September 2011 Edition - Access Press

See Pg 5

Volume 22, Number 9

Tim Nelson’s death leaves a void

Town hall forums announced The Minnesota Consortium for Citizens for Disabilities (MN CCD) hosts a series of town hall forums this fall to explain the various state budget impacts, and to gather information from the public.

Policymakers will be on hand to listen to concerns.

Weeks after the 2011 special session of the Minnesota Legislature, advocates that serve people with disabilities are still trying to sort out the details in various bills that were passed. There are significant changes that will affect persons with disabilities who need help with housing, health care and personal care, as well as transportation in Greater Minnesota. The need to unravel the legislative issues comes at a time when community members are trying to prepare for the 2012 session.

More than 60 people attended a MN-CCD update Aug. 29 on the state budget.

Several areas were covered including personal care attendant services, residential services, health care, vocational rehabilitation and special education. Information on those topics will also be available at the forums. One challenge speakers noted is that for many areas, includForums - p. 14

September 10, 2011

www.accesspress.org Tim Nelson’s death this summer shocked and saddened many people in Minnesota’s disability community. The longtime leader of Hammer Residences was also a board member and volunteer for many organizations that serve people with disabilities.

One colleague noted that it would take three people to replace this tireless advocate.

Read more about his life on page 9.

2012 award winner

Bangsberg embodies spirit of service

by Access Press staff

Jeff Bangsberg is a man who gets things done for Minnesota’s disability community.

His long record of service, dedication and commitment earned his multiple nominations for the 2011 Access Press Charlie Smith Award.

The Access Press Board of Directors chose Bangsberg from a very crowded field of nominees.

“I recall asking Charlie Smith once, years ago ‘who is that guy’ and Charlie said ‘that’s Jeff Bangsbreg, do yourself a favor and follow him. He knows little bit about everything in the community” said Tim Benjamin, the Jeff Bangsberg is the winner of the 2012 Charlie Award. hand-picked successor to Charlie Smith Jr. The award, given to a Minnesota individual or group who provides outstanding service to In addition to taking on leadership roles on people with disabilities, is given in memory of employment of persons with disabilities, indeAccess Press founding editor and activist pendent living and health care reform, Charlie Smith Jr. The award is presented at the Bangsberg has been a steadfast advocate/vignewspaper’s annual banquet, which will be orous protector of personal care assistant held Nov. 4 in Bloomington. Contact the news(PCA) services for more than two decades. paper at 651-644-2133 or www.accesspress.org Henry said that Bangsberg exemplified to purchase tickets or get other information.

Smith’s values by doing several things.

Two past Charlie Smith Award winners Bangsberg provides solid information so that were among those asking that Bangsberg repersons with disabilities can become active ceive recognition. “I have known and worked and work for the change needed in their lives. with Jeff since the early 1990s when we both He shares his own personal situation on many, were involved in the newly organized Consormany occasions at the Legislature, rallies, fotium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD),” rums and at state agency meetings. He also said Anne L. Henry of the Minnesota Disabiltakes on new challenges as service cuts and ity Law Center. “At that time, Jeff was a benefit limits were proposed. prominent activist with the State Vocational He was an early proponent of unifying the Rehabilitation Council and other state task various disability advocacy groups which exforces and advisory groups. He was appointed isted in the early 1990’s. He had a clear vision to a number of health reform groups, including of the power of unifying the many groups to the Universal Benefit Set group.”

Award winner - p. 3

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

“I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see.”

John Burroughs

NEWS DIGEST Read about our very talented field of Charlie Smith Award nominees.

Page 3 Skyway access has long been a problem for people with disabilities who live, work and play in downtown St. Paul. Learn about the latest dilemma.

Page 4 Get ready to go back to school with advice on bullying and preparation, as well as a humorous look at those back-to-school doctors’ visits Page 7 UCare has opened another service location, this one in Wisconsin.

Page 8 Mixed Blood is preparing to unveil its free theater series. Call to reserve your free tickets.

Page 11

Free voice mail service is threatened by grant cut

by Jane McClure

Open Access Connections, which provides free voice mail for people with disabilities, low income people and the homeless, has been forced to lay off staff and scale back services in the wake of a state funding cut.

The nonprofit agency, which is based in St. Paul, laid off its staff Aug. 12. Two fulltime and three part-time workers lost their jobs.

The layoffs are an attempt to continue to provide the voice mail service. The action was forced by the elimination of a $37,000 state

grant during this summer’s special legislative session.

That presents about 14 percent of Open Access Connections’ annual budget. The agency has received state funding since opening its doors in 1994. The loss of the state dollars, coupled with dwindling foundation support, has alarmed supporters of the organization.

The state funding was cut with no notice, Open Access Connections leaders said.

“Without this funding, we face closing our office, turning off our voice mail sysVoice mail - p. 14

Sarah Agnew, Bruce A Young, and Brittany Bradford Mixed Blood's Radical Hospitality

INSIDE Regional News, pg 6 People & Places, pp 8-9 Accessible Fun, pg 11 Events, pg 10 Open Access still has an active voice running but has laid off staff.

Photo courtesy of Ali Mohamed

Radio Talking Book, pg 12

Pg 2 Sept. 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 9

EDITOR’S DESK Tim Benjamin The Board of Directors of Access Press has selected Jeff Bangsberg as the 2011 Charlie Smith Award recipient. It’s been a real honor for me to have Jeff as a mentor and friend over the years. I look forward to Nov. 6 and the opportunity to honor Jeff and congratulate all the nominees. There were many deserving candidates, as there are every year. Read about them on page 3. Hope to see you all there to celebrate the 21st year of Access Press and honor Bangsberg.

It’s been a difficult summer weather-wise. The tornado that ripped up north Minneapolis was devastating and will take the community years to recover. The farmers have lost crops to too much rain and to too much heat. Speaking of heat, in July we had recordbreaking highs; my relatives from Phoenix were here in the midst of it and they said they would rather be in 115° out west than in this heat. I agreed; there were some scorching days and nights. Oh well, by Labor Day weekend I was complaining about the cold—but that’s Minnesota.

The summer brought other difficulties as well.

First, there was the government shutdown and then a struggle to figure out what exactly happened when the

stalemate was resolved. One thing for sure, very little that was positive came out of the 2011 legislative session for the disability community—or for anyone. A few programs were saved, but only for a year. Some prominent politicians are retiring from the legislature.

The real problems that created the difficulties at the capitol will be there for the legislators to try to solve again next year. This session’s solution came on the backs of people with disabilities, the poor and the homeless and the educational systems; all of them also took the brunt of cuts throughout the Pawlenty administration.

I still have hope that Gov. Mark Dayton will find common ground with legislators to achieve his goal of “raising revenue vs. underfunding programs.” He has to do that, to avoid the devastation of essential government services. He and the legislature need to find ways to agree on a budget that will not only save services but save funding for all the service jobs that are supported by state and federal funding. The cuts and cost-shifting in our educational systems have to end.

We have nothing if we don’t have educated citizens.

Edward Everett (1794 – 1865; in 1846 he established Harvard’s first school of science) said, “Education is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing army.”

(If I were his editor I might have advised ready rather than standing.)

One of the most controversial legislative actions, and it’s one that affects many people with disabilities, is the 20% cut to relatives’ caregivers. Besides affecting people with disabilities directly, it has a disproportionate and unfair impact on their caregivers.

PCAs in general received a 1.5% cut, but if they were family members, for some reason, there was a presumption that their work was less valuable. I’ve heard that the governor has already admitted to a state fair crowd that this was a mistake that will have to be fixed in the upcoming session. (His statement was recorded and as soon as we get the recording, we will post it on our Facebook page, and Twitter with a link it to this column.) If you are someone who is getting this 20% reduction we would love to hear your story.

The best way to get this legislation changed will be to have as many stories as possible to tell legislators.

And, if that doesn’t work, there are rumors of a classaction lawsuit. What exactly the class action would be based on is speculation, at this point.

With the legislative struggles, it is truly unfortunate that we have lost one of the disability community’s great public policy advocates, Tim Nelson. Although, I did not know him well, I did see him in action at the capitol and he was there a lot. I imagine with the cuts to residential services, Nelson would have spent a lot of time at the capitol this upcoming session. We will all miss Tim. See the tribute on page 9. ■

HISTORY NOTE

Lives Worth Living airs in October

Show explores disability movement history equal rights. Produced and directed by Eric Neudel, Lives Worth Living is a window into a world inhabited by people with an unwavering determination to live their lives like everyone else, and a look Volume 22, Number 9 • Periodicals Imprint: Pending ISSN back into a Co-Founder/Publisher Advertising Sales past when mil(1990-1996) Jeff Buhs lions of Wm. A. Smith, Jr. 651-644-3139 Americans Co-Founder/Publisher/ Executive Director lived without Editor-in-Chief Tim Benjamin (1990-2001) access to Charles F. Smith Assistant Editor schools, apartJane McClure ment buildBoard of Directors Brigid Alseth Business Manager/Webmaster ings, and pubSteve Anderson Dawn Frederick lic transportaKristin Jorenby tion—a way Anita Schermer Production Carrie Salberg Ellen Houghton with of life un-

While there are close to 50 million Americans living with disabilities, Lives Worth Living is the first television history of their decades-long struggle for

Kay Willshire

Presentation Images

Cartoonist Scott Adams

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

imaginable today. Lives Worth Living premieres on the Emmy Award-winning PBS series Independent Lens, at 10 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 27. Check local television listings for details.

Lives Worth Living traces the development of the disability rights movement from its beginning following World War II, when thousands of disabled veterans returned home, through its burgeoning in the 1960s and 1970s, when it began to adopt the tactics of other social movements. Told through interviews with the movement’s pioneers, legislators, and others, Lives Worth Living explores how Americans with a wide variety of dis-

abilities – including the blind and deaf, mentally and physically challenged – banded together to change public perEric Neudel, Producer/Director of ception and policy. Through Lives Worth Living demonstrations and legislative maker, and explore the subject battles, the disability rights in depth with links and recommunity finally secured sources. The site also features equal civil rights with the 1990 a Talkback section where passage of the Americans with viewers can share their ideas Disabilities Act, one of the and opinions. most transformative pieces of Many prominent people in civil rights legislation in the disability movement appear America’s history. in this documentary. They are, To learn more about the in order of appearance: Fred film, and the issues involved, Fay, early leader in the disabilvisit the companion website at ity rights movement; Ann www.pbs.org/independentlens/ Ford, director of the Illinois Get detailed information on the National Council on Indepenfilm, watch preview clips, read dent Living; Judy Heumann, an interview with the filmleading disability rights activist; Judi Chamberlin, Mental Patients Liberation Front, a movement for the rights and dignity of people with mental illness (1944-2010); Dr. William Bronston, former staff physician at the notorious Willowbrook State School who was dismissed after agitating for change; Bob Kafka, established ADAPT of Texas, a disability rights advocacy organization; Zona Roberts, Counselor, UC Berkeley’s Physically Disabled Students’ Program and Center for Independent Living, Berkeley; mother of disability rights pioneer Ed Roberts; Pat Wright, Disability Rights Education History Note - p. 15

Sept 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 9

Pg 3

Varied backgrounds, activities for Charlie Smith Award nominees Many deserving and hard-working people were nominated for the 2011 Charlie Smith Award, given every year at the annual banquet hosted by Access Press.

