June 2013 Edition - Access Press

Power of work: Page 9

Volume 24, Number 6

Long-awaited gains for autism support are celebrated

by Access Press staff

Children with autism and their families got longawaited support from the 2013 Minnesota Legislature as the House and Senate passed legislation enacting autism insurance reform.

Gov. Mark Dayton signed the measure as part of the omnibus health and human services bill. It takes effect in January 2014.

The reform measures are expected to provide financial relief for families who had been forced to sell belongings and refinance their properties to pay for the therapy. In some cases parents have had to change jobs in order to find insurance plans that provided the needed coverage.

Autism - p. 14

June 10, 2013

www.accesspress.org

Effective June 1

Sister Kenny, Courage Center unite to provide improvements

by Tim Benjamin

The official merger of Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute/Allina Health and Courage Center and the launch of Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute occurred June 1.

That’s when Courage Center employees became Allina Health employees. New logos began to replace existing logos of both Courage Center and Sister Kenny.

The full brand rollout takes place over the next 12 to 18 months.

Organizational leaders outlined the changes for Access Press. Penny Wheeler, MD, chief clinical officer for Allina Health, said “By knitting together all the segments of care, we will create a unique model that will make a difference in the communities we serve.”

Wheeler added that Allina Health is excited to partner with Courage Center because of the opportunity to meld two complementary medical models into one stronger model. “Allina Health is already good at responding to illness and critical care but to really be an effective healthcare system, for the future we have to keep people healthy,” said Wheeler. “Of course, we’ll still have to respond to illness, but keeping people as healthy as possible is the goal in this merger.”

Jan Malcolm was chief executive officer of Courage Center. She is now president of the Courage Kenny Foundation and vice president of public affairs for Allina Health. “As we say, legal merger

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities. MN Permit No. 4766 Address Service Requested “ If

you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.”

— Desiderata, Max Ehrmann 1872-1945

NEWS DIGEST

Uniting to improve services - p. 15

Faces legal challenge

Personal care attendants get OK to unionize bargain for better wages,” said Rep. Michael Nelson DFL - Brooklyn Center, the chief author of the House version of the bill. “These workers, who are predominately women, now have an opportunity to bargain for improvements in their lives and the lives of the children, seniors and people with disabilities they serve. No longer will our state be able to dismiss the immense value of their work.”

“Workers need the chance to come together to work for better wages, access to benefits and access to training,” said Jim Lovold, a disability advocate who receives PCA services. “When I do find people to work for me they almost always leave to go do something where they make more money. I support this bill because it will give advocates who use self-directed services and the people who work for us a voice in fixing the system.”

The House voted 68 – 66 May 20 to approve the bill.

Personal care attendants rallied on the steps of the state capitol in support of the That followed a 35-32 Senate vote May 16, which folright to organize. lowed 17 hours’ testimony. The time needed for the SenPhoto courtesy of SEIU ate hearing is believed to have set a state record. More

by Jane McClure than 100 amendments to the bill were submitted on the A matter of worker rights or political payback for union supHouse side alone. port? Disagreements over the right of in-home day care providers Green and purple-shirted advocates from the America Fedand personal care attendants to unionize aren’t likely to end deeration of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) spite a combined 27 hours’ debate on the floors of the Minnesota and the Services Employees International Union (SEIU) MinneHouse and Senate. Nor is it likely to end with Gov. Mark sota packed the capitol during the final days of the session. DurDayton’s signature on the legislation allowing workers to form ing the House deliberations, which began early the morning of unions. Foes of the measure have vowed to take legal action to May 19, they chanted, “We’re still here.” block it, announcing their intentions May 29.

Many began cheering after the House May 20 vote, which The law allows about 21,000 state-paid Minnesotans who prompted legislators on the losing end of the vote to protest a work in the two fields to decide whether or not to join a union. breach of House rules. Several Republican legislators stormed The extension of collective bargaining rights covers personal out of the chambers in protest. care attendants or PCAs who provide care to a client in the Rep. Tom Anzelc, DFL-Balsam Township, said workers client’s home or workplace and child care workers who operate should have the right to decide if they want to engage in collecprivate businesses in their homes. The groups have until 2017 to tive bargaining. “Society does not value the work or the labor decide whether or not to organize. provided to the children or the work provided to take care of the “This bill is about ensuring the basic rights of undervalued elderly.” workers to choose for themselves if they want to collectively PCAs: OK to Unionize - p. 14

Read about The Arc Greater Twin Cities’ dedicated Changemakers and how they make a difference.

Page 8

Get those 2013 Charlie Award nominations in!

(Thank you!)

Page 3

It was a legislative session of key gains and some disappointments for Minnesotans with disabilities.

Page 4

Mental health advocates are pleased with new laws and funding.

Page 5

Important advocacy opportunities and events are coming up.

Page 12

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

Pg 2 June 10, 2013 Volume 24, Number 6

EDITOR’S DESK

Tim Benjamin What a crazy spring! It seems like every day we have had rain and far too many thunderstorms disturbing one’s sleep. My dog is even showing frustration with the constantly damp grass. He likes to roll around in grass when it is dry to scratch his back and face. What is a poor dog to do with his itchy nose when it just slides on wet grass?

Now that the legislative session is over the lawsuits have begun. A suit was filed concerning the unionization of home health care and day care workers. Actually, I’m not exactly sure how personal care workers who work though agencies will be affected by the new “right to unionize” law. There are many preparing for the worst possible scenario for day care workers, and maybe rightfully so. I could understand why a private day care worker who was also the owner-operator of a business would join a union for a couple years. The union could provide for an increased billing rate. But would there really be a decent return on investment, considering union dues and the cost of joining? I think we should be skeptical about the intent and effect of this bill, especially when there’s so much controversy in the House and Senate, and given

the number of times the bill was tabled and the close votes. I keep thinking of how the House and Senate debated in the past over moving to agency-based PCA programs. Many of us protested having to make the switch to go through an agency instead of billing the state directly. We were sure that we would lose our control and autonomy. Fortunately, in my opinion, the PCA program using agencies has been nothing but a success for all parties. So maybe, even though I’m skeptical, this unionization bill will do the same.

Something else we need to watch and possibly get involved with is the durable medical goods competitive bidding process at the federal level. Unfortunately, it might even be too late to get this bidding repealed before the damage has been done. Ask your durable goods provider how these changes will be affecting you and them and what you might do to help them adapt and retain quality service in this new process.

Yet another change we will keep an eye on is the merger of Sister Kenny and Courage Center. Access Press was given an opportunity to interview both organizations’ leadership. If the merger of the two into Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute works as management expects, we should all benefit from this arrangement. The combining of the two organizations should make one stronger, more stable service organization that will, with philanthropic help, try new innovative approaches and streamline how rehabilitation

can work in Minnesota. They may also affect how it works across the country and internationally, if all goes according to their plan. There’s no question that the two players are very excited about the future and have a lot to gain in this whole blending of forces.

They think the disability community will gain, as well.

I’ve been assured by both organizations that the Courage Center advocacy work will continue. Jan Malcolm, who as readers know, was the CEO of Courage Center before the merger, will now be the vice president of public policy for the Allina Health system. Given Malcolm’s passion and experience in health care policy and innovation, we should hope to see some positive influences on the disability community’s overall health and the programs that keep us healthy. Hopefully Malcolm and her department heads will be able to extend their reach in government much further than they have.

Penny Wheeler, chief clinical officer at Allina, said to me, “To be an effective health care provider, we have to move away from a system that rewards us for how many procedures we do to people and how many people we do procedures to into a system that rewards us for how ‘well’ we keep people, how healthy we keep people and how close to home we keep people.

That’s why I’m here and that’s our mission and this merger follows that mission, as well.” She also said, quoting someone early on in the merger process, that Sister Kenny taught them how to break an egg and Courage Center taught them how to make the omelet.

This merger will test what the combined Courage Kenny has to teach us all. ■

HISTORY NOTE

St. Paul student’s website brings key legal case to life A 1974 legal case that was a turning point in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities in the United States was a Minnesota History Day project.

Lillian Lampros, a 13-year-old seventh grader at Capitol Hill Magnet School in St. Paul, created a webpage chronicling the history of Halderman v. Pennhurst and the closing of that state hospital as her project. The website covers an extraordinary amount of information on the history of Pennhurst State Hospital in Penn-

Volume 24, Number 6 • Periodicals Imprint: Pending ISSN Co-Founder/Publisher Wm. A. Smith, Jr. (1990-1996) Co-Founder/Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief Charles F. Smith (1990-2001) Board of Directors Brigid Alseth, Steve Anderson, Kristin Jorenby, Kim Kang, Elin Ohlsson, Halle O'Falvey, Carrie Salberg,Walt Seibert and Kay Willshire Cartoonist Scott Adams

Advertising Sales Michelle Hegarty 612-807-1078 Executive Director Tim Benjamin Assistant Editor Jane McClure Business Manager/Webmaster Dawn Frederick Production Ellen Houghton with Presentation Images Distribution S. C. Distribution

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

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

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sylvania. One of the interviewees, Judge Donovan W. Frank said, “Because of a project like this, it educates, informs and reminds citizens that it was not so long ago that we treated people like this and therefore the project itself will improve the lives of many!”

Halderman v. Pennhurst played a major role in the disability rights movement that is still felt today, and helped shape the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Many laws ensuring services to people with disabilities have been passed and people with disabilities are now integrated into the community. Notably in 1975, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act required public schools to provide access to education and free meals to students with developmental disabilities. Another offshoot is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or IDEA, passed in 2004.

It ensures services for children with disabilities.

David Ferleger represented plaintiff Terri Lee Halderman in the groundbreaking case. Lampros interviewed him as part of the project. “It is a great honor and quite exciting to appear before the highest court in the country, and I knew the importance of the case to so many people,” said Ferleger.

