November 2012 Edition - Access Press

Handi Medical honored — Page 7

Volume 23, Number 11

MN-CCD poised to make key changes

by Access Press staff

The Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD) continues to implement a reorganization plan that will bring many changes for the people and groups it serves. MNCCD members groups heard an update on the plan during the annual meeting Oct. 29.

Joel Ulland of UCare chaired the reorganization committee, which formed two years ago. The group spent a year planning and exploring reorganization ideas. The past year was spent implementing those ideas, after a vote of approval in 2011 MN-CCD will be a standalone 501 c 4 nonprofit group, with an executive director and part-time administrative assistant. The nonprofit designation will allow the 18-year-old organization to continue to lobby on behalf of people with disabilities and disability service and advocacy groups.

The executive director will be the lead contact for legislators and other policymakers.

The goal is to have staff on board in early 2013. Applications for the executive director job closed Nov. 9.

Interviews are to take place in November and December.

MN-CCD - p. 3

www.accesspress.org

2012 award winner

Van Heuveln exemplifies spirit of community activism, self-advocacy dawn of Minnesota’s disability rights moveby Access Press staff ment. The two met in 1972 at United Cerebral “You’ve got to fight for what you want” was Palsy and began working on election issues. a key message from the 2012 Access Press Van Heuveln worked for years to force reCharlie Smith Award winner. Charles “Chuck” moval of architectural barriers, promote accesVan Heuveln and his supporters recounted his sible transportation and reduce physical and years of community and self-advocacy during paperwork barriers to voting. He was involved his speech Nov. 2 at the annual banquet, which in efforts to change a past practice that had rewas held at the Minneapolis Airport Marriott in quired that all absentee Bloomington. ballots be notarized beThe event celebrates fore submission, a rule Minnesota’s disability comthat made it difficult for munity and its accomplishmany people to vote. ments. The evening inHe was a leader of cluded a preview of an upwhat became Triple I or coming film about Independence for ImMinnesota’s disability paired Individuals, a movement and the role of group Access Press the news media, which founding editor Charlie drew cheers. The film will Smith was its first execube released in spring 2013. tive director.

Former Access Press Board Van Heuveln was member Anita Schermer closely involved in was to was honored for her years add the word “disability” of service to the newspaper. to state human rights law; But the main draw was Van removing demeaning lanHeuveln and his years of guage from most Minneactivism. sota legislation. He also Van Heuveln is the tenth Charles “Chuck” Van Heuveln received a led efforts to allow a rubperson honored with the standing ovation as he accepted the 2012 ber signature stamp to be award, which has been Charlie Smith award. a person’s legal signature. given since 2003. Many Photo courtesy of Rick Cardenas Yet another focus for him past award winners were on was to make sure that all hand for this year’s event. public transportation would be accessible to Previous award winners Anne Henry joined people with disabilities. veteran activist Mel Duncan in introducing Van Heuveln’s most recent battle, waged Van Heuveln. Both Henry and Duncan are during the 2012 session of the Minnesota Legamong those who have worked with Van islature, was to force charges to Medical AssisHeuveln on legislative issues. tance for Employed Persons with Disabilities Duncan described Van Heuveln as “one of (MA-EPD). The program allows people with those historic figures that few ever hear any2012 Charlie Award winner - p. 10 thing about” and noted he was present at the

Dale Street Place provides needed housing option

by Jane McClure

In St. Paul, people coping with mental illness and chemical dependency have a newly renovated place to call home. Two years and $12.5 million later, the Redeemer Arms Apartments have become Dale Street Place Apartments. The apartments provide stable, supRides, resources for Election Day portive housing for adults with mental illness or chemical dependency issues. A large crowd celebrated the building reopening Oct. 23. Many toured the renovated structure to see newly remodeled apartments, improved community spaces and an exercise room.

Community Housing Development Corporation bought the building in 2011.

Community Housing Development Corporation is the largest nonprofit provider of affordable housing in Minnesota, as owner of more than 2,780 apartments. Dale Street Place has 150 apartment units, 108 efficiency units and 42 one-bedroom units. Rents range from $455 to $780. Low-income residents living in the building’s 82 Section 8 units pay 30 percent of their income, rather than a fixed rate.

The apartments are for people who have experienced or who are at risk of experiencing long-term homelessness. Residents must either have a disability and/or be at least 62 years old. Residents must earn less than $17,640 per year. Most earn less than $10,000 per The Rev. Jim Erlandson and social worker Bret Byfield talked about year. the importance of housing for people with disabilities, at the Dale Stable homes for adults with mental illness and chemical depenStreet Place grand reopening.

Dale Street Place - p. 14 Photo courtesy of Community Housing Development Corporation

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

“Above and beyond the question of how to grow the economy there is a legitimate concern about how to grow the quality of our lives.”

— Paul Wellstone

NEWS DIGEST

Eagle Scout project will make back yard a pleasant and accessible place.

Page 5.

It’s hard to believe that the session is just around the corner. Legislative priorities have been chosen for 2013, by MN-CCD. Page 3.

Vern Bloom, who taught at Augsburg for years, was a mentor and friend to many.

Page 4.

Handi-Medical has won a national award for excellence.

Page 7

Many people enjoyed Access Press’ annual Charlie Smith Award Banquet. Are you in the picture?

Pages 8-9

INSIDE Accessible Fun, pg 11 Events, pg 12 People & Places, pg 5, 7, 10 Radio Talking Book, pg 13 Regional News, pg 6

Pg 2 November 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 11

EDITOR’S DESK

Tim Benjamin About 140 people joined Access Press for the ninth annual Charlie Smith Award Banquet on November 2, and it was a blast! We gathered for dinner to honor Chuck Van Heuveln, who was very excited about and honored by the celebration. While many of the people who attended knew of Chuck’s recent success in achieving change in key provisions of Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities, most had not been aware of the long history of Chuck’s legislative accomplishments. Everyone learned that each of us with a disability has been positively affected by Chuck’s hard work and his tenacity to make Minnesota better for us.

Luther Granquist, retired disability law attorney, emceed—and did an excellent job as he’s done in the past. Luther is an icon in the disability community and we are very proud to have him involved with Access Press. Soon Luther will move to California and we’ll miss his history notes. He has said he will write some from a distance—so let’s hope that he’ll feel homesick about one day a month and get inspired to write about Minnesota history.

Mel Duncan, who recently stepped down as Executive Director of Nonviolent Peaceforce and is now the organization’s Advocacy and Outreach Director, and

Anne Henry, an attorney at the Minnesota Disability Law Center, the state-wide advocacy organization, both gave awesome speeches introducing Chuck to the crowd. Mel talked about the 40 years he has known Chuck and how back in the early days Chuck and Charlie Smith crossed paths many times as they advocated for voting rights, accessibility and housing issues. Anne spoke about Chuck’s more recent accomplishments, noting that they had only met last year when Chuck began advocating for removal of the age limitations on the MA-EPD program.

We started the night by showing a brief trailer of a documentary film that Access Press is creating in collaboration with some partners, thanks to the support of UCare. The film, which will be released in the spring of 2013, looks at the legacy of media in support of Minnesota’s disability community. The documentary highlights the history of advocacy and activism in Minnesota’s disability community and the role of various media channels in getting the word out.

We’re all very excited about this project, and if the response to the trailer is an example of what is to come, it will be a real hit.

In another highlight of the night, Anita Schumer was honored for her service on the Board of Directors of Access Press. Anita has been a great help throughout her tenure. I’m very proud to be associated with every member of the board. Chair Brigid Alseth and vice chair Carrie Salberg keep me on my toes, serving as valuable advocates and advisors, along with treasurer Kay Wilshire, secretary Kristin Jorenby, Steve

Anderson, Elin Ohlsson and our newest member, Halle O’Falvey. We have one of the strongest boards in my history as director.

Most of all, I want to publicly acknowledge Jane McClure and Dawn Frederick for all their hard work in planning and managing the awards banquet. With all they do in keeping Access Press thriving every single day, these two powerhouses support me in so many ways, I can’t thank them enough!

As we go to press we have just learned that we will have four more years with President Barack Obama. I only hope that the president will have a better time with legislators and that both sides can compromise. The president has some tweaking to do on the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) to get it to the point where it will be a true success and good for all of us in the disability community. I have confidence that Minnesota will be one of the leaders in forging ahead with healthcare for people with disabilities. Another huge struggle will be getting people back to work in well-paid employment.

I’m also hoping for education funding so that individuals can get the education they need to earn a living doing what they are good at and want to do.

The constitutional amendment for voter ID was not passed. People with disabilities and senior citizens will not be disenfranchised by requirements that are costly and not needed. The marriage amendment did not pass, either; so as far as I can tell, nothing is changed. But so far, the majority of Minnesotans said we don’t have to restrict our definitions of marriage to one man, one woman.

What a month! Plenty to be grateful for when Thanksgiving comes. Until next time, stay warm. ■

HISTORY NOTE

Pioneering pastor struggled to find transportation

by Luther Granquist

In June 1972 Barbara Andrews was one of a group of persons with disabilities who urged the Bill of Rights Committee of the Minnesota Constitutional Study Commission to include a provision in the state constitution prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability. Andrews, who had cerebral palsy and could not drive, described some of the transportation problems she encountered in the Twin Cities in the 1960s and early 1970s while serving as a campus pastor at

Volume 23, Number 11 • 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 Halle 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

the University of Minnesota and attending Luther Seminary in St. Paul.

“My main source of transportation has been the private cab companies of this area, some of whom have refused me service from the very beginning though I am able to get in and out of the average car with little or no assistance. I was fortunate enough to travel with the same cab company (Yellow Cab) from 1963 until 1971 with few problems. In June of 1971 I was refused service, without warning, by that company, which claims to have a picture of the ramp leading into my house and further claims that it supplies insufficient access for a person of my needs. On the basis of that picture, which I have never seen, the cab company in question claims that it cannot afford to handle the high risk insurance it says is necessary in such cases.”

Andrews recounted her attempts to get transportation from agencies designed to help persons with disabilities, “each one seemingly more expensive than the other.” The small suburban cab company (Town Taxi) that did provide her excellent service was unable to transport her throughout the entire metropolitan area.

Even that company stipulated “that all drivers need not be expected to transport handicapped people.”

Andrews received a Master of Divinity Degree from the seminary and in December 1970 became the first woman ordained by the American Lutheran Church. News accounts of her ordination were republished in newspapers around the country. She became an assistant pastor at the Edina Community Lutheran Church. In that context, she concluded her testimony to the committee with this statement: “As a handicapped person, I am met with a variety of reactions by fellow handicapped persons. In many ways it looks like I’ve made it in both the straight and the handicapped world, which makes me both an object of pride and envy. But whatever way one looks at me, it is a misnomer. I am intelligent and well-educated and to some have achieved a certain degree of success, but all those things are being threatened by a decreasing mobility in a profession that demands mobility. ‘Hire the handicapped—it’s good business’ is only a slogan as long as there is no way to get to that job, if and when you find it.”

