August 2012 Edition - Access Press

MDI works! Page 9

Volume 23, Number 8

Be a prepared primary election voter

by Access Press staff

Minnesotans will be voting in primary elections Tuesday, Aug. 14. Primaries are elections in which voters narrow the field for the November election. Voter turnout in many areas may be light as there are few contested races.

That means some services for voters with disabilities, such as rides to the polls, may not be available for the primary.

But that shouldn’t discourage Minnesotans with disabilities from voting.

The primary election date was changed from September to August a few years ago to accommodate those who vote from abroad. The change to August primary elections does bring some additional considerations for voters with disabilities.

Voters should not only educate themselves about the candidates of their choice before the primary, they should also educate themselves about making voting a good experience. Voting places, especially those in older buildings, schools and churches may have limited if no air conditioning. Be sure to be prepared for heat and less-than-perfect air quality.

Consider going to vote early in the day. Bring an adequate Voter - p. 14

www.accesspress.org

Accessibility options make State Fair fun for everyone Plan now to attend the 2012 Minnesota State Fair, Aug. 23 through Sept.

3. Plenty of options are available for people with disabilities, from getting to and from the fair, to getting around the grounds and enjoying exhibits and entertainment.

Check out www.mnstatefair. org/ general_infoaccessibility.html for useful information. The web page includes a downloadable accessibility guide on the right hand side of the page. Anyone with questions can also call 651-288-4448 or e-mail accessibility@ mnstatefair.org General fair information is available by calling 651-288-4400 or going to www.mnstatefair.org Before making travel plans, explore the various options. Driving to the fairgrounds? Parking spaces for vehicles with a valid disability parking identification are located in many State Fair lots. Cost is $12 or a pre-fair discount admission ticket ($9). Vehicles with This woman’s wheelchair became Minnesota State Fair transport trailers will be charged $24 or two pre- for two little riders. The fair has many accessibility options.

Photo courtesy of Minnesota State Fair fair discount tickets ($18). Access to fairgrounds parking is available through Gate There is a free park and ride lot with free One off Larpenteur Avenue at Underwood wheelchair-accessible bus service for people Street, Gate Three off Snelling Avenue at Hoyt with disabilities and their companions. The lot Avenue and Gate 15 off Cleveland Avenue at is located on the north side of the Oscar Commonwealth Avenue (University of MinneJohnson Arena, 1039 De Courcy Circle, south sota St. Paul Campus). Additional accessible of the fairgrounds. Exit from Snelling Avenue parking is available south of Como Avenue. at Energy Park Drive; travel east to the first Check www.mnstatefair.org for more information. left past Snelling, to the north side of the arena.

The passenger drop-off area is the Como Visitors are dropped at the Como Loop Gate Loop Gate Nine, which is closest to HomeNine. Buses run continuously, approximately town Mobility, an independent concession that every 20 minutes, from 8 a.m. to midnight provides manual wheelchairs, electric scooters, daily. strollers and wagons for rent.

State Fair - p. 7

School’s start means time for planning ahead

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

“Maybe someone will see me and realize their own disability is not the end of the world, that they can achieve bigger dreams than they imagined.”

— Natalia Partyka

NEWS DIGEST

Minnesota beep baseball or “beepball” athletes took to the field in Ames, Iowa for the World Series. It’s been a season of change for Minnesota players as they split into two teams.

Page 4 The legal disputes over the proposed Voter identification or “voter ID” are moving along.

Page 3

Access Press is seeking sponsors for its annual banquet, as well as silent auction and raffle donors.

It’s a good way for businesses and individuals to get involved and support the newspaper.

Page 5

by Emma Wagner and Access Press staff

Sorry, kids! Summer will soon be over! Sam is getting some fishing in before the school bell rings Photo courtesy of the Galles Family

The backpacks, pencils and reams of notebook paper are filling the store shelves, which means that another school year is about to start. It is a time for planning for all children, especially if your child has a disability.

If a child is going to a school for the first time, visiting the school and meeting teachers before the start of classes is a must.

Being familiar with a school will make the first few days of class go more smoothly.

If a child is riding the bus or able to travel to a school on his or her own or with other children, do a practice run or runs of the route to school. Be familiar with the route or the bus stop. Traveling the route can add to a child’s comfort level.

Does the route or bus stop feel safe? Is it accessible? Report unsafe sidewalks or curbs to city officials. Let school officials know if there are concerns.

Will there be construction that affects a trip to school? Getting to school late on the first day is no fun and can add to stress. Many cities and counties now offer road closure information on their websites. It is a good idea to check that before school starts.

Be aware of anything at the school that could possibly affect a child or his or her physical access. Comfort levels are a key consideration. Something that may be innocuous to some children Planning - p. 15

Many people enjoyed the Minnesota ADA anniversary event, commemorating 22 years of the ADA. Page 8 This month’s issue sponsor is UCare. Read about the UCare Connect program and how it helps Minnesotans.

Page 16

INSIDE Accessible Fun, pg 10 Events, pg 11 People & Places, pg 9 & 12 Radio Talking Book, pg 13 Regional News, pg 6

Pg 2 August 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 6

EDITOR’S DESK

Tim Benjamin We are closing in on the end of summer. Soon it will only be a memory—of sweltering heat and itchy mosquito bites—as we are bundling up in mittens and scarves, running from our heated house to our heated cars. The state fair is our one last hurrah in the summer sun, and we at Access Press hope to see you there. This month, we are featuring an article on the accessibility of the 10-day-long event. Plan your ride, your parking and always take plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Those precautions are even more important than bringing a cart full of money to purchase all your snack items on a stick.

It sounds a little old-school, but you really might want to plan your day and the order you want to go to your favorite exhibits. Otherwise, you might find yourself missing the things you want to see and spending a lot of time seeing things you have little interest in. Think, too, about which cool spots you might head to if the weather turns out to be uncomfortably warm. You don’t want to end up waiting for EMS workers because you got overheated. One place you will not want to miss is the Education Building, where the State Council on Disability sponsors a table, and many organizations will be staffing it again

this year. Stop in and say hello; it is very possible you will run into some old friends—or make new ones.

We have a lot happening politically, nationally and in our state. The presidential and many federal legislative elections are around the corner and heating up as we move into the peak campaigning season. Locally, the two state constitutional amendments are in strong contention; you’ll definitely want to find out the latest news on each amendment prior to going to polls. The wording of each amendment is critical, and since they both introduce new requirements, it can be hard to remember which way a yes or no vote goes.

The language of the titles of both amendments is now in round two of battles at the state Supreme Court.

You will want to know ahead of the time what exactly the language means and what your vote will mean.

There are many informed advocates on both sides of both issues who will gladly help you understand the language to help you make the appropriate decision for you. Always listen to both sides of the debate, especially concerning constitutional amendments because they are so hard to reverse if we get it wrong.

Both issues will affect people with disabilities and other minorities in a big way, so stay informed and try to evaluate the ramifications of voting either way.

The Olympics are on and there are many events, especially the swimming, diving and gymnastics, which I enjoy—despite having acquired my disability in the course of taking my last dive in 1974. How could we not watch and cheer on Michael Phelps,

who seems to be dominating the swimming events and is being called one of the greatest Olympians of all time? He has won the most medals of any Olympian, and that’s an accomplishment for a lifetime. In women’s gymnastics, the gymnasts are so young and so talented and so extremely strong that it’s hard not to be impressed by their almost magical abilities on the uneven bar, vault, and floor exercises and by the young gymnasts who can do so much on the 3.9-inch width of the balance beam. And who could not root for Gabby Douglas, who won the team and individual gold in women’s gymnastics and became the first gymnast of color to take these prestigious titles. Douglas is a true pioneer at the age of 16.

It’s been interesting to follow the coverage of Olympics runner Oscar Pistorius, who will run in the 4x400-meter relay on carbon-fiber prosthetic legs.

Born with the disability of no fibula in either of his legs, he had leg amputations when he was 11 months old, and has always used prosthetics to walk. There are at least two other Olympic athletes who have vision disabilities. South Korean Im Dong Hyun is the archer who set the first world record in this year’s Olympics. He has 20 percent vision in his right eye and only 10 percent in his left. Natalia Partyka of Poland is playing table tennis in her second Olympics even though she was born with no forearm or hand.

They make us all think about what’s a disability, what’s a super-ability (do Pistorius’s prosthetics give him an edge over “normal” runners?), and what’s “normal.” Maybe the mainstream is going to learn what we know: we all are a combination; we all have disabilities, super-abilities, and we’re all pretty normal. ■

HISTORY NOTE

A leader with promise had life cut short by illness

by Luther Granquist

Anna Johnson, her husband, and her six-month-old child left Norway in April 1868 bound for Fillmore County in Minnesota. The 22-year-old woman was fatigued and ill most of the time on the voyage. On the final leg of her trip, the train trip from Milwaukee to LaCrosse, she became incoherent and confused.

After she arrived in Fillmore County she was maniacal, violent and destructive. Someone, perhaps her

Volume 23, Number 8 • Periodicals Imprint: Pending ISSN Co-Founder/Publisher Wm. A. Smith, Jr. (1990-1996)

Advertising Sales 651-644-2133

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

Executive Director Tim Benjamin

Board of Directors Brigid Alseth Steve Anderson Kristin Jorenby Elin Ohlsson Halery O'Falvey Carrie Salberg Kay Willshire Cartoonist Scott Adams

Assistant Editor Jane McClure Business Manager/Webmaster Dawn Frederick Production Ellen Houghton with Presentation Images Distribution S. C. Distribution

Editorial submissions and news releases on topics of interest to persons with disabilities, or persons serving those with disabilities, are welcomed. We reserve the right to edit all submissions. Editorial material does not necessarily reflect the view of the editor/publisher of Access Press.