Lampros also interviewed Alan Bergman, a na-

tionally known consultant who explained how the court case shaped disability rights. “Disability is a natural part of the human experience, it’s only a question of when, that is why everyone should advocate for disability rights,” he said.

“For the people who left Pennhurst and moved Lillian Lampros: a seventh to community homes, the grader at Capitol Hill people were better off in Magnet School in St. Paul every way we knew how to measure. After Pennhurst, we did similar studies with more than 7,000 people who moved from institution to community in more than 10 states; the results were consistent. This was probably the most successful American social reform of the latter half of the 20th century”, said James W. Conroy of the Pennhurst Memorial & Preservation Alliance.

Many Minnesotans praised the website and Lampros’ work. Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities Executive Director Colleen Wieck said, “The website is fabulous. We are very pleased that Lily Lampros chose to create a website that so clearly presents the history and meaning of Pennhurst, and the role that Pennhurst played in bringing to light the human and civil rights struggle of individuals with developmental disabilities over many hundreds of years.

Lily’s website is an educational learning experience that needs to shared and studied to assure that this history is understood and remembered but never repeated.”

History note - p. 14

June 10, 2013 Volume 24, Number 6

Pg 3

Deadline extended

Access Press seeking Charlie Smith Award nominees

by Access Press staff

Need more time to nominate a deserving person or group for the 2013 Access Press Charlie Smith Award?

You’re in luck. The deadline for nominations has been extended to Aug. 9.

The newspaper’s Board of Directors has decided to give community members more time to submit nominations for the coveted award, which is given in recognition of outstanding service to Minnesota’s disability community. Award applications are available on the newspaper’s website, at www.accesspress.org and can be easCharlie Smith ily downloaded in pdf and docx formats or by calling the office at 651-644-2133. Anyone needing accommodations in obtaining and submitting an award nomination is urged to call.

The Award is named in honor of the late Charlie Smith, founding editor of Access Press. He was a well-known Minnesota disability rights advocate and worked on many issues at the local and state levels.

With the support of his family, Smith founded the newspaper in 1990. Smith died of cancer in 2001 but not before establishing Access Press as one of the nation’s first disability publications.

Nominations and questions about the nomination forms and process can be sent via email to CSAnominations@accesspress.org, via fax to 651-644-2136, or mail to Access Press, c/o Charlie Award Committee, 161 St. Anthony Avenue #910; St. Paul, MN 55103.

If possible, send the newspaper office either a jpeg photo or an actual picture of the nominee, or be prepared to tell the editors where a picture can be obtained. Pictures and biographies of nominees will be published in the September issue of the newspaper and displayed at the Nov. 1 award banquet. Mailed photos will be returned if requested.

Nominees can be from anywhere in Minnesota. The board encourages nominations from throughout the state. Additional information, such as news stories and resumes, can be attached to the nomination.

Past nominees can be nominated again, although people cannot win more than once. The board does ask that people not nominate themselves.

Previous winners of the Charlie Award

Charles “Chuck” Van Heuveln

Jeff Bangsberg

Steve Kuntz

2012: Charles “Chuck” Van Heuveln 2011: Jeff Bangsberg, consultant, legislative activist 2010: Steve Kuntz, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) 2009: Anne Henry, Minnesota Disability Law Center 2008: Pete Feigal, Cofounder, Tilting at Windmills 2007: Jim and Claudia Carlisle, People Enhancing People 2006: John Smith, University of Minnesota 2005: Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD) 2004: Rick Cardenas, Co-Director of Advocating Change Together (ACT) 2003: Margot Imdieke Cross, Minnesota State Council on Disability ■

Anne Henry

Pete Feigal

Jim and Calaudia Carlisle

John Smith

Rick Cardenas

Margot Imdieke Cross

Banquet would not be possible without support The focus of Access Press’ annual Charlie Smith Awards Banquet is to honor a Minnesota individual or group for outstanding service to the state’s disability community. The banquet also serves as a fundraiser for Access Press, Minnesota’s disability community newspaper.

Reservations can now be made for the Nov. 1 banquet, which starts at 5:30 p.m. with the dinner and ceremony at 7 p.m. Cost is $45 per person for those who register early, $50 per person at the door or $325 for an eight-person table. The table rate represents a savings of $35. Registration can be made online, at www.accesspress.org. Look for the Charlie Awards tab at the top left corner of the home page.

Checks with the name and number of guests can be mailed to Access Press, Attn: Dawn, 161 St. Anthony Ave Ste 910, St. Paul, MN 55103. Please make checks payable to Access Press and note banquet in the notation line. Credit card transactions can be made over the phone by calling the office at 651-644-2133.

Many opportunities are available to help support this important event. One option is to be a table host. Purchasing a table offers the option of having a company, organization or individual’s name displayed on the table and at the banquet.

Another is to be a banquet sponsor. Sponsorships range in cost from $200 to $400 and have different levels of recognition. Look online for details.

A third way to support Access Press is by donating to the silent auction and raffle. New merchandise and gift baskets, gift certificates, theater and sports tickets, medical supply, store gift certificates, sports memorabilia and one-of-a-kind items have been popular, with lively competition for everything from accessible cabin stays to portable ramps to ice cream.

One focus this year is our community’s talents. Are you an artist, a crafter or a photographer? Do people rave about your baking? Or do you have a crew of family and friends who would donate an afternoon of yard work? Those kinds of unique donations would also be welcomed.

Please contact Access Press Business Manager Dawn Frederick at 651-6442133 or dawn@accesspress.org if you would like to donate or if you have questions about donations ■

Pg 4 June 10, 2013 Volume 24, Number 6

2013 session

Legislative session saw key gains, some disappointments

by Jane McClure

For Minnesotans with disabilities, their family members and caregivers, the 2013 session of the Minnesota Legislature will be remembered as one with several key gains and some major disappointments.

With that in mind the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD) is already among the groups preparing for the 2014 session.

Group leaders are preparing for a legislative wrap-up event in late June, and the kickoff of fall advocacy trainings and town hall forums around the state. MNCCD is asking that everyone check in with the MNCCD website, www.mnccd.org, for information about advocacy events and opportunities going on this summer and fall and how all can be involved in advocacy.

A number of investments in health care marked the 2013 session. MinnesotaCare was preserved and Medicaid expanded. Major steps were taken to implement the Affordable Care Act, including the creation of an insurance exchange that will be up and running in January 2014. Enrollment will start in October.

More money was found for special education, with an additional $40 million being passed as part of the $15.7 billion education budget. A tax bill provides an additional $2 billion in revenues for state government.

Not everyone benefited from the state’s $38.3 billion budget. The final health and human services package had a $50 million cut to services, leaving $11.3 billion for the biennium. That was an improvement over the $150 million in cuts the House and Senate sprung before leaving for their spring break.

But there were important gains, advocates pointed out. “The final health and human services bill that passed the Minnesota House and Senate contains many reforms and innovations that we applaud and strongly support,” said Steve Larson, public policy director for The Arc Minnesota. “These measures will allow persons with disabilities to live and thrive in their communities and are cost-effective.”

The changes and innovations include a reduction and, in some cases, elimination of fees that low- and middle-income families pay for services to keep their children with disabilities at home and provide them with needed medical care and therapies. More than 4,000 families whose children have significant disabilities will now more easily access services they need. Another big win is the elimination of a 1.67% cut in disability services funding. That cut was scheduled to take effect this July 1.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services’ Reform 2020 saw some of its initiatives move ahead.

These measures could create dramatic changes in the way people with disabilities are served. “The goal of Reform 2020 is to put consumers in control so they can make the important decisions about their own services and lives,” Larson said. “Studies have shown that when consumers are in control of their own services, funding, and staffing, they are more satisfied.”

There was also praise for the final tax bill that passed right before the session ended and increased revenues by $2 billion. “These new resources, raised

“Legislators certainly could have found more money for people with disabilities when they were bringing in $2 billion more in revenues.”

— Steve Larson, The Arc Minnesota in a fair manner, helped prevent disability services from being cut again, which they have been so often in the past decade,” Larson said.

Funding continues to be an issue, said Jeff Nachbar, public policy director of Brain Injury of Minnesota. While nursing home got a long-overdue 5 percent increase and workers will see some of that in their first wage increase in several years, facilities for people with disabilities only saw a 1 percent increase in the final health and human services bill.

When that takes effect in 2014, the average worker will get an additional 12 cents per hour. That was a huge disappointment because caregivers and service providers haven’t had an increase in five years. Nor does it begin to make up for the past four years of cuts.

“After years of bearing much of the burden for balancing the state budget, and after sustaining hundreds of millions of dollars in funding cuts over the past decade, people with developmental disabilities and their families deserved better than a one percent increase,” said Larson. “Legislators certainly could have found more money for people with disabilities when they were bringing in $2 billion more in revenues.”

The reaction to the 1 percent increase crossed party lines, with House members from both parties saying that the increase should have matched nursing home increases. Rep. Thomas Huntley, DFL-Duluth, responded by saying, “I’ve been here 25 years and this is the first time I’ve been accused of not spending enough money.”

Many disability advocacy groups were also disappointed that despite a last-minute push, stronger anti-bullying measures weren’t adopted. With a Republican filibuster threatened in the session’s final hours, the Senate didn’t act on the bill. It had already passed the House and had Gov. Mark Dayton’s support. It contained key recommendations a Dayton-appointed task force had made.

Sen. Scott Dibble, DFLMinneapolis, authored the Senate’s version of the Safe Schools for All bill.

He told supporters that the

Nikki Villavicencio was among the many disability community activists who testified at the captiol this session.

Photo courtesy of SEIU

bill will be brought back in 2014, adding, “Every setback, every discouragement, in this movement I’ve only seen people grow stronger and more determined and more fierce.”

