December 2012 Edition - Access Press

Melanie Fry honored — Page 8

Volume 23, Number 12

Olmstead planning committee needs input

by Access Press staff

Minnesotans with disabilities need good choice about where to live and need to obtain quality services in community settings that best meet their needs. A committee of Minnesotans has been studying those issues for several months. Now it’s the community’s turn to weigh in.

“The Promise of Olmstead: Recommendations of the Olmstead Planning Committee” as well as the committee meeting minutes and planning documents are available online for review at: www.dhs.state.mn. us/main/groups/olmstead/ documents/pub/dhs16_ 172625.pdf. A public comment period on the plan ends Dec. 31. Send comments to opc.public@state. mn.us The study is a result of a lawsuit over treatment of residents of the now-closed Minnesota Extended Treatment Options program (METO) in Cambridge. The study was a condition of that legal settlement. The settlement requires Minnesota to Olmstead - p. 15

www.accesspress.org

Be an informed consumer

Minnesota’s health care exchange will take shape in the months ahead

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

by Nick Tschida and Access Press staff

Minnesotans with disabilities need to be informed consumers concerning the upcoming health insurance exchange and how it will affect them. The Affordable Care Act (ACA), which was signed into law

by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010, requires all people to have insurance. To do this, web-based health insurance exchanges, either on the federal or state level, will be available to help people shop for insurance based on cost, quality and consumer satisfaction and to access fiThe Affordable Care Act’s implementation over the next several months will nancial support to pay for change health care as we know it. premiums. State exchanges Access Press file photo also provide the opportunity and brokers, tribal consultation, IT, individual to enroll for Medicaid and to facilitate smooth eligibility, small employers, measurement and transitions from Medicaid to private insurreporting and marketing. Basic principles have ance. This will not only make navigating the been adopted and the blueprint has been subworld of health insurance more accessible to mitted to the federal government. all Minnesotans, but proponents say it will The exchange is on a tight timeline since foster a healthy competition between insuropen registration for the health insurance exance companies and provide consumers with change begins Oct. 1, 2013. The start date for the best insurance coverage at a the fairest the exchange is January 1, 2014. price.

When the exchange goes into place, it could Over a year ago Gov. Mark Dayton apserve an anticipated 1.2 million Minnesotans. pointed members to the Health Insurance ExIn 2011, state officials estimate that more than change Advisory Task Force. There have been 490,000 Minnesotans lacked any health insurnumerous subcommittees to look at goverMinnesota’s health care exchange - p. 14 nance, financing, adverse selection, navigators

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

— Maya Angelou

January deadline change The Christmas holiday falls on the typical Access Press deadline. So that our staff may enjoy the holidays, January’s news and advertising deadline has been moved to Monday, Dec. 17 at 5 p.m. Please call the newspaper office if you have questions or email at access@ accesspress.org

NEWS DIGEST

Let it snow: Stay safe and healthy this winter

by Access Press staff

Minnesotans are settling in for another winter. It’s time to get ready for the challenges of ice, snow and cold. For everyone, especially people with disabilities, winter weather can be lifethreatening.

The key to winter safety is being prepared for what’s coming.

Monitoring weather forecasts is essential. Find the best resource in your community for upcoming weather issues, such as snow emergencies and when vehicles must be off streets to allow for snow plowing. Many cities now have email, Twitter and Facebook notices of snow emergencies. This winter the City of Minneapolis will put weather information on electronic street signs.

Poorly cleared sidewalks make it difficult for people with disabilities to get around.

Photo by Lynda Milne

Almost all television stations and the National Weather Service also offer weather updates via smart technology. When the power goes out, it’s always good to have a battery-power radio for weather emergencies updates. Some radios can be recharged with a crank handle. Another good investment is a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio receiver. See www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr for more information.

When listening to weather reports, know what winter weather Rides, resources for Election Day terms mean. These definitions are from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC): • Frost/Freeze Warning: expect below-freezing temperatures.

• Winter Weather Advisory: expect winter weather conditions that are hazardous.

• Winter Storm Watch: Be alert because a winter storm is likely.

• Winter Storm Warning: a storm is in the area or entering the area.

• Blizzard Warning: This type of warning is issued when snow and strong winds, near-zero visibility, snow drifting, and life-threatening wind chill are imminent. It’s time get out your winter emergence kit.

• Wind Chill: air temperature combined with the wind speed. Pay attention to wind chill information. The Wind Chill Index is the temperature felt on exposed skin. When the wind increases, it can take heat away from your body much more quickly, causing skin temperature to drop.

When there are high winds, serious weather-related health problems are more likely.

Stay safe - p. 3

The Northland 300 is marking 25 years of raising “cold” cash for Special Olympics Minnesota. Page 2.

Read about the best in assistive technology devices. Page 4 Weigh in on accessibility as it pertains to Snelling Avenue and the Central Corridor light rail line.

Page 5.

Two popular camp programs are partnering.

Page 9

INSIDE Accessible Fun, pg 11 Events, pg 10 People & Places, pg 7-9 Radio Talking Book, pg 12 Regional News, pg 6

Pg 2 December 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 11

EDITOR’S DESK

Tim Benjamin Here it is, the first week of December, and we’ve had very little snow or cold. Living in Minnesota, we know that very little snow and very little cold is not our winter. We also know we can’t avoid it; it will be coming. Let’s just hope that none of us get stranded somewhere where we have to spend unprotected time out in the cold. Of course, let’s also hope that we can find ways to do many of the fun things that come with winter. We have articles this month on some of the precautions to take during any exposure to the Minnesota cold.

There have been several other community awards events that have taken place since the Charlie Smith Award banquet that Access Press held in November.

(Oh, by the way if you weren’t able to attend our annual awards banquet, you missed a fantastic celebration; mark your calendar for the first Friday of November next year.) One award celebrated Melanie Fry and her accomplishments at the Minnesota Department of Human Services working in cooperation with Arc-MN on housing for the disability community.

Melanie is a hard worker who is also a very smart and very nice person. She certainly deserves all the accolades she has received.

The Affordable Care Act (Obama Care) has many different elements and each piece of the legislation will go into effect over the coming couple of years.

This month we have an article on the healthcare exchange and how the exchange will affect those of us with disabilities. Nick Tschida set the framework for the article, and with additions by Sue Abderholden, Executive Director of NAMI–MN and member of one of Minnesota’s health reform task force committees, and by Access Press staff, we have an informative article. I want to thank all those contributors for their hard work. The ACA includes many provisions that will directly benefit those of us with disabilities, along with elements that will be for the “greater health good” of the whole U.S. population.

Of course, it seems that almost everyone has some concerns about parts of the ACA, and many behindthe-scenes committee meetings are going on at the state and federal level to work out the best formulas for introducing all the different components of the law. Access Press will follow each piece of the law as it’s implemented to see how it will affect the disability community.

Our goal is to keep you informed on what is coming up, and what new healthcare options we may have.

In addition to the ACA, many are wondering about

the “Olmstead Act.” The law called “Olmstead” is not a legislative act, but a Supreme Court decision concerning the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title II and the institutionalization of people with disabilities. In “the Olmstead decision,” Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg wrote that the unjustified institutional isolation of a person with disabilities is a form of discrimination. She gave two judgments: 1) “Institutional placements of people with disabilities who can live in, and benefit from, community settings perpetuates the unwarranted assumptions that persons so isolated are incapable or unworthy of participating in community life”; and 2) “confinement in an institution severely diminishes everyday life activities of individuals, including family relations, social contacts, work options, economic independence, educational advancement, and cultural enrichment.” Following on this judgment and the state’s recent court case that ultimately closed the Minnesota Extended Treatment Options program (METO), Minnesota’s Olmstead Planning Committee has issued its report, “The Promise of Olmstead: Recommendations.” This “Olmstead Plan” has been long-awaited and we have a brief synopsis of the draft plan in this issue. The planning committee is accepting input or recommendations until Dec. 31. We should all try to evaluate and submit our own personal recommendations on this very influential issue that would keep people with disabilities in the “least restricted living environment.”

Enjoy your reading! Have happy winter holidays, and we’ll talk again in 2013. ■

HISTORY NOTE

Northland 300 marks 25 years on North Shore’s snowy trails

by Lisa Hagens, Northland 300

Snowmobiles have changed greatly in 25 years and so has the Northland 300. This pioneering snowmobile ride is marking 25 years of fun and fundraising Jan. 23-27. The organizers of this event are taking a look back at the past while preparing to continue raising funds for people with intellectual disabilities.

Since 1990, the Northland 300 has been a First Partner/ Sponsor of Special Olympics Minnesota. The Northland 300 is recognized and supported by its peers at Minnesota United Snowmobiling Association and the International Snowmobile Institute. The Northland 300 is also a member/participant in the Safe Snowmobiling Program.

Volume 23, Number 12 • 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)

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Distribution Cartoonist S. C. Distribution Scott Adams 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.

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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

Special Olympics Minnesota provides year round sports training and competition for people with intellectual disabilities. This program contributes to lifelong physical fitness, personal growth and achievements and the Northland 300 is proud to be part of that.

The Northland 300 has come a long way since its inaugural ride in 1989. It began with 42 snowmobilers and support team members. Hundreds of snowmobile enthusiasts now participate. Over the years they have traveled more than 657,000 miles on trails of the North Shore.

The fundraiser has taken participants through Two Harbors, Lutsen, Eveleth, Ely and surrounding areas.