Paid advertising is available at rates ranging from $12 to $28 per column inch, depending on size and frequency of run. Classified ads are $14, plus 65 cents per word over 12 words. Advertising and editorial deadlines are the last day of the month preceding publication, except for employment ads, which are due by the 25th.

Access Press is a monthly tabloid newspaper published for persons with disabilities by Access Press, Ltd. Circulation is 11,000, distributed the 10th of each month through more than 200 locations statewide. Approximately 450 copies are mailed directly to individuals, including political, business, institutional and civic leaders. Subscriptions are available for $30/yr. Lowincome, student and bulk subscriptions are available at discounted rates.

Application to mail at Periodicals Postage Prices is Pending at the St. Paul, MN 55121 facility. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Access Press at 161 St. Anthony Ave, Suite 901, St. Paul, MN 55103.

Inquiries and address changes should be directed to: Access Press care of The Kelly Inn Offices; 161 St. Anthony Ave; #910; St. Paul, MN 55103; 651-644-2133 Fax: 651-644-2136 email: access@accesspress.org www.accesspress.org

husband, sought her commitment to the Hospital for the Insane in St. Peter. When she was admitted there on June 28, 1868, she was diagnosed with mania caused by exhaustion from travel, a diagnosis that may have been given by the physician who examined her in the commitment process.

When Dr. Samuel Shantz, the hospital superintendent, first recorded her history in the hospital casebook, he made no reference to typhoid fever, which often was accompanied by delirium, confusion and fatigue. The 1857 edition of The History, Diagnosis and Treatment of the Fevers of the United States, a leading treatise of that time, stated that there was no uniform and satisfactory method of treatment for the disease. Some doctors emphasized bloodletting; others said that purging of the bowel was key. When it became evident that Anna Johnson was not insane, but had typhoid fever, Shantz ordered tonics to be given her, one of the treatment options. Basically, however, he followed a course of treatment consistent with the conservative conclusion reached in the treatise: “The proper regulation of the diet alone, and time, perform a great part of the cure.”

But Anna Johnson’s condition deteriorated steadily, and on the morning of July 22 she became comatose.

She died that afternoon. What happened to her husband is unknown, but his hopes for a new life for his family in a new country were shattered for their baby died as well.

Early that May, Shantz had gone back to Utica, N.Y., where he had worked as an assistant physician at the state hospital before being named superintendent of the new asylum in St. Peter. On May 21 he married Louise Graham, the daughter of one of the leading citizens of that community. The newlyweds returned home shortly before Shantz admitted Anna Johnson to the hospital. About the time that Johnson died, Shantz contracted typhoid fever. No record remains of what treatment he received.

On August 12 the St. Peter Tribune reported that while he had been dangerously ill with the disease, he had rallied and would soon be back to work. He did not recover, however, and died on August 22. His widow returned to Utica, where their daughter, Cornelia, was born the following March.

Shantz’s death dashed the hopes of a young couple for a life together, but it also had an impact on the institution that he headed. He did follow practices that would be considered inhumane today. For example, Shantz used the Utica crib to confine patients. But he expressed in patient records a degree of compassion not found in comments made by his successors in the decade that followed. Especially for children sent there because they were considered “idiots,” or “imbeciles” or “feebleminded,” life would likely have been different and better had he lived.

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 ■

august 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 6

Pg 3

Resolve by month’s end

Voter ID ballot question at center of three legal disputes

by Access Press staff

As an Aug. 27 deadline to print general election ballots nears, legal challenges centered on Minnesota’s voter identification ballot question must be sorted out and ruled upon. The issue is one being watched closely by members of Minnesota’s disability community, who believe they have much to lose if the amendment is on the ballot and is approved by voters Nov. 2.

If state voters approve voter ID on Nov. 6, Minnesota voters would have to produce valid identification before they could cast ballots. Adoption of voter ID would also change the way voters who register on Election Day would have their votes counted. It would also end the longstanding Election Day practice in which people could vouch for others who live in their precinct, allowing them to vote. Vouching is sometimes used by community members and residential facilities to allow their neighbors to vote.

The latest legal debate, heard by the Minnesota Supreme Court July 31, centered on the actual ballot title language for voter ID and a second ballot question that would restrict marriage. This case is separate from a second case the state’s highest court is deliberating, whether or not the ballot question itself should remain or be removed.

The two Minnesota Supreme Court proceedings have drawn overflow crowds to the Minnesota Judicial Center in St. Paul. Both were shown live online.

“If the law required a driver’s license or state-issued photo ID with the voter’s current address, that will create barriers for some voters with disabilities,” said Pamela Hoopes of the Minnesota Disability Law Center. “Many people with disabilities who vote do not drive and they may not have a state-issued photo ID with their current address either. To get the underlying documents such as a birth certificate that are required to obtain that ID will be difficult for a voter who lacks access to transportation.”

If Minnesota voters approve the constitutional amendment in November, Hoopes added that the type of barrier the regulation would create depends upon what state lawmakers do in 2013. That is when the Minnesota Legislature would have to pass more legislation, implementing the constitutional amendment itself.

One thing that is known is that voter ID, if adopted in Minnesota, would eliminate vouching. That would also affect many people with disabilities. Low-income people, including some people with disabilities, may move often, so keeping current identification can be a challenge.

“Many voters with disabilities now register to vote and then vote with Election Day registration vouching,” said Hoopes. “Many people with disabilities who live in residential service settings move (their residence) frequently.”

The legal disputes over voter ID are complex. At issue July 31 was who has the power to title ballot amendments, the Secretary of State or the Minnesota Legislature.

After the July 31 court debate, Secretary of State Mark Ritchie released a statement. “I appreciate the Minnesota Supreme Court’s effort to address this separation of powers issue and look forward to their decision and specific instructions,” he said. “As the attorney general’s counsel explained before the court, providing a title for each proposed Constitutional Amendment has been the responsibility of the Minnesota Secretary of State since 1919. Under state statutes no other agency or branch of state government currently has this authority.”

Republican lawmakers were represented by attorney Jordan Lorence of the group Alliance Defending Freedom. He said it is state lawmakers’ authority to choose the titles. Lorence said the state’s executive branch overstepped its boundaries by changing the constitutional amendment ballot title.

State Solicitor General Alan Gilbert disagreed, saying that would contradict decades of constitutional amendments. He said that that state statutes allow Ritchie to choose the ballot question titles. He also pointed out to the court that Gov. Mark Dayton vetoed both voter ID and the marriage amendment, which would limit marriage to a union between a man and a woman.

Justices gave few clues as to how they might rule. Justice Paul Anderson raised the issue of whether the Supreme Court could say “a pox on both houses” and put the full text of the amendments on the ballot. Justice Alan Page, in his comments, also acknowledged that possibility.

“These are emotionally charged, politically motivated amendments, and I see an almost unsolvable problem because one side is going say it’s described this way, one side is described the other and I see problems with both descriptions,” Anderson said.

At the July 17 Minnesota Supreme Court hearing, justices and attorneys debated whether the voter ID ballot question itself should remain or be stricken. Arguments on the ballot question lasted for about an hour.

Supporters argue that the amendment would reduce cases of voter fraud. Opponents say it isn’t needed and would create barriers for some voters.

The League of Women Voters, American Civil Liberties Union and other groups challenging the voter ID issue, called the ballot question language misleading. A court ruling in favor could either change the proposed ballot language or even drop it from the November ballot.

Voter ID - p. 12

Pg 4 August 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 6

Twin Cities beepball changes up its game, teams

by Clarence Schadegg

Athletes with visual impairments now have a choice at beepball, an adapted baseball game. This season two beepball teams, recreational and competitive, are offered as part of the Minnesota Fighting Lions Association. The recreational team, the St. Paul Lions, offers a more relaxed game, while the competitive team, the Minnesota Millers, is for those who have a need for more competition.

Minnesota beepball teams played in the Beepball World Series in Ames, IA, July 22-26. The Millers had a rough time of it July 24 as they lost to Austin, 12-6 and Chicago, 12-4, on July 24, and 21-1 to Colorado on July 25. The team bounced back that same day to beat Wichita, 11-6.

Beepball or beep baseball is a great sport adaptation for anyone who is blind or visually impaired. People with sight can play beepball but they must don sleep shades that blocks their vision.

Beepball is similar to baseball or softball but players rely on their hearing. The game involves a ball that beeps, so players can hear it, hit it or catch it. The bases also beep, letting players know where to swing and where to run. The bases are made of soft foam and stand about four feet high. Ball players need to touch all the bases to make a run. The field has first, third and home bases, but no second base. Beepball players get four strikes instead of three. The catcher and pitcher are sighted. The pitcher and the batter are on the same team. The pitcher throws the ball underhanded.

Like baseball, the objective is to score a runs by making a connection between Power hitter Matt McCoy gets out a hit with Kathy Quinn catching, during the 2012 Beep Baseball World Series. The Millers finished in 10th place, out of 17 teams. bat and ball. If a batter can hit the ball hard enough for the ball to go over one Photos by Richard Hahnen hundred feet, he has a better chance of scoring.

A defensive team is made of six players. They don’t wear traditional baseball gloves and instead stop the balls with their bare hands or their bodies. When the ball is within reach, the defensive player grabs the ball and raises it high over his or her head. That action indicates a successful defensive play to prevent the team up to bat from scoring a run. With the ball raised overhead, the batter is called out if the batter doesn’t make the 100-foot base run prior to the catch of the ball.

Fun and exercise are the driving forces behind the two teams, and both invite anyone interested to try out and check out the fun. Both practice weekly at the Cretin-Derham Hall High School fields in St. Paul, at Randolph and Hamline avenues. The Millers practice 10 a.m.-noon; the Lions take the field 1-3 p.m. Lions’ practices will switch to mornings this summer. Some players from each team participate in both practices. Players range in age from 12 to 70s. Young and old alike put their hearts into the game and all who participate have a lot of fun.