Minnesota’s current antibullying law is considered one of the weakest in the United States. It only requires school districts to have an anti-bullying policy.

The Safe Schools for All legislation offered a more detailed definition of bullying and includes requirements on school employee training, school district tracking and investigation of bullying cases. It was followed closely by disability advocates because many children with disabilities are bullied. But many Republicans and some private school administrators said the bill was overreaching. The Minnesota School Boards Association claimed the bill would be another unfunded mandate. Some estimates were that Safe Schools for All would add another $5 million and $40 million annually in costs.

Another disappointment is the failure to approve new revenue for paratransit and transit. “Minnesota had a chance to make a decisive move on transportation but decided not to take it. Instead of moving sensibly to expand our transit system, we’re stalled. No increase in local bus, minimal progress on rail. This is a huge disappointment, especially to all the people who need more affordable options for getting to work and school, and for the health and economic vitality of our region. Minnesota is not a national leader today,” said Barb Thoman, executive director of Transit for Livable Communities (TLC).

TLC is part of the Transit for a Stronger Economy coalition. The coalition wanted a 3/4-cent increase in the regional sales tax for transit. The measure had Dayton’s and the Senate’s support but couldn’t get through the House. That means a status quo bill did pass, with no new funding for local services and no dedicated allocation of the sales tax for safe, accessible bicycling and walking projects.

According to TLC, there is a small increase for transit in Greater Minnesota ($256,000 extra from the general fund plus $10.8 million leased vehicle sales tax). This meets only 60-65% of the need in greater Minnesota, rather than the statutory goal of meeting 80% by 2015.

Transit advocates and those wanting an increase in the minimum wage will be back in 2014. The House and Senate couldn’t agree on proposals to support a minimum wage increase so that was also shelved. The current state minimum wage is $6.15 per hour. Senate DFLers suggested an increase to $7.75, while House DFLers called for $9.50.

Groups seeking capital bonding dollars will also be back in 2014. While an $800 million bonding bill was killed by the House, House and Senate leadership did pull together a smaller $176.8 million bonding bill, which Dayton signed. It includes capitol repairs and a new parking ramp, and more than $18 million as a state match for an expansion at the Minneapolis Veterans Home. But it didn’t include $36.3 million to construct new facilities at the state security hospital in St. Peter to allow sex offenders to be housed separately from mentally ill and dangerous inmates.

Legislative roundup - p. 13

June 10, 2013 Volume 24, Number 6

Mental health programs got long-awaited help

Pg 5

‘Ban the Box’ is approved

by Access Press staff

The 2013 Minnesota Legislature was good to mental health programs and services, much to the relief of advocacy organizations and families. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI Minnesota) and other advocates and groups are pleased; citing gains on everything from to stepped up early identification and treatment to help with housing to more restrictions on use of seclusion and restraint in schools.

A thorough summary of the session can be seen at http://tinyurl.com/MH-2013session NAMI is especially pleased with the increased funding for school-linked mental health grants, increased number of services covered under Medical Assistance for children, and increased funding for employment supports and housing subsidies for people with mental illnesses. That’s a reversal from earlier in the session when the organization was a leader in efforts to challenge deeper proposed health and human services cuts.

“Early identification and treatment are crucial to minimizing the impact of mental illnesses on people’s lives,” said Sue Abderholden, NAMI Minnesota’s executive director, “and this legislature has funded efforts to help with this.”

Children’s mental health saw many gains. Funding will increase for schoollinked mental health services by $7.434 million the first biennium and $9.814 during the second biennium. Case management services will be offered to young adults between 18-21 who had received children’s case management. A transition plan must be developed before discontinuing children’s case management services.

Coverage would be added for additional services under MA such as family psycho-education, mental health treatment plan development and clinical care consultation.

Family peer specialists would be added to the types of mental health practitioner services covered by a children’s mental health provider. Having them on staff creates a family-driven mental health system and provides great support to families, according to NAMI. Funding for mental health first aid training for people who work with youth is another plus. Lawmakers also provided funds for in-reach community-based service coordination for a child or young adult up to age 21. This helps a young person who has a serious emotional disturbance who has frequented emergency rooms two or more times in the previous consecutive three months or has been admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit two or more times in the previous consecutive four months, or is being discharged to a shelter.

Many children in foster care live with serious mental illnesses, needing more

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Carl Nimis, a recent winner of the Goodwill/Easter Seals’ Participant of the Year Award, spoke during at a rally recent in support of “ban the box” legislation. The legislation was signed into law by Gov. Mark Dayton. The new law will stop employers from asking about a job applicant’s criminal record before reaching the interview phase of the hiring process. Nimis, who is visually impaired, also has a criminal record. He needed Goodwill/Easter Seals’ help in finding a job and getting a second chance at life.

Minnesota, which already applies a narrower version of the law to public employers, is the third state to extend it to the private sector and the ninth overall to “ban the box,” as the measure is known.

The measure does allow businesses to ask about an applicant’s criminal background at some point in the hiring process. It also ensures that the government alone would retain the right to penalize violators.

Read more about Nimis on page 9. help than can be typically provided through a family foster home. Legislation passed this session would provide intensive treatment in foster care.

Lawmakers have also passed legislation requiring a review of the state’s only hospital for children with mental illnesses to determine need, service model and other future changes.

Mental health crisis services also got help, with funding increased by $1.5 million for the biennium for both children and adults. Financial support was also provided for Text4Life, a text message-based crisis line.

Parenting skills will now be covered under Adult Mental Health Rehabilitation Services (ARMHS). Coverage policy and payment rates will be restructured to improve access to ARMHS. In adult mental health, the 10 percent low needs CADI cut for people with a serious mental illness living in a corporate foster care program run by a mental health organization will be eliminated. Another gain is that people with schizoaffective disorder will be eligible for case management services.

Lawmakers made a number of changes to help the mental health work force, including a 5% payment rate increase for mental health providers under MA, fee-forservice starting Sept. 1, 2014 and a 1% payment increase for home and community-based services providers starting in 2015. The 1.67% payment rate cut to providers that was scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2013 won’t happen.

A future event to watch for is a summit involving the higher education and mental health communities to look at how to increase the number of people working at all levels of the mental health system. Goals include ways to improve training and create a more culturally diverse mental health workforce.

For people seeking work, there were gains including a one-time $1 million increase for the Extended-Employment Program for People with Serious Mental Illnesses, an ongoing $1 million of increase to vocational rehabilitation programs.

Several housing programs for youth and adults were funded, including $4 million for the Homeless Youth Act which provides funding to organizations offering street outreach, drop-in centers, emergency shelter, transitional living programs and/or supportive housing for runaway, at-risk and homeless youth. ■

Pg 6 June 10, 2013 Volume 24, Number 6

REGIONAL NEWS Assisted-living fees to be studied Move-in fees, pre-lease fees and other charges at assisted-living facilities will be getting closer scrutiny this summer in a state review of a growing industry that serves thousands of elderly and disabled Minnesotans. Some consumers have complained that the fees are confusing, unfair or even illegal. Some families have lost hundreds and even thousands of dollars.

The fee issues were highlighted in an initial review of the industry, mandated by the Minnesota Legislature. The review was released in March. The state’s Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care will convene a group this summer to continue looking at fees and other consumer issues across Minnesota’s assisted-living system.

“I think there are fees that are questionable,” ombudsman Deb Holtz told the Star Tribune. “We see inconsistency across the state. There’s different fees being charged in different places and they may or may not be called the same thing. So that’s confusing for consumers.”

The number of Minnesotans over age 65 is expected to double between 2010 and 2030, so more demand for assisted-living housing is expected. Already the state has 970 assisted-care facilities with a total of 51,175 units. Yet rules on how they operate can be challenging for tenants to understand. The facilities — part housing, part support and health-related services — operate under a web of laws governing both sides of the business. ■ (Source: Star Tribune)

Sober high school ranks dwindle

Settlement includes accommodations

Minnesota pioneered the concept of sober high schools, but their numbers have declined from a dozen to four. Lacks of donations, unstable enrollment and other factors have closed several schools.

Arona Academy, Coon Rapids, and Sobriety High, Burnsville, close for good in June.

“Outside of Minnesota, the future of recovery schools is really bright,” said Michael Durchslag, director of P.E.A.S.E. Academy in Minneapolis, the nation’s oldest school for recovering teenage alcoholics and addicts. “But in Minnesota, they’re dropping like flies.”

Sobriety High lost a key donor—an individual who personally gave an average of $200,000 or more annually to the operation for more than a decade. An education bill that would have changed the formula by which recovery schools are reimbursed fell short at the capitol this spring.

The need for recovery schools remains strong in Minnesota, experts say. The chances of a young addict relapsing increase dramatically when that person returns to the traditional school where problems surfaced. ■ (Source: Star Tribune)

People with hearing impairments will get improved accommodations from St. Paul Police, as a result of a settlement approved in May by the St. Paul City Council. The settlement centered on the 2006 arrest of Douglas Bahl. Bahl, who is deaf and is a well-known community activist, sued because the police didn’t provide him with a sign language interpreter. He was stopped by police while trying to reach his wife in an emergency.

In 2012 a federal appeals court found that one of Bahl’s claims could have merit. The legal dispute was sent back to a lower court. The city decided to settle for more than $90,000 and require that the police department train all staff about the rights and needs of the deaf and hard-of-hearing people they encounter.

In the settlement the city denies any wrongdoing.