The Constitutional Study Commission refused to recommend including a prohibition on discrimination on the basis of disability in the Minnesota Constitution, but the following year the Minnesota Legislature added discrimination on the basis of disability to the Human Rights Act and prohibited cab companies from discriminating on that basis.

Andrews died in Detroit in 1978 in a fire in her apartment building.

The complete text of her testimony is included in With an Eye to the Past on the DD Council website at www.mnddc.org/past pdf70s/72/72-DTPBNA.pdf ■ 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

November 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 11

Pg 3

Priorities include personal care attendant pay rates

by Jane McClure

When the 2013 Minnesota Legislature gavels into session Jan. 8, the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD) will be ready with its legislative agenda. However, leaders of the state’s disability groups are all too aware that many uncertainties remain about the session. That means the agenda adopted Oct. 29 at MN-CCD’s annual meeting could see changes.

“We have to think of this (legislative agenda) as a guiding document,” said Anni Simons. MN-CCD’s point person on public policy. “We also have to understand that it’s a dynamic, changing document.”

State House and Senate seats, and the political balance of each body, were up for grabs in the Nov. 6 election. That could bring changes in leadership to the House and Senate, and to committees. Changes at the federal level could also play a role in terms of effects on state programs and services.

MN-CCD legislative subcommittees reviewed disability community issues for several months. Each committee brought forward its priority issues. MNCCD members reviewed the subcommittees’ work in September. Each member organization then ranked issues by importance, to set the final agenda.

Another unknown on some issues, such as disability waiver rates, is that proposals still are taking shape.

“We don’t know what the proposal is yet, so we don’t know how to support it,” said Steve Larson of The Arc Minnesota, MN-CCD’s outgoing co-chairman.

About 30 proposals were taken and melded into four major themes, said Simons. Although the agenda contains a list of the 30 items, MN-CCD and its individual member groups will easily be following 100 different issues and dozens and dozens of bills. One future task before the session starts is to find out which organizations are taking the lead on specific issues.

The first priority for 2013 is to repeal the 20 percent cut in rates for family members who serve as personal care attendants or PCAs. The second-highest priority is to support the passage of Reform 2020

components related to increased coordination of acute and long-term care services. The third priority is to support the inclusion of critical disability services in the essential benefit set established in conjunction with Minnesota’s Health Insurance Exchange.

Other aspects of Reform 2020 ranked fourth and fifth, passage of components related to increased “Self Directed” options within the service system, and components related to transitioning from the current PCA program into Community First Services and Supports, and actively work to shape the operational details of this transition process and new service.

Other priorities in the top 10 list include support of components of the Disability Waivers Rate System that ensure access to quality long-term services and supports for Minnesota’s disability community; reduce use of prone restraints in schools; and support increased autism services coverage through Medicaid and private insurance. MN-CCD also supports components of the Disability Waivers Rate System that ensure access to quality employment support services for Minnesota’s disability community and supports passage of recommendations from the Care Integration and Payment Reform work group.

One of the four areas of focus is Reform 2020. As details of Reform 2020 are further developed during the 2013 session, MN-CCD will support specific components of this redesign initiative that increase access to high- quality services for Minnesotans with disabilities in the areas of employment supports, Community First Services and Supports, increased coordination of acute and long term care services, self-directed services, and the Demonstration of Innovative Approaches to Service Coordination for Children.

A second focus is the Disability Waiver Rate System.

Fundamental components of the system are expected to advance during the 2013 legislative session. MN-CCD will support system components that preserve the ability of organizations to provide critical disability services including health and long-term care services, employ-

MN-CCD - p. 1 “We hope to have someone in place before the start of the legislative session,” Ulland said. The Minnesota Legislature starts its 2013 session Jan. 8.

MN-CCD will also move its offices from The Arc Minnesota, where it has been located for more than four years, to The Arc Greater Twin Cities. Organizations were asked earlier this year to submit proposals to host MN-CCD and several groups responded.

Having an executive director will give MN-CCD a consistent spokesperson at the state capitol and in other leadership situations, according to a task force report released last year. The restructuring will also allow MNCCD to meet several goals including broadly enhancing the political power of Minnesota’s disability community, strengthening the group’s effectiveness and providing opportunities to build a stronger identity for MNCCD. Other benefits of the reorganization cited include enabling MN-CCD to become financially independent.

The organization will move on without two longtime leaders. Veteran MN-CCD Co-Chairman Steve Larson, public policy director for The Arc Minnesota, is stepping down from the organization’s board to make way for new leadership. Larson said he will continue to work closely with the organization.

Anni Simons, the MN-CCD senior policy and program manager, left her duties Nov. 5 to become a government relations specialist at the law firm of Fredrikson and Byron. She worked with MN-CCD for 4½ years and is credited with helping MN-CCD grow in political power, greatly expand its grassroots efforts, and evolve into a due- paying organization.

Until a new MN-CCD director is hired, Simons and board members will help out.

Simons said she will miss MN-CCD. “But I certainly hope and expect that all of our paths will continue to cross,” she said. ■

MN-CCD will be out in force at the state capitol in 2013.

Self-advocates will be there, many with homemade signs.

Access Press file photo

ment supports and increased residential options.

The third area is state healthcare reforms, as state lawmakers are expected to move forward with a number of reforms this session. MN-CCD will work to ensure that the critical healthcare needs of the disability community are reflected in these reforms through the inclusion of specific services in the Health Insurance Exchange essential benefit set and the advancement of the recommendations of the Care Integration and Payment Reform work group.

MN-CCD will support additional policy changes Legistative wrap up - p. 7

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

Minneapolis Buffalo Minneapolis Hutchinson Anoka St. Paul Mahtomedi Minneapolis Eden Prairie Minneapolis Minneapolis Brooklyn Center Vadnais Heights Little Falls Park Rapids

(612) 824-6665 (763) 684-1907 (612) 338-3106 1-800-661-2501 (763) 427-7650 (651) 292-8497 (651) 653-0640 (612) 377-9015 (952) 941-5544 (612) 623-0247 (612) 721-2252 (763) 560-7563 (651) 653-0640 (320) 632-0980 1-888-332-9312

We are accepting applications for our large number of mobility impaired accessible units.

Please call us for more information.

1 BR 2 BR 2 BR 1 BR 1 & 2 BR 1 BR 2 BR 1 BR 2 & 3 BR 2 BR 1 BR (sr) 2 BR 3 BR 1 & 2 BR 1 BR

Pg 4 November 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 11

MY TURN Happy Thanksgiving

For people with cerebral palsy, gluttony isn’t necessarily a sin

by Emma Wagner

Thanksgiving is coming up soon. A dinner of turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy and dessert of pumpkin pie, will likely be served. For people who have ambulatory cerebral palsy (CP) intake of calories should not be an issue. Medical professionals often compare having CP to walking up stairs all day in terms of a person using estimated twice as much energy just walking, as someone who does not have the condition, uses walking up stairs.

There are advantages to having ambulatory cerebral palsy: due to the amount of energy they use to walk, people who have the condition burn approximately three to five times more calories over the course of a day than people who do not have it. A result of burning calories by using energy, being overweight is not particularly a concern.

Regulation of weight is an issue in American culture. Many people in the United States have issues with weight, whether it is being overweight or underweight.

Regulating weight can be difficult even when it would not seem like an issue. For example, a person who is not overweight may be conscious of how many calories they take in. People who do not have CP might worry about gaining weight even if they are in good shape physically. Being weight-conscious can lead people to eat foods they think are healthy, but they actually are not, such as, foods marketed as low-fat or non-fat.

It is not as if gluttony is a sin. It is actually good for individuals who have ambulatory cerebral palsy, to consistently eat portions of high-calorie foods because they will not be able to hold the calories in for long periods of time. Whatever they eat, they burn off calories.

Calorie burning has led to concern among nutritionists about malnutrition in people who have ambulatory cerebral palsy. Depending on their level of ambulation, people who have ambulatory cerebral palsy might burn off calories quickly and therefore be low in weight, so weight gain is healthy for them. This means people who have CP can eat foods that people may be wary of, such as a meal consisting of things like ribs, a baked potato, and corn, and still be able to devour a hot fudge sundae for dessert without having to worry about calories.

Who would have thought it? In a culture concerned with weight regulation, having ambulatory cerebral palsy can be an advantage; it is necessary to eat high-calorie foods on a regular basis and there is not much concern about unhealthy weight gain. A disability that requires a large amount of energy use can be a good thing.

■

In Memoriam Bloom opened doors for college students with disabilities

by Clarence Schadegg

People who attend Augsburg College in Minneapolis may see students with disabilities hurrying from one class or building to another. It was not always like that.

Prior to the 1970s, Augsburg College wasn’t accessible to students with disabilities. Vern Bloom, who died Oct. 20 at age 78, was one of the people who helped open Augsburg to all.

Bloom began teaching at Augsburg College in the 1960s. He taught social work, graduate and undergraduate levels, sociology and a periodic anthropology class. Bloom was also director of the Community Human Resources Program, the Center for the Education of Nontraditional Students and Augsburg’s College of the Third Age. Bloom saw the value of inclusion of people with disabilities at Augsburg. This diversity enriched the Augsburg College experience for students with and without disabilities. The classes he taught and the programs he directed included people with disabilities. He negotiated with staff members who at the time were less than willing to include in their classes people with disabilities.

In the 1970s, students with disabilities began coming to Augsburg from residential facilities. Until his retirement Bloom recruited people with disabilities to attend classes at Augsburg College. I was one of those students. I was legally blind at the time. Bloom found ways for me to settle into the Augsburg College experience.

Bloom was my supervisor for my University of Minnesota graduate level internship at Augsburg College. That was in 1985. Since then, he and I worked together on many projects on and off of the Augsburg College campus. He often invited me to speak to his Augsburg students on campus as well as in prisons on subjects including blindness, aging and disability.

He also invited me to co-coordinate a daylong conference in 2008 called Open Doors. Open Doors was held at Wesley United Methodist Church, a faith community recognized as progressive and as a change-agent. Open Doors included people who worked with prison inmates as well as people from various faith communities.

My life was made better because of Vern Bloom. I came to know and appreciate Vern as my mentor, teacher and friend. His death left me feeling stunned and saddened. It is a huge understatement that Vern Bloom will be missed. His legacy is that he guided people out of their comfort zones and institutional complacency to ones that became more accessible and inclusive to a variety of people with disabilities.

