July 2011 Edition - Access Press

See Pg 13

Volume 22, Number 7

July 10, 2011

www.accesspress.org

Lakin leaves a legacy of service to Minnesota

Help us honor Minnesotans with disabilities on Nov. 4th

by Access Press staff

See page 3 for details.

Minnesota’s loss is the nation’s gain as the highly respected Charlie Lakin leaves the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration. After more than three decades at the U of M, Lakin will become Director of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, U.S. Department of Education. Lakin accepts his new appointment August 29.

Lakin leaves an amazing legacy of service and research to people with disabilities. He has been director of the institute’s Research and Training Center on Community Living for 22 years.

Colleagues and friends in Minnesota’s disability community say they will not only miss Lakin’s base of knowledge and research skills, they will also miss him as a friend.

Lakin - p. 4

Charlie Lakin

The Access Press Charlie Awards banquet is looking for sponsors to help make the event a success. In exchange for their sponsorship, sponsors receive recognition at the banquet and in the print and online versions of Access Press. Sponsorship levels are keyliner, proofreader and editor-in-chief.

by Jane McClure

NEWS DIGEST

Frances Strong was one of the protesters at the capitol, the day before the shutdown

Photo by Jane McClure

down be adverted. Large signs, shaped like a state of Minnesota with a hole in the center, were signed and then delivered to lawmakers.

One of those present was Frances Strong.

“I’m truly worried about the impacts a state shutdown has,” she said. She relies on a personal care attendant and Metro Mobility and fears that a prolonged shutdown could affect her services.

What is and is not shut down is still an open question in some cases. Prior to the shutdown Ramsey County District Court Judge Kathleen Gearin ruled on which state services would be Shutdown - p. 4

Use of restraints at state facility prohibited

by Access Press staff

Families whose developmentally disabled loved ones were restrained at the Minnesota Extended Treatment Options (METO) facility will share in a $3 million settlement. U.S. District Court Judge Donovan Frank signed an order June 23 approving the comprehensive class action settlement agreement. The settlement finalizes a tentative agreement reached last fall that bars the state from using handcuffs or other restraints, except in emergencies, at the Minnesota Specialty Health System in Cambridge, METO’s successor facility.

METO was a Cambridge facility for people with developmental disabilities. It closed in late June as part of state government reorganization. Terms of the settlement will apply to the new facility.

That is a smaller facility which will house up to 16 residents. METO housed up to 60 people at a time, including people who had been committed by the courts for behavioral issues.

Attorney Shamus O’Meara worked with the plaintiff families. “This settlement agreement is the result of constant negotiation by the METO - p. 15

Address Service Requested

“This is a class issue.

These are poor people we're talking about. None of us ever are put in this situation. President Bush, whatever happened to compassionate conservatism?”

— Paul Wellstone

State shuts down Minnesotans with disabilities and many of the services they rely faced an uncertain future when state government shut down July 1.

While some key state agencies and functions continued, others were closed or suspended pending appeals.

The situation has been very fluid. State leaders are expected to meet as Access Press went to press right after the July 4 holiday. Check the newspaper website, www.accesspress.org, the Twitter feed and Facebook page for updates.

State government operates on a fiscal year that begins July 1 but with no budget agreement, Gov. Mark Dayton declared the shutdown late June 30, following days of negotiations inside the capitol and protests outside of it. That threw more than 23,000 state employees out of work. If the shutdown continues it will also affect many nonprofit service providers as their funding reserves run out.

The impasse between DFLer Dayton and a Republican-dominated Minnesota Legislature meant there was no agreement on most state department budgets during the 2011 legislative session that ended in May. Talks during June failed to produce any agreement that Dayton felt could be passed during a special session.

Dayton has continued to press for a package of spending cuts and new taxes; the Republican leadership refuses to consider any tax increase.

One protest in sweltering heat June 30 drew about 1,000 people, including representatives of Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, Merrick, ADAPT and many selfadvocates. Time and time again, speakers urged those present to hold up their cell phones and call state lawmakers, urging that a shut-

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities. MN Permit No. 4766

He’s a service animal of a different breed. Meet HCMC’s Bernie the Rescue Dog. Page 12.

A national study shows disturbing trends for people with disabilities, and major implications here, especially in light of the state budget crisis.

Page 4.

Disability Viewpoints has won yet another cable access award for its work bringing Minnesotans the news they need to know.

Page 13 A Fringe Festival show casts a spotlight on suicide.

Page 14 Read about healing art and the issues dog guides and handles face in air travel, in Best of the Blogs.

Page 3.

INSIDE Regional News, pg 6 People & Places, pp 12-13 Accessible Fun, pg 14 James and Bradley Jensen, shown here, are among the families involved in the lawsuit.

Photo courtesy of Jensen Family

Events, pg 11 Radio Talking Book, pg 11

Pg 2 July 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 7

EDITOR’S DESK Tim Benjamin

I hope by the time you read this the state government shutdown is over. As I’m writing this, though, I’m afraid that it won’t be settled. I don’t think the House and Senate leadership are able to make any guarantees on how their own caucuses will ultimately vote on any compromise. Gov. Mark Dayton will not call a special session unless he has a guarantee that the deals on the table are passable. There lies one of the dilemmas. Another dilemma, of course, is that GOP leadership is standing very strong against any revenue-increasing measures, while the governor is standing very strong against revenue-shifting or an all-cuts balanced budget. Both sides may be right on some points, but they both need to compromise, and so far only Dayton seems to be willing to compromise. Unfortunately, without any movements toward the middle, we all suffer the anxiety about what the budget may bring, while far too many state workers are suffering the consequences of no income.

Our personal care attendant (PCA) agencies have

been getting cut approximately 2%, each year for the last two or three years. The legislature needs to understand that the alternative to providing this funding is to pay for institutions, nursing homes and emergency room visits, and all of these will increase costs far more than the 6% or 8% that they have cut out of this one service alone. The public hospitals have been underfunded for years as well.

The cost-shifting measures that were proposed in the 11th hour prior to the shutdown would be delaying the inevitable. Personally, I think Dayton was right in not accepting that proposal. We are on a road that we can’t stay on; we have to change directions. It’s true that whichever direction we turn it is going to be a difficult road, but we cannot stop funding services that are cost-effective. Holding back state funds to local schools will ultimately hurt our children’s education. Not passing bonding bills that will create jobs will continue to threaten the economic situation of our middle class. Abandoning our social contract for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all citizens, including the elderly, the disabled, the poor and weak is abandoning our Declaration of Independence. We need to keep de-

claring our need for independence, and make sure that legislators get the idea that it’s more important to protect the 567,000 Minnesotans with disabilities than the 7,700 Minnesotans with a million dollars coming in every year.

Paul Wellstone once said in U.S. Senate budget hearings, “The problem is that this budget—there is no investment. This budget doesn’t really represent, doesn’t advance the cause of these [school]children.

If anything it is a retreat.” We can’t retreat on investments in our state’s ability to prosper and maintain a high standard of living for all our citizens. Investments can help us produce, while cuts can only further disable us. In another speech, Wellstone said, “We are not going to achieve our goals on a tin cup budget.” Is the goal of this budget to get people with disabilities back on the streets with tin cups?

On a completely different topic, nominations for this year’s Charlie Smith Award are due August 30.

Right now in the summer of a difficult year, it seems like there’s not much to celebrate, but the Charlie Award dinner always offers a chance to be with and celebrate our amazing Minnesota disability community and to recognize someone who has been of outstanding service. Send us your nominations, because you probably know someone who deserves this honor.

And reserve your tickets as soon as possible, because we are expecting a sellout crowd again. ■

HISTORY NOTE

Dr. Arthur Gillette: a pioneer in children’s care

by Emma Wagner

Although it serves a small proportion of the population, Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare of St. Paul has an interesting history. It is unique in that its mission is to serve pa-

tients who have physical disabilities. Gillette is the first of its kind for treatment of patients with disabilities.

What is now is that Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare was founded as the State Hos-

Volume 22, Number 7 • Periodicals Imprint: Pending ISSN Co-Founder/Publisher (1990-1996) Wm. A. Smith, Jr.

Advertising Sales Jeff Buhs 651-644-3139

Co-Founder/Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief (1990-2001) Charles F. Smith

Executive Director Tim Benjamin

Board of Directors Brigid Alseth Steve Anderson Kristin Jorenby Anita Schermer Carrie Salberg Kay Willshire Cartoonist Scott Adams

Assistant Editor Jane McClure Business Manager/Webmaster Dawn Frederick 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

pital for Crippled Children in 1897 by Dr. Arthur Gillette, a St. Paul orthopedic surgeon and Jessie Haskins, a young Carleton College student who had a disability. In the late 1890s it was not thought that kids would have serious physical disabilities, but that was not true. Dr. Gillette had many patients with orthopedic problems.

Arthur Gillette was born in 1864 in Prairieville in Rice County. Shortly after, his family moved to the South St. Paul area. In medical school, his professors discouraged him from doing orthopedic surgery, but he went through with it and was

able to improve the lives of more than 80 percent of his patients.

Jessie Haskins was born in 1866. She had a curved spine as an infant.

She became an advocate for the treatment of children who have disabilities. Together, she and Gillette started a hospital that specialized in this kind of treatment.

While Haskins was a student at Carleton College in 1897, she wrote a letter to the Minnesota Legislature urging them to build a treatment hospital. Her request was heard and the State Hospital for Crippled Children was started. When it was founded, the conditions that children were

treated for included club foot, tuberculosis and Pott’s disease. Today, Gillette patients are treated for hundreds of conditions including cerebral palsy, brain and spinal cord injuries, neuromuscular conditions and spina bifida.

In the 1920s, the hospital was named Gillette State Hospital for Crippled Children in honor of Gillette, who died a year later in 1921. In the 1970s it was renamed Gillette Children’s Hospital. The name of the hospital reflected the era.

