May 2012 Edition - Access Press

Graduation day Page 11

Volume 23, Number 5

www.accesspress.org

UCPM faces uncertain future

Many members of Minnesota’s disability community have made their presence known at the state capitol during the 2012 legislative session, at rallies, lobbying days and ceremonies. See if anyone you recognize is in our photo spread on pages 8-9. (Or maybe you’ll see yourself there.)

by Jane McClure

United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota (UCPM) will shut down its office in St. Paul by June 30, unless a group of parent volunteers can turn the tide. The board of directors made the difficult decision April 18 to dissolve the organization. The organization may be the latest casualty of a changing financial climate for nonprofit organizations.

UCPM serves people with cerebral palsy, families and caregivers. The Minnesota chapter and about 100 other UCP affiliates throughout the United States provide educational, advocacy and support services. The St. Cloud/Central Minnesota UCP affiliate won’t be affected by this closing.

The pending closure of the Minnesota chapter ends a tradition of service that began in 1953. “It’s absolutely devastating,” said Executive Director Carrie Mastenbrook. She and others involved in the organization are concerned about the families UCPM serves.

One big question is what to do with the Minnesota Assistive Technology Loan Network (MATLN), which UCP has operated since 1998.

The agency historically has served persons with disabilities other than cerebral palsy.

UCPM - p. 14

HHS package signed into law

Many 2011 cuts are restored

by Access Press staff

Some–but not all–of the 2011 budget cuts affecting people with disabilities were restored April 25 with the stroke of a pen as Gov. Mark Dayton signed the health and human services bill into law. It allows for the spending of about $18 million in money that Minnesota’s health care plans recently gave back to the state, as part of a program to cap profits.

An April 30 signing ceremony took place in the governor’s conference room and was attended by many disability advocates including Sue Abderholden, Executive Director, NAMI Minnesota; Charles Van Heuvelen, MA-EPD enrollee; Kurt Rutzen, The Arc of Minnesota; Toby Pearson, Government Relations Director, Care Providers of Minnesota; and Bruce Nelson, Executive Director, ARRM. Several state officials also attended including DepartActivists packed the capitol May 4 for Disability Day. ment of Human Services Commissioner Photo by Lawrence Green Lucinda Jesson; Department of Health Comfollowed closely by the Minnesota Consortium missioner Ed Ehlinger; state representatives for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD), selfJim Abeler (R-Anoka), Tom Huntley (DFLadvocates and many disability service organiDuluth) and Steve Gottwalt (R-St. Cloud), and zations. A number of bills that were introduced senators David Hann (R-Eden Prairie) and separately were wrapped into the omnibus bill.

Tony Lourey (DFL-Kerrick).

Dayton signed the DHS policy bill April 23.

“It’s really an extraordinary accomplishIt contains compromised language on rate setment, especially in the context of the other difting, reform of case management services and ficulties we’ve had this session,” said Dayton. changes required to move forward with the He called the legislation “cooperative and this MN Choices program. is bipartisan all the way.”

The health and human services bills were HHS - p. 4

Start thinking about Charlie Smith Award nominees

by Access Press staff

The Charlie Smith Award is given in honor of Access Press founding editor Charlie Smith Jr. Photo by Ali Mohamed

It’s never too early to mark your calendar and save the date of Friday, Nov. 2 for the 10th annual Access Press Charlie Smith Award Banquet. The banquet, organized by Access Press, honors a member, group or organization in Minnesota’s disability community for outstanding service.

The banquet will again be held at the Minneapolis Airport Marriot in Bloomington. This setting offers a very accessible and comfortable space for the silent auction and raffle, cash bar, pre-dinner music and conversation and the banquet itself.

The highlight of the evening is the presentation of the Charlie Smith Award, given in honor of the founder of Access Press.

The late Charlie Smith Jr. was a longtime disability community activist and journalist. Nominations for the award are accepted from the community, with a winner chosen by the Access Press Board of Directors.

The 2012 award nomination period closes Aug. 10. The newspaper board will review the nominations at the end of August and select a winner. Read about the winner in the September issue of Access Press.

Nomination forms are available on the newspaper’s website, www.accesspress.org or by calling the office at 651-644-2133.

Contact the newspaper board at CSAnominations@accesspress. org if you have questions.

Charlie Smith Award - p. 14

May 10, 2012 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities. MN Permit No. 4766 Address Service Requested

“And to get real work experience, you need a job, and most jobs will require you to have had either real work experience or a graduate degree.”

— Donald Norman

NEWS DIGEST

Happy birthday to The Arc of Mower County! The chapter is celebrating a big milestone.

Page 7 A Minnesota Department of Human Services study shows changes in attitudes toward people with disabilities.

Page 3 The MA-EPD issue continues to generate debate at the capitol.

Page 4 Robbinsdale students show what they have learned.

Page 5 A Duluth business leader has been named to the Courage Center Board of Directors.

Page 7

INSIDE Accessible Fun, pg 11 Events, pg 12 People & Places, pg 7 & 10 Radio Talking Book, pg 13 Regional News, pg 6

Pg 2 May 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 3

EDITOR’S DESK

Tim Benjamin The 2012 legislative session may have ended by the time you read this. As of right now, there are still discussions about a new Vikings football stadium. I am almost to the point where I don’t even care which way it goes. Let’s just quit talking about stadiums; it’s taking up way too much legislative time and energy.

The Health and Human Services omnibus bill passed and was ceremonially signed into law by Gov. Mark Dayton on April 30. Most of the bill is a victory for the disability community, although there are some related issues that we will have to continue to work on in the years to come.

The 20 percent reduction in wages for PCAs caring for a relative was repealed until next July, 2013 which is a victory. We will need to work for permanent repeal of the 20 percent reduction in the following year.

With continued pressure, and given the insight of Gov. Dayton, Commissioner of Health and Human Services Lucinda Jesson and many of our legislators,

there is a good likelihood that we could get this completely repealed. I hope that the PCA fraud unit and Jesson will also research the 20 percent reduction to determine if it would really reduce any significant fraud in the program.

In another provision of the bill, Medical Assistance for Employed People with Disabilities (MA-EPD) has dropped the age limit of 65. Now an individual with a disability can continue working and continue at their higher asset threshold until the person withdraws from the program. This is a huge accomplishment and something that I personally didn’t think would happen this session. A downside is that the income limitations apply after a person quits working. There will have to be a lot of hashing-through to determine how liquid assets will be calculated in combination with income.

It’s not certain now how it will all play out and how much the federal government will have to be involved in the final decision-making. I’ve been told by some lobbyists that the income limits will be difficult to get alter because of the overall cost. Also, they’re already talking about a $1 billion deficit in the coming fiscal year, which can’t be good news.

On the really good-news side, Chuck Van Heuveln, the St. Paul Public School employee Access Press has been writing about—and the man who put his neck on

the line for legislators to see the devastation the MAEPD limits would cause in real life—won’t lose his pension completely. There is concern that when he quits working, his pension could be considered income (we think). Nevertheless, Chuck is in a much better situation today than he would have been without this legislation. Thank you, Chuck, and all your colleagues and associates that helped to bring this huge issue to the forefront for people to see.

Thank you, too, to Sen. Kathy Sheran (DFL– Mankato), for her tenacity on this issue. For those of you who don’t know her, Sheran has been working on this legislation continually for the last six years of her legislative career. Without her insight and ability to convince other legislators that this was the right thing to do, this legislation probably wouldn’t have happened. Of course, nothing at the Capitol happens because of one person alone, so we extend big thanks as well to Gov. Dayton, Rep. Jim Abeler (R–Anoka), Sen. David Hann (R–Eden Prairie), Rep. Michael Paymar (DFL–St. Paul), and Rep. Terry Morrow (DFL–St. Peter), who also worked vigorously to make this legislation happen and find the financial support to make it reality.

As spring brings thoughts of summer, I hope everyone will take a few moments to write a fall date in your calendar–Nov. 2–for the Charlie Smith award banquet. And more immediately, start thinking about your nominations for the winner of the 2012 award.

We’ll be asking for nominations starting next month.

■

HISTORY NOTE

In a word: Ballot’s outcome hinges on language

by Luther Granquist

“Shall the Minnesota constitution be amended to require all voters to present valid photo identification to vote and to require the state to provide free identification to eligible voters, effective July 1, 2013?”

As Minnesotans prepare to cast ballots in November on a constitutional amendment that would require voters to produce photo identification at the polling place, it’s worth looking back at constitutional amendments that caused controversy in the past.

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Then as now, laws that propose constitutional amendments specify ballot language. While the 2012 ballot language has proven controversial, it is certainly not the first ballot question which has prompted objections based on how it is worded. The controversial law proposing the voter ID constitutional amendment specifies the language to be used on the ballot at the election. As has often been the case, the voter ID “ballot question” is also controversial. For instance, it does not say that the “valid photo identification” must be government-issued or include any reference to the provisional ballot process required by the amendment.

How the Minnesota Legislature frames any ballot question may affect the outcome of how it is voted upon.

In 1871 and 1872, Minnesota lawmakers proposed a constitutional amendment that would have increased the state’s debt limit. This desire to spend more money was meant to enable construction of buildings at the state’s asylums and the state prison. In 1871 the ballot question asked whether the voter was “in favor of borrowing money for erection of public buildings.”