To learn more about the Lions recreational team, contact Coach Dennis Stern, 651-452-5324 or email dennisstern@comcast.net. To learn more about the Millers competitive team, contact Coach Doug VanDyne “Coach” Deanna Callender makes contact in her first World Series game. The Taiwan Homerun at 651-788-6652 or email dougvand@msn.com ■ team won the tournament, which was held in Ames, Iowa.

Miracle Field proposal under review In St. Paul park The prospect of a Miracle Field at Dunning Field in St. Paul is nearing first base. Union Park District Council (UPDC) voted July 11 to start a community engagement process to discuss the field proposal. Meetings will be held in the weeks ahead and fact-finding will continue. The field is in Lexington-Hamline neighborhood, which has a neighborhood association. It is in St. Paul citizen participation District 13, Union Park.

To find out about meetings, check www.unionparkdc.org or www.lexham.org A Miracle Field would be designed for children with disabilities who want to play baseball. The field would be the first of its kind in St. Paul. UPDC’s Parks and Recreation Committee will work with Lexington-Hamline Community Council, Dunning

Boosters, St. Paul Parks and recreation and other Dunning users in a community engagement process.

If there is community support, the field plans will go forward.

Work is already underway to consider alternative sites at Dunning for the field, and to track field and park use. If the field is built it would be the tenth Miracle Field in Minnesota, said Minnesota Miracle Field founder Kevin Thoresen. The field advocates chosen Dunning because of the importance of having children near an active baseball program.

St. Paul has about 5,000 children with disabilities.

The city’s adaptive recreation programs have more than 300 participants. The field would be well-used by children with disabilities, Thoresen said.

UPDC Board members discussed other Dunning users, including soccer users, with Miracle Field and Parks and Recreation staff. One concern neighbors have is that by developing a Miracle Field, other users would be shut out. The neighborhood has a large immigrant population at the nearby Skyline Tower apartment building.

St. Paul Parks and Recreation Manager of Recreation Services Gwen Peterson said that while there are neighborhood concerns about soccer access for youth from Skyline Tower, many of the Skyline youngsters already play organized soccer and pickup games at nearby Jimmy Lee Recreation Center. ■

august 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 6

Pg 5

Sponsors needed

Donate, help make a great community event even better The Access Press Charlie Smith Award Banquet is Friday, Nov. 2. The banquet, one of the most-anticipated events of the year for Minnesota’s disability community, needs sponsors and silent auction/raffle item donors to make this year’s event the best ever.

The banquet is held at the Minneapolis Airport Marriott in Bloomington and features a delicious dinner, many silent auction and raffle items, a surprise entertainment feature and an acceptance speech by the winner of the Charlie Smith Award.

The Marriott is fully accessible and the banquet is held in a spacious ballroom, with room for personal care attendants, wheelchairs, scooters and service animals. All types of accommodations are offered including ASL interpretation and possibly screen captioning. When reservations are made, please let Access Press know what accommodations are needed.

Ticket information is available by calling the office at 651-644-2133 or checking the newspaper website at www.accesspress.org Sponsors are still being sought. Access Press offers three levels of sponsorship, using titles that reflect terms used historically in the newspaper industry.

Keyliners Level - $200. This denotes the keyliners, who used to paste up newspaper pages. If you are a keyliner sponsor: • 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. If you are a proofreader sponsor: • 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. If you are an editor-in-chief sponsor: • 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 Donations are needed for the newspaper’s annual silent auction and “pick your prize” raffle. Past prizes have included theater and sports tickets, gift certificates, original art, a stay in an accessible cabin, a homemade birdhouse and more.

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

The banquet and award are named in honor of Charlie Smith Jr., the founding editor of Access Press. The annual award is given in his honor. With the help of his parents, Rose and Charlie Smith Sr., he started the newspaper in 1990. Access Press remains Minnesota’s statewide disability community newspaper and is one of only a few such papers in the United States.

Until his death in 2001, Charlie Smith was a tireless advocate for Minnesota’s disability community. He was a fixture at news events and at the state capitol. He was active in a number of organizations and was wellversed in state and federal law and issues. The award is given in his name to honor people who have contributed as

Donate to the silent auction/raffle.

File photo

much to Minnesota’s disability community as the Smith family did.

Nominations for the annual award closed Aug. 10.

The Access Press Board of Directors will review the nominations and announce the winner in the September issue of the newspaper. ■

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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Please call us for more information.

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Pg 6 August 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 6

REGIONAL NEWS Enforcement efforts stepped up U.S. Attorney’s offices across the nation are collaborating with the Civil Rights Division to target enforcement efforts on a critical area for individuals with disabilities through a new Barrier-Free Health Care Initiative, the Justice Department announced July 26. The announcement comes on the 22nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was passed on July 26, 1990. Assistant Attorney General Thomas E. Perez announced the new initiative at an event celebrating the anniversary of the ADA in Washington, D.C. This new initiative will ensure that people with disabilities, especially those who are deaf or hard of hearing, have access to medical information provided to them in a manner that is understandable to them. The Barrier-Free Health Care Initiative is a multi-phase plan that will also involve other key issues for people with disabilities, including ensuring physical access to medical buildings.

“Access to health care remains an area of critical need for too many people with disabilities, especially those who are deaf or who have hearing loss,” said Perez. “The Barrier-Free Health Care Initiative will make sure people with disabilities are capable of physically accessing medical buildings and facilities and are not discriminated against when it comes to receiving potentially life-saving medical information. I look forward to continuing to work with U.S. Attorneys to advance ADA compliance efforts nationwide.”

The Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney’s offices have long enforced the ADA in this area. This nationwide initiative seeks to focus and leverage the department’s resources together and aggregate and echo the collective message that disability discrimination in health care is illegal and unacceptable. Already, 35 U.S. Attorneys have committed to this initiative.

Information about the Barrier-Free Health Care Initiative and the U.S. Attorney Program for ADA Enforcement can be found at www.ada.gov ■ [Source: U.S. Department of Justice]

Resident swallows pen, changes made

Veteran gets a new home

The lone resident at a Duluth home for vulnerable adults swallowed a pen after a staff member in charge of the resident’s care fell asleep, according to a state report. Surgery was required to remove the pen. The resident has a long history of trying to swallow inedible objects.

The incident occurred on April 14 at Residential Services of Northeast Minnesota’s home. According to a state report, the resident’s care plan required at least one awake overnight staff person and two awake staff members during the resident’s waking hours. Visual checks were required every 15 minutes while the resident was awake and every 30 minutes while asleep. The resident’s bedroom, as well as the living room and dining area, were maintained as “safe rooms” in which the environment allowed the least possible potential for self-harm. But the resident woke up, saw the staff member asleep and found and swallowed the pen. The home has since modified its doors to prevent future incidents.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services considers the incident to be published maltreatment of a vulnerable adult by a staff person. The company took corrective action and wasn’t penalized, according to the report. However, the staff member involved was disqualified from having direct contact with clients served by state-licensed facilities or with unlicensed personal care providers. The housing provider wasn’t fined or sanctioned. ■ [Source: Duluth News-Tribune]

Elysian resident and Jack Zimmerman a disabled veteran and his friends and family say he almost always has a smile on his face. The same was true recently on a plot of land in rural Elysian as person after person lined up to congratulate him on a pretty amazing gift he was being given, as well as thank him for his service and sacrifice. But when it was Zimmerman’s turn to speak to a group of family and friends, area community members and media, he had to hold back a few tears behind that smile.

A man of few words, Zimmerman had plenty of people ready and willing to speak to his character and to explain why he and his wife, Megan, are so deserving of the purpose of Wednesday’s gathering: to break ground on a new home being built for the couple that will be suited to his needs. The home will be ready by late fall.

An Army specialist serving in Afghanistan, Zimmer-man lost both his legs and three fingers after stepping on an IED March 9, 2011. He has had 20 operations and is undergoing physical therapy to learn how to walk again using prosthetic legs that include mechanical knees.

Meredith Iler, national chairman of HelpingaHero. org Home Program, said the organization connected with the Zimmermans through their best friend, Sgt. J.D. Williams, a triple amputee from Kentucky. ■ {Source: Mankato Free Press]

Stolen bike is found A special bike stolen in Willmar is back now where it belongs. Brian Gort, 37, is developmentally disabled. He loves going for bike rides, but can’t pedal or steer. More than 30 years ago, his parents found a side-by-side three-wheel bike, and it has been part of the family’s summer routine for years—until somebody stole it. The bike disappeared from outside of a group home where Gort lives.

News reports of the theft drew an outpouring of support and offers of help. But soon there was good

news. Willmar Police got a report that the bike had been abandoned in the city. Police cleaned the bike up and delivered it back to Gort. His personal license plate was still on the basket.

“They found it in the southwest corner of town (near) his house is, so it didn’t go too far,” said his mother, Margaret Gort. “Actually, a mail carrier found it in some weeds, and it was fine, the same way it was when they took it.” ■ [Source: WCCO-TV, Willmar Tribune] Regional News. - p. 13

august 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 6

State Fair - from p. 1

Crutches could not slow this woman down as she toured the Minnesota State Fairgrounds on a rental scooter.

Photo by Debra Fisher Goldstein and Beyond the Stick

Be aware that not all park and ride lots offer accessible buses.

There are limited wheelchair accessible buses operating from Roseville Area High School, Nova Classical Academy in St. Paul and the University of Minnesota Minneapolis campus daily. St. Rose of Lima (Monday–Friday), Gloria Dei Lutheran and Grace Church (daily & Sundays after 1 p.m.) also offer limited accessible bus services. The daily schedule is posted on the state fair website.

Metro Transit does have a number of wheelchair-accessible regular route buses that pass the state fairgrounds. Call 612-373-3333, or 612341-0140 (TTY) or go to www.metrotransit.org for more information.

