February 2013 Edition - Access Press

Merrick goes green—page 9

Volume 24, Number 2

Guardians face more scrutiny

by Access Press staff

Many people with disabilities rely on guardians or conservators to help with their day-to-day financial tasks.

This work can be gratifying to those who do it, and critical for those who need help.

But when guardians and conservators financially or physically abuse their clients’ vulnerabilities, the results can be disastrous. Recent cases in Minnesota illustrate why more protections are needed.

“Financial abuse by guardians who are supposed to be looking out for vulnerable people is exploitive. This legislation would update Minnesota law to help ensure that guardians meet the high standards necessary to look after another person,” said Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson.

Swanson’s office recently Guardians - p. 4

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ReelAbilities film festival puts a spotlight on people with disabilities

by Jane McClure

The ReelAbilities Film Festival is coming to Minnesota this fall. The event is the largest festival in the country dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories and artistic expressions of people with disabilities. Films from around the world will be featured, both by and about people with disabilities.

Partnership Resources, Inc. (PRI) is working on plans for Cast members for Partnership Resources Inc.’s (PRI) recent western play a five-day festival, starting in are looking forward to the upcoming ReelAbilities Film Festival Photo courtesy of PRI early November. “We just think it will be such a great fit for the Twin Cities, given the number of disability-related groups here,” said Dan Reed, director of marketing and development for PRI. As many as a dozen films will be shown as part of the festival. This will be the first such festival in Minnesota.

St. Louis Park-based PRI was selected by ReelAbilities of the Manhattan New York Jewish Community Center because of its mission and tenets to raise awareness, breakdown stereotypes and myths, provide opportunities for people with disabilities and for its reputation in pioneering groundbreaking partnerships in the community.

The organizers are lining up venues and funding to make the film festival a reality. Reed stated ReelAbilities Film Festival - p. 14

Dayton reveals programs; legislators review budget

by Access Press staff

form, help Minnesotans live healthier lives, and slow the rising It has been an eventful first month for the 2013 Minnesota cost of health care in our state.” The reform measure makes Legislature and Gov. Mark Dayton. It has also been a very busy needed changes to Minnesota’s payment system for publiclytime for Minnesotans with disabilities and their many advocacy funded health care programs, including Medicaid. The current groups. Although much lies ahead there is optimism among comsystem pays providers for the volume of care they deliver, munity members on a number of fronts. rather than the quality of care they provide.

Dozens of pieces of legislation affecting people with disabilities Under the new payment system, participating providers would have been introduced, ranging from improved mental health care instead receive financial incentives for reducing the total cost of to spinal cord research. Legislators and advocates are working care for Medicaid enrollees while maintaining or improving the toward their first key deadline, March 15, when bills need favorquality of care they receive. A system of cost and quality tarable action from the House or Senate. gets will be used as incentives for innovative care. Each year, Dayton has already announced two major initiatives that will their total cost of care will be compared to a mutually-agreed affect people with disabilities. One is a package of reforms to upon targets for costs and care. Providers in the program are provide better health care for 100,000 Minnesotans and lower Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, Essentia Health, costs for taxpayers. In an effort to further improve the state’s CentraCare Health System, North Memorial Health Care, FedMed-icaid program, the Minnesota Department of Human Sererally Qualified Health Center Urban Health Network and vices (DHS) is partnering with six health care providers to test a Northwest Metro Alliance, a partnership between Allina Health new payment model that prioritizes quality, preventive care and and HealthPartners. These providers will serve Minnesotans enrewards providers for achieving mutually-agreed upon health rolled in publicly-funded programs. goals.

Health care reform at the state level is a key focus this ses“Minnesota is the first state in the nation to implement this resion, the governor’s budget and in DHS proposals. Many are sults-based payment model,” said Dayton. “This new payment building on the ongoing Reform 2020 effort by DHS and the system will deliver better health care at a better price. By changMinnesota Health Care Reform Task Force which released its ing the way we pay health care providers we can incentivize reRoad Map to a Healthier Minnesota in December. The full report is at http://mn.gov/healthreform/images/TaskForce-201212-14-Roadmap-Final.pdf Also, last month, Dayton issued an executive order establishing a high-level group to improve opportunities for Minnesotans with disabilities to live and work in the community. The group will develop and implement a comprehensive plan to support freedom of choice and opportunity to live, work and participate in the most inclusive Lauren Gilchrist (Special Advisor to the Governor's staff), Rep. Thomas Huntley (DFL-Duluth); Alex setting for individuals with disabiliBartolic (director of disability services for DHS) and Anne Henry (staff attorney for the Disability Law ties. Representatives of several Center) were on a panel discussing disability issues.

Photos by Sara Grafstrom, ARRM First month - p. 5

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NEWS DIGEST

Not everyone can withstand the cold.

Here’s where to call if someone needs help.

Page 5

ADA Legacy Project aims to preserve disability community history.

Page 2

Former MnDHO clients, where are you?

Page 3

Dr. Vance column describes people who inspire us.

Page 10

Robotics are part of assistive technology. It’s also a great way to engage young people.

Page 14

INSIDE Accessible Fun, pg 11 Events, pg 12 People & Places, pgs 7 & 9 Radio Talking Book, pg 14 Regional News, pg 6

Pg 2 February 10, 2013 Volume 24, Number 1

EDITOR’S DESK

Tim Benjamin In a recent column, I wrote a bit about what a mild winter we were having so far. Well, as usual in Minnesota, the shoe (a snowshoe) dropped, and we have had a boatload of snow and frigid weather. There have been several days and nights of record cold temperatures, and snowfalls that we haven’t seen in several winters. It’s back to normal in Minnesota.

Yessss.

Gov. Mark Dayton and Commissioner Lucinda Jesson of the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) had a recent phone conference with U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, requesting the use of federal Affordable Care Act funds to lower eligibility requirements for MinnesotaCare. If the request is granted, more low-income individuals who cannot now afford it will be eligible for health insurance coverage.

Strengthening the nation’s health and human services infrastructure is one of the federal administration’s strategic goals for 2010-2015, and Sebelius’ specific

charge. What Dayton and Jesson are asking for could offer many of our caregivers the opportunity to have real affordable insurance in their chosen careers.

There’s been conversation around the office about Sen. Jeff Hayden’s (DFL-Minneapolis) legislation (SF: 1111) proposing $8 million in funding for research on spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries (SCI and TBI). My first reaction was like the one most of us veterans have about research on SCI: let’s spend money on care for individuals, not on searching for magic cures. That’s a philosophy most of us have had for many years. But I did a little exploring, and after seeing the amount of money being spent nationally on SCI research compared to the amounts spent on care, I’ve changed my thinking. In the U.S., the estimated cost of care on SCI alone is estimated at $77 billion and yet we spend only about $70 million of federal money on research.

Until recently, there was a pretty bleak prognosis for most SCI and traumatic brain injury (TBI) and researchers could find no solid evidence of the possibility of nerve regeneration. With such low chances for successful cure, legislators have been trying instead just to keep up with the costs of long-term care of individuals with SCI. However, many researchers are seeing a new horizon for nerve regeneration. I think we need to change our strategies just a little and begin

spending more money on research on nerve regeneration and stem-cell replacement for all central nervous system injuries and diseases.

Considering that we’re spending on research only about 1/1000th of the cost of care, we really do need to make a more serious investment in research that might find a cure for new neurological injuries and to prevent traumatic injury from causing permanent disability.

Even if we invest more in scientific research, though, we can’t forget that long-term care remains the future for many Americans. There is still a huge need for long-term care, and the number of recipients of long-term care will be increasing tenfold in the next 20 years. We have to ensure the dignity of our seniors and people with disabilities. Many of the up-and-coming long-term care users will not have nervous system problems that will be solved by nerve regeneration research.

And finally, one more thing. Personally, I think any state money that’s spent on research should be spent on direct research, not preparing for a research project. There are already lots of projects up and running that need more funding. I hope Hayden agrees and writes a “direct money” clause into his bill.

Take some time to go talk or write to Hayden and your local legislators. Tell them what you think will make our state the best state for you as a citizen. Join your voice with others at the Minnesota capitol and make some noise, have an impact. Stay warm and have a good, safe month. ■

HISTORY NOTE

ADA Legacy Project seeks to preserve, display history

by Jane McClure

Anyone who is interested in the history of disability in Minnesota and the United States will enjoy the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Legacy Project. Recently a link to this project and to more Minnesota disability history was posted on the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities website, at www.mncdd.org There is a growing awareness of the need to preserve disability history. ADA Legacy Project idea was developed during the ADA25 Summit held in At-

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lanta, GA in August 2012. The purpose of the project is to focus on the ADA as it has unfolded—and continues to unfold—over time. It is a celebration of the efforts that led up to the signing of the ADA on July 26th, 1990, highlighting its implementation and the changes that have occurred since, and considering how the spirit of the law will improve the future. ADA Legacy Project Now Off and Running Many historic resources have already been lost, according to the online publication Independence Today.

“The late Evan Kemp—who introduced President George H.W. Bush at the signing of the ADA, succeeded Deborah Kaplan at the Disability Rights Center and was the first person with a disability to chair the EEOC—had his papers thrown into a trash bin on the street,” the article stated. Also, noted organizer and accessibility activist Roland Sykes’ March 2008 death was followed by the disposal of his papers and the sale of his home, an accessible bus known as “The Big White Cloud.”

Activists don’t want other resources to be lost. The project’s goal is to make sure that the tangible history of the disability rights movement is collected and remembered.

One key focus of the group in Atlanta centered on the planned National Center for Civil and Human Rights, scheduled to open in May 2014. Disability rights advocates want a permanent disability history exhibit. Center officials initially said no, but have since agreed to a permanent disability rights exhibit with changing content. A committee will work on the exhibit.

“I see the ADA Legacy Project as a way for many, many more people, both disabled and non-disabled, who don’t even know that there is a disability rights movement, to realize there is a disability rights movement that is equal in importance to the other extremely impactful movements that started in the 1950s,” said Eleanor Smith of the group Concrete Change. “The black civil rights movement, the second wave of the women’s movement, and also the very vivid gay and lesbian movement, were enormous, and they are well known. I see the ADA Legacy Project as a way to make people realize there is an unrecognized movement that is as deep as the other movements for social justice.”

Smith added, “Our historical content is delicate because, unlike other groups of oppressed people, pity is forced upon us. We tend not to tell humiliating personal experiences because we do not want pity. But we must find a way to tell our stories and tell them from a powerful place. And if we cannot tell them from a powerful place, tell them anyway because this movement has a powerful vanguard, and they have our backs.”