Nothing was said of what types of public buildings would be built. The amendment was resoundingly rejected, 39,807 to 6,554. It was even rejected 845 to 250 in Nicollet County, where construction would

have been done to expand the Hospital for the Insane and 786 to 503 in Rice County, where new construction would have taken place at the Asylum for the Deaf, Dumb and Blind.

The bill introduced in 1872 included an identical constitutional amendment, but changed the ballot question to ask voters whether they were “in favor of borrowing money for the erection and completion of the asylums for the insane, and deaf, dumb, and blind, and state prison.” The amendment was approved 29,158 to 26,881.

The St. Peter Tribune opined a week before the election that “Here, where everyone knows the necessity for more room for insane patients, there ought not to be a negative vote.” Nicollet County voters approved the amendment 1320 to 55. Rice County also supported the change overwhelmingly, 2065 to 27.

The week before the 1872 election, three persons who had inspected the state prison wrote a Minneapolis Tribune article stating that “The proposition was voted down at the last election; it is believed, by a misunderstanding on the part of the voters of the objects to be attained by the proposed amendment.” The writers presented the needs they found at the prison.

Other articles published before the 1872 election expanded on the needs at the two institutions. The change in the ballot question alone might not have changed the outcome, but it did enable the voter to identify the public building affected by their actions. That change, coupled with concrete information about the effect that the amendment would have, made the difference.

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

May 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 3

Pg 3

DHS survey indicates shifts in attitudes, concerns Minnesotans’ positive attitude toward people with developmental disabilities has increased markedly in the past 50 years, according to a report released in April by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Minnesota Department of Human Services. But the survey results also indicate concerns among families, who worry about finances, services and education for their loved ones.

Nearly 90 percent of survey respondents believe that people with developmental disabilities can have regular lives and should be integrated into society as much as possible, compared to 64 percent who felt that way in 1962. Nearly three-quarters of people surveyed agreed that those diagnosed with a developmental disability should be able to participate in activities such as voting and obtaining a driver’s license.

“Minnesota has demonstrated a commitment over many years to helping people with developmental disabilities move out of institutions into community settings,” said Colleen Wieck, executive director of the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. “Progress has resulted from the contributions of many groups, including self-advocates, families, providers and government agencies.”

The survey showed that more than 90 percent of survey respondents believe that people with developmental disabilities should be kept out of institutions, compared to 55 percent of respondents in 1962.

The survey included people from throughout the state. It included families with and without relatives who have developmental disabilities. Service providers were interviewed to help shape questions for the survey. The survey details show a good mix of respondents in terms of age, gender, education level and employment status.

“It is encouraging to see the positive trend in public support for the full inclusion of Minnesotans with developmental disabilities in community life,” said Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson. “This parallels the trend of an increasing number of people with disabilities receiving care and supports in home and community-based settings, as shown on the DHS Dashboard on our department’s website.”

While a high percentage in the general population believe it is important to use public resources to ensure adequate government services for people with developmental disabilities, responses to how well the services are being delivered varied widely among survey respondents.

One concern among people with developmental disabilities and their families is abuse. Sixty-two percent of this population reported that abuse toward a family member is a concern, while only 31 percent of the general population is concerned about the abuse of a family member. Thirty-five percent of people with developmental disabilities and their families cited poor performances in abuse prevention services.

“Better protection of vulnerable individuals is one of our highest priorities,” said Jesson. “We are supporting legislation to make willful neglect of vulnerable adults a felony and also working with counties to

Officials gather around as legislation is signed to improve physical access to buildings, back in 1963. The Minnesota Society of Crippled Children and Adults had championed the legislation.

Photo courtesy of Minnesota Historical Society

increase abuse prevention efforts and improve investigations.”

The report also indicated pessimism among families, indicating that 42 percent of families with a member with a developmental disability expect that education services for students with developmental disabilities will be worse in two years than they are today. The future outlook for education among the general population is more positive.

The survey also indicates a pessimistic outlook regarding future employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities, as compared to the employment outlook for the general population.

Perceptions of current and future financial well being differed somewhat between the general population of Minnesota households and with families with a member with developmental disabilities. Forty-one percent of the developmental disabilities population feel their financial well being is not as good today as it was two years ago; 32 percent of the general population feel the same. And 22 percent of families with a member with a developmental disability feel they will be worse off financially in two years than they are today; 12 percent of the general population households held that negative outlook.

Three of 13 services for people with developmental disabilities were identified as most important to families with a member with a developmental disability, while also showing substantial room for improvement.

They were day training services so that people with developmental disabilities can learn job skills; family support (subsidies to families to pay for extra costs of care for children with developmental disabilities) and education and training for people with developmental disabilities/advocates on how to exercise rights.

The survey, first conducted in 1962, was repeated in 2012 to assess and measure changes in awareness and attitudes toward people with developmental disabilities in Minnesota over the past 50 years.

One striking aspect of the survey results is how attitudes toward people with disabilities have changed..

For example, in 1962, 71 percent of the population believed that a person with a developmental disability should not be cared for at home. Today, 83 percent of the respondents believe that care should be provided at home, if possible.

In 1962, respondents had mixed feelings about institutionalization. Today, more than 90 percent of survey respondents strongly oppose institutionalization.

Of today’s respondents, 84 percent said they believe people with developmental disabilities can lead normal lives. In 1962, 64 percent believed that people with disabilities could lead normal lives while 29 percent of respondents disagreed.

Today, 75 percent of survey respondents said that people with developmental disabilities should be able to obtain a driver’s license if they can pass the test.

An almost identical percentage felt that should not be allowed in 1962.

Attitudes on voting have also changed. In 1962, 48 percent of respondents said that people with developmental disabilities should not be allowed to vote. Today, 70 percent say that people with developmental disabilities should be allowed to vote. ■ A full copy of the report is available at the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities website, www.mncdd.org

Pg 4 May 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 3

Many changes are coming for those on MA-EDP

by Access Press staff

Minnesotans who rely on Medical Assistance for Employed People with Disabilities (MA-EPD)and want to keep working and protect their assets got some help in the newly adopted health and human services legislation. Agreement between Gov. Mark Dayton, the House and Senate resulted in needed changes.

The new legislation allows enrollees who have worked up until age 65 to continue to work under MA-EPD rules after age 65 with an April 1, 2012 retroactive date. Those who saved while on MA-EPD before age 65 can retire and keep their retirement savings up to allowed MA-EPD limits and still qualify for Medical Assistance (MA) as senior citizens. In other words, retirement savings accumulated while on MA-EPD will not be counted as an asset when the person retires and applies for MA as a senior.

Both Health and Human Services Committee chairs, Sen. David W. Hann (R-Eden Prairie) and Rep. Jim Abeler (R-Anoka) celebrated and told fellow lawmakers to be proud that this would become law.

HHS - from p. 1 The funding in the bill signed April 25 allows for the state to restore some programs that were cut in 2011, as part of the budget agreement that ended the July state government shutdown. One huge win for many families is a temporary restoration of a 20 percent cut to the wages of personal care assistants (PCAs) who care for family members. That will be in place until July 2013. That $5.9 million cut sparked outrage throughout the state and a legal challenge.

The package restores funding or delays funding cuts of millions of dollars for other programs slashed last year as part of the deficit-fixing budget. The restoration includes $4.7 million for the Emergency Medical Assistance program, which helps those who need dialysis and cancer treatment.

Another winner is continuing care, which has a rate

The effort was helped by funding health maintenance organizations recently paid back to the state.

“It was terrific to have a bipartisan effort on this important issue this session,” said Anne Henry of the Disability Law Center and “until the HMO payback money became available, I was not at all sure this would be included at the end of session. Now it is the law.”

Many legislators and disability lobbyists worked on revamping this program but activists cited Sen. Kathy Sheran (DFL-Mankato), Rep. Mike Paymar (DFL-St. Paul), Rep. Terry Morrow (DFL-St. Peter), Rep. Abeler and Sen. Hann for their efforts.

But not every issue could be sorted out for those who rely on MA-EPD. One key issue that was not corrected with the legislation is the monthly earned income limit of about $700 per month or 75% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Those who choose to retire at 65 or later will still have to spend down their monthly Social Security or pension to the FPL after they leave the program. Changing the income limit will be a lot more difficult than the changes adopted

this session because nearly everyone on MA-EPD has some Social Security income as do all those who become eligible for MA after turning age 65.

During the legislative session, advocates made it clear that both the federal and state government have to set up new programs to replace peoples’ lost income because $700 per month is not enough to live on when someone may own a home and have had much higher asset limitations over his or her working life. The low MA income limit is still an issue that needs to be changed and the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities is likely to continue to work on this in future sessions.

Department of Human Services officials have indicated the state will contact the financial workers for those who turn age 65 from April 1 on to tell them about the changes. Those who are already over age 65 should contact their financial workers and get back on MA-EPD and pay the April premium to avoid the spend-down. ■

cut delayed. That in turn should allow time for the state to negotiate with the federal government and make the cut unnecessary. Also, a provision delaying the 1.67 percent disability provider rate cut was approved; also gives time to negotiate a federal waiver.

Funding restorations or delays in when cuts will be applied will also be a benefit for a number of programs and services.

Many groups were pleased with the bill’s signing.