After arriving at the fairgrounds, there are many services available for people with disabilities. These include wheelchair/stroller/ wagon/electric scooter rentals, parking on the fairgrounds, assistive listening devices, wheelchair battery recharging, sign language interpreters, accessible seating at all entertainment venues, and curb cuts throughout the fairgrounds.

Hometown Mobility rents manual wheelchairs, electric scooters, strollers and wagons at four locations on the fairgrounds.

These are the north side of Como Avenue inside the Loop Gate Nine; the west side of Cosgrove St. between Wright and Dan Patch avenues inside Gate Five; the northwest corner of Cooper Street and Service Drive and on the north side of Liggett Street by the west Skyride Tower.

If rented onsite, all equipment is available on a first-come basis with no guarantee of availability. Hours are 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily. The deposit of a driver’s license or state ID is required.

Cash, check, credit cards and debit cards are acceptable forms of payment with fees ranging from $15 per day for a wheelchair to $55 for an all-day electric scooter rental. Reservations will be accepted for all-day wheelchair and electric scooter rentals. Call 877-928-5388 at least 24 hours in advance.

Resources for fairgoers with disabilities can also be found at the Care and Assistance Center, located across from Heritage Square on Dan Patch Avenue. Hours are 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wheelchairs can be recharged here. Outlets to plug in electric scooters are on the south wall of the Grandstand building.

Events with daily interpretation area are offered daily. These are the Timberworks Lumberjack Show, 11 a.m., North Woods exhibit on Cooper Street between Randall and Lee avenues; and Sean Emery, 12:30 p.m. on the Family Fair Stage in Baldwin Park.

During the fair, ASL interpreters will be available to assist guests from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily. Inquire about this free service at the Administration building located on Cosgrove Street.

Special requests for interpreter services will be scheduled depending on availability. Call 651-288-4448.

Anyone needing an assistive listening device can use one during Grandstand events. Receivers and headsets are available from the guest services office in Visitors Plaza. A valid driver’s license or state ID and a credit card are required for deposit. For any other accommodation questions about Grandstand events, call 651-288-4427.

Visiting the Midway? A free Attraction Access Guide to assist guests in making choices about which rides are appropriate and accessible can be found at all ticket outlets on the Mighty Midway and Kidway.

Access Press will be one of the organizations represented at the Minnesota State Council on Disabilities booth in the Education Building. Stop and visit the state council, and pick up free information. Other groups will also be represented there and will have information available. ■

Pg 7

Pg 8 August 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 6

Minnesota's ADA celebration marked 22 years of change

A large crowd attended Minnesota's ADA celebration July 26 in Minneapolis, which featured performers and speakers. Several interpreters provided their services at the event.

Photos by Chris Juhn

august 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 6

PEOPLE & PLACES

Minnesota Diversified Industries workers enjoy their jobs.

Photo courtesy of MDI

MDI creates 250 new jobs Minnesota Diversified Industries (MDI) has persevered in a tough economy and created 250 new jobs since Dec. 1, 2011. These jobs are in support of several new contracts for key customers. Jobs help MDI fulfill its mission of serving people with disabilities by providing employment opportunities and progressive development in competitive business enterprises.

The new jobs are a combination of direct and temporary across MDI’s facilities in Grand Rapids, Hibbing and St. Paul and include opportunities for people with and without disabilities.

“At MDI, we focus on a person’s abilities. We match job opportunities with the person best suited to perform the job requirements. We also provide training and support as needed to make sure that each person can be successful in their role at MDI,” said Rachel Wobschall, MDI Board Chair.

“Board and management are excited about the recent business and job growth at MDI. Employees at MDI have benefits and no one at MDI earns less than mini-

mum wage. MDI is a model affirmative business enterprise and living proof that individuals with disabilities are and can be productive members of the community” Peter McDermott, MDI President and CEO. Established in 1964, MDI operates an affirmative business enterprise, providing job opportunities and progressive development for people with and without disabilities who work side-by-side to provide products and services to business customers.

The new employees have been hired primarily for production type roles, operating MDI’s manufacturing equipment such as plastic extruders, rotary and flatbed die cutters, screen print presses, sonic welders, shrink wrap lines and product testing equipment. The positions added range from entry-level production, to line leads, process technicians, supervisors, maintenance technicians, forklift drivers and shipping/receiving clerks.

MDI operates a non-profit manufacturing enterprise, providing a variety of corrugated plastic products and kitting, packaging and assembly services for business customers across the USA. The sale of these products and services to business customers creates job opportunities at MDI. MDI offers customers high quality, on-time, market-competitive solutions and provides professional and friendly support for their business needs. MDI has significantly diversified its customer base over the past few years resulting in in-

Pg 9

creased revenues and jobs. Customers appreciate the strong business solutions they get from MDI, while also having the opportunity to contribute to the greater social good and to positively impact people with varying abilities.

Also, MDI has significantly strengthened its financial position in order to continue growing jobs and to People - p. 12

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Pg 10 August 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 6 Merilee Knoll remembered at HLAATC Walk

ACCESSIBLE FUN Welcome to the Access Press Accessible Fun listings.

Readers looking for additional opportunities to enjoy the arts have these options: For information on galleries and theater performances around the state, join the Access to Performing Arts email list at access@vsamn.org or call VSA Minnesota, 612-332-3888 or statewide 800-801-3883 (voice/TTY).

To hear a weekly listing of accessible performances, call 612-332-3888 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.

Cure MD golf fundraiser The group Cure CMD hosts a golf tournament, silent auction and dinner fundraiser to raise money toward a cure for congenital muscular dystrophy. The event starts at 12:30 p.m. Fri, Aug. 24 at Tanners Brook Golf Course, 5810 N. 190th St., Forest Lake. Congenital muscular dystrophy affects thousands of children worldwide, including many children here in Minnesota. Costs start at just $20 for dinner or $100 for individual golfers. Packages and sponsorships available. Silent auction donations needed. FFI: Richard Cloud, 651-730-1611, www.curecmd.org

Dave Ryan’s run for Special Olympics Hundreds of runners and walkers will participate in the annual Dave Ryan’s 5K &10K for Special Olympics Minnesota. The race is 9 a.m. Sat, Sept. 29 at Theodore Wirth Park, 1339 Theodore Wirth Parkway in Minneapolis. Last year’s event raised more than $45,000 for Special Olympics Minnesota. The event is presented by

Merrilee Knoll, a longtime leader of Hearing Loss Association of the Twin Cities and volunteer for diabetes research, will be remembered at the Hearing Loss Association of America—Twin Cities (HLAATC) Walk 4 Hearing. This year’s walk begins at 9 a.m. Sat., Sept. 29 at Minneapolis’ Lake Calhoun West Calhoun Parkway, near Thomas Beach. The 5K walk itself starts at 10 a.m.

Register at www.walk4hearing.org Local contact is Rebecca Lander, rlander@hearingloss.org or 301-657-2248 Merilee’s husband Bob and friends have a team called Merilee’s Memorial Walkers. The team is raising $500 in her honor and is accepting pledges on the Walk 4 Hearing website. Knoll and her family, including her daughter and granddaughter, helped at the annual walk for years.

Knoll died Dec. 30, 2011. She was 63 and lived in Brooklyn Center. She is remembered as a woman of great inner fortitude and courage, who helped others through leadership, contributions of time and talent, and volunteering to help with diabetes research.

In 1988 she joined what was then SHHH, Self-Help for the Hard-of-Hearing. What became Hearing Loss Association of America Twin Cities (HLAA TC) became KDWB with support from the Minneapolis Park Police, the Minnesota Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics and the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board.

Cost is $30 for the 5K and $35 for the 10K prior to race day. Same-day registration is $35 for the 5K and $40 for the 10K. FFI: Alyssa Siech, 800-738-7732, ext. 255 or alyssa.siech@somn.org, http://daveryan5k.kintera.org.

Dignity Center fundraiser Philip Brunelle, choirmaster at Plymouth Congregational Church and artistic director of VocalEssence, has assembled a group of award-winning Twin Cities performers to support the Dignity Center, a stability program for the metro area’s homeless. The Center’s 10th annual benefit concert, Dignity for All, is 7:30 to 9 p.m., Mon, Sept. 24 at Plymouth Congregational Church, 1900 Nicollet Ave., Mpls. Tickets are $35 per person or $30 per person when ordering 10 or more together and include parking. This event is open to the public. The Dignity Center, an outreach ministry of Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church (HAUMC), supports homeless clients on their path to self-sufficiency. In 2011, the Center served over 4,500 clients; nearly 1,000 were new guests. FFI: 612-871-5303, theDignityCenter.org

We would like to acknowledge and thank The Arc™ and Minnesota UCare for their generous Issue Sponsorship.

Please consider joining as an Issue Sponsor.

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her passion as she made every effort necessary to keep the group active and relevant in serving those with hearing loss. She held the office of president twice Knoll believed firmly in the rights of hearing-challenged people. No matter how she felt physically, she insisted on attending Deaf, Deafblind and Hard-of-Hearing Lobby Day, ready to make the case with her legislators on behalf of the hearing loss community. She effectively represented HLAATC at the state level while she served on advisory committees for the Metro Deaf/Hard of Hearing Services division, a program of the Department of Human Services.

Knoll was also a lifelong diabetic. That contributed to her hearing loss and other health issues. Care for diabetics changed greatly over her lifetime but she always lived up to the demands of the sheer discipline to manage her condition. She was awarded two achievement medals for living for more than 50 years with diabetes as the Joslin Diabetes Center recognized her in 2009 and the Lilly Diabetes Journey Awards program honored her in 2011. She felt strongly about supporting the scientists at Joslin Diabetes Research Center and also granted interviews to educate others about diabetes. ■

Rock the Green The Greg Marzolf Jr. Foundation marks its 10-year anniversary by hosting the first-ever Rock the Green party at Shamrock’s Irish Nook, West Seventh and Randolph, St. Paul. The event is Sat, Aug. 18 with live music all day, raffles, carnival games, a putt putt contest and more.