Bahl also sued Ramsey County because he was jailed after his arrest. The county settled with him in 2001 for $230,000 and agreed to provide accommodations for hearing-impaired persons in its jail. ■ (Source: Pioneer Press)

New wheelchair lift has promise A Wisconsin elementary school principal has inspired the University of Wisconsin-Madison to create a new wheelchair lift that could help make more places wheelchair accessible. The invention got its start began three years ago when the principal at Emerson Elementary School in Madison, Karen Kepler, told a school donor her biggest wish was for her building to become accessible to everyone. All four entrances had stairs.

University of Wisconsin-Madison engineering students and faculty came up with the “Funicular,” a platform that uses rollers and a modified chain hoist.

It allows users to move up the stairway by turning their wheels on the rollers.

The device is still in the prototype phase but several companies have already expressed interest in producing it. ■ (Source: Associated Press)

Chronic pain affects many soldiers Thousands of Minnesota soldiers are returning from war with chronic pain from injuries that leave many of them impaired and even disabled, according to a Minnesota Public Radio study. A detailed analysis of Department of Veterans Affairs data shows a steep increase in joint injuries over the last decade.

Doctors in Minneapolis, St. Cloud, Fargo and Sioux Falls saw veterans with joint disorders at least 35,000 times in 2012, a 133 percent increase over 2003. Nationally, according to a government report, musculoskeletal conditions were the leading serviceconnected disability for veterans every year from 2007 to 2011.

Although some soldiers are injured in combat, others are hurt doing dangerous jobs, and some have pain caused by carrying the heavy weight of the very equipment meant to protect them. ■ (Source: Minnesota Public Radio) Regional news - p. 15

June 10, 2013 Volume 24, Number 6

PEOPLE & PLACES

Disability Viewpoints’ host Mark Hughes is part of a team that won another Hometown Media award.

Photos courtesy of CTV

Disability Viewpoints is honored again Disability Viewpoints has won yet another 2013 Hometown Media Award in the Access-Able Professional category. The award was presented May 30 at the Alliance for Community Media Annual Conference in San Francisco. Disability Viewpoints also received Hometown Media Awards in 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2005.

The Hometown Media Awards honor and promote community media and local cable programs that are first distributed on public, educational, and governmental public access cable television channels.

Awards are presented to creative programs that address community needs, develop diverse community involvement, challenge conventional commercial television formats and move viewers to experiences television in a different way.

Mark Hughes is the host of Disability Viewpoints, a show that is taped every month at CTV’s Roseville studio. It highlights local disabled-friendly businesses, services for the disabled and efforts on behalf of the disabled. Guests have included elected officials, entertainers, athletes and advocates for the disabled.

Hughes has won other recognition for his work, including the Rainbow of Hope Award from the Shiners’ in 2005. This award recognized Hughes for his ability to overcome physical limitations and to become a role model within the disabled community.

He was born with cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. ■

Pg 7

Cummins feted for helping Courage Center with equipment

Name change for longtime job service organization

Cummins Power Generation was recognized for hard work and dedication to the Assistive Technology Program at Courage Center, at the Corporate Volunteerism Council Awards Luncheon this spring.

Cummins won the Minnesota Employee Engagement Award.

The luncheon, held at the Golden Valley Country Club, is a thank you for the many hours of work donated by Cummins engineers and other staff.

Cummins has been a Courage Center corporate volunteer involvement unit and have been a vital resource to clientele as they perform many tasks including fixing broken equipment, developing one-of-akind devices, and adapting devices and equipment.

The Twin Cities Corporate Giving Garden Network won the Innovation Award. This group of corporations grows and shares produce on a number of Twin Cities corporate campuses. ■

Midway Training Services is now Ally People Solutions. The name changed was announced in May. The new name is seen as more reflective of the nonprofit organization’s mission and services.

Ally People Solutions is based in St. Paul. It was started in 1965 by parents who wanted to provide more opportunities for their children. Ally serves persons with intellectual disabilities, mental health conditions and their loved ones with employment and life skills services so each consumer can live the full, productive life that he or she desires. The organization is serving more than 270 clients, providing them with a variety of opportunities.

Ally will retain the same addresses and phone numbers, and is making a transition with its electronic media. ■

She found satisfaction through work East Suburban Resources, Inc. is honoring Mary, who recently retired after working at Music Connection in Forest Lake. Mary worked at the music store for 15 years. It was her only community job placement during her tenure at the nonprofit employment agency.

Mary’s job coach, Shannon, worked with Mary and helped her with job training. Mary was able to learn and do a number of tasks as part of her work, although she noted that her favorite job was dusting.

She also enjoyed working with her friend and coworker Mike, whom she is pictured with.

In retirement, Mary would like to enjoy more recreational activities, go on community outings and spend more time with friends.

East Suburban Resources is a private, nonprofit agency that promotes employment for adults with developmental disabilities and unique support needs by removing barriers to jobs, providing ongoing support and focusing on community integration. It has been located in Washington County since 1964 and has program centers in Cottage Grove, Forest Lake, Oakdale and Stillwater. It serves more than 350 individuals with disabilities Community integration is a key focus at East Suburban Resources. Job coaches and other staff work to dispel misconceptions about individuals with disabilities while helping them to be productive members of

The Music Connection said farewell to longtime employee Mary, center. At left is shop owner Charlie and at right is Mary’s favorite co-worker, Mike.

Photo courtesy of East Suburban Resources

their community, be more confident and independent, to learn life and work skills, and to earn an income.

Consumers have several employment options available. They may choose an independent job in the community, placement on a crew that works under the supervision of a job coach, or participation in contract work that is completed at the agency’s program sites.

East Suburban Resources partners with more than 200 businesses and civic organizations in the east metro area, and is fully licensed and accredited. ■ People & Places - p. 10

Pg 8 June 10, 2013 Volume 24, Number 6

The Arc Greater Twin Cities presents Changemaker awards to eight outstanding community volunteers The Arc Greater Twin Cities has presented its Changemaker Awards to eight volunteers who have made a difference for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The recipients were honored at The Arc’s Annual Meeting and Volunteer Celebration on May 4 at Roseville Skating Center. Awards were presented in three categories.

“Our Changemaker Award recipients demonstrate that there are many different ways to contribute to the work of The Arc,” said Kim Keprios, chief executive officer of The Arc Greater Twin Cities. “In their own way, each one is helping to create more possibility and opportunity in the lives of the individuals and families we serve. We’re so fortunate that these exceptional people have shared their time and talents with us, and we want the whole community to know how much we appreciate them.”

The Changing Attitudes award recognizes those who positively change public perceptions of people with disabilities. The recipients are Trina Hendrickson, Blaine; Ron McCoy of McCoy & Associates, Minneapolis and Jim Nihart, Minneapolis.

Hendrickson began volunteering with The Arc Greater Twin Cities as a college student in 2009. Every month since then, she has supported the ¡Adelante!

Family Access Group for Spanish-speaking families, providing child care for children with and without disabilities while their parents attend the meetings.

(Adelante is Spanish for “forward.”) She has shown great dedication to the families who participate and has continually asked for other opportunities to help, even while pursuing a doctorate in psychology.

McCoy’s most significant volunteer contributions are video and show production work. In 2006, he produced the 60th anniversary video; a key communica-

tions vehicle still used to shows the evolution of The Arc into a bigger, more vital organization. He has provided audio-visual producer services for all six Arc Galas at a discount. He has helped negotiate money-saving audio-visual arrangements. He has produced fund-a-need videos on employment, advocacy and abuse prevention for the last three galas, plus a public service announcement for Fox 9 in 2013.

Nihart is a professional photographer who has volunteered exceptional talents to capture people and events of The Arc Greater Twin Cities. He has volunteered for six years, photographing The Arc’s gaDebbi Harris, The Arc Greater Twin Cities’ Board Chair; Kim Keprios, The Arc las, summer picnics and more.

When the 2011 Arc Gala featured a Greater Twin Cities’ CEO; Nancy Fitzsimons; and Bob Fitzsimons are shown at fashion show, he set up a backstage The Arc Greater Twin Cities’ Changemaker Awards Photos courtesy of Arc studio and took professional portraits of all models in their attire in addition to shooting the show itself. He has also taken still photos of people featured in the fund-a-need videos since 2011.

The Changing Policies award recognizes persons whose efforts have resulted in systems and policy changes that benefit individuals with disabilities and their families. The recipients are Jean Bender, St. Paul and Dr. Nancy Fitzsimons, Minnesota State University Mankato Bender has long been one of the disability community’s most dedicated advocates for legislation crucial to people with disabilities and their families.

As the mother of an adult son with a disability, she has been tireless in telling her family’s story to legislators, attending public policy events and giving testimony on numerous topics. She has also helped countless others get engaged and tell their stories, including Spanish-speaking families who would otherwise be Jean Bender excluded from the process by language and cultural barriers.

She was the keynote speaker and moderator for The Fitzsimons is a professor at Minnesota State UniArc’s 2012 forum on abuse, Breaking Down the Barversity Mankato. Her academic focus is violence and riers, which she also helped plan. abuse against people with disabilities. She was instruThe Changing Lives award recognizes long-term or mental in helping establish The Arc Greater Twin Cit- intensive efforts that positively affect the lives of ies’ Abuse Prevention Initiative and helping The Arc people with disabilities. Award recipients are Eduardo determine its role in addressing violence against Montes, West St. Paul; Bridget Salmi, Minneapolis people with disabilities.

Changemaker Awards - p. 10

June 10, 2013 Volume 24, Number 6

Pg 9

Goodwill/Easter Seals fetes those who work, reach goals

Carl Nimis works on food prep at Chipotle. He hopes to be a manager.

Garry Guzzy talks to a customer at the Goodwill Waite Park store.

Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota, a leader in state-wide workforce development, presented its Participant of the Year award to three individuals at the Minnesota History Center who displayed tremendous effort and determination while accomplishing their employment goals, spoke with the audience about their experiences. Two of the award winners are people with disabilities.