One winner is the Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota (ARRM), which saw several of its legislative proposals approved. ARRM began the session with one of the most high-profile legislative packages, making the case that more than 6,500 Minnesotans with disabilities are on waiting lists or residing in non-community settings while enrollment opportunities are limited. ARRM brought forward a number of ideas to reform and balance the care system, to offer individuals and their families a robust and competitive marketplace of choices that meet individual needs and are cost-effective.

Autism advocates will also be pleased to see the legislative package, as it includes $200,000 for a study that looks at autism in Minnesota’s Somali population. One in 27 Somali children are diagnosed with autism at birth. Another au-

tism study would consider early intervention therapies and their projected outcomes.

While having key health and human services legislation signed is a huge step, many issues remained unresolved. Lawmakers were still debating a wide range of issues including tax policy, a bonding bill and a Vikings stadium. Legislators can meet until May 21.

If issues aren’t resolved that either forces a special session or postpones issues until next year. ■

May 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 3

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Visual arts, writing help understanding of disabilities As part of the Disability Disclosure class taught by Brenda Van Vugt and Linda Peterson at Robbinsdale Transition Center, students were asked to practice their reading and writing skills by producing a short statement about their disability and a book review about an individual with a disability. Students were also asked to prepare a short paraphrase of a portion of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and explain the rights that individuals with disabilities gained through that act.

Students were also given an opportunity to use visual arts to produce two squares for a quilt–one about themselves and one about an individual with a disability that they researched. Each student was then asked to give a short speech at the magazine release and quilt unveiling. About 60 people attended the April 20 event, including the Robbinsdale School District special education administrators, school staff, students, family members and friends.

Four students were interviewed to get their reaction to the class and reception. They were asked the following questions: What was the most important lesson you learned from the Disability Disclosure class?

What was the one thing you learned from the Disabilities History and Culture class? What is the one thing you would like people to know about how you deal with your disability? What are your plans for the future? What is the one thing you would like people to know about you?

Meet the students Damonte: In the Disability Disclosure class, I liked

talking about our disability. It felt comfortable. It also taught me to connect with others and to understand their disability. In the class, I liked reading the books and I learned that everyone has a community they can belong to and everyone has a purpose. I get along fine with my disability. You can do more than you think you can if you put your mind to it. I’m a good leader but sometimes it’s better to be a follower. I plan on joining the police reserves and getting a job through Goodwill. I want people to know what we go through every day. It’s painful when others see us as not normal. What is normal? We all have issues we live with.

Deon: I liked the reading and volunteering we did in the Disability Disclosure class. I learned from the Disability History and Culture class that it’s okay to have a disability and it’s okay to open up and talk about it. What I want people to know about me is that I’m helpful and I’m a good listener. I plan on painting houses and doing construction work. The reception helped me to open up a lot more, to express myself and it felt great to feel like a family.

Elizabeth: In the Disability Disclosure class I learned how to address my disabilities with the help of managers and school counselors. In the Disabilities History and Culture Class, I learned about autism through reading. Before I was scared of people who had autism, now I’m more comfortable with it. My plans for the future are to get married and become a family and to attend college and become a psychologist or mentor. I want people to know that I’m a very open and serious

Robbinsdale students show off their Disability Disclosures class project.

Photo courtesy of Robbinsdale Transition Center

person. My disability will not overcome me. When people get to know and understand better, they will realize that disability does not define a person.

Amy: Before I was in the Disability Disclosure class, I felt that disability was a negative. Now I am okay with it. In the Disability History and Culture class, I learned that persons with disabilities have accomplished many things. I also designed the front cover of reflections Magazine. I want people to know what this place, (the Robbinsdale Transition Center), is and what they accomplish here. I plan on working in childcare. I want to attend art classes so that I can illustrate books for the children. ■

It’s never too early to plan for the start of school

by Emma Wagner

Parents throughout Minnesota are visiting school open houses, scheduling classroom visits, setting up physicals and immunizations and making plans for their child’s schooling in the fall. Families of children who have disabilities face planning for new classes and the individualized education program (IEP). Students who have disabilities are likely to need accommodations in certain academic areas. Accommodations might include things like verbal instruction for children who have dyslexia.

An individualized education program defines specifics on a student’s disability, special education services they might need, and academic goals that the student needs to reach in order to be on the same academic level as their grade-level peers. For a student who has dyslexia an academic goal might be the ability to read at grade-level. That goal can be difficult to reach. With dyslexia, the students might have problems that prevent them from seeing letters correctly and understanding how to put the letters together to make words.

Educators can make academic adaptations for students to help them achieve their goals as best they can. Educational services can be helpful. It can be beneficial to have teachers trained to teach children who have dyslexia, and physical therapy for students

who have motion or dexterity problems.

It is important for students to work on their academic strengths as well as their weaknesses. If students do not work on their strengths, they could fall behind on their grade-level education. Sometimes students fall behind on their education because of having to leave the classroom to receive an educational service or too much of their time is spent on their academic weaknesses.

Including students in meetings on individualized education programs is crucial. It helps them understand where they are academically and why they need educational assistance. By having a grasp of what is in their individualized education programs, students will be able to decide what services they need and what they do not require.

It is essential to balance educational services that

emphasize students’ academic strengths. Dropping educational services can give students the opportunity to focus on their strengths.

If students have had educational services for a number of years but they no longer require some of Plan for school - p. 13

Pg 6 May 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 3

REGIONAL NEWS Metro Transit Central Corridor transit eyed When the Central Corridor or Green Line light rail service begins in 2014, many Twin Cities bus routes will change to better serve riders. Metro Transit is reviewing and potentially altering up to 23 bus routes that travel through the Central Corridor area in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

The intent of making route changes is to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of bus and rail service in the area and provide strong connections to new light-rail transit service on University Avenue.

Part of the outreach effort is through the Trusted Advocates program, led by the District Councils Collaborative. This program hires advocates to help under-represented communities have a voice in the transit planning process. Kjensmo (pronounced

Challenges continue since closing When the Willmar Regional Treatment Center closed its doors in 2008, the plan was to have a collection of regional facilities and local services to meet the needs of adults with mental illness. But that plan hasn’t materialized, the Kandiyohi County Board of Commissioners was told. Commissioners recently heard a report on the continued gap in mental health care services for the “hard-to-serve” population that requires hospitalization as well as longer-term residential care.

Lack of appropriate and available care for clients with acute mental health needs is creating “major challenges” for all, said Kandiyohi County Family Services Supervisor Corrine Torkelson.

The only state-operated acute mental health hospital is in Anoka, where there’s a waiting list of 118.

Karen Tusha-Molin, a county mental health social worker, told the story of a county client who since 2009 has continued to bounce from hospitals to stepdown facilities and back again to hospitals through a

“Chensmo”) Walker is representing the disability community and people who are heavily dependent on transit. He can be contacted at 952-215-5451 (voice or text) or email kjensmo@dcc-stpaul-mpls.org In this project, Trusted Advocates will gain an understanding of transit service planning and work with the DCC and Metro Transit planners to develop an engagement toolkit to help advocates gather and document information and feedback from their communities. The advocates will bring information from their communities to the transit planners and work directly with planners to ensure community voice is heard and their ideas are fully considered. They will help Metro Transit integrate community input into the final plan and communicate planning process and possible compromises to their communities.

Public involvement will help determine the future network of transit service in the Central Corridor Area.

Please take a few moments to provide information about the trips you make most frequently, whether by transit or not. Using the travel data collected, initial series of court-ordered civil commitment procedures, suicidal actions, drug overdoses and insurance coverage that limits hospitalization.

Counties are “ramping up” efforts to bring mental health professionals into the jail to provide treatment, said Ann Stehn, who currently oversees the county’s public health and family services departments. “That’s not what our jails are intended to do,” she said, but there often is “no other place for them to go.”

Stehn said the deinstitutionalizing of Willmar Regional Treatment Center has had positive results for most of the former clients, including those with developmental disabilities that had previously been served there. But she said there is a persistent lack of beds for the small segment of the population with acute mental illness.

“At least the state is talking,” said Commissioner Harlan Madsen, adding that something needs to be done to fix the “gaping chasm” that is allowing people who “don’t fit into the mold” to fall through the cracks. ■ [Source: West Central Tribune]

Central Corridor light rail will be served by many bus routes.

Map courtesy of Metro Transit

service recommendations will be developed and presented for comment this spring (2012). Final changes will be implemented with the expected opening of new Green Line light-rail service in 2014. ■ Take the short survey at: www.snapsurveys.com/ swh/surveylogin.asp?k=132871241744 Learn more about the study at:http://metrotransit.org/centraltransit-study.aspx

Hockey players face different futures Just over three months after a spinal cord injury in a hockey game left her legs temporarily paralyzed, Jenna Privette is not only playing softball but leading her St. Croix Lutheran team in hitting as the starting catcher. Meanwhile, Benilde-St. Margaret hockey player Jack Jablonski has left Sister Kenny Institute and gone home to continue his rehabilitation as an outpatient. Spinal cord injuries sustained by the youngsters drew attention to the dangers of hard hockey hits.

Privette’s injury has been described as a “spinal concussion.” Her paralysis was temporary and the Lakeville teen was able to return to school and sports this spring, after using a wheelchair and a walker. Her coaches and family report she has not had any major physical setbacks since joining the varsity team March 26 after being medically cleared by doctors.

Regional News - p. 15

May 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 3

PEOPLE & PLACES The Arc of Mower County is 60 years old Prior to 1950 there were only a few local associations for developmentally disabled children and no state or national Arc’s existed. Arc at the time stood for “Association of Retarded Citizens,” before the “R” word was used as a negative term.