The foundation raises funding for the fight against muscular dystrophy. Admission is $25, which includes a Rock the Green pint glass that provides beer or soda for the day as well as admission to all four musical acts from 2 p.m. to close. Children under the age of 12 are free and eat free from 2 p.m.-5p.m. Register and pay online today. FFI: www.gregmarzolfjr.org/rockthegreen

Accessible playground fundraiser The Madison Claire Foundation, which raises funding for accessible play areas, hosts a fundraiser Sat, Oct. 20, at the Fine Line Music Café, 318 First Ave. N., Mpls.

Events start at 6 p.m. with a reception live auction and dancing to the music of Boogie Wonderland. Show off those dance moves in a disco dance contest. Tickets are $75 per person or $150 per couple; group rate available.

FFI: www.madisonclairefoundation.org/disco/

Movies in the Park Visit the North Shore and enjoy free captioned movies at Leif Erikson Park, 12th Ave. E. & London Road, Duluth.

Bring blankets, folding chairs, umbrellas for comfort.

Events may be cancelled due to high winds or lightning, not rain. Films are at dusk Fridays through August, no film Labor Day weekend. FFI: 715-392-3480, www.twinportsoutdoormovies.com/mitp.htm ■

august 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 6

UPCOMING EVENTS Advocacy Voter education offered Minnesota’s primary election is Aug. 14. The Secretary of State Voter Education and Outreach staff and Disability Law Center are eager to connect with groups with disabilities that are interested in free voter education workshops and training—which can be catered specifically to the groups’ request. Information is also available at www. mnvotes.org. FFI: Pamela Hoopes, Minnesota Disability Law Center, 612-746-3711, phoopes@mylegalaid.org; Claire Wilson, Minnesota Office of the Secretary of State, 651-201-1339, claire.wilson@state.mn.us Get engaged Residents of Senate Districts 40 and 41 can prepare to vote at a free Disability Matters Summer Engagement event with Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD), hosted by The Arc Greater Twin Cities. The event is 5-7 p.m. Wed, Aug. 15 at Kordiak County Park Pavilion, 1845 49th Ave. NE, Columbia Heights. Register to vote, find a polling place and learn to discuss disability issues with the candidates. This is one of eight similar events. Pre-registration encouraged. Refreshments served. FFI: Dena Felper, 952-915-3665 or denafelper@ thearcgtc.org, www.arcgreatertwincities.org Other events sites in the MnCCD series are 5-7 p.m. Tue, Aug, 14 at Courage Center St Croix, 1460 Curve Crest Blvd. W., Stillwater; 5-7 p.m. Tue, Aug. 28 at Powderhorn Park, 3400 15th Ave. S, Minneapolis; 5-7 p.m. Thu, Aug. 30 at Highland Park, 1200 Montreal Ave., Saint Paul; 1-3 p.m. Wed, Sept. 12, Opportunity Partners Koch Campus, 5500 Opportunity Ct, Minnetonka and 6-8 p.m. Thu, Sept.

13 at Courage Center Burnsville, 12400 Portland Ave. S, Burnsville. FFI: www.mnccd.org

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.

MCIL goes to the Minnesota State Fair, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Thu, Aug. 23 for Thrifty Thursday. Learn healthy conflict resolution skills, 10 a.m.-noon Tue, Aug 14. Bus training is offered 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Thu, Aug. 16 and Wed, Sept. 26.

Learn to read a bus schedule and map, and be a better bus rider. Look for budgeting training, wise personal management, mentor training and how to turn disability into an advantage classes in September. Grill and socialize 1-5 p.m. Tue, Aug. 28 at Normandale Park. Meet at Como Zoo at 11 a.m. Tue, Aug. 21 to walk or roll around the park. Learn simple techniques, patterns and designs of knitting. Adaptive knitting equipment available; for all levels of knitters. Other crafts are welcome, 10 a.m.-noon Mon, Sept, 10 and 1-3 p.m. Mon, Sept. 24. Wii fun is back 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Thu, Sept. 27. 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. Dine at The Egg and I restaurant Sat, Sept. 22. Please bring spending money for 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-

Pg 11

Author to read, discuss writing tunity for artists with and without disabilities to bring Twin Cities author Julie Schumacher will read from her samples of their visual art, poetry, music, memoir, phobooks and discuss writing 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6, tography or other art form to share and discuss in an inat Carleton Artist Lofts, 2285 University Ave. W. St. formal, supportive, fragrance-free setting. It is an outPaul. The reading is part of a monthly Open Flow Fogrowth of the Artists with Disabilities Alliance (AWDA) rum of artists with and without disabilities. and is supported by VSA Minnesota. The Community Room is directly through the main entry on the north side Schumacher teaches in the Creative Writing Program of the building. Parking is recommended on Charles and the Department of English at the University of MinStreet, one block north of University, or on other side nesota. Her include: The Body Is Water, The Unbearstreets. able Book Club for Unsinkable Girls, Black Box, The Book of One Hundred Truths, The Chain Letter, Grass FFI: Pamela Veeder (prveeder@yahoo.com), Mike Angel, as well as short stories and essays. Her website Price (ser pentine3243@yahoo.com), Dan Reiva is www.julieschumacher.com/ (dprw@ yahoo.com), or Jon Skaalen VSA Minnesota: jon@vsamn.org, 612-332-3888 or 651-336-8206.

Open Flow Forum is a monthly “First Thursdays” oppor603-2028, corbettl@mcil-mn.org, Cindy, 651-603-2037, cindyl@mcil-mn.org, 651-603-2037

Support groups, meetings UCare meetings UCare hosts informational meetings about its UCare for Seniors Medicare Advantage plan. Meetings are held all over the region. UCare for Seniors has more than 75,000 members across Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

UCare serves Medicare-eligible individuals and families enrolled in income-based Minnesota Health Care Programs, such as MinnesotaCare and Prepaid Medical Assistance Program; adults with disabilities and Medicare beneficiaries with chronic health conditions and Minnesotans dually eligible for Medical Assistance and Medicare FFI: 1-877-523-1518 (toll free), www.ucare.org Mental Illness support groups The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Minnesota (NAMI-MN) offers 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, the various groups provide help and support.

FFI: 651-645-2948 Open Door Anxiety and Panic support, meets at 6:30 Co-host is needed for show Fresh off of its win in this year’s national Home Town Film Festival Awards, Disability Viewpoints needs a new face. Applicants are being sought to co-host with veteran co-host Mark Hughes.

The co-host position is a volunteer position for approximately two to three hours per month.

Individuals would be willing to make at least a one-year commitment. Candidates for the post must be articulate and comfortable in front of the camera. Previous on-camera experience is helpful. An individual with a disability or have a connection to people with disabilities is preferred. The individual or individuals chosen for the position will be able to provide information about technology for people with disabilities, the arts and people with disabilities, or current issues for young people with disabilities. Work as part of a team with director, co-hosts, producer and other volunteers. Submit a resume and cover letter by Aug. 30 to Tim Domke at CTV, North Suburban Communications Commission, 2670 Arthur Street, Roseville or Tdomke@CTVnorth suburbs.org Interviews and auditions will be conducted in September. Please include at least one idea for a show topic in the cover letter.

Questions about Disability Viewpoints can be sent to Joerbes@charter.net ■

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.

p.m. the first and third Thu at Woodland Hills Church, 1740 Van Dyke St., St. Paul. It meets at 6:30 p.m., on the first and third Thu. FFI: NAMI at 651-645-2948, www.namihelps.org Partners and Spouses support group meets 6:45 p.m. the first Tue of each month at Falcon Heights United Church of Christ, 1795 Holton St. FFI: Lois, 651-788-1920, or Donna, 651-645-2948 ext.

101. NAMI Connection peer support group for adults are led by trained facilitators who are also in recovery lead NAMI Connection groups. One group meets at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tue, at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 285 Dale St. N., St. Paul. FFI: Shelley, 651-228-1645.

GLBTQ communities support group meets 1-2:30 p.m.

Sat at Minnehaha Spirit of the Lakes Church, 4001 38th Ave. S., Mpls. This 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.

Chronic pain support group Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) is starting a peer support group for people who live with chronic pain.

The group will start meeting 6:30-8 p.m. Thu, Sept. 13 at MCIL, 1600 University Ave. #16, St. Paul. Group members will discuss what chronic pain is and how it affects people.

FFI: Cindy Langr, 651-603-2037, cindyl@mcil-mn.org ■

Pg 12 August 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 6 put others before himself, and who always had a smile.

Services were held July 23 at Mueller-Bies Funeral Home in Roseville. He is survived by parents, Mary and Bob (Bopper), siblings Michelle, Jason (Jeanine), Mitch (Casey), Scott (Kristy), Stephanie, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends.

In Memoriam

Harry Drake was arts patron

Clancy, a service dog belonging to the James Tarbox family of Maplewood, helped Robert M. Brown III work with a new wheelchair several years ago. Brown died last month.

Photo by James Tarbox

Young car enthusiast lived life on wheels Robert M. Brown III, 17, of St. Paul Park, died July 20. Brown was very active and well-known in the state’s car enthusiast community, not letting his disabilities slow him down. Brown attended school at Rondo Education Center and Bridgeview School in St. Paul and later White Bear Lake District 916 South Campus.

Brown was the “Prez” of the Pharaohs and Haters car club, Minnesota Street Rod Association, Dago 6 of the Dago’s and the president of the Possie. He frequently attended car shows and often came home a winner. He enjoyed Saturdays at the garage with his car buddies. He was known as “Lil Bopper” as his father’s nickname is “Bopper.”