Here are their stories: John J. Barrett John J. Barrett is the president of Rise, Inc. The agency

just celebrated its 40th anniversary. Barrett was hired as executive director in the summer of 1976. He hired talented people who help grow the agency and make it the success it is today.

He has shared his expertise with many other Minnesota groups as well. Barrett was a leader in efforts to help people move from state hospi-

tals into the community, has worked to relocate services and has launched programs for immigrants with disabilities.

Barrett has not only helped Rise, Inc. grow into a multi-faceted agency for people with disabilities, he has mentored other organization, like Rise around the country.

Award winner - from p. 1 work for overarching goals such as community living, employment and access to health care. The strength and unity of the disability community today, exemplified by the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, owes much to Bangsberg for his vision, countless hours of volunteer organizing, analysis and policy advocacy as well as perpetually cheerful cheerleading, Henry added.

“I’ve had the opportunity to know Jeff for over 30 years,” said Steve Kuntz, who has worked with Bangsberg in many capacities. “In that time I have witnessed his passion for getting things done for the broad spectrum of the disability community. His relentless energy, quick wit and ability to develop relationships and partnerships across a spectrum of different ideas and philosophies have been remarkable. His fingerprints are on so many of the cornerstones of what makes Minnesota a place where individuals with disabilities want to live.”

Bangsberg served as government relations director for the Minnesota HomeCare Association (MHCA) until his retire-

ment. His duties at MHCA included supporting home care services for seniors and persons with disabilities at the local, state and federal levels in public policy.

Before working at the MN HomeCare Association, he worked at Becklund Home Health Care as director of public policy. Prior to that, he helped organize and served as Coordinator to the Twin Cities Area Labor Management Council.

Bangsberg’s spinal cord injury resulted from a diving accident when he was 16 years old. He didn’t let that stop him from graduating from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree.

Kuntz said, “Due to his disability, Jeff brings personal experience to the development of public policies for people with disabilities. In the 1970s, he was a member of the Metropolitan Handicapped Coalition, which promoted early legislation related to personal care assistance and accessible transportation.

In 1991, Jeff worked on legislative and regulatory issues related to Medical Assistance, Medicare, private health insurance and employment. In

1999, he played a key role in securing federal and state legislation on work incentives for people with disabilities, including the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act and Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MAEPD).”

He currently is a consultant to the Minnesota Department of Health and chairs the State Rehabilitation Council, which oversees State Vocational Rehabilitation Services. He serves on the Minnesota Health Care Home Consumer and Family Council, as well Courage Center’s Quality Assurance Committee and the Living Works Board of Directors.

“When I think of what the Charlie Smith award is about and the passion and seeing that individuals with disabilities are included in the mainstream of society I truly think of Jeff Bangsberg,” Kuntz added. Even though Bangsberg officially retired in 2007, “I don’t know if Jeff quite understands the definition of retirement because he seems as involved as ever,” said Kuntz. ■

Rhoda Becklund Rhoda Becklund is owner of Becklund Homecare, her company, and Becklund Outreach, an affiliated nonprofit.

She opened her own agency in 1984. Becklund was nominated for her work in providing home care and housing for individuals with special needs. She is praised as a visionary and someone who goes well beyond everyone’s expectations. One of her areas of work has been in helping people who are on ventilators live independently.

Allowing people with ventilators to live independently was seen by some service providers as being potentially too risky. But she worked to see past the challenges make independent living possible.

Linda Berglin Linda Berglin served in the Minnesota Legislature

for nearly 40 years. Few people have so directly shaped the health and independence of so many people with disabilities.

In her work at the legislature she experienced many successes and achievements as she worked to improve the lives of Minnesotans. In particular she authored or co-authored legislation that dealt on issues including health care, chemical dependency, mental health, in-home care alternatives, longterm care reform, assisted living, health disparities reduction, children’s mental health and more.

She also championed providing more consumerdirected community services to reduce nursing home beds and worked to improve the lives of health care workers.

Susie Bjorklund In 2000, Susie Bjorklund opened the doors of Freedom Farm, a center providing therapeutic riding incorporating sen-

sory, cognitive, and social stimulation to build skills and confidence to those with disabilities.

For the past 11 years, riders with various diagnoses including cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, developmental delays, and PSTD have opened themselves up to Bjorklund and the horses.

Many riders that join Freedom Farm struggle with being social, having low self-esteem and managing their feelings. After working with Bjorklund and the horses, they build confidence, improve their muscle strength, learn how to interact with others, and ultimately give them a sense of accomplishment.

Congressman Keith Ellison Congressman Keith Ellison, who represents Minnesota’s Fifth District, was nominated for his work in getNominees - p. 12

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Pg 4 Sept. 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 9

Skyway linkage issues continue to affect downtown St. Paul

by Jane McClure

Ongoing Central Corridor light rail construction in downtown St. Paul continues to create problems in terms of skyway access. The project is also raising questions about the need for an elevator connection near the planned Fourth and Cedar station is being debated. While many skyway users see an elevator as a basic need for skyway access, some question whether it would create a safety concerns.

Light rail-related skyway construction has disrupted downtown for several months and generated controversy for those who rely on skyways.

Earlier this year state lawmakers and the Central Corridor project office were at odds over the need for a vertical connection between the skyway and the Fourth and Cedar station area. Long-term redevelopment of the station area

block is seen as creating a vertical access point. But in the interim, some connection is needed.

St. Paul city officials want an elevator, from the station area to the skyway. The city has worked with the engineering firm of TKDA to design the link. The link would cost about $1 million, said City Engineer John Maczko. Currently, there is no funding in the Central Corridor budget to pay for the link but city officials want to be ready to build the link if money does become available Maczko said. Plans show a vertical connection that features a lot of visibility, so that people can see in as well as out. It also needs to be designed with materials that are easy to clean and yet be attractive.

But the immediate question from some CapitolRiver Council members centered on

The demolition of the old Bremer Bank building this summer took out a key skyway link. The bank building is now gone and a temporary skyway will go up soon.

Photo by Jane McClure

safety. “This tower would be one half block from one of the nastiest corners in downtown,” one council member said.

Other council members said an elevator could provide easy access into the skyway for criminals, creating risks for

skyway users. Some said they already have been harassed and even extorted by criminals trying to block skyway access.

City officials told CapitolRiver Council representatives in August that Metropolitan Council will provide

security for the light rail system, including the Fourth and Cedar station. Long-term, when the block around the station is developed, a building owner would also be involved in providing security.

Skyway - p. 13

Access a challenge during light rail construction season

by Jane McClure

Construction of the Central Corridor light rail project is more than 20 percent complete, according to project staff. Parts of University Avenue, including the stretch from Emerald to Hampden, are complete on the south side.

That means switching the work and the worst impacts on businesses, to the north side.

For people with disabilities who must cross University Avenue and who catch the bus there, the summer has been very challenging. It has been very difficult for people who use wheelchairs and walkers to get across the street or get to bus stops. Metropolitan Council staff, Council Member Jon

Commers, St. Paul Ward Four Council Member Russ Stark and others have been also out recently inspecting access, to make sure patrons get into storefronts and people can cross streets safely.

Project staff admits that access has been a challenge. In some cases construction vehicles have blocked sidewalks.

Metal pedestrian safety guards have been blown over or shifted to create passages that are too narrow for wheelchairs. Bus stops have been found to not have accessibility ramps. In some places temporary ramps were created but these quickly broke apart or wore out.

One way to address that has been to install wooden accessi-

bility ramps with protective barriers at bus stops. These are easier for people in wheelchairs and those who use walkers or canes to access.

In other cases signage has been confusing and in some places, hazards such as cones or barricades have blocked sidewalks. For some businesses, vehicle access has either been blocked or has been hard to find.

“We saw there were issues and we agreed there was room for improvement,” said Stark.

Robin Caufman, who leads outreach efforts for the light rail project, said the project staff is doing what they can to document and then resolve issues with contractors, There are weekly meetings with the contractor to discuss issue. The project contractors face financial penalties if problems aren’t resolved.

“I’m really happy to see that people are out there on a daily basis trying to address these issues,” said Metropolitan Council Chairperson Susan Haigh.

The $957 million light rail project will be completed in 2014. Construction is underway throughout downtown St. Paul, in the capitol area and on University from Hamline to Washington Avenue. Washington is also under construction. Business impacts on the project are being closely tracked.

The focus on access comes at a time when businesses have started applying for assistance, in the form of loans of up to $20,000. The loans are from a $4 million fund and are offered in St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Loans are forgiven, 20 percent per year. If a business stays open for five years after the loan is received, no money has to be repaid.

Nancy Homan, senior policy analysis for St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, said the city has OK’d 14 loans. The loans range from $1,256 for a yoga studio to four $20,000 loans and four $19,000 loans. A property management company and the Low Vision Store, which sells products for people with visual impairments, were turned down. The Low Vision Store was turned down because many of its products are sold online, a service not affected by light rail construction.

“We’ve spent $281,000 on the loan program to date,” said Homans. She said the program appears to be working. St. Paul city officials involved in the loan program are seeing a wide variation in losses reported by businesses, from 8 to 68 percent. ■

Sept 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 9

Pg 5

Rise Inc. marks 40 years of helping people find success

Rise Inc, founders Chet and Gladys Tollefson with their son Loring.

Photo by Rise Inc.

Forty years ago, Minnesotans with significant disabilities still lived in state hospitals. Special education wasn’t very special. Most people with disabilities didn’t plan to have careers or live on their own in the community. It was a different world then. Clients, employees, friends and supporters of Rise Inc. are looking back on those days at the agency celebrated its 40th anniversary last month.

Through the collaborative efforts among business leaders, policymakers, social service/ human service professionals, educators, employers, landlords, family members, and people with disabilities, agencies across Minnesota have made great strides to address the employment, housing, and community integration needs of its citizens. Rise, Inc. is proud to be a part of those developments.

Early visionaries on a mission The seeds for Rise were sown by Chester Tollefson of Anoka, whose son Loring was born in 1955 with intellectual disabilities. Chet wondered, “Wouldn’t it be great if…?!”

Wouldn’t it be great if Loring could go to work when he was finished with public schooling? Wouldn’t it be great if others like him in this area could experience how good it feels to put in an honest day’s labor and earn an honest day’s pay? Wouldn’t it be great if the services and programs were in place to help

people like Loring reach their own personal potential and really become active, contributing members of this community? Wouldn’t it be great…

In the late 1960s, Minnesota law provided special education until the age of 18 for students who had disabilities. Tollefson knew that when his son finished school, his choices would be limited: Loring could stay home all day. He could be institutionalized or he could be involved in a “sheltered workshop” where men and women with disabilities worked primarily on production-type jobs.