Good-bye, my friend. Rest in the knowledge that you will not be forgotten. Pioneers like you are never forgotten. Rest my friend in the know that you had walked the talk. You showed people around you the valuable contributions of people with disabilities.

Vern Bloom’s memorial gathering is 1-4 p.m. Sun., Nov. 11 at Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4343 Nicollet Ave S., Minneapolis. ■

Maynard Reynolds changed education Maynard Reynolds, a pioneer of mainstreaming in education, died Oct. 16. He was 90 and lived in North Oaks. Reynolds was the former chairman of the University of Minnesota Department of Special Education. He was a professor for 38 years. He is considered one of the architects of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

“People were just a little bit horrified,” Sue Rose, coordinator of Special Education Programs at the University of Minnesota and a longtime colleague, told the Star Tribune. “They said, ‘You’re taking these kids who have problems and keeping them in a general education classroom where regular education teachers don’t know how to work with them.’ His premise was ‘let’s do a better job of teaching all kids well across the board.’”

Adaptive mainstreaming is now commonplace.

Reynolds grew up in a family that lived with disabilities. His mother taught elementary school, even after she developed glaucoma that left her nearly 100 percent blind. His father lost his hearing.

Reynolds served in World War II in the Solomon In memoriam - p. 14

Desktop Publishing: Advertisements Brochures Catalogs Flyers Newsletters/papers & More!

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

November 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 11

PEOPLE & PLACES

Eagle Scout candidate Erik Newland stands by his project to improve accessibility.

Photo courtesy of Lutheran Social Services

Eagle Scout project helps residents Individuals living at Northport, a Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) home for adults with developmental disabilities in the Minneapolis area, are looking forward to more afternoons spent at their neighborhood park and hosting gatherings in their back yard. That’s because an Eagle Scout’s final project brought philanthropy and service together to create a more accessible community.

At the suggestion of his Pastor, Erik Newland partnered with Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd—his scout troop sponsor—and Lutheran Social Services to design a project that would fulfill his scouting requirements and a personal desire to help improve quality of life for people with disabilities.

With help from a grant awarded by the church’s

Pg 5

foundation, Newland planned and led construction of a concrete pathway to form a direct route around the home, providing safe and quick access to the back yard and park. The $3,500 gift covered the entire cost of the project.

“When Erik approached me about an idea for his Eagle Scout project, I knew working with LSS would be a perfect fit for him,” said Pastor Deborah Samuelson. “Our foundation encourages stewardship and service and we wanted to do all we could to support his endeavor.”

Financial backing wasn’t the only support he received. Building materials including gravel, sand and pavers were provided at a discounted price from Klier’s Nursery & Garden Center, Minneapolis. As for the labor, he enlisted Boy Scout Troop 6, his family, friends, and congregation to roll up their sleeves and get the job done.

“My grandfather uses a wheelchair, and the struggle to cope with it has been quite hard on him

and our family,” Newland said. “Hearing about how hard it is for individuals at Northport to do something as simple as enjoy the backyard was sad. I’m happy that I could build this path for them and help improve their community.”

“This project was a huge undertaking and I am so impressed with Erik’s initiative,” said Per Chomdokmai, designated coordinator for LSS. “The new path and patio means that people we serve will be able to safely access their own back yard whenever they want to; an inherent part of the American culture and social experience. We really appreciate the generosity of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd and the support of Erik’s scout troop and family. Without any of them, this would not have been possible.”

The concrete pathway was to be finished before the end of October. The crew will return in April to finish landscaping and plant flowers. Newland expects to receive the Eagle Scout honor at a recognition ceremony this winter. ■

Keprios wins national excellence award

Housing program achieves milestone

The Arc’s National Conference of Executives honored Kim Keprios, chief executive officer of The Arc Greater Twin Cities, with the 2012 Executive Excellence Award. She received the award at The Arc’s National Convention and International Forum in Washington, D.C., Oct. 25-28. The Executive Excellence Award is the convention’s highest honor. It recognizes an individual whose career exemplifies the fulfillment of the mission, core values and position statements of The Arc. Keprios was nominated for the award in recognition of her 30th anniversary with The Arc Greater Twin Cities. She joined Arc Hennepin County in 1982 as community services director. She became executive director in 1986 and has led the chapter through mergers with Arc Carver County and Arc Great Rivers. Today she is the chief executive officer of The Arc Greater Twin Cities, which serves the seven-county metro area and is the largest chapter of The Arc in Minnesota.

Under Keprios’ leadership, The Arc Greater Twin Cities has developed strong individual advocacy, selfadvocacy and public policy initiatives focused on self-determination and community building for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. These initiatives include future planning, special education, work preparedness and, most recently, abuse prevention and mentoring. ■

A program that helps Minnesotans with disabilities find safe, affordable housing surpassed the 500 mark in moving individuals to homes of their own this year.

Housing Access Services is a partnership of The Arc of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Human Services that helps adults of all ages who are eligible for Medical Assistance home care or waiver programs and want to move to homes of their own.

Program staff accompanies people as they look for housing. They help with completing rental applications and lease agreements, meeting and negotiating with landlords and property staff, application fees and deposits, finding affordable furnishings and packing and moving belongings. Staff ensures that people who can work are close to places of employment and services, such as transportation, that will allow them to work. Recently staff has worked to ensure that participants in the program are receiving benefits they may be entitled to through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and other programs.

Currently the program is increasing its efforts to connect people to nutrition programs and employment supports for which they may be eligible. Among the 566 people who have moved since the program started in September 2009 are adults who had been living in their family home and others who moved to residences of their own from group homes, assisted living or from being homeless. ■

Health reform expert named Minnesota Medicaid director Carol Backstrom, an administrator experienced in health care administration and reform at the state and federal levels, has been named state Medicaid director. She began work at the Minnesota Department of Human Services on Nov. 5.

Backstrom had served as a senior policy advisor at the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services, part of the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. In this role she has served as liaison with state partners in creating and implementing reforms in Medicaid programs across the country. Before that she served as assistant to the commissioner for health reform at the Minnesota Department of Health, overseeing implementation of state health reform legislation passed in 2008.

Minnesota is a leader in advancing Medicaid reforms. In August, Minnesota became the first state to win federal approval for its Health Care Delivery Demonstration, an effort to improve care for enrollees while saving taxpayer dollars. Minnesota has also implemented competitive bidding for proPeople and places - p. 14

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.

Kent’s Accounting Service, LLC

Kent Fordyce Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor

2012 2005-2011

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

6371 Bartlett Blvd Mound, MN 55364

We look forward to hearing from you!

Please call (612) 726-9341.

Fax: 952-472-1458

612-889-2959

fordyce6@aol.com

Pg 6 November 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 11

REGIONAL NEWS Guardians cannot end life support A Hennepin County District Court judge has ruled that guardians cannot order their wards to be removed from life support. The right-to-die issue could have implications for many of the plus-12,000 Minnesotans currently under guardianship. The Oct. 18 ruling by Judge Jay Quam is the first time the issue has been addressed by a state court.

The case involved Jeffers Tschumy, 57, who died last spring. Tschumy, who had cognitive disabilities, had been under guardianship since 2008. He lived in a

Special education center eyed The North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale district, which serves students in Washington and Ramsey counties, wants to renovate the North St. Paul community center for $2.5 million early next year and then open a special education center there next fall.

The district believes it can save on tuition costs for students who now are being sent elsewhere for special programs. But the proposal is not just about saving money, said Karon Joyer, district director of special services. She believes students will be better served in a central facility. In addition, parents can take comfort knowing their children are within their home district.

Joyer said the refurbished building would offer students access to a gymnasium, creative arts spaces and the city’s Ramsey County branch library. The community center is currently losing money.

Emotional behavioral disorder programs, workbased learning and the TEEP (Therapeutic Elementary Education Program) would be housed in the building if it gets school district, city and state approvals. ■ [Source: Star Tribune]

group home before choking on food in April 2012. He couldn’t be revived and was declared severely brain damaged with little hope for recovery. He had no known family and no health care directive on file.

Allina Health Systems filed a motion asking that Tschumy be removed from life support. Allina asked that either Tschumy’s guardian be allowed to make that decision or that the court make the decision. The guardian’s attorney and an attorney representing Tschumy’s interest agreed with that decision. Quam authorized the termination of life support in May, but denied the guardian’s request for the sole power to make that decision.

Quam’s October ruling elaborates on his May decision. He wrote that although guardians have a strong case to make end-of-life decisions under the state law

that allows them to withhold or allow medical care, that law doesn’t specifically allow them to terminate life support. Until the Minnesota Legislature decides to revisit the issue and change state law, only a judge or a legally authorized representative can allow life support to be removed.

In his ruling, Quam stated, “Simply stated, if the Legislature intended to give a guardian the power to end the ward’s life, it would have explicitly done so.”

Quam wrote. “The Court does not believe that the Legislature intended a subtle inference in a statute to bestow on 12,000 guardians around the state the most awesome power imaginable over the life of another.”

■ [Source: Star Tribune]

Scooter is stolen, then replaced A St. Paul man with a malignant brain tumor had his mobility scooter stolen in October. The scooter was replaced by the law firm Schwebel Goetz and Sieben but the original hasn’t been found.

George Hensley, 45, needs a scooter to travel any distance. He used the scooter to take a dog for walks, and to out by himself. The scooter was stolen from the yard of his home.

Hensley’s brain tumor was diagnosed in February 2011, and he’s undergone radiation and chemotherapy.

When Hensley got out of the hospital, he couldn’t walk. He used a wheelchair and is starting to walk on his own now, but still needs a scooter for longer distances. The Pride-brand scooter is blue and has three gray wheels, handlebars and an attached battery-operated push light. It has a gray cloth seat with a black wheelchair seat atop.

If you have any information on the theft, call the St. Paul Police at 651-291-1111. ■ [Source: Pioneer Press]

We Can Ride must ride away We Can Ride, a program that provides horse therapy for people with disabilities, had to saddle up and ride away from its longtime home at the University of Minnesota St. Paul campus. The program moved out Oct. 2324. The horses and equipment were relocated to Hastings.

The program has other facilities in the region but the U of M site was the only one in the city. University officials didn’t renew We Can Ride’s lease. College of Veterinary Medicine officials said they ended the relationship reluctantly. The university needs space for its own programs, couldn’t afford to help the nonprofit any longer and faced the possible loss of accreditation for housing the program and its horses.

Brad Thorsen is the group’s executive director. Thorsen told KSTP-TV, “We did not plan for this to happen.”

Therapy sessions will start in Hastings by spring.