Friends remembered Brown as someone who always

Arts patron Harry M. Drake, 86, died July 3 at his St. Paul home. Deaf since birth, Drake was involved in many organizations and served on the boards of Courage Center Foundation, Minnesota Foundation for Better Hearing and Speech.

Drake attended the Central Institute for the Deaf in St. Louis, Mo., for several years as a young boy, where he learned to lip-read. That skill served him well throughout his life. He later attended the St. Paul Academy and then spent one year at the Middlesex School in Concord, Massachusetts. He received his B.A. in art from Macalester College in St. Paul in 1950. He attended the Art Center College of Design in Los Angele and worked in New York City and St. Paul for advertising and graphic design firms.

Drake designed his own home, took part in sports, and was an archivist, art collector and philanthropist.

Some of his private collection of photos went on in a 1997 exhibition at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.

He was archivist for St. Paul Academy and Macalester College, endowed Macalester’s Harry M. Drake Distinguished Professorship in the Humanities and Fine Arts in 1998 and received Macalester’s 2005 Distinguished Citizen Award. St. Paul Academy dedicated its centennial history book to Drake and named the Harry M. Drake Gallery in his honor. Private graveside services were held, with a public event to be announced later.

Suddard oversaw disability services Alan C. Suddard M.D. , died July 8. The Ohio native retired as chief medical consultant after 30 years at Social Security Disability Determination Services.

Suddard received a B.A. from University of Chicago; and graduated from University of Minnesota Medical School in 1963.

He had a wide range of interests and hobbies including reading, biking and hiking, and classical music and jazz. He most recently lived in the memory care unit at Sholom East in St. Paul.

He is survived by wife Irene, daughters, Kerry Swenson (Wayne), Lesli Johnson (Lyle), Wendy Suddard-Bangsund (Ken), Jody Carlson (Bryan), Tracy Heaps (Darryl), JulieAnne Larson (Gunnar), and Kelsey Suddard. He had 24 grandchildren and 17 greatgrandchildren. Memorial services were held July 16 at Lakewood Memorial Chapel, Minneapolis. ■

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People & Places - from p. 9 offer increasing opportunities for people with disabilities. This has been accomplished through reducing long-term debt by $6 million since 2008, controlling costs, and both increasing and diversifying revenues.

This has contributed to a positive bottom line at MDI for the last three years.

To further enhance the financial health of MDI, the organization continues to diversify its’ customer, product and service portfolio. Additionally, on July 20, 2012 the organization utilized internally generated cash to further reduce long-term debt and refinanced the remaining debt with significantly lower interest rates, more favorable terms, and a working capital line of credit with its’ banking partner Minnesota Bank & Trust. This positions MDI very well to invest in current operations, while also leaving room for future expansion and investment in new business opportunities that support MDI’s mission of serving people with disabilities.

Cullen Children’s Foundation announces gift The Cullen Children’s Foundation is excited to announce a $1 million dollar gift to the Sanford Health Foundation. The Cullen Children’s Foundation, founded in 2003 by Minnesota Wild NHL Hockey Player Matt Cullen and his wife Bridget. The Cullen Children’s Foundation gift will create a 3,000 square foot Cully’s Kids Area, a one-of-a kind facility for kids to simply be kids while in the hospital—no needles, no medications, just fun. The hockey themed, state-of-the-art therapeutic and educational environment will be staffed by certified child life specialists and likely include areas for play and relaxation, arts and crafts, kitchen projects, a resource library and learning area, a stadium theater and video and interactive area.

Cullen Children’s Foundation provides financial resources to organizations that support children’s healthcare needs with an emphasis on cancer. Sanford Children’s Hospital is located in Fargo and serves children in western Minnesota and North Dakota. ■

Voter ID - from p. 3 In a third case that could impact voter ID, U.S. District Court Judge Donovan Frank heard arguments June 22 from the Minnesota Voters Alliance and others who want steps taken to determine who is eligible to vote. This group is targeting felons and people deemed ineligible to vote by the state. The issue the plaintiffs are arguing is “vote dilution” from the counting of ballots from persons who are ineligible to vote, and how those voters affect outcome of very close elections. Ritchie and elections officials from Ramsey, Chisago and Crow Wing counties are defendants in the suit. The Minnesota Voters Alliance contends that election officials aren’t doing enough to check voter eligibility; defendants contend that it would place more burdens on election judges. That case also hasn’t been ruled upon. ■ Writer Clarence Schadegg contributed to this article.

august 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 6

Radio Talking Book Twin Cities signal is digital The conversion of Minnesota to the digital signal continues. In early July, the Twin Cities area was converted to a digital signal. Listeners there are experiencing one of two things. Either the Radio Talking Book signal is very strong or the airwaves are filled with static. Those hearing static do not yet have the new digital radios. Contact the Communication Center at 651-642-0885 to obtain a new radio. The next areas for digital conversion will be Mankato and Rochester. This conversion is exciting as the Radio Talking Book Network staff and volunteers have planned for it for more than a decade.

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 1-800-7220550 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.

Weekend Program Books Your Personal World (Saturday at 1 p.m.) is airing The Prosperous Heart, by Julia Cameron; For the Younger Set

Regional News - from p. 6

Boat launch can reopen Archie Leizinger an 84-year-old developmentally disabled man who has operated a boat launch on Shutz Lake in the city of Victoria, can continue launching watercraft. The City of Victoria agreed in July to a needed conditional use permit for Leizinger. Friends helped him raise the $1,500 for the one-time permit.

City officials shut down Archie’s Landing in the spring. It is the only place on the 99-acre lake where outsiders—and even many lakeshore owners—can put their boats in the water. Leizinger charges $6 a boat and a Dr Pepper for those who use the launch.

He operated the launch without a permit until someone complained to city officials, claiming that boaters might bring zebra mussels into the lake. Supporters were incensed, with some questioning whether some lakeshore property owners were trying to block public access to the lake. They said Leizinger was very sad when the launch had to be closed.

For Chris Glaze, who has fished the lake for 18 years, it doesn't make sense that one neighbor's complaint can shut the landing down. "The guy has caused nobody any grief for all that time, and he's brought a lot of joy to my life," Glaze said. "People are trying to mess with him because they thought he didn't have any backup." ■ [Source: Star Tribune]

Woman faces assault charges A Minneapolis woman faces assault charges after allegedly striking a man with disabilities in the head in early July. The 57-year-old victim, who has Parkinson’s disease, told police the woman tried to prostitute herself while the two were at a SuperAmerica station in St. Paul. The man declined her offer. Suspect Davina Rulford, 22, threw the brick at the man while the two were in a nearby alley, according to a complaint filed charging her with second- and third-degree assault. She has a previous prostitution conviction. She denied hitting him, the charges say.

The victim, who was taken to Regions Hospital, was diagnosed with a concussion, according to the criminal complaint. ■ [Source: Star Tribune, Pioneer Press]

(Sunday at 11 a.m.) is airing How to Rock Braces and Glasses, by Meg Haston, and Wolf Storm, by Dee Garretson; Poetic Reflections (Sunday at noon) is airing The Foot of the Rainbow, by Thomas R. Smith, and Double Truth, by Chard deNiord; The U.S. and Us (Sunday at 4 p.m.) is airing Keeping Watch, by Kathryn A. Sletto.

Chautauqua • Tuesday – Saturday 4 a.m.

Zoobiquity, Nonfiction by Barbara Natterson-Horowitz, M.D. and Kathryn Bowers, 2012. The authors claim that there are similarities between the ways human beings and animals live, die, get sick, and heal. Read by Lannois Neely. 12 broadcasts. Begins Aug. 16.

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

She Wolves, Nonfiction by Helen Castor, 2011. Before Elizabeth I, there had already been a number of women who ruled England, though none as openly. Between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries, three women discovered what was possible if male rule was not confronted explicitly.

Read by Connie Jamison. 20 broadcasts. Begins Aug. 13.

Bookworm • Monday – Friday 11 a.m.

The Mercury Fountain, Fiction by Eliza Factor, 2012.

Owen Scraperton is an idealist who sets up Pristina, a utopian community in the desert. His economic foundation for Pristina is the mining of mercury. Read by Ann Hoedeman. Nine broadcasts. Begins Aug. 21.

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

Life Itself, Nonfiction by Roger Ebert, 2011. The first film critic to win a Pulitzer Prize, Roger Ebert has been reviewing films for the Chicago Sun-Times since 1967. He left TV because of thyroid-cancer treatment and became an even more prolific writer. Read by Bob Rees. 17 broadcasts. Begins Aug. 27.

Choice Reading • Monday – Friday 4 p.m.

The Stockholm Octavo, Fiction by Karen Engelmann, 2012. The Octavo is a theory of the art of cartomancy in which eight cards represent the eight people essential to the outcome of every major event in a person’s life. L Read by Esmé Evans. 14 broadcasts. Begins Aug. 23.

Pg 13

PM Report • Monday – Friday 8 p.m.

Warriors of God, Nonfiction by Nicholas Blanford, 2011.

In 1979, Hezbollah was a group of zealous raw fighters motivated by Iran’s 1979 Islamic revolution. Today, it is the most formidable non-state military organization in the world. Read by Leila Poullada. 22 broadcasts. Begins Aug. 13.

Night Journey • Monday – Friday 9 p.m.

Fade Away Girl, Fiction by Martha Grimes, 2011. Twelveyear- old Emma is a waitress at her mother’s summer hotel, a cub reporter for the local newspaper and a sleuth.

L - Read by Amy Morris. 11 broadcasts. Begins Aug. 20.

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

The Funny Man, Fiction by John Warner, 2011. The comic finds success when he starts performing with his fist in his mouth. But he gets tired of having his fist in his mouth. L Read by Stevie Ray. 11 broadcasts. Begins Aug. 27.

Potpourri • Monday – Friday 11 p.m.