Along the ride, meeting friends and supporting local businesses, it has been a great journey! The Northland 300 has raised more than $3.6 million to help benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Minnesota and help increase Special Olympics participation from 3,500 to more than 7,100 individuals with intellectual disabilities. The Northland 300 is proud to continue making a difference in the lives of the athletes of Special Olympics Minnesota.

Dedication comes to mind when talking about Northland 300 snowmobilers. The riders and event workers go out in all kinds of weather. The Northland 300 is never cancelled and the dedication of the volunteers and snowmobile enthusiasts will always find a way to make it happen.

In 1996, a story on KDLH TV announced

Snowmobiles line up for a past Northland 300.

Photo courtesy of Northland 300

“Northland 300—The Only Thing Moving on the North Shore during Record Breaking Weather.” That weekend, one of the year’s worst blizzards was headed toward the North Shore. Snow was falling and 18 inches of snow had fallen the night before the ride.

Temperatures were -38 degrees with a wind chill factor of -65 degrees. That year 113 snowmobilers and support team members made their way to participate in the event even though roads were closed in other parts of the state and scores of events were cancelled.

Ingenuity has made life easier on the snowmobiler as well, with a lesser need of carrying extra spark plugs, spare gas, belts and windshields by the Northland 300 Support Team. Team members meet the riders at designated checkpoints along the route. From yesterday to today, snowmobiles have traveled a long way literally and figuratively.

The 25-year journey has never lacked creativity or determination. Throughout history Northland fundraising efforts have included “FIRST EVER” events such as Team Northland and Teen Northland (one-day History - p. 14

December 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 11

Don’t let the frost bite

by Access Press staff

Jack Frost may paint windows, and nip and fingers and toes. Frostbite isn’t nearly as charming.

Frostbite, an injury caused by freezing temperatures, can cause serious and permanent injuries. It is caused by exposure to extreme cold, either by being in cold weather or direct exposure to a cold object.

Frostbite can be serious for people with disabilities, who may not feel symptoms coming on until it is far too late. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). It most often affects the ears, nose, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes. Severe cases can lead to amputation.

For people with disabilities, frostbite can be hard to immediately recognize and treat. Reduced blood circulation increases risk of frostbite for people with disability.

People with disabilities should anticipate cold weather and dress in layers. Avoid being out in the weather, if possible. Be equipped for weather extremes and have home and motor vehicle frostbite emergency kits prepared.

Frostbite starts with a milder form of cold injury, known as frostnip. Frostnip is Frostbite - p. 13

Pg 3

HEALTH NOTE

Understand how cold affects the skin

by Dayna L. Wolfe, M.D. (physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist)

Planning to attend the St. Paul’s Red Bull Crashed ice races, a Special Olympics Polar Plunge, or a winter festival activity? Information is available about how to prevent frostnip and frostbite, but it’s worth learning how cold temperatures affect the skin. Individuals with disabilities who want to enjoy outdoor fun need basic information about the abnormal physiological effects of cold weather exposure.

The skin is the body’s organ of protection for interface with the environment. Among its many functions, the skin is involved in the regulation of temperature. When the body is unable to compensate for cold exposure, there may be tissue injury.

Impaired local circulation is the primary contributor to frostbite.

Anyone whose circulation is already impaired at room temperature will be at risk for frostbite sooner with exposure than a person with normal circulation.

Thermoregulation is a complex physiological process within the body. The abHealth Note - p. 13

Stay safe - from p. 1 Staying safe outdoors Anyone who must go out should try to keep trips as brief as possible. Cold weather and prolonged exposure to cold can trigger new health problems and worsen pre-existing conditions.

A hat, scarf or mask to cover the face and mouth, sleeves that are snug at the wrist, layers of loose-fitting, warm clothing and a water-resistant outer coat to stay dry and boots are best.

When layering on the clothes, make sure the outermost garment is tightly woven to reduce the loss of body heat. Stay dry because wet clothing can cause chills. Avoid getting alcohol or gasoline on skin during cold weather because those liquids can cause greater heat loss from the body. Starting to shiver is a sign that it’s time to go inside and warm up.

Anyone with heart disease or high blood pressure should be careful of exertion in cold weather. Blood circulation is compromised by cold conditions. Always follow doctor’s instructions on working in the cold.

Walking on ice and snow is extremely dangerous.

A fall can cause serious and even fatal injuries. Stock up on salt, sand, clay cat litter or chemical de-icers for increased stability on sidewalks.

(Don’t use clumping cat litter as it doesn’t provide good traction.)

Report unshoveled sidewalks and bus stops, and streets and roads that haven’t been plowed. Some communities have information and complaint hot-lines. Transit services also may have complaint lines.

Limited home snow shoveling help is available for people with disabilities and senior citizens. Unfortunately, a number of programs and services around the state have had budgets cut. Churches, neighborhood groups and Living at Home/Block Nurse programs are potential resources. Call the Senior Linkage Line 1-800-3332433 or the Disability Linkage Line at 1-866-333-2466.

Travel tips Be cautious about travel and monitor weather conditions before leaving. Take a cell phone along. It is always a good idea to let a family member or friend know about a trip, and your expected arrival time.

Never count on a motor vehicle to provide adequate warmth if the vehicle is stranded. Move to the side of the road and stay in the vehicle and wait for help.

Use flashers and raise the hood if it isn’t too windy, raining or snowing.

Only run the vehicle motor and heater for about 10 minutes per hour. Open a window slightly for clean air and make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow. This will reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Persons who get stranded in a motor vehicle need to stay awake. Keep arms and legs moving as much as possible to promote circulation and stay warm.

All motor vehicles in Minnesota should be prepared with emergency supplies.

Have a shovel, windshield scraper, cell phone and portable charger, battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries, water, snack foods, tow rope, jumper cables, emergency flares, help signs, road salt, sand, hats, coats, mittens, blankets, and a first aid kit. Have a metal can or tin, and put waterproof matches and a candle inside to melt snow for drinking water. Never eat snow as a water source as that lowers body temperature.

Staying safe indoors Staying safe and warm at home sounds like a great way to spend a cold winter day.

But if the electricity goes out and travel is restricted, being stuck at home isn’t much fun.

Many Minnesotans, especially those in rural areas, face the risk of losing power during a storm. Prepare for longer waits in rural areas. Make a winter checklist and be ready for a week without access to food, water and electricity. Have drinking water, canned food and a manual can opener. Stock up on foods such as breads, crackers and dried fruits that can be eaten without cooking. Have a stock of prescription and non-protection drugs and a first aid kit.

Make sure flashlights and battery-powered lanterns are working, and extra batteries are on hand. To reduce the risk of accidental fires, don’t use candles.

Service animals’ needs also should be considered, by stockpiling needed pet food and water.

Be careful with space heaters, wood stoves and fireplaces as those can cause burns, start fires or in some cases add to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Make sure home carbon monoxide and smoke alarms are in good working order.

Close off rooms that aren’t in use to conserve heat. Close drapes or cover windows with blankets at night. Stuff towels or rugs beneath cracks under doors.

Extreme cold can cause home water pipes to freeze and sometimes rupture. When very cold temperatures are expected, leave all water taps slightly open so they drip continuously. Keep the indoor temperature suitably warm. Improve the circulation of heated air near pipes. ■ Information for this article came from the State of Minnesota, Senior Linkage Line, Disability Linkage Line, Centers for Disease Control and Minnesota Info websites. Visit www.minnesotahelp.info to find both linkage line websites and other useful information. Another good website is www.disability.state.mn.us/ emergency-preparedness.

Pg 4 December 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 11

Making a list, checking it twice

Courage Center’s best of 2012’s assistive tech list

Christopher, Wyatt and Jack tried out some technology.

Dauda and several children worked with vehicles. The testing is tracked by Courage Center.

Photos courtesy of Courage Center

by Jen Mundl and Ashley Bailey

Assistive technology is beneficial to everyone, regardless of whether or not a person has a disability. Available devices range from no-tech to low-tech to high-tech.

Assistive technology is not only computers, but also a wide variety of accommodations. For example, a pencil can be a form of assistive technology because without it people couldn’t write notes as a memory aid.

The official definition of assistive technology is: Any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of children with disabilities.

Courage Center utilizes this definition. Staff realizes that assistive technology is much more than just devices. Courage Center strives to promote that assistive technology is a tool used to accomplish a task. It is important to match the technology with what are the goals and needs.

Courage Center received a grant in 2012 to increase its ability to assist people with disabilities who need assistive technology. Courage Center Assistive Technology Department has more than 1,000 different devices available to evaluate and use.

Some of the equipment found in the assistive technology lab at Courage Center is useful for visual, physical, hearing, and cognitive limitations. Some favorite items are:

• Environmental Control Display: Courage Center can now demonstrate what types of environmental control options are frequently found in a home.

Staff created a doll house showing adaptations for bedrooms, bathrooms, play room, office, kitchen and living room. Not all adaptations are expensive as most are under $15.

• Intel Reader: The Intel® Reader can open—or reopen—a world of magazines, newspapers, books, greeting cards, and even menus for people almost anywhere. It’s perfect for readers who want a mobile, easy-to-use reading solution with buttons instead of a touch screen. The Intel Reader converts text to speech by taking a picture. A complete point-shoot-listen device, the Intel Reader needs no additional equipment, networking, or special software.

• Asus Android: The iPad is not the only tablet on the market today. The Asus Android provides many of the same features as the iPad with similar apps available.

• The Nook: Another option, providing similar features is an E-reader. E-readers allow users to download books and apps to have them conveniently available. For many, it provides an accessible, lightweight method for reading.