[Source: KSTP-TV, Star Tribune] Regional News - p. 15

November 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 11

PEOPLE & PLACES Handi Medical wins national honors

Mike Bailey and Mary Benhardus celebrated Handi Medical’s recent award.

Photo courtesy of Home Medical Equipment News

Handi Medical Supply has been honored with the 2012 Home Medical Equipment (HME) Excellence Award. Company officials attribute the award largely to Handi Medical’s focus on mission, vision and values. It is a company born out of one owner’s personal experiences and ability to see where change was needed. The company is based in St. Paul’s Midway area and serves a large national clientele.

Handi Medical Supply provides home medical equipment and supplies both locally in store and nationally online at www.handimedical.com.

The HME Excellence Award recognizes one com-

pany each year as the Best HME Provider, with judges evaluating company performance in categories including financial, community involvement, staffing and quality control.

The award was presented in September at the Home Medical Equipment (HME) News Business Summit in Pittsburgh. Two other firms were also honored. Bluegrass Oxygen of Lexington, Ky., won the award for Best Home Respiratory Provider. Home Health Depot of Indianapolis won the award for Best Rehab Technology Provider. HME News received more than 70 applications for this year’s awards. HME News is based in Yarmouth, ME. This year’s judges were consultants Miriam Lieber,Karen Moore and Christopher Sizemore.

Handi Medical was founded in 1988 by Mary Benhardus. She owns and operates the business with her husband Shann, Mike Bailey (CEO) and many key employees. Handi Medical has always emphasized their values. Mary Benhardus’ original vision for Handi Medical began during her employment as a personal care attendant (PCA) and student. When she called home medical supply companies to order supplies or to have a wheelchair repaired, she found waiting periods to be long and the service inadequate for the needs of her clients.

Addressing the need to properly serve the customer, she borrowed money from her grandfather and started Handi Medical Supply. She defined their mission simply as “to enrich lives,” and has since witnessed the company’s growth rise above industry averages.

With more than 80 employees, Handi Medical Supply maintains a spirit of volunteerism and community

Pg 7

involvement which played a large role in the nomination for the 2012 HME Excellence Award. Handi Medical has a long record of community service at the local and national levels.

In addition to their Joint Commission accreditation and their finalist position for the Better Business Bureau’s Integrity Award, Bailey said of the award, “It validates for me that we have selected the correct business model in serving both our internal and external customers.”

Mary and Shann Benhardus added their sentiments in response to the award. “We are both so proud to win the 2012 HME Excellence Award because it confirms to all that Handi Medical Supply is blessed with great, quality people who strive to enrich the lives of our customers each and every day,” the couple said in a statement. “Without the dedication to excellence from all of our team members, winning this award would not have been possible.”

In 2004 Mary Benhardus served on the first-ever CMS’s Program Advisory and Oversight Committee for competitive bidding. The committee provided advice on implementing competitive bidding related to financial standards, data collection, quality standards and proposals for interaction among manufacturers, suppliers and individuals.

At the time, she expressed concern that decisions not be made by people who don’t provide services.

She also said that the concerns needed to be focused on those who receive services.

For more information on the HME Excellence Awards, including photos of the 2012 award winners, go to hmeexcellenceawards.com/index.php ■

State council presents awards to those who make a positive difference in Minnesota A Minnesota couple who farm and who provide needed medical equipment, a group serving veterans and the longtime director of Southeast Minnesota Center for Independent Living (SEMCIL) are among the 2012 Minnesota State Council on Disability

Northfield residents get help U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Donovan recently announced grant approval to help 64 senior citizens and persons with disabilities in Northfield to receive health care, meals, and other critical supportive services. The grants are awarded through HUD’s Multifamily Housing Service Coordinator Program.

The grants are awarded to eligible owners of private housing developments that receive rental subsidies from HUD to house low-income individuals in 36 states and the District of Columbia. These property owners or their management companies either hire or contract service coordinators with backgrounds in providing social services, especially to the frail elderly and people with disabilities, to assist their residents with special needs.

“These service coordinators help us connect senior citizens and those living with disabilities with the services they need to live independently,” said HUD’s Midwest Regional Administrator, Antonio R. Riley.

“We’re getting older as a nation and these grants go a long way toward ensuring these vulnerable populations are well served and allowed to age in place.

The grants are awarded are designed for an initial three-year period to allow eligible owners of multi-”family housing for the elderly or disabled, to hire and support a service coordinator. The funds cover such costs as salary, benefits, quality assurance, training, office space, equipment, and other related administrative expenses. ■

Legislative wrap up- from p. 3 that will advance the independence of Minnesotans with disabilities including specific Olmstead recommendations, increased access to non-emergency medical transportation and other public transportation options, increased bullying prevention measures in schools, a narrowed list of “unallowable” items under the consumer directed community supports program, improvements to the state’s special education system and strengthened quality assurance measures. ■

(MNSCOD) award winners. They were honored Oct. 18 at the DS Event Center in St. Paul.

The event also highlighted Emergency Preparedness Month and National Disability Employment Awareness Month. It included a keynote speech by Joseph Shapiro and a panel discussion.

National Public Radio correspondent Shapiro is author of the ground-breaking disability-rights book “NO PITY”: People with Disabilities Forging a New Civil Rights Movement.” He discussed how infrastructure is crucial to successful employment for people with disabilities.

Longtime SEMCIL Director Vicki Dalle Molle was honored with the Mentorship Award. She led SEMCIL for more than a decade before recently accepting a position with the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). Under her leadership

SEMCIL has provided extensive services to people with disabilities from independent living skills, to home care and beyond.

The Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota won the Above and Beyond Veterans’ Employment Award. With the challenge to hire additional employees, the organization focused on new returning combat veterans disabled in the current wars. The DAV has successfully hired five young Iraq/Afghanistan disabled veterans.

Elmer and Vernette Knutson of rural Fairfax won the Friend of the Council Award. Rather than retire, this generous couple still lives on the family farm.

They gather wheelchairs and other items for people in need, using space in the barn as storage. They also volunteer at the local food shelf.

MNSCOD award winners - p. 14

Pg 8 November 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 11

Fun had by all at the 2012 Charlie Smith Award Banquet

Lynda Milne Benjamin, Alex Bartolic, Bill Bartolic, interpreters and Tim Benjamin enjoy the meal.

New board member Halle O’Falvey, Georgia Duncan, Chuck and Mel Duncan delighted in their conversation.

The people at Metropolitan Center for Independent Living’s table had a lively conversation.

Access Press board member Carrie Salberg, center, visited with her tablemates.

The Advocating Change Together table included Mary Kay Kennedy and Rick Cardenas.

“Chuck” Van Heuveln showed his Charlie Smith award to Mel Duncan.

Anni Simon, standing, is recognized for her years of work at MN-CCD and was happy that her sister was there to see her recognized..

November 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 11

The UCare table guests were eager to see the trailer of the upcoming documentary on disability and the media. The documentary will highlight the history of advocacy, activism and the struggle of the disability rights movement.

Anita Schermer, Luther Granquist and Jerod Peterson enjoyed the evening and reminisced about the highlights of their involvement in Access Press’ past.

Everyone in attendance stood as Chuck Van Heuveln wheels to the podium to accept his award after a fabulous acknowledgment by Mel Duncan and Anne Henry. The long and brisk applause was a wonderful display of appreciation for Van Heuveln.

Disability Law Center attendees Pamela Hoopes and Anne Henry, winner of the 2009 Charlie Award, are shown at their table.

Rick Cardenas, Tim Benjamin, Chuck Van Heuveln, standing Joel Ulland, Jeff Bangsberg and John Tschida were among many guests in attendance during the banquet.

Cardenas was the 2004 recipient of the Charlie Award and Bangsberg received it in 2011. Tschida and Ulland received the award for MN-CCD in 2005.

Tim Benjamin and Anne Henry presented Chuck Van Heuveln with the 2012 Charlie Smith award

Brigid Alseth presented Anita Schumer with a board recognition award.

Pg 9

Banquet attendees were served their meal prior to the cremonies.

Your home, your independence . . . 763-546-1000 At In Home Personal Care, we pride ourselves not only on the help we provide, but also on our ability to listen. We understand that each of our clients has different needs at different times. Our quality home care services are formed around a plan that works for you and your individual situation.

Serving Adults and Children with Long-Term Needs since 1991

8441 Wayzata Blvd; Suite 130 Golden Valley, MN 55426

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

Photos by Lawrence Green

Pg 10 November 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 11

ProAct Awards celebrate providers of employment

Amy Wenstrom, left, inbound fulfillment manager for Asset Marketing in Burnsville, receives ProAct’s Employer of the Year Award for Community Employment from ProAct Employment Manager Catherine McCoy

ProAct vocational specialist Jennifer Malm, left, presented the Employer Award for the Vocational Partner category to Sandie Heuer and Carol Jackson from Peanut’s Place in Eagan.

Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet in Eagan was named for Employer of the Year for the Supported Employment category. The store employs ProAct’s Shannon Stone, who received the award on behalf of the store.

Four diverse businesses were chosen for this year’s ProAct Employer of the Year awards and honored at ProAct’s 40th annual banquet in October. Honors going to Asset Marketing Services, Burnsville; IMV Technologies USA, Maple Grove; and two Eagan businesses, Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet and Peanut’s Place. Winners were chosen in four employer categories.

The banquet was held at Prom Center in Oakdale and featured KSTP-TV News Anchor Megan Newquist. More than 500 people attended the event.

“Employers are at the heart of our mission, which is to provide training and job opportunities for people with developmental disabilities,” said ProAct President and CEO Steven Ditschler. “We value their partnership, and the solid relationships that have been established.”

Winning recognition in the Business Partner category, IMV Technologies USA uses individuals from ProAct for packaging and labelIMV Technologies USA wins ProAct’s Employer of the Year award for the Business Partner category. ing services, as well as quality assurance. The work involves people Pictured, from left, are: ProAct Sales Manager Greg Pechman, IMV Office Manager Eric Salonen and VP with a wide range of disabilities. and General Manager Angela De Mirjyn, and Megan Newquist, news anchor for KSTP-TV IMV’s Eric Salonen, who serves in supply chain and operations in Photos courtesy of ProAct Maple Grove, said the company’s animal breeding products require a sterile environment and it found an efficient packaging solution in ProAct. “They “It’s always been near and dear to my heart and I love working for a company are a very impressive organization with a good staff that is very enthusiastic about that thinks this way,” Griffin said. “Working with Shannon is an absolute joy; she the work they do for their clients. We felt immediately that it was a good fit,” he brings joy to the whole team.” said.