The hospital was again renamed Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare in 1996 to reflect the variety ser-

Dr. Arthur Gillette

Photo by Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare

vices offered such as an imaging center, a gait lab, a casting room, and a shop where leg, ankle and other medical braces are fabricated.

Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare has existed for 114 years, but surprisingly, not many people have heard of it.

This is likely because only a small numbers of the population that use the hospital for their specialty, disability related treatments. Gillette facilities have branched out over the years. The hospital has changed in different ways, but it maintains its original mission of Dr. Arthur Gillette and Jessie Haskins, to treat children with childhood onset disabilities. ■ The History Note is a monthly column sponsored by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, www.mncdd.org and www.partnersin policymaking.com

July 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 7

BEST OF THE BLOGS Access Press has launched Access Press Unbound’s first three blogs. Here are samples of the last month’s blog posts, from A Better Life, which focuses on employment and education, and Animals at Your Service. Blog sponsorships are available for businesses and nonprofits. These include the potential for blog content by a sponsor. Contact us at 651-644-2133 or access@accesspress.org

Hospitals use art to beautify, ease the mind

by Roxanne Furlong I had an appointment at the Rehab Institute at Regions Hospital in St. Paul the other day. It was the first time I’d been there since Regions built a new entrance, wing and parking ramp. After parking in the ramp, I made my way up the elevator to the lobby. I was struck by the vastness of the new space when I noticed a sculpture of large, colored rocks set in a water fountain. A graceful, copper sculpture stood nearby.

I took the elevator up to the second floor and down the hall to my destination.

After my appointment, while waiting for the elevator to take me back downstairs, I spotted a large woven tapestry of a Tree of Life scene.

The tapestry was so intricate and beautiful, it actually made me stop and think about the weaver and the story she was telling. I became lost in

the moment and was no longer worrying about the reason for my trip to the clinic.

Regions, like other hospitals, is installing visual art as a healing and comforting tool for patients, employees and visitors. Some hospitals are including music and performance art. It’s no longer reproduced art purchased by the boxful but art made by the people for the people.

My sister-in-law is president of Hudson (Wisconsin) Hospital and while planning the building of their new hospital she made a concerted effort to include local healing art throughout the hospital.

Hudson has also collaborated with the Phipps Center for the Arts for special in-hospital performances.

Touring Hudson’s new campus in 2003 my sister-inlaw pointed out art everywhere: glass-blown light shades above registration

desks; mosaic birdhouses placed strategically outside patient windows; hallways lined with pottery and quilts (one quilt was made by employees); and a labyrinth behind the hospital where people can contemplate.

The Midwest Arts in Healthcare Network is a resource for this growing trend.

Through MAHN, I connected with Twin City artist and attorney, Karo-lyn Stirewalt.

Stirewalt has several commissioned pieces in Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare.

Stirewalt’s The Healers Mural is a traveling mural used as a barrier for construction that can be moved throughout Gillette as the renovation progresses. The mural depicts the old and new buildings with caricatures of Gillette employees, volunteers and service dogs that young patients will recognize during their visits.

“It livens up the space, makes it more friendly,” said Stirewalt. “Being an attorney in the health care industry I’ve come across studies about the benefits of art in health care facilities. I thought I could help.”

Have you noticed any artwork during your last visit to a hospital? What does incorporating healing art say about a hospital? Would you consider choosing your health care facility based on a healing art philosophy? ■

Pg 3

Airport screening and service animals

by Clarence Schadegg Is the security scrutiny at airports of service animals the same before and after 9/11?

Fellow passengers seemed to be quickly sent on their way while my dogs and I had to undergo more lengthy screening. I was afraid we’d miss our flights. We never did.

Before 9/11, I could walk through the metal detector with shoes on. I could have more than two ounces of liquid in my possession.

After 9/11, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff said—Remove your shoes. Bottles of any liquid were discarded.

Revised airport security policy requires only up to two ounces of liquid in carryon bags.

What is this liquid? It is ear cleaner for the dog. The container exceeds the limit and was confiscated by the TSA. My carry-on luggage, shoes, belt and fanny pack quickly passed through the electronic security scanning/ conveyer screening system.

Screening of my dog guides and me took much longer.

Can I pat you down? I was asked. A handheld scanner moved up one side of my body and then the other.

Next, I was patted down as I

stood with outstretched arms.

After that, I was requested to sit down and lift my legs for the TSA to determine I was not hiding something in my pants or socks.

Can I pat down your dog guide? That question was sometimes followed by—will your dog react if I touch him?

No, he will let you touch him without an aggressive reaction.

I had to sometimes educate TSA about proper protocol between dog guide and handler.

Sir, let me hold your dog while you pass through the metal detector. No. My dog guide had to stay with me.

Why does your dog guide have to stay with you?

I can go through the metal detector before or after my dog, but only the handler can have hold of the dog guide leash.

My dogs Frisco or Telly would sometimes go through the metal detector before me.

At other times, I’d pass through before my dog guide.

Security didn’t challenge my request and the need to keep hold of the leash.

Telly was with me on a recent round trip flight to Ohio. The journey through the Minneapolis and Columbus airports was smooth and quick. What was different

about this June 2011 round trip flight?

I stepped through the metal detector while holding onto Telly’s leash.

You’re okay. Now, bring your dog through.

Telly’s collar activated the detector. That was expected.

Neither of us was pulled aside to be patted-down.

One reason for our quicker clearance may have been due to the new full body X-ray scanner. A device like that would recognize anything that was a security risk.

Once my dog guide was cleared, one of the security team would inevitably ask to pet the dog. Typically, the dog guide isn’t to be touched while in harness by anybody other then the handler.

I am confident that the infrequent pet by airport security will not affect the performance of my dog guide.

The security team always treated us politely and professionally and in allowing them to pet my dog guide I was hopefully ensuring the same polite, professional treatment to my fellow dog guide users.

What stories do you have about TSA and your service animal? ■

Charlie Smith Award banquet sponsors, nominees sought

by Access Press staff

someone who doesn’t get a lot of recognition for his or her efforts on behalf of people with disabilities? Nominees can be anyone from anywhere in Minnesota.

Access Press would like to see nominations from Greater Minnesota as well as the Twin Cities.

Go to the newspaper website at www.access press.org or call the office at 651-644-2133 for a form.

The awards banquet is Friday, Nov. 4 at the Minneapolis Airport Marriott in Bloomington.

The first reservations have started to arrive.

Tickets are $45, with a discount for groups that purchase a table.

The first banquet sponsors have also signed up. Thanks to National Handicap Housing Institute and Vinland National Center for their support.

Access Press uses historic newsroom The 2010 banquet was a success. terms to delinNominations for the 2011 Charlie Smith Award continued to arrive at the Access Press office, prior to the August 30 due date. While there is still time to nominate someone who has provided outstanding service to Minnesota’s disability community, the newspaper board of directors encourages readers to get nominations in as quickly as possible.

Do you know someone who is an effective selfadvocate? Do you know

eate sponsors. Keyliners put the newspaper together, proofreaders check for typos and the editor-in-chief is in charge of everything.

Here is information on banquet sponsorship levels: Keyliners level: $150 • Sponsor logo will be displayed at a table • Sponsor organization/ company name will be listed in the 2011 Charlie Award Banquet program • Sponsor organization/ company will be recognized in our November & December 2011 newspapers • Sponsor will have a free website ad (Sponsor month of choice), a value of $100 Proofreaders level: $250 • Sponsor logo will be displayed at a table • Sponsor organization/ company name will be listed in the 2011 Charlie Award Banquet program • Sponsor organization/ company will be recognized in our November & December 2011 newspapers • Sponsor will have 2 free rotating website ads (Sponsor month of

choice), a value of $200 • Sponsor organization/ company will be listed on a special banner (on display) during the 2011 Charlie Award Banquet Editor-in-chief level: $350 • Sponsor logo will be displayed at a table.

• Sponsor organization/ company name will be listed in 2011 Charlie Award Banquet program

• Sponsor organization/ company will be recognized in our November & December 2011 newspapers • You will have 2 free rotating website ads (Sponsor month of choice), a value of $200 • Sponsor organization/ company will be listed on a special banner, on display during the 2011 Charlie Award Banquet • Sponsor organization/ company will be recog-

nized by our emcee during the 2011 Charlie Award Banquet • A table will be named in Sponsor organization/company’s honor the evening of the event Contact Dawn at 651644-2133 or dawn@ accesspress.org if your company is interested in being a sponsor for the banquet, or if you would like information on attending the banquet. ■

Pg 4 July 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 7

Still remaining in the shadows with their future uncertain From The Arc Minnesota

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families have many unmet needs and inadequate opportunities to lead productive lives in their communities, according to a national survey. Sixty-two percent of caregivers surveyed reported a decrease in services for their family member with a disability.

State budget proposals threaten this further.

“Fifty years ago, President Kennedy called on the nation to bring people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities out of the shadows, so they could live in and contribute to their communities. We have worked hard in Minnesota to make this vision a reality,” said Pat Mellenthin, Chief

Executive Officer of The Arc Minnesota. “Sadly, we have evidence that not nearly enough progress has been made to create the opportunities that make life in the community possible.

Minnesota budget proposals could do more damage, and there is further uncertainty due to a budget stalemate and state shutdown.

Mellenthin said it creates a more uncertain future.

“It will undermine decades of effort we have made to provide services that create better lives for people with disabilities at a better value for our tax dollars,” she said.

“Still in the Shadows with Their Future Uncertain” was prepared with data from the Families and Individual Needs for Disability Support (FINDS) survey. Re-

sponses from all 50 states include 5,000 parents, other caregivers, and people with disabilities on their educational, housing, employment and support needs.