To join the ADA Legacy Project, go www.facebook. com/ADALegacy. ■ The History Note is a monthly column sponsored by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, www.mncdd.org and www. partnersinpolicymaking.com

February 10, 2013 Volume 24, Number 1

Pg 3

MnDHO: Gathering Lessons Learned

Former MnDHO participants sought for focus group

by Access Press staff

The Minnesota Department of Human Services is designing new health programs for people with disabilities. As part of that process, DHS staff wants to use insights, ideas, and lessons learned from current and past efforts, including the former Minnesota Disability Health Options (MnDHO) Program. But efforts to reach former MnDHO clients are being met with resounding silence.

DHS want to meet with former MnDHO clients in a focus group. But as Access Press went to press, only a few people had signed up for a Feb. 8 session. A second focus group is scheduled for 10 a.m.-noon, Thursday, Feb. 21 at the Elmer L. Andersen Human Services Building, Room 2370, 540 Cedar St., St. Paul.

Anyone with experiences with MnDHO, positive or negative, is encouraged to attend the session.

DHS is working with the Human Systems Dynamics Institute (HSDI) on this project. Anyone wanting to attend or in need of accessibility accommodations should contact Lecia with Human Systems Dynamics

Institute (HSDI), at 612-825-1972 or toll free at 1866-473-4678 or email at leciagrossman@hsdinstitute.org Former clients will be asked to speak about the benefits and challenges experienced while being served

by MnDHO. Participation in a focus group is preferred. However, former MnDHO clients who cannot attend in person can take part in a number of survey options. These include online, paper or even phone surveys. All communications will be anonymous.

DHS will summarize all information and data from any survey. No individuals or agencies will be identified.

The clients’ group is one of four stakeholder focus groups being conducted as part of the study of MnDHO. The project will conclude with a public meeting to share findings and explore future opportunities. The public meeting is 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, March 19 at the Elmer L. Andersen Human Services Building, Room 2370.

MnDHO, which closed Dec. 31, 2010, provided

many innovative ideas for products and services. DHS is currently conducting focus groups with a variety of stakeholder groups to look at the MnDHO Program.

Initially a pilot program, MnDHO evolved to become a program that maintained good health and simplified the lives of many Minnesotans with disabilities. Planning for MnDHO began in the 1990s. At the time it was hailed as one of the few times that people with disabilities had been actively involved in creating a solution to the health care maze they face daily.

MnDHO was also known as UCare Complete.

MnDHO was created in partnership with UCare, Courage Center, AXIS Healthcare and DHS. Through this partnership, MnDHO members were able to have their primary medical needs integrated with the county waiver services that helped them live in the community.

Before dissolving MnDHO, members had to either choose another health plan, or go back to fee for service Medical Assistance once MnDHO ended. ■

It’s official:

Minnesota’s 20 percent relative PCA pay cut is history said the DHS’ initial prediction was correct and he Advocates for people with disabilities and direct would have continued caring for his mother, even with care providers of services to people with disabilities lower wages. But that didn’t mean it was right. “She’s praised a mid-January decision by the Minnesota Demy mom,” he said. “I know I’d do it anyway.” partment of Human Services (DHS) not to appeal a It wasn’t a very well thought-out stopgap measure,” recent court decision that ruled a 20% wage cut to David Bradley Olsen, an attorney who sued the DHS direct care workers was illegal. The cut would have on behalf of eight home-care agencies and nine relataken effect on July 1 for more than 6,000 caregivers tive caregivers, told the Star Tribune. “The legislature who care for and support their relatives with disabilididn’t even determine that the ties living at home. value of their care was differ“The Arc Minnesota applauds this decision by DHS,” said Steve Larson, Senior Policy Director for The Arc Minnesota. “We are glad that family members can now continue to provide care to their loved ones without further worry about this issue.”

Tim Plant, Executive Director of HealthStar Home Health, one of the parties to the lawsuit to overturn the Ramsey Court ruling, also applauded DHS. “We are glad that the Department of Human Services decided to pursue a fairer policy of paying direct care staff. Now, family and non-family PCA workers who do equal ent. They assumed that relatives had some kind work under the same standards and training requireof moral bond and they would continue to work ments will receive the same pay, as they should.” whether they were paid less or not.”

The Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled in fall 2012 The wage cut was approved at the end of that the 20 percent pay cut is unconstitutional. “The Minnesota’s 2011 special legislative session, with no distinction created by the 2011 amendment between public input. Done as a budget-balancing measure, it similarly situated individuals is arbitrary and does not reduced the pay of relative PCAs by 20%. PCA provide a natural, reasonable or substantial basis to agencies filed suit but a Ramsey County District Court justify legislation providing for unequal pay for equal ruling in March 2012 upheld the cut. work,” Appeals Court Judge Terri Stoneburner wrote The Arc Minnesota and other disability advocates in the majority opinion. worked to pass legislation in 2012 to eliminate the DHS Commissioner Lucinda Jesson told reporters that the cut was one she didn’t want to make. The cut was made at a time DHS had to cut about $1 billion to balDiamond Hill Townhomes is a great property located near the ance its budget.

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wage cut. The Minnesota Legislature and Dayton temporarily reversed the cut, but only until July 1, 2013. Funding that restores the direct care staff members’ wages is included in the governor’s state budget for the next biennium.

The Arc Minnesota is a non-profit organization that promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. It has 12 affiliated local chapters across the state of Minnesota.

HealthStar Home Health, based in North St. Paul, provides a variety of home health services and personal care assistance to help Minnesotans stay in their homes and maintain the maximum amount of independence ■ Info from The Arc Minnesota, Star Tribune and other media was used to compile this article.

Pg 4 February 10, 2013 Volume 24, Number 1

Health care agency staff members face charges Three Twin Cities area home health care agencies’ staffs faced various criminal charges in January. It is an alarming trend.

Advantage Home Care Services of St. Paul owner-operators Blessing Anyanwu and Ernest Anyanwu of Plymouth were charged Jan. 23 in Ramsey County District Court with two counts of medical assistance fraud and one count of theft by false representation. Court documents indicate the couple didn’t provide services they billed the state for.

Blessing Anyanwu received $1.2 million from Advantage from 2006 through July 2010. While they claimed Ernest Anyanwu didn’t get paid as administrator and manager, financial records show he received more than $70,000.

The Anyanwus were involved in different home

health care service businesses since 1994. In 2008, when the alleged fraud came to light, the company received more than $1.7 million in paid claims for 213 recipients. A Minnesota Department of Human Services probe took place from September 2008 through March 2009. During that time the state reimbursed Advantage for almost $5 million An executive with Osseo-based Edelweiss Home Health Care was charged with cheating her employer and an insurance company out of nearly $1.5 million over six years. Lori Jo Mueller of Apple Valley was charged in federal court in Minneapolis with wire fraud and health care fraud.

According to the criminal charges, Mueller stole about $840,000 from Edelweiss. The theft occurred between June 2006 and June 2012. Also, from March 2010 until June 2012, she allegedly defrauded Medica

Guardians - from p. 1 prosecuted a guardian, Terri Ann Hauge d/b/a Estate Resources, Inc. Hauge was suspended from the practice of law in Minnesota in November 1995 for lying to clients and mishandling cases. Because existing law does not require disclosure of professional licensing actions, Hauge subsequently wound up serving as guardian for dozens of vulnerable adults.

In one case involving a ward under her care who only received $650 in Social Security per month, Hauge drained $22,666.48 from his bank accounts over a seven-month period, leaving him with $33.65.

After Hauge was removed as his guardian/conservator, social services workers found that he was living in a squalid apartment with no edible food.

In another, Hauge refused to provide food or money to a ward that had just been discharged from emergency medical care. She left him alone in a motel in an unfamiliar town without any money or food. In the same conservatorship case, Hauge failed to pay the ward’s bills and bounced dozens of checks, resulting in daily calls to the ward and his family from creditors seeking payment. Instead of paying the bills, Hauge drained $4,170 from the ward’s bank account, leaving him with a negative balance of -$31.29.

In yet another case, Hauge cashed in a life insurance policy that was supposed to be set aside for her ward’s future burial services. In this same conservatorship, Hauge also drained $4,656.45 from the ward’s bank account, leaving her with a negative bal-

ance of -$143.66 when she was removed as the woman’s guardian and conservator.

In 2012 the Attorney General’s Office, Hennepin County, and Rice County charged and convicted Hauge of perjury, felony theft by swindle, felony theft by false representation, and felony financial exploitation for swindling and financially exploiting vulnerable adults out of tens of thousands of dollars while appointed as their guardian.

In another case, a Woodbury woman was charged in January with a gross misdemeanor after the 19year-old woman with disabilities in her care was exploited sexually. Cheryl Ann Tschida, 50, is accused of taking the woman to various locations in Roseville and St. Paul, where she was forced to have sex with several different men. The victim is now in a group home.

According to media reports, Washington County had allowed Tschida to become a guardian for adults.

Tschida was convicted in 2008 of neglecting a baby who was abused in her unlicensed day-care center.

State lawmakers, Anoka County Attorney Tony Palumbo and Swanson are demanding changes, with a focus on preventing problems through stepped-up background checks and other measures. Before the 2013 legislative session began, they announced proposals to provide greater protections to vulnerable adults under the care of guardians and conservators in Minnesota.

Rep. Debra Hilstrom, (DFL-Brooklyn Center) and Sen. Ron Latz (DFL-St. Louis Park) are authors of the bill, which was introduced in mid-January. Hilstrom chairs the House Judiciary Committee. Latz chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The legislation would improve Minnesota’s background check process for guardians and conservators and provide stronger safeguards against financial exploitation. Background checks would be expanded include whether a guardian or conservator has ever been denied a professional license by the state related to the responsibilities of a fiduciary duty, or whether they’ve had a license conditioned, suspended or revoked.

The legislation would also require that guardians and conservators disclose additional information that may bear on their soundness as a guardian, including whether they have filed bankruptcy, been found civilly

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by submitting false claims to various insurers seeking reimbursement for services provided by Edelweiss nursing staff.

While known as Lori Jo Peterson, she was convicted in 1997 of stealing more than $60,000 from a company in Burnsville. She also was convicted in 1992 in a swindling case in Hennepin County The operator of a home health care agency in northeast Minneapolis stands accused of filing bogus Medicaid billings totaling more than $400,000.