• Kindle: This is another type of E-reader to compare, with ease in downloading books, magazines, and textbooks.

• Adaptive Keyboards: The many types of adaptive keyboards include small, expanded, one-handed, and ergonomic. Users can try out these keyboards to see what meets individual needs.

• Read & Write USB: Read & Write GOLD’s customizable toolbar integrates reading, writing, studying, and research support tools with familiar applications (i.e. Word, Google Docs, Internet Explorer, Adobe Reader) that are used every day. It is used by students of all ages and by corporations.

• Switches: There are many activities such as computers, games and toys that can be controlled by a single switch. Courage Center added different switches to its inventory to provide input methods for proximity, sip-n-puff, light touch and grip switch.

There are more than 1,000 types of switches. Users can also make switches of their own.

• CJT Mounting System: Positioning assistive technology in a proper and easy to access position can make the difference between being able to use a device and not being successful. The CJT Mounting System allows for customization to the user’s abilities.

• Picture Phone: Remembering a phone number can be difficult for people with various cognitive disabilities or traumatic brain injury. This phone dials a number when a picture of the individual is pressed on the phone. It also has speaker phone capabilities.

These devices are just some of the new items at Courage Center Assistive Technology. More will be purchased in the future for users to evaluate and learn about.

Plans are for Courage Center’s assistive technology center to grow, to open many possibilities to people with disabilities. Technology can be found everywhere in today’s society and it ensures equal access to all. ■ Ashley Bailey and Jennifer Mundl work in Courage Center Assistive Technology. Contact them at AT@couragecenter.org

Kent’s Accounting Service, LLC Kent Fordyce 612-889-2959 • fordyce6@aol.com Fax: 952-472-1458 6371 Bartlett Blvd, Mound, MN 55364 Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor 2013 & 2005-2012

December 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 11

Pg 5

Input sought on studies of Snelling Avenue, Central Corridor

Accessible Pedestrian Signal or APS technology is needed at several locations along Snelling Avenue in St. Paul, according to a multi-modal study. In 2010 then- American Council of the Blind of Minnesota President Janet Dickelman demonstrated the newly installed APS technology in Highland Village.

Access Press file photo

by Jane McClure Studies of two major St. Paul transit and transportation corridors need input from people with disabilities. Making 2.4 miles of Snelling more useful to all modes of transportation is the goal of a year-long multi-modal transportation study led by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).

Work on the Snelling Avenue multi-modal study winds down in early 2013. A comment period on the study ends on Jan. 11, 2013. MnDOT hopes to have a final report completed soon after that.

The study can then be used by various groups to implement Snelling Avenue improvements. William Goff is the MnDOT project manager. Comments can be made to william.goff@state.mn.us or at 651-2347797.

State and local officials want people to weigh in on the plans, which are shown online area by area from Selby Avenue to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. A summary of the draft plan will be posted later in December. The study home page is at www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/snellingstudy/ More than 50 people attended a Nov. 27 open house at Hamline University to view draft recommendations, which range from replacing parking spaces

with bike corrals to reconfiguring intersections.

Snelling Avenue can be a great divide for pedestrians and bicyclists. Traveling alongside Snelling can be an intimidating. The sidewalks are narrow in many places. Many of the intersection ramps don’t meet current Americans with Disability Act (ADA) regulations.

Snelling is the major north-south truck and through traffic route to the western part of St. Paul. It carries about 43,000 motor vehicles per day in the south end of the study area. It is used by major bus lines and is eyed for St. Paul’s first bus rapid transit line.

The study has goals of finding more area bike routes, providing direct and accessible routes to key destinations and making comprehensive multi-modal improvements all along Snelling. These will include better street and sidewalk lighting, curb extensions, new and improved crosswalks, better transit shelters and landscaping.

Many Snelling intersections would be redesigned to make crosswalks safer and in some cases to redirect turning vehicles. On cross streets and on Snelling, more signage would be added reminding motorists to watch for crosswalks and pedestrians. Traffic signals would be upgraded, with accommodations for people who are visually impaired so they could hear when it is safe to cross. Most of the intersections aren’t compliant with federal Americans with Disabilities Act standards and would have to be rebuilt.

A second study in need of input from people with disabilities is the Central Corridor Walkability Survey, at http://dcc-stpaul-mpls.org/special-projects/ walk. The light rail line will connect downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul, starting operations in 2014. Transportation models forecast 40,000 weekday riders by 2030. Models also predict that 68% of all Green Line riders will be walking to their stations.

In the case of the Dale Street Station it is 80%. Riders may walk up to a half-mile or more to reach their station.

Over the past several months volunteers have traveled streets leading to and from the light rail line, to identify areas where there are barriers such as missing sidewalks, poor lighting and unsafe street crossings. The District Councils Collaborative (DCC), a group of St. Paul and Minneapolis community groups, began the walkability survey earlier this year. The collaborative collected 376 surveys thus far, with more than 1,130 map notations and more than 1,163 comments

about pedestrian realm concerns and assets. Data was sorted into four major categories: 1. physical environment; 2. traffic and safety; 3. accessibility; and 4. walking experience.

DCC leaders said more comments are needed from people with disabilities who will use the light rail line and who will be affected by access to and from train states. How those comments will be gathered was still being determined when the December issue of Access Press went to press. One challenge as that some people found the online survey hard to use.

In station area planning workshops held over the past seventh months, many residents talked about pedestrian environments that are difficult if not impossible to maneuver. In some areas, especially in the West Midway, there are blocks without sidewalks.

Some neighborhoods of Minneapolis and St. Paul have poor lighting conditions at night. Many street crossings are unsafe and lack accommodations for people with disabilities.

According to a DCC report, “Problems such as these are especially prevalent in neighborhoods with a history of disinvestment and large numbers of people who are transit-dependent. This creates an inequality in the pedestrian realm, making it more difficult for those with the greatest need, including the elderly, disabled, and families with children to access public transit.”

The survey findings will eventually be presented to government agencies, to engage elected officials in the development and implementation of strategies to address the most urgent pedestrian realm improvements before the Green Line opens for service in 2014.

Contact the DCC at info@dcc-stpaul-mpls.org or call 651-528-8165. ■

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Pg 6 December 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 11

Minnesota Social Security offices reduce hours

REGIONAL NEWS Restaurants’ accessibility is scrutinized Minnesota U.S. Attorney B. Todd Jones sent a detailed questionnaire in November to 12 restaurants on or near Nicollet Mall to determine whether they are wheelchair-accessible or otherwise complying with federal law requiring accommodations for people with disabilities.

The U.S. Attorney’s office periodically looks into different types of venues to see if they are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Restaurants are expected to meet the ADA requirements that were in place at the time of the restaurant’s construction or latest renovation.

Federal officials have the option of directing restaurants to resources to help them become compliant. or filing a lawsuit. The group of restaurants were chosen because they are in the same general area, not because of any specific complaint or problems.

Among the questions the restaurants will be required to answer are: · Is there a telephone device for the deaf available at the host station so a restaurant can take reservations from people who are deaf or have a speech impairment? · Is the route through the main entrance and into the restaurant accessible to persons with disabilities? · If the restaurant has a bar or counter, is any portion of it lowered for accessible to someone in a wheelchair? · Does the restaurant have written policies on how it will handle people with hearing disabilities or use a wheelchair? · Does it have a written policy specific to persons with disabilities who use service animals? ■ (Source: Star Tribune)

Minnesota Social Security offices will be open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – a reduction of 30 minutes each weekday. In addition, beginning January 2, 2013, offices will close to the public at noon every Wednesday. The change took effect in mid-November.

While agency employees will continue to work their regular hours, this shorter public window will allow them to complete face-to-face interviews and process claims work without incurring the cost of overtime. The significantly reduced funding provided

by Congress under the continuing resolution for the first six months of the fiscal year makes it impossible for the agency to provide the overtime needed to

handle service to the public as it has done in the past.

Most Social Security services do not require a visit to a local office. Many services, including applying for retirement, disability or Medicare benefits, signing up for direct deposit, replacing a Medicare card, obtaining a proof of income letter or informing us of a change of address or telephone number are conveniently available at www.socialsecurity.gov or by dialing our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call our TTY number, 1-800-325-0778. Many of our online services also are available in Spanish at www.segurosocial.gov ■ (Source: Social Security Administration)

Parents face charges for punishment

They dance with Parkinson’s

An Eagan couple is accused of neglect and malicious punished involving the care of their autistic teenage son. Gregory and Angela Danner are each charged with two gross misdemeanors in the case.

A criminal complaint issued in Dakota County details the alleged neglect and abuse of the 15-year-old boy,who is reportedly diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum. Police say the teen told them that Angela Danner, his mother, and Gregory Danner, his stepfather removed his bed and lights from his bedroom and used foam to block outside light from seeping into the room as a form of punishment. He was only given peanut butter sandwiches to eat. He was forced to exercise excessively. The boy was largely confined to his room and monitored by video camera from another room.

If found guilty, the Danners face a maximum of one year in jail on each criminal count. ■ (Source: KARE-11, Pioneer Press)

The dance class Jessica Roeder has been leading most Fridays since January at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth is like any other, in most respects. Students start slowly with stretching exercises and work their way up to more complex moves during the 75-minute session. Their dances range from ballet to flamenco to folk. But there is a difference; this is the Parkinson’s Dance Studio in Duluth. The dancers either have the nervous-system disorder that causes tremors and hampers muscle movement or they are the spouses and friends of people with Parkinson’s.