In 1950, there were nine local Arc groups in Minnesota and a few others scattered throughout the US. Most early parent groups served cities, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Austin, Red Wing and Albert Lea. Their names and purposes were varied, but most of them were known as the “Association of Parents and Friends of the Mentally Retarded.” They were usually organized to operate services for children, such as school and recreation programs.

In September 1950, Mildred Thompson, Minnesota’s first supervisor for the new department known as the Minnesota Department of the Feeble Minded and Epileptic, invited all parent organizations to a meeting in Minneapolis. There the National Association for Retarded Children was organized.

In 1951, the Minnesota chapters of the National Arc formed the Minnesota Association for Retarded Children. The local groups, made up largely of volunteers, saw a need for statewide and nationwide leadership as they worked to provide services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

What are now Arc groups in Minnesota Arc are the pioneers in planning and providing needed services. The Arc of Mower County is one of these groups. It was founded in 1952 as Austin Friends of Retarded Children. Parents founded the group to en-

Duluth resident joins board of directors

Eric Norberg

Eric Norberg, president of ALLETE Clean Energy in Duluth, Minn., is the newest member of the Courage Center Board of Directors. A native of the Iron Range, Norberg graduated from the University of

hance the lives of their children in the areas of special education, vocational training and recreation.

In 1956, Oak Grove Achievement Center opened.

This was a major project for The Arc of Mower County, as it served needs of the county’s adult population. But for many years there was disagreement over what the real needs were of Mower County children.

From approximately 1975 to 1981, the chapter was nonexistent. There were efforts to improve school preparation and education for Mower County children with disabilities in 1975. Today it is known as the Special Education—Early Childhood or SEEC program.

In 1982, a young leader had visions of broadening Arc’s mission. He increased the membership from eight to 146 during his first term. Soon a strong board of directors was established. They set and achieved their goals of establishing a group home in the Adams What is now The Arc of Mower County has gone through many name changes. These are: 1952 - Austin Friends of Retarded Children 1956 - Austin Association for Retarded Children 1960 - Austin Association for Retarded Citizens 1975 - Mower County Association for Retarded Citizens 1981 - Association for Retarded Citizens - Mower County 1991 - Arc Mower County 2011 - The Arc of Mower County area and a support group for parents, Project Faith.

The support group still exists as a program of the Parenting Resource Center.

Strong leaders continued to guide the group. In 1986, the group hired an executive director and bookkeeper. In 1987, Arc found its own office space, moving from its longtime home with the Mower Council for the Handicapped.

The next project was to develop a recreation center.

Minnesota in Electrical Engineering and from the College of St. Scholastica with a Masters Degree in Management. He has worked for Minnesota Power and ALLETE for 33 years in senior strategic planning roles, becoming the President of ALLETE’s new subsidiary, ALLETE Clean Energy, in 2011.

As a longtime supporter of Courage Center Duluth, Norberg is very interested in understanding how the broader capabilities of Courage Center can benefit Northern Minnesota. “I’ve always been impressed with the commitment and services of the broad Courage Center organization,” said Norberg.

Norberg has served on a number of non-profit boards including United Cerebral Palsy, Marshall School and the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. He and his wife Carol have two grown children.

“Courage Center is a statewide resource for people with disabilities,” said Jan Malcolm, CEO. “Because of that, we are happy to welcome a new board member from this important Minnesota community.”

Courage Center is a nonprofit rehabilitation and re-

Diamond Hill Townhomes Diamond Hill Townhomes is a great property located near the Minneapolis International Airport. We have spacious two and three bedroom townhomes that are HUD subsidized and rent is 30% of the total household’s adjusted gross income.

Our Three Bedroom waiting list is now open and we are currently accepting applications. Our non-accessible Two Bedroom waiting list remains closed.

We are always accepting applications for our large number of mobility impaired accessible units. Please contact us for more information.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Please call (612) 726-9341.

Pg 7

In 1987, the Our Place Recreation Center opened in a former jewelry store. Initially managed and supervised by volunteers, it quickly grew to the point that staff was hired in 1988.

Over the years, the addition of other programs and services has meant many moves for The Arc of Mower County. The program moved in fall 1988 and again in spring 1991. Disaster struck in 2000 when the Arc’s building was flooded with 18 inches of water. Another flood in fall 2005 completely destroyed the building and its contents, forcing the agency to move again.

So it was an exciting day on July 27, 2009 when The Arc of Mower County broke ground on a new building. This was made possible by a very generous donation from The Hormel Foundation. After several months of construction, Arc was able to start moving in in late 2009. A grand opening celebration in January 2010 drew more than 100 guests.

The chapter has continued to grow in membership, programs and prominence. At the January 2010 Special Olympics Minnesota Leadership Conference, three Mower County Special Olympics softball athletes were selected to participate in the 2010 USA Special Olympics National Games. Lonnie Wiborg, Shawn Olson and Jeremy Johnson traveled to Lincoln, NE and were part of a team that won a silver medal.

The chapter welcomes everyone to an anniversary celebration 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 22 at The Arc of Mower County in Austin. The group’s 60th Annual Meeting and Celebration features awards, a year in review, election of the board, a history slideshow and hors d’oeuvres. The event is free and open to the community but attendees need to RSVP, by calling 507-433-8994. ■ source center that advances the lives of children and adults experiencing barriers to health and independence. Courage Center Duluth has served residents of the Twin Ports community since 1979 by providing year-round sports and recreation programs for children, families and adults with disabilities. The programs are supported by more than 150 community volunteers and funded in large part by the generosity of individuals, businesses and corporations. ■ People & Places - p. 10

Desktop Publishing: Advertisements Flyers Logos Newsletters Brochures And More!

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

Pg 8 May 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 3

Biggest Disability Day rally ever!

Legislators, organizational leaders and self advocates all speak out in the capitol rotunda.

Governor Mark Dayton speaks out for disability rights.

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May 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 3

Pg 9

Two Lorrie’s demonstrate their dislike for the 20 percent family reduction in wages.

Organizational leaders, Steve Larson and Rick CĂĄrdenas played the wheel of misfortune.

Rep. Jim Abeler engages with the crowd of disability advocates.

Top, a brother and sister lead the crowd in cheers.

Left, the rotunda at the capitol was packed with concerned people during the Disability Day rally.

Photos by Lawrence Green

Pg 10 May 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 3

We remember them

PEOPLE & PLACES

George C. Hall

Adaptive equipment is approved The Hennepin County Board has approved the spring round of 2012 Youth Sports equipment and small capital asset grants. Since 2009, more than $9 million has been distributed to 54 facility grants and 40 equipment grants. Facility grants are awarded once each year, and equipment and small asset grants are awarded twice per year. A total of $144,400 will be distributed to 24 groups. Some of the equipment is for adaptive sports.

For the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board and Theodore Wirth Park, City of Lakes Nordic Ski Foundation, the board allocated $10,000 for adaptive cross-country equipment and adaptive mountain bikes.

Equipment grants are based on criteria including number of youth served by the organization; and partnering with a youth sports organization, The Twins ballpark sales tax, approved in 2006, funds the Hennepin Youth Sports Program, as well as Hennepin County Library Ballpark Sundays and Ballpark Mondays initiatives. Approximately $4 million annually is dedicated between the programs. For more information, visit www.hennepin.us/youthsports ■

Radio Talking Book has long reach In a time when many complain about customer service, here’s a story to tune into. The Minnesota Radio Talking Book signal is heard by others across the country via local services that rebroadcast its programming. The places programs are heard include Los Angeles.

Recently Radio Talking Book Manager Stuart Holland heard from the Los Angeles station manager that one of her blind volunteers had been hit by a truck and was awaiting surgeries in the hospital. When asked if there was anything the volunteer wanted, that state manager said he’d love to hear from his favorite reader–who just happened to be one of the Minnesota volunteers.

Holland contacted the Minnesota volunteer, gave her the Los Angeles volunteer’s phone number, and she called him and spoke to him a couple of times. He was thrilled. And the Minnesota volunteer was pleased to have been able to offer him a helpful distraction from his discomfort.

Holland said, “It is a reminder to us that the recordings we do in a small booth in St. Paul have an effect on people thousands of miles away.” ■

24-hour in-home care. Yet a Star Tribune article and other tributes noted his many unique and diverse acGeorge Hall was a leader. complishments.

Hall served eight years on In the late 1980s, Farnam collaborated with Mark the MCIL Board, and was Jensen on a photo exhibit capturing the “Faces and its chairperson for much Facades” of Block E in Minneapolis. The exhibit was of that time. He brought prepared over a 15-year period, with images of people organizational skills, and places in the now-demolished downtown area. It strong leadership and a was displayed in the Hennepin County Government personal understanding of Center. Farman also took photography classes and disability to that board was a member of the F-stop Group at the photography role. He is also rememcenter.

George Hall bered as a fair and Farnam once told an interviewer that he never gave thoughtful board chairman. He was an active participhotography a thought as a career or even a hobby. pant in numerous MCIL programs and events. Profes- But he did admit to catching the “bug” and enjoying sionally Hall was a program assistant for the federal taking pictures.