Tollefson was determined to make a better future for his son and others.

“Loring was mentally slow, but very cheerful, very happy, friendly, an easygoing child who was a joy to be around, just a blessing,” his mother, Gladys Tollefson, 92, told the Star Tribune.

“But the world was different then,” Gladys said. “Loring wanted to be productive, feel good about himself, like anybody else. But others either didn’t understand or know what to do with people like Loring.”

Chester Tollefson credits former Anoka County Attorney Robert W. Johnson with helping him form a steering committee. Through dozens of calls to Anoka’s government officials and education and business leaders, Rise Inc. began.

Chester Tollefson also called other parents as well as Anoka County community

leaders in education, finance, social services, the law, and business, hoping to get them fired up about what he referred to as a “little project.” Many people were willing to help, and with $87,000 in loans, Rise opened its doors for business Aug. 2, 1971, with two trainers and four young adults who had intellectual disabilities. The program was housed in a small space at the Anoka County Fairgrounds.

“We didn’t grow up with people with disabilities,” said Lynn Noren, who came to Rise later, as a 19-year-old college intern, and is now a Rise vice president. “They were in special schools, or sent away.”

“Yeah, time went by in a hurry and I never figured it would expand to this capacity that it has,” said Chester Tollefson. Loring passed away in 2002 but not before he was able to benefit from his family’s work.

Since 1971 Rise has continued to expand, both programmatically and geographically.

Today the agency offers more than 40 housing and employment programs in 20 office facilities throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area as well as central and east central Minnesota areas. Staff size has grown from two to more than 360 employees, with an operating budget in 2011 of $28 million.

The agency has served at least 20,000 people in its 40 years and has worked with hundreds of landlords, employers, and business partners throughout the state.

The 1970s were challenging, difficult The men and women who incorporated Rise in 1971 were dedicated and hard-working, smart and motivated. But they soon realized it was going to be tremendously challenging to build a nonprofit human service agency from the ground up and keep it moving forward successfully. Within five years, Rise was

in danger of closing its doors for good. The board of directors hired John Barrett as executive director in 1976 to help turn the struggling agency around.

Barrett hired Don Lavin, now one of Rise’s two vice presidents, to serve as program director. The two made major advancements in the agency’s business systems and its program services, designing customized vocational evaluation, vocational skill training programs, and job placement services.

Expanding program services in the 1980s Realizing that the same services would not be effective to address a full range of disabilities, Rise designed customized programs to meet the specific needs of different disability groups, including people with mental health issues and students completing special education and entering the work world.

In response to a community need, Rise began offering housing support services and independent living skills training for people with mental illness who were homeless or at risk of being homeless in Anoka County.

Together with the Anoka County Community Action Program (ACCAP), Rise opened transitional housing.

To help transport people to and from work, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) awarded Rise a $25,000 grant to purchase a mini-bus with wheelchair lift in 1985. Today, Rise has a fleet of 80-plus vehicles which drive more than 2.5 million miles a year taking 650 people to work each day.

At Rise’s production facility in Spring Lake Park, people worked on a wide range of subcontracts for area businesses.

But some customers preferred to have workers come to their companies, so Rise began offering “supported employment” with a trained and supervised work crew integrated into the customer’s workforce.

Addressing needs of new disability groups in the 1990s Rise continued to develop specialized programs to meet the needs of specific disability groups, including people with acquired and traumatic brain injuries, those who were deaf and hard of hearing, and people who had both an intellectual and a mental health disability. When Minnesota closed its state institutions, Rise designed vocational programs to meet the service needs of people with significant intellectual and related disability conditions who were moving back into local communities.

Rise also expanded its career planning and job placement services for refugees and immigrants who had disabilities and were receiving MFIP (Minnesota Family Income Program or “welfare’). These people also faced additional barriers to employment such as cultural differences, language, lack of transferable work skills and employment experience, plus transportation and day care issues. Rise hired multicultural staff, many of whom had been refugees themselves and better understood the issues, and thus, could more effectively address the issues confronting these job-seekers.

RISE - p. 15

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Pg 6 Sept. 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 9

Polling place accessibility improvement grants announced

REGIONAL NEWS Obama wants to help veterans During a speech at the national American Legion convention in Minneapolis Aug. 30, President Barak Obama vowed to ensure that returning soldiers have the job skills they need to succeed. He pledged to create a job training “boot camp” for veterans who are struggling to find employment in the private sector, a rising problem nationally. He also said he will press states to make it [a priority] for vets to get professional licenses.

The president’s speech came after a fierce budget battle in Washington and expensive wars in Iraq and Afghanistan created mounting political pressure to get military spending under control. The president described a “sacred trust” between citizens and the military, expressing grave concern about returning veterans going straight from combat to the unemployment line.

Obama also highlighted administration efforts to reduce a backlog of benefit claims through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Those efforts include acknowledging new claims from Vietnam vets suffering from the effects of Agent Orange, a chemical widely during the conflict to clear jungle foliage.

He also called on the private sector to hire or train 100,000 returning veterans, proposing to offer tax credits for companies that hire vets or their spouses and veterans with disabilities.

With advancements in technology, veterans are returning with injuries that would have killed them in previous conflicts. The severity of those injuries often brings additional problems.

“Put simply, we’re saving more lives, but more American veterans will live with severe wounds for a lifetime. So we need to be there for them”for their lifetime,” Obama said.

[Source: Star Tribune]

Are there accessibility issues at your polling place?

Do you have to navigate a step or steps? Is there a lack of accessible parking? Does the polling place lack basic devices such as magnifiers, to help you read a ballot?

Help could be on the way. Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie announced that his office is currently seeking grant proposals from cities, townships and counties for accessibility improvements to polling places in Minnesota. The approximately $400,000 in Federal Election Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities (EAID) grants are provided through the federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002.

Funds must be used to improve polling place accessibility for voters with disabilities and cannot be used for general improvements to structures.

“I am pleased that again this year we are able to use funding from the Help America Vote Act to help local election officials remove accessibility barriers and improve access in polling places throughout our state,” said Ritchie.

Any requests have to come through local election officials, such as city or county officials, and not from the general public.

The office is asking local election officials to submit grant proposals for accessibility improvements and tools that will provide privacy and independence for the voter, such as automatic door openers, disabil-

ity parking spaces, ramps, accessible voting booths, and magnifiers. In past years grants have ranged from approximately $100 up to $6,000. The deadline for grant applications is 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31. Grant recipients will be notified by the end of the year.

“Minnesotans can be very proud of our local elections officials’ strong commitment to eliminating accessibility barriers in polling places and ensuring that every eligible voter can participate in our democracy and successfully cast a ballot,” said Ritchie.

Minnesota polling places get mixed reviews, when it comes to accessibility. All polling places must be accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) but problems have been reported throughout the state in the past. Some communities lack adequate public space in or near a precinct for an accessible polling place. At other places there is a lack of signed handicap parking.

Inside a polling place, election judges need to provide at least one accessible polling booth. Most Minnesota polling places to have the AutoMark ballot marking system, which is for voters who have disabilities. Or voters may bring a helper to the polls, or ask for election judges from different parties to help them mark ballots. ■ For more information on the EAID grant application process contact Adam Aanerud by email: Adam.

Aanerud@state.mn.us or phone: 651-556-0644.

Blind traveler faces obstacles Susan Barton is legally blind and uses a wheelchair, a result of her 40-year battle with multiple sclerosis. But she doesn’t let her disability hamper her love of traveling with her husband. So she was unhappy this June when she tried to book two tickets on Delta Air Lines for a long weekend in Chicago and the airline told her she’d have to pay an extra $50 — $25 per person — to buy the tickets over the phone instead of online.

After Barton explained that she was blind and

couldn’t use the website, the call center representative insisted that the fee couldn’t be waived. That person’s supervisor said the same thing. So did the two people she called at the airline’s Atlanta headquarters.

“For years I’ve been arranging our travel and doing it by phone,” said Barton, 64, of Minneapolis, who retired as director of human resources for the Prudential Insurance Co. She described her dilemma to the Star Tribune Whistleblower. “Northwest charged me Blind traveler - p. 14

Sept 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 9

Pg 7

Kids with disabilities need skills to cope with bullying

by Kim Kang

Adam was nine years old with a diagnosis of autism. Some people didn’t understand Adam’s lack of eye contact and social awkwardness. Two of his classmates began to bully him. At first they called him names, “weirdo” and mimicked how he walked. It escalated into shoving and tripping, usually at lunch when adults weren’t watching.

This went on for a couple of years. When Adam’s mom spoke to his principal and teacher, they said the incidents were isolated and not serious enough to warrant action.

“Kids will be kids” they told her and they would “grow out of it.” Soon, Adam began acting out before school and then he didn’t even want to go. After years of inaction by the school district, Adam’s frustrated parents decided to homeschool him.

It would be easy enough as a parent to think this couldn’t happen in their child’s school. Most schools have written policies prohibiting bullying/harassment. Minnesota has three state laws to protect students. Despite these efforts children and teens with disabilities continue to be bullied at a rate two to three times the rate of their non-disabled peers.

This is especially true for kids with autism because of their difficulties with social interactions.

Putting a Definition to Bullying Bullying is an intentional and hurtful act repeated over and over again against someone who has a hard time defending themselves physically or psychologically.

Bullying can be anything from name calling to physically shoving a person. Cyber bullying is use of internet technologies and other communication devices. This kind of bullying, is more psychological then physical.

Characteristics of the Bully and Children Who are Bullied Many types of children can become bullies, even those who are bullied. The bully typically has witnessed physical and verbal violence or aggression at home. The

bully uses the same behavior. Bullies have a strong need for power and dominance, and have a built-in group of followers. Bullies are at risk for school failure, dropping out, and committing criminal acts. Some bullies may have been bullied themselves.

Those who are bullied also may be more sensitive to others’ feelings, more passive, and have a quiet temperament. Differences may, make then stand out and limit their ability to understand that the bully does mean harm. Children with disabilities often have a lower social standing among other students, making them targets.

Children who are bullied are at risk for short and long-term psychological problems.

Where Does It Happen Typically bullying occurs out of sight of adults

in hallways, lunchrooms, and playgrounds. But classrooms are frequently where bullying happens.

Studies have shown that teachers fail to intervene in many bullying When the Bully is a Child with a Disability A national study found that children with autism and attention deficit or attention deficit hyperactivity disorders were four times more likely to bully than their non-disabled peers. Researchers were hesitant to label these kids as “bullies” because they felt their behavior was directly linked to their disability.

But it does present a problem for parents and schools. While it is difficult to think of your own child as a bully, parents should work with the school and talk to the child’s special education teacher and IEP team.

The start of another school year means it’s time to focus on positive outcomes for kids.

Photo courtesy of The Arc Greater Twin Cities

Bullying Dynamics While it is easy to distinguish the “bully” and the person bullied, other players assist in the cycle of bullying. They may actively participate, uncomfortable laugh along or be disengaged and do nothing. A defender may actively help the person

Back-to-school tips for parents The start of the school year is here, and The Arc Greater Twin Cities has tips for parents of children with intellectual or developmental disabilities to help their children get the year off to a great start.