Students go through the dance movements as best they can. One is in wheelchair. Another uses a walker instead of a ballet bar. Dancers find the class challenging and yet relaxing. Roeder got the idea for the class from a PBS News hour feature about a similar class offered in Brooklyn. Someone sent her a video link and she was hooked “Immediately, that very night, right away this was what I wanted to do with my life,” Roeder said. ■ (Source: Duluth News-Tribune)

December 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 11

PEOPLE & PLACES

cine County chemical dependency treatment program; and The Arc Minnesota’s Housing Access Program, which provides housing for people with disabilities, are two programs honored. Other honorees include the Hennepin Health integrated care system partnership and Wellness Preferred Integrated Network— Medica Health Plans and Dakota County, a physical and mental health services partnership

Fraser names new board member

Joan Distler received her award from SSA Area Director Jay Druckery.

Photo courtesy of Rise Inc.

Rise program director wins regional award Joan Distler, Rise, Inc.’s director of Customized Employment for the Twin Cities area, received a regional award. Distler was honored with the Skip Kruse Memorial Return to Work Award from the Social Security Administration (SSA)’s Region V based in Chicago. SSA Area Director Jay Druckrey made the presentation to Distler at Rise’s corporate offices in Spring Lake Park last month.

Each of the ten SSA regions present this prestigious award annually to individuals or teams who have made outstanding contributions to SSA’s goal of assisting beneficiaries who are disabled and want to return to work. The SSA’s Region V includes Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin and Illinois.

Access Press Executive Director Tim Benjamin is a past winner of the Skip Kruse Award.

Distler has worked at Rise since 1989. She was honored for her work with Rise’s Ticket to Work program which offers people who have disabilities currently receiving Social Security Income customized career planning, job placement, and follow-up support services. The program’s goal is to help reduce clients’ dependence on government resources by finding and maintaining suitable employment.

Distler also manages Rise’s Midwest Ticket to Work Partnership program. Through this program Rise develops interagency partnerships with other community rehabilitation programs throughout Minnesota and other states. Rise staff offer assistance in billing and administration to those agencies which haven’t been able to administer the program on their own. That allows more people to benefit from the employment program.

Circle of Health, Housing Access Service among honorees Minnesota Department of Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson presented the second annual Commissioner’s Circle of Excellence Awards Dec. 3 in St. Paul. Jesson honored seven organizations that have made outstanding contributions to human services program clients in 2012.

The honorees include programs that service people with disabilities. The Circle of Hope, a Yellow Medi-

Fraser, a Minnesota nonprofit serving children and adults with special needs, recently welcomed Jim Sathre onto its board of directors. Sathre is the market manager at BMO Harris Bank.

“It’s important to have people with a variety of backgrounds and occupations on our board because it offers a diverse range of advice. I look forward to the expertise and knowledge Jim will contribute,” said Diane Cross, Fraser President and CEO. “Fraser is very blessed to have this exceptional professional join our board of directors.”

Fraser is Minnesota’s largest and most experienced provider of autism services. Fraser also serves children and adults with more than 60 types of mental and physical disabilities. Our programs are nationally recognized for their high quality, innovation, and individualized, family-centered approach. For more information, call 612-861-1688 or visit www.fraser.org.

NAMI of Minnesota presents honors The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Minnesota presented awards at its annual conference in November in St. Paul. Bob Collins of Minnesota Public Radio was honored with the Media of the Year Award. The award recognizes an individual or organization instrumental in reporting on the needs of people with mental illness or effectively portraying the stories of people living with a mental illness and their families.

“NAMI members know Bob best through his online blog called NewsCut,” said NAMI Executive Director

Pg 7

Sue Abderholden. “In that blog Bob has reported on the high rates of suicide in the military, has questioned the decision to cut funds for child protection, discussed Gov. Dayton’s revealing that he had depression, and more. In a recent post he looked at the new inpatient unit at Regions Hospital highlighting the privacy, windows and even access to fresh air and summed it up, ‘They’re patients, not prisoners.’”

Collins was also recognized for his work in informing people of threatened cuts to mental health programs. He was involved in the MPR series “A Bad State of Mind: Minnesota’s Fractured Mental Health System.”

John Horner

Bob Collins Photos courtesy of NAMI of Minnesota

John Horner, manager of the Burlington Coat Factory in Maplewood was honored with the Employer of the Year Award. The award recognizes an employer that has demonstrated support for hiring and retaining people with mental illnesses, providing education about mental illness or created a supportive workplace for families who have a loved one with a mental illness.

“Burlington Coat Factory and John Horner have worked closely with Guild Incorporated’s Individual Placement and Supports (IPS) supported employment program. John recognizes that everyone has strengths and he works hard to match people’s strengths to a job,” said Abderholden. “He focuses on abilities, not barriers and seeks to find positive solutions to any People & Places - p. 15

Pg 8 December 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 11

PEOPLE & PLACES The Arc honors those who provide outstanding service Several Minnesotans, organizations, businesses and a ballpark were honored at The Arc Minnesota Annual Awards Banquet Nov. 16 at the Crowne Plaza Suites Airport in Bloomington. The banquet was part of The Arc Minnesota’s annual state conference. Rena Sarigianopoulos, weekend anchor for KARE-11 TV and co-host of “KARE Saturday”, emceed the event.

The honorees were recognized for outstanding work which furthered The Arc’s mission of promoting and protecting the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and actively supporting their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. (The winners were selected by The Arc Minnesota’s Awards Committee from nominations submitted from around the state.)

The Andrew R. Richardson Advocacy Award went to Kristine Goodrich and Press Publications, for coverage of a wide variety of stories about individuals with disabilities in the White Bear Lake area and the activities that promote inclusion and respect for them.

The Betty Hubbard Family Advocacy Award was given to James and Lorie Jensen of Little Canada. The Jensens were recognized for advocacy that helped end abusive treatment of their son and others at the Minnesota Extended Treatment Options facility in Cambridge.

The Bill Sackter Citizenship Award was given to Carrie Varner of Mankato, for her leadership in selfadvocacy and disability rights organizations at the local, state, and national level and her successes in speaking up for herself and others.

The Arc Minnesota honorees included Lynne Megan, CEO and President of TSE, Inc.; self-advocate Carrie Varner and Torgerson Properties representatives. Jason Subbert (left) and Pete Bromelkamp (right) of Torgerson Properties displayed their award with self-advocate Bruce Thompson (center), a 24-year employee.

Photos courtesy of The Arc Minnesota

The Community Innovator Award went to Target Field. The Minneapolis ballpark was cited for its many features and programs that make the ballpark accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities.

Target Field designers actively sought input from the disability community when designing the stadium to ensure it met the needs of people with disabilities.

The Employer of the Year Award went to Torgerson Properties in Fairmont, for their consistent support for 24 years in providing people with disabilities employment at their hotels and restaurants, their dedication to keeping people with disabilities on the job and their outreach to students looking for work.

People/Places arc - p. 14

Fry recognized for leadership in helping others find housing and hope

Melanie Fry (right) enjoyed the moment as she received the Inclusive Housing Award from The Arc Minnesota Awards Committee Co-Chairs Hunter Sargent and Karen Larson.

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.

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“ 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)

Melanie Fry, a lead policy consultant in the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Disability Services Division, was honored with the Inclusive Housing Award from The Arc Minnesota. The award was presented at the organization’s banquet Nov. 16.

Fry was recognized for her leadership in DHS programs that support independent, community living for people with disabilities, including the Housing Access Services program.

A partnership between The Arc Minnesota and DHS since 2009, the Housing Access Services program has moved 600 people with disabilities to homes of their own. The program is open to adults of all ages who are eligible for Medical Assistance home care or waiver programs and to people who had been living in their family home, group homes or assisted living.

The program also serves the homeless.

“Lives are better because of Melanie Fry,” said Scott Schifsky, program director for The Arc Minnesota. He nominated her for the award. “Melanie understands that quality services and supports are interlinked and that achieving success in one area of living may require supports in another. Her advocacy for individualized, one-person-at-a-time supports and People/Places Fry - p. 14

December 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 11

Pg 9

Camp programs team up to provide services

The partnership will allow the merged programs to continue to serve campers with disabilities.

Campers will continue to enjoy water recreation. This fish-shaped float got some affection.

Friendship Ventures of Annandale and Courage Center Camps of Golden Valley are collaborating to create a new camp organization to serve people with disabilities. The partnership became effective Nov. 19. This brings together two of Minnesota’s largest and most dynamic camp providers in the disability community.

The new organization will be called “Camps of Courage and Friendship” until a formal name study is completed. It will be governed by a volunteer board of 12, with equal representation from Courage Center and Friendship Ventures.

In 2013, campers, volunteers and staff will see traditional programs continue.

Behind the scenes, new methods and approaches will be developed to incorporate the strengths of both organizations. Information about the camps is at www.CampsCourageFriendship.org The partnership comes at a time when several Minnesota groups have closed or scaled back their camp programs. The Salvation Army, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts are among the groups that have had to make changes. Dwindling participation and finances have doomed some popular camps. Other camps around the Twin Cities have been swallowed up by suburban sprawl.

The partners in the new effort hope to keep providing camp experiences. Friendship Ventures and Courage Center Camps have rich histories of providing exceptional and much-needed services. Camp Courage was established in 1955 to serve individuals with physical disabilities. Friendship Ventures was established in 1964, serving participants with developmental disabilities and special needs.

Between the two organizations, there are five lakeside camps in Minnesota.

