceeds up-to-date federal and state accessibility requirements governing assembly occupancies. The stadium also offers ample passenger elevators, convenient parking, TTY phones, and Assisted Listening Devices (ALDs) for people needing audio support. At last year’s Accessibility Day at Target Field in September, UCare and Courage Center were recognized throughout the Twins game at Target Field. ■
UCare employees and guests, shown here on the ballpark’s Jumbotron, led fans in song during the 7th inning stretch when celebrating Accessibility Day at Target Field in September 2010.
UCare (www.ucare.org) is an independent, nonprofit health plan providing health care coverage plans and administrative services to more than 225,000 members. UCare was created in 1984 by the Department of Family Practice and Community Health at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Today, UCare partners with health care providers, counties, and community organizations to create and deliver innovative health coverage for: Individuals and families enrolled in in-
come-based Minnesota Health Care Programs, such as Minnesota-Care and Prepaid Medical Assistance Program, Adults with disabilities and Medicare beneficiaries with chronic health conditions, Minnesotans dually eligible for Medical Assistance and Medicare, Medicare-eligible individuals throughout Minnesota and in western Wisconsin. UCare addresses health care disparities and care access issues through its UCare Fund grants and a broad ar-
ray of community and outreach initiatives. Delivering health care value is UCare’s top priority. UCare works to: Improve access to needed services by all members and the community-at-large, Bring high-quality care to every member, Demonstrate costeffectiveness, Reinvest in the communities it serves, Enhance the health care infrastructure of the providers who care for UCare members. The health plan received a Top Workplaces 2010 honor from the Star Tribune. ■
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