Peanut’s Place fills a new “Vocational Partner” award category. The animal boardAsset Marketing Services won the Community Marketing award. The company ing and grooming service hosts job candidates from ProAct who gain work experience has multiple product lines, and employs crews from ProAct for inspection and and get the chance to be assessed for work opportunities. packaging. Product handling at Asset requires great attention to detail, said Amy ProAct individuals are often working when owner Roberta Venaglia is on duty.

Wenstrom, director of inbound fulfillment.

They free her up to do work in the front office and on other duties. “They’re “We are really excited and honored …we feel like we have such a great partner- spending the time with the dogs. It’s a good plus for everybody,” she said. ship with them,” she said. Work with Asset began in 2011 and has since expanded, Additionally, the flexibility to bring job candidates for assessments most anybut remains flexible to company needs. Asset Marketing also utilizes a team of intime has made Peanut’s Place a valuable partner, said ProAct Vocational Coordidividuals from ProAct for cleaning services twice a week. nator Heather Deutschlaender.

In the Supported Employment category, Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet has ProAct is headquartered in Eagan and has additional operations in Red Wing, worked closely with its employee, Shannon Stone, who has received follow-up Zumbrota and in Hudson, Wis. Its mission is to serve individuals experiencing barsupport from ProAct. Stone cleans the Eagan store, and has additional responsibili- riers to employment and self-sufficiency due to intellectual and developmental disties that include working with rescue cats. Store Manager Jenny Griffin has shown abilities, physical disabilities, mental health issues, traumatic brain injuries and a unique ability to see beyond Stone’s limitations and to utilize her strengths in other challenges. ■ productive ways, said ProAct Program Coordinator Jennifer Markley.

2012 Charlie Award winner disabilities to pay a percentage of their earnings, as an insurance premium toward medical expenses to county human services. Van Heuveln needs services to cover his personal care attendant needs, which are not covered under his employment insurance.

But under past state rules, he would be cut off at age 65 and placed on MA-EPD, even though he wanted to continue working. He would have to give up his job working with students with disabilities at St. Paul Public Schools and most of his accumulated financial assets, and ultimately his home due to income restric-

- from p. 1

tions that would have made it impossible to continue to pay his mortgage.

He worked to change state law to allow MA-EPD recipients to keep working, taking his case to the news media and raising awareness of this important issue. Duncan recalled that Van Heuveln initially got little response from state lawmakers. But with help from the news media including Access Press, Van Heuveln put a human side to the plight of working Minnesotans with disabilities who want to work and want to continue to contribute to society. He got the law changed; helping many Minne-

sotans with disabilities continue to work.

Duncan read from an email from Van Heuveln, when the fight began: “I have written letters to the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor followed the MA-EPD Bill through the House and the Senate in the last Legislative season. Today I started checking into Legal Aide. Mel I need a little help because I’m not quite ready for a nursing home or be put out to pasture.” Duncan quipped, “Chuck has a compelling, matter-of-fact way of engaging people that is hard to refuse.”

When most legislators proved to be less than helpful, Van Heuveln then wrote them and

challenged each to live on $677 per month, MA income limit.

“His refusal to be put out to pasture a year and a half ago led to hundreds of people being able to continue working, keep their homes, keep their pensions, keep their lives,” said Duncan.

Van Heuveln, for his part, recalled the years of work he and other activists put in on so many issues important to Minnesota’s disability community. He urged those present to get involved and take a role in doing the important work of advocating for the community.

He was also gracious in emphasizing that such work isn’t

something he has done alone.

“I could not do what I have done without the help of others,” Van Heuveln said.

Duncan said it was fitting that Van Heuveln was honored just days before Minnesotans voted whether or not to amend the state constitution to restrict voting, a provision that would stifle people with disabilities from voting.

“We live in tough times,” said Duncan. “Are we witnessing the twilight of the disability rights movement? Or will we follow Chuck’s example and refuse to be shut in and shut out and act to bring a new dawn?” ■

November 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 11 Pg 11

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, or 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 http://tinyurl.com/d34dzo2. Sign up to connect with ASL Interpreted and Captioned Performances Across Minnesota on Facebook http://tinyurl.com/ ctwnfzc.

Festival of Lights The Arc Mower County is a beneficiary of donations at this year’s Festival of Lights, held 5-10 p.m. Thu-Sun, Nov. 23-Dec. 16 and nightly Dec. 20-30 at Yogi Bear Jellystone Park outside of Austin. Take Interstate 90 exit 187 and follow signs. Costs range from $15 for a carload of 1-7 people, or $25 for a limo or mini-bus with 8-15 people. The cost is reduced $5 if you bring a donation.

Donate food or new pet food and items, or a new unwrapped toy. Help many causes and see beautiful lights. www.austinfestivaloflights.com

Take the Polar Plunge Whether it’s one toe at a time, eyes tightly closed with an uneasy step forward or a fearless cannonball, brave souls are already planning their grand entrance into the icy waters at the 2013 Polar Bear Plunge, presented by Minnesota law enforcement for the benefit of Special Olympics Minnesota. Registration is now open for the 2013 Plunge Season. With 16 Polar Bear Plunge events scattered across the state between Jan. 26 and March 16, dare-devils and do-gooders alike are sure to be “freezin’ for a reason.” Brave Plungers jump into the frigid Minnesota waters as individuals or as a member of a team to raise money for Special Olympics Minnesota.

Although each participant must raise a minimum of $75 to Plunge, the average Plunger raised more than $200 in 2012. The total amount raised in 2012 was $2.85 million.

FFI: 800-783-7732, plungemn.org, polarbearplunge@somn.org

Northland 300 marks 25 years This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Northland 300 and its work to support Special Olympics Minnesota.

Thousands have enjoyed this North Shore snowmobile ride and fundraiser. Organizers are preparing for the next big event Jan. 23-27, 2013 and have posted information about the event history on the event website. The event has raised more than $3.6 million over the years.

Information on registration and pledges is also available.

FFI: Kathy Karkula, 612-789-2081 or karkulak@hotmail.com; www.northland300.org or www.specialolympicsminnesota.org

Madeline’s Christmas Stages Theatre Company presents Madeline’s Christmas at Hopkins Center for the Arts Mainstage, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins. Captioning is offered 1 p.m. Sat, Nov. 17, and 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. ASL performance is 2 p.m. Sun, Dec. 2. AD performance is 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 7, Available on request for alternative dates by calling Nicki Pretzer, 952-979-1119, at least two weeks before show. Tickets are reduced to $11, $9 Child/Senior, $8.50 Weekend/Evening Group (12+); apply to the individual needing AD/ASL and one companion; ask for discount and seating section when making reservation. FFI: 952979-1111 option 4, www.stagestheatre.org

A Don’t Hug Me Christmas Carol Enjoy Christmas Eve in Bunyan Bay with Gunnar Johnson and folk legend Sven Yorgensen, the ghost of Christmas past, present and future. Presented by New Century Theatre, 615 Hennepin Ave., #145, Mpls. ASL performance is 8:30 p.m. Sat, Nov. 24. Tickets are $26; reduced to half-price tickets for ASL. FFI: 612-455-9501, e-mail: BoxOffice@HennepinTheatreTrust.org, www.hennepintheatretrust.org

Contemporary Journeys Morning Exhibition Tour See the Contemporary Journeys Morning Exhibition Tour at Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. Contemporary art becomes the catalyst for community building, self-expression, and appreciating the present in this program designed for individuals with early to middlestage Alzheimer’s and other dementias, their care partners, family and friends. A special event for Alzheimer’s patients and their families is at 10 a.m. Wed, Nov. 28.

Tour fee is $10, senior 65+ $8. Care partners & additional family/friends free. Pay in advance by credit card (by phone) or cash/check on the program day. (Exact change appreciated.) Pre-registration required at least one week before program. FFI: 612-375-7609, or email education.resources@walkerart.org, www.walkerart.org/ calendar/2012/cindy-sherman; www.walkerart.org/visit/ accessibility

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas Children’s Theater Company presents the Dr. Seuss Christmas story at the theater company’s United Health Group Stage, 2400 Third Ave. S., Mpls. AD and ASL performance is 7 p.m. Fri, Nov. 30; school matinee is 10:30 a.m. Wed, Nov. 28. Ask about special price rates for ASL/AD patrons (regular $16-40) FFI: 612-874-0400; email tickets@childrenstheatre.org, www.childrenstheatre.org

A Christmas Carol Commonweal Theatre Company presents the Charles Dickens classic at its theater at 208 Parkway Ave. N., Lanesboro. AD performance is 1:30 p.m. Sat, Dec. 1, preshow at 1:10 p.m. Tickets are $30; student $15. FFI: 507467-2525 or 800-657-7025; email: info@commonweal theatre.org, www.commonwealtheatre.org

A Christmas Carol Guthrie Theater’s version of A Christmas Carol is a Twin Cities holiday favorite, presented at the Guthrie Theater, Wurtele Thrust Stage, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. AD and ASL

performance is 7:30 p.m. Sat, Dec. 1. Sensory tour; is 7:30 p.m. Wed, Dec. 5. Captioning is 1 p.m. Sun, Dec. 2.

Tickets are reduced to $20 for AD/ASL, $25 for Captioning (regular $24-62). FFI: 612-377-2224, TTY 612-377-6626, www.guthrietheater.org

Our First Noel: A Holiday Homecoming Our First Noel: A Holiday Homecoming is performed by: Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus at Ted Mann Concert Hall, 2128 4th St. S., Mpls. ASL performance is 8 p.m.

Fri, Dec. 7. Tickets are reduced to half-price for ASL patrons (regular $25-41, includes box office & facility fees).

Large-print and Braille programs available on request.

FFI: 612-624-2345; email: nto@umn.edu, www.tcgmc.org or www.tickets.umn.edu/Online/

Help special needs students through sale Nettie & Friends are at it again with their irresistible, locally handcrafted goods. Come to the annual sale’s opening reception 4-8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 1 at the Egg and I East, 2550 University Ave., St. Paul. Shop there through December and help students at Maxfield School in St. Paul’s Rondo neighborhood.

Learn about service dogs Are you a dog lover? Want to see how a local organization trains dogs to give back to those in need? Join Can Do Canines 10 a.m. Tue, Nov. 13 for the Tails to Tell Tour. Learn about the mission of Can Do Canines as well as the amazing volunteer opportunities available to the community. Meet a graduate and his/her assistance dog, a puppy raiser, a volunteer and members of the staff while getting to tour the newly remodeled training facility at 9440 Science Center Drive in New Hope. The event is free but space is limited and guests must RSVP. FFI: 763-331-3000 ext.152, tour@can-do-canines.org, http://can-do-canines.org ■

Pg 12 November 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 11

UPCOMING EVENTS Conferences Attend Arc conference “A New Vision in Action” is the theme for The Arc Minnesota State Conference, Nov. 16-17 at Crowne Plaza Suites Airport, Mall of America, Bloomington. This annual conference can help provide a new way of looking at disability supports and services in the years ahead.