Camp Courage lies on 305 acres of beautiful lakeshore, woods and fields near Maple Lake, about 50 miles west of the Twin Cities. Camp Courage North is set amid 105 acres of towering pines on Lake George, near Itasca State Park in northern Minnesota. Both camps feature accessible lodging and facilities.

Camp Friendship began in 1964 as a resort near Annandale. Camp Eden Wood was acquired by Friendship Ventures in 1995. That facility was established in 1925 as the Glen Lake Children’s Camp, originally serving as a summer haven for children with tuberculosis. In the late 1950s, Arc of Hennepin County operated the site as Camp Indian Chief for people with developmental disabilities.

In 2005, Camp New Hope, near McGregor, merged into Friendship Ventures. The camp was originally established in1968 by four Cambridge State Hospital doctors who saw a need to get patients with disabilities out of the hospital.

Recognizing that camp programs continue to provide strong benefits, both Courage Center and Friend-

ship Ventures share the goal of preserving and enhancing the camp experience for children and adults with disabilities. A lengthy study process revealed the entities could offer innovative camp programs and serve more families by combining strengths, methods and assets.

This exciting partnership enhances programs to the nearly 4,000 people currently served by Friendship Ventures and Courage Center Camps. It also expands positive outcome options to the larger disability community.

Leaders are confident the partnership will create one of the most dynamic and comprehensive camp programs for people with disabilities in the upper Midwest. ■

Campers will still enjoy challenges such as climbing walls.

Photo courtesy of Camps of Courage and Friendship

Pg 10 December 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 11

UPCOMING EVENTS Advocacy Tuesdays at the Capitol Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNCCD) resumes its traditional legislative session schedule once the 2013 legislative session is underway, starting Jan. 8. This includes full membership meetings on Fridays during the legislative session from noon-1 in room 500 N of the State Office Building as well as “Disability Matters Tuesdays at the Capitol” on Tuesdays during the legislative session at 10 a.m. in the basement cafeteria of the State Office Building. FFI: www.mnccd.org Committee members sought The State Advisory Council on Mental Health and the Subcommittee on Children’s Mental Health are accepting applications for membership. The council and subcommittee advise the governor and state departments on policies, programs and services affecting adults with mental illnesses and children with emotional disturbances. Each group consists of 30 members representing a variety of perspectives on the mental health system. The council has openings for two consumers of mental health services; i.e., recipients of public mental health services. The subcommittee has an opening for a parent of a child with mental health issues. Any Minnesotan is eligible for membership. Appointments to the State Advisory Council are made by the Governor and appointments to the Children’s Subcommittee are made by the council. Terms are for four years. The council and subcommittee meet on the first Thursday of the month in St. Paul. They will not be meeting in December. In addition to reimbursement for travel, lodging and meal expenses, there is a stipend of $55 per meeting. FFI: Bruce Weinstock, 651-431-2249, Bruce.Weinstock@state.mn.us; or www.sos.state.mn.us/ index.aspx?recordid=41&page=19

Adult classes and meetings 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 Christmas, Dec. 24-25.

Come to a winter celebration and social night in the MCIL kitchen 1-6 p.m. Tue, Dec. 18. Walk or roll around Mall of American 1:30-3:30 p.m. Thu, Dec. 13 and 20. Meet at the office for these trips and take the bus together.

Many classes are offered. Budget check-in is 10 a.m.-noon Tue, Dec. 11. Conflict resolution is 10 a.m.-noon, Mon, Dec. 17. Communication 101 is 10 a.m.-noon Tue, Jan. 9.

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, Dec. 19, Jan. 9 and Jan. 30. Wii fun is back 1-3 p.m.

Mon, Dec. 17 and Thu, Jan. 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.. Go to Longfellow Grill, 2990 West River Parkway Mpls, 1-3 p.m. Sat, Jan. 19 for lunch. 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@mcilmn.org, Cindy, 651-603-2037, cindyl@mcil-mn.org,

Youth and families 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 Wednesday 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, 651-357-2077. A group meets at 6:30 p.m., on the 4th Tuesday of the month, at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 285 N. Dale St., St. Paul. FFI: Marc, 763227-9446. A group also meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday 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, 651-730-8434.

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, Dec. 10 and Jan. 7 at MCIL, 1600 University Ave. W., St. Paul. Preregistration requested. RSVP: Corbett, 651-603-2028, corbettl@mcil-mn.org Fraser offers groups Fraser provides classes for families dealing with more than 60 types of disabilities and disorders. Autism Spectrum Disorders 101 is 3:30–5:30 p.m. Tue, Jan 15 at Fraser, 6344 Penn Ave. S. Richfield, This workshop provides an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) for families and professionals to gain a better understanding of the characteristics of ASD, the diagnostic process, related terminology, and a brief overview of fundamental strategies and supports Cost is $30 per individual, $50 per couple Supporting Siblings of a Child with Special Needs is 7-8:30 p.m. Tue, Jan, 29 at Fraser, 1801 American Blvd E, Suite 1, Bloomington. As a parent, it can be difficult to support all children while also meeting the needs of a child with special needs.

Cost is $30 per individual, $50 per couple. FFI: 612798-8331 or email workshops@fraser.org, or register online at http://www.fraser.org/Resources/Workshops.

Information and support 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 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 and 6:30-6 p.m. on the second and fourth Thu at Goodwill-Easter Seals, 553 Fairview Ave. N., St. Paul. FFI: 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. FFI: 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 meets Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) offers a GLBT support/social group that meets 6-7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at 1600 University Ave. W. #16, St. Paul to discuss topics related to being a part of the GLBT community and dealing with a disability. Dinner is provided.

Next meeting is Jan. 8. RSVP at least 2-3 days in advance, as group cancels if fewer than three people sign up. FFI Corbett Laubignat, 651"603"2028, corbettl@mcil-mn.org

Volunteer, Donate Help with arts calendar VSA Minnesota is seeking a volunteer or volunteers to assist with the compilation of the monthly VSA Minnesota arts calendar. The calendar lists accessible performances, films, galleries and events throughout the region. FFI: Jon, 612-332-3888 or 800-801-3883, Voice/ TTY, access@vsamn.org 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@mnliteracy. 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 ■

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

Holiday lights in Phalen Park The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and King of Kings Lutheran Church present a spectacular holiday display at Phalen Park in St. Paul.

See beautiful interactive light displays from the comfort of a motor vehicle. All net proceeds go to local charities including Second Harvest Heartland, Union Gospel Mission, St. Paul Parks Conservancy and UnderConstruction. Time is 5:30–10 p.m. nightly including holidays through Jan. 1. The display is at 1615 Phalen Drive E, St. Paul. Cost is $10 per vehicle or $8 value nights, Sun– Thur (discount not available on holidays). The charge is $15 per limo/passenger van/mini bus and $30.00 per coach bus. FFI: www.lightsinthepark.org

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 through 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 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

Winter Walkabout It’s time to register for the Winter Walkabout, a snowshoe fundraiser for Vinland Center and its programs.

2013 date is Feb. 23 and online registration is underway.

Costs range from $25 to $70, depending on how many register and when registration comes in. Enjoy the beautiful grounds at Vinland’s main campus in Loretta and learn about the services provided by Vinland. Last year, 150 snowshoers participated. The goal for 2013 is to have 250 snowshoers. FFI: www.VinlandCenter.org, www.winterwalkabout.org/register.html

A Servant of Two Masters Direct from critically acclaimed runs at Yale Repertory and Shakespeare Theatre Company, The Servant of Two Masters arrives at the Guthrie under the direction of former Guthrie company member Christopher Bayes, starring Steven Epp (Theatre de la Jeune Lune) as the wily servant Truffaldino. Whether it’s date night or ladies’ night, you don’t want to miss this sometimes bawdy, always charming hit the Washington Post hailed as a “bowlful of joy!”

Willy Wonka

The Cripple of Inishmaan

Paradise Community Theater in Faribault presents Willy Wonka, the story of a magical candy maker and his quest to find an heir, at Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave. N., Faribault. AD and ASL performance 7:30 p.m. Thu, December 13. ASL is funded by Sertoma Club of Faribault. Limited free tickets available for MSAD students. Tickets are $14, age 12 & under $8. FFI: 507332-7372, www.paradisecenterforthearts.org/

Nimbus Theatre presents a play about residents of an Irish facing the glare of 1930s Hollywood. Billy Claven, a dreamer from the neighboring island of Inishmaan, is determined to be in the film and take his shot at fortune and fame. But “Cripple Billy’s” audacity may be a stretch for the secret-hoarding, gossip-loving locals. Performances are at 1517 Central Ave. NE, Mpls. AD performance 8 p.m. Sat, Dec. 15. Tickets are $10 Thurs., Sun., $15 Fri.-Sat., $18 opening gala; discount. FFI: 612-548-1380, www.nimbustheatre.com

An “Eventually” Christmas: Holidays at the Mill Mill City Museum, 704 S. 2nd St., Mpls. hosts a performance in its Flour Tower elevator ride. The Ghost of Mill City Past leads an intimate look at the 1920 Washburn Crosby holiday party. The script is based on real stories taken from the pages of the company’s employee newspaper. Scenes unfold on different floors of the mill and visitors will meet different characters along the way. ASL performance 5:30 p.m. Fri, Dec. 14. Tickets are $14, $12 senior & college student, $10 children 6-17 & MHS members; $2 off adult admission with Fringe Festival button. FFI: 612-341-7582; email: mcm@mnhs.orgl or www.millcitymuseum.org

Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells GREAT Theatre presents a story about a first grader who draws the name of a tattletale for the Secret Santa party. The humorous play is presented at the Stephen B. Humphrey Theatre, St. John’s University, Collegeville. ASL performance 7 p.m. Fri, Dec. 14. Tickets are $11-17; phone 320-363-5777, e-mail: bacinfo@csbsju.edu, or www.greattheatre.org

Striking 12 Bloomington Civic Theatre presents this unique take on the Little Match Girl’s story at Bloomington Center for the Arts, Black Box Theater, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington. AD performance is 7:30 p.m. Fri, Dec. 14.