Behind the Palace Doors, Nonfiction by Michael Farquhar, 2011. Highlighting the unique mix of tragedy, comedy, romance and heroism; Behind the Palace Doors ventures beyond the rumors to tell the unvarnished history of Britain’s monarchs. L - Read by John Potts. 11 broadcasts. Begins Aug. 27.

Good Night Owl • Monday – Friday midnight Narcopolis, Fiction by Jellt Thayil, 2012. The Bombay of the 1970s had a unique underworld of drugs and sex. As decades pass, the drugs are different, and the city seems to have changed greatly. But the passions remain. L,S Read by Dan Sadoff. 10 broadcasts. Begins Aug. 22.

After Midnight • Tuesday – Saturday 1 a.m.

The Night Circus, Fiction by Erin Morgenstern, 2011.

This amazing circus arrives with no warning or announcements and dazzles the viewer. At the heart of it all are two illusionists, Celia and Marco, who have been bound by their masters. When Celia and Marco find out that they are supposed to be adversaries, they fall in love.

Read by Michele Potts. 13 broadcasts. Begins Aug. 16.

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

New iPad App helps tell stories

Paralyzed athlete is harassed

“Telling Your Story” is a tool that persons with disabilities, family members, and other advocates can use to compose and practice the personal story they’ll present to elected public officials or other policymakers at all levels of government when seeking policy changes or increasing awareness about disability issues. The app guides users through the steps, from introducing yourself to identifying the specific issue to the best methods for presenting a compelling personal story. After entering the text of their story, an audio recording feature allows the user to rehearse their story. Users can also select and preview a photo they may wish to include. The use of this app is being promoted by many state agencies and self-advocacy groups.

View the app in the iTunes Store at http:// itunes.apple. com/us/app/telling-your-story/ id541403749. To use all the features of this app, an iPad 2 or newer is required.

From the app’s home screen, select “Tony Coehlo’s Story,” “Example Stories,” or begin creating a personal story. Touch “close” to return to the home screen. Users can follow the prompts and type in text to create their own stories. Remember to include the question or topic in your composition.

Once a story is written, users can employ an audio recording feature to record themselves reading aloud each piece of a personal story. The recording can be redone until the desired performance is attained. Photos from the user’s personal gallery can be used to illustrate the story.

State officials want to hear comments from those who try this app, at admin.dd@state.mn.us ■ [Source: State of Minnesota]

KARE-11 Television is reporting that a Benilde-St. Margaret athlete, who was paralyzed in a hockey accident, is the target of cyberbullying. Jack Jablonski has been harassed for the past several weeks by someone using Twitter.

“Bullies pick on kids that are different,” David Walsh, a child psychologist, said about the situation.

Jablonski sustained a spinal injury last winter during a hockey game. While he has enjoyed much support, he is now a target of an anonymous cyberbully.

“He (Jablonski) needs our support but there might be other kids who are jealous of that and say why does he get the attention?” said Walsh. He said the cyberbully may feel invincible.

“Because there is no consequence it can literally ramp up and there is nothing to tamper it down, it gets more and more vicious, out of control and can be really damaging,” Walsh said. He added that the best solution in any cyberbullying situation is to simply log off and ignore the bully. ■ [Source: KARE 11]

Pg 14 August 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 6

Voter - from p. 1 supply of water and possibly a portable stool to sit on while waiting in line. Also, make sure that any medications or devices needed for assistance with breathing are on hand.

It’s always good to be prepared for a wait during voting. Even if there aren’t lines, machines can jam and other problems can arise. Be prepared for any type of medical issue.

Be careful of what is brought or worn to the polls.

Don’t wear candidates, party or ballot question stickers, buttons or clothing. Those cannot be worn into the polling place.

A sample ballot can be brought into a polling place

FRIEND SPONSOR ($50 and above) Monte Blair Ellen Boucher Martha Brown Leo & Susan Bulger Teresa Dock Dawn Doering Robert Engstrom Steve & JoAnn Erbes Nancy Eustis Thomas & Mimi Fogarty Lael Gatewood Marjorie Goldberg Patty Hoy Marjorie Huebner Barb Kane Gene Martinez Christopher Meyer Elin Ohlsson Lee Ohnesorge Henn. Cty Commissioner Mike Opat William & Joen Overby Annette Pantel Virginia Schwartzbauer John Sherman Equity Services of St. Paul

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but don’t bring campaign literature, newspapers or magazines. Do not leave any items in the voting booth after voting.

It’s acceptable to carry a cell phone in case of emergency. But silence the ringer before entering a polling place. Do not accept or make calls while in the polling place as it is disruptive to other voters and officials. Voters are not supposed to talk or use their phones in a polling place.

Be courteous to the election officials and ask the polling place’s head judge for assistance if needed.

Many good resources for voters are available on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Find out where to vote, how to register to vote and other information at www.sos.state.mn.us/index.aspx?page=134.

Minnesota does offer same-day registration at polling places. Either bring a voter from the same precinct to vouch for you, or provide appropriate pieces of information to provide residency and identity to the registration judge. The Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office website provides a detailed list of the types of information that needs to be used to register. Or use the website to check on current registration status.

Voters with disabilities can bring a helper to the polls to assist with voting. A second option is use of the Automark, a device that helps voters mark ballots.

It is useful for voters with hearing or visual impairments. Otherwise, ask the head judge at a polling place for assistance. Two voters, each from different parties, can assist the voter in filling out a ballot.

Voters with disabilities are among those who can use the option of absentee voting for all elections. Voters can register one-time or register permanently to have absentee ballots sent on an ongoing basis. Election officials in Minnesota are predicting long lines even for inperson absentee voting in November so casting a vote by mail is a good, time-saving option.

In Minnesota, citizens are allowed to vote absentee if they are absent from their precinct, have an illness or disability, are serving as an election judge in another precinct or must adhere to a religious discipline or observance of religious holiday.

Vote absentee in person or by mail. In person, cast an absentee ballot in person, at the appropriate county auditor’s office and in some cases a city or township clerk’s office. Absentee voting starts 46 days prior to Election Day. This option is available on weekdays during business hours. In addition, the county auditor’s office must be open for absentee balloting from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Saturday before the election and until 5 p.m. on the day before the election. City and county auditors’ offices will have more information on specific hours for absentee voting.

In order to vote absentee by mail, the voter must complete an Absentee Ballot Application and submit it to local election officials by mail, fax, or email (print off the application, sign it, scan it, and attach to an email as a .pdf. Ballots will be sent to voters as soon as they are ready.

Once an absentee ballot arrives, the voter must follow the enclosed instructions carefully and return the ballot as soon as possible. It must be received by the local election official who sent it by Election Day, or it will not be counted.

The ways to cast an absentee ballot are: • Mail back the completed ballot in the pre-paid envelope provided by local election officials.

• Up until 5 p.m. on the day before the election, deliver the completed ballot in person to local election officials, up until 5 p.m. on the day before the election.

• Have another person return the completed ballot, sealed in its envelope, to local election officials until 3 p.m. on Election Day. Persons delivering ballots may not do so for more than three voters.

• Worried about a ballot not arriving on time using First Class mail? Voters can choose to pay for package delivery service to return the ballot. Ballots must be received by local election officials on 3 p.m. on Election Day. Minnesota does allow assistance in receiving and returning an absentee ballot. Some voters can authorize another person to be their agent to pick up and return an absentee ballot during the seven days before the election. These voters are person with disabilities; voters who would have difficulty getting to the polls because of incapacitating health reasons; patients in hospitals, residential treatment centers, and nursing homes; residents of group homes; residents of battered women’s shelters; residents of assisted living facilities Anyone living in a residential facility with questions about voting should ask the facility administrator.

In order to have an agent deliver a ballot, the voter must complete the Request for Agent Delivery of Absentee Ballot Form and the Absentee Ballot Application. The voter must have a preexisting relationship with the agent. The agent will use the completed forms to pick up a ballot, bring the ballot to the voter, and return the completed ballot to the county auditor or city clerk. Each agent is only allowed to deliver and return ballots for a maximum of three voters. This activity may only occur the seven days preceding an election. Ballots can be picked up until 2 p.m. on Election Day, and completed ballots must be returned by 3 p.m. on Election Day. ■

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august 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 6

Planning - from p. 1 may be frightening or a distraction to others. Parents or guardians have the most knowledge or what may or may not affect a child.

Make sure the school supply list is followed and that school supplies can be used by a child.

Some school asks that specific supplies, such as large “trapper keeper” notebooks not be used because they do not fit into a desk, cubby or locker. Something may look fun in the store but it may best be kept at home.

It never hurts to have a “practice day” at home with school supplies. Find the best school supplies that work for a child. Some scissors, crayons and pencils are easier to grip than others, or may need modifications. Make sure items that need to be labeled are labeled with a child’s name and a phone number or email address.

If a backpack or book bag is used, make sure it can be easily opened and closed. A cute or fun backpack or book bag isn’t useful if it is too heavy or has tricky snaps or zippers.

Families of children with disabilities need to take extra time to plan for new classes and a student’s individualized education program (IEP).

IEP is part of an alphabet soup of acronyms that spell out education options. An IEP is required by IDEA, the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This law ensures full and equal services for children with disabilities. IDEA and other education rules require students who receive special education services to have an IEP. An IEP is sometimes confused with an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).

The IFSP is a written plan for children and their families. An IFSP focuses more on the children and family, and the needs for a child’s development.

When a child reaches age three, he or she needs an IEP. The IEP is in place until age 21.

An IEP is developed and monitored by a team. The student’s IEP team must meet at least once a year. The meeting is a chance for the parents or guardians to work with the school. Parents and educators decide what is best for a child’s education. If the school and the parent disagree about what the school is doing, they can talk about their differences at the IEP meeting.