Among the findings: •One out of five families said someone had to quit a job to stay home and support the needs of a family member.

•62 percent of parents/ caregivers don’t know if services will be available once they can no longer provide care.

•62 percent reported that existing services in the community are being cut.

•43 percent said schools have cut physical, occupational or speech therapies.

•More than 75 percent of families report problems accessing community supports, trained reli-

Shutdown - from p. 1 considered essential.

Among essential services allowed to continue include direct care for people with disabilities which includes PCA services. Also considered essential is enrollment in cash, food and health care assistance programs, including those newly eligible for Medicaid/ Medical Assistance, Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), Diversionary Work Program (DWP), General Assistance, Minnesota Supplemental Aid, Group Residential Housing, Food Support, MinnesotaCare, Minnesota Food Assistance Program and Adoption Assistance. Quarterly grant payments to counties to support adult mental health initiatives and adult and children’s mental health crisis services were also considered essential, as are pharmacy payment authorizations, services funded through the Alternative Care program, consumer support grants, and home delivered meals for seniors.

What is and isn’t considered essential has caused consternation.

Among the many DHS services closed are State Services for the Blind, the Disability and Senior Linkage Lines, the MinnesotaHelp.info website, hearings on DHS appeals, and interpreter referral services for deaf, deaf/blind and

able homecare providers and other resources.

•80 percent of families reported they don’t have enough money to pay for the support or care their loved one needs.

•Nearly half (46 percent) said they have more caregiving responsibilities than they can handle.

•85 percent of families reported that adult family members with developmental disabilities weren’t employed, either part-time or fulltime.

•The percentage of people with disabilities in Minnesota who are unemployed is 80 percent.

Antonietta Giovanni, Minneapolis, sees an uncertain future. Her son Danny, who has autism and significant communication and behavior chal-

Lakin - from p. 1

Mike Dahl helped clients of Merrick, Inc. prior to a June 30 rally against a state government shutdown. Everyone got their cell phones ready to call state lawmakers.

Photo by Jane McClure

hard of hearing Minnesotans. Some grants for housing, food, chemical and mental health services, and other community services are also suspended.

One huge issue is the shutdown of criminal background studies for applicants seeking employment in facilities licensed by DHS and the Minnesota Department of Health and in unlicensed personal care provider organizations. That raised concerns about hiring and forced provisional hiring in many cases. Another worry is that while MinnesotaCare and other state health care provided-services will continue, new providers and new clients cannot be enrolled.

Walkup and cashier services aren’t available for clients.

Appeals could change which services are and aren’t closed, Disability service providers were among a stream of groups appeared before retired

Supreme Court Justice Kathleen Blatz July 1 to make their case to stay open. Blatz was appointed in June by Gearin to hear appeals. The hearings continued the first full week of July.

PCAs agencies made their case for considered essential, the office that does employee criminal background checks.

Bruce Nelson, head of the Association of Residential Resources of Minnesota, told Blatz the lack of background checks hampers hiring.

Blatz also heard from the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota, which is seeking to have State Services for the Blind reopened. Advocates for individual nonprofits that are losing fund also made their case, including Vail Place, a Hennepin County program for the mentally ill. As Access Press went to press, Blatz was just starting to rule on the groups she had heard from July 1. ■

lenges, lives with her.

Recently he started having seizures. To keep him at home and pay her mortgage, she is paid to provide his daily care and attend to his significant needs. “If I lost the wages that I’m paid right now” she said, “I don’t know if I could keep my house, and I don’t want to place Danny outside of the home. I want to keep him here at home with me. These cuts don’t make financial sense. I save the state money by having Danny at home.

The services he receives now cost less than if he were receiving them in a group home.”

Sarah Gonnella also faces uncertainty. She lives at home with her parents, Pam and Joe Gonnella. At age five, Sarah contracted a virus that caused severe brain

damage. Now 28, she requires 24-hour care. Staff comes in seven or eight hours each day to supplement the care her parents provide. “When Sarah got sick, Joe and I promised that we would give her as normal a life as we could,” Pam said. “But physically, we’re wearing out, and Sarah’s needs aren’t decreasing.

We’ll try to do it as long as we can, but we do need help. Given all the proposals at the state and federal level to cut services, though, we wonder if that help will be available when we’re no longer able to care for Sarah.”

For the complete report and the full FINDS survey results, go to www.arcmn.org ■

and Developmental Dis“For me it has been reThe opportunity to abilities Dybwad Hually rewarding to be part contribute to research on manitarian Award, the of the disability commua national level was University of nity here. Whatever something Lakin Minnesota’s Outstanding one’s role is, there are couldn’t pass up. “I’ve Community Service shared values and an worked 35 years on the ability to work together.” Award and The Arc of same floor, so any Although he is leaving the United States’ Distinchange is a huge change guished Research Award. the state at a time where for me,” he said. The apThe Institute on Comthese is disagreement on pointment by President munity Integration is a what level of service Barak Obama comes as federally designated Unigovernment should fund, Lakin turns 65. “So it’s a Lakin said he’ll rememversity Center for Excelmilestone for me in more ber the harmony of lence in Developmental ways than one.”

Disabilities (UCEDD). people working together Lakin praises the It’s part of a national netto reach goals for the president for his “rework of similar programs community. “I think at a markable” commitment in major universities and time when things are so to disability issues and teaching hospitals across discordant, I really want said it will be an honor to to focus on that.” the country. As a work for him. He’ll miss Lakin has 40 years ex- UCEDD, the Institute is his work in funded under Lakin will become Director of the Minnesota the provisions and friends. National Institute on Disability and of the Develop“But there are Rehabilitation Research, Special mental Disabiligreat young Education and Rehabilitative Services. ties Assistance people here at and Bill of the institute and they Rights Act of 2000 by perience in services to have a great ability to the Administration on individuals with intelleccarry on.”

Developmental Disabilitual and developmental David R Johnson, Dities in the U.S. Departdisabilities as a teacher, rector of the Institute on ment of Health and Huresearcher, consultant Community Integration, man Services. and advocate. He has disaid that while colAt the Institute, staff rected numerous research leagues are excited about and training projects and members work to proLakin’s opportunity, his mote the belief that all has authored or coresearch work and skills persons with developauthored more than 300 will be very much mental and other disabilipublications based on missed. “Charlie has con- that work. He frequently ties should live as valued tributed so much, in members of local comconsults with state, fedterms of research, that munities. Through coleral and international has made countless lives laborative research, trainagencies in matters of better,” said Johnson. ing, and information policy, research and “He will leave huge sharing, Institute staff evaluation. Among recshoes to fill.” Johnson work to improve policies ognitions for his work added that Lakin is not and practices to ensure are appointments by only very knowledgethat all children, youth, former President Bill able; he has been a great Clinton to the President’s and adults with disabilico-worker and great ties are valued by, and Committee on Persons friend to many. with Intellectual Disabili- contribute to, their comReflecting on his years ties, the American Assomunities of choice. ■ in Minnesota, Lakin said, ciation on Intellectual

July 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 7

Pg 5

Tribute

Kevin Sullivan’s vision shaped In Home Personal Care

by Gary Smolik

In the natural cycle of life and the inevitable sons and daughters bury their parents. And while their grief is profound, it is tempered by a life lived long. Sadly, life does not flow evenly, for when Kevin Sullivan suddenly passed away on June 14, the circle was broken and family and friends were shocked and in disbelief.

The waves of shock that ripple through Sullivan’s orbit of family, friends and associates are still being felt today.

And though his body was laid to rest on June 18, his dream—the business In Home Personal Care—will live on.

The inspiration for Sullivan’s dream was born of tragedy and necessity.

In 1984, he was a flight instructor on spring break in Fort Lauderdale.

He and some buddies sprinted into the ocean and plunged headlong

into the cresting waves, frolicking with a vacationer’s abandon. In that moment, his life changed forever.

Sullivan broke his neck, suffering permanent paralysis, and floated limply to the surface.

In little over a year, following a rehabilitation stint at Courage Center, he was back behind the wheel of a car. Then he enrolled at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. His education propelled him into the workforce. Soon after that he was back in his plane.

But the paralysis negated his ability to live independently, forcing him to rely upon the assistance of others. And that’s when problems ensued.

On Sullivan’s web site it states, “I couldn’t find reliable, well-trained personal care assistants to help with daily tasks and my care. I realized others faced the same issues, so I decided to start a com-

pany to provide the quality, and reliable, care that everyone deserves.”

So he put his business acumen into practice and launched his dream in July 1991 when he established In Home Personal Care. The vision was clear: provide quality care for a clientele struggling to remain independent while facing numerous, and often profound, medical challenges.

In Home services more than one hundred clients with over three hundred PCAs employed. I have been a satisfied client for nearly a decade. Because I was raised in the home of a small business owner (my father was an electrical contractor) I realize satisfied customers are the reason dedicated owners and committed employees go to work each day. I’m not sure I could run a business and that’s what I admire about Sullivan, he did, and he did it successfully.

Lyn Lyon has been the

services will continue as essential services.)

It will cost a lot more if we’re not in our own homes. PCAs typically do not make even a middle-class income, and their job is essential to a lot of people. Putting them out of work will mean they will need to find other jobs, or go on unemployment and we won’t have our PCAs anymore.

Courage Center is a big part of the government shutdown. Courage Center could be closed because their services will not be covered if s shutdown became a longterm issue. They are worried their services will not be paid. Also all of state-funded transportation may not be paid if a shutdown continues.

People need the transportation to go to their doctors because the appointments are important.

These things all affect our health. You can’t mess with that.

People will not like it if everything is shut down. We will have to think up how we can get medical care without any money. And that will cost us all more, and

some may go without medical care. You don’t want to see that.

I know the Disability Linkage Line is being shut down, and that is not good either. A lot of people who are poor do not have access to the internet or do not know how to use it, and they rely on getting information from the Linkage Line to be able to get to food shelves and get emergency medical care.