Visit the school—it will help your child become familiar with the building.

Introduce him/her to the teachers and staff.

Create a portrait of your child for the school team, his likes/dislikes, clear examples of what works well when working with your child, his/her skills and successes, and techniques you use with your son or daughter.

Use pictures—take photos of the classroom or classrooms where your child will spend the day and explain what he/she will do in each room.

Create a sequential picture schedule to help your child understand what will happen throughout the day.

Then create a similar picture schedule to use at home, so your child gets comfortable with a new daily routine.

Network with other parents. Get involved at the school and volunteer to help with school events. Consider joining one of The Arc’s free parent networking groups that meet across the metro area. You’ll meet other parents of children who have disabilities and be able to share ideas.

Check out the Arc Guide information sheets in the Resource section at www.arcgreatertwincities.org.

Topics include acronyms in special education, functional behavior assessment, individualized education

programs or IEPs, facilitated IEPs, special education evaluations, least restrictive environment in special education, state testing and more.

Tips are also posted www.facebook.com/the arcgreatertwincities. Visit www.arcgreatertwincities.org for more information or call The Arc Greater Twin Cities at (952) 920-0855.

The Arc Greater Twin Cities fosters respect and access for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, giving them the power to achieve a full and satisfying life. For more information and volunteer opportunities, call The Arc Greater Twin Cities at (952) 920-0855 or visit www.arcgreatertwin cities.org. ■

bulled. The most effective way to break the bullying cycle is to educate and engage everyone to speak up and stop the bullying act. Whole school intervention, which educates students, staff, and parents how to

break this cycle, is most effective.

What Can I Do? 1: Teach Your Child How to Handle Bullying: Help your child deal with bullies by Bullying - p. 13

Pg 8 Sept. 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 9

UCare opens office in Eau Claire

PEOPLE & PLACES Brown is winner of award Nick Brown, owner of Brown’s Lawn Service in Shakopee, is the winner of the 2011 Judd Jacobson Memorial Award. The award will be presented Oct. 5 at a ceremony at Courage Center in Golden Valley.

Brown is an enterprising 18-year-old who has been mowing lawns since age 12. That wouldn’t be unusual except that Brown has cerebral palsy and speech challenges. He uses a power wheelchair to get around. But this enterprising young man and his friend Don Valiant designed a non-motorized reel-type mower which attached to the front of Brown’s wheelchair. That got the lawn care business rolling and it has been a growing ever since then. A few years after the business began Brown moved to a power mower. Now he uses an older model riding mower.

Brown has contracts to mow four lawns including the Shakopee Knights of Columbus and Church of St. Mary. Most of his clients are within wheelchair distance of his home.

Brown plans to use his award money to purchase a new Toro riding mower, twin bagger and drop-end trailer. “I am overjoyed to learn of this wonderful news,” Brown said upon learning of the award. “I am so thankful to the Jacobson committee who just made my dream come true.”

“The new mower will give me more independence, I’ll be able to start it myself and, because it’s new, it will run more efficiently and allow me to increase the number of lawns I can mow.”

“Nick exhibits the entrepreneurial spirit exemplified by Judd,” Brown is winner - p. 9

UCare opened a new regional sales office Aug. 31 in the Keystone Business Center in Eau Claire. The site will serve as the administrative center for UCare’s growing, Wisconsin-based membership in the health plan’s UCare for Seniors Medicare plan which is available in 26 western Wisconsin counties.

UCare’s new sales office is located in Suite 500 of the Keystone Business Center, 3410 Oakwood Mall Dr., in Eau Claire. The location is adjacent to U.S. Highway 53, and just north of Interstate 94.

The 1,200-square-foot office features work and conference room spaces, and ample free parking.

The Eau Claire site will be the headquarters for Marti Andro, Manager, Wisconsin Medicare Sales, and her team of Wisconsin sales representatives: Ellen Anderson, of La Crosse; Marla ValentinoWiste, of Hudson; and Nicolle Olness, of Superior. Administrative support is provided by Kristin Robert, of Eau Claire.

“This new office marks our official presence in western Wisconsin and demonstrates our long-range plans for growing membership in this region,” said Nancy Feldman, President and CEO, UCare.

“Eau Claire is a great place from which we will serve the

7,000 Wisconsin members currently enrolled in our UCare for Seniors Medicare plan, and build our Wisconsin presence and membership in the future.”

“We’re very excited to be here and work much more closely with our members, providers, and county representatives from this great location,” said Andro. “As a nonprofit health plan, UCare employees do their best to serve our members. Our Eau Claire team is honored to represent UCare in our 26-county Wisconsin services area, and strengthen our presence in the state.”

The Aug. 31 grand opening was organized by the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, of which UCare is a member.

UCare’s CEO Feldman; Ghita Worcester, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs and Marketing; Brian Eck, Sales Director; UCare for Seniors members; and representatives from area health care, provider, advocacy, and business groups were scheduled to attend the event. UCare is also a member of the Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce which will be represented at the open house.

UCare first expanded its UCare for Seniors Medicare plan to western Wisconsin in late 2007; enrollments were effective in January of 2008. Eligible Medicare recipients can choose from four levels of UCare for Seniors coverage— Classic, Value, Value Plus, and Standard D. A Group UCare for Seniors plan also is available to organizations with retirees.

UCare (www.ucare.org) is an independent, nonprofit health plan providing health care and administrative services to more than 230,000 members. UCare partners with health care providers, counties, community organizations, and other member-directed groups to create and deliver innovative health coverage products for Medicare-eligible individuals throughout Minnesota and in western Wisconsin; individuals and families enrolled in income-based Minnesota Health Care Programs, such as MinnesotaCare and Prepaid Medical Assistance Program; adults with disabilities and Medicare beneficiaries with chronic health conditions; and Minnesotans dually eligible for Medical Assistance and Medicare. ■

Home Depot ramps up veterans’ donations Through its Community Impact Grants Program, The Home Depot Foundation has awarded $5,000 to the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL). The donation will be used to build ramps for veterans with disabilities.

“MCIL is very grateful for the support and generous contribution from The Home Depot Foundation for our Veterans Building Ramps for Veterans Program. We welcome their partnership as we continue our efforts to provide meaningful supports and assistance to people with disabilities. This grant will enable veterans to lead more in dependent and self directed lives,” said David Hancox, Executive Director, MCIL. The Home Depot Founda-

tion’s Community Impact Grants Program supports the work that local nonprofit organizations, public schools and other community organizations are doing to improve the physical health of their neighborhoods.

“We are delighted to support local volunteer projects aimed at ensuring that every U.S. veteran has a safe and accessible home,” said Kelly Caffarelli, president, The Home Depot Foundation. The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living deserves enormous credit for the work it is doing, and we are glad to be part of their efforts.”

MCIL is one of eight Centers for Independent Living in Minnesota and one of more than 500 nationally that work with people with disabilities.

■

Sept 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 9

PEOPLE & PLACES Nelson leaves lifelong legacy of service The sudden death of Tim Nelson, chief executive officer of Hammer Residences, Inc, and board chairman of The Arc Minnesota, has stunned and saddened those who worked with him.

Nelson, 58, died Aug. 16 while hiking with his wife, Jean, in Colorado.

His life’s work in helping people with developmental disabilities began early. Nelson’s youngest brother Doug had Down syndrome. “His love for his brother was unending, and that’s what brought him to our field and our work here,” Lisbeth Armstrong told the Star Tribune. She was named interim CEO of Hammer Residences Inc. “Hammer has lost an amazing leader, co-worker and friend in Tim. We have all lost a great man and advocate, who made this world a better place, not only for the people we serve with developmental disabilities, but for everyone,” said Armstrong.

Current Hammer Board President, Jon Matejcek said, “Tim created a culture of excellence that any organization—non-profit or otherwise—would be lucky to have. He was never satisfied with the status quo, always encouraging others to express their ideas and opinions, even when they differed from his own. His leadership and vision for Hammer, and for the disabilities community at large, will truly be missed.”

Nelson started working for Hammer in 1977 and was appointed CEO in 1998 after having served Hammer in a variety of capacities. Armstrong, who worked closely with him for most of those years, said “Tim had such a passion for the people we support. It was his dream that each person we serve has love, joy and peace in their life.” During his tenure as CEO, Nelson worked tirelessly to elevate Hammer as a visionary organization that employs dedicated staff members who help people with disabilities experience the highest possible quality of life and independence.

Hammer is a Wayzata-based nonprofit that oversees 37 group homes and seven apartment programs for more than 200 people with disabilities in the western Twin Cities suburbs. It provides services for 700 people.

Under Nelson’s leadership, Hammer was named a Top Ten Minnesota Workplace by The Star Tribune in 2010 and 2011. In, 2010 Hammer was also named a “Top 50 Places to Work” in a national survey conducted by the Nonprofit Times, a national publication for nonprofit executives. In June, 2011, Nelson received a Changemaker Award from The Arc Greater Twin Cities for his efforts in changing systems and policies that benefit individuals with disabilities and their families.

Nelson was a strong advocate and visionary for

people with developmental disabilities. He was the current board president of The Arc of Minnesota, where he advanced public policy efforts locally and at the federal level. Pat Mellenthin, The Arc Minnesota’s Chief Executive Officer said “Tim was a superb leader for The Arc Minnesota and an exceptional human being.

His passing is a huge loss for The Arc Minnesota and The Arc movement, and he will long be remembered for his leadership in the disability comTim Nelson will be missed by the disability community. munity.”

Photo by Hammer Residences “There’s no replacing someone like Tim Nelson.

It would take three people to replace him,” said Leadership (CQL) Board and served on its Executive Mellenthin. “He was not only a strong leader; he was and Quality Committees. He has served on several a genuinely good human being.” other boards of directors for organizations that proNelson joined The Arc Minnesota Board of Direcvide various services to people with developmental tors in 2007. He was selected as president of its board disabilities. Nelson had also participated on several for 2010 and 2011. He was an integral part of its Pub- MN Department of Human Services (DHS) task lic Policy Committee and active in the agency’s straforces. tegic planning efforts.

A Virginia, Minnesota native, Nelson graduated As a member of the Public Policy Committee, from Aurora-Hoyt Lakes High School. He earned a Nelson strongly supported and collaborated closely degree in secondary education from Bethel University with The Arc Minnesota as it advocated at the state in 1975, taught for a time and then took a job at Hamand national levels, and he was a strong supporter of mer. His wife Jean told the Star Tribune that he took the public policy efforts of the Minnesota Consortium the job as a transitional position. But he really enfor Citizens with Disabilities as well. He brought joyed the personal contact with clients. Cementing his many of his staff with him to the state capitol to advo- career path, he received a master’s in counseling psycate for policies that would benefit people with dischology from the University of St. Thomas in 1985. abilities and their families. He also joined The Arc Nelson and his family lived in Champlin. Besides Minnesota staff and volunteers in Washington, D.C. his wife, Nelson is survived by daughters Lisa and on several occasions to advocate for federal policies Lydia; a granddaughter, Jazlynn; brother Gary, of that would benefit people with disabilities and their Duluth; and sisters Sher Leksen, of Princeton, and Lynette VanSoest, of Coon Rapids. He was preceded families. in death by his parents and his brother Gary. Services “Tim was not only a strong supporter of protecting were held at Edinbrook Church, Brooklyn Park. current services; he was a leader in advocating for Washburn-McReavy Chapel, Coon Rapids, handled positive changes in how we serve people with develarrangements. Memorials should be sent to Hammer opmental disabilities and their families,” Mellenthin Residences. ■ said. “He was committed to finding new and more effective ways to support people with disabilities so they could live life to its fullest and be included in our communities.”