Department of Housing and Urban Development “I never had another student like Jeff,” his flight (HUD). He was an Eagle Scout as a young man and instructor, Linda Dowdy, told the Star Tribune. later served in the military in Vietnam. He was also “When I asked him why he wanted to fly, he told me active in the Grand Master Pryor Mountain Lodge in about hanging around airports and listening to pilots Billings, MT. talk.”

Hall lived Multiple Sclerosis the later part of his Dowdy said just thinking about his love of flying, life. Hall died April 25 at the Augustana Care Center “still makes me choke up. in Minneapolis. He was 65 years old and had lived in On a blog post, Dowby wrote that Farnham once Minneapolis for many years. said, “I guess I just wanted a piece of the magic for Hall is survived by his wife, Stephanie; son, Willmyself.” iam (Alyssa); daughter, Heather Lawrence; a sister Farnam’s paralysis meant he had to be hoisted into and many cousins. Memorial services wren held April the cockpit with a sling-type device. He was never al28 at Gethsemane Episcopal Church in Minneapolis. lowed to fly solo. But that didn’t deter him from flyHall was buried in a private ceremony at Fort Snelling ing as often as possible.

National Cemetery.

Julian Farnam said his half-brother “had just a tremendous spirit for life. He was very, very passionate in multiple areas” and was served well by having “the right Jeffrey Farnam’s imagination soared sense of humor with some cynicism sprinkled in there.”

Jeffrey Farnam was also an inventor. He held sevInventor, photographer, pilot and longtime City of eral patents for various wheelchair Minneapolis employee Jeffrey R. designs, including one with four“Jeff” Farnam died April 11 after batwheel drive. In a 1992 newspaper intling cancer. He was 64. A memorial terview, he said, “Initially, it may be service is 3 p.m. Sunday, June 10 at sold to rugged individualists or people First Universalist Church, 2400 paying for it themselves [rather than Dupont Ave., Minneapolis. The serthird-party providers]. . . I don’t see it vice will be followed at 5:30 p.m. with as being the standard chair of tomora reception at the Minneapolis Photognd row at all. But I do see a lot of people raphy Center, 2400 2 Ave. N., Minwho depend on motorized wheelneapolis. chairs, who go outdoors, who take the Farnam is remembered by many as a bus, drive their own vans, who would remarkable man whose upbeat debenefit from this.” meanor and interest in the world Jeffrey Farnam graduated from around him led him to try many things.

Minneapolis Washburn High School He was an inventor and in his work in 1965 and then earned a degree in and volunteer activities, he was always economics from the University of one to try to make things better.

Jeff Farnam and Reggie Minnesota. He worked as an adminisHe and his service dog, Reggie, trative analyst in the Minneapolis city coordinator’s were fixtures in Minneapolis’ Uptown neighborhood. office until he retired.

At 15, Farnam broke his neck when he fell out of a He is survived by his half-brother Julian and sister tree he was trimming at a church. He lost the use of Laurie Farnam. his legs and had limited use of his hands after that.

Farnham used a wheelchair and service dog, and had Obituary - p. 15

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

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May 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 3

Pg 11

West Side Story

ACCESSIBLE FUN

GREAT Theatre presents the groundbreaking musical West Side Story at the Paramount Theatre, 913 W. St. Germain, St. Cloud. ASL show is 7:30 p.m. Fri, May 11.

Tickets are $22, senior/student $18. FFI: 320-259-5463, www.GreatTheatre.org or www.paramountarts.org.

South Pacific Welcome to the Access Press Accessible Fun listings.

Readers looking for additional opportunities to enjoy the arts have these options: For info on galleries and theater performances around the state, join the Access to Performing Arts email list at access@vsamn.org or call VSA Minnesota, 612-3323888 or statewide 800-801-3883 (voice/TTY). To hear a weekly listing of accessible performances, call 612-3323888 or 800-801-3883. On the web accessible performance listings are found at www.vsamn.org/calendar. html, www. mrid.org, www.accesspress.org, or http:// c2net.org (c2: caption coalition, inc.), which does most of the captioned shows in Minnesota and across the country.

Connect with performances on Facebook. Sign up to connect with Audio Description Across Minnesota on Facebook (www.facebook.com/pages/Audio-DescriptionAcross-Minnesota/202035772468). Sign up to connect with ASL-interpreted and Captioned Performances Across Minnesota on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ pages/ASL-Interpreted-and-Captioned-PerformancesAcross-Minnesota/257263087700814.

Walk for Angelman Syndrome A walk to raise money for Angelman syndrome research is 8 a.m. Sat, May 19 at Valley Lake Park, Lakeville. It is one of many walks nationwide organized by the Angelman Syndrome Foundation. Angelman syndrome is a neurological disorder that is largely misdiagnosed as autism or cerebral palsy. People with AS have difficulty walking and sleeping. Most people cannot speak. They will require care for their entire lives. The prevalence of AS is estimated as 1 out of 15,000 in the population.

FFI: Gina Jacobsen, 651-442-1084, gfkj1211@com cast.net; Angelman Syndrome Foundation, 1-800432-6435, to www.angelman.org

Jane Pauley to speak Jane Pauley, a familiar presence on TV for almost 30 years, will deliver the keynote address at People Incorporated Mental Health Services’ 43nd Annual Luncheon 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Thu, June 14, Crowne Plaza St. Paul – Riverfront Hotel, 11 Kellogg Blvd E. Pauley will speak about her inspiring, best-selling memoir, Skywriting: A Life out of the Blue, which details her personal struggle with bipolar disorder. Tickets are $40 per person and include parking. Table sponsorships are available. FFI: Leslie DeBoer, 651-288-3508, Leslie.DeBoer@PeopleIncorporated.org

Author will present work Rachel Simon, an award-winning author of six books and a nationally recognized speaker on issues related to diversity and disability, will speak at 5:30-8 p.m. Wed, May 23 at EuroNest, 5700 W. 36th St., St. Louis Park.

Her books include the bestsellers The Story of Beautiful Girl and Riding the Bus with My Sister. The event will include a presentation by Simon and book signing. Copies of Simon’s books will be available for sale. Hors d’oeuvres will be served. The event is sponsored by Opportunity Partners. Tickets are $35 and are available at rachelsimon.eventbrite.com/ FFI: 952-930-4286, events@opportunities.org

Rochester Repertory Theater presents the musical South Pacific at the Rochester Repertory theatre, 103 7th Street NE, Rochester. This musical, set in an island paradise during World War II, sensitively and candidly explores the issue of racial prejudice through the telling of two parallel love stories. ASL show is 8 p.m. Sat, May 12. Tickets are $22; FFI: 507-289-1737, email: boxoffice@rochesterrep.org, www.RochesterRep.org

Service dogs get their day in the sun at Can-Do Canines’ graduation. We wonder if anyone will “speak”?

Photo courtesy of Can Do Canines

The Golden Ass Nimbus Theatre Company presents The Golden Ass at Nimbus Theatre, 1517 Central Ave., Mpls. An adaption of an early novel, this is the story of the hapless Lucius, who longs to practice witchcraft. He tries to turn himself into a bird, but becomes a donkey instead. AD performance is 3 p.m. Sun, May 13. Tickets are reduced to $8 (reg. $15 Fri-Sat, $10 Thurs, Sun) FFI: 612-548-1380, info@nimbustheatre.com, www.nimbustheatre.com

Are You Now or Have You Ever Been. . .

Guthrie Theater Dowling Studio, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls, hosts a play set in 1953 in the Harlem apartment of Black writer Langston Hughes. Unable to sleep he gets up and begins to write a poem, but finds his living space somehow inhabited by his readers. Exposed, guilt-ridden and fearful of the coming day he confesses how he intends to answer accusations on being a communist. He implores his readers not to abandon him no matter what they read or hear. AD and ASL show is 7:30 p.m. Fri, May 18. Tickets are reduced to $20 for AD/ASL (regular $18-30). FFI: 612-377-2224, TTY 612-377-6626, www.guthrietheater.org

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying Lakeshore Players Theatre presents the musical comedy at the Lakeshore Players Theatre, 4820 Stewart Ave., White Bear Lake. ASL show is 2 p.m. Sun, May 20. (If no ASL seats are reserved within two weeks of the performance, the ASL interpretation will be cancelled.) Tickets are $18-20; ASL Discount 50% off. FFI: 651-429-5674; email: tickets@lakeshoreplayers.com, www.lakeshoreplayers.com/ HowToSucceed.html.

The Amen Corner Penumbra Theatre presents The Amen Corner at the Guthrie Theater Wurtele Thrust Stage, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. As the pastor of her church, Sister Margaret Alexander (played by Greta Oglesby) has devoted her life to the Lord and given up on earthly love. However, when her son’s search for his father uncovers a secret from her past, she faces a reckoning. Featuring gospel music by Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, The Amen Corner illuminates the power of love and the price of salvation.

Captioning is 1 p.m. Wed.,

Can Do Canines Graduation Graduation is a spring rite of passage, for people and for service dogs. The non-profit organization Can Do Canines is holding its spring graduation at 1 p.m.

Sat, May 19 at the Can Do Canines facility at 9440 Science Center Drive in New Hope. Come and celebrate with these assistance dog teams as they look back on all of their hard work. The teams have worked to become trained and certified over the last few months. The event is free and open to the public

May 23, 7:30 p.m. Fri, June 15, by c2 inc. AD show is 1 p.m. Sat, May 26, with a sensory tour at 10:30 a.m.