Hear about successes and best practices from parents, self-advocates, and people employed in the field who are creating visions of what is possible and how to get there. Hear from prominent leaders who are advancing disability rights and new futures for people with disabilities, including Judge Donovan Frank of the U.S. District Court in St. Paul, and Deputy Commissioner of Human Services Anne Barry. Hotel rooms are $99/night. Reduced conference fees for members of The Arc. FFI: 1800-582-5256, ext. 113, www.arcmn.org

Adult classes Understand the rules for work Work Incentives Connection hosts free community meetings to explain how working affects Social Security Disability, SSDI and SSI benefits. Learn about benefits and work rules, myths about working, and how work incentives help people earn more. Preregistration is required.

Meetings are set for Nov. 13 in Stillwater, Nov. 15 in St. Paul, Nov. 28 in Bloomington and Burnsville; Nov. 29 for Forest Lake, Dec. 4 in Chaska and Shakopee, Dec. 5 and 11 in Minneapolis, and Dec. 11 for Brooklyn Park.

All locations are accessible for people with disabilities.

Anyone needing special accommodations or alternative formats must call at least two weeks in advance. FFI:1800-976-6728 ext. 5 Help with computer skills Adults who are unsure about their basic computer skills now have a way to easily assess what they know, pinpoint what they need to learn and earn a certificate that shows employers what they know. A broad community collaboration of organizations, led by the St. Paul Public Library and the St. Paul Community Literacy Consortium (SPCLC), announce the launch of the Northstar Digital Literacy Project, developed in response to the many people asking for help finding jobs in a tough economy.

The Northstar Digital Literacy Project offers free, online assessments of basic computer skills in six modules: basic computer use, world wide web, Windows 7, Mac OS X, using e-mail, and Microsoft Word. Spanish-language and close-captioned versions are available. At the end of each test, the user receives the results, listing the skills that have been mastered and the areas that need improvement. Anyone can take the tests online at www.digitalliteracyassessment.org 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. The office is closed for Thanksgiving, Nov. 22-23 and Christmas, Dec. 24-25.

Help make Italian food for social night 1-6 p.m. Tue, Nov. 27. Walk or roll around Mall of America 1:30-3:30 p.m. Thu, Nov. 29, Dec. 13 and 20. Meet at the office for these trips and take the bus together. The winter celebration is 1-6 p.m. Tue, Dec. 18.

Many classes are offered. Learn to control anger before it controls your life at classes 1-3 p.m. Mondays Nov. 12, 19 and 26. December classes are self-esteem Dec. 3, assertiveness versus aggressiveness Dec. 10, budget check-in Dec. 11 and conflict resolution Dec. 17. Budgeting class is 10 a.m.-noon Wed, Nov. 14. Learn simple techniques, patterns and designs of knitting. Adaptive knitting equipment available; for all levels of knitters.

Other crafts are welcome, 1-3 p.m. Wed, Nov. 28, 10 a.m.-noon Wed, Dec. 5 1-3 p.m. Wed, Dec. 19. Wii fun is back 1-3 p.m. Wed, Nov. 14, Mon, Dec. 17, Thu, Oct. 25. 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. Visit Mall of American 1-4 p.m. Sat., Nov. 10 for lunch and a movie. 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, 651-603-2028, corbettl@mcil-mn.org, Cindy, 651-603-2037, cindyl@mcil-mn.org, 651-603-2037

be held 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat, Nov. 17 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 700 S. Snelling Ave., St. Paul.

Kidshops are free of charge, but pre-registration is requested. FFI: 651-645-2948.

Youth and families

Information and support

PACER offers workshops PACER Center offers useful free or low-cost workshops and other resources for families of children with disabilities. Workshops are at PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, unless specified. Special Education: What Do Parents Need to Know? is a free workshop for parents of children with disabilities and for professionals, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tue, Nov. 13. Special education is instruction designed specifically to meet the unique needs of children with disabilities. It is provided in the most appropriate setting and at no cost to parents or families. Understanding and Addressing Challenging Behaviors in Your Young Child,” a free workshop for parents of young children with disabilities and for early childhood professionals, is 9-11 a.m. Sat, Nov. 17. Families of children, ages birth to 5, with developmental delays or disabilities can learn about the stages of development and strategies to provide children with acceptable ways to have their needs met. Families will also have the opportunity to network with other parents. Preregister for workshops. FFI: 952-838-9000, 800-537-2237 (toll free), www.PACER.org

UCare meetings UCare hosts informational meetings about its UCare for Seniors Medicare Advantage plan. Meetings are held all over the region. UCare for Seniors has more than 75,000 members across Minnesota and western Wisconsin. UCare serves Medicare-eligible individuals and families enrolled in income-based Minnesota Health Care Programs, such as Minnesota Care 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

Family support groups offered The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Minnesota sponsors free support groups for families who have a relative with a mental illness. Led by trained facilitators who also have a family member with mental illness, groups help families develop better coping skills and find strength through sharing their experiences. A family support group meets in St. Paul on the second Wed of each month from at 6-7:30 p.m., at Goodwill-Easter Seals, 553 Fairview Ave. N., St. Paul, in room 123. FFI: Sonja, 651357-2077. A group meets at 6:30 p.m., on the fourth Tue of the month, at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 285 N. Dale St., St. Paul. FFI: Marc, 763-227-9446. A group also meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wed of each month at Centennial United Methodist Church, 1524 Co. Rd. C-2 West, on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. FFI: Anne Mae, 651-7308434.

Parents with disabilities group MCIL offers a support group for parents with disabilities, Learn from and grow with others who are dealing with the intricacies of disability and parenting responsibilities.

Everyone’s experience is valuable and questions are important. The group meets 5-7 pm. Mon, Nov. 12 and Dec. 10 at MCIL, 1600 University Ave. W., St. Paul. Preregistration requested. RSVP: Corbett, 651-603-2028, corbettl@mcil-mn.org Children’s challenging behavior Raising a child or adolescent with challenging behaviors can be difficult. Learn the five essential tasks to build confidence in parenting skills, improve the relationship with a child and create balance. The free, one-day workshop is for parents and caregivers of school-age children, and is approved for two hours’ training for foster care families. Presented by NAMI-MN, the Children’s Challenging Behaviors class is 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tue, Nov. 13 and at Open Cities Health Center, 409 Dunlap St., St. Paul. Preregister. FFI: 651-645-2948.

Sibshops offer support Kids in the south metro who have brothers and sisters with intellectual or developmental disabilities can have fun and make friends at a Sibshop Super Saturday from The Arc Greater Twin Cities. The event is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat, Nov. 10 at Trinity Evangelical Free Church, 10658 210th St. W., Lakeville. Sibshop Super Saturday has all the fun, activities, discussion and friendship of The Arc’s monthly Sibshops, packed into a single halfday session. Sibshop Super Saturday is free for members of The Arc Greater Twin Cities and $15 per child for non-members. The cost includes lunch. Preregister. In addition, The Arc Great Twin Cities offers monthly Sibshops in Anoka, Apple Valley, Hastings, Hopkins, St. Paul and Stillwater. FFI: 952-920-0855, www.arcgreatertwincities.org Kidshops scheduled for St. Paul Kidshops is a program designed for school-aged children and teens (7-17) with a sibling or parent who has a mental illness. Kidshops provide an opportunity for kids to discuss feelings and share ideas. Each workshop includes games, team-building activities, coping strategies and fun. Kids receive a “tool” that offers them a way to talk about their feelings with their family. A Kidshop will

Mental Illness support groups NAMI-MN 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 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, 651-7881920, or Donna, 651-645-2948 ext. 101.

Open Door Anxiety and Panic support, meets at 6:30 p.m. the first and third Thu at Woodland Hills Church, 1740 Van Dyke St., St. Paul. It also meets 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Thu at Goodwill-Easter Seals, 553 Fairview Ave. N., St. Paul. FFI: NAMI at 651-645-2948 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.

Bi-weekly adult recovery groups meet at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Wed at Centennial United Methodist Church, 1524 Co. Rd. C-2 West, Roseville. FFFI: Will, 651-578-3364.

Chronic pain support group MCIL offers a peer support group for people who live with chronic pain. The group will start meeting 6:30 the first and third Thursday at MCIL, 1600 University Ave. #16, St. Paul. Group members will discuss what chronic pain is and how it affects people. FFI: Cindy Langr, 651603-2037, cindyl@mcil-mn.org GLBT Group Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) offers a GLBT support/social group that meets once a month to discuss topics related to being a part of the GLBT community and dealing with a disability. Meet new people who understand and can provide support and a social outlet. Dinner is provided. RSVP at least 2-3 days in advance, as group cancels if fewer than three people sign up. Meet at MCIL, 1600 University Ave W #16, St. Paul.

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

Volunteer, Donate Open the Door to Education Help adults reach their educational goals and earn their GED. Tutor, teach or assist in a classroom with the Minnesota Literacy Council. Give just 2-3 hours a week and help people expand their opportunities and change their lives through education. The literacy council provides training and support. Accommodations for volunteers with disabilities. FFI: Allison, 651-251-9110, volunteer@mnlit eracy.org, www.mnliteracy.org/volunteers/opportunities/adults.

Volunteer with RSVP Volunteers age 55 and older are eligible to receive free supplemental insurance, mileage reimbursement and other benefits through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) sponsored by Volunteers of America of Minnesota. RSVP/Volunteers of America of Minnesota and AARP Foundation need volunteers with good budgeting and organizational skills to help manage finances of older or disabled low-income individuals. Have a few hours a month to volunteer? Money Management Program staff will train and match you with someone in the community. FFI: 612-617-7821. ■

November 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 11 Pg 13

Radio Talking Book Digital conversion almost complete Radio Talking Book’s statewide digital signal conversion is almost complete. In October, the metropolitan areas of Rochester and Mankato were converted to a digital signal. Residents of those areas were sent letters explaining the conversion and the need for a new radio that would pick up the digital signal. If listeners of Radio Talking Book from those areas missed the letter, it’s time to get a new radio. Old radios won’t work with the new digital signal.

Get a new radio by calling the office at 1-800-652-900 and asking for the Radio Equipment Desk. Radios are sent out as soon as they are requested.

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 IdeaLinks, by Jim Link; For the Younger Set (Sunday at 11 a.m.) is airing 172 Hours on the Moon, by Johan Harstad; Poetic Reflections (Sunday at noon) is airing That Said, by Jane Shore; The U.S. and Us (Sunday at 4 p.m.) is airing The Assassination of Hole-in-the-Day, by Anton Treuer and A Boundary Waters History, by Stephen Wilbers.