Abshir M. Ahmed of Minneapolis was charged Jan. 15 in federal court in Minneapolis with health care fraud. According to prosecutors, from January 2008 through June 2011, Ahmed submitted false claims through Lucky Home Health Care Inc. for services by personal care assistants that were not carried out. ■ (Sources: Star Tribune, Pioneer Press)

Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson Photo courtesy of Minnesota Attorney General’s Office

liable for fraud or misrepresentation, have outstanding civil monetary judgments against them, or have an order for protection or harassment restraining order issued against them. Another requirement would be that guardians disclose any changes in their criminal histories. Any disclosures would have to be made within 30 days of a criminal incident.

Also, background checks would be conducted every two years. State law currently requires background checks only once every five years.

“As we see a rising number of financial exploitation cases, this legislation requires critical background information on someone who is asking to make financial and living decisions for a vulnerable person. It will help a judge make the right decision,” said Palumbo.

“Vulnerable adults who require a guardian or conservator to manage their affairs deserve to be treated with fairness and dignity. This legislation would provide additional tools to help make sure that those selected are up to the task,” said Hilstrom.

“State law should provide robust tools to screen out risky individuals before they become trusted appointees of the court over the assets and care of vulnerable persons. This bill will strengthen the screening process,” said Latz.

In a separate action, Rep. John Lesch (DFL-St. Paul) is asking that penalties be strengthened against those who abuse vulnerable adults in sex trafficking cases. Lesch, who works as a prosecutor for the City of St. Paul, said he will introduce changes that would enable judges to give enhanced penalties in such cases. Lesch said he and other prosecutors and law enforcement officials are hearing about more sexual exploitation cases involving people with disabilities.

As of Access Press deadline, Lesch’s bill hadn’t been introduced. ■

February 10, 2013 Volume 24, Number 1

Care workers’ union sought At the 2013 Minnesota Legislature, there is a push to unionize personal care assistants (PCAs) and other direct support workers. These workers have announced their campaign to form a union with Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Healthcare Minnesota.

Home care workers in self-directed programs, where program participants directly control their own services, currently do not have the right to form a union.

Members believe this give them a limited voice at the capitol to speak for issues impacting their work or the people they support.

Chris Bell, former co-chair of the MN-CCD, said, “I support the campaign because when direct support workers do better we all do better.”

Home care workers are working to pass legislation allowing them to form a statewide union and negotiate with the state, which controls the funding for these programs. This legislation will protect the right of people receiving services to hire, supervise, direct and terminate their support workers and does not give workers the right to strike, in order to ensure continued self-directed support for the people they work for.

Health care workers already got a boost with introduction of Senate File. 184 and House File 214 to preserve and improve the MinnesotaCare program through the “Basic Health Plan” option created by the Affordable Care Act. “Over 130,000 Minnesotans rely on MinnesotaCare each month for affordable, comprehensive health coverage. MinnesotaCare enrollees are parents and children in working families who lack access to affordable, employer-based health coverage but are not quite poor enough to qualify for Medicaid. Under the Affordable Care Act, we have a unique opportunity to preserve, expand and improve MinnesotaCare beginning in 2014,” said SEIU Healthcare MN Executive Vice President Jigme Ugen.

“Our members—frontline caregivers in hospitals, clinics and nursing homes throughout the state—see patients every day who benefit from the coverage we as First month - from p. 1 state departments will work on the task force. Lt. Gov. Yvonne Prettner Solon will chair the group.

The group’s charge is to come up with a 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. This is tied to the 1999 U.S. Supreme Court Olmstead decision, that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires states to place people in community settings, rather than in institutions, whenever appropriate.

The group will seek input from people with disabilities, their families, advocacy organizations, service providers and others to develop and implement what Dayton calls a “comprehensive Minnesota Olmstead Plan.”

Review of Dayton’s health and human service bill began in late January. The bill calls for spending about $11.2 billion for the 2014-2015 biennium. A main focus of the bill is to bring Minnesota in compliance with the federal health care reform law or Affordable Care Act. The budget also has a focus on mental health. For example, it includes a $7.4 million investment in school-based mental health grants, $2 million for expanded mental health crisis response services and $4 million for new mental health transition services.

Lauren Gilchrist of Dayton’s staff describes the budget as one of “no gains and no gimmicks.” She noted that not every program advocates want can be included, but that state officials have worked to prepare a budget that brings improvements to services while providing cost savings.“We know there’s a lot of change coming,” especially in terms of federal health care reform, Gilchrist said.

The HHS budget has met a generally favorable response, especially for its focuses on long-term care, children’s mental health and mental and behavioral health systems changes. The budget is framed against a March federal deadline to implement a state-based health insurance exchange.

At a Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD) forum January 19 in St. Paul, panelists and audience members said they generally like what they see happening this session, with the budget bills and other specialized pieces of legislation. But it will be a long and complex session, especially given the state’s $1.1 billion deficit.

“It sounds like there will be much focus this session on systems change,” said Rebecca Covington, director of MN-CCD. She and others disability community members said, everyone needs to be poised to address the many issues ahead.

Panelists emphasized that advocacy groups and self-advocates need to tell their stories and appeal to legislators representing their home districts. “People need to be very involved,” said Rep. Tom Huntley (DFL-Duluth). Huntley is chairman of the House Health and Human Services Finance Committee.

Anne Henry, staff attorney for the Disability Law Center, said anyone working on an issue should plan to be at the capitol more than once this session, due to the Affordable Care Act issues and the potential for major changes in disability services. “Community supports are also going to be changing and we need to be able to respond to that,” Henry said.

Huntley cautioned MN-CCD forum attendees that the state continues to recover from a very bad recession. He noted that because health and human services make up a large part of the budget, it can be a “very tempting target.”

Huntley also noted the “huge” time constraints faced in trying to meet Affordable Care Act deadlines. But there was applause when he noted that about 300,000 Minnesotans without insurance would have their choice of coverage.

Alex Bartolic, director of disability services for DHS, said the focus will be on how to get better outcomes, tied to the Reform 2020 effort. Reform 2020 is a com-

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Keep others safe This snow creature may be loving the cold but for others winter can be a struggle. Persons in Hennepin County should add this number to a cell phone directory and help save somebody’s life: 612-879-7624.

The number is for St. Stephen’s Street Outreach Team. When it is dangerously cold in Hennepin County, please call when someone is seen outdoors with no place to stay. Give an exact location and description of the person so the team can check on them. Leave a message if the call rolls to voice mail. The number can also be shared with the person so that the outreach team can respond for help or with questions about housing.

Use the number at any time of the year. It is publicized more widely due to the cold and the number of people staying outside this winter.

In other communities, call law enforcement. If a person appears to be in some kind of emergency situation, call 911. An increasing number of older people and people with disabilities are homeless, so it’s important to call. ■ a state have provided for more than twenty years through the MinnesotaCare program. As we implement the Affordable Care Act in Minnesota, we should be building on that legacy and moving forward on affordability and quality, not going backwards. ■ For more information about how the disability community is showing support for home care workers contact Galen Smith at 651-285-5364 or galen.smith@seiuhealthcaremn.org

Alex Bartolic (DHS), Rep. Thomas Huntley (DFL-Duluth) and Anne Henry (DLC)

pilation of about 20 different initiatives, including how to modify Medical Assistance, better deliver services and make programs more sustainable. There’s a need to help people earlier and to give people with disabilities more options. “It’s about having the life you want,” Bartolic said.

Bartolic also said that while talk of reform and change may make people anxious, “The point is to make things better.” She urged those at the forum to give state leaders very specific suggestions in response to proposals.

Disability community members are continuing to be involved in a number of issues. MN-CCD offers a number of reminders for those wanting to be involved at www.mnccd.org and visit the advocacy page.

One reminder is on parking. Due to construction delays, the new disability parking locations in Lot B will not be accessible by tunnel until mid-February. Until that time disability parking will continue to be provided in Lot N behind the capitol. Also, pedestrians can no longer access Lot N from University Avenue. To access Lot N, enter from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard.

Another reminder is to watch for changes in Metro Transit bus service, as light rail construction has forced changes at capitol stops. Ask the bus driver for the closest stop.

Remember Tuesdays at the Capitol, which are regularly sponsored by MN-CCD groups. There is also a membership meeting most Fridays, noon-1 p.m. in State Office Building Room 500N. Please send proposed agenda items to rebecca@mnccd.org no later than 5 p.m. the Wednesday before. ■

Pg 6 February 10, 2013 Volume 24, Number 1

REGIONAL NEWS Moratorium on thrift stores debated Tensions have flared as over a moratorium the Burnsville City Council recently imposed on new thrift stores in the Burnsville Center retail area.

At a work session, Council Member Dan Kealey tried unsuccessfully to end the moratorium and set guidelines for regulating thrift stores. Representatives of The Arc Greater Twin Cities watched as the council instead pushed ahead with the moratorium. The prohibition could doom The Arc’s effort to open one of its Value Village used-goods stores in the former Ultimate Electronics building on Burnhaven Drive.

Laurel Hansen, the Arc’s business director, said afterward that a tentative purchase agreement for the building will probably dissolve before late May or early June, when the council is scheduled to lift the moratorium and vote on possible new zoning standards for thrift stores.

The Arc sought an extension from the seller after the council voted 3-2 in December 2012 to impose the moratorium. Moratorium backers are worried about the appearance and concentration of thrift stores in Burnsville’s County Road 42 retail corridor, as well as the loss of property taxes resulting from the sale of the former Ultimate Electronics building to a nonprofit. ■ (Source: Burnsville Sun-Current)

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Workers fired after man is pushed

Intermediate care facility sought

Greenview North, a Hibbing assisted living center, fired two employees after a resident was allegedly pushed into a reclining chair. The incident occurred in spring 2011 and was investigated by the Minnesota Department of Health’s (MDH) Office of Health Facilities Complaints, according to a report.

Greenview is a home for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions.

The incident, which was captured on video surveillance, showed a staff member forcefully pushing the resident with a walker and his hands, and caused him to fall backward. The incident occurred as a resident was standing about two feet in front of a recliner. A second Greenview employee was attempting to give the resident a walker, but the resident continually pushed it away while becoming agitated.

The first employee did not intervene, according to the report. The employees were both discharged immediately—one for mistreating a resident and the other for not reporting abuse as mandated. The alleged perpetrator was also charged with fifth degree assault.