ASL 2 p.m. Sat Dec. 15. Tickets are reduced to $13 for AD/ ASL (regular $20, $18 senior, $15 age 25 & under). FFI 952-563-8575; boxoffice@btacmn.org, www.btacmn.org

It’s a Wonderful Life Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre presents It’s a Wonderful Life at Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre, 333 Fourth St. S., Fargo. AD performance is 7:30 p.m.

Fri Dec. 14. Pre-show description 7:10 p.m. Tickets are reduced to $8 (regular $15, student/senior $10). FFI: 701-235-6778, www.fmct.org

Narnia The C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe book is staged by Youth Performance Company, at Howard Conn Fine Arts Center, 1900 Nicollet Ave., Mpls. AD and ASL performances 7:30 p.m. Sat Dec. 15.

Tickets are $12, student 18 & under or senior 62+, $10.

FFI: 612-623-9080, www.youthperformanceco.org/

A Servant of Two Masters Yale Repertory Theatre presents the classic comedy masterpiece at Guthrie Theater, McGuire Proscenium Stage, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. Captioning performances 1 p.m. Wed, Dec. 19 and 7:30 p.m. Fri, Jan. 11. AD performance 1 p.m. Sat, Dec. 22 with sensory tour) and 7:30 p.m. Fri, Dec. 28. ASL performances 7:30 p.m. Fri, Jan. 4 and Thu, Jan.10. Tickets are reduced to $20 for AD/ ASL, $25 for Captioning (regular $24-62). FFI: 612-3772224, TTY 612-377-6626, www.guthrietheater.org

2 Pianos 4 Hands Park Square Theatre hosts this presentation of piano whiz kids who play multiple roles and play many pianos, at Park Square Theatre, 20 W. 7th Place, St. Paul. ASL performance is 7:30 p.m. Fri, Dec. 21. Tickets are halfprice for ASL (regular $38 ASL area). FFI: 651-2917005, www.parksquaretheatre.org/

All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 Theater Latte Da, Cantus and Hennepin Theatre Trust present this play set at the Western Front of World War I at Pantages Theatre, 710 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. ASL and AD performance 2 p.m. Sat, Dec. 22. Tickets are reduced to $18 for ASL/AD patrons and one guest (regular $28-$35.50); phone: 612-339-7007; must call to get discount, or go to accessible@broadwayacross america.com, or the State Theatre Box Office, 805 Hennepin. FFI: www.theaterlatteda.com or www.cantusonline.org or www.hennepintheatretrust.org/ box-office/accessible-information ■

Pg 12 December 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 11

Radio Talking Book

Access Press is one of the publications featured at 9 p.m. Sundays on the program It Makes a Difference.

Holiday listening planned Every December, Radio Talking Book gives its volunteers a Christmas Day break. This year, holiday programming begins December 24, 8 p.m. after the reading of the New York Times, and continues until 6 a.m., December 26. The staff and volunteers hope that listeners enjoy hearing some of their favorite stories.

Want to hear a magazine?

Listeners can find more than 70 audio magazines through the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library and more than 35 audio magazines on NFB-Newsline.

If a favorite magazine cannot be found through either source, Radio Talking Book can custom record the magazines in Audio Services. Call Dan for more information at 651-649-5903 or 800-652-9000.

Weekend program books Your Personal World (Saturday at 1 p.m.) is airing IdeaLinks, by Jim Link, and The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth, by John C. Maxwell; For the Younger Set (Sunday at 11 a.m.) is airing 172 Hours on the Moon, by Johan Harstad, and The Dragon’s Tooth, by N.D. Wilson; Poetic Reflections (Sunday at noon) is airing That Said, by Jane Shore, and Unless You Count Birds, by Kathleen Weihe; The U.S. and Us (Sunday at 4 p.m.) is airing A Boundary Waters History, by Stephen Wilbers, and My Mother Is Now Earth, by Mark Anthony Rolo.

Books available through Faribault Books broadcast on the Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network are available through the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library in Faribault. Phone is 1-800-722-0550 and hours are 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The catalog is online and can be accessed by going to the main website, http://education. state.mn.us, and then clicking on the link. Persons living outside of Minnesota may obtain copies of books by contacting their home state’s Network Library for the National Library Service.

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

Chautauqua • Tuesday – Saturday 4 a.m.

Exit, Nonfiction by Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot, 2012. Exits are ubiquitous in life but we tend to ignore or diminish them, seeing them as signs of failure or retreat. But an exit marks the start of a new conversation, the possibility of moving on to something new. L - Read by Lannois Neely. 11 broadcasts. Begins Dec. 21.

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

American Emperor, Nonfiction by Tim Brady, 2012. A canny and charismatic politician who rose to become the third vice president of the United States, Aaron Burr seemed to throw it away in 1805 and 1806 in an attempt to lead a secession of the American West. Read by Bonnie Smith-Yackel. 14 broadcasts. Begins Dec. 17.

Bookworm • Monday – Friday 11 a.m.

Blue Asylum, Fiction by Kathy Hepinstall, 2012. Iris Dunleavy was a Virginia plantation wife when she was put on trial and convicted of madness. Confined to Sanibel Asylum until she can be restored to be a good, compliant woman, she knows she is not insane. Read by Alletta Jervey. Nine broadcasts. Begins Dec. 24.

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

In My Father’s Country, Nonfiction by Saima Wahab, 2012. Brought to the U.S. at fifteen, Saima returned to Afghanistan as an interpreter after college. She was the only college-educated female Pashto speaker in all of Afghanistan. Her personal goal was to forge new bonds between Pashtuns and Americans. Read by Nancy Bader. 15 broadcasts. Begins Dec. 17.

Choice Reading • Monday – Friday 4 p.m.

More Than You Know, Fiction by Penny Vincenzi, 2012.

A privileged girl, Eliza Clark has a dazzling career as a fashion editor in 1960s London. When she falls for Matt Shaw, a working-class boy, and ends up pregnant, she is expected to give up her lifestyle to get married. L Read by Sue McDonald. 23 broadcasts. Begins Dec. 11.

PM Report • Monday – Friday 8 p.m.

Patriot of Persia, Nonfiction by Christopher De Bellaigue, 2012. On August 18, 1953, American and British intelligence agencies began a coup against Iran’s prime minister. His crime: he wanted to nationalize his country’s oil industry and he was a foe of the Shah. Read by Leila Poullada. 11 broadcasts. Begins Dec. 27.

Night Journey • Monday – Friday 9 p.m.

A Double Death on the Black Isle, Fiction by A.D. Scott, 2011. When two deaths occur on the same day, the Black Isle seems as forbidding as its name. Reporter Joanne Ross is a close friend of the woman at the center of the crimes. Read by Myrna Smith. 11 broadcasts.

Begins Dec.12.

Subduction, Fiction by Todd Shimoda, 2012. The physician Endo was charged with a patient’s death and has been banished to a tiny earthquake-plagued island. The aging islanders plot against all outsiders. L - Read by Bill Studer. Eight broadcasts. Begins Dec. 31.

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

Almost Never, Fiction by Daniel Sada, 2012. Demetrio works a dull job. Out of boredom, he meets with Mireya, a prostitute. But then he falls into a more proper love with Renata and exchanges chaste letters with her, while still frolicking with Mireya. L,S - Read by Bob Malos. 14 broadcasts. Begins Dec. 17.

Potpourri • Monday – Friday 11 p.m.

Growgirl, Nonfiction by Heather Donahue, 2011. After The Blair Witch Project, Donahue became a household name.

But her career stalled, and she followed her new boyfriend to her new life, farming medical marijuana. L,S – Read by Licia Swanson. 10 broadcasts. Begins Dec. 10.

When Last on the Mountain, Nonfiction edited by Vicky Lettmann and Carol Roan, 2011. When Last on the Mountain is a compilation of memoir, poetry, and short stories written by authors who are age 50 and older. L,S - Read

by Cintra Godfrey. 11 broadcasts. Begins Dec. 26.

Good Night Owl • Monday – Friday midnight The Prague Cemetery, Fiction by Umberto Eco, 2011.

Nineteenth-century Europe abounds with the ghastly and the mysterious. Every nation has its own secret service, perpetrating forgeries, plots, and massacres. Europe is in tumult. But what if, behind all these conspiracies, lay one lone man? Read by Arlan Dohrenburg. 19 broadcasts. Begins Dec. 10.

After Midnight • Tuesday – Saturday 1 a.m.

Farlander, Fiction by Col Buchanan, 2011. When the Holy Matriarch’s son purposely murders a woman, the Roshun, a group of assassins, is committed to retaliate.

The job falls to Ash and his young apprentice, Nico.

Their journey takes them to the heart of conflict between the Empire and the Free Ports. V, L, S - Read by Joe Sadowski. 16 broadcasts. Begins Dec. 11.

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

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December 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 11 Pg 13

Frostbite- from p. 3 painful but damage can be reversed. Frostnip causes discomfort, blanching and numbness of the skin that is relieved by rewarming.

Superficial frostbite is limited to the skin and tissues just below the skin. Severe frostbite involves the muscles, nerves, and deeper blood vessels and may result in tissue death (necrosis) and decay (gangrene).