Chautauqua • Tuesday – Saturday 4 a.m.

Games Primates Play, Nonfiction by Dario Maestripieri, 2012. Primatologist Dario Maestripieri has devoted his life to studying the rules that govern primate societies.

He locates counterparts for much of our behavior in the habits of our closest living relatives. L - Read by John Hagman. 12 broadcasts. Begins Nov. 21.

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

Prague Winter, Nonfiction by Madeleine Albright, 2012.

Before Madeleine Albright turned twelve, her life was shaken by the Nazi invasion of Czechoslovakia – the country where she was born, the Battle of Britain, the near-total destruction of European Jewry, the Allied victory in World War II, the rise of communism, and the onset of the Cold War. Read by Michele Potts. 15 broadcasts. Begins Nov. 26.

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

Juliette Gordon Low, Nonfiction by Stacy A. Cordery,

2012. Growing up in post-Civil War Georgia, Daisy (as she was known) married Willy Low but the marriage failed. She found purpose in Baden-Powell’s Boy Scouts and decided to create the equivalent for girls. Read by Yelva Lynfield. 16 broadcasts. Begins Nov. 12.

Choice Reading • Monday – Friday 4 p.m.

The Roots of the Olive Tree, Fiction by Courtney Miller Santo, 2012. Five generations of first-born women live together in the same house. Anna, the matriarch, is 112.

Now a geneticist wishes to study the family believing they hold the key to breakthroughs on aging. But Anna is not interested in unlocking secrets – there are truths that need to stay hidden. Read by Judy Woodward. 10 broadcasts. Begins Nov. 27.

PM Report • Monday – Friday 8 p.m.

What it Is Like to Go to War, Nonfiction by Karl Marlantes, 2011. In the past, warriors were prepared for battle by ritual, religion, and literature, which also helped bring them home. Warriors today are poorly prepared for the journey. L – Read by Denny Laufenburger. Nine broadcasts. Begins Nov. 27.

Night Journey • Monday – Friday 9 p.m.

The Risk Agent, Fiction by Ridley Pearson, 2012. A Chinese man working for an American company is kidnapped off the streets of Shanghai and Rutherford Risk

steps in. But private investigation is illegal in China. V,L Read by Dan Sadoff. 14 broadcasts. Begins Nov. 22.

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

Running the Rift, Fiction by Naomi Benaron, 2012. Jean Patrick dreams of becoming Rwanda’s first Olympic medal winner in track. But he is a Tutsi in a world that has become restrictive and violent for his people. V Read by Isla Hejny. 15 broadcasts. Begins Nov. 26.

Potpourri • Monday – Friday 11 p.m.

Henry’s Demons, Nonfiction by Patrick and Henry Cockburn, 2011. After Henry was diagnosed with schizophrenia, his journalist father decided to write about what they went through. Read by Hugh Jones. Nine broadcasts. Begins Nov. 27.

Good Night Owl • Monday – Friday midnight The Messenger, Fiction by Stephen Miller, 2012. Daria’s and Sam’s lives will intersect and make each question what it means to have something worth dying for. L Read by John Marsicano. 12 broadcasts. Begins Nov. 22.

After Midnight • Tuesday – Saturday 1 a.m.

The Lost Angel, Fiction by Javier Sierra, 2011. Convinced that they are the descendants of angels, terrorists plan to destroy the world but first plan to kidnap a scientist. L – Read by John Mandeville. 14 broadcasts. Begins Nov. 21.

Abbreviations: V= violence, L=offensive language, S=sexual situations

Picture yourself giving great photo gifts this holiday season

by Jennifer Mundl

Taking pictures is just part of the fun of photography in today’s electronic world. After creating pictures, there are many good resources which can help even a novice create professionally design items. The results may take some time, but the final product will make anyone’s work look like that of a professional photographer. With the holiday season coming, and a birthday always seeming to be on the calendar, photo gifts are a great idea and always welcomed by the recipient.

Shutterfly is a website that allows users to create professional picture books and other products, such as a mouse pad, coffee cup, picture frames, clothing and seasonal items. Shutterfly is easy to use, and the items produced are unique and affordable. Stores such as Walgreen’s Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club and Target offer similar photo product services.

Morph It is a program which is available on iPad and computers. It enables users to create cartoons out of pictures. For example, take a picture of the one of the children and “morph it” into a picture of the family dog. Or you can make a video from still pictures or customize a project with personalized words, graphics and writing. There are a variety of unique choices to choose from.

Photoshop Elements is a program that is similar to Photoshop, but much less expensive. With it the user can add effects to pictures. It is easy to remove redeye, adjust variance and shading, make color correction or remove bad areas of the picture.

Pictello is an app that is available for iPad or Android devices. Pictello al-

lows the user to create picture books for people with significant disabilities. Users can develop a story specific to the user’s experiences or set up files for “my schedule,” “my family,” “vacation,” or anything else important to the user.

The My Story app enables users to make a customized picture book, even recording information to play when a graphic element is pressed.

For information about adapted photography classes, contact Courage Center. Photo craft classes are sometimes offered at craft store or through community education programs. ■ Jennifer Mundl, MS, ATP, is Lead Assistive Technology Specialist, Courage Center.

Pg 14 November 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 11

Dale Street Place - from p. 1

The renovation includes new building landscaping, resurfaced parking lot, renovated offices, new boiler and mechanical systems, energy-efficient and safe kitchens, upgrades ventilation, walls, flooring and plumbing. Units have ample closet space with shelves for residents’ belongings.

Among the sources of funding for the renovation are the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, at $5.8 million and City of St. Paul at $1 million.

The Dale Street Place is a partnership between residents, the developer and programs that make the apartments affordable, said Mary Tingerthal, Commissioner of the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency.

She said residents are fortunate to have an owner and developer who is ensuring that the housing is well managed. BDC Management will operate the building.

Tingerthal also said that retaining the apartment building as long-income housing helps meet a huge need for supportive housing. State officials have a goal of providing 4,000 supportive housing units.

Next year they will hit the 3,800-unit mark.

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman said the sale and renovation of Dale Street Place shows a commitment to some of the community’s most vulnerable residents. He

said it would have been easy for the building to be sold and redeveloped as market-rate housing, but that is not what the community is about. “This about making sure that all are welcome,” he said.

“This is a place of hope,” said Fran Lesicko, a consulting psychologist who works with Dale Street Place residents. She said stable housing and support services will help the residents improve their lives.

Because of their disabilities, many residents would have trouble finding housing elsewhere.

Lesicko said Dale Street Place provides badly needed affordable and supportive housing. “I grew up in Texas,” she said, “and it just astounds me that people in Minnesota are homeless during the winter.”

Dale Street Place has three service coordinators and an adult mental health case manager from Ramsey County/South Metro Human Services. Staff work with residents to help them maintain their housing, learn independent living skills, and participate in groups.

Part of the building’s lower level is leased by the nonprofit agency People Inc. for its APOLLO Resource Center. This program serves residents and nonresidents, offering a variety of activities that help people learn independent living skills. ■

Rise! exceeds fundraising goal

People and places - from p. 5

MNSCOD award winners - from p. 7

Rise, Inc.’s first fundraising gala, Celebrate Rise!, exceeded its goals, raising more than $100,000. Proceeds will be used to purchase two 15-passenger vans to help ensure people with disabilities are able to go to work and participate in community activities.

Pentair was the premier sponsor for the event, which attracted more than 450 guests to Minneapolis’ International Market Square Oct. 11.

Several business partners of the organization were sponsors of the event, including ATK Federal Ammunition, Cummins Power Generation, Dan’s Complete Automotive, Delta Dental, Electrolux Major Appliances (Freezer Division), The Grunewald Group, Hays Companies, Inc., Hoglund Bus Company, HOM Furniture, John’s Auto Parts, Johnson, West & Co. LLC, Klein Bank, Liberty Carton Company, Mary T, Inc., Medica, Northeast Bank, Team Personnel, and Wells Fargo Bank MN, N.A. WCCO-TV was the Media Sponsor for the event, and News Reporter/Anchor Jason DeRusha emceed the gala program. Rise also honored Cummins Power Generation’s Business Unit in Fridley as its Business Partner of the Year; Environmental Stoneworks in North Branch, and PitneyBowes Presort Services in Fridley as Employers of the Year; and Minnesota Rep. Jim Abeler (R-Anoka) as its Community Partner of the Year. ■

viders of health care services, already saving taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars without compromising care. In addition, an effort is underway to redesign Medicaid services to better serve those with long-term care needs and make the program sustainable in the future.

Medicaid, funded jointly by the state and federal governments, serves 666,000 low-income senior citizens, adults, children and people with disabilities. It represents one of the largest expenditures in the DHS budget with expenditures of $7.5 billion for state fiscal year 2011. ■

Mountain Iron resident Bob Brown won the Access Award. Brown, who is the Access Director at Center for Independent Living of Northeastern Minnesota Services, has been involved with the center’s ramp project for 18 years. He’s helped build more than 700 home access ramps for people who use wheelchairs.

The Rogers Walgreens Distribution Center was honored as the large Employer of the Year. The facility in Rogers employs about two dozen workers with disabilities, some deaf or hard-of-hearing, and some who have other types of disabilities. For example, Walgreens supports deaf employees by hiring sign language interpreters and promoting signing in the workplace.

The small Employer of the Year award winner is LJP Enterprises Waste & Recycling in North Mankato. This small firm is an exemplary employer in providing accommodations for applicants and employees during the job application process, in the work environment. It provides disability awareness training to employees, job restructuring for employees with disabilities, requested and paid for sign language interpreters, and modified training materials.

Cargill’s LEARN Program, which is based in Hopkins, won the Corporate Mentorship Award. This program is committed to removing barriers to employment and post-secondary education for high school students with disabilities. It serves young adults with disabilities, ages 18-21, who are enrolled in Transition Plus, a shared student transition program between Hopkins, St. Louis Park and Minnetonka school districts. The program providing individual career exploration and job skill development through work-based learning experiences with Cargill businesses and functions. The long-term goal is to help students develop skills and independence to enable their success in entry-level employment and/or explore post-secondary training and education opportunities aligned with their career goals.

Bruce Lattu of the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) won the Minnesota Award. Regardless of his own disability, Lattu always goes out of his way improve someone’s day. Throughout his career he has worked to empower those with disabilities to be self-advocates. He has worked to ensure that MnDOT as well as other state agencies are aware of not only the minimum expectations of what the law requires. Also, why it is not only right, but good to go beyond those basic levels. In his more than 20 years of service to the State of Minnesota as an employee, Lattu has worked to empower others to ask for the reasonable accommodations they are entitled to and has worked to find creative ways to meet the needs of people with disabilities so that they can get and maintain employment. Through his work on such committees as the Central Corridor Project the community at large has a greater awareness of disability, learning that it doesn’t have to be a scary thing to be avoided.