The May 9 event is also an annual Goodwill/Easter Seals benefit. More than $134,000 was raised to support skills training programs that will prepare people for work. More than 250 people gathered to celebrate a year of Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota changing lives and building stronger communities.

Carl Nimis and Gary Guzy accepted the prestigious awards at Goodwill/Easter Seals’ 2013 Power of Work event. The award recognizes exceptional effort and accomplishment by a Goodwill/Easter Seals participant. They were joined by another Participant of the Year, Christie Baker, in receiving the award.

Twin Cities resident Nimis went to Goodwill/Easter Seals in February 2010 for assistance with job training. Released from prison after 16 years, Nimis had reentered a world he didn’t recognize. His future was hindered by a criminal record and loss of vision.

His employment support consultant at Goodwill/Easter Seals helped him with thousands of job applications and arranged a culinary demonstration at Chipotle.

Nimis landed a full-time job on the spot. Now he has a new boss, a new apartment, a new wife and is training to be a manager.

Thanks to job training from Goodwill/Easter Seals he now works at a Chipotle restaurant doing tasks including prep work, cleaning, dishes and line service. He uses his senses of smell, hearing and touch to do his job. Management at the restaurant said Nimis not only works harder than everyone else, he also challenges coworkers to be better people and to keep improving themselves.

In a video, Nimis talks about the value of work and training. He is shown doing day-to-day tasks and in interviews. Restaurant management and his Goodwill/Easter Seals jobs counselor were also interviewed.

“Carl represents the dedication and perseverance we try to instill in each of the thousands of people we serve every year,” said Dr. Michael Wirth-Davis, President and CEO of Goodwill/Easter Seals. “We’re thrilled to give him this award, and we know he will inspire many others to succeed as he has.”

“It gave me back my identity,” Nimis said, “Having work meant that I had the independence of purchasing things, making more decisions.”

Do you want to make a major impact with our readers?

Then consider being an Issue Sponsor for any issue of Access Press!

To be a full or partial sponsor, call 651-644-2133 or email us at Access@AccessPress.org

Photos courtesy of Goodwill/Easter Seals

Goodwill/Easter Seals also recognized St. Cloud resident Garry Guzy as its Participant of the Year for his tremendous effort and determination in accomplishing his employment goals.

Severely bullied, isolated and with no work experience, Guzy found his way to Goodwill/Easter Seals through a workforce center. After completing the financial/ call center skills training program, he was hired as a sales associate at the Goodwill store in Waite Park.

“I just want people out there to know that no matter where you are in your life, things are never as hopeless as they seem,” Guzy said. “I think the biggest accomplishment I’ve made is being able to say, ‘Wow! Look at how far I’ve come in these past three years. I’ve made huge advancements forward in my life and I’ve begun to see that I can be someone of value.’”

Many Goodwill/Easter Seals participants have no job history at all. Giving them work experience in a safe, stable environment helps them prepare for competitive employment.

Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota provides family strengthening, education, workforce development and employment services for people with disabilities and other barriers to education, employment and independence. In the past year, over 15,000 individuals received 70,000 services, including job skills training (automotive, medical office, banking/finance, construction and retail), job placement and free medical equipment loans. Revenues from its 33 retail stores, along with other contributions, support these programs at 32 service locations in Minnesota. ■

Pg 10 June 10, 2013 Volume 24, Number 6

Local newspaper readers mark 20 years

PEOPLE & PLACES Metro arts groups receive Accessibility Grants Three Minneapolis arts organizations recently were awarded project grants to make their arts programs more accessible to people with disabilities. The latest ADA Access Improvement Grant recipients include Interact Center for Visual/Performing Arts, $15,000; Mixed Precipitation, $15,000 and Young Dance, $3,744.

Young Dance will bring Dwayne Schueneman, founder of REVolutions Dance and a professional dancer who uses a wheelchair, to Minneapolis for a week of workshops. The week will culminate in free public performances by the workshop participants and Schueneman.

Mixed Precipitation seeks support for relationship-building through the Access Advisory Panel, to attend a conference, to provide expanded access services, to reduce physical barriers in key sites by renting bathroom facilities and undertaking capital improvements, and to bring a production directly to a facility serving people with disabilities.

Interact Center for Visual & Performing Arts will use its grant for its Dis/Cover the Arts Program. This effort expands the capacity of Interact Center for Visual & Performing Arts to grow audiences of people with disabilities by removing barriers, better fulfilling its mission to create art that challenges perceptions of disability.

Funding for the ADA Access Improvement Grants for Metro Arts Organizations is from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. The purpose is to enable nonprofit arts organizations in the seven-county Twin Cities area to improve their programs, projects, equipment, or facilities in ways that have the potential for significant or long-term impact in involving more people with disabilities as participants or patrons in arts programs. VSA Minnesota administers the grant program for the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council.

Fifty-five projects have been funded by this grant program since 2010, totaling $636,729. Grants up to $15,000 are available.

The grants were reviewed and ranked by a panel of persons active in the metro arts and disability community. Panelists were Leah Cooper, Paul Deeming, P.J. Doyle, Jo Ann Erbes, Connie Fullmer and Cindy Tarshish. The panelists brought a wide range of arts and community experience. ■ Changemaker Awards - from p. 8

Radio Talking Book listeners and volunteers in northern Minnesota have something to celebrate. This spring volunteers and listeners in Fergus Falls marked the 20th anniversary of the reading of local newspapers with a luncheon. The event included entertainment, speeches, certificates of appreciation, and cake.

The establishment of reading of local newspapers in that area, in 1993, was a project of the local Lions Clubs. The Lions have continued to be the primary support and organizers of the local reading there. Fergus Falls was the first area of Minnesota to have the reading of local newspapers via Radio Talking Book.

Once per day, local volunteers break into the radio’s signal to read the papers from that area. This now happens in Fergus Falls, Saint Cloud, Rochester, Mankato, Duluth, and Grand Rapids. ■

Monticello resident is honored The American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) recognized Carla Colvin, an employee of nonprofit Opportunity Partners, as the 2013 Direct Support Professional Award Winner for the state of Minnesota. She received her award in Washington, D.C. this spring at the ANCOR conference.

Colvin is a resident of Monticello and works at Opportunity Partners in Coon Rapids. She is a strong advocate for the people with disabilities she supports and consistently goes above and beyond to help create positive change in the individuals she works with.

“We at Opportunity Partners are incredibly proud of Carla. The award shows the dedication she has to support people with disabilities and reflects the quality of services provided by Opportunity Partners,” said George Klauser, Opportunity Partners’ President and CEO. Colvin said she developed a compassion for people with disabilities when as a child riding the school bus she saw other children treating kids with special needs as “different.” Years later, she left a job in the insurance industry to follow her passion to care for people and has now worked in the field for 15 years. Colvin goes the extra mile to customize her care to meet the unique needs of each individual.

“What works for one does not work for all. If you take the time to get to know what motivates the people you serve it makes for some pretty amazing accomplishments. I make it a point to teach the people I serve that a person’s disability is not their identity, that we are all intentionally flawed to make us unique and that everyone has value,” said Colvin. ■

and Mike Williams, Burnsville Montes has volunteered with The Arc Greater Twin Cities since 2006 and has served on its Finance Committee, Marketing Committee and Board of Directors. His award recognizes his impact on the life on one person, fellow board member Heidi Myhre. Myhre is unable to drive because of a disability, and Montes makes sure that she has a ride to board meetings and events.

He has also been a friend to her in many other ways, both at The Arc and beyond.

Salmi has volunteered since 2009 as the facilitator of monthly Sibshops in Hopkins for kids who Mike Williams Ron McCoy have brothers and sisters with in- Eduardo Montes Williams is a self-advocate who has taken extraordinary steps to further the distellectual and developmental disabilities. She has gone the extra mile to get to ability and self-advocacy movements. He has volunteered with The Arc Greater know the children and their families in her group, as well as an associated netTwin Cities since 2007 and is a founding member of The Arc’s Self-Advocacy working group for parents. In addition, she has helped make the Sibshop program more meaningful for siblings by offering valuable feedback and sharing ideas with Advisory Committee. He leads his own self-advocacy group at ProAct, where he worked, and he has hosted a home visit with legislators. A graduate of the Partners other facilitators. in Policymaking program, he works tirelessly to expand his knowledge of disability issues and engage others in developing skills as self-advocates. ■

June 10, 2013 Volume 24, Number 6 Pg 11

Save the date for the 2013 ADA Celebration

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.

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

Want to attend a show but not finding the accessible services needed? Contact t the performing company as far in advance as possible to request the service. Arts organizations can borrow a captioning display unit from VSA Minnesota for free. Call the Minnesota Relay Service at 711 or 1-800-627-3529 with the number of the arts organization box office. With video relay a caller’s video phone number automatically connects to a sign language interpreter when making a call to another caller who does not also have a VP.

Mini-golf fundraiser Ramsey Nursing Home hosts a mini-golf fundraiser 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sat, June 29 at the Goodrich Golf Dome, 1815 Van Dyke St., Maplewood. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Fee includes golf and a picnic lunch. Proceeds are being used to enhance the programs and services for residents at the Ramsey County Care Center that are beyond the funding capacity of traditional county, federal and state resources.