Other AD shows are 7:30 p.m. Fri, June 1, and 1 p.m.

Sat, June 9. No sensory tour is offered before these shows. ASL show is 7:30 p.m. Fri, June 8 and Thu, June 14. Tickets are reduced to $20 for AD/ASL, $25 for Captioning (regular $24-68). FFI: 612-377-2224, TTY 612-377-6626, www.guthrietheater.org

Enjoy a movie tonight Several theaters around the state offer accommodations for movie-goers, such as captioning or descriptive services. www.captionfish.com lists cinemas with access (AD/CC) features. Find theaters in your area by typing in your zip code. MoPix-equipped Rear Window Captioned Films are listed at cam.wgbh.org/mopix/ nowshowing.html#mn ■

Pg 12 May 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 3

UPCOMING EVENTS Awareness May is Mental Health Month May is Mental Health Month, recognized by many awareness-raising events across the country. Mental illnesses are medical conditions that disrupt a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functioning. Mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character or poor upbringing; anyone can be affected. This includes neighbors, coworkers, friends, children, parents, siblings or other relatives.

With proper treatment and support most people can recover from depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, panic and anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder and other serious mental illnesses. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Minnesota offers free educational classes, support groups and resources for families and individuals living with a mental illness. FFI: NAMI, 651-645-2948 or 1-888-NAMI-Helps

Get help Scholarships available Courage Center has announced the EMPOWER Scholarships. EMPOWER Scholarships are open to ethnically diverse students for attendance at an institution of higher learning. Applicants must have demonstrated interest in medical or rehabilitation field by having some volunteer involvement related to a healthcare field. Selection is based on the applicant’s intentions, achievements, volunteerism and need. Applicant deadline is May 15 and applicants must be a resident of Minnesota or Western Wisconsin, and must identify how they will use their educational training. Volunteer involvement in the community is required. A minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale is required. Request an application from Courage Center’s Volunteer Services Department, or download it.

FFI: www.couragecenter.org/ContentPages/ empower_details.aspx SpinLife.com offers scholarship Spinlife.com, the largest U.S. direct-to-consumer Internet retailer of durable medical equipment, provides one $500 Innovation Motion Scholarship to students who are manual or power wheelchair users enrolled at an accredited four-year institution. In May SpinLife will announce the theme of its 2012 Innovation Motion Scholarship and begin accepting applications on line. FFI: collegescholarships@spinlife.com

Workshops, conferences Disability Disclosure is topic Save the date for a conference on Disability Disclosure for Employment and Community Integration. The event is 1-6 p.m. Wed, June 27 at Roseville Public Library Community Program Room, 2180 N. Hamline Ave., Roseville. Listen to experts on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) explain the law. Hear employers, employees, and job developers talk about their experiences with this complex issue. Share your stories about disability disclosure. Was it helpful? Do you have advice for others? The councils want public testimony from Vocational Rehabilitation participants, present and former, about their experiences with the Vocational Rehabilita-

tion program or other employment programs. The event is sponsored by the State Rehabilitation Council - General; State Rehabilitation Council - Blind: Statewide Independent Living Council and Vocational Rehabilitation Services. FFI: Gail Lundeen, 651-259-7364, email gail.lundeen@state.mn.us.

Adult classes Independent living classes offered The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) offers free and accessible classes on living independently for people with disabilities. Most classes are held at 1600 University Ave., #16, the green tile building at University and Snelling, St. Paul, unless specified.

Learn to prepare and keep a budget and organize bills 10 a.m.-noon Tue, June 5. Learn how to change or modify your budget.

Have fun with your food. An herb garden will be planted 10 a.m.-noon Thu, May 10. Proper portion sizes and healthy meals are the topic 10 a.m.-noon Tue, May 22. Meet at the office and take the bus to the Mpls Farmers’ Market and enjoy lunch there 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Thu, June 7.

Prepare fun and easy appetizers 1-3 p.m. and then enjoy social time 3-5 p.m. Tue, May 29. Meet at Rose Garden Park 1-5 p.m. Tue, June 26 to grill main dishes and then have social time.

Wii fun is 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wed, May 16.

Meet at Como Park Zoo in St. Paul at 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Mon, June 11 and June 25 to walk or roll around the park. Plant flowers in a window box 10 a.m.-noon Thu, June 14.

Learn simple techniques, patterns and designs of knitting. Adaptive knitting equipment available; for all levels of knitters. Other crafts are welcome, 1-3 p.m. Tue, May 22; 1-4 p.m. Mon, June 4 and 10 a.m.-noon Tue, June 19.

Weekenders outings are for those who are tired of sitting home all weekend. Meet other people who share similar interests and want to meet new people. Guests are welcome and encouraged. Outings recently have included museums, bowling and dinner out. June features community events. Grand Old Day is noon-3 p.m.

Sun, June 3. The Helping Paws Wag, Walk, Run event is 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sun, June 20. Please bring money for both events Events are free (with the exception of Weekenders outings), accessible and mostly scent-free.. Please RSVP and give two weeks’ notice of needed accommodations.

FFI: Corbett Laubignat, 651-603-2028, corbettl@mcilmn.org

Youth and families Parents with Disabilities group Parents with Disabilities is a new group offered by Metro Center for Independent Living. This group is for people who have disabilities and have children. Learn from and grow with others who are dealing with the intricacies of disability and parenting responsibilities. Everyone’s experience is valuable and questions are important. The next meeting is at MCIL, 1600 University Ave W, St. Paul, 5-7 p.m. Mon, May 21. Pre-registration requested.

FFI: Corbett, 651-603-2028, corbettl@mcil-mn.org PACER offers workshops PACER Center offers useful free or low-cost workshops and other resources for families of children with disabilities. Workshops are at PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloom-ington, unless specified.

Life Planning for Persons with Disabilities 7-9 p.m.

Tue, May 22 at PACER Center. Daryll Stenberg, from Life Planning for Persons with Disabilities, and attorney Jennifer Anderson are speakers. Learn about health care power of attorney, health care living wills, long-term-care issues, probate, revocable living trusts, and supplemental needs trusts and wills Each family that attends is invited to receive a free, two-hour consultation from Life Planning for Persons with Disabilities to discuss how a comprehensive life plan would work in their situation.

Parents can join the conversation on the new ParentsTalk blog. This new feature on PACER’s website enables parents and advocates to share information online that en-

hances the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families. Parent advocates post new topics of discussion every month for parents of children with disabilities to respond to. Parents participate by contributing ideas and reading what other parents have to say while PACER staff is monitoring the blog and posting responses.

Another resource is the Family-to-Family Health Information Center electronic newsletter, which offers a new way for families and professionals to receive the latest updates on Minnesota health care issues, announcements from the Minnesota state health care programs, and information regarding F2F HIC activities and resources. Registration requested. FFI: 952-838-9000, 800-537-2237 (toll free), www.PACER.org Fraser offers groups Fraser offers a wide variety of classes and programs for families dealing with disabilities. Classes, which typically cost $30 per person or $50 per couple, are held throughout the region. Preregistration required. Fraser offers a wide variety of classes and programs for families dealing with disabilities. Classes, which typically cost $30 per person or $50 per couple, are held throughout the region. Preregistration required. FFI: 612-798-8331 or workshops@fraser.org.

Support groups, meetings GLBT support group meets Metropolitan Center for Independent Living offers a GLBT support/ social group that meets once a month to discuss topics related to being a part of the GLBT community and dealing with a disability. The group meets the first Tuesday of each month; meetings won’t be held in July or August. Please sign up in advance as the group won’t meet if at least three people don’t sign up. Dinner is provided. Meetings are at the MCIL office, 1600 University Ave W #16, St. Paul FFI: Corbett Laubignat, 651603-2028, corbettl@mcil-mn.org UCare meetings UCare hosts informational meetings about its UCare for Seniors Medicare Advantage plan. Meetings are held all over the region. UCare for Seniors has more than 75,000 members across Minnesota and western Wisconsin. UCare is an independent, nonprofit health plan providing health care and administrative services to more than 185,000 members. UCare serves Medicareeligible individuals throughout Minnesota and in western Wisconsin; individuals and families enrolled in incomebased 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: 1-877523-1518 (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 about two dozen family support groups, over 20 support groups for people living with a mental illness, anxiety support groups, groups for veterans and other groups.

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 p.m., on the second Tuesday of the month, at Snelling Office Park, 1625 Energy Park Drive, Suite 100, St. Paul. FFI: Sonja, 651-357-2077.

One NAMI group, Open Door Anxiety and Panic support, has changed location, from Gloria Dei Church in St. Paul to Woodland Hills Church, 1740 Van Dyke Street. It meets at 6:30 p.m., on the first and third Thu. FFI: NAMI at 651-645-2948, www.namihelps.org A NAMI Connection peer support group for adults recovering from mental illness meets bi-weekly in Roseville.

Trained facilitators who are also in recovery lead NAMI Connection groups. The group meetson the 2nd and 4th Wed, at 6:30 p.m., at Centennial Methodist Church, 1524 Co. Rd. C-2 West. FFI: Will, 651-578-3364.

NAMI has a support group for those living in the GLBTQ community and their allies. The group meets 1-2:30 p.m.

Sat, at Minnehaha Spirit of the Lakes Church, 4001 38th Ave. S., Mpls. The support group will be a safe place to confront the challenges that many members of the GLBTQ communities face including low self-esteem, social isolation, stigma, discrimination, anxiety and depression. FFI: Kim 763-267-5881, Gabi 314-800-4134.