We need this service to stay open to help us to be independent.

We need the social workers to be in our lives so we can live. The social workers have been helping us to get more independence.

It has always been a dream of mine to live independently and Lifeworks and Courage St Croix has helped me fulfill that dream and raise my self-esteem, and to find out who I really am. I have yet to decide what my next goal will be, but with my determination and motivation I WILL achieve that goal.

I hope this letter will help you understand how important it is that you reach a conclusion about the budget soon before too many lives

TO THE EDITOR Editor’s note: This letter was written to Gov. Mark Dayton prior to the court decision on what are and are not considered “essential services” during the state shutdown. If you have questions, please contact your personal care attendant (PCA), transportation, social services or other service providers for details. The shutdown situation is very fluid and changes day to day. Some providers only have funding to operate for a few weeks, even if they have been able to stay open past July 1.

To the editor: I am writing this letter to tell you how people like me think. I have special needs and I am going to be affected by the government shutdown. I do get a lot of services, especially PCA care. I understand if they shut down everything, especially PCA companies, you will end up paying a lot more if you have to put everyone in a group home or nursing home.

The nursing homes do not have enough beds or staff. (Editors’ note: Despite initial fears, PCA

Kevin Sullivan, founder of In Home Personal Care, died in June.

office manager at In Home since 2000. When asked to reflect on her boss’s managerial style she said, “Kevin was generous, kind and curious. He always had a smile and he loved to solve issues. He could come up with some zany ideas but once we worked them through they turned out to help

solve the problem. He was always willing to talk to the clients or PCAs and when we attended events outside the office he made sure he talked to everyone he knew. His is the face of In Home.”

It wasn’t all work and no play for Sullivan. He enjoyed season tickets to the Minnesota Twins.

are affected unnecessarily.

Rachel Swanson Stillwater

from sustaining a greater increase in his physical dependencies. On Monday afternoon May 2, 2011, L.T. was released from Regions Hospital as he had returned to his “baseline.” By May 23, L.T. was given permission by his doctor to return to Accessibility Inc., his place of work. L.T. is very happy that he did not have to spend time in the nursing home for rehabilitation!

Please consider the possibilities if T. C. had not been there, if she had not recognized the symptoms of stroke, or if she had not taken immediate action. Strokes can be incredibly devastating physically, emotionally, and financially. The estimated financial cost of strokes in the United States per year is at $43 billion. The estimated costs for direct medical care and therapy are at $28 billion per year. The Stroke Center at the University Hospital, Newark, New Jersey, reports that the average cost of care for a patient up to 90 days after the stroke is approximately $15,000. For 10% of those patients who experience a severe stroke, the cost of care can average $35,000 in the first 90

❖❖❖❖❖ To the editor: I am writing to tell you about how one of our employees, a personal care assistant (PCA), has dramatically saved the State of Minnesota money. We need positive stories about people who work as PCAs and many of the PCAs are quiet, unsung heroes.

On April 29, 2011, at approximately 2:30 p.m., T. C. the, PCA, was with her regularly assigned Client, L.T. She noticed that he was mumbling his words and drooling. The back of his neck was abnormally red and his left arm appeared to be unresponsive. Please note that L.T.’s disabilities sometimes elicit some of these behaviors.) She saw a significant difference in him from the usual. Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke, she called 911. L.T. was taken to nearby Regions Hospital Emergency Room. Yes, he was having an ischemic stroke.

I am pleased to tell you that T. C.’s quick actions prevented L.T.

Every summer he helped organized a picnic for In Home clients and employees. He enrolled In Home in the 2011 Deli Express 5K Your Way fundraiser being held in August. Likewise, Kevin was a friend to Access Press. He purchased advertising space and donated funds as a sponsor.

His wife Kathy survives him, as do his parents Denny and Laura Sullivan who live in Golden Valley, two brothers Murray and Brent, and sister Erin.

Lyon summed it up this way, “We miss him every day but he was a businessman and he made sure that the company would continue to run whether he was here in-house or not. We are very fortunate to have known him and to have the opportunity to keep his dream alive.” Though he has passed, the In Home staff and PCAs intend to up hold the standard of care Sullivan set forth. ■ days.* T. C. and L.T. have helped to keep down those averages.

It is my position that T. C. did prevent increased health care costs for L.T. She prevented a lengthy hospitalization, a nursing home stay, rehabilitation, and increased personal care assistance hours. These are the increased care costs that the Minnesota Department of Human Services normally would have incurred, if not for a fast thinking PCA. Frankly, if she had not been there, L.T. may have sustained a far greater disability, or perhaps died.

Thank you for considering how PCAs and the important services they provide do make a positive difference for people with disabilities. The Personal Care Assistance program is a cost-effective and humane way to provide care for many Minnesotans by preventing costly alternatives such as institutionalization in nursing homes and State hospitals.

Elin N. Ohlsson C.E.O./President, Care Planners *Stroke Statistics. www.TheUniversityHospital. com/healthlink ■

Pg 6 July 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 7

There’s an app for that

REGIONAL NEWS Gaps remain in Minnesotans’ care A report from MN Community Measurement shows that while disparities are narrowing in quality of health care for low-income Minnesotans, significant gaps continue. Overall the quality of health care provided by managed care plans to people covered by public health care programs continues to lag when compared with care provided to patients who have insurance through an employer or Medicare, according to the annual report by MN Community Measurement.

“Although the report shows that there has been some narrowing of disparities in quality of care, serious gaps still remain,” said Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson.

“Reports like this are vital both for helping us focus on where we need to improve as well as for helping the public keep us accountable for that improvement. As we move forward with our payment and delivery system reforms, tracking improvement in disparities reduction will be an area we keep our eye on.”

The 2010 Health Care Disparities Report for Minnesota

Health Care Programs is the fourth-annual report produced

by MN Community Measurement in collaboration with DHS, which contracts with managed care plans to provide health care services for approximately 536,000 people enrolled in Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare. The report includes performance rates on 12 specific measures, from preventive care, such as cancer screenings, to care for chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Looking at rates over time, there is some narrowing of gaps, with the biggest improvement being in cervical cancer screening. Overall performance, however, still showed nine of the 12 measures significantly lower for people with public program coverage versus private, with the widest gaps appearing for colorectal cancer screening, followed by optimal vascular care and breast cancer. The 2010 report is available at www.mncm.org ■ [Source: Department of Human Services]

Let’s say you aren’t sure how to start a conversation. Or give a compliment. Or get through a first date. For kids with Asperger’s syndrome, these can be big challenges.

But now there’s an app for that.

Fraser, a child development center in Minneapolis, has created QuickCues to help guide autistic teens and young adults through tricky social situations. Essentially, they’re a series of tip sheets that are designed to be used on iPads, iPods or iPhones for handy reference. When they need a little help, students can pull out their mobile devices and read a script about how to act in a

way that’s socially acceptable.

There’s one guide, for example, for “apologizing for unintentional mistakes.” Another is called “Bullies—How to handle.”

Several years ago, Fraser got a grant to help teenagers in its after-school program design their own tip sheets—also called “social stories”—and put them on iPods. “Young people with autism have a tough time picking up social cues. “A social story gives them some rules and information how to do that,” said Drew Benson, a counselor at Fraser.

In the past, students would write notes on paper, but many

were reluctant to use them. “It makes you look really different to have to pull [out] this big laminated piece of paper,” Benson explained. But with an iPod? They look like any other teenagers, flipping through a screen.

The project proved so popular that Fraser decided to create a standard set and sell them through Apple’s app store, said Benson. Fraser offers QuickCues for four different skill sets: Communication, Life Skills, Socialization and Coping, each priced at $4.99.

So far, only about 1,200 have been sold since they were introduced last year. ■ [Source: Star Tribune]

Woman convicted in attack on autistic boy Justice continues in an attack on a 16-year-old boy with autism. One of five people involved in last year’s attack was convicted June 22 of first-degree aggravated robbery and kidnapping. On Dec. 23, 2010 a group of people including Tiffany Clock followed the boy while he was at SunRay Shopping Center in St. Paul. They lured him to a nearby park, then beat, taunted and robbed him of a CD player, a digital camera, a cell phone and $8. At one point

the boy has shot in the head with a BB gun.

Sentencing of Columbia Heights resident Tiffany Clock, 22, is set for Aug. 4.

Clock’s attorney, Christopher Zipko, told news media after the verdict that Clock suffers from fetal alcohol syndrome and has been in and out of foster homes. State sentencing guidelines call for four years’ imprisonment but that could be increased at the judge’s discretion.

Clock had a relationship with one of the other defendants, Anthony Martin Ramos, 25.

Ramos was sentenced in May to four years’ imprisonment.

Clock will be the final defendant sentenced in the attack.

Two juvenile defendants also have been sentenced but their punishment is not public record. A fifth defendant, Trenton Eugene Johnson, was found incompetent to stand trial. ■ [Source: Pioneer Press, KSTP-TV]

July 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 7

Pg 7

ADVOCACY Advocating Change Together (ACT)

V-651-641-0297

TF-800-641-0059

www.selfadvocacy.org

Amputee Coalition

V-888-267-5669

F-865-525-7917

www.amputee-coalition.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

Association 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

F-651-523-0829

www.mnccd.org

Hearing Loss Assoc. of America (HLAATC)

V-763-537-7558

MN Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

V-651-523-0829x112

www.hlaatc.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

ASSISTED-LIVING PROGRAMS

BRAIN INJURY

Mary T. Inc. Human Service Programs

V-763-754-2505

TF-888-255-6400

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

CCP - The Cooperating Community Programs (CCP) V-651-917-8322

F-651-917-8322

www.theccpinc.com

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

CHEMICAL HEALTH Vinland National Center

COMMUNITY LIVING

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

www.metroworkcenter.org

Opportunity Partners

V-952-938-5511

TTY-952-930-4293

www.opportunitypartners.org

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 Independent Living Enterprises & Services

V/TTY-507-345-7139

TF-888-676-6498

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 July 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 7

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

www.communityconnectionspartnership.org V-952-851-6193

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

www.CourageCenter.org

East Suburban Resources, Inc.