A variety of people involved in a child’s education can be at the IEP meeting, along with the parents or guardian and any special education teacher. If a student spends any amount of time in a regular classroom, at least one regular education teacher must come to the meeting. A representative of school administration must be present for at least one meeting per year. Anyone who can share

Pg 15

information on how a student bral palsy.

Learn about the IEP learns or has expertise on a In an IEP Educators can Learn about Individualized Education Plans or IEPs at upspecific disability should also make academic adaptations for coming events sponsored by PACER Center. The workshop be present, as can anyone with students to help them achieve IDEA: Understanding the IEP will be held in the Twin Cities information on assistive techgoals as best they can. metro area and outstate. Dates and places had not been finalnology. If a student and the A key part of the IEP is the ized when Access Press went to press. Please check PACER family don’t speak English as Present Level of Educational .org/workshops for more information or call 951-838-9000. their primary language, somePerformance (PLEP). It is a deOther resources can be found at: one must be there to translate. scription of the student’s • www.mnddc.org/resources/factsheets/IEP_for_Students.htm The student is invited, but strengths and needs. This part • www.mylegalaid.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01399031702 attendance is up to the parents of the IEP provides details that %20-%20Developing%20IEPs%20in%20Minnesota.pdf or guardians. Including stuthe team needs to write the • www.pacer.org/parent/php/PHP-a12.pdf dents in meetings on IEPs is student’s annual goals. crucial. It helps them underStudents need more direct her general education studies. stand where they are at acainvolvement in IEP meetings academic strengths and feel College has given Wagner the demically and why they need from age 14 on as discussion the satisfaction of not having opportunity to work on her educational assistance. By hav- turn to how to transition to educational services. ing a grasp of what is in their work, higher education and life individualized education proin the community.

Ucare - from p. 16 grams, students will be able to It is important for students bers, UCare scored 90% or above in six survey ratings in decide what services they need to work on their academic 2011. and what they do not require. strengths as well as their weakIt is essential to balance edu- nesses. If students do not work Moreover, in 2011, UCare achieved the Overall Rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which equates to the “Very Good” category of cational services that emphaon their strengths, they could size students’ academic fall behind on their grade-level the Medicare Plan Performance Ratings. This rating placed strengths. Dropping educaeducation. Sometimes students UCare in the top 9% of health plans in the country. ■ tional services can give stufall behind on their education dents the opportunity to focus because of having to leave the on their strengths. If students classroom to receive an educaCLASSIFIEDS have had educational services tional service or too much of Access Press Classifieds are $14 for the first 12 and for a number of years but they their time is spent on their aca65¢ per word thereafter. They must be prepaid. Mail to: no longer require some of demic weaknesses. ■ Access Press care of The Kelly Inn Offices; 161 St. Anthony Ave; them, services being dropped This article includes mateSuite 910; St. Paul, MN 55103; 651-644-2133 • FAX 651-644-2136 • Email: access@accesspress.org can lead to a sense of satisfacrial that has been previously tion. A representative of printed in Access Press.

FOR RENT Lewis Park Apartments: Calvary Center Apts: 7650 school administration must be Emma Wagner has cerebral Barrier-free housing with Golden Valley Road, Golden present for at least one meeting palsy, hydrocephalus and epiwheelchair users in mind. Valley, MN. A Section 8 per year. lepsy. She attended meetings Section 8 subsidized. One- building now accepting apAn IEP provides specific inon her individualized educaand two-bedroom units. For plications for our waiting list. formation about a student’s dis- tion programs and had several more information on avail- Call 9 am to 4 pm, Mon – Fri ability, special education sertypes of educational services ability call 651-488-9923. St. 763-546-4988 for an applicavices the student might need, in school. Her services inPaul, MN. Equal Opportu- tion. Equal Opportunity and academic goals that the stu- cluded occupational therapy, Housing. nity Housing. dent needs to reach in order to physical therapy, and adapted be on the same academic level physical education in elemenOak Park Village: We are Holmes-Greenway Housas grade-level peers. For a stutary school and learning disaccepting applications for the ing: One- and two-bedroom dent who has dyslexia an acaabilities services, adaptive waiting list for one-bedroom wheelchair-accessible apartdemic goal might be the ability physical education and physiwheelchair accessible apart- ments. Section 8 subsidized. to read at his or her grade level. cal therapy in middle school ments. Section 8 subsidized. Convenient SE Minneapolis That goal may be difficult to and high school.

Convenient St. Louis Park lo- location. Call 612-378-0331 reach. A student with dyslexia Wagner is majoring in psycation. Call 952-935-9125 for for availability information. might not be able to see letters chology at UW-River Falls. information. Equal Opportu- Equal Opportunity Housing. correctly, meaning it is harder She has academic accommodanity Housing. to put letters together to form tions and enjoys focusing on words.

Did you know that Access Press is a nonprofit organization? One of the reasons we’re able to The IEP must be continue to bring disability related news to our readers is thanks to our advertisers. very detailed about We ask that you take the time to support them with your dollars—and to take the time in services and how the thanking them for their support! student will be Accessible Homes LLC Liberty Oxygen & Med. Supplies PAWsensitive Perspectives Courage Center helped. The plan Accessible Space Lifetrack Resources Assistance Dogs Deaf Blind Services should tell when all Lifeworks Services, Inc. PCL Construction Accessibility Design Diamond Hill Townhomes Accessibility Options, Inc. Margaret's Missions Phoenix Residence Dungarvin Minnesota, LLC services will start, Advocating Change Together Mary T Inc. Pro-Act, Inc. East Suburban Resources where and how serAgStar McCarthy Builders & Remodelers Reach for Resources Ebenezer Care Center vices will be proAllegiance Ability Assistance Metropolitan Ctr. for Indep. Living Reliable Medical Supply, Inc Ebenezer Park Apartments vided, how often ser- American Council for the Blind Medica REM Minnesota Edelweiss Home Health Care Merrick, Inc. Restart, Inc. Amery Regional Med. Center Equal Access Homes vices are provided American Ramp Metro Work Center, Inc. Rise, Inc. EquipALife and for how long a ARC Greater Twin Cities Midway Training Services SEMCIL Fair Table Mediation, LLC student will receive ARC Minnesota Midwest Special Services, Inc. ServeMinnesota Fraser Assoc. of Residential Resources Mind Body Solutions Southern MN Independent Friendship Adventures services.

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Pg 16 August 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 6

ISSUE SPONSOR UCare Connect benefits the chronically ill UCare proudly offers UCare Connect, a Special Needs BasicCare (SNBC) plan for adults with physical and developmental disabilities, and mental illness. It is especially helpful for members with chronic conditions.

The plan serves nearly 17,000 people who are age 18-64, live in a 41-county service area in Minnesota and have Medical Assistance with or without Medicare Parts A and B. Individuals with Medicare can enroll and keep their current Medicare plans.

Enrollment is voluntary and members can join or leave UCare Connect monthly.

to assist them with accessing services and answering their health care questions. · 24/7 assistance in arranging rides to and from covered medical and dental appointments, and the pharmacy.

This chart shows the added benefits you can get through UCare Connect over Medical Assistance Fee-For-Service.

Personal Care Assistance and/or Private Duty Nursing Services are not covered through UCare Connect but continue to be covered through Medical Assistance Fee-for-Service for eligible UCare Connect members.

A UCare sales representative is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday to answer questions at 612-676-3554 or 1-800-707-1711 (toll free). Hearing impaired individuals can call 612676-6810 or 1-800-688-2534 (toll free).

Designed and administered by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), the plan offers health care delivery options that improve access to primary and preventive care. Benefits include hospital stays, nursing home care, doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive care, prescription drugs, transportation services, dental care, and interpreter services.

UCare description: UCare (www.ucare.org) is an independent, nonprofit health plan providing health care coverage plans and administrative services to more than 285,000 members. It was created in 1984 by the Department of Family Practice and Community Health at the University of Minnesota Medical School.

As the plan’s administrator, UCare offers many value-added benefits not available in fee-for-service plans and some other SNBC plans, such as: · No cost to members, including no premiums, copays or deductibles. (Note: Individuals with Medicare may have Medicare Part D co-pays.) · UCare’s Connect to Fitness program, which provides free membership and no monthly dues at a participating fitness club. · Dental benefits, including UCare’s See-A-Dentist GuaranteeSM, access to our Mobile Dental Clinic, and an extra dental check-up and cleaning every year beyond what’s covered by Medical Assistance for non-pregnant adults. · A care navigator who is assigned to each member

UCare serves more people from diverse cultures and more people with disabilities enrolled in Medical Assistance than any other health plan in Minnesota. UCare partners with health care providers, counties, community organizations, and other member-directed groups to create and deliver innovative health coverage plans for: · Medicare-eligible individuals throughout Minnesota and in western Wisconsin. · Individuals and families enrolled in income-based Minnesota Health Care Programs, such as MinnesotaCare and Prepaid Medical Assistance Program. · Adults with disabilities. · Minnesotans dually eligible for Medical Assistance and Medicare.

Visit UCare at the Minnesota State Fair and get a handy tote bag.

Photo courtesy of UCare

UCare addresses health care disparities and care access issues through its UCare Fund grants and a broad array of community initiatives. The health plan received Top 100 Workplaces honors from the Star Tribune in 2010, 2011, and 2012.

Delivering health care value is UCare’s top priority. UCare works to: · Improve access to needed services by all members and the community-at-large. · Bring high-quality care to every member. · Demonstrate cost-effectiveness. · Reinvest in the communities it serves. · Enhance the health care infrastructure of the providers who care for UCare members.

Member satisfaction remains strong. The 2011 survey results for UCare’s Medicare Advantage plan UCare for Seniors were significantly higher than the national average results on a number of ratings and scores for Minnesota and Wisconsin members. Among our PMAP and MinnesotaCare memUCare - p. 15