Volunteer, Donate Teach English or be a classroom tutor Help adult refugees and immigrants learn the reading,

Events - p. 13

May 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 3

Radio Talking Book May sampling Weekend program books Your Personal World (Saturday at 1 p.m.) is airing Healing at the Speed of Sound, by Don Campbell and Alex Doman; For the Younger Set (Sunday at 11 a.m.) is airing Tyger Tyger, by Kersten Hamilton, and Ghost Knight,

by Cornelia Funke; Poetic Reflections (Sunday at noon) is airing The Book of Ten, by Susan Wood; The U.S. and Us (Sunday at 4 p.m.) is airing North Country, by Mary Lethert Wingerd.

Books available through Faribault Books broadcast on the Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network are available through the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library in Faribault. Phone is 1-800-722-0550 and hours are 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday. The catalog is online and can be accessed by going to the main website, http://education.state.mn.us , and then clicking on the link. Persons living outside of Minnesota may obtain copies of books by contacting their home state’s Network Library for the National Library Service.

Listen to the Minnesota Radio Talking Book, either live or archived programs from the last week, on the Internet at www.mnssb.org/rtb. Call the staff for your password to the site. See more information about events on the Facebook site for the Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network. Facebook is a fee social networking web site.

Register 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.

Raceball, Nonfiction by Rob Ruck, 2011. Integration of baseball cost black and Caribbean societies control over their own sporting lives, changing the meaning of the sport, but not always for the better. Read by Denny Laufenburger. 11 broadcasts. Begins May 18.

Bookworm • Monday – Friday 11 a.m.

The Luminist, Fiction by David Rocklin, 2011. When photography was new, the excitement of it swept up Victorian England. Catherine Colebrook, proper wife of a fading diplomat, is one of these. Read by Ann Hoedeman. Nine broadcasts. Begins May 16.

The Odds, Fiction by Stewart O’Nan, 2012. With finances and their marriage rocky, Marion and Art take their savings and book a second honeymoon. By day, they sightsee; by night, they gamble to rescue home, finances and marriage. L - Read by Kristi O’Sullivan.

Five broadcasts. Begins May 29.

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

Fire Season, Nonfiction by Philip Connors, 2011. For a decade, Connors has spent half of each year in a 7’x7’ fire lookout tower, 10,000 feet up in a remote corner of New Mexico. The landscape he watches is one of the most fire-prone with more than 30,000 strikes per year. L - Read by John Ward. Nine broadcasts. Begins May 17.

A Song at Twilight, Nonfiction by Nancy Paddock, 2011.

Poet Nancy Paddock’s parents had Alzheimer’s which forced her and her sisters to face challenges and choices while confronting this disease. She searched for meaning in photographs and memories. Read by Carol Lewis. Eight broadcasts. Begins May 30.

Choice Reading • Monday – Friday 4 p.m.

State of Wonder, Fiction by Ann Patchett, 2011. Research scientist Dr. Marina Singh is sent to Brazil to track down her former mentor, Dr. Annick Swenson, who has disappeared in the Amazon while working on a potentially valuable drug. When she is found, Swenson is as ruthless and uncompromising as ever. L - Read by Holly Sylvester. 13 broadcasts. Begins May 16.

PM Report • Monday – Friday 8 p.m.

American Wasteland, Nonfiction by Jonathan Bloom, 2011. As a nation, we waste a staggering amount of food – as much as 40 percent of what we produce. But it is possible to make a difference starting in our own kitchens, reducing waste and saving money. Read by Jeanne Burns. 14 broadcasts. Begins May 15.

Night Journey • Monday – Friday 9 p.m.

Heartstone, Fiction by C.J. Sansom, 2011. In 1545, as a French armada is preparing to attack England, Matthew Shardlake takes on a legal case involving the king’s Court of Wards. He travels to Portsmouth, in spite of pending attacks. Read by Myrna Smith. 21 broadcasts.

Begins May 14.

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

Touch and Go, Fiction by Thad Nodine, 2011. A blind, recovering addict gets into a station wagon with his sponsors for a drive from California to Florida to deliver a casket to a dying grandfather. L - Read by John Marsicano. 11 broadcasts. Begins May 21.

Potpourri • Monday – Friday 11 p.m.

Sybil Exposed, Nonfiction by Debbie Nathan, 2011.Though the story of Sybil revolutionized psychotherapy, papers, records, photos, and tapes reveal that much of what happened was fabricated. Her psychiatrist exhibited over-the-top behavior, galloping ambition and irresponsible therapy. L - Read by Esmé Evans. 10 broadcasts. Begins May 17.

Role Models, Nonfiction by John Waters, 2011. John Waters talks about the lives of some of the extreme figures who have helped him form his own brand of neurotic happiness. Famous, unknown, or criminal, they have helped form a unique and one of the most perverse and hilarious artistic minds of our time. L, S - Read by Stuart Holland. 10 broadcasts. Begins May 31.

Good Night Owl • Monday – Friday midnight The Devil’s Light, Fiction by Richard North Patterson, 2011. Amer Al Zaroor, an Al Qaeda operative, has stolen

Events - from p. 12 writing and speaking skills needed to thrive in the U.S. Morning, afternoon or evening classes are available throughout the Twin Cities through the Minnesota Literacy Council. The council has many opportunities that are accessible to volunteers with disabilities, and makes accommodations whenever possible. The literacy council provides training and support. FFI: Allison, 651-2519110, volunteer@mnliteracy.org, mnliteracy.org/volunteers/opportunities/adults Give away that car Autos for Arc can take old vehicles off your hands, give you a tax deduction and say “Thank you” for helping change the lives of people with disabilities. Autos for Arc accepts cars and trucks of any model and condition and other vehicles including boats (with trailers), RVs, ATVs, golf carts, personal watercraft, motorcycles and snowmobiles.

Within the seven-county metro area, Autos for Arc can arrange to have a vehicle towed free of charge.

Call the toll-free Autos for Arc hotline, 1-877-7787709, to arrange a pickup.

Or drop off vehicles at a Value Village location. FFI: 1-877-778-7709, www.autosforarc.org Volunteer with RSVP Volunteers age 55 and older are eligible to receive free supplemental insurance, mileage reimbursement and other benefits through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) sponsored by Volunteers of America of Minnesota. RSVP/Volunteers of America of Minnesota and AARP Foundation need volunteers with good budgeting and organizational skills to help manage finances of older or disabled low-income individuals.

Have a few hours a month to volunteer? Money Management Program staff will train and match you with someone in the community.

FFI: 612-617-7821 ■

Pg 13

a nuclear bomb from Pakistan and the goal is to trigger it on the anniversary of 9/11. Brooke Chandler, sidelined from the CIA for various reasons, believes he knows how to locate the weapon. L - Read by Don Lee. 13 broadcasts. Begins May 28.

After Midnight • Tuesday – Saturday 1 a.m.

By His Majesty’s Grace, Fiction by Jennifer Blake, 2011.

Lady Isabel Milton never expected to love her husband, Earl Rand Braesford. But when he is imprisoned in the Tower, she finds herself unconvinced of his guilt and commits to discover the truth about him. S - Read by Jenny O’Brien. 10 broadcasts. Begins May 29.

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

Plan for school - from p. 5 them, dropping services can lead to a feeling of satisfaction. ■ Emma Wagner has cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus and epilepsy. She attended meetings on her individualized education programs and had several types of educational services in school. Services included occupational therapy, physical therapy and adapted physical education in elementary school and learning disabilities services, adaptive physical education and physical therapy in middle school and high school.

Wagner appreciates the issues regarding individualized education programs, students’ desires to have a balance of focus on their educational strengths and weaknesses and wanting to be treated like students in a classroom.

In elementary school Wagner requested that the number of her educational services be cut back, which gave her the opportunity to work on her gradelevel studies. Services were dropped when she left elementary school and by her junior year of high school, physical therapy was dropped.

Today, Wagner is majoring in psychology at UWRiver Falls. She has academic accommodations and enjoys focusing on her general education studies. College has given Wagner the opportunity to work on her academic strengths and feel the satisfaction of not having educational services.

Pg 14 May 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 3

Charlie Smith Award - from p. 1 Let the newspaper staff or board know if you need accommodations in submitting a nomination.

Previous winners of the award are: 2011–Jeff Bangsberg, Consultant, Legislative Activist 2010–Steve Kuntz, Minnesota DEED 2009–Anne Henry, of the Minnesota Disability Law Center 2008–Pete Feigal, Co-Founder of Tilting at Windmills 2007–Jim and Claudia Carlisle, People Enhancing People 2006–John Smith, University of MN 2005–Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD) 2004–Rick Cardenas, Co-Director of Advocating Change Together (ACT) 2003–Margot Imdieke Cross, Minnesota State Council on Disability Making the banquet a success means relying on many community members for support. One way to help the banquet is to serve as a sponsor. Three levels of sponsorship are offered, using titles that reflect terms used historically in the newspaper industry.

Sponsors get different levels of recognition before, during and after the banquet.

UCPM - from p. 1 Nationally, more than 65% of people served by UCP have disabilities other than cerebral palsy, including Down syndrome, autism, physical disabilities and traumatic brain injury.