V-651-351-0190

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

www.esrworks.org

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

www.mnworkincentives.com

MRC - Minnesota Resource Center

V-612-752-8100

TTY-612-752-8019

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.

F-651-686-0312

www.proactinc.org

V-651-686-0405

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

GOVERNMENT Minnesota State Council on Disability

V/TTY-651-361-7800

TTY-800-945-8913

www.disability.state.mn.us

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

Cornerstone Solutions

TF-866-601-8962

TTY-800-627-3529

www.cornerstone-solutions.org

Edelweiss Home Health Care

V-612-273-5560

F-612-273-7360

www.edelhomecare.com

UCare

V-800-707-1711

TTY-800-688-2534

www.ucare.org

HEALTH CARE PLANS

Computerized Desktop Publishing: Advertisements Brochures Catalogs Flyers Logos Newsletters Newspapers Scanning ... & More!

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

HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICES Break-Thru Home Care, Inc.

V-612-659-1505

TTY-612-659-1499

www.breakthrucare.com

BrightStar Care Southern Twin Cities

V-651-234-0044

F-651-234-0046

www.BrightStarCare.com

In Home Personal Care

V-763-546-1000

F-763-546-1018

www.inhomepersonalcare.com

Mary T. Inc. Home Health Care

V-763-754-2505

TF-888-255-6400

www.marytinc.com

F-800-632-0798

www.accessoptionsmn.com

HOUSING-CONSTRUCTION/REMODELING AccessAbility Options, Inc.

V-763-571-6789

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

www.McCarthyBuildersandRemodelers.com

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.

July 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 7

Pg 9

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

www.arcgreatertwincities.org

Assistive Technology of Minnesota

V-763-479-8239

TF-866-535-8239

www.atmn.org

Minnesota State Council on Disability

V/TTY-651-361-7800

TTY-800-945-8913

www.disability.state.mn.us

The Natl Multiple Sclerosis Society - MN Chapter

V-612-335-7900

TF-800-582-5296

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

Liberty Oxygen & Medical Equipment

V-952-920-0460

F-952-920-0480

www.libertyoxygen.com

Tamarack Habilitation Technologies, Inc.

V-763-795-0057

TF-866-795-0057

www.tamarackhti.com

Key Medical Supply, Inc.

V-651-792-3860

F-651-792-3867

www.keymedicalsupply.com

Community Involvement Programs (CIP)

V-612-362-4434

V-612-362-4452

www.cipmn.org

Courage Center

V-763-520-0312

TTY-763-520-0245

www.CourageCenter.org

Howry Residential Services

V-651-917-9111

F-651-917-1018

www.howryinc.com

Lifetrack Resources - St. Paul

V-651-227-8471

TTY-651-227-3779

www.lifetrackresources.org

MENTAL HEALTH

National Alliance on Mental Illness of MN

V-651-645-2948

TF-888-NAMI-Helps

www.namihelps.org

People Inc. Epilepsy & Mental Health Services

V-651-338-9035

TTY-651-338-1160

www.peopleincorporated.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

Upstream Arts

V-612-331-4584

TTY-763-520-0245

www.CourageCenter.org www.mindbodysolutions.org

F-480-393-5587

www.upstreamarts.org

RECREATION-TRAVEL/CAMPING Camp Winnebago

V-507-724-2351

F-507-724-3786

www.campwinnebago.org

Friendship Ventures

V-952-852-0101

TF-800-450-8376

www.friendshipventures.org

Hammer Travel

V-952-277-2458

TF-877-345-8599

www.HammerTravel.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

CONTINUED

Kent’s Accounting Service, LLC Kent Fordyce 612-889-2959 • fordyce6@aol.com Fax: 952-472-1458 6371 Bartlett Blvd, Mound, MN 55364 Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor 2011 & 2005-2010

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. Our quality home care services are formed around a plan that works for you and your individual situation.

Serving Adults and Children with Long-Term Needs since 1991

8441 Wayzata Blvd; Suite 130 Golden Valley, MN 55426

“ I have been an In Home client for at least 20 years. During that time I have received excellent, reliable, consistent care from PCAs and HHA’s trained and supervised by In Home.” - Jean T (Client)

Pg 10 July 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 7

REHABILITATION (PHYSICAL, OCCUPATIONAL, SPEECH, AUDIOLOGY THERAPISTS) Cooperating Community Prog -Home-Based Support V-651-379-9711

F-651-645-7350

www.theccpinc.com

Courage Center

V-763-588-0811

TTY-763-520-0245

www.CourageCenter.org

Courage Center - Burnsville

V-952-898-5700

F-952-898-5757

www.CourageCenter.org

Courage Center - Forest Lake

V-651-464-5235

F-651-464-3547

www.CourageCenter.org

Courage Ceter - St. Croix

V-651-439-8283

F-651-439-0576

www.CourageCenter.org

DeafBlind Services Minnesota (DBSM)

V-612-362-8454

TTY-612-362-8422

www.dbsm.org

Fairview Acute Rehabilitation Center

V-612-273-8660

F-612-273-4706

www.fairview.org/arc

Fairview Balance Center

V-612-273-6228

F-612-273-7360

www.fairview.org/balance

Fairview M.S. Achievement Center

V-612-672-2815

F-651-645-2254

www.fairview.org/msac

Fairview Rehabilitation Services

V-612-273-6228

TTY-800-824-1953

www.fairview.org/rehab

Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare

V-651-291-2848

TF-800-719-4040

www.gillettechildrens.org

In Home Personal Care

V-763-546-1000

F-763-546-1018

www.inhomepersonalcare.com

Lifetrack Resources - St. Paul

V-651-227-8471

TTY-651-227-3779

www.lifetrackresources.org

F-651-645-2780

www.capstoneservices.net

V-612-362-4403

www.cipmn.org

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

Mt. Olivet Rolling Acres

V-952-474-5974

F-952-474-3652

www.mtolivetrollingacres.org

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

SERVICE ANIMALS

Pawsitive Perspectives Assistance Dogs (PawPADs)

F-952-988-9296

www.helpingpaws.org

V-952-226-2063

www.PawPADS.org

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

www.equipalife.org

Fairview Assistive Technology Program

V-612-273-6228

F-612-273-7360

www.fairview.org/rehab

TECHNOLOGY

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

www.pacer.org

STAR Program

V-651-201-2640

TF-888-234-1267

www.starprogram.state.mn.us

Tamarack Habilitation Technologies, Inc.

V-763-795-0057

TF-866-795-0057

www.tamarackhti.com

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

July 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 7

UPCOMING EVENTS Workshops, conferences Mann Foundation Symposium Minnesota teachers, parents and administrators can explore a variety of topics at the Sixth Annual National Ted and Dr. Roberta Mann Foundation Symposium about Children’s Mental Health and Learning Disabilities on Tue, Aug. 9, at the Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Ave. N., Mpls. Co-sponsored by PACER Center and the American Dairy Queen Corporation, the symposium will address many issues regarding children’s mental health and learning disabilities, including proactive, positive teaching strategies and interventions. Cost is $15, and lunch is provided. A certificate for six clock hours is available for those attending the entire day. FFI: PACER, 952-838-9000, 1-800-5372237 (toll free), PACER.org Leadership Training Partners in Policy Making is seeking recruit for its leadership training program, created in 1987 by

the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. Deadline to apply is July 22. This program is for adults with disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities. It is a nine-month series with eight weekend sessions.

There is no charge.

FFI: 651-222-7409 ext.

205, 1-800-569-6878 ext.

205, email cschoeneck @mngts.orgpartnersin policy making 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

Radio Talking Book Plans in the event of a state government shutdown Radio Talking Book and its parent agency, State Services for the Blind, are among the Minnesota state functions that could be affected by a July 1 state government shutdown. As Access Press went to press it was possible that the signal for the Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network would have to sign off for a time.

If the signal is shut down, Radio Talking Book staff has announced that programming will resume where it left off on June 30. Books would continue with the next broadcast. The books staring in July will have their start dates pushed back. That means a delay for listeners following a particular book or books that began in June, and for listeners waiting for a July book to start. In a news release, Radio Talking Book stated, “We are truly sorry for the inconvenience and hardship that this action may cause you.”

After a special legislative session is called and a budget agreed upon, Radio Talking Book will resume broadcasting. Call 1-800-722-0550 if there are questions or check www.mnssb.org/rtb

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. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The catalog is 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 for your password to the site. See more information about events on the Facebook site for the Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network. Register for Facebook at www.facebook.com Access Press is one of the publications featured at 9 p.m. Sundays on the program It Makes a Difference.

Youth and families Meet officials Many disability services will be affected by decisions made at the state capitol.

Home visits give local residents an opportunity to share their story and discuss disability-related issues in an informal setting.

If you or a family member use state or county services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, or if you’re on a waiting list for services, The Arc Greater Twin Cities invites you to meet with elected officials from two Minnesota Senate districts. Meet Senate District 38 officials at a home visit hosted by Michael Williams and The Parkwood group home, 6:30-8 p.m. Mon, July 11, 13607 Parkwood Drive, Burnsville. Elected officials invited to participate are Sen. Ted Daley, Rep. Diane Anderson and Dakota County Commissioner Liz Workman. Meet Senate District 58 officials 6:30-8 p.m. Thu, July 21, at a home hosted by Paris Gatlin, 1311 50th Ave. N., Mpls. Elected officials who have been invited to participate are Sen. Linda Higgins, Rep. Joe Mullery

and Hennepin County Commissioner Mike Opat.