FFI: Lorna Leistikow, 651-251-2420, lorna.leistikow@co.ramsey.mn.us

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 a blog that is always worth checking, to see what activities Upstream Art staff and artists are doing in the community. The blog is updated regularly. Visit www.upstreamarts.org

The Mikado The Gilbert and Sullivan comic operetta will be performed by Skylark Opera with MU performing arts, at the E.M. Pearson Theatre at Concordia University, 312 N. Hamline Ave., St. Paul. Captioning is 7:30 p.m. Wed, June 19. Tickets are $20 (student) to $43. Discounts available for child ($10), student ($20), senior 65+ ($38), MPR member, first-time patron ($35), season subscriber, group, front row ($25). FFI: 612-343-3390, www.ticketworks.com, www.skylarkopera.org/

Urinetown: The Musical Jungle Theater presents the uproariously funny musical at Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls. AD show is 7:30 p.m. Thu, June 20. Assistive listening devices available. Tickets are reduced to $10 (regular $2038). FFI: 612-822-7063; boxoffice@jungletheater.com, www.jungletheater.com

In the Rest Room at Rosenbloom’s Theatre in the Round Players presents a comedy about a group of elderly friends and their fight to stay together, at Theatre in the Round, 245 Cedar Ave., Mpls. AD show is 2 p.m. Sun, June 23. Tickets are $22.

Discounts available Fri. and Sun. for student with ID and senior 62+. FFI: 612-333-3010, www.theatreintheround.org.

Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Suicide Club Park Square Theatre presents the rapid-fire tale of the Suicide Club and its newest member, the famed detective, at Park Square Theatre, 20 W. 7th Place, St. Paul.

AD and ASL show is 2 p.m. Sun, June 23. Captioning by c2 is 7:30 p.m. Sat, July 13 and 2 p.m. Sun, July 14.

Ask about a limited number of discounted tickets for Captioned, AD and ASL performances (regular $25-58, $38 ASL area). FFI: 651-291-7005, www.parksquaretheatre.org.

Make plans now to attend Minnesota’s annual ADA Celebration. The 2013 event is 1-3 p.m. Fri, July 26 at the Elmer L. Andersen Human Services Building. 540 Cedar Street. St. Paul.

This free and fun community event includes lively entertainment and informative speakers/ Light refreshments will be served. More details will be announced soon and accommodations are provided. For more details, contact Cindy Tarshish at 651.603.2015 or cindyt@mcil-mn.org

Pictured at right, Commissionor Peter McLaughlin File photo

Herocycle FTF Works presents an epic aerial music about daredevil Evel Knievel, at the Old Arizona Theater, 2821 Nicollet Ave., Mpls. AD and ASL show is 7:30 p.m. Sun, June 23 with a pre-show tactile tour. Tickets are $18, Student/Fringe $15, Cafe Seating $22; add service fee for online orders. FFI: www.ftfworks.org or www.brownpapertickets.com/event/358400, www.oldarizona.com

Clybourne Park The Guthrie Theater presents a satiric comedy response to A Raisin in the Sun that won the Pulitzer Prize and the 2012 Tony Award for Best Play, at the Guthrie Theater’s, McGuire Proscenium Stage, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. AD show is 7:30 p.m. Fri, June 28 and 1 p.m. Sat, July 13 (with sensory tour). Captioning is 1 p.m. Wed, July 3, and 7:30 p.m. Fri, July 19. ASL shows are 7:30 p.m. Fri, July 1 and Thu, July 18. 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.

We Are Family: The Anthems of Our Community Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus presents its annual Pride weekend concert at Ted Mann Concert Hall, 2128 4th St. S., Mpls. ASL show is 8 p.m. Fri, June 28.

Large-print and Braille programs available on request.

Tickets are reduced to half-price for ASL patrons (regular $25-41, includes box office & facility fees). FFI: 612-624-2345; nto@umn.edu, www.tcgmc.org or www.tickets.umn.edu/Online/

Disney’s Aladdin Jr. Stages Theatre Company takes the audience on a magic carpet ride with Princess Jasmine, Genie and Aladdin, at Hopkins Center for the Arts Mainstage, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins. Captioning shows are 1 p.m.

Sat, June 29 and Sat, July 6. ASL show is 2 p.m. Sun, July 14 AD show is 7 p.m. Fri, July 26; available on request for alternative dates by calling Nicki Pretzer, 952979-1119, at least two weeks before show. Tickets are reduced to $11, $9 Child/Senior, $8.50 Weekend/ Evening Group (12+); ask for discount for the individual

needing AD/ASL + one companion and seating section when making reservation. FFI: 952-979-1111 option 4 (Tues.- Sat. noon to 6 p.m.), www.stagestheatre.org

Gallery Tour Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Mpls, hosts its free accessible monthly tour at 2 p.m. on the first Saturday of the month. The tour begins in the Bazinet Garden Lobby next to the admission desk. A tour guide and interpreter bring works of art to life in hour-long conversational strolls through the galleries and, during the summer, in the Sculpture Garden. Registration is not required. Assisted listening devices, portable stools, largeprint and Braille visitor guides are available at the lobby desk. Audio description and ASL interpreting are available for events/shows by request with at least two weeks’ advance notice. FFI: 612-375-7609, education.resources@walkerart.org, www.walkerart.org/ visit/accessibility

Hairspray Lyric Arts Company of Anoka presents the Tony Award winning musical about a girl and her quest to be on a teenage television dance show, at Lyric Arts Main Street Stage, 420 E. Main Street, Anoka. ASL show is 2 p.m. Sun, July 14. Tickets are reduced by $5 for guests requiring ASL interpretation and a companion (regular $16-26); The seats are reserved until two weeks before the show. If no one seeks interpretation it is canceled. FFI: 763-422-1838; boxoffice@lyricarts.org, www.lyricarts.org

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Children’s Theatre Company presents the much-loved story of a boy, a cookie and chaotic mouse at the Children’s Theatre’s United Health Group Stage, 2400 Third Ave. S., Mpls. AD and ASL show is 7 p.m. Fri, July 19. For tickets, ask about special price rates for ASL/AD patrons (regular $16-40). FFI: 612-874-0400; tickets@childrenstheatre.org, www.childrenstheatre.org ■

Pg 12 June 10, 2013 Volume 24, Number 6

UPCOMING EVENTS Advocacy Watch for update, training Although the 2013 Minnesota Legislature has wrapped up for the year, the advocacy work of the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNCCD) is not done. MN-CDD is a statewide coalition of disability advocacy and provider organizations that work together on disability policy issues at the state capitol; and work together to create positive change. Watch for information about advocacy events and opportunities going on this summer and fall and how to be involved in advocacy. MN-CCD will be hosting a 2013 legislative wrap-up and celebration event this summer. MN-CCD will also be hosting advocacy trainings and town hall forums across the state. Dates will be posted soon. FFI: www.mnccd.org Olmstead Plan meetings Public meetings and listening sessions throughout Minnesota are set to hear input on the state’s Olmstead Plan. Hear about the plan’s status and make comments.

It is important that people come to these meetings to make their voices heard regarding this plan. The events are 2-5 p.m. Tue, July 9 at the State Office Building, Room 200, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul; 9-11 a.m. Fri, Aug. 2 at Hjemkomst Center, 202 1st Ave. N., Moorhead; 1-4 p.m. Tue, Aug. 13 at Duluth City Hall Council Chambers, 411 W. 1st St.; and 1-3 p.m.

Mon, Aug. 19 at Heintz Center Commons, Rochester Community and Technical College, 1926 College View Road. The Olmstead Sub-Cabinet is committed to providing accommodations to people with disabilities so that everyone can participate in the listening sessions. Anyone needing accommodations or modifications because of a disability should contact organizers at least two weeks in advance and provide specific information on what is needed, as well as contact information. FFI: opc.public@state.mn.us Apply for opportunity The Partners in Policymaking program is now inviting applications for its free nine-month leadership training program. Individuals with disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities will be trained at no cost in monthly sessions, starting this fall.

Deadline is July 15. Over the course of eight sessions, they learn how to become strong, knowledgeable, and effective advocates for themselves, their children, and others with disabilities. Sessions cover the history of the disability and self-advocacy movements, inclusive education, supported living, and avenues to influence county, state and federal legislative processes. The two-day meetings are all held on weekends, from September to May. Cost are covered by a federal grant.

Child care, respite allowances, and overnight accommodations are also provided for those who have to travel from outside the metro area to attend. Mileage and meals are also covered by the grant. Sessions will be held at the Minneapolis Airport Marriott in Bloomington.

FFI: www.mngts.org/partnersinpolicymaking or cschoeneck@mngts.org

Activities for adults Independent living classes offered The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living 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 start of summer means trips to the Nicollet Mall Farmers’ Market, 1-3 p.m. Thu, June 20.

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 the Working Well with a Disability series. 1:30-3 p.m. Wed, June 19 with a goal setting and awareness workshop.

Learn about advocacy 10 a.m.-noon Tue, June 11 and managing paperwork 10 a.m.-noon Wed, June 12. Learn to make responsible decisions 10 a.m.-noon Thu,.

June 27 at a decision-making workshop.

Meet at Lake Harriet Rose Garden in Mpls Tue, June 25 to cook and have a social evening.

Weekenders outings are for those who are tired of sitting home all weekend. Meet other people who share similar interests and want to meet new people. Guests are welcomed. Next outing is 10 a.m.-noon Sat, June 15 at Bloomington Farmers’ Market. Please bring spending money for weekenders events. All other events are free of charge, accessible and mostly scent-free. Please RSVP and give two weeks’ notice of needed accommodations. FFI: Corbett Laubignat, 651-603-2028, corbettl@mcil-mn.org, Cindy, 651-603-2037, cindyl@mcil-mn.org,www.mcil-mn.org MCIL will be closed July 4 for Independence Day.

Youth and families PACER offers workshops PACER Center offers many 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. Families Are Important: Understanding the Early Intervention Process in Minnesota is 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tue, June 18.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) recognizes the important role families play in their children’s lives. Families know their child’s strengths, interests, and frustrations, and so they must be included in the evaluation process and in developing outcomes for their child. This free workshop will help parents understand the early intervention process in Minnesota.

Advance registration required for all workshops. 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 the second Monday of each month at MCIL, 1600 University Ave. W., St. Paul.