The MDH investigation found that Greenview North failed to comply with state statutes for the Vulnerable Adults Act designed to keep vulnerable adults free from abuse and ensure timely report of such abuse. ■ (Source: Hibbing Tribune)

An effort is underway in Nicollet County to open an intermediate care facility for the region’s developmentally disabled children. Area children now must travel to facilities in Red Wing and La Crosse, Wis., for care, a trek that takes its toll on families.

“People burn out. It just wears them down,” Nicollet County Social Services Supervisor Barb Christenson told the Mankato Free Press. She is leading the push for a five-bed site.

Christenson said there is no such facility in southcentral Minnesota. In-home services are available but are not enough for many families.

Sen. Kathy Sheran (DFL-Mankato) said the dearth of intermediate care sites in the state is a significant problem for affected children, and she plans to present a bill before the Minnesota Legislature to channel state funds toward establishment of a Nicollet County facility.

She said the goal is to fund the project by redistributing existing funding for a so-called “bed unit” in another county to augment Nicollet County’s bed allotment. The key is to not involve any “new” money.

The five-bed, 24-hour care home would be in a residential setting and would serve children from age 7 to late teens who suffer from developmental disabilities such as autism and Asperger’s syndrome. ■ (Source: Mankato Free Press)

HUD, US Bank settle discrimination claim The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that U.S. Bank National Association will pay $12,000 to a Minnesota man with disabilities under an agreement resolving allegations the bank imposed unnecessary documentation requirements on the mortgage applicant.

HUD found the lender required the Roseville man to establish he would continue receiving disability income for three years before it would approve his mortgage loan. The Fair Housing Act makes it illegal to discriminate in the terms and conditions of a loan

based on a person’s disability, including by imposing different loan application or qualification criteria.

“Holding persons with disabilities to a different standard because they rely on disability-related income violates the Fair Housing Act,” said John Trasviña, HUD Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “Reasonable income standards are a necessary part of the underwriting process but HUD will continue to take action when these practices are discriminatory.”

Regional news - p. 15

February 10, 2013 Volume 24, Number 1

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UCare grants are awarded

PEOPLE & PLACES

Christian Knights

Knights to lead service group

Submitted photo

Christian Knights, public affairs associate at Courage Center and volunteer committee co-chairman for the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD), has taken a new position as Director of Government Relations for Aging Services of Minnesota. He will be representing nursing homes and assisted living facilities across the state. His last day at Courage Center was Jan. 25.

Knights had worked at Courage Center for almost seven years. He was active in a number of areas including voter outreach, advocacy and public policy.

He recalled that favorite activities over that time have included the unique Rides to the Polls program operated for three election cycles, the many candidate forums across the state, and his first-ever event at Courage Center- Smackdown the Vote with WWE wrestler Ken Kennedy. “And yes I was as worried as the event title’s name suggests I should have been,” he said.

Knights said he will miss his many amazing colleagues and working together on public policy goals.

He has been proud to be a part of MN-CCD’s growth to an organization of almost 100 groups.

In a farewell note to friends and colleagues, Knight said, “There is as we know a huge overlap between disability and aging. My hope is that this new role will help facilitate far more collaboration between the two in the future as we both move forward.” ■

New year, new name for Twin Cities law firm A Minnesota law firm with 40 years of experience has changed its name to O’Meara, Leer, Wagner & Kohl to reflect the people now upholding its stellar reputation. The firm formerly known as Johnson & Condon has served a diverse group of clients from multinational companies to emerging businesses and insurance companies. It has also been a leader in disability law.

Led by Shamus P. O’Meara, Timothy J. Leer, Mark A. Wagner and Mary E. Kohl, the firm aims to build upon four decades of success. The firm’s shareholders also include Dale O.Thornsjo, B. Jon Lilleberg, Paul S. Hopewell, Jeremy D. Rosenberg, Kristen Anderson Ryan and managing partner Christopher E. Celichowski.

The firm’s name change evolves from the 2012 passing of co-founder Jon Johnson. “We are forever mindful of Jon’s legacy and the contributions of many others who have been part of our successful history,” said Celichowski. “Although our name is changing, we remain the same firm with a long-standing reputation of developing extraordinary client relationships, delivering reliable legal services and producing superlative results.”

“We look forward to continuing our leadership and involvement in programs that benefit and promote opportunities for people with disabilities, victims of domestic violence and those who simply need a helping hand,” said Kohl. ■

UCare, an independent, nonprofit health plan providing health care and administrative services to nearly 300,000 members, has announced the award of numerous grants that will help programs serving people with disabilities and senior citizens.

In 2012, UCare distributed 31 community grants totaling $1,065,944 and three research grants totaling $197,592 to Minnesota organizations working to improve the health of people of all ages, ethnicities, and abilities.

Courage Center, Golden Valley, will use a $55,000 grant to support evaluation of the effectiveness of the Chronic Disease Self Management Program as a strategy to improve adherence to care, patient outcomes, and quality of life that physicians can incorporate into their primary care practices.

Dakota Communities, Eagan, will use a $42,940 grant to help support the “Be Connected. Be Well” health and wellness initiative for persons with disabilities. It works to improve health outcomes, quality of life, and reduce health care costs through good nutrition, physical exercise, stress management, and social connections.

Fraser, Minneapolis will use a $26,982 grant to support a wide range of education, health care, and housing services for people with developmental disabilities, mental health disorders, and other special needs and their families.

Lifetrack Resources, St. Paul, will use a $25,000 grant to expand the Minnesota Hands & Voices program serving families with young children/infants newly diagnosed with a hearing loss. This will provide for home visits by Parent Guides families and help with vital decisions for children and families.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter, Minneapolis will use a $15,000 grant to support the “Stay Active, Stay Healthy with MS Program” providing initial and ongoing training for instructors about MS and how to create classes for people with MS. There are currently 35 physical activity classes for people with MS in 25 Minnesota communities.

Opportunity Partners, Minnetonka will use a $10,000 grant to help support the establishment of “Health Opportunities.”

The program teaches individuals with disabilities about nutrition, shopping, cooking, exercise, reproductive health, and making healthy choices for optimum health.

Special Olympics Minnesota will use $10,000 grant toward efforts to increase the scope of and participation in the Healthy Athletes® initiative. A wide variety of free medical and educational health screenings will be offered in Minnesota throughout the year.

Other groups that serve people with disabilities also obtained grants.

Fairview Foundation, Minneapolis will use a $50,000 grant to help support Health Commons, a nursing center in the Riverside Plaza created with the Augsburg College Department of Nursing and the East African Health Project. One of the goals for this funding is to reduce health disparities for people with disabilities.

Hennepin County will use a $50,000 grant to help

support care coordination services that connect the Mental Health Center’s Hennepin Health clients with primary care health care home services. Funding also allows for a half-time person to monitor the other chronic conditions of Hennepin Health mental health clients and coordinate their care with NorthPoint or Hennepin County Medical Center primary care clinics.

Neighborhood HealthSource, Minneapolis will use a $50,000 grant for outreach to Hennepin and Anoka counties to educate and help community members access care and establish a medical home. NHS will develop tools and systems to better manage patients via electronic medical records and implement six domains of a patient-centered medical home.

The University of Minnesota, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Minneapolis will use a $74,991 grant to help support the “Living Life to the Full: Researching the Impact and Implementation of Computerized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression” study. This evidence-based, computerized, and cognitive behavioral therapy treatment for depression is conducted with the Fairview Riverside Primary Care Clinic and the Fairview Outpatient Counseling Clinic.

Two St. Paul programs that benefit senior citizens received grants. The Keystone Community Services and Como Park/Falcon Heights Living at Home/Block Nurse programs receive a $25,000 grant to help support the “Senior Exercise for Health, Longevity and Happiness Project.” This project helps older adults make holistic lifestyle and behavior changes around exercise, nutrition, and social connection to maintain and increase their health and well-being and reduce the possibility of obesity.

The St. Paul Como Park/Falcon Heights Living at Home Block Nurse Program, will receive a $10,000 grant to support to expand its Healthy Moves Program. The program offers help with falls prevention, support, resources, and home and safety checks and follow-through to improve the well-being of frail, low-income seniors. ■

Pg 8 February 10, 2013 Volume 24, Number 1

Soon and Very Soon

Remembering with Dignity works to remember the forgotten ones individuals with disabiliFor many years a ties. small child, teenager, or Throughout the state adult was placed into an there are cemeteries in institution where they Moose Lake, Brainerd, could be cared for “propFergus Falls, Willmar, erly” because of differCambridge, Anoka, St. ences that are not underPeter and Faribault. The stood by the parents or work of self-advocates guardians. The parents has paid off tremendously were told by doctors, the as cemeteries in Hasstate, and society that the tings, Moose Lake and institution is where their Anoka are completed. children belonged. Some This achievement reof the time instead of beflects the collaboration and hard ing cared for and nurtured these work of self-advocates, legislators individuals were mistreated and and community members. misunderstood. Not only did these Annual ceremonies are held in St. people suffer cruelty at the hands Peter, Cambridge, and Hastings. In of their caregivers, they were denied fundamental respect and dig- Remembering with Dignity outlines its Hastings, self-advocates and commuwork. nity members gathered in a circle to nity at the time of their death.

Photos from Advocating Change Together remember the lives of the people They were simply put in the who are buried there. ground with a small numbered marker; there was no Among many self-advocates and community orgaacknowledgement of the person they were. Rememnizations at the October ceremony in Rochester were bering with Dignity is fighting to give these people Senators Dave Senjem (R-Rochester) and Carla the dignity and remembrance they each deserve.

Nelson (R-Rochester), Senjem authored the 2012 ReDuring the 2013 legislative session, Advocating Change Together is seeking $1 million for the Remem- membering with Dignity legislation. Some name markers still need to be laid at the Rochester cemetery. bering with Dignity project. The project has restored Once all the cemeteries are completed there will be 7,139 markers and has another 750 in process. Priorian annual ceremony at each place to remember the ties include cemeteries at Faribault and Fergus Falls, and many smaller cemeteries. An allocation from state lives that have been lived, past societal attitudes and where society needs to go in the future. lawmakers would provide markers for 3,500 more During both ceremonies, stories were shared from graves. self-advocates who had lived in a state hospital.

In fall 2012 Remembering with Dignity held two Songs and poems of remembrance and change were ceremonies to honor and remember individuals buried shared and flowers were placed on markers to rememin the state hospital cemeteries in Rochester and ber individually the people who lay there. These acHastings. Project staff and volunteers have worked to tions exhibit the spirit and strength of the people who find names and give dignity to individuals who lived were gathered. As sung through the song, Soon and and died in Minnesota state hospitals. More than Very Soon, by Andre Crouch, lyrics adapted by Bruce 13,000 graves are marked with numbers. These numbers demonstrate the lack of respect and dignity given Thomas/ with additional verses by Bret Hesla.