This could lead to amputation.

At the first signs of redness and pain, frostbite is beginning. Get out of the cold or protect any exposed skin. Signs include a white or grayish-yellow skin area, numbness or skin that feels unusually firm or waxy.

The numbness is problematic because an individual is often unaware of frostbite until someone else notices.

Anyone detecting symptoms of frostbite must seek medical care. The CDC notes that because frostbite and hypothermia both result from exposure. Medical personnel must first determine whether the victim

Health note - from p. 3 normal things that occur in the body with the development of frostbite occur in phases. The first is the prefreeze phase. This is when tissue temperature ranges from 37 ° to 50 ° F. Secondary to chilling and prior to ice crystal formation, superficial sensation is generally lost at 50 ° F. The second, freeze-thaw phase is caused by ice crystal formation within the tissue. The third, vascular stasis phase involves abnormal changes in blood vessels, such as spasticity, dilation, plasma leakage, stasis blood clotting and circulation shunting. The fourth, the late ischemic phase (cell injury, followed by tissue death).

Overlap occurs among these phases, and the changes during each phase vary with the rapidity of freezing and duration and extent of injury.

Tissue cells can be affected by freezing in three different ways. Some skin cells may be unaffected, but others can be killed. In the third situation, a large number are injured but may recover and survive under the right circumstances.

The book Wilderness Medicine Management of Wilderness and Environmental Emergencies by P.S. Auerbach provides an excellent overview of how frostbite affects human skin and underlying tissue, and how cells are affected.

For more information regarding prevention and early management of frostbite, visit www.webmd.com/ skin-problems-and-treatments/features/frostbite-treatment-prevention-faq-feature The Red Bull Crashed Ice course is probably not accessible this year so stay off the course, stay warm at the sidelines and have a great time! ■ Wolfe is a physiatrist or rehabilitation physician.

Rehabilitation physicians are medical doctors who have completed training in the medical specialty of physical medicine and rehabilitation. She is licensed to practice medicine and surgery in Minnesota. She is a Board Certified Independent Medical Examiner (disability medicine expert). She can be contacted at daynawolfemd@yahoo.com

also shows signs of hypothermia, when the human body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature. Hypothermia can affect the heart, nervous system and most other organ. Left untreated, hypothermia will eventually lead to heart and respiratory system failure, and death. Hypothermia requires emergency medical assistance.

If there is frostbite but no sign of hypothermia, seek medical attention. If medical care isn’t available immediately, get into a warm room as soon as possible.

Unless absolutely necessary, don’t walk on frostbitten feet or toes—this increases the damage. Immerse the affected area in warm—not hot—water. Water temperature should be comfortable to the touch for unaffected parts of the body.

An alternative to water is to warm the affected area using body heat. For example, the heat of an armpit can warm frostbitten fingers.

Following warming, the individual often describes tenderness or burning pain.

One myth about frostbite is that it can be treated by rubbing the affected area with snow, or using an ice pack. This can cause more damage. Frostbitten skin should not be rubbed or massaged at all; this can cause more tissue damage. Nor should anyone with frostbite use a heating pad, heat lamp, or the heat of a stove, fireplace, or radiator for warming. Affected skin easily burns.

After thawing, the skin is reddened with superficial blisters and swelling in mild cases. More severe injuries can result in serious cases. Proper medical care is needed to make sure frostbite doesn’t result in complications.

Lab studies may be ordered by a medical professional, to identify delayed systemic complications such as wound infection or underlying hypothermia. A radioisotope scan may be useful in detecting tissue injury if it is performed within 48 hours after injury. ■ (Sources: Centers for Disease Control, Medical Disability Advisor)

In Memoriam Jeremiah McShane inspired others Jeremiah McShane, a former Minnesota State High School wrestling champion and college wrestler who inspired many others, died Nov. 13. He was 63 and lived in Minneapolis.

McShane was s state wrestling champion for Minneapolis De LaSalle High School and also lettered in wrestling for the University of Minnesota. He broke his neck in September 1971 in a skydiving accident.

After the accident McShane continued to inspire and encourage others.

A celebration of his life will be held on Dec. 21.

Cremation Society of Minnesota is in charge of arrangements. For details call 612-825-2435 He is survived by his life partner Jeannie O’Connor and her family, as well as mother, brothers, sisters and their families. He was preceded in death by his father and brother-in-law.

Ann Smalley Jordan helped children Ann Smalley Jordan, a pioneer in programs and services for children with Down syndrome, died Nov. 14 of stroke complications. She was 97 and lived in Fergus Falls and Marine on St. Croix.

The Perham native studied nursing at the University of Minnesota and served as an Army nurse at hospitals in New Guinea and Australia during World War II. She earned a Bronze Star during the war. After her military service she became the assistant director of the child development division at Lakeland Mental Health, creating programs and services in a fourcounty area of west central Minnesota for children and families with Down syndrome. Her work helped shape state standards surrounding children with dis-

abilities. She was one of the first program administrators to seek outside grant funding for programs.

Jordan retired from public health work in 1978 and then began volunteering five days a week at the Otter Tail County Historical Society in Fergus Falls. The archive library is named in her honor. A community gathering was held Nov. 20 at the Otter Tail County Historical Society.

Jordan was preceded in death by her son Lorin, parents and siblings. She is survived by a daughter-inlaw, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Sasha McHale’s death spotlights lupus Sasha McHale, daughter of Minnesota basketball legend Kevin McHale, died Nov. 24. She was 23 and lived in North Oaks. The Houston Chronicle reported Sasha McHale had “long battled lupus, an auto-immune disease, and was hospitalized with a related condition.” Kevin McHale is head coach of the Houston Rockets. He recently took a leave of absence from coaching to be with his family.

Sasha McHale was a Totino-Grace graduate and a member of a state championship basketball team there. She wore No. 32, the same number her father wore during his hall of fame career with the Boston Celtics She attended University of Minnesota-Duluth but left school recently. She was one of Kevin and Lynn McHale’s five children.

Lupus is an auto-immune disorder. The immune system creates auto antibodies that attack and destroy healthy tissue and can cause chronic inflammation, pain, and damage to the body, especially the skin, joints, blood, and kidneys. ■

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

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

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

We look forward to hearing from you!

Please call (612) 726-9341.

Pg 14 December 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 11

Minnesota’s health care exchange

- from p. 1

ance and this will be a key target group for the exchange. In order to reach out to the uninsured, many of which are from diverse communities, navigators will play a key role. The concept is that they will be housed in organizations that are community-based and reflect the communities they serve. They will help explain insurance the options available under the exchange. The task force is grappling with how to define the role of the navigator versus the broker.

A key issue is what benefits will be covered by plans in the exchange. All plans are required by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to cover mental health and substance use disorder treatment and to follow mental health parity. There will be a basic health plan and essential benefits. Task force members want to make sure that people currently on MinnesotaCare do not lose access to services they have now.

The final version of Minnesota’s health insurance exchange will be decided early during the 2013 legislative session. Dayton needs to have a bill passed by mid-March 2013 outlining and authorizing the Minnesota exchange. If this bill does not pass, Minnesota will be forced to use the federal exchange.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services postponed two deadlines till mid-December, including the date the states had to submit their proposals. But Minnesota officials are pushing ahead with the original schedule.

“I am delighted to submit Minnesota’s Exchange Blueprint application and confirm Minnesota’s intent to develop and operate a State-based Health Insurance Exchange,” Dayton wrote in a letter to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius last month. “I strongly share your commitment, and that of President Obama, to ensuring access to affordable, high quality health care coverage for all Minnesotans.”

The exchange is not only a priority for the governor; it is also a priority for the incoming Minnesota

House and Senate DFL majority. Senator Tony Lourey and Representative Tom Huntley currently serve on the Exchange Advisory Task Force and chair the Health and Human Services Finance Committees.

There are other parts of the ACA that are positive for people with disabilities such as young people being able to be covered under their parents’ health insurance and not allowing plans to deny coverage for people with pre-existing conditions. Denial of insurance due to pre-existing conditions is been a problem for people with disabilities. Sometimes denial for minor conditions and too often, specific disabilities are targeted.

The exchange is already controversial. One often heard criticism is how it is supported, through user fees or taxes and that taxpayers don’t want to support a system they won’t use and are more than capable of shopping for their own health insurance. Another question mark is what types of coverage will be available, and whether those types of coverage will meet the needs of people with disabilities.

A potential increase in premiums is another concern when thinking about the exchange. According to Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN the estimated increase in premiums could be anywhere between 26-42 percent. But it’s important to note this is only an estimate and until the cost-sharing measures of the exchange are finalized, the prospects of increases are unknown.

It important to note this is only an estimate and until the cost-sharing measures of the exchange are finalized, (low-income residents and small businesses will receive subsidies to make insurance more affordable), it is uncertain if insurance premiums will go up or not.

With all of the issues raised, the exchange proposal bears watching. Follow the discussion at: http:// mn.gov/commerce/insurance/topics/medical/exchange/Exchange-Advisory-Task-Force/ ■

History - from p. 2 snowmobile rides for snowmobile clubs and teenagers respectively) and “Outside of the Box” events including one-day motorcycle Road Rallies, golf tournaments, and 5K Fun Runs/Walks among other events.

Inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities has come full circle on the Northland 300. In 2009, Steven Eull became the first-ever Special Olympics Minnesota Athlete to participate on the Northland 300. He rode on the back of a sled driven by his coach, Jason Reinsch, sled completing the 300-

plus miles of the journey. Eull raised the required amount of funds to participate and continues to be a Northland 300 participant today.