Nelson also served as the former vice president and board member at ARRM. “Tim was one of the truly great leaders in the disability community,” said ARRM CEO, Bruce Nelson.

Nelson was a member of the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), where he served on the International Program Committee.

He was a member of The Council on Quality and

Brown is winner - from p. 8 said Barbara Jacobson, member of the award committee and president of Flying Wheels Travel, one of the businesses started by her late husband Judd. “We hope this award will help him expand his business.”

All is not work for Brown. Like other teens he does like to play. He is one of the original power wheelchair soccer players for the Courage Center Blizzards.

The team will demonstrate their sport at the award ceremony.

The Judd Jacobson Award has been given since

Pg 9

1992, to a person with a physical disability or a sensory impairment.

The winner receives $5,000 to advance his or her business endeavor. Jacobson was a business leader who became a quadriplegic due to a diving accident.

The award was set up in his honor by his lifelong friend Daniel J. Gainey.

For information on the award banquet, contact Christiana Czarnowski at 763-520-0543 or christiana.czarnowski@CourageCenter.org ■

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 Sept. 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 9

UPCOMING EVENTS Advocacy Support ADAPT trip ADAPT Minnesota members will be traveling to Washington, DC in September to participate in the Fall ADAPT national action. The trip includes participating in the Demand Responsible Medicaid Reform rally being held Wed, Sept 21. During the rally, ADAPT will join other disability, aging and civil rights groups as we demand responsible Medicaid reform that supports our civil right to live in the most integrated setting.

We need Medicaid reform that not only contains costs, but also protects the civil rights of seniors and people with disabilities. In order to make the trip, the group needs to raise $6,000. Donations are still needed. FFI: Lance, 763-218-1433, adapt.mn@gmail.com

Workshops, conferences Hope for Recovery workshop The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Minnesota (NAMI Minnesota) will hold a free, one-day education workshop that provides families and individuals with information on mental illnesses, practical coping strategies, and hope for recovery.

The workshop will be held 9 a.m. - 3p.m. Sat, Oct. 8 at Regions Hospital, Teeter Library, 640 Jackson St, St. Paul. Registration is requested.

FFFI: 651-645-2948.

Charting Your Path “Charting Your Path: Preparing for Transitions to Community & Employment at All Ages” is The Arc of Minnesota State Conference, Fri and Sat, Nov. 45 at Breezy Point Resort in Breezy Point, MN Enjoy a weekend full of workshops, networking,

and fun, and “chart a path” to make successful transitions at all stages of life.

Parents, self-advocates, providers, and state officials will all be there to share information, success stories, and best practices. Hotel rates are $10 lower than last year.

Reduced registration fee for members of The Arc, self-advocates, and direct care staff who accompany a self-advocate. Register

by Sept. 15, and save $25 more. FFI: 1-800-5825256, www.arcmn.org Creative Options Creative Options is a oneday energizing conference for people with disabilities and the staff who support them, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon, September 26, 2011 at Eagan Community Center.

This year’s featured speaker is Beth Mount, a national consultant working with programs throughout the United States to support others to see capacities in people with disabilities. She is the creator of the Personal Futures Planning process. Her keynote address is titled Make a Difference: Cocreating Community Membership and Contribution.

She will also do two breakout sessions.

Breakout sessions for self-advocates include: Turn Off Your TV presented by Toni O’Brien from Dakota Communities; Rock Stars of Respect presented by self-advocates from Life-works; and Living Your Passion presented by self-advocates Lisa Poppe, Nathan Bauer, and Debra Wilensky.

Breakout sessions for direct care staff include: Assistive Technology presented by Kim Moccia from Minnesota STAR Program and Debbie Harris; Be Connected. Be Well. presented by Toni O’Brien from Dakota Communities; and Housing Access Services: Are You Ready to Move? pre-

sented by Scott Schifsky from The Arc of Minnesota. FFI: Susan Hilden, 651-365-3731, www.lifeworks.org, or shilden@lifeworks.org.

Act may affect students with disabilities who previously did not qualify for a 504 plan. FFI: 952-8389000. 800-537-2237 (toll free) or visit PACER.org.

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

Information available Parents searching for child care for their baby, a son concerned about his mother’s adult day care program, family members evaluating services for their sibling with developmental disabilities—all of these consumers now have 24/7 access to important information about licensed programs with the expansion of information available on the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) website. Members of the public can subscribe to email alerts when new documents are posted.

Consumers now have quick access to important health and safety information about child care centers, group homes for people with disabilities, and a range of other services for children and vulnerable adults. Six types of public documents— including compliance reports and public summaries of maltreatment investigations—are now available through the DHS Licensing Information Lookup: FFI: http://licens inglookup.dhs.state.mn.us.

Youth and families PACER workshop offers update on changes to special education law 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.

PACER Center is offering “How Section 504 Changes Impact Your Child with a Disability or Special Health Care Needs: Update on Eligibility for Services,” a free workshop for parents of children with disabilities and for professionals. It is 6:30 – 9 p.m. Thu, Sept.

15. Advance registration is requested. Students who do not qualify for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) may be eligible for services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which is a law that prohibits discrimination against students with disabilities in schools receiving federal funding.

Recent changes to the Americans with Disabilities

Fall Family Course Do you have a family member living with a mental illness? The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Minnesota offers a free educational course that helps families gain a greater understanding of mental illnesses, discuss resources, build communication skills, reduce stress and find support. More than 3,000 Minnesota families have benefited from this free course. Join others for this series taught by family members who have walked the walk. The Family-to-Family course meets weekly for 12 weeks and will meet in Roseville on 6:30-9 p.m.

Tuesdays, starting Sept.

13 at North Heights Lutheran Church, 2701 Rice St. Preregistration required.

FFI: Anne, 651-653-5116 or Kay, 612-821-0412

Nominations Grant opportunity for Minnesota artists Nov. 4 is the deadline to apply for the 2011 VSA Minnesota Project Grant for Emerging Artists with Disabilities. Seven grants of $1500 each, funded by the Jerome Foundation, will be awarded to emerging artists who propose to create new work. Applications and guidelines will be available at www. vsamn.org or can be mailed or emailed. Grant recipients from 2009-10 will be featured in an exhibit during October at the Hennepin Gallery, located on A Level of the Hennepin County Government Center, 300 S. Sixth St., Minneapolis. A reception will honor the artists 6-8 p.m. Thu, Oct. 6. ASL interpreting, audio description and refreshments will be available. Artists included are 2009 grant winners: Brid-get Riversmith, Duluth, animation; Mark Davison, Mpls, ceramics; Naomi Cohn, St. Paul, poetry; Alec Sweazy, Minnetonka, accordion; Loretta Bebeau, Mpls, multi-media; Amy Salloway, Mpls, performance; Christine Sikorski, Mpls, poetry.

2010 grant winners are: Anne Krocak, Prior Lake, wall installation; Anne Sawyer-Aitch, Mpls, performance; Adrean Clark, Maplewood, comics; John Lee Clark, Maplewood, poetry; Lisa Dietz, Golden Valley, fiber art; Barbara Harman, Mpls, visual arts; Pamela Kirton, Burnsville, mixed media. FFI: 612-3323888 or 800-801-3883, or email emerginggrant @vsamn.org

Support groups, meetings St. Joan of Arc Mental Health/Mental Illness Ministry St. Joan of Arc Church hosts mental health mental illness ministry events this fall. Both events are free and open to the public. No preregistration is needed.

Enjoy a light meal and learn about mental health issues. Our events are free and open to all, no RSVP needed and a light meal is provided. at 5:458:15 p.m. Mon, Sept 12, the topic is Surviving Complex Trauma in Childhood.

Speaker is Krista Nelson, MA, LICSW, LMFT; Wilder Center for Children with Reactive Attachment Disorder. At 5:45-8:15 p.m.

Mon, Oct 10, the topic is Recovery Story. Speaker is Diedrich Weiss. Both sessions are in the church Hospitality Hall, Door 1, 4537 3rd Av S, Mpls. FFI: Roseann 612.823.8205, claudemaryparadis@comcast.net; www.stjoan.com UCare meetings UCare hosts informational meetings about its UCare for Seniors Medicare Advantage plan. Meetings are held all over the region. UCare for Seniors has more than 75,000 members across Minnesota and western Wisconsin. UCare is an independent, nonprofit health plan providing health care and administrative services to more than 185,000 members. UCare serves Medicare-eligible individuals throughout Minnesota and in western Wisconsin; individuals and families enrolled in income-based Minnesota Health Care Programs, such as MinnesotaCare and Prepaid Medical Assistance Program; adults with disabilities and Medicare beneficiaries with chronic health conditions, and Minnesotans dually eligible for Medical Assistance and Medicare FFI: 1-877-523-1518 (toll free), www.ucare.org Mental Illness support groups The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Minnesota (NAMI-MN) sponsors free support groups for families who have a relative with a mental illness.

NAMI has 23 family support groups, over 20 support groups for people living with a mental illness, anxiety support groups, and Vet Connection groups for returning soldiers. Led by trained facilitators who also have a family member with mental illness, the support groups help families develop better coping skills and find strength through sharing their experiences. . A family support group meets in St. Paul from 5:45-7:00 p.m., on the second Tuesday of the month, at Snelling Office Park, 1625 Energy Park Drive, suite 100. FFI: Sonja at 651357-2077.

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, 651-645-2948 or www.namihelps.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, 651645-2948 ext: 112, or Brian, 651-261-1185. ■

Sept 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 9

Touch a Truck is family fun

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

Miracle League fundraiser Funds are being raised to build an accessible Miracle League field in Woodbury.

Attend a fundraising event 1-4 p.m. Sun, Sept. 11 at Bielenberg Sports Center, Woodbury. Admission is free but all donations go to the planned Jeff Hanson Miracle League Field, where a specially designed rubber turf field allows athletes with mental and/or physical challenges to play baseball. Enjoy live music

by The Miracle League makes dreams come true for athletes with special needs. Enjoy local artist and NBC’s “The Voice” contestant, Tim Mahoney.

Other activities include a petting zoo, moonwalks, food, beverages, face painting, balloon animals, games, sports, a silent auction, raffle and more.

Artability show People Incorporated Mental Health Services hosts the 17th annual Artability Art Show & Sale to celebrate the creativity and contributions of more than 90 artists who live with mental illness.