“Soon and very soon, we are gonna change the to these people and their lives. Through replacing the world, we will not give up, we are gonna change the numbers with names, Remembering with Dignity is word. All together, all together, we’re gonna change not only remembering the lives of these people but the world.” ■ also educating communities about human rights for

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February 10, 2013 Volume 24, Number 1

Pg 9

Adverti se ment Advertise sement mentss Flyers Logos Desktop Newsletters Publishing: Brochures And More!

PEOPLE & PLACES Merrick goes green with packaging Merrick, Inc., a Vadnais Heights-based nonprofit with the mission to empower adults with disabilities is pleased to be part of Fairview Pharmacy Services effort in introducing “green” packaging into the delivery of temperature-sensitive medications.

Merrick clients already work on a recycling crew at Fairview’s Riverside location. Fairview sought out Merrick to assist with the assembly of the biodegradable coolers.

Knowing that clients at Merrick are dependable, committed to doing an excellent job, and seeking meaningful work, the partnership was a natural fit.

“This partnership really highlights our core belief of civic responsibility,” said Merrick, Inc.’s Work Procurement and Contract Manager John Crea. “On top of providing meaningful work to a crew of clients, the project supports creating a cleaner environment which we believe in as well. Our own green initiatives include one of the largest solar panel arrays in the state, a geothermal heating and cooling system in our Merrick client Kyle worked to package the coolers.

Photo courtesy of Merrick, Inc. main building in Vadnais Heights, and a plastic recycling program that prevented over 800,000 pounds of plastic from reaching landfills in 2012.”

Fairview officials hope the project will serve as a model for other organizations seeking environmentally friendly ways to ship temperature-sensitive materials. As one of the nation’s largest health system-based pharmacy organizations, Fairview switched to the new non-toxic coolers in early 2013 and estimates the new packaging will annually stop 44,000 polystyrene (more commonly known as Styrofoam) coolers from going into landfills.

StarchTech Inc., an eco-friendly packaging company based in Golden Valley supplies the Green Cell Foam™ that makes the cooling elements of the packaging from non-toxic and renewable cornstarch material that is easily compostable or recyclable. ■

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Mayer is new compliance specialist Abby Mayer recently became the Corporate Compliance Specialist at Fraser, a Minnesota nonprofit serving children and adults with special needs. Mayer will be focusing on policy development, and providing support on contracts, audit standards, and compliance. She will also be providing legal insight on employee relations issues and benefits compliance due to health care reform.

Mayer was previously employed at Disability Rights Wisconsin as an attorney on their Benefits Team. While there she represented individuals with disabilities in apAbby Mayer peals for federal and state public benefits and community services. She has also served as a volunteer mediator for Community Mediation Services in Hopkins.

Mayer received her J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law and her undergraduate degree in English literature from Concordia in Moorhead.

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. ■

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

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Pg 10 February 10, 2013 Volume 24, Number 1

Thanks to all of you for supporting Access Press FRIEND SPONSOR ($50 and above) Anonymous Monte Blair Ellen Boucher Martha Brown Jerry Caruso Teresa Dock Mel & Georgia Duncan Robert Engstrom Steve & JoAnn Erbes Nancy Eustis Thomas & Mimi Fogarty Claudia Fuglie Lael Gatewood Marjorie Goldberg Barb Kane Noreen Linney Gene Martinez Christopher Meyer Lee Ohnesorge Henn. Cty Commissioner Mike Opat William & Joen Overby Annette Pantel Linda Paulson Kelly Rathcke Virginia Schwartzbauer John Sherman Amanda & Mark Tempel Equity Services of St. Paul BRONZE SPONSOR ($75 and above) Brigid Alseth Susan Bulger Rick Cardenas Mike Chevrette Stephanie Cunningham Christopher Duff Craig Dunn Anne Henry Mary Kay Kennedy Dianna Krogstad Dave & Carol Larson Richard & Vicki Dalle Molle Scott Neamy Donn Poll & Eric Nelson Mark & Mary Payette Ann Roscoe John Schatzlein Patty Woodey Blue Worm Labs Hennepin County Library

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DISABILITIES

ALS doesn’t slow down Sleepy Eye man

by Daniel J. Vance MS, LPC, NCC

This last December, 60-year-old Dan Hacker of Sleepy Eye had a busy holiday season. He and his wife of 38 years, Lynn, own and manage one of the Midwest’s largest wholesale/retail Christmas tree, garland, and wreath operations. Last year, they sold more than 30,000 Christmas wreaths in 40 states, and over 10,000 fresh Christmas trees.

In the years leading up to 2007, Dan Hacker had trouble falling down while walking, leg and foot pain, leg cramps, and at times was choking on his own saliva. He just thought he was getting older and perhaps needed to lose weight.

Lynn Hacker said, “Then in 2007, a doctor diagnosed Dan with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and that changed our whole outlook on business and life.

Right away, we went on the Internet and started reading about ALS and became confused and scared. We finally were able to realize that no disease is the same for each person.”

Though 80 percent of people with ALS die within five years, Dan has been fortunate, said Lynn. The progression of the disease in his body has been slower.

The ALS Therapy Development Institute states that ALS is a “fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting 30,000 Americans and 450,000 people worldwide.

Currently, there is no cure or effective treatment. On average, most people living with ALS only survive two to five years from diagnosis.”

Coming up on six years now post-diagnosis, Dan still works in the family business. To get around, he

uses a walker, an electric wheelchair or a scooter. In order for him to keep working, the couple has traded many job duties. She now does most of the physical chores, and he mostly does office work.

Said Dan, “I now order most of the product we buy, do a lot of marketing, and handle customer email.

But, the last couple years, it’s also been my job to get up at two in the morning and stoke up the wood stoves in our four greenhouses. I do it using my scooter. I also water the greenhouse plants quite a bit.

I do what I can.”

What frustrates Dan often at work is having to explain how a particular task should be done, and then seeing the task wasn’t performed the way he would like. Overall, the Hackers have been leaning on their faith, and trying to be positive role models for their children and grandchildren. ■ Since 2002, the weekly column Disabilities has been published in more than 260 newspapers throughout the United States and is one of the nation’s best-read weekly columns about people with disabilities. It is published thanks to generous support from Littlegiantfudge.com and Palmer Bus Service.

The column’s content runs the gamut from featuring the real-life stories of people with mental illness and learning disabilities to physical and intellectual disabilities. Mr. Vance is editor of Connect Business Magazine. He is a counselor practicing in southern Minnesota. He and his wife have a college-attending daughter with spina bifida and a homeschooled teenage son. Read more of his writing at danieljvance.com

In Memoriam Michael “Sammy” Samuelson may be best remembered as a professional and collegiate sports fan and heckler but he also put many hours in on disability issues in St. Paul. He died Jan. 28 after a long battle with squamous cell skin cancer and blood cancer. Services were held Feb. 1 at the Church of St. Francis Cabrini in Minneapolis. Arrangements were by Willwerscheid Funeral Home in St. Paul.

Samuelson worked on disability issues including accessibility. He was very involved in recent City of St. Paul discussions of sidewalk café access, raising concerns about how allowing such cafes could impede pedestrians with disabilities.

Though living with multiple medical issues and conditions, Samuelson said he always “enjoyed life every day”, and it showed in his joy and enthusiasm.

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At the age of 11 he received his first kidney transplant at the U of M Hospital. That was in 1966. He had subsequent kidney transplants in 1974 and 2005. He survived aggressive squamous cell skin cancer and underwent amputation of his arm and shoulder. In 2012 he was diagnosed with blood cancer.

He was a longtime community organizer in Minneapolis and St. Paul neighborhoods and worked for the rights and needs of the poor, the disenfranchised, and people with disabilities. He also worked in housing programs and code enforcement for several cities, including Richfield, Brooklyn Park, and Maplewood.

He is survived by his wife, former St. Paul City Council Member Kiki Sonnen, his mother, four siblings, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Memorials are preferred to Minnesota Twins Community Fund. ■

Access Press welcomes your events Access Press welcomes news of organization galas, fundraisers, charity walks, art shows, theatrical productions and other special events for our Accessible Fun pages.

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February 10, 2013 Volume 24, Number 1 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.

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 or, www.winterwalkabout.org/ register.html

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Or, Park Square Theatre presents the British comedy at Park Square Theatre, 20 W. 7th Place, St. Paul. AD show is 7:30 p.m. Fri, March 1 and 2 p.m., Sun, March 3. ASL show is 7:30 p.m. Sat, March 9 and 2 p.m.

Sun, March 10. Captioning is 7:30 p.m. Sat, March 16 and 2 p.m. Sun, March 17. Tickets are limited but there are some $5 tickets for Captioned, AD & ASL performances (regular $25-58, $48 ASL area). FFI: 651-291-7005, www.parksquaretheatre.org

Walking Shadow Theatre Company presents the story of schoolteacher Ichabod Crane and the headless horseman. ASL show is 7:30 p.m. Sat, Feb. 16 and AD show is 7:30 p.m. Fri, Feb. 22 at Red Eye Theater, 15 W. 14th St., Mpls. Tickets are reduced to $5 for AD/ASL patrons; regular $22, student/senior $15; FFI: 612-375-0300 or Brown Paper Tickets, 800-8383006; boxoffice@walkingshadowcompany.org, www.walkingshadowcompany.org, www.brownpapertickets.com/event/258357

Jay Leno headlines benefit

Tales from the Bad Years

Comedian and talk show host Jay Leno is bringing his popular brand of humor to PACER’s 31st Annual Benefit on Sat, May 11, at the Mpls Convention Center. Tickets are available now for his show that will support PACER Center programs for children with disabilities and their families. Benefit tickets include Leno’s performance as well as the silent and live auctions. The evening begins at 6 p.m., and tickets start at $65. A pre-benefit gourmet dinner is available by separate ticket, and a post-concert patron party is available for people purchasing Benefit tickets of $140 or more. The Benefit supports free PACER Center programs for children with disabilities and their families as well as PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center. FFI: 952-838-9000, PACER.org

University of Minnesota Duluth Theatre is staging the Midwestern premiere. Each song tells a story about being young, feeling old, and wanting something big. Lyrics contain some adult themes and language; recommended for ages 14 and older. Performances are at Marshall Performing Arts Center, Mainstage Theatre, UMD Campus, 1215 Ordean Court, Duluth. AD and ASL show is 2 p.m. Sun, Feb. 17, with preshow at 1:30 p.m.