Events are free but you must RSVP. FFI: The Arc Greater Twin Cities at 952920-0855 or e-mail denafel per@arcgreatertwincities.org.

Questions may be e-mailed to genemartinez@ arcgreatertwincities.org 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.

One upcoming workshop helps grandparents. “Special Education 101 for Grandparents,” is a free workshop for grandparents of grandchildren with disabilities, 9-11:30 a.m. Tue, July 19 at PACER Center, Advance registration requested. Learn about the special education process and how to network with other grandparents. FFI: PACER at 952-838-9000 or 800-537-2237 (toll free), or visit the PACER website at www.PACER.org

Nominations Awards to be given Minnesota State Council on Disability is seeking nominations for its annual awards. Awards will be presented at the state council’s banquet on Sept. 26. The

Chautauqua • Tuesday – Saturday 4 a.m.

Self Comes to Mind, Nonfiction by Antonio Damasio, 2010. Damasio has spent the past 30 years studying how the brain operates. He believes the brain’s development of self becomes a challenge to nature’s indifference and opens the way for the appearance of culture. Read by Malcolm McLean. 14 broadcasts. Begins July 13.

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

The Poisoner’s Handbook, Nonfiction by Deborah Blum, 2010. In early 20th century New York, poison was the perfect weapon because forensics didn’t exist. Then came Charles Norris in 1918 and the poison game changed forever. Read by Colleen Matz. 11 broadcasts. Begins July 18.

Bookworm • Monday – Friday 11 a.m.

My Name Is Memory, Fiction by Ann Brashares, 2010.

Lucy Broward is an ordinary teenage girl. But she has a crush on Daniel Grey who is not ordinary. Daniel has the memory, the ability to recall past lives and recognize souls of those he’s previously known. Read by John Beal. 12 broadcasts. Begins July 18.

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

George Eliot in Love, Nonfiction by Brenda Maddox, 2010. As one of the most celebrated novelists in history, George Eliot’s books are as appreciated now as they were in the 19th century. Yet her nonconformist, captivating personal life is not well known. Read by Ilze Mueller.

Eight broadcasts. Begins July 20.

Choice Reading • Monday – Friday 4 p.m.

The Girl Who Fell from the Sky, Fiction by Heidi W. Durrow, 2010. Rachel, the daughter of a Danish mother and a black G.I., is the sole survivor of a family tragedy.

Moving to a new city with her strict African-American grandmother as guardian, she is thrust for the first time into a mostly black community. Read by Karen Wertz.

Six broadcasts. Begins July 25.

PM Report • Monday – Friday 8 p.m.

Were You Born on the Wrong Continent? Nonfiction by Thomas Geoghegan, 2010. Thomas Geoghegan asks what our lives would be like if we lived them as Europe-

state council, PATHWAYS TO EMPLOYMENT, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, State Rehabilitation Council, Department of Human Services and State Independent Living Council host the awards luncheon. Awards will be given to employer of the year (large and small). mentorship, Minnesota, friend of the council, media and above and beyond veterans’ employment. Find a description of each award category at www.disability. state.mn.us. FFI: 651-3618700, 1-800-945-8913, www.disability. state.mn.us

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 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

Pg 11

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 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 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.

An Open Door Anxiety and Panic support group meets in St. Paul at 6:30 p.m., on the first and third Thursday of the month, at Gloria Dei Church, 700 Snelling Ave. S. St. Paul. FFI: NAMI, 651645-2948 or www.nami helps.org A new Vet Connection Support Group meets every 67:30 p.m. Wed at St. Joseph’s Hospital, 45 West 10th St., room G-752, St. Paul. FFI: Molly, 651-6452948 ext: 112, or Brian, 651-261-1185 ■.

ans. Social democracy may let us live nicer live. It also may be the only way to be globally competitive. Read by Marylyn Burridge. 11 broadcasts. Begins July 27.

Night Journey • Monday – Friday 9 p.m.

Freeze Frame, Fiction by Peter May, 2010. Forensics expert Enzo Macleod takes up a 20-year-old murder case in which the victim left several clues to reveal his killer’s identity. But the residents of the area have no desire to be back in the news. L – Read by John Edmunds.

11 broadcasts. Begins July 18.

Off the Shelf • Monday – Friday 10 p.m.

Star Island, Fiction by Carl Hiaasen, 2010. Pop star Cherry Pye has a double who subs for Cherry whenever Cherry is too wasted for a personal appearance. So when Cherry is kidnapped, it’s actually her double, Ann DeLusia. The challenge is to rescue Ann without anyone knowing of her existence. L - Read by John Marsicano.

12 broadcasts. Begins July 18.

Potpourri • Monday – Friday 11 p.m.

Unbroken, Nonfiction by Laura Hillenbrand, 2010. In May of 1943, Louis Zamperini’s bomber crashed into the Pacific, leaving him on a life raft amid thousands of miles of ocean and sharks. It was the beginning of an odyssey that would test his endurance with ingenuity, hope, humor, and rebellion. L - Read by Don Lee. 16 broadcasts.

Begins July 18.

Good Night Owl • Monday – Friday midnight The Revenge of the Radioactive Lady, Fiction by Elizabeth Stuckey-French, 2010. Marylou Ahearn is going to kill Dr. Wilson Spriggs. In 1953, he gave her a radioactive cocktail without her consent as part of a government study. Fifty years later, she is still ticked off. L,S - Read

by Kristi Sullivan. 12 broadcasts. Begins July 21.

After Midnight • Tuesday – Saturday 1 a.m.

Veil of Night, Fiction by Linda Howard, 2010. Jaclyn loves her job as wedding planner but Carrie was a bridezilla. When Carrie is killed, Jaclyn becomes a suspect. L,S - Read by Lynda Kayser. 12 broadcasts. Begins July 22. ■

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

Pg 12 July 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 7

Bernie the Rescue Dog makes debut

PEOPLE & PLACES

Gerald Schwegels showed off his invention at the Minnesota Inventors Congress in June.

Inventions judged at state congress Inventions that could benefit people with disabilities were among the items displayed at the 54th annual Minnesota Inventors Congress invention expo, June 10-11 in Redwood Falls. Inventors were on hand to test market their latest products. Consultants educated aspiring inventors about how to develop their ideas.

Winner of the Best Health Care of Medical Device Invention award is Fond du Lac resident Gerald A. Schwegels. His invention, the EZ in N Out, provides safe, portable accessibility to high vehicles for people with disabilities. His invention was also awarded a gold medallion.

Expo attendees also had the chance to see the 3M Visiting Wizards and Doug Reuter, the inventor of the family board game Sequence One highlight was a presentation by John Calvert, United States Patent and Trademark Office, will introduce a first-of-its-kind pro bono patent program that is being launched in Minnesota, in conjunction with LegalCORPS. Read more about this year’s inventors and award winners at www.minnesotainventorscongress.org ■

Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) is speaking about its newest addition, Bernie the Rescue Dog. The talented canine joined the ranks of doctors embarking on residency training at the Level I Pediatric Trauma Center in June. He’s already completed his hospital orientation, and can’t wait to begin his official rounds.

When Bernie’s unleashed from his resident duties, Bernie will be boning up on his studies, sniffing around at community events or making tracks to visit the children in the pediatric areas. In fact, HCMC is so impressed with Bernie that they plan to use his paw prints as wayfinding tools to help patients and visitors find various hospital locations. A special event was held in June to welcome Bernie.

Being helpful is what Bernie the St. Bernard is all about. He comes from a long line of rescue dogs committed to helping people—a pedigree that has groomed him for a career in pediatrics.

“We’re so excited to have Bernie on our pediatric care team,” said Chief of Pediatrics Dr. Julie JosephDi Caprio. “I’m already impressed with his natural instinct for caring for our young patients. He seems to have a nose for the job, and has quickly adjusted to life at the hospital. I expect it won’t take Bernie very long to be completely hospital-trained.”

Opportunity Partners relocates West St. Paul brain injury office Opportunity Partners has relocated its West St. Paul TBI Metro Services office to a new space, 1869 S. Robert Street less than a mile from the former TBI Metro Services location. The move will result in expanded offerings for people with brain injuries and program growth opportunities.

TBI Metro Services, which also has an office in Richfield, expects to expand its footprint in Dakota, Washington and Ramsey counties with this move. The relocation will also allow for expansion of the brain injury program’s employment training program with the addition of a classroom and a work area. In addition to training, TBI Metro Services offers community integration and inclusion, vocational services, and independent living skills for people who have survived brain injury.

An open house will be held in the future.

Opportunity Partners currently serves 57 people with brain injury out of the West St. Paul office. For info on the program, contact Calli Kadlec at 651-306-2862 or via e-mail at ckadlec@opportunities.org ■

Bernie visits a new friend at Hennepin County Medical Center.

Submitted photo

To celebrate Bernie’s official arrival, hospital staff were treated to bone-shaped doggie treats (cookies) in the cafeteria during a meet-and-greet over the noon hours. Thanks to funding from Hennepin Health Foundation, Bernie the Rescue Dog will appear at HCMC clinics and community events to promote HCMC’s pediatric programs during his pediatric residency at the Level I Pediatric Trauma Center. ■

Disability Viewpoints wins award The television program Disability Viewpoints has won another Hometown Video Award. Award winners were honored last month at an event in Tucson, during a conference for those who are involved in community media.

The Hometown Video Awards honors and promotes community media, and local cable programs that are distributed on Public, Educational and Governmental (PEG) access cable television channels.

Awards are presented to creative programs that address community needs, develop diverse community involvement, challenge conventional commercial television formats and move viewers to experiences television in a different way.