The event includes more than 250 paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography, and writing from artists from around the Minnesota region. The free show is Oct. 6-8 in conjunction with the St. Paul Art Crawl that weekend, and will be located at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer (near the SW corner of Highway 94 and Dale), 285 N. Dale Street, St. Paul.

Opening reception 7 p.m.

Thu, Oct. 6. Exhibit open 6-9 p.m. Thu, Oct. 6; .2-8 p.m. Fri, Oct. 7 and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat., Oct. 8.

FFI: www.PeopleIn corporated.org

5K & 10K for Special Olympics Minnesota The 2011 Dave Ryan’s 5K & 10K for Special Olympics Minnesota is 9 a.m. Sat, Sept. 17 at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park, 420 Main St. NE, Mpls. The annual 5K & 10K gives support to more than 7,100 athletes of Special Olympics Minnesota and helps to provide athletes from across the state with yearround sports training and competition. In addition to the traditional 5K walk/run, the event expands with its inaugural 10K race. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. on race day with the 10K beginning at 9 a.m. and the 5K run/walk at 9:20 a.m. The 5K & 10K is a family-friendly event and

is open to all ages and ability levels. The cost to register is $25 prior to the day of the race and $30 on race day and includes an event t-shirt. Participants can choose to raise extra funds for Special Olympics Minnesota with the ability to earn additional prizes.

FFI: Alyssa Siech, 1-800738-7732, ext. 255 or alyssa.siech@somn.org, or daveryan5k.kintera.org

Step up to NAMIWalks NAMIWalks is a 5K walk to increase public awareness of mental illnesses, fight stigma, and raise funds for NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Minnesota. NAMIWalks is 1 p.m. Sat, Sept, 24 at Minnehaha Park, Mpls, and Whitney Memorial Park, St. Cloud. Over 150 walk teams and nearly 3,000 people from across the state are expected to participate. NAMI provides educational classes and support groups, and advocates for better mental health services. FFI: 1-888NAMI-Helps x115, nami helps.org and click on the NAMIWalks logo.

Expression for Wellness and Effectiveness Walker Community United Methodist Church and MINED ARTS host free Expression for Wellness and Effectiveness (EWE) groups at Walker Community UMC, 3104 16 Ave. S, Mpls until the end of 2011 to prepare, share and critique participants’ work.

Writing group the first, third and fifth Mondays and second Sundays will be facilitated by James Livingston, editor of MINED. Drawing/ art second and fourth Mondays is facilitated by artist Janet Court, President of MINED ARTS. A gallery exhibition of at least 12 works will be presented in L‘Orange Gallery in November. A magazine (32 pages) will be published in December. Deadline for submissions is October 31.

A maxim of 3 8x10 pages of 12 point Times New Roman type (WORD) and/or drawings/photographs (JPEG) or less can be accepted from each contributor. Accepted work earns $10/page. MINED ARTS is an arts organization of, by, and for those who have experienced mental illness/ emotional disturbances.

Mail submissions to Walker Church, Box 7588, Mpls MN 55407 or email to James.Livingston_less_ mined-arts@hotmail.com

If you like trucks, cars and interesting vehicles and want to support a great cause, then bring the whole family to People for Parks’ Touch a Truck, 1 - 4 p.m.

Sat, Sept. 17, Minnehaha Park, Mpls. Touch a Truck gives kids of all ages the chance to come and explore big trucks and unique vehicles and talk to the individuals responsible for their operation. Touch a garbage truck, fire truck, tow truck, cherry picker, semi-trailer and many other vehicles.

Visit a “no touch” zone with restored and valuable vehicles (weather permitting) and do face painting and other fun activities! All proceeds benefit the Falls 4 All universal access playground being planned for Minnehaha Falls’ Wabun Picnic Area. FFI: www.peopleforparks.net or www.falls4all.com

NBIA fundraiser Learn about NBIA Oct. 2 at the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, 9750 Egret Blvd., Coon Rapids. This will be our First 5K Fundraiser to help generate funds for people who live with NBIA Disorders (Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation).

Money raised will go toward research, outreach and to help NBIA families in their daily lives. The Corbin family, who has been involved in raising funds and promoting awareness of NBIA Disorders, is in charge of this fundraiser. $20 cost. FFI: Cindy Corbin, 763-6147663, www.firstgiving. com/NBIAdisorders/5kcoonrapids

Two Trains Running Penumbra Theatre, 270 N. Kent St., St. Paul, presents Two Trains Running. The AD performance is 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Oct. 6 and ASL at 7:30 p.m. Sat., Oct. 22. Tickets are $40, student $10; $7 discount for ASL patrons. FFI: 651224-3180; use code “ASL Patron.” Web: http:// penumbratheatre.org

Hearing loss walk Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) hosts its first Walk4Hearing in Minnesota 10 a.m. Sat, Oct. 1 at Lake Calhoun, Mpls. The walk is 3.1 miles long. No one is required to walk the entire distance if you are not able. Dogs are welcome but please pick up after them. Enjoy refreshments and learn about Minnesota’s two chapters devoted to opening the world of communication to people with hearing loss by providing information, education, support and advocacy. They located in the Twin Cities and St. Cloud. Major sponsors are Starkey and Williams Sound. FFI: hlaa.convio.net/site/ TR?fr_id=1913&pg=entry or www.hlaatc.org ■

Pg 11

Mixed Blood kicks off Radical Hospitality program this month Mixed Blood’s 2011-12 season of Radical Hospitality and no-cost admission for all begins Sept. 16 with the shockingly subversive and wickedly hilarious Neighbors by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, a member of NYC’s Public Theatre’s Emerging Writers Group. L.A.-based Nataki Garrett directs this take-no-prisoners comedy, which comments on race in America with fearless intelligence.

The plot may be surreal but the issues are real and damning. When a family of black entertainers moves in next door to upwardly mobile AfricanAmerican college professor Richard Patterson (Bruce A. Young), his white wife (Sarah Agnew) and their teenage daughter (Brittany Bradford), they’re discomfited yet intrigued. The rowdy, tacky, shameless and uncouth Crows are not just invading the neighborhood— they’re infiltrating Richard’s family, his sanity and his entirely post-racial lifestyle. In its scathing exploration of denial and satire of black entertainment from minstrelsy to hip hop, Neighbors makes clear that we do not live in a post-race America.

Jack Reuler, Mixed Blood’s Artistic Director, said, “As we unveil Radical Hospitality, it’s important that we not be timid in walking our talk. Neighbors is

Kalif Troy and Brittany Bradford star in Neighbors, Mixed Blood’s first play with no-cost admission.

Photos courtesy of Ann Marsden

definitive Mixed Blood: a new play that unapologetically confronts race in America today, that celebrates the traditions of live theatre while creating new styles and forms, that showcases the finest talent in the land, that has funny bones as its spine but is so much more than a comedy . . . and that insists that the audience think and talk about it long after leaving the theatre.”

Access Night, with ASL interpreting, audio description and captioning for the hearing impaired provided for theatergoers is Thursday, Sept. 29 at 7:30 p.m.

A preview of Neighbors will be held 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 15. The show opens 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16 at 7:30 p.m. and continues through Sunday, Oct. 9. Performances are WednesdaysSaturdays with 3 p.m. matinees on Sundays. All performances are in the Alan Page Auditorium at

Mixed Blood’s historic firehouse theatre at 1501 S. 4th St., Minneapolis.

Neighbors marks the first no-cost admission for all main stage play in Mixed Blood’s inaugural season of Radical Hospitality. There are two ways to see a performance. For first come, first served no-cost admission, Mixed Blood holds a significant number of seats for no-cost admission for each performance. To access these seats, provide your contact information by registering online at www. mixedblood.com or in the lobby. The lobby opens two hours prior to the show.

For guaranteed admission, audience members can pay a $15 fee online at www.mixedblood.com or by calling the box office at 612-338-6131.

Season passes are also available. Seating begins 45 minutes before show time and there are no assigned seats for either first come, first served or guaranteed admissions. ■

Pg 12 Sept. 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 9

Radio Talking Book September Radio Talking Book Sampling Economic news available on Radio Talking Book Lately, everywhere that people access the news, they hear stories of economic crisis, both on a state and federal level. Unemployment is increasing, stocks have been somersaulting in value, and economists are adding an extension to the Great Recession.

Minnesota Radio Talking Book is one resource of information about the economy that might help listeners make financial decision. Several regular programs can help. Monday morning at 10:20 is the program Business News. This focuses on business and the economy in Minnesota.

Monday through Friday at 5 p.m. offers different Commentary programs. Articles from various news publications are read, including articles on the economy and politics. Saturdays include two programs. Money Matters is at 2 p.m. and specifically deals with stocks, the economy, and personal financial decisions. Business Commentary airs on Saturday at 5 p.m. and provides perspective on the national business clinic.

Listeners interested in financial periodicals utilized that don’t appear here may call Program Coordinator, Tony Lopez, at 651-642-0880.

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 1800-722-0550 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.

Chautauqua • Tuesday – Saturday 4 a.m.

Physics of the Future, Nonfiction by Michio Kako, 2011.

Revolutionary developments are taking place in medicine, computers, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, energy production and astronautics. Michio Kako has interviewed top scientists to give us a glimpse of the future. Read by Lannois Neely. 18 broadcasts. Begins Sept. 22.

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

The Dangerous Otto Katz, Nonfiction by Jonathan Miles, 2010. The FBI’s file on Soviet agent Otto Katz called him “an extremely dangerous man.” He seemed to be involved in one world changing event after another. But who was this debonair, double-dealing man with a taste for the finer things in life? Read by John Potts. 14 broadcasts. Begins Sept. 27.

Bookworm • Monday – Friday 11 a.m.

Corduroy Mansions, Fiction by Alexander McCall Smith, 2010. Corduroy Mansions is the nickname of a genteel, crumbling mansion block in London’s Pimlico neighborhood. It is the home turf of a collection of very quirky characters, from a wine merchant to a Member of Parliament.

Read by Bernadette Flynn. 16 broadcasts. Begins Sept. 12.

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

Half in Love, Nonfiction by Linda Gray Sexton, 2011.

The daughter of poet Anne Sexton was witness to her mother’s multiple attempts at suicide, and suffered years of depression and suicide attempts herself. But unlike her mother’s story, Linda’s story was one of triumph. Read

by Jenny O’Brien. 10 broadcasts. Begins Sept. 21.

Choice Reading • Monday – Friday 4 p.m.

Compass Rose, Fiction by John Casey, 2010. Rose is the daughter from an affair between moneyed Elsie Buttrick and Dick Pierce, the fisherman who lives with his wife nearby. Though Elsie is considered a black sheep in her insular community, Rose draws people into relationship. Read by Natasha DeVoe. 12 broadcasts. Begins Sept. 19.

PM Report • Monday – Friday 8 p.m.

Holy Ignorance, Nonfiction by Olivier Roy, 2010. The

secularization of society was supposed to free people from religion, yet individuals are converting to fundamentalist faiths, which either reconnect adherents to their culture or de-culturate with purification rituals. Read by Tony Lopez. 13 broadcasts. Begins Sept. 21.