Tickets are $18, $13 senior 62+/student, $6 UMD student, $8 child to age 12. FFI: 218-726-8561, www.d.umn.edu/theatre or www.tickets.umn.edu

Arts Accessibility grants available Access to the arts for people with disabilities has increased in recent years, thanks to grant support. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Access Improvement Grants for metro arts organizations are available for the fourth year by VSA Minnesota with money from Metropolitan Regional Arts Council. Nonprofit arts groups in the seven-county metropolitan area can apply for grants of up to $15,000 to help make their arts programming, activities and facilities more accessible to people with disabilities. Deadlines are March 8 and May 17. Potential projects anything that helps to remove barriers and more effectively serve and attract artists, audience members, board or staff with disabilities. FFI: VSA Minnesota, 612-332-3888, access@vsamn.org, www.vsamn.org/ forms.html

Artists around town Upstream Arts, a Mpls-based program for artists with disabilities, offers a number of programs and services for artists. The mission of Upstream Arts is to enhance the lives of adults and youth with disabilities by fostering creative communication and social independence through the power of arts education. The program website has blog that is always worth checking out, to see what activities Upstream Art staff and artists are doing in the community. The blog is updated regularly. Visit www.upstreamarts.org/2013/01/29/artists-around-townFeb.-2013/

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 through 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: 800783-7732, plungemn.org, polarbearplunge@somn.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

Hello, Dolly!

Lyric Arts Company of Anoka presents the story of beloved matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi and her efforts to find a wife for a miserly half-millionaire, at Lyric Arts Main Street Stage, 420 E. Main Street, Anoka.

ASL: show is 2 p.m. Sun, Feb. 17. Seats for ASL patrons are held in reserve until two weeks prior to the show, then released to the general public. When ordering tickets, please indicate your need for seating in this section; if there are no reservations, the interpretation will be canceled. Tickets are reduced by $5 each for guests requiring ASL interpretation and a companion (regular $16-26). FFI: 763-422-1838, boxoffice@lyricarts.org, www.lyricarts.org

The Seussification of Romeo & Juliet Anoka Middle School for the Arts presents a humorous retelling of Shakespeare’s classic tale through the eyes of Dr. Seuss, at1523 Fifth Ave. S., Anoka. ASL show is 7:30 p.m. Fri, Feb. 22. Tickets are $10; senior/student under 18, $5. FFI: 763-506-5089, www.anoka.k12.mn.us/amsatheater

Buzzer Pillsbury House Theatre presents a piercing dark comedy about race and class at the Guthrie Theater, Dowling Studio, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. AD and ASL show is 7:30 p.m. Fri, Feb. 22. Tickets are reduced to $20 for AD/ASL (regular $18-30). FFI: 612-377-2224, TTY 612-377-6626, www.guthrietheater.org

Charlotte’s Web GREAT Theatre presents a new version of the children’s classic at Paramount Theatre, 913 St. Germain St. W, Saint Cloud. ASL show is 7 p.m. Fri, March 1. Tickets are $11-17. FFI: 320-259-5463, boxoffice@paramountarts.org, www.greattheatre.org

The Women of Lockerbie Normandale Department of Theatre presents a drama about one woman’s life in the aftermath of a tragic 1988 plane crash in Scotland, at Normandale Community College Black Box Theatre, Fine Arts Building, 9700 France Ave S, Bloomington. ASL show is 7:30 p.m.

Fri, March 1. Make reservations in advance and request seating near the interpreters as seating is limited in the Black Box Theatre Tickets are $10; $5 (NCC student/staff/senior)/ FFI: 952-358-8884, www.normandaletheatre.org

Honk!

Cross Community Players present a musical of love and acceptance in all forms, at Cross Winds United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 15051 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove. ASL show is 7:30 p.m. Fri, March 1, 7:30 PM. Tickets are half-price for ASL patrons (regu-

lar adult/senior $13, student/child $10); for each ticket, please bring a non-perishable food item for the local food shelf. FFI: 763-391-2787 (ARTS), mail@crossplayers.org, www.crossplayers.org

Biggest Little House in the Forest Children’s Theatre Company presents the story of Bernice the Butterfly and her friends, at the theater’s Cargill Stage, 2400 Third Ave. S., Mpls. AD and ASL show is 11 a.m. Sat, March 2. Ask about special price rates for ASL/AD patrons (regular $16-40). FFI: 612-874-0400, tickets@childrenstheatre.org, www.childrenstheatre.org

Gallery tours are offered Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Mpls, hosts accessible gallery tours. Next ASL tour is 2 p.m. Saturday, March 2. Tours are always the first Saturday of the month. Free admission. A tour guide and interpreter work in tandem to bring works of art to life in hour-long conversational strolls through the galleries and, during the summer, in the Sculpture Garden. The free tour begins in the Bazinet Garden Lobby next to the admission desk, and registration is not required.

Assisted listening devices and portable stools are available for tours. Large-print and Braille visitor guides are available at the lobby desk. Audio description is programmed for selected events and also available by request with at least two weeks advance notice. FFI: 612-375-7609, education.resources@walkerart.org, walkerart.org/visit/accessibility

Other Desert Cities Guthrie Theater presents a story of family dynamics, which won the 2012 Drama League Award and was Tony Award nominee for Best Play, at the Guthrie Theater, McGuire Proscenium Stage, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls.

AD show is 1 p.m. Sat, March 2, (with sensory tour); and 7;30 p.m. Fri, March 8. Captioning is 1 p.m. Wed, March 13, and 7:30 p.m. Fri, March 22. ASL is 7:30 p.m. Fri, March 15 and Thu, March 21. Tickets are reduced to $20 for AD/ASL, $25 for Captioning (regular $24-62); FFI: 612-377-2224, TTY 612-377-6626, www.guthrietheater.org ■

Pg 12 February 10, 2013 Volume 24, Number 1

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. This includes “Disability Matters Tuesdays at the Capitol” on ever Tuesdays, a 10 am,briefing in the basement cafeteria of the State Office Building and full membership meetings on Fridays during the legislative session from 12-1 in room 500 N of the State Office Building as well. during the legislative session FFI: www.mnccd.org Meet south metro officials The Arc Greater Twin Cities invites south metro area residents to a home visit with their elected officials from Minnesota Senate District 51 and Dakota County District 4 to discuss issues affecting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The event is 6:30-8 p.m. Tue, Feb. 19 at the home of Deb and Victor Harris, 1381 Lakeside Dr., Eagan. Sen. Jim Carlson, Rep. Sandra Masin, Rep. Laurie Halverson and Dakota County Commissioner Nancy Schouweiler are invited to attend. The event is free but space is limited, so pre-register by Fri, Feb. 15. FFI: 952-915-3665, denafelper@thearcgtc.org Plan for conference Deadlines are approaching for the 2013 Minnesota State Self-Advocacy Conference, “Together, Yes We CAN!” Deadline for exhibit space for businesses and organizations is March 1. Rate is $350. The conference is April 26-27 at Crowne Plaza, St. Paul Riverfront Hotel, 11 E. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. Several organizations sponsor the conference. FFI: 651-641-4053, act@selfadvocacy.org Anne Henry honored Join The Arc Minnesota at 5:30 p.m. Wed, Feb. 20, 2013 as Minnesotans with disabilities and their advocates honor Anne Henry for her extraordinary public policy advocacy and the major improvements she has helped attain in policies and programs that affect people of all disabilities. The Arc Minnesota’s annual Public Policy Recognition Event at the Midland Hills Country Club in Roseville. Event proceeds benefit The Arc Minnesota’s public policy advocacy program. FFI: Dawn Lampros, 651-604-8070, dawnl@arcmn.org Mental illness research dinner National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Minnesota and University of Minnesota will host the 11th Annual Research Dinner at 5:30 p.m. Tue, Feb. 26 at Embassy Suites, 2800 American Blvd. W., Bloomington. The event features leading researchers on the treatment of mental illnesses. Seating begins at 5:30 p.m. and the dinner and program starts at 6:00 p.m. Pre-registration required. FFI: 651-645-2948 or 1-888-NAMI-Helps, www.namihelps.org

Activities for adults Here she is . . .

Candidates are sought for Ms. Minnesota Wheelchair.

Deadline to apply is Wed, Feb. 20. Candidates must meet a number of criteria, including being 21 to 60 years of age, being 100 percent wheelchair-dependent in public, U.S. citizenship and not holding the title in the past. A $25 refundable application fee is charged.

Complete details are on the Ms. Wheelchair Minnesota page on Facebook. FFI: Lexy, 952-380-0500, MSWheelchairmn@gmail.com 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 will be closed Mon, Feb. 18 in observance of Presidents’ Day.

ISSUE SPONSOR

Want to make a major impact with our readers?

Then consider being an Issue Sponsor —full or partial— for ANY issue of Access Press!

Call: 651-644-2133

A new event is a happy hour gathering, with games, movies and fun starting 4-7 p.m. Thu, Feb. 21. Another special event is this month is 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tue, Feb. 12, with a workshop on service and working dogs, at Goodwill/Easter Seals at Fairview and Charles avenues.

A full calendar of all events is offered online. Enjoy field trips, knitting and crafts, wii fun, cooking, and classes to help with everyday living. Classes include internet safety Facebook 101, 10-a.m. - noon Tue, Feb. 12; and a four-part Disability Management series starting 1-3 p.m. Wed, Feb. 13. The Working Well with a Disability series starts 6-7 p.m. Thu, Feb. 28.

Cook heart healthy foods in the MCIL kitchen 1-6 p.m.

Tue, Feb. 26. 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.

Next is noon-2 p.m. Sat, March 23 at Hazel’s Northeast.

Please bring spending money for this. All other events are free of charge, accessible and mostly scent-free.

Please RSVP and give two weeks’ notice of needed accommodations. FFI: Corbett, 651-603-2028, corbettl@mcil-mn.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, 763-227-9446. 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.

PACER offers workshops PACER Center offers useful free or low-cost workshops and other resources for families of children with disabilities. Workshops are at PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, unless specified.

Technology for Girls, a free two-part workshop series for middle school girls with disabilities, starts 10 a.m.noon, Sat, Feb. 16. Dough Creatures is hosted by the PBS KIDS television series SciGirls.