Disability Viewpoints host Mark Hughes said he and his crew were pleased to win another award. The program, which is distributed throughout the region on cable and is shown statewide on Twin Cities Public Television, won a professional Access-Able award for the April 2010 show. Along with Hughes, Kevin Schmitz and Jo Ann Erbes were also honored.

Another Minnesota winner in the documentary public awareness professional category was Mental Wellness: MN National Guard 2010 by David Schulte and Kevin Schmitz. ■

Homeless get help bridging digital divide In a short period, access to the Internet has become a tool that is necessary to function in society. For people who are homeless, their connection to the digital mainstream and having access to the internet is tenuous. Open Access Connections, community partners and sponsors released a new report on community internet space for the homeless. The agency was formerly known as Twin Cities Community Voice Mail.

The report outlines how people who are homeless are marginalized in accessing technology and the Internet—and describes a unique solution. With support from the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA) at the University of Minnesota, Open Access Connections was able to do a major research report on providing homeless Twin Citians with the communications tools that they need. Homeless individuals shared their experiences during the gathering.

Anyone needing information on the program can contact Open Access Connections at 651-643-0883 or www.openaccessconnections.org ■ Find more People & Places on page 13

July 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 7

PEOPLE & PLACES Disease forum ends isolation for patients Stephanie Layer of Maplewood spent 10 years of her life transitioning from inhaler to inhaler and wondering why none of her asthma medications worked quite right.

Wisconsin native Liz Brigham was walking to lunch with friends when she found that she couldn’t walk and talk at the same Stephanie and Tom Layer time. “I felt like I had run a marathon,” she said. “I went to the doctor and they tried to tell me it was the stress of my job.”

Doctors at the Mayo Clinic eventually diagnosed both women with pulmonary hypertension, a lifethreatening illness in which the vessels in the lungs

thicken and constrict, leading to heart failure. Without treatment, the average lifespan for a patient with pulmonary hypertension is 2.8 years. Nine treatments are now available, but the symptoms often mimic those of less serious conditions such as asthma. That can lead to a delayed diagnosis and poor prognosis for the patients.

People who are diagnosed with this condition often have to seek out support and information for themselves and their families. On June 18, Layer and Brigham attended PH on the Road: A Pulmonary Hypertension Patients and Families Education Forum at the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest in Minnetonka.

This was a free full-day forum organized by the Pulmonary Hypertension Association and is one in a series of ongoing forums. The forum and others like it provide educational opportunities for pulmonary hypertension patients and their families, bringing them together with the leading medical professionals in the field. The Minneapolis forum is one of four forums that took place around the country in June.

Layer, whose pulmonary hypertension is now treated at the University of Minnesota, remembers how isolating a diagnosis can be. “I will never forget

how I felt the first few months after I was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension. It was the loneliest feeling of my life.”

She added, “I am attending so I will have the opportunity to meet new patients and their caregiver or family members and hope I can give them some hope for their future.”

Brigham adds this advice for newly diagnosed pulmonary hypertension patients, “Go to the event! At the first pulmonary hypertension event I ever went to as a patient, I learned all about pulmonary hypertension. I learned about local support groups and I learned that I wasn’t alone. It was an awesome experience and I would urge all pulmonary patients in the area to attend.”

PH on the Road offers a unique opportunity for patients and their families to interact with medical professionals who are experts in the pulmonary hypertension field. The host committee for the Minneapolis forum included Drs. Colvin Adams and Marc Pritzker from the University of Minnesota and Drs. Bob Frantz and Mike McGoon from the Mayo Clinic. ■ Information for this article was provided by the Pulmonary Hypertension Association.

Special Olympics a success

Many Minnesota athletes on U.S. team The 2001 Special Olympics Summer Games in Athens, Greece began June 25. The delegation from the United States included several members from Minnesota.

Minnesotans on the teams include Blaine Cox, North Mankato, bowling; Tyler Devries, Underwood, bocce ball; Amy Holty, Rochester, aquatics/swimming; Richard Martin, Hibbing, tennis; Jake Sawyer, Champlin, aquatics/swimming; Matthew Schoenbauer, New Prague, equestrian and Katie Vandenbosch, Farmington, tennis.

Connie Schattscheider of Perham is one of the track and field coaches. Nancy Schwindel is one of the golf coaches. Schwindel’s city of residence wasn’t listed.

Special Olympics World Summer Games 2011 kicked off with a grand opening ceremony featuring performances by music legends Stevie Wonder and Vanessa Williams, a speech by Tim Shriver and many more memorable moments. Its setting was the Panathenaic Stadium, home of the very first Olympic Games. The two-week event is the world’s largest sporting event this year and concluded after two weeks of competition July 4.

This amazing event had more 7,000 athletes overall including over 300 from Team USA, competing in 22 Olympic sports. This the first Special Olympics World Games since its founder, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, passed away. All of the Shriver children were planning to be in Greece for this amazing event, along with celebrity supporters including Brooklyn Decker, Nadia Comenici, Michelle Kwan, Maria Menounos and many more.

Athletes came to Athens from more than 180 countries—notably including Japan, Haiti, Syria, Egypt, Libya, Pakistan and Morocco. ■

Pg 13

The Special Olympics Minnesota’s 2011 Summer Games wrapped up June 26, capping an exciting and fun weekend for participants. Events were held at Twin Cities sites including the University of Minnesota.

Highlights included the singing of the national anthem by Miss Minnesota USA 2011 Brittany Theleman. Participants and fans also enjoyed entertainment by the Amy and Josh Countryman and Brad Nelson Band, Rince Na Chroi Irish Dancers, The Smarts Band and Miss Minnesota’s Outstanding Teen 2011 signer Alexis Houle. Athletes enjoyed carnival games in Olympic Town and other fun activities. One popular stop was the Healthy Athletes Village, where athletes participated in a number of free health screenings and activities, including Opening Eyes (vision screenings) and

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other tests designed to increase the health and fitness of people with intellectual disabilities, a medically underserved population. The Healthy Athletes program works to improve access to health care by providing free screenings, making referrals to local health practitioners and training health professionals and students about the needs of people with intellectual disabilities.

Special Olympics Minnesota offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round sports training and competition. Through Special Olympics’ athletic, health and leadership programs, people with intellectual disabilities transform themselves, their communities and the world. ■

Pg 14 July 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 7

ACCESSIBLE FUN Welcome to the new Access Press Accessible Fun listings. Get further information on things to do around Minnesota at www.exploreminnesota.com and click on the calendar. For information on galleries and theater performances around the state, visit www.vsamn.org or call 612-332-3888 or 1-800-801-3883 (voice/tty). Or check c2 (caption coalition) inc., which does most of the captioned shows in Minnesota, also captions shows across the country: http://c2net.org

It’s All About Us July 23 - Aug. 7

God of Carnage Through August 7

Curtain Call Theatre presents an original musical about people in a group home at Hilltop Hall, Montgomery. ASL and AD dates are to be determined. Tickets are $10, child (5 & under) $5. Web: www.CurtainCallTheatre.net or www.showtix4u.com

Guthrie Theater, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. AD is available Sat., June 18, 1 p.m.; with a sensory tour at 10:30 a.m.; and Fri., June 24, 7:30 p.m. ASL is offered Thurs.-Fri., June 30July 1, 7:30 p.m. Captioning is offered Fri., July 29, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are Reduced to $20 (reg. $2965); FFI: 612-377-2224, TTY 612-377-6626, www.guthrietheater.org

Fore!

July 18 United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota announces its 15th annual golf scramble Mon, July 18 at Oak Marsh Golf Course, 526 Inwood Av. N., Oakdale.

Registration deadline was July 5 but check to see if there are openings. The event also needs sponsorships, in levels from $3,000 to $300. Advertisements are also available in the program. This event is a fundraiser for UCP and its programs. Fee is $125 per golfer for an entire day of fun. FFI: 651-646-7588, director@ucpn.org, www.ucpmn.org

13, the Musical July 14-24 Northfield Arts Guild Theatre, 411 W. 3rd St., Northfield. ASL is offered Fri., July 15, 7:30 p.m. AD is offered Thurs., July 21, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15, $10 student/senior; FFI: 507-645-8877, www.northfieldartsguild.org

Footloose July 15 – Aug. 7 Lyric Arts Main St. Stage, 420 E. Main St., Anoka.

ASL is offered Sat., July 16, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are

$10-18 each for ASL patron and companion; Phone is 763-422-1838; E-mail: jessica@lyricarts. org Seats for ASL patrons are held in reserve until two weeks prior to the show, then released to the general public; if there are no reservations, the interpretation will be canceled.

Web: www.lyricarts.org

Think green energy The Green Energy Art Garden opens July 15 kick off “The 10 Best Days of The Bakken,” part of the 2011 Minneapolis Aquatennial.

Visitors to the Green Energy Art Garden and The Bakken during the “10 Best Days of The Bakken,” July 15-24, enjoy free admission (regular price $7 for adults and $5 for students/seniors), special daily programming and electrifying activities, as well as extended hours daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and evening hours on Friday, July 15 and Thursday, July 21 until 8 p.m. For a detailed list of hours and events, visit www.thebakken.org/10best-days-of-the-bakken/ The Green Energy Art Garden will be on exhibit at The Bakken throughout the summer, closing Sept. 3.

The Bakken Museum is at the corner of West Calhoun Parkway and 36th Street on the west shore of Lake Calhoun. Free parking is available in The Bakken’s lot. FFI: 612-926-3878, www.TheBakken.org

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Through July 31 Great River Shakespeare Festival at Winona State University Performing Arts Center. ASL is offered Sun., July 17, 2 p.m. Reduced prices available to patrons (plus one guest) with vision impairments, ASL patrons or persons using mobility seating (plus $4 discount for senior, student, military). To avoid stairs, drop patrons at corner of Johnson & 10th (Howard) Streets; enter theater via Johnson Street door. The Fantastiks and Henry IV, Part One are also offered as part of the festival. FFI: 507-474-7900, www.grsf.org

Fidgety Fairy Tales auditions Fidgety Fairy Tales by the Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health will audition actors ages 918 for upcoming productions on autism, AD/HD, anxiety, depression and other topics. The Mental Health Musicals re-imagine familiar fairy tales to raise awareness about children’s mental health.