Night Journey • Monday – Friday 9 p.m.

A Lesson in Secrets, Fiction by Jacqueline Winspear, 2011. Maisie Dobbs accepts an undercover assignment for Scotland Yard. Posing as a junior lecturer at a Cambridge college, she is to monitor activities “not in the interest of His Majesties government.” When the college founder is murdered, she is ordered to step aside. Read

by Pat Kovel-Jarboe. 10 broadcasts. Begins Sept. 26.

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

The Messenger of Athens, Fiction by Anne Zouroudi, 2010. When a woman’s body is discovered on a Greek island, local police close the case as an accident. But an investigator arrives from Athens and soon uncovers a tale of passion, corruption, and murder. L – Read by Mary Hall. Nine broadcasts. Begins Sept. 27.

Potpourri • Monday – Friday 11 p.m.

The Philosophical Breakfast Club, Nonfiction by Laura J. Snyder, 2011. Having met at university and sharing a love of science, four men began to meet Sunday mornings to talk of the state of science in Britain. They plotted to bring about a new scientific revolution. Read by Leila Poullada. 18 broadcasts. Begins Sept. 19.

Good Night Owl • Monday – Friday midnight An Object of Beauty, Fiction by Steve Martin, 2010.

Young, captivating, and ambitious, Lacey is ready to take on the art world of New York City. She charms men and women, old and young, rich and richer. L - Read by Jack Rossman. 10 broadcasts. Begins Sept. 19.

After Midnight • Tuesday – Saturday 1 a.m.

One of Our Thursdays Is Missing, Fiction by Jasper Fforde, 2011. Only the diplomatic skills of ace literary detective Thursday Next can avert a genre war. But a week before the peace talks, Thursday vanishes. Read

by Dan Sadoff. 12 broadcasts. Begins Sept. 14.

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

Nominees - from p. 3 ting Minnesota’s disability community involved and engaged in political issues, and in get out the vote efforts. He has been very involved in voting rights issues involving people with disabilities, and has employed people with disabilities on his staff.

Ellison is also cited for his efforts at the federal level on making disability issues of all types a priority. He has worked on issues ranging from affordable health care to jobs, with a focus on helping constituents with disabilities.

Melanie Fry Melanie Fry has advised government and a variety of private industries on disability culture, is tapped as a public speaker, and has functioned as a community organizer for 30 years. Fry has been a leading advocate for equal rights, full employment and career development for all people with disabilities.

Fry has served on the Executive Committee of the Minnesota State Council on Disability, the Orono Community Education Board, the Advisory Council of Rehabilitative Services, the President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, and the Board of Directors of Helping Paws. In honor of the 10th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act she testified for the US Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension committee.

Betty Lou and Marjorie Hammargren The Hammargren family of St. Paul works tirelessly as volunteers to help people with disabilities, with a focus on accessibility. Their motto is “access and acceptance.”

They are not afraid to discuss access issues with business owners, pastors and others, and have been able to achieve results in their neighborhood and beyond.

They have also contacted elected officials to lobby for improved accessible doorways, restrooms and other building features, and have been effective in making changes. They are always on the lookout for public places and businesses where access needs to be improved.

Mark Hughes and Michael Samuelson St. Paul officials weren’t controlling encroachment of restaurant sidewalk cafés onto public sidewalks.

Restaurants with sidewalk seating made it difficult for people with mobility issues to pass through. Working in the disability community and with the St. Paul City Council, Hughes and Samuelson raised the issue.

They organized meetings with city officials and the public including persons with disabilities.

They worked with Ward Two Council Member Dave Thune to bring together St. Paul Public Works, the Department of Safety and Inspections, Mayor Chris Coleman’s office and disability community members. Their efforts left to a new sidewalk café ordinance, to improve access for people with disabilities.

June Lacey For five years June Lacey has served as co-chair for the Midwest Walk and Roll for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. She volunteers for MS Society events including the MS 150 Bike Ride, MS Annual Walk and education booths at the Minnesota State Fair.

She is very active with Disabled American Veterans (DAV). She visits homebound veterans and provides entertainment at VA hospitals.

One of Lacey’s volunteer activities is Project Bear Hugs. She collects and brings stuffed animals to nursing homes, to share with residents, and also brings stuffed animals to shelters, veterans’ homes and places where disaster victims stay. Lacey does all of this despite being severely challenged with arthritis.

■

Sept 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 9

Pg 13

Commentary

Parentectomies may be needed in medical visits Editor’s note: At a time when many parents of children with disabilities have been going through the annual round of back-toschool medical visits, this guest commentary is appropriate.

by Emma Wagner

It can be difficult for parents to step back as their children get older.

This is especially the case if the child has a complicated medical history. As a result, it can become just the doctor and the parent talking about the child, AKA the patient. The patient is left out of the discussion.

This is understandable.

Skyway - from p. 4 Many downtown St. Paul residents with disabilities who rely on skyways for access to homes, jobs and shopping are already dealing with the loss of skyway connections due to the demolition of the former Bremer Bank building at Fifth and Cedar. That cut off a key skyway link over Fifth Street this spring. Maps in the skyway system show alternative routes but those have raised complaints as they are lengthy detours.

Despite the efforts of city officials and the

Bullying - from p. 7 talking about bullying and make sure they understands it isn’t their fault. Teach your child how to self-advocate. Make sure bullying victims are comfortable reporting bullying to an adult. Dealing with an aggressive bully can be dangerous so work with your child on a safety plan, to avoid high-risk areas and walk away.

Role play so your child has transferable skills. If your child comes home unhappy or seems different, be sure to ask them if anything happened. If they seem unwilling to share, contact their teacher.

2: Know Your Child’s Rights: Parents have a powerful ally in the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights. Schools must follow Section 504 of the Rehabilita-

Parents typically are knowledgeable about a child’s condition and ask the doctor many questions. It can be frustrating particularly as individuals get older and gain a good understanding of the conditions themselves. The patient will likely have to speak up against the parents and say something like, “Excuse me, Doc. I have a question.”

Parents need to recognize that their young adult children are up to the task of understanding treatment.

Depending on the circumstances and the age of the patient, a

parentectomy might be needed. This is done by removing the parents from the exam room. The doctor might make the request if he sees it is appropriate, or the patient does it himself or herself.

A patient might perform a parentectomy nonverbally. This can be done by looking a parent in the eyes and then looking toward the door of the room. This nonverbal communication is code for: “Please leave.” A doctor might talk to the parents and the patient when they are all together, and then also do a parentectomy in order to talk to the patient alone.

A parentectomy can be helpful because the patient can ask questions and understand what he or she is being told. After the doctor and the patient have discussed the patient’s treatment, the doctor might invite the parents back in and explain to them what they talked to the patient about. The doctor might also ask the patient to explain what was discussed.

Sometimes a parentectomy is necessary because a parent is bringing his or her own anxiety to a situation.

Such a situation would be when a child has to

get an injection. The parent’s edginess heightens the child’s fear, so it is a good idea for the parent to leave the room.

It is important for patients to understand their health conditions so they know how to take care of themselves. It can feel satisfying for patients to be treated in an inclusive and independent manner.. With guidance from a doctor who treats young adults, young adult patients can progressively start running their appointments independently and understanding the treatment they need. It does depend on the patient’s circum-

stances, but it can be done. Parentectomies can be a very effective procedure. ■ Emma Wagner has cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus and epilepsy. She understands the issues regarding patients wanting to run their medical appointments independently. Wagner is majoring in psychology at the University of WisconsinRiver Falls and plans to become a psychologist or journalist. She has been a lifelong patient at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare and now at Gillette Lifetime Specialty Healthcare.

downtown district council, CapitolRiver Council, there are still complaints that some skyways aren’t accessible during evening hours. Skyway users are forced to detour several blocks to get to their destinations.

The skyway connection to the planned Fourth and Cedar light rail station is already taking shape, said Dan Soler of the Central Corridor project office. Piers for a new skyway link were installed this summer, to allow a connection over Fifth Street into the St. Paul Athletic Club and

other destinations.

Another skyway closure in the Fourth and Cedar block began Aug. 29 and will continue into November. That is being done to allow for construction of a new skyway connection into the St. Paul Athletic Club building.

Structural steel for the new, temporary skyway connection will start going up in mid-September, with the goal of having the new skyway in place

by November. The connection will remain in place until the old bank site and area around the

light rail station is developed. City officials have envisioned a mixed-use multi-story building on the old bank building site. When that is built a permanent skyway link will go into place.

Soler said the new skyway and any connections must be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

CapitolRiver Council has a skyway committee

that acts on issues including variances to the city’s hours for skyway access, and other skyway related issues. If you

would like more information on the committee, go to www.capitolriver council.org/get-involved/ committees ■

tion Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. If the school doesn’t respond, file a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights.

The Office of Civil Rights recently issued a summary on bullying and disabilities at www2.ed.gov/about/ offices/list/ocr/letters/ colleague-201010.html In addition, the Minnesota Department of Education’s “Possible Actions to Take if a Child is Being Bullied” is another useful resource and can be found at the Minnesota Department of Education website at www.education.mn.us/ MDE/Learning_Sup port.html. click on “Safe Learners.”

3: Create Change in Your School: Ensure there is a written

policy against bullying/harassment in the school and students, parents, and staff are made aware of it. The Minnesota School Board Association has a model written policy schools can adopt.

Call 507-934-2450.

Encourage Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) for your school. Contact the Minnesota Department of Education at 651-582-8439 or visit www.state.mn.us/ MDE/Learning_Sup port.html and click on “Evaluation & Program Planning Supports.”

Encourage your school to adopt a “whole school intervention” such as Olweus Bullying Prevention Program. These programs have been found to be very effective in reducing bullying. ■

Pg 14 Sept. 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 9

Voice mail - from p. 1 tem, and leaving 2,200 vulnerable people without communications services.”

Agency officials state that they have a modest office, with no fancy equipment. “The only thing exotic is our phone bill.”

Open Access Connections was originally known as Twin Cities Community Voice Mail. The agency was founded by the late Greg Horan, a formerly homeless man who became an advocate for others.

The voice mail service is a crucial resource for people without phones who are actively looking for work and housing, along with those trying to stay in touch with doctors and family members. Over the years the agency has connected about 60,000 clients with a free voice mail number.

Open Access Connections staff did many things for their clients, from helping them communicate to gathering mittens and hats for them in the winter.

The staff also trained the staff of social service and government agencies to identify people in need and how to activate voice mail numbers and retrieve messages. These agencies distribute the voice mail numbers to people who need service.

Open Access Connections clients rely on the voice mail for many services, including call back numbers for employers on job applications, for landlords as they seek housing, for keeping connected with their medical care providers or freedom from domestic abuse. No other agency in the state provides a similar service.

The agency staff had discussed providing other services, including programs to provide internet access for very low income people in the form of group computer, email/net training, a net book lending library and an internet café center. But all of those ideas are on hold.