Preregistration requested. RSVP. Corbett, 651-603-2028, corbettl@mcil-mn.org PACER hosts symposium Teachers, administrators and parents interested in learning more about mental health and learning disabilities in young adults and children are urged to register for PACER Center’s upcoming workshop, Tue, Aug. 6 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Av. S, Mpls.

Registration fee is $20 and lunch is provided for the daylong event. Space is limited. Keynote speakers are Dr. John Maag, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln professor specializing in the treatment of adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders, and Dr. John Ratey, associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. FFI: 952-838-9000, 800-537-2237 (toll free), www.PACER.org

Information and assistance Help for service dogs Dentists from BluePearl Veterinary Partners are scheduled to participate in the second annual American Veterinary Dental College Service Dog Oral Healthcare Exam program. Free oral healthcare examinations will be provided by BluePearl’s board certified dentists for guide dogs, service dogs, working dogs, military dogs and search and rescue dogs. Dentists will examine the dogs to look for signs of periodontal disease, fractured teeth, discolored teeth, oral masses and other oral and dental diseases that can cause pain or discomfort. If oral or dental abnormalities are found, a plan will be provided to the owner to determine if they would like to proceed with treatment. Appointments are first-come, first-serve in Blaine June 13 and Eden Prairie June 20. Participants must pre-register. FFI: AVDC.org Seniors can seek healthy food To increase seniors’ access to nutritious foods, the Minnesota Department of Human Services announced the launch of a new one-page application for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for Minnesotans age 60 and older. At the end of 2012, only 50.5 percent of seniors eligible for SNAP were accessing it.

Currently, more than 500,000 Minnesotans are on SNAP. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Application for Seniors is for seniors-only households. The application is one page, two-sided, with additional attachments, including instructions and resource information. Previously, seniors needed to complete a combined application for food, cash and health care benefits, which all others interested in applying still need to complete. The department is working with counties, community groups and outreach organizations to get the word out about the new application. Seniors interested in applying for SNAP should contact their county social service agency.

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. A group meets at 6:30 p.m., on the 4th Tuesday of the month, at Goodwill-Easter Seals, 553 Fairview Av., St. Paul (The group previously met at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer.) FFI: Shelly, 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.

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 also meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday

Events - p. 15

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

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June 10, 2013 Volume 24, Number 6 Pg 13

June Sampling

Radio Talking Book Weekend Program Books Your Personal World (Saturday at 1 p.m.) is airing 8 Habits of Love, by Ed Bacon; For the Younger Set (Sunday at 11 a.m.) is airing Racing the Moon, by Alan Armstrong, and The Mostly True Story of Jack, by Kelly Barnhill; Poetic Reflections (Sunday at noon) is airing Everyday People, by Albert Goldbarth, The Game of Boxes, by Catherine Barnett, and Pity the Beautiful, by Dana Gioia; The U.S. and Us (Sunday at 4 p.m.) is airing Minnesota Mayhem, by Ben Welter.

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 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The catalog is online and can be accessed by going to the main website, www.mnbtbl.org, and then clicking on the link Search the Library Catalog.

Persons living outside of Minnesota may obtain copies of books via inter-library loan 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 at 651-642-0500 for a password to the site. See more information about events on the Facebook site for the Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network. Facebook is a free social networking web site. Register at www.facebook.com 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.

An Absorbing Errand, Nonfiction by Janna Malamud Smith, 2012. Seven broadcasts. Begins June 25. Problems that stall the creative process can become prime sources of the energy that fuel the mastery of art-making. Read by June Prange.

Legislative roundup - from p. 4 Nor did it include a $3.75 million request from Minnetonka-based St. David’s Center for Child & Family Development. The request for state funds to support its Building Our Children’s Future capital campaign to create an early education, early intervention, treatment and training center that will meet a growing need for high-quality services for children with a broad range of developmental needs.

St. David’s Center serves thousands of children every day in Minnetonka and throughout the Twin Cities. The renovation and expansion project, scheduled to be completed in 2014, will provide up to 100 construction jobs and 30 new direct service positions immediately as a result of increased capacity. The Center also is a training ground for dozens of graduate students and professionals who then practice in communities throughout the state.

“We are tremendously grateful to the Capital Investment Committee Chairs, Representative Alice Hausman (DFL- St. Paul) and Senator LeRoy Stumpf (DFL- Plummer), for seeing the importance of this project and its value to the state of Minnesota,” ex-

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

The Black Count, Nonfiction by Tom Reiss, 2012. 13 broadcasts. Begins June 17. Alex Dumas’ life inspired both The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo, both written by his son. Born to a black slave mother and a fugitive white French nobleman, he eventually became a leader in Napoleon’s army. Read by Esmé Evans.

Bookworm • Monday – Friday 11 a.m.

The Paradise Guest House, Fiction by Ellen Sussman, 2013. Eight broadcasts. Begins June 19. Three days into a dream assignment in Bali, Jamie is caught in the island’s infamous nightclub bombing. One year later, haunted by memories, she returns seeking closure, and Gabe, the man who saved her life. She has never shied away from a challenge, but a second chance with Gabe presents a major question: is she ready to open her heart? L, S – Read by Mitzi Lewellen.

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

They Called Me Number One, Nonfiction by Bev Sellars, 2013. Six broadcasts. Begins June 24. For many years, Canadian Indian children were forced to go to religious residential schools where they were exposed to mental, physical, and sexual abuse. Bev Sellars was one of those children. Read by June Prange.

Choice Reading • Monday – Friday 4 p.m.

John Saturnall’s Feast, Fiction by Lawrence Norfolk, 2012. 16 broadcasts. Begins June 24. An orphan, John is taken into the home of Sir William Fremantle, with his only legacy a book about an ancient feast. In the kitchens, John shines with his elaborate culinary creations, eventually putting him in contact with Sir William’s daughter, Lucretia. Read by Arlan Dohrenburg.

PM Report • Monday – Friday 8 p.m.

A Nation of Deadbeats, Nonfiction by Scott Reynolds Nelson, 2012. 14 broadcasts. Begins June 26. The story of America is a story of dreamers and defaulters. As far back as 1792, our country’s financial panics boiled down to one question: would Americans pay their debts, or are we just a nation of deadbeats? Read by John Demma.

Night Journey • Monday – Friday 9 p.m.

The Light Keeper’s Legacy, Fiction by Kathleen Ernst, 2012. 10 broadcasts. Begins June 24. Museum curator Chloe Ellefson jumped at the chance to spend alonetime on Rock Island, near Wisconsin’s Door County, with no electricity or roads. Maybe she could figure out her love life, or research how to restore the historic lighthouse. When a dead woman washes ashore, her tranquility is spoiled, and her research reveals the island’s history of tough women. Read by Myrna Smith.

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

Telegraph Avenue, Fiction by Michael Chabon, 2012. 21 broadcasts. Begins June 17. Archy Stallings and Nat Jaffe, longtime friends and band mates, are co-owners of Brokeland Records, a kingdom of used vinyl. Their shop is threatened when a megastore is planned nearby.

Their wives, too, are caught up in a battle for their professional existence, and the teenage son of Archy (never acknowledged) shows up and becomes the love of Nat’s son’s life. L - Read by John Mandeville.

Good Night Owl • Monday – Friday midnight Bond Girl, Fiction by Erin Duffy, 2012. 11 broadcasts.

Begins June 24. As a girl, Alex Garrett dreamed of conquering Wall Street. She makes associate in her brokerage firm, but the collapse is imminent and she needs to decide whether to ride the financial tide or save herself.

L - Read by BethMarie Hansen.

After Midnight • Tuesday – Saturday 1 a.m.

The Brides of Rollrock Island, Fiction by Margo Lanagan, 2012. 11 broadcasts. Begins June 25. On Rollrock Island, men make their living – and fetch their wives – from the sea. The witch Misskaella knows how to find the girl at the heart of a seal, for a price. Read by Connie Jamison.

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

plained Julie Sjordal, executive director, St. David’s Center, “and for their leadership in seeing it through to the final global bonding bill.” The request will be renewed in 2014. ■

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Pg 14 June 10, 2013 Volume 24, Number 6 Autism - from p. 1 The autism proposal was extensively debated and at least one parent group raised concerns about it. Debate over the changes pitted parents and families against insurers and business groups. Opponents are concerned that covering the therapy will be too costly.

Autism Speaks and the Autism Society of Minnesota, along with The Arc Minnesota were closely tracking the legislation. Sponsored by Rep. Kim Norton, DFL-Rochester, the insurance reform measure applies to state-regulated large group health plans which would be required to cover speech, occupational, physical and behavioral therapy, including applied behavior analysis, up to age 18.

The legislation originally began with no dollar limits on coverage, and then was scaled back to an annual limit of $50,000 limit per child.

An estimated 750,000 state residents would gain coverage. State employees will be added no later than 2016. The Dayton administration hopes to extend coverage to the small group and individual markets through the health exchanges it creates under the Affordable Care Act. The bill also includes co-pay relief for families covered under the Tax Equity Fairness and Responsibility PCAs: OK to Unionize - from p. 1 But others disagreed vehemently. Rep. Peggy Scott, R-Andover questioned whether the measure was “union payback” and said it would hurt low-income families.

Whether or not the workers should have the right to unionize has been debated for years. AFSCME would represent child care workers; SEUI would represent PCAs. One argument for unionization is the years of reduction in various aid payments, leaving workers little choice but to unionize.

Critics say the union law would hurt small businesses and potentially cause disparities in care. Other foes have pointed out that at a time when union ranks are dropping, the potential for more members helps reverse that trend. The two unions gave more than $2 million to candidates in the 2012 elections.

Until now PCA’s and child care providers had been prohibited by law from unionizing. The law doesn’t automatically create a union or force anyone to join.