For more information on this event, visit www.north land300.org or contact Kathy Karkula at 612-789-2081 or karkulak@ hotmail.com or visit www.specialolympics minnesota.org ■ The History Note is a monthly column sponsored by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, www.mncdd.org and www.partnersinpolicymaking.com

People/Places Arc - from p. 8 The Frances Klas Johnson Spirit of Giving Award went to TSE, Inc. of Roseville, for its consistent support for The Arc Minnesota through gifts of time, talent, treasure, and advocacy. TSE has provided financial support, volunteers, volunteer leadership and strong participation at The Arc Minnesota’s public policy events.

The Irving Martin Professional of the Year Award was given to Mary Ann Erickson of Rise, Inc. in Spring Lake Park. For 24 years, Erickson has worked successfully with hundreds of people with disabilities who wanted employment in the community, engaging in creative problem-solving and advocacy to make those successes possible.

The Luther Granquist Systems Change Award was given to two individuals. Charles Van Heuveln of St. Paul was honored for his tenacious and persistent advocacy which resulted in policy changes in Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD), the state’s health care program that serves people with disabilities who are working. Jon Tevlin, columnist for the Star Tribune, was honored because his stories about Van Heuveln helped raise public and legislators’ awareness of the need to make policy changes to prevent him and others on MA-EPD from having to impoverish themselves and lose their disability supports at age 65. Van Heuveln was also honored by Access Press earlier in November 2012 with the 2012 Charlie Smith Award.

The Membership Award was given to The Arc Kandiyohi County, for achieving the largest percentage increase in membership growth of any local Minnesota chapter of The Arc. Since the beginning of 2012, the chapter’s membership has grown by 45%.

The Teacher of the Year is Karen Bendtsen of Eagan. She was saluted for her 30 years of successes in educating developing the gifts of her students with disabilities in Intermediate School District 287.

Bendtsen started an innovative art garden program so 150 students could express themselves through creation of mosaics, sculptures, pathways stones, and other visual media.

The Volunteers of the Year are Don and Gail Larsen of Laporte. The Larsons were honored for their donation of many hours of time, talent, and energy to The Arc Minnesota conferences, other disability advocacy events, and the People First chapter in Bemidji. ■

People/Places Fry - from p. 8 services has created opportunities for individuals to be more independent than they had previously thought possible.”

DHS received funding for the program in 2009 as part of a legislative package that included a moratorium on corporate foster care. Through a request for proposal process, Arc Minnesota was awarded grant dollars to implement Housing Access Services and develop materials to promote inclusive community living and help people move into their own homes.

Housing Access Services has being expanded into the menu of services for home and community-based service waivers, and additional providers will be enrolled.

“When we requested and received the legislative appropriation for housing access grants, we had high hopes for what this could do to help people move into homes of their own and inform development of future housing assistance for people with disabilities of all ages,” said Alex Bartolic, Disability Services Division director. “The Arc Minnesota and their local chapters made that a reality.” ■ Computerized Desktop Publishing: Advertisements Brochures Catalogs Flyers Logos Newsletters Newspapers and More!

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

December 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 11 Pg 15

Olmstead - from p. 1 eliminate unnecessary segregation of persons with disabilities and to ensure the persons with disabilities receive services in the safest and most integrated setting appropriate to their needs.

The Minnesota Olmstead Planning Committee was formed as part of the settlement with the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). It requires the development of a Minnesota Olmstead Plan in accordance with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Olmstead v. LC. The plan has a completion date of June 2013; an interim report was issued this fall. The interim report includes recommendations to Minnesota DHS Commissioner Lucinda Jesson.

The lawsuit sparked uproar in Minnesota’s disability community. In July 2009, three former residents of Minnesota Extended Treatment Options (METO) and their parents brought a class action lawsuit against the State of Minnesota and DHS in the United States District Court, District of Minnesota, on behalf of residents of METO. METO residents were subjected to improper use of restraints and punishments deemed excessive, to the point that their rights were violated. In June 2011 the plaintiffs and the state reached a comprehensive class action settlement agreement, which was approved by court on December 5, 2011.

Among other things, the settlement agreement required the State to close METO by June 30, 2011, and mandated that any successor program comply with the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Olmstead v. L.C., and utilize person-centered planning principles and positive behavioral supports. The agreement also mandated that as part of system wide improvements, DHS establish an Olmstead Planning Committee charged with making public recommendations as to the establishment of a state plan by Oct. 5.

By June 5, 2013, the state and DHS are mandated to develop and implement a comprehensive Olmstead Plan that uses measurable goals to increase the number of people with disabilities receiving services that

best meet their individual needs and in the “most integrated setting,” consistent and in accord with the Olmstead decision.

Olmstead refers to Olmstead v. L.C., the United States Supreme Court held that Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires the placement of persons with disabilities in community settings, rather than in institutions, when the state’s treatment professionals determine that such a placement is appropriate; if the transfer is not opposed by the individual, and the placement can be reasonably accommodated given the resources available to the state and its obligation to provide for the needs of others with mental disabilities. In that court decision, a majority of justices ruled that failure to provide care for individuals with mental disabilities in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs is discrimination, in violation of the ADA, unless the state or other public entity can demonstrate an inability to provide for integration into the community without “fundamentally altering” the nature of its programs.

This court decision favors community living with supportive services over institutional placement.

While Olmstead doesn’t require a state plan, compliance with the court’s ruling is difficult to demonstrate without such a plan in place. One of many advantages of having a plan is place is that it allows for evaluation of whether or not a state is following the Olmstead decree.

“It’s important for people to read the (interim report) and make comments,” said Christopher Bell, one of the Minnesota committee co-chairs. He and others involved on the committee have been reporting on progress to the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD). One challenge the committee had in trying to make recommendations and file an interim report in a tight time frame and without adequate information and expertise to fully address some topics. Some topics will have to be addressed later.

An Olmstead Plan is meant to cover topics including community-based services and supports, home and community-based waiver services, Medicaid state plan services, health care services, transportation, employment, communication integration, housing and navigating the system. There are also recommendations for state-operated community services, state-operated forensics services, the Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center and Minnesota State Hospital-Cambridge. (After METO was closed in June 2011, the Cambridge facility was occupied by the specialty health system-Cambridge, a program for people with developmental disabilities.)

In its interim report, the committee stated “The State, as it prepares its Olmstead Plan, must look broadly across state executive agencies providing services to people with disabilities and do its own analysis of laws, policies and procedures that should be reviewed in light of the ADA and the Olmstead decision.”

The committee also stated that its recommended reforms shouldn’t be implemented in a manner which causes harm to individuals with disabilities. “Individual needs and desires should not be sacrificed in an effort to promote greater community integration,” the committee stated. “The (committee) cautions against reducing existing resources for less integrated settings before sufficient resources supporting more integrated settings are available. An effective Olmstead Plan should involve redirecting public resources to more integrated settings but this must be done in an orderly and measured way to ensure that people with disabilities, collectively and individually, continue to benefit from public programs. If an individual with a disability desires to move from an institution or a less integrated setting to a more integrated setting, the move should not be carried out unless and until the services and supports the individual needs are available and in place.” ■

disabilities. Indoor floor hockey competition began in 1975. The CI Division was added in 1990. The MAAA modeled its program after that of the Minnesota State High School League for non-disabled athletes. The League’s Representative Assembly in November 1992 approved adding the adapted athletic activities of indoor soccer, floor hockey and indoor softball. Since then adapted bowling has been added as a fourth activity and the only individual activity.

This is the 20th year for the Minnesota State High School League’s program for athletes with disabilities. Athletes with varying disabilities compete coeducationally and one team often represents multiple school districts. ■

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People & Places - from p. 7 problems. ‘Win-Win’ is how Guild’s Peggy Darmody describes the relationship, because John has quality employees and people with mental illnesses are given a chance to work. “

Robins win fifth straight title The Robins of Robbinsdale-Hopkins-Mound Westonka flew to a state-record fifth consecutive state championship in the Physically Impaired or PI division of Minnesota State High School League adapted soccer. The team topped the Hawks of Dakota United, 5-2, Nov. 17 in the title game.

Robins junior Tyler Sarff scored twice in the title game, continuing a scoring streak that served the team well during the regular season when he scored 15 goals. Senior Charlie Wittmer stopped 21 shots in the title game. The team finished its season with an 11-0 record. The Robins are likely to be strong in the future as 13 of 21 athletes are sophomores or younger.

The team beat St. Paul Humboldt in the semi-finals of the tournament.

Anoka-Hennepin topped St. Paul Humboldt, 6-3, for third place. South Suburban beat Park Center, 5-3, for the consolation title.

The Dakota United Cognitive Impaired (CI) team captured a state title with a 6-1 win over Mounds View-Irondale-Roseville 1. It was the Hawks’ second CI title. Two seniors, Ricky Arends and Joe Sandey, each scored twice. Junior Saibian Ben Harmon made 14 saves.

The Hawks topped Park Center, in the semi-finals and North Suburban in the quarterfinals, to get to the title game.

Burnsville/Farmington/Lakeville defeated Park Center, 13-11, for third place. Burnsville-FarmingtonLakeville knocked off defending champion AnokaHennepin in the tournament’s first round.

North Suburban defeated South Washington County, 5-4 to win the consolation title.

The Minnesota Association for Adapted Athletics was originally organized for students with physical

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Pg 16 December 10, 2012 Volume 23, Number 11

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