Open Access Connections has partnered with 350 community agencies and organizations includ-

ing Catholic Charities, Tubman Family Alliance, Salvation Army, Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, and YouthLink. About 5,500 people use the service each year.

The state grant, from the Department of Human Services Office of Economic Opportunity, has been provided since the agency began in 1994. In a statement, Open Access Connections said,” We understand that cuts are being made everywhere in government, but this cut is pennywise and pound foolish. We save federal, state and local governments funds by helping people get off public assistance and out of shelters more quickly.”

State officials note that Open Access Connections’ most recent contract expired June 30. The agency and many others went into a competitive request for proposals process for two-year contracts after that date. Total state and federal funds available for shelter programs and services from the Department of Human Services is $3 million for the 2012-2013 biennium. This funding is for the entire state and is less than the funding that was available during the 2010-11 biennium because one-time federal stimulus funding for homeless prevention and rapid re-housing ended. The demand and requests for funding far exceeded resources available.

Open Access Connections was eligible for the state portion of the above funds only, because the proposal did not meet federal guidelines. The State portion of funds available for shelter programming is $344,000 annually. The agency was in competition with organizations providing direct shelter for families, veterans and youth. With significant increase in demand for shelter and limited funding, DHS prioritized funding to homeless shelters for 2012-2013.

Open Access Connections is raising funds through its website, at www.openaccess connections.org ■

Blind traveler - from p. 6

Forums - from p. 1

$5 extra for arranging those tickets by phone. [Delta was] going to charge me $25 extra for each ticket.

That just seemed, quite frankly, outrageous to me.”

Barton said her husband, Vincent, a retired Prudential executive, will be 80 later this month and isn’t adept at navigating the airline’s website.

When Whistleblower called Delta’s corporate communications office in Atlanta, spokeswoman Ashley Black said the four people Susan Barton spoke with were wrong. “Our policy is that any customer with disabilities that cannot use delta.com, that fee will be waived,” Black said.

Chris Danielsen, director of public relations for the National Federation of the Blind, said Delta’s refusal to waive the fee violated federal law. Under the Air Carrier Access Act, an airline must waive call-center fees for a blind person if they cannot use the airline’s website. An airline also must charge a blind person the same fare that is available on the Internet, he said.

■ {Source: Star Tribune]

ing PCA services, the full impacts of what was done during the special session is still being felt.

Co-Chairman Steve Larson noted that he had predicted a stormy legislative session. “But even I underestimated how stormy this session would be.” He also noted that decisions made during the special session, which had no public hearings, will only push the state’s financial problems into the future. Still, advocacy helped ease many of the cuts.

Preregistration for the forums is requested, although walk-ins are welcome. Contact Anni at (651) 523-0823 ext 112 or asimons@ arcmn.org for more details.

Forums will be held: • Moorhead: 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, Hjemkomst Center, 202-1St Ave North.

• Stillwater: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29, Courage St. Croix, 1460 Curve Crest Blvd.

• Bemidji: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, Bemidji City Hall, 317 4th Street NW

Empty workstations at Open Access mean many left in the dark.

Photo courtesy of Ali Mohamed

Supporters speak out Open Access Connections users were asked what the loss of voice mail would mean to them. Here are a few responses: “It’s invaluable to anyone who has a disability.

It’s the only way I’ve been able to keep in touch. If this service is cut, I’ll be deeply affected.”

“This voice mail has helped me dramatically.

Right now I’m a struggling vet trying to get back on my feet. It’s been a godsend to me just having the service. It’s the best thing for veterans all over. We really need it.”

“Without it, I don’t know what I’d do . . . Without the system, a lot of people will be totally hurt as far as not getting messages they need about jobs, housing, medical and other resources.”

“This voice mail has been a great help to me. I don’t have a phone and can’t afford one. I’m currently in and out of hospitals. I rely on this service for arranging taxis to give me a ride to my dialysis appointments.”

“I have been using voice mail for five months now. If I didn’t have voice mail, I would be unable to get housing and a job. It really helps me. If it wasn’t for voice mail I wouldn’t have a way to communicate with daycare, employment, etc. I really need voice mail.” ■

• Burnsville/Apple Valley: 6-8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 10 Burnsville City Hall, 100 Civic Center Parkway • Willmar: 2-4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, Kandiyohi County Family Services, 2200 23rd Street NE • St. Cloud: 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 17, St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1111 Cooper Ave S. • Duluth: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25, Residential Services Inc., 2900 Piedmont Ave. • Worthington: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov, 3, Nobles County Government Center, Farmers Room, 315 10th St. • Rochester: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, Christ United Methodist Church, 400 Fifth Avenue SW ASL interpreters will be available at each event.

Information on many topics will also be available at the forums. ■

Kent’s Accounting Service, LLC Kent Fordyce Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor 2010 2005-2009

6371 Bartlett Blvd Mound, MN 55364

Fax: 952-472-1458

612-889-2959

fordyce6@aol.com

Sept 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 9

History Note - from p. 15 and Defense Fund; John Wodatch, Chief, Disability Rights Section, Civil Rights Division, U. S. Department of Justice; Jack Duncan, Former Counsel, U.S. House of Representatives; Mary Jane Owen, disability rights activist, philosopher, policy expert and writer; Marca Bristo, CEO, Access Living and leader in the disability rights movement; Michael Winter, former director, Berkeley Center for Independent Living; Lex Frieden, former director, National Council on the Handicapped; Dr. I. King Jordan, President Emeritus, Gallaudet University; Jeff Rosen, alumni leader, Gallaudet University Sen. Tom Harkin, (D-Iowa); Bobby Silverstein, Chief Counsel, Senate Subcommittee on Disability Policy; Richard Thornburgh, US Attorney General, 1988-1991; Tony Coelho, former Congressman, House Majority Whip, 1986-1989.

The documentary producer/director, Eric Neudel, has produced, directed and edited numerous awardwinning films for public television. His many credits include Eyes on the Prize, AIDS: Chapter One, LBJ Goes to War, Tet 1968, Steps, After the Crash, The Philippines and The US: In Our Image, Body and Soul, and more. He was a Visiting Senior Critic and Lecturer in film at Yale University and served as producer, director and editor for Harvard University’s Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning, and Spectrum Media’s program series on the art and craft of teaching. Neudel was also a photographer and video production consultant, teaching video production to a team working for the Compass Project in Malawi. Photographs from his two years in Malawi were exhibited in the Sandra and Phillip Gordon Gallery at The Boston Arts Academy in October 2007.

He also served as story consultant for Row Hard No

Excuses, an award-winning documentary about two middle aged American men who set out to cross the Atlantic in a rowboat. Most recently he served as a photographer in Rwanda for the Boston Globe where he directed, produced and edited a companion documentary about the Maranyundo Middle School built on the site of one of the worst concentration camps and killing fields in Rwanda.

Independent Lens is an Emmy Award–winning weekly series airing on PBS. The acclaimed anthology series features documentaries and a limited number of fiction films united by the creative freedom, artistic achievement and unflinching visions of their independent producers. Independent Lens features unforgettable stories about unique individuals, communities and moments in history. Presented by the Independent Television Service (ITVS), the series is supported by interactive companion websites and national publicity and community engagement campaigns. Independent Lens is jointly curated by ITVS and PBS and is funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people, with additional funding provided by PBS and the National Endowment for the Arts. The series producer is Lois Vossen.

Would you like to make history?

Access Press is interested in reader submissions for the monthly History Note column, to complement the articles written by Luther Granquist and other contributors. Submissions must center on events, people and places in the history of Minnesota’s disability community. We are in interested in history that focuses on all types of physical and cognitive disabilities, so long as the history has a tie to Minnesota. We

RISE- from p. 5 Development in the Millenium, the 2000s Continually challenged by limited resources, but encouraged by community interest and support, Rise helped develop several collaborative initiatives with other local nonprofit human service agencies. By combining professional expertise and resources, as well as streamlining administrative costs and duplicity in services, Rise and its partners were able to expand programs in several areas.

Among the most notable was the development of a multi-agency, collaborative project with Serve Minnesota in 2003. AmeriCorps members assisted staff with career planning and job placement support services for refugees, immigrants, and others receiving welfare. (Serve Minnesota was restructured in 2011 and is now called the Minnesota Economic Opportunity Corps.)

The Family Life Mental Health Center in Coon Rapids, with whom Rise had worked together on mental health services, became a subsidiary of Rise’s in 2009.

The day-to-day operations of both organizations remain the same, but the collaboration between staff and the integration of services enhance participants’ opportunities.

In today’s difficult economic, Rise Inc’s services are more important than ever. WCCO-TV recently featured Rise Inc. and client Mary Kester, who is among about 20 adulkts with disabilities who works for Cummins Power Generation in Fridley. The company is one of many in the Twin Cities partnering with Rise, Inc., to supplement their workforces with Rise clients.

“I’m glad there’s Rise, because they’re supportive for people like me. I can’t get a job, disability you know,” she said.

Barrett said while the number of clients has grown, the core mission hasn’t changed. “Most people, whether disability or not, want a good job. They want to be able to get out and work and be as self-sufficient as possible. And folks with disabilities are exactly like that.”

Through the years, Rise staff have also lent their experience and expertise to several important national research studies in the disability / employment area as well as helped field-test some state training programs which led to improved services for thousands of people.

In addition, Rise officially “mentored” two voca-

tional rehabilitation agencies, one in South Carolina and another in Georgia. Rise program and management staff assisted their staffs and boards of directors in refining their programs and systems.

Carrying out Rise’s original mission Throughout the past 40 years, hundreds of professional staff and community supporters have worked hard to ensure that the efforts put forth by Rise’s original incorporators continue to flourish. On local, state, and national levels, many of Rise’s programs have been awarded for their service excellence; staff has been honored for their commitment and professionalism, and program participants have been recognized for their perseverance and accomplishments.

Rise staff and board of directors are dedicated to ensuring that just as Chester Tollefson and others envisioned it more than four decades ago, people with disabilities and other challenges have the opportunities to become active, contributing members of this community.

They are committed to providing innovative, costeffective, and results-producing programs to assist people realize their own personal measure of vocational achievement, safe and affordable housing, selfsufficiency, and belonging in their communities, and making Minnesota a better place to live for all its citizens. ■ Information from WCCO-TV and the Star Tribune was used in this article.

EMPLOYMENT Supervising Attorney, State Support Center

FT Technology Project Specialist

Supervising Attorney, Minnesota Legal Services Coalition’s State Support Center. For details go to www.mylegalaid.org/ jobs

Technology Project Specialist, Minnesota Legal Services Coalition’s State Support Center. For details go to www.myle galaid.org/jobs

MMLA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer

MMLA is an equal opportunityaffirmative action employer.

Pg 15

are especially interested in stories from Greater Minnesota.

Please submit ideas prior to submitting full stories, as we may have covered the topic before. Past History Note articles can be found on www.accesspress.org Contact us at access@accesspress.org or 651-6442133 if you have questions. ■

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Pg 16 Sept. 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 9

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