Did you know that play dough conducts electricity? At this workshop participants will light up a room with electrifying play dough creations while learning about insulators, conductors, and circuitry. Advance registration required. This workshop will be held in conjunction with one for parents and professionals: The SciGirls Seven: Strategies for Adults to Engage Girls in STEM. The second workshop in the series is titled “Control Your Online Identity” and will be hosted by IBM April 13 Helping Children Help Themselves is 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Tue, Feb. 26. Speaker and author Rebecca Kajander will share practical tips learned from years of medical experience and creatively working with children with diverse needs. These tips will help parents help their children improve their own well-being. FFI: 952-838-9000, 800-537-2237 (toll free), www.PACER.org 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, Feb. 11 at MCIL, 1600 University Ave. W., St. Paul. Pre-registration requested. RSVP: Corbett, 651-603-2028, corbettl@mcil-mn.org

Information and assistance Free exterior house painting Metro Paint-A-Thon offers free house painting for lowincome seniors and people with disabilities every August, Qualifying home owners whose homes need paint and minor exterior repairs must live in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott or Washington counties. Deadline to apply is April 12. Eligibility guidelines are online. FFI: 612-276-1578, paintathon.gmcc.org, www.gmcc.org.

UCare meetings UCare hosts informational meetings about its UCare for Seniors Medicare Advantage plan. Meetings are held all over the region. UCare for Seniors has more than

75,000 members across Minnesota and western Wisconsin. UCare serves Medicare-eligible individuals and families enrolled in income-based Minnesota Health Care Programs, such as Minnesota Care and Prepaid Medical Assistance Program; adults with disabilities and Medicare beneficiaries with chronic health conditions and Minnesotans dually eligible for Medical Assistance and Medicare FFI: 1-877-523-1518 (toll free), www.ucare.org 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, more than 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, 651-603-2037, 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. RSVP at least 2-3 days in advance, as group cancels if fewer than three people sign up. FFI Corbett, 651-603-2028, corbettl@mcil-mn.org

Volunteer, Donate Share a smile Brighten the day of a senior citizen in north or southwest Minneapolis and have fun. Visit an elder and do things together: movies, games, crafts or just friendly conversation. Hang out with an elder on a regular basis and do things that you both enjoy, like watching a movie, building stuff, playing games or friendly conversation. Onetime or ongoing opportunities through the NIP Senior Program. FFI: Jeanne, 612-746-8549, srvolunteer@ neighborhoodinvolve.org, www.neighborhoodinvolve.org 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@mnlit eracy.org, www.mnliteracy.org/volunteers/opportunities/adults.

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

February 10, 2013 Volume 24, Number 1 Pg 13

Radio Talking Book February sampling

Radio Talking Book is now more accessible Hal Schardin, chief engineer for Radio Talking Book, has completed a task that made the computerstreamed and archived versions of the Radio Talking Book more accessible. The versions allows for downloads in multiple formats. Listeners are pleased with the improvements.

Listener Michael Lamver said, “This is exactly what I was hoping would be implemented. For whatever reason, the new radio’s reception isn’t great in the building where I live. With the archives, I can plug my iPhone into its dock, and listen to whatever RTB stuff I want at my convenience. Can’t wait to listen to the newspaper while I’m on the bus. . . There is something to be said for live readers. Thanks for getting this feature set up.”

Weekend Program Books Your Personal World (Saturday at 1 p.m.) is airing The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth, by John C. Maxwell, and To Heaven and Back, by Mary C. Neal, M.D.; For the Younger Set (Sunday at 11 a.m.) is airing The Dragon’s Tooth, by N.D. Wilson; Poetic Reflections (Sunday at noon) is airing The June Fourth Elegies, by Xiabo Liu, and Y, by Leslie Adrienne Miller; The U.S. and Us (Sunday at 4 p.m.) is airing My Mother Is Now Earth, by Mark Anthony Rolo, and Prairie Silence,

by Melanie Hoffert.

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

books by contacting their home state’s Network Library for the National Library Service.

Listen to the Minnesota Radio Talking Book, either live or archived programs from the last week, on the Internet at www.mnssb.org/rtb. Call the staff for your password to the site. See more information about events on the Facebook site for the Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network. Facebook is a fee social networking web site. Register at www.facebook.com Access Press is one of the publications featured at 9 p.m. Sundays on the program It Makes a Difference.

Chautauqua • Tuesday – Saturday 4 a.m.

The Social Conquest of Earth, Nonfiction by Edward O. Wilson, 2012. The fundamental questions of “Where did we come from? What are we? and Where are we going?” can never be sufficiently answered by religion, philosophy, and introspection alone. Only rigorous scientific scholarship can help. Read by Myrna Smith.

11 broadcasts. Begins Feb. 19.

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

Paris in Love: a Memoir, Nonfiction by Eloisa James, 2012. In 2009, Eloisa James took a leap many dream about: she sold her house, took a sabbatical from her job as a professor, and moved her family to Paris. She got to revel in the ordinary pleasures of life, in a city that wasn’t her own. Read by Judith Johannessen.

Eight broadcasts. Begins Feb. 18.

Most of Me, Nonfiction by Robyn Michele Levy, 2012. Robyn Michele Levy was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 43 and, eight months later, with breast cancer. In her memoir, she chronicles her life since then dealing with her diverse disease portfolio. Read by Diane Ladenson. Eight broadcasts. Begins Feb. 28.

Choice Reading • Monday – Friday 4 p.m.

Bereft, Fiction by Chris Womersley, 2012. Sergeant Quinn Walker fled his home after being falsely accused

of a horrific crime. He returns home after the Great War to convince his mother of his innocence and finds she is dying of the flu. Read by Charles Torrey. 10 broadcasts. Begins Feb. 18.

PM Report • Monday – Friday 8 p.m.

Drift, Nonfiction by Rachel Maddow, 2012. In 1792, Thomas Jefferson wrote, “One of my favorite ideas is, never to keep an unnecessary soldier.” Neither Jefferson nor other founders could have envisioned the modern national security state. Rachel Maddow says we have drifted away from America’s original ideals and become a nation at peace with perpetual war, with all the financial and human costs that entails. Read by Malcolm McLean. 10 broadcasts. Begins Feb. 18.

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

The Ordinary Truth, Fiction by Jana Richman, 2012.

When Nell buried her husband in 1975, she also buried her relationship with her daughter and a number of secrets. Now her granddaughter wants to unbury the past and repair those relationships. Read by Connie Jamison. 13 broadcasts. Begins Feb. 18.

Potpourri • Monday – Friday 11 p.m.

Presumed Guilty, Nonfiction by Jose Baez, 2012.

Caylee Anthony was reported missing in July 2008.

Jose Baez captured national attention when he won a not-guilty verdict for Casey Anthony, a woman the nation had assumed was guilty of her daughter Caylee’s death. Read by Tom Speich. 17 broadcasts. Begins Feb. 14.

Good Night Owl • Monday – Friday midnight The Frozen Rabbi, Fiction by Steve Stern, 2010.

Teenager Bernie Karp discovers a secret in a block of ice that has survived pogroms, a trans-Atlantic voyage, a New York ice-house fire, and a train ride to Tennessee.

The discovery will have miraculous and disastrous consequences. L, S - Read by Tony Lopez. 18 broadcasts.

Begins Feb. 13. ■

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

Get help with income taxes Goodwill, the National Disability Institute and United Way Worldwide have launched MyFreeTaxes with support from the Walmart Foundation to offer free federal and state tax preparation and filing services both online and in-person to eligible Americans nationwide, along with Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) education. On-site tax coaches will help individuals and families with incomes of $57,000 or less file for free using MyFreeTaxes.com. In addition, the partners expect to assist more than 210,000 people with disabilities file their taxes for free and continue to build the capacity of the MyFreeTaxes network to expand outreach to taxpayers with disabilities.

“In this difficult economic climate, every dollar counts. Each year, millions of Americans pay hundreds of dollars to file their taxes, without knowing they may be eligible for free filing. In addition, millions of Americans may not receive their maximum tax refund because they aren’t aware of the tax credits for which they may be eligible. To help ease the financial burden of the tax preparation process and make sure individuals and families receive their full tax refund, the Walmart Foundation is pleased to partner with leading nonprofits to offer MyFreeTaxes, a completely free tax-filing service,” said Michelle Gilliard, Senior Director, Walmart Foundation.

“Providing free tax preparation and filing assistance to eligible individuals and families nationwide is a way to bring people into the tax system and educate them about their rights and options. At the same time, we’re making a difference for taxpayers by helping them access vital tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Our relationship with our partners, including MyFreeTaxes, is a win for taxpayers,” said Peggy Bogadi, Commissioner, Wage & Investment Division, Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

MyFreeTaxes national and local partners offer free federal and state tax preparation and filing assistance online with tax filing software provided by H&R Block® and in-person at sites in local communities. MyFreeTaxes partners also provide taxpayers with eligibility information about the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and other tax credits to help them keep more of what they earn.

Since 2009, MyFreeTaxes has helped more than 4.5 million families file free federal and state tax returns.

The groups involved expect to assist 210,000 people with disabilities to file their taxes for free and expand knowledge of available tax credits this year.

MyFreeTaxes has also helped more than 610,000 taxpayers with disabilities file their returns.

Services are offered online at www.myfreetaxes.com or at various community locations. The website has a chat feature available.

To talk to someone about the service, call 1-855-My-Tx-Help. In the Twin Cities region, call United Way 211 for help. ■

Pg 14 February 10, 2013 Volume 24, Number 1

Take us to your leader

Making friends through robotics is child's play

by Jen Mundl, MS, ATP, Courage Center Assistive Technology Program

The United States has lost its edge in mathematics and science. Almost all of the 30 fastest-growing occupations in the next decade will require at least some background in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The bad news: recent studies show that American children don’t have the same skills as other children throughout the world. The good news: STEM is now a mandate within the U.S. educational system.

FIRST® LEGO League (FLL®) was developed to introduce children of all abilities to the wonders and excitement of science, technology and engineering.

The goal is to provide an experience that captures young children’s inherent curiosity and creativity, and directs it toward discovering the possibilities of improving the world around them through understanding, thought, planning and science. This fun and exciting global robotics and innovation program ignites an enthusiasm for discovery, science, teamwork and technology in kids ages nine to 14. Teams work as young scientists, engineers, mathematicians and creative writers, engaging in research, problem solving and engineering. Participants also learn through friendly sportsmanship, developing a true sense of community.

Students have the opportunity to solve real-world challenges by building LEGO-based robots to complete tasks on a thematic playing surface. The tasks— called missions—ask participants to problem solve using programming and building skills. The more “missions” teams accomplish the better competition scores the team receives.