Actors ages 9 – 18 of all ethnicities are sought. All roles require acting, singing and dancing. Youth with or without a diagnosed mental health disorder are encouraged to audition. Rehearsals will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 – 8:30 p.m. and Sundays from 12 – 6 p.m. Not everyone will be called for every rehearsal.

Actors will be paid a stipend of $20 per performance. An audition is 6:30 p.m. Wed, July 20 at St. Peter Claver Church, 375 Oxford St. N, St. Paul.

FFI: www.macmh.org/ fidgety-fairy-tales

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat July 15-31 Mounds View Community Theatre at Irondale Theater, 2425 Long Lake Road, New Brighton. ASL is offered Sat., July 23, 2p.m. Tickets are $9 each for ASL patron & companion. Phone: 651-638-2139; E-mail: goseemvct@aol. com Seats for ASL patrons are held in reserve until two weeks before show, then released to the general public. If there are no reservations, the interpreter will be canceled.

FFI: www.mvct.org

Annie Jr. July 1 - Aug. 7 Stages Theatre at Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Main St., Hopkins. ASL is offered Sun., July 24, 2 p.m. AD is offered on request. Tickets are $11, $9 child/senior; plus $1.50 per ticket handling fee; FFI: 952-979-1111, www.stagestheatre.org ■

Fringe Festival play explores suicide A psych ward veteran attempts suicide and fails in No Change of Address, the true, often funny, yet touching story of a man trying desperately to figure out the future’s answers while reminiscing about the past. The play is making its premiere at the 2011 Minnesota Fringe Festival.

The dramedy by St. Paul resident Mike Price is actually a second suicide note, but presented in the form of a one-act play. By the end of the show, the viewer should be able to give some sort of odds as to whether or not this suicide message will ultimately be delivered. Will he try again? Is he leaning toward life or death? Does he care enough to live or enough to try again?

Produced by Serpentine Productions, No Change of Address is the brain-child of writer Mike Price. Price is a not-so-recent graduate of the University of Minnesota Theatre Department and the author of many short stories. He has studied professionally with Lawrence Parke and Richard Goldstone, appeared in many local television advertisements, and has worked as a photographic fitness model dating back almost 20 years. His first novel, Serpentine, is due out … well, any day now.

Additional creative and technical energy is supplied by Pamela R. Veeder. She has worked extensively in academic and community theatre including running the daily operations of a small business, teaching, and designing sets and costumes. With her master’s degree in hand, she treads the boards at every opportunity in roles ranging from mature Norwegian-American women to heroic Kabuki Samurai, exhibits her photography at a variety of venues, writes haiku for the discipline of the form, and helps nurture their garden plots in the neighborhood community garden.

The play will be presented during the Fringe Festival, at the HUGE Theater, 3037 Lyndale Avenue (one block south of Lake Street), Minneapolis. Performances are 7 p.m. Thursday, August 4; 8:30 p.m. Saturday, August 6; 10 p.m. Monday, August 8; 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, August 11 and 7 p.m. Sunday, August 14.

Preview performances of No Change of Address can be seen at 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 13 at Kieran’s Irish Pub, Block E, Minneapolis (showcase); 7:30 p.m. Monday, July 18 at Fringe for All, Mixed Blood Theatre, Minneapolis (tentative/showcase); 7 p.m.

Tuesday, July 28 at Lyric Lab, Lyric Lofts, Corner of University Ave and Hampden, St. Paul. (full production) and 7 p.m. Monday, August 1 at Lyric Lab (full production).

For additional information about No Change of Address and Serpentine Productions, contact Mike Price at 651-917-3667, or pricicle32@yahoo.com or Pamela R. Veeder at 651-917-3667, or prveeder@yahoo.com.

The Minnesota Fringe Festival is the largest, nonjuried theatre festival in the nation. Celebrating its 18th year, the annual 11-day festival presents 168 different production companies producing five perforFringe Festival - p. 15

July 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 7

METO - from p. 1 parties over the past several months,” he said. “It establishes lasting, positive change for the families who have been through so very much in this difficult, emotional situation. We are very proud of the efforts of all parties, their consultants, counsel, and the federal court in working together to develop lasting and meaningful changes that will improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families. This settlement is truly a defining moment for the families of people with developmental disabilities in Minnesota.”

The practices were halted in 2008. That’s when a DHS investigation revealed the practices. METO was cited for 15 violations.

The lawsuit, originally filed in July 2009, contended METO staff routinely restrained residents in a prone face down position and placed them in metal handcuffs and leg hobbles, placed residents in seclusion and isolation rooms for extended time periods, and deprived them of visits from family members, among other claims. The lawsuit sought damages for violations of the federal civil and constitutional rights of residents with developmental disabilities, and asked the Court to enter an injunction against the State to prohibit its restraint and seclusion practices, and to declare them unconstitutional.

In the settlement, the defendants have denied liability for all claims.

Commissioner Lu-

means to restrain. It also cinda Jesson of the Minall individuals who were prohibits manual renesota Department of subjected to the use of straint, prone restraint, Human Services, which any aversive or deprivachemical restraint, secluoversees the METO protion procedures, includgram, said the departing restraints or seclusion sion and the use of painful techniques to induce ment is pleased to reach while a resident of a settlement. She said the METO from July 1, 1997 changes in behavior through punishment of practices described in the through May 1, 2011. lawsuit had ended.

The letter will outline the residents with develop“This settlement prosettlement and the former mental disabilities.

The agreement vides for It is estimated that about 200 of the also includes a more prorevised DHS 300 people who lived at METO tections for the vulnersince 1997 were restrained by staff. policy providing that in the able clients we serve,” Jesson said. residents’ rights and obli- event of an emergency which poses an imminent “It also commits DHS to gations under it. treat our clients closer to It’s not clear how many risk of physical harm to self or others and less their homes and commupeople will eventually restrictive strategies nities. These are steps we share in the settlement. It need to take.” is estimated that about 200 would not achieve safety, certain mechanical reThe state also agreed of the 300 people who to spend nearly $1 millived at METO since 1997 straint may be used on residents of METO and lion on additional staff were restrained by staff. its successor facilities. In and training for commuThe use of restraints was order to help assure that nity programs for the dechallenged by three famivelopmentally disabled, lies, who alleged that their the limitations on the use of restraints are obusing funds now budloved ones were punished geted for METO. It also for actions as innocuous as served, the settlement mandates that a third will set up committees to touching a pizza box or help ensure that people being deemed disobedient. party expert will be consulted in connection with with disabilities can live One young man had his each use of restraint, an in the least-restrictive arm broken. employee of DHS will settings possible.

The court will eventuThe three plaintiff ally divide the settlement serve as an external reviewer, and the court will families named in the proceeds to the class receive quarterly reports lawsuit, who will serve as members and may take from the external reclass representatives, ininto account the docuviewer as to whether the clude Jim Brinker/Daren mented number of times facility is in substantial Allen, Elizabeth Jacobs, residents were restrained compliance with the and Jim and Lorie Jensen, and/or secluded. settlement agreement. on behalf of their sons, The settlement agreeThe state has also Thomas, Jason, and Brad- ment contains numerous agreed to increase staffing ley. The young men were provisions that will imand training requirements METO residents. prove conditions for The settlement was people with developmen- for the care of people with developmental disnegotiated in a lawsuit tal disabilities placed in abilities, and has agreed brought by the families METO’s successor facilthat people with developagainst the State of Minity, including immedimental disabilities will nesota and other defenately and permanently not be transferred to Mindants for restraining and discontinuing the use of nesota Security Hospital secluding residents with mechanical restraints inand Anoka Metro Redevelopmental disabilicluding metal law engional Treatment Center ties. O’Meara will be forcement-type handsolely for reasons of their mailing notices to all per- cuffs and leg hobbles, disability. sons who resided at cable tie cuffs, State officials and the METO, as they are part PlastiCuffs, FlexiCuffs, families jointly agreed to of the class action. Class soft cuffs, posey cuffs, members are defined as and any other mechanical develop effective policies and practices for the treatment and care of people with developmental disabilities, including those who are sent to state operated facilities.

The agreement provides that the state will form key committees to include stakeholders within the developmental disabilities community to study, review and modernize the DHS Rule 40 which governs and protects people with developmental disabilities, to reflect current best practices. These practices will include use of positive and social behavioral supports, and the development of appropriate placement plans in state facilities. ■

Pg 15

Fringe Festival - from p. 14 mances each at 14 different venues throughout St. Paul and Minneapolis.

More than 50,000 tickets are expected to be issued this year. The Minnesota Fringe Festival schedule and sales of tickets and passes went live at fringe festival.org on July 1.

There will be 27 audio described shows and 16 ASL-interpreted shows will among 865 performances by 168 companies at 18 accessible venues in Minneapolis. and St. Paul. Shows last 60 minutes or less, with a new show starting every 90 minutes. Find the Fringe schedule with show descriptions online or download in PDF for-

mat. Print programs will be available after July 18. For a daily recording of AD or ASL shows, call VSA Minnesota, 612-332-3888.

A $4 Fringe button is required of all attendees.

Each show is $12 ($10 senior/student), or 5show punch pass (may be used by multiple people who have buttons) $50, 10-show punch pass $100, Ultra Pass for unlimited shows $225. The $2 advance reservation fee is waived for people using access services, with the code “access.”

Buy tickets online at www.fringefestival.org or Phone: OvationTix at 866-811-4111. ■

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