UCP began in 1949. The Minnesota chapter incorporated in 1953, electing its first board, program services and medical advisory committees. Robert Hohman was hired as the first executive director. The statewide group changed its name to United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota, Inc. in 1970.

Hundreds of people served on UCPM’s boards and committees over the years. In 1993, Rob Chalmers became the first person with cerebral palsy to chair the agency’s board of directors.

Affiliates were started in Rochester, Olmstead County and St. Cloud in the early years. Others would later include UCP of the Range, serving Iron Range communities; UCP of the Red River Valley, UCP of Austin and UCP of Southwest Minnesota. UCPM spent much time developing programs with local affiliates and assisting them in fundraising campaigns.

Raising funds has always been part of UCPM’s work. In 1954, UCPM’s first telethon grossed $124,481. Other fundraising included direct mail and door-knocking campaigns, walk-a-thons, dance par-

Keyliners Level - $200. This denotes the keyliners, who used to paste up newspaper pages.

• Your logo will be displayed at a table • Your organization/company name will be listed in the 2012 Charlie Award Banquet program • Your organization/company will be recognized in our November & December 2012 newspapers • You will have one (1) free website ad (your month of choice), a value of $100 Proofreaders Level - $300. This denotes the proofreaders, who checked newspaper pages for errors.

• Your logo will be displayed at a table • Your organization/company name will be listed in the 2012 Charlie Award Banquet program • Your organization/company will be recognized in our November & December 2012 newspapers • You will have two (2) free rotating website ads (your months of choice), a value of $200 • Your organization/company will be listed on a special banner (on display) during the 2012 Charlie Award Banquet Editor-in-Chief Level - $400. This denotes the leader of the newspaper.

• Your logo will be displayed at a table.

• Your organization/company name will be listed in

the 2012 Charlie Award Banquet program • Your organization/company will be recognized in our November & December 2012 newspapers • You will have two (2) free rotating website ads (your months of choice), a value of $200 • Your organization/company will be listed on a special banner, on display during the 2012 Charlie Award Banquet • Your organization/company will be recognized by our emcee during the 2012 Charlie Award Banquet • A table will be named in your organization/ company’s honor the evening of the event • A free Access Press subscription, a value of $30 • One (1) Directory of Organizations listing, good for one year, a value of $60

ties, bike-a-thons, golf tournaments and an event called The World’s Largest Line Dance. In the 1970s “Peanut Butter Sunday” was sponsored by 4-H groups statewide, with sale of jars of peanut butter.

In 1954, UCPM had its first poster child, Karen Boersma. She passed away last month. By the early 1970s UCPM featured individuals in marketing campaigns and dropped the poster child campaign.

UCPM has been involved with many efforts to improve services for Minnesotans with disabilities, including the federal Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 and numerous state and federal law changes, legal actions and collaborative programs. In the 1950s and 1960s, UCPM members lobbied for programs including the creation of day activity centers, vocational rehabilitation, special education programs and sheltered workshops. The medical committee worked to open clinics and promote more education for doctors, dentists and other medical professionals, to assist patients with cerebral palsy.

Another focus was to improve schooling for children with disabilities. In 1957, UCP Minnesota helped establish special education teacher training programs at the Mankato and Moorhead teachers’ colleges.

UCPM was also involved with groundbreaking research to help Minnesotans with cerebral palsy, starting in 1956. Dr. Helen Wallace, in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Public Welfare and the University of Minnesota, conducted a survey to determine the number of people with cerebral palsy in Minnesota.

This research and advocacy continued, sometimes with partner organizations. In 1964, UCPM conducted a survey on residential homes for adults with physical disabilities. That same year the agency also worked with the Association for Mentally Retarded to study and call for changes in state institutions.

Yet another research and advocacy effort began in 1968, with Courage Center, when UCPM worked with that agency to call for building facilities and sidewalk cuts that are accessible to people with physical disabilities. State and local elected officials, units of government and businesses were resistant to this change. The advocates persisted and not only were able to ultimately push for law changes mandating accessibility, but also improvements to transportation facilities and other services.

A huge victory was won in 1971 when the federal Developmental Disabilities Act was passed. It covered services for people with developmental disabilities, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and other neurological conditions. It was seen as the beginning of “real change” for people with cerebral palsy and their families.

UCPM has long been involved with the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MnCCD), the Minnesota STAR Program, state councils and boards, and programs to provide needed adaptive equipment.

But not all has been work. One fun event in 1962 was the Thanksgiving Hop in Minneapolis, which was the largest dance of its kind in the United States.

KDWB Radio was the media partner. Other teenage sock hops were held around the state by local affiliates. These popular events not only were enjoyable, they also raised awareness and support for UCP. Another fun form of outreach was a Minnesota State Fair booth, which UCPM ran for several years.

At the first booth in 1963 the UCP women’s committee ran the booth and sold handmade items created in the UCP of Minneapolis workshop.

Another example was in 1993, when Dynavox Systems and UCP hosted the first Zippity Zoo Day—a day for people who use augmentative communication devices to socialize with each other. That is still recalled as one of the organization’s fun events. ■ History was compiled from Access Press files and the UCPM website.

Donations will also be needed for the newspaper’s annual silent auction and “pick your prize” raffle. Past prizes have included theater and sports tickets, gift certificates, art and more.

Access Press Office Manager Dawn Frederick handles the sponsor, silent auction and raffle. Contact Dawn at 651-644-2133 or at dawn@accesspress.org if you would like to be a sponsor or if you would like to make a donation. ■

May 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 3

Obituary - from p. 10 Karen Boersma: from poster child to activist In her lifetime, Karen Boersma went from poster child to self-advocate. The longtime disability rights advocate, quadriplegic and Golden Valley resident died in March at age 65. At her passing she was remembered as someone who was kind, yet had a steely determination to fight injustice. She was well-known for her efforts to deal with fraudulent personal care attendant (PCA) agencies and her work

Regional News -

from p. 6 Privette was paralyzed from the waist down following a Jan. 6 on-ice incident in a game against the St. Paul Blades. At the time, her father said doctors described the injury as a spinal concussion.

Jablonski was paralyzed after his spinal cord was severed in a junior varsity game in December. He went home in midApril after more than three months’ physical therapy. He and his family are living in an apartment until accessibility improvements are made at their home.

Doctors warned he wouldn’t get much movement back but he was able to leave Sister Kenny without a neck brace. He told KARE 11 News, “I guess I’m stronger than I thought.”

Many of the medical staff gathered to tell the young man goodbye. His family said they will miss the people who have helped their son. “He’s just incredibly positive and you know, you see all the progress,” said Beth Gauthier, a registered nurse who worked with Jablonski. ■ [Sources: Pioneer Press, KARE 11] FRIEND SPONSOR ($50 and above) Ellen Boucher Martha Brown Leo & Susan Bulger Teresa Dock Dawn Doering Robert Engstrom Steve & JoAnn Erbes Skip Finn Thomas & Mimi Fogarty Lael Gatewood Marjorie Goldberg Patty Hoy Marjorie Huebner Barb Kane Gene Martinez Elin Ohlsson Lee Ohnesorge William & Joen Overby Annette Pantel Kelly Rathcke Virginia Schwartzbauer John Sherman Equity Services of St. Paul IN KIND (For this issue) Soctt Adams Arc of Mower County Courage Center Emma Wagner

for the rights of both PCAs and their clients.

Services for Boersma will be held Friday, May 11 at Wayzata Evangelical Free Church, 705 County Road 101 N., Plymouth.

Friends recall her tenacity and strength. “She was looking at it not from a ‘poor me’ kind of view, it was a human rights point of view,” friend Mary Catherine Senander of Golden Valley told an interviewer.

“She had a profound reverence for life. ... It wasn’t that a person is disabled or abled, but created by God.” Added Sadika Mujik, Boersma’s PCA, “She was always the happiest person, that’s the part of her I’ll always remember.”

Born in 1947, with cerebral palsy, Boersma used a wheelchair for most of her life. She was adopted and raised by a remarkable woman, Berniece Boersma of Robbinsdale.

Berniece Boersma adopted another daughter, Jeanette, and cared for more than 250 foster children over the years. After her mother’s death in 1991, Karen Boersma recalled how

the family had at least five children at home at any one time.

In 1954, when she was seven years old, she became the first poster child for United Cerebral Palsy.

Karen Boersma graduated from Minneapolis’s Marshall University High School and then earned an accounting degree from Minneapolis Business College. In 1976, at age 29, she was seriously injured in an auto accident. Her injuries caused her to lose the use of one arm.

Karen Boersma was wellknown for fighting what she saw as injustice to people with disabilities. Several years ago she filed a discrimination complaint when she believed she’d been wrongly fired from an accounting job. Friends recalled how she won that case.

She was also well-known at the state capitol. One key focus of her lobbying was personal care attendant (PCA) agencies, especially those believed to be committing fraud. She spoke from personal experience. In 2009, Boersma testified before state legislators about welfare

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PCA had planned to open their own agency. But those plans didn’t materialize before her death. She told the Star Tribune in 2009 that “it’s the only way I can be sure that both I and the [care attendants] who work for me will be treated with the respect we deserve.”

■

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fraud and the lack of oversight of PCA agencies. She also was to be a witness last year in a federal health care fraud case.

But care provider John Momoh of Brooklyn Park pleaded guilty and in January was sentenced to two years in prison.

As a result of that experience, Boersma and her own

Pg 15

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Pg 16 May 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 3