FLL teams, guided by their imaginations and adult coaches, discover exciting career possibilities and, through the process, learn to make positive contributions to society. Over the years, the program mission has sparked projects in food engineering, biomedical ReelAbilities film festival - from p. 1 that bringing ReelAbilities here will take a lot of hard work and fundraising, but that the end result will be worth it.

Many tasks will be available and Reed notes that the festival will offer plenty of sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, leading up to the event and during the event itself. An advisory committee will be formed, with a broad range of community leaders in both the cultural and disabilities communities.

Some partners have already lined up, including Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine, Minneapolis-St. Paul Film Society and Highland Friendship Club. Disability advocacy organizations will be encouraged to sponsor screenings.

ReelAbilities was founded in New York City in 2007 and has since become a touring festival with showings in cities including Atlanta, Boston, Columbus, Cincinnati, Chicago, Washington, D.C. areas, Houston, Philadelphia and Richmond. In 2012 the festival screened films in 23 locations in all five of New York City’s boroughs.

sciences and transportation. Each year a new research project topic is chosen as part of the competition.

Team members learn more than just building robots and programming; they must also use and hone their skills in problem-solving, presentation, public speaking, ingenuity and creativity.

Assistive technology can be used everywhere; in fact, adaptive learning is necessary for the success of all children whether disabled or not. Children love robots and it is a great medium to teach many life skills. Children think they are just having fun, when in fact they are caught up in structured learning.

That’s why robotics, assistive technology and LEGO robotics fit so well together.

LEGO therapy was developed more than 15 years ago after observing that children with autism and other neurobehavioral disorders were naturally attracted to LEGO pieces when presented with a room full of toys. Using LEGO pieces in a therapeutic and structured way was fun and seemed to reinforce appropriate social behavior naturally. Courage Center started its program as a fun event for children with disabilities. LEGO have also conquered the educational system with all the features needed to create and program a robot. Many schools have started incorporating LEGO MINDSTORMS® into their curriculum or after-school programs.

LEGO therapy has been systematically evaluated in research studies conducted by Daniel LeGoff, Ph.D., and a replication study completed recently at Cambridge University in England under the supervision of internationally recognized autism expert Simon Baron-Cohen, Ph.D. Each study has shown that using LEGO as a modality for group interaction and communication with peers increased self-initiated social contact and the duration of social interaction in other group settings such as in the playground and school cafeteria, and improved social competence in general.

All films screened by the festival are captioned and audio described. Programs are printed in Braille. The 2012 festivals featured films that spotlighted disabilities such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, blindness and mental health.

How the film festival got to Minnesota is a story in itself. PRI provides services to adults with developmental disabilities. Active for more than 50 years, PRI has a long history of providing innovative programs and opportunities for its clients. The nonprofit currently provides services for about 250 individuals at three locations as well as at 40 community job sites.

PRI got into the arts by first bringing in visual artists to work with clients. “It was amazing to watch how our clients would learn with guest artists and would produce art of their own,” Reed said.

About six years ago a PRI client expressed interest in performing onstage. That led to a production of The Wizard of Oz. Other productions have followed, including Hairspray! the story of teen Tracy Turnblad, a 1960s-era television teen dance show and the issue of racial segregation.

Tony Award-winning composer Mark Shaiman, who produced Hairspray! on Broadway, saw a YouTube video of the PRI production and was impressed. “I was just overwhelmed. When I saw the video I immediately started clicking about, looking for who to contact to say thank you,” Shaiman said in an interview with WCCO-TV in fall 2011.

The YouTube video led to the documentary Born for the Stage about the PRI production. The film, which will be shown several times on TPT 2.2 March 2, has won awards.

In fall 2011 Shaiman and Hairspray! film author and director John Waters came to the Twin Cities to work with the PRI theater group and show Born for the Stage in Minneapolis. PRI has been at other film showings including one in Manhattan.

Reed says that while much work has already gone into planning the festival, many partners and volunteers will be needed. After speaking with two host cit-

Aaron and Dick work with LEGOS as part of a robotics project.

Photo courtesy of Courage Center

It has been shown that to become a better LEGO® builder, children need to learn from each other, cooperate, solve disputes, follow rules and be helpful.

These skills are often learned and reinforced by their peers throughout the weekly sessions and generalize to school and home environments.

Courage Center hosts year-round programs which expose robotics to kids of all abilities. Participants in the programs have had a variety of disabilities: autism, spinal cord injury, learning disability, personality disorder, and cerebral palsy. Some participants are not disabled. The program, by incorporating everyone together, promotes lifelong skills for learning and social skills. Everyone benefits and adaptations are often simple. See the sidebar for ideas and recommendations for adaptations.

Next time: Learn about LEGOS and children with autism spectrum disorders. ■ Jennifer Mundl works in Courage Center Assistive Technology. Contact her at AT@couragecenter.org

Howdy, pardner! PRI clients love to perform.

Photo courtesy of PRI

ies regarding film selection, PRI has determined that festival organizers will review films chosen by the nine other host cities. Once 25 to 30 films have been reviewed, PRI clients and other partners will be involved in honing in on the 10 to 12 films to be screened.

One goal in bringing ReelAbilities here is to bring about a systemic change in the culture of the community to become more inclusive of adults, returning veterans and children with disabilities. “We’re especially interested in putting a spotlight on veterans—our wounded warriors,” Reed said.

The mission of ReelAbilities is to educates and change perceptions about the potential of individuals with disabilities. Goals including building of community, reducing the stigma of disability and giving everyone a chance to rethink their perceptions about people with disabilities.

Inclusion on all levels is a goal of the festival. Each of the movies screened during the festival will feature an interactive event to foster dialogue between the audience, the filmmakers, parents, professionals or persons with disabilities, to explore particular subjects depicted in the film. ■ Anyone interested in the film festival should contact Reed at 952 925-1404 or danreed@partnershipresources.org

February 10, 2013 Volume 24, Number 1 Pg 15

Support group forms for burn survivors

REGIONAL NEWS Continued from p. 6 U.S. Bank agreed to accept SSI award letters as establishing at least three years’ income, and refrain from requiring applicants receiving disability income to provide doctors’ statements concerning the nature, severity, or duration of a disability. ■ (Source: HUD)

Paraprofessional shortage eyed St. Paul Public Schools are coping with a shortage of paraprofessionals, who work with students with disabilities. A couple of paraprofessional positions stayed vacant for more than a month. A couple of new hires turned up for their first day—and didn’t return.

With the largest special education program in the state, the district is having a harder time recruiting and retaining such key support staff. Other Twin Cities districts echo the issue, especially in intensive programs that serve children for most or all of the school day.

Recent years have seen a national push to make what once passed for a “mom job” more of a profession, with beefed-up education and training requirements for paraprofessionals. Meanwhile, schools have seen an influx of students with higher needs, and pay has remained modest.

Other districts have run into the same issue, particularly larger districts where programs serve students with multiple, complex special needs. Officials in South Washington County and Anoka-Hennepin said they’ve had a harder time filling positions in the more restrictive programs. ■ (Source: Pioneer Press)

The wounds of burn survivors go beyond skin deep, which is why Independent Lifestyles Inc. began a support group to help them. The Sauk Rapids center promoting independence and choices for people with challenges hosted the first meeting in January.

“It’s physical, emotional and mental scarring,” said Mike Mills, a veterans’ peer mentor for Independent Lifestyles Inc. and a retired Minnesota Army National Guard staff sergeant from Freeport.

Topics such as socialization, resources, finding new ways to gain back independence, coping strategies, relationships and mobility are discussed.

Mills said his life was changed forever by a roadside bomb in Iraq in 2005 that caused third-degree burns, which damaged all the layers of his skin. The

Man sentenced for hit-and-run death A Rosemount man was sentenced to 60 days in jail in connection with a 2009 fatal hit-and-run in Apple Valley.

Eric James Hunter struck Joan LeVasseur, 26, of Apple Valley, with his car on March 6, 2009. She died a week later.

Hunter was also sentenced to three years’ probation and will be ordered to pay restitution to the victim’s family, according to a news release from the office of Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom.

Hunter was tried on two counts: leaving the scene of a fatal accident and driving with a suspended license. He originally was tried two years ago. But the jury was unable to reach a verdict.

During the evening of March 6, 2009, LeVasseur

Copper theft affects nonprofits Richfield police are investigating a rash of copper thefts targeting industrial air conditioning units, and one victim is a nonprofit that helps people with developmental disabilities.

According to Lt. Mike Flaherty of the Richfield Police Department, at least 5 incidents have been reported along Penn Avenue in the last three months.

“They take the copper and scrap it then receive some sort of monetary payment for that,” Flaherty said.

Arc’s Value Village was hit with $12,000 in damage. The thrift store is one of four that raises money for Arc Greater Twin Cities, a nonprofit dedicated to

48-year-old suffered burns over 31 percent of his body as well as other injuries. “With burns, our skin is constantly contracting, tightening, so we have to constantly stretch our hands or wherever we are burned,” Mills said of his recovery, which included skin grafts.

The group provides informational and emotional support for burn survivors, and their families and friends. “I would tell burn survivors, ‘Don’t let your burn or your disability run your life. Take control of it,” Mills said, “The doctors can take skin from wherever and place it wherever they want to for the burn, but they can’t heal our insides.

Only we can do that and by talking about it, we’re healing.” ■ (Source: St. Cloud Daily Times)

helping those with developmental disabilities. Laurel Hansen of Arc Greater Twin Cities said, “There’s a whole lifetime of services that we provide so every penny counts.” In reaction to the crime, Jean Bender whose disabled son David relies on the services, said “when someone steals from The Arc they are taking away from all of the Davids of the world.”

Police are still investigating leads. Flaherty said that the other victims include St. Richard’s Catholic Church, Fraser School and New Perspectives treatment facility. ■ (Source: KSTP-TV)

was crossing the intersection of Cedar and 153rd Street in Apple Valley when Hunter struck her. He then drove away and did not notify authorities. Police continued to investigate this incident based on witness descriptions. It wasn’t until March 11th that the Apple Valley Police were told about his possible involvement.

Backstrom expressed his sympathy to the family and friends of Joan LeVasseur for their loss.

Backstrom praised Assistant County Attorney Kevin Golden who prosecuted the case. Backstrom thanked the Apple Valley Police Department and the Minnesota State Patrol for their thorough investigation in this matter. ■ (Source: Patch)

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Pg 16 February 10, 2013 Volume 24, Number 1