It allows the workers to vote to decide whether or not

Act or TEFRA disabilities program and a $12.7 million early intervention program for children up to age 18 who are enrolled in the state’s Medical Assistance program. The early intervention program will provide access to behavioral therapy, and will include training for providers in culturally appropriate techniques.

The provisions in Norton’s bill were incorporated into the omnibus health and human services finance bill. The legislation became more urgent after a landmark 2001 court settlement with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Minnesota expired in late 2011. That took coverage away from many families, starting last year.

Lorri Unumb is Autism Speaks’ vice president of state government affairs. She was among those praising the legislation. “Autism Speaks commends the hard work of Norton and the Dayton administration in producing a comprehensive response to the lack of autism coverage in Minnesota. We look forward to continuing our work with our Minnesota champions to extend coverage to all families.”

In April, Dayton expressed strong support for autism insurance reform. The governor met with families during World Autism Awareness Day event at the state capitol. He told families it is critical for public

and private health insurance to align benefits so that children get the services they need, regardless of the type of insurance they have.

Initially, the mandate would affect only about a quarter of Minnesotans” those in state-regulated insurance plans. Most large employers, which are selfinsured, are exempt from state mandates. But under federal health care reform, any new mandate would apply to plans sold on the new health insurance exchange, and state taxpayers would subsidize it. Officials estimate that would cost $3.5 million next year and $10 million by 2016. But advocates contend the costs could be less. They also note that the costs of therapy will have savings in the long run, as children need less intensive services in the future.

At the federal level, Dayton has contacted the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and asked that the federal government require coverage for autism services, including applied behavior analysis, as the Affordable Care Act is implemented.

Thirty-two states already mandate some form of autism coverage. ■ This contains information is from Autism Speaks, The Arc Minnesota and Session Weekly.

to unionize and gives them until 2017 to decide whether or not to do so.

“As we’ve said all along, this bill is simply about giving us the right to choose for ourselves,” said Darleen Henry, a 23-year-old home care worker from Rosemount who cares for her mother. “By forming a union, we can negotiate with the state for better wages, paid time off, even training. Mine and my mother’s future, as well as everyone else’s, could only get better.”

“I work hard as a PCA,” “aid Vicki Dewald, a home care worker from Detroit Lakes. “My work helps the state save countless dollars that would be spent on a long-term care institution if I wasn’t there to work with my grandson and keep him living independently. By forming a union we can improve conditions for workers, which will keep good PCAs and improve the quality of care clients receive. We should have a say in the programs that benefit us all.” ■

History note - from p. 2 Cheryl Turcotte, Regional Ombudsman, Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities, Brainerd, called the website “poignant. I can’t imagine a professional doing a better job,” Turcotte said. She drew parallels between Pennhurst and the recent Minnesota Extended Treatment Options (METO) court case.

“Remarkable! It’s hard to believe this is the work of a seventh grader. It’s wonderful to see that this young lady is so passionate about disability rights,” wrote Alicia Donahue, State of Minnesota, Ombudsman for Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities, Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center, Anoka, MN. ■ Visit the webpage at http://36914709.nhd.weebly.com The History Note is a monthly column sponsored by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, www.mncdd.org and www.partnersinpolicymaking.com

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 Pamela Hochrein Laurie Jarvis 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 IN KIND (For this issue) Scott Adams AusM The Arc Minnesota SEIU

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June 10, 2013 Volume 24, Number 6 Pg 15

Uniting to improve services - from p. 1 and integration are two different things,” Malcolm said. “To be honest and realistic, the integration of the two companies could take 24 to 36 months before the public will see much change in service delivery.”

“The joining of the two cultures, Allina’s Sister Kenny, and Courage Center, hopefully the similarities in missions and the shared commitment to innovation and doing things in a client-centered way will help the knitting of the two organizations,” Malcolm said. One of the most attractive pieces of the merger is bringing together the medical pieces of a person’s life with social supports that many people with disabilities desperately need in order to stay healthy, and have active and healthy lives. Courage Kenny wants to be recognized for helping people with disabilities maintain good health, save money and bring together everything to improve quality of life. The merger also creates a stronger organization to serve the community for the long term.

Malcolm spoke about the important differences in services and that these competencies are complementary. Both organizations had distinctive areas of specialization. Courage Center enjoyed success in community-based, one-off, innovative, often very personalized rehabilitation programming.

Sister Kenny was successful in clinical rehabilitation specialties. Those specialties are in acute care and more about medical best practices, centered on evidence-based medical results. The combination of the two will make a better overall organization for the community without competition over reimbursements.

“We will not be trying to force round pegs into square holes. We will keep what we have been successful in and we will combine, learn and connect the programs or specialties together to make an overall stronger organization and more financially stable,” Malcolm said. She also spoke about maintaining innovative processes. What will also continue is Courage Center’s history of experimentation with new programs like ABLE, startup of new clinics like Healthcare Homes and continued development of new programs.

Members of the disability community can be as-

Regional news - from p. 6 sured and comforted in knowing that Courage Center’s tradition of very important and successful advocacy work will continue with Malcolm in her new public affairs role.

The newly merged foundations are now the Courage Kenny Foundation. It will be the key to continuing a history of innovation, supporting nonmedical services, advocacy work, continuum of care, customization and experimentation and better ways of doing things, to invest in existing programs and services to improve the health of the clients served.

“Making the whole thing revolve around what’s best for the client and not what’s best for the provider is the goal of this merger,” Malcolm said. ‘’The artificial financial wall has been removed and what is the best level of care for the client or patient is what will be our driving influence, now.”

“The spirit of Courage Center is not going anywhere,” said John Tschida, Courage Center’s longtime vice president of public policy, “When we first started talking to Allina Health there were a number of nonnegotiables. We want the flexibility to start new programs, like the independent living skills we started in the late 1960s and the residence we started in the 1970s, more recently the fitness center and the Healthcare Homes. ‘They get it’, that many things have to happen for people with disabilities to stay healthy and that goes way beyond medical services. I don’t think there’s any risk that what Courage Center has been doing will be over-medicalized either.”

Sister Kenny/Allina has 30 clinics and Courage Center has six. Those will remain for now as Courage Kenny facilities, at both historic campuses. As the organization evolves, its geographic reach will broaden and longer-term changes are possible. The changes will be determined through strategic planning.“Part of potential opportunities are to make more of the Courage services geographically more accessible to more of the community,” said Malcolm.

Access Press has more information on the merger on the newspaper’s website and will continue to monitor the merger and its effects. ■

Events - from p. 12 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 Chronic pain support group MCIL offers a peer support group for people who live with chronic pain. The group will start meeting 6:30 the first and third Thursday at MCIL, 1600 University Ave. #16, St. Paul. Group members will discuss what chronic pain is and how it affects people. FFI: Cindy Langr, 651-603-2037, cindyl@mcil-mn.org

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

Auctioneer is one of a kind Despite a strong dose of nerves and with his notes nearby, Riley Cludy built up the courage to conduct his very first live auction, realizing a goal he’s been thinking about for a year and half.

“He would have never picked up a microphone and talked into it in front of anyone — anyone at all,” said his mom, Mary Lou Fiala. “This is a huge step for him.” Cludy is 18 years old and has a highly functioning form of autism. He became interested in auctioneering through his other passion: horses.

“I met my first auctioneer at a horse show,” Cludy recalled. “He told me about a school in Mankato and gave me his card.”

Continental Auction School in Mankato agreed to train Cludy. Dewey Johnson was one of Cludy’s classmates during the grueling, week-long training.

“At first, we all thought, ‘What is he doing here?’ I mean, you wanted to know,” said Johnson. “But he became the whole star of the whole class because he improved daily. By the end of it, he got a standing ovation from everybody!”

Cludy recently got the chance to conduct his first live auction at an annual fundraiser for St. Mike’s in Stillwater. His family attends the church, so the familiar faces made his first auction a bit easier. He hopes to make a career out of it and run horse auctions someday. ■ (Source: KMSP-TV)

Special needs stable gets a facelift Riding a horse can be great therapy for veterans and children with disabilities. A Lakeville riding center needed some repairs. In May more than 100 people helped make improvements to Majestic Hills Ranch.

Honeywell employees and students from Robbinsdale Cooper High School worked side-byside to create a safer, more enjoyable place for those who ride the horses at the ranch. Majestic Hills offers horseback riding therapy for children with disabilities and military veterans... and it’s free for veterans as long as they have a doctor’s note.

The May event was the ranch’s largest-ever volunteer turnout. According to Majestic Hills owners, to get all this work done without volunteers would cost $15,000 to $16,000. ■ (Source: KSTP-TV)

Volunteer, Donate

GLBT group meets 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 23 days in advance, as group cancels if fewer than three people sign up. FFI Corbett Laubignat, 651-603-2028, corbettl@mcil-mn.org

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.

One-time or ongoing opportunities through the NIP Senior Program. FFI: Jeanne, 612-746-8549, srvolunteer@neighborhoodinvolve.org, or www.neighborhoodinvolve.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

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 ■

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

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

Mail to: Access Press care of The Kelly Inn Offices; 161 St. Anthony Ave; #910; St. Paul, MN 55103; 651-644-2133 • FAX 651-644-2136 • Email: access@accesspress.org

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

Oak Park Village: We are accepting applications for the waiting list for one-bedroom wheelchair accessible apartments. Section 8 subsidized. Convenient St. Louis Park location. Call 952-935-9125 for information. Equal Opportunity Housing.

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

Holmes-Greenway Housing: One- and two-bedroom wheelchair-accessible apartments. Section 8 subsidized. Convenient SE Minneapolis location.

Call 612-378-0331 for availability information.

Equal Opportunity Housing.

Pg 16 June 10, 2013 Volume 24, Number 6