■

dency remain an urgent need in the Twin Cities, according to supporters of Dale Street Place. Three out of four homeless adults surveyed by Wilder Research in 2009 reported at least one of three major health issues: mental illness, substance abuse disorder, or a chronic physical health condition.

Lutheran Church of the Redeemer has been involved in the facility since it opened in 1964. Redeemer Arms was originally built as a nursing home. It later housed people with disabilities. Some of the charter board members for the housing project are still active in the church congregation, said Rev. Jim Erlandson, pastor at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer.

The mission of providing quality housing continues with the new ownership, Erlandson said. The church will have a community advisory board, to stay involved with the apartment building. “We’re still with you and want you to be with us.”

Bret Byfield, a social workers and former Redeemer Arms Board member, said that the renovation has created a place “where it’s possible to live well.”

Byfield praised the residents of Dale Street Place, who had to live through a long period of building renovation.

In memoriam - from p. 4 Islands with the Army Air Force. He graduated from Moorhead State College and earned his master’s from the University of Minnesota. Reynolds received his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota and taught there from 1951 until retiring in 1989. He received the J.E. Wallace Wallin Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council for Exceptional Children in 1971, and the University of Minnesota Outstanding Achievement Award, which recognizes graduates who attain unusual distinction in their profession, in 2004.

He is survived by his wife Donna, a son, two daughters and four grandchildren. Services have been held. ■

Olson made outdoors accessible Outdoor enthusiast Paul Olson, who helped Twin Cities residents enjoy the outdoors through a nonprofit he founded, died of pneumonia Oct. 2. He was 69 and was a Chaska native. Olson most recently lived in Hopkins.

He was a Vietnam War veteran and served in the U.S. Army. Olson worked as a boat captain in Florida after military service. He came back to Minnesota and worked in construction several years ago.

Olson was paralyzed in an accident in 1999, after falling off of a roof.

In 2002, Olson and a friend from Courage Center co-founded Freedom in Wheelchairs Inc., a company offering free trips on a wheelchair-accessible pontoon boat up and down the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers. The nonprofit offered other free activities. Freedom in Wheelchairs aims to help people have special experiences to make life better, according to the nonprofits’ website. It’s not clear if the organization will continue to operate since Olson has passed away.

Olson loved the outdoors and loved being out on the water, according to friends. He also wanted people with disabilities to enjoy outdoor experiences. At the time of his death he was working on plans for a hydropowered bike that people with disabilities could use.

Olson is survived by a daughter, two grandchildren and two siblings. Services have been held. ■

November 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 11 Pg 15

REGIONAL NEWS

Guilty plea in deaf woman’s death

On the day he was to stand trial a second time for the March 2009 fatal hit-and-run of Joanie LeVasseur, Eric James Hunter, 44, pleaded guilty to one felony count in connection with her death. Dakota County District Judge David Knutson accepted Hunter’s guilty plea of leaving the scene of an accident involving death. Another count of the same charge and one of driving after suspension will be dismissed at sentencing Jan. 8.

Family members said that while the plea would bring some closure, it didn’t bring any satisfaction.

They question how Hunter didn’t know he’d hit and fatally injured a person. Hunter’s first trial ended in a hung jury in October 2010. Even then, there was no question that the car Hunter was driving hit LeVasseur, who was deaf, as she ran across Cedar Avenue S. in Apple Valley. The question that the jury grappled with was whether Hunter knew that he had hit a person before driving off without stopping or calling police. ■ [Source: Pioneer Press]

Minnesota recovers $9 million from Abbott Labs in fraud case The Minnesota Department of Human Service’s Office of Inspector General has announced the recovery of $9 million from Abbott Laboratories as part of a national health care fraud settlement involving the drug Depakote.

The DHS Office of Inspector General was created in August 2011 by Commissioner Lucinda Jesson to investigate and root out fraud, waste and abuse. It is led by Inspector General Jerry Kerber, and is comprised of an investigations and a licensing division.

The settlement with Abbott Laboratories comes after it pled guilty to illegally marketing Depakote for uses that were not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as safe and effective. This resulted in false claims to Medicaid and other taxpayerfunded health care programs. Depakote is approved by the FDA to treat seizures and mania associated with bipolar disorder and to prevent migraines; however Abbott promoted its use for the control of agitation and aggression in patients experiencing dementia, uses for which it was not approved by the FDA. ■ [Source: Minnesota Department of Human Services]

National group recognizes state hospital

Disability employment funding approved

An inpatient psychiatric hospital in Willmar has been recognized by the Joint Commission’s Top Performers on Key Quality Measures program. The hospital—operated by the Minnesota Department of Human Services—is part of the Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Services (CABHS) program.

The commission’s 2012 quality and safety report, “Improving America’s Hospitals,” recognizes accredited hospitals that attained and sustained excellence in accountability performance during the previous calendar year.

The Willmar program was among those cited for meeting or exceeding a 95 percent performance target on accountability measures for inpatient psychiatric services. The measures were related to admission screening, antipsychotic medications, and creation and transmission of continuing care plans. The facility is one of 11 hospitals in Minnesota and 620 hospitals nationwide being recognized in this year’s report.

“This recognition is much appreciated validation of the commitment and professionalism of our staff in providing specialized treatment to children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbance,” said Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson. ■ [Source: Minnesota DHS]

The U.S. Department of Labor has announced $20,654,352 for seven states under the Disability Employment Initiative to improve education, training, and employment opportunities and outcomes for youth and adults with disabilities who are unemployed, underemployed and/or receiving Social Security disability benefits. The initiative is jointly funded and administered by the department’s Employment and Training Administration and its Office of Disability Employment Policy.

This round of funding is the third under the Disability Employment Initiative, which currently supports 16 state projects. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) received $2,797,093.

All projects under this initiative build upon previous department initiatives by hiring staff with expertise in disability and workforce issues. The grants support extensive collaboration across multiple workforce and disability service systems in each state, including vocational rehabilitation, mental health, intellectual/developmental disability agencies, independent living centers, business leadership networks, and other community and nonprofit organizations. ■ [Source: U.S. Department of Labor]

EMPLOYMENT Employment ads are $22-$25 per col. inch.

Mail 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

Immediate PCA Needed ROSEVILLE Professional Male quadriplegic client, 8 hour shifts-AM, PM, and Overnight, Prev Exp Necessary, Non-smoker, Valid DL. Must be Flexible, Background Study ran.

Call Tracy at In Home Personal Care 763-546-1000 Attorney – Housing And Hsq Discrimination Contact Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid. For more details go to www.mylegalaid.org/jobs

CLASSIFIEDS

Access Press Classifieds are $14 for the first 12 and 65¢ per word thereafter. They must be prepaid.

Mail 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

FOR SALE PRIDE MOBILTY SCOOTER Three-wheel Pride scooter. In excellent condition with new batteries & available for immediate purchase. $350 Please contact Barbara, 612-685-4400, or by email at Toad5158@ hotmail.com ATTN: PAIN SUFFERERS Fed up with costly prescriptions, surgery, & invasive procedures? For our exciting consumer education message on using lasers to treat the pain at its source, call 952-388-2816.” (24-hr free recorded message.)

FOR RENT Lewis Park Apartments: Barrier-free housing with wheelchair users in mind. Section 8 subsidized. One- and two-bedroom units. For more information on availability call 651-488-9923. St. Paul, MN. Equal Opportunity Housing.

Oak Park Village: We are accepting applications for the waiting list for one-bedroom wheelchair accessible apartments. Section 8 subsidized. Convenient St. Louis Park location. Call 952-9359125 for information. Equal Opportunity Housing.

Calvary Center Apts: 7650 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN. A Section 8 building now accepting applications for our waiting list. Call 9 am to 4 pm, Mon – Fri 763-546-4988 for an application. Equal Opportunity Housing.

Thanks to all of you for supporting Access Press FRIEND SPONSOR ($50 and above) Monte Blair Ellen Boucher Martha Brown Leo & Susan Bulger Teresa Dock Mel & Georgia Duncan Robert Engstrom Steve & JoAnn Erbes Nancy Eustis Thomas & Mimi Fogarty Claudia Fuglie 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 Kelly Rathcke Virginia Schwartzbauer John Sherman Equity Services of St. Paul

BRONZE SPONSOR ($75 and above) Brigid Alseth Anonymous Donor Bill & Alex Bartolic Mike Chevrette Stephanie Cunningham Christopher Duff Craig Dunn Kent Fordyce Anne Henry Mary Kay Kennedy Dianna Krogstad Dave & Carol Larson Richard & Vicki Dalle Molle Donn Poll & Eric Nelson Linda Paulson Mark & Mary Payette Ann Roscoe John Schatzlein Patty Woodey Hennepin County Library IN KIND (For this issue) Scott Adams Luther Granquist

Donate at your work place through Community Shares at: www.communitysharesmn.org

I would like to…

SILVER SPONSOR ($150 and above) Jeff Bangsberg & Anita Boucher Robert Paul Gregory Kathleen Hagen Ellen & Skip Houghton Kim Kang Manley and Ann Olson Debra Shriver John G. Smith Peter Vaill Associated Bank Accessible Homes, LLC Courage Center Handi Medical Institute on Comm.

Integration LOTTSA Tax & Accting Services People Enhancing People Rise, Inc. Ten Thousand Villages Vinland National Center

Subscribe & Support Access Press

     

Subscriber $30 Friend $50+ Bronze $75+ Silver $150+ Gold $500+ Benefactor $1000+

Please mail your sponsorship/subscription to: Access Press %The Kelly Inn Offices; 161 St. Anthony Ave; Suite 910; St. Paul, MN 55103.

Date:___________________ Amt. Enclosed $__________________ Name__________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________

BENEFACTOR SPONSOR ($1000 and above) In Home Personal Care Ronna Linroth Lynda Milne Paul Mueller The Jay & Rose Phillips Family Foundation The Medtronic Foundation The Minneapolis Foundation The Otto Bremer Foundation UCare

City/State/Zip ___________________________________________________________ Phone__________________________________________________________________ Email__________________________________________________________________ In addition to receiving your one-year subscription, all support over $30 per year is tax-deductible.

Reduced subscription rates available upon request for individuals with fixed incomes.

*Receive 12 issues per year in the mail

Moving? Please contact Access Press with your new address so you don’t miss a single issue!

Phone: 651-644-2133 or via Email:access@accesspress.org

Pg 16 November 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 11