Heroes, p 9
Volume 26, Number 2
Women are honored for service to Minnesota by Access Press staff
People who have made a positive difference in the lives of Minnesotans with disabilities were among those honored January 19 at the state’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration. Among those honored by Gov. Mark Dayton were Galinda Goss-Kuehn and Margot Imdieke Cross. Both were Distinguished Service Award winners. This year’s state King Day events, which included a march and a celebration centered on youth, were held at Macalester College in St. Paul. The theme of the 2015 celebration, Where Do We Go From Here? Reconciliation, Redemption, & Justice for A Beloved Community, recognizes that in order to advance toward, and finally achieve King’s dream of equality for all Americans, every voice throughout Minnesota must be engaged in the continuing. WCCO-TV anchor and reporter Angela Davis emceed Women honored - p. 15
www.accesspress.org Session moves ahead
Governor’s budget proposal sets the stage for legislative debate The first month of the 2015 legislative session has been a busy one for Minnesotans with disabilities and advocacy organizations. Gov. Mark Dayton’s proposed $42 billion-plus state budget was a good news/bad news story. The budget was applauded for its support for children and families, transit and mental health programs. Other programs didn’t fare as well and must face legislative committees. The 5 % Campaign was among the groups unhappy with Dayton’s budget. The proposed package didn’t include a rate increase for programs, in the community that support people with disabilities and older adults. The coalition who represents more than 130 organizations, stated that even with a five percent St. Cloud resident and advocate Neil Helgeson is speaking for a Home and Community-Based family member’s needs during the 2015 legislative session. This picture is part of a Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Services increase received in (MN-CCD) campaign. 2014, funding continues to lag Photo courtesy of MN-CCD behind income standards. On many issues, legislators are seeing and hearing the phrase #MnAbilityMatters, as part of social media campaign led by the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD). Stories and photos for the campaign are turning up on MN-CCD’s Twitter and Facebook pages. Advocates are also tracking progress on the state’s Olmstead Plan and watching cuts to human services. See more capitol coverage starting on page 3. ■
Contest entries sought
ReelAbilities Film Festival opens in June by Access Press staff
Steve Wampler of Wampler’s Ascent, right, saw his film featured at the 2013 ReelAbilities Film Festival. He is shown with festival committee member Jenn Reiter, Tiffany Lees from Wampler’s Foundation and Partnership Resources Inc. (PRI) CEO Norm Munk Photo courtesy of PRI
Lights! Camera! Action! The ReelAbilities Minneapolis-St. Paul Disability Film Festival is back for a second time, and promises to be bigger and better than ever. Planning is well underway for the 2015 event June 11-14, in conjunction with the upcoming 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) celebration. Partnership Resources Inc. (PRI), which is leading the planning efforts for ReelAbilities, invites everyone to an upcoming festival information meeting, 3-5 p.m. Thursday, February 12 at PRI, 1069 10th Ave SE, Minneapolis. Anyone with questions can contact Dan Reed, PRI’s director of marketing, at 952-925-1404 or danreed@partnershipresources.org Founded in 2007, the ReelAbilities Film Festival is held annually in more than a dozen major U.S. cities. It began in New York City. The first Minneapolis-St. Paul festival was organized and hosted by PRI in 2013 at multiple venues. The first Minnesota event drew more than 2,000 people. See a short film highlighting the first Twin Cities festival at www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnX-ZLUV6kc The idea of an encore to the 2013 event drew a strong and positive reaction from PRI’s board and staff, said Reed. Holding the festival just before the statewide ADA celebration in July has also drawn a favorable reception. “The 2013 festival and the films shown had such an impact, and sent such a positive message,” Reed said. “Films or video are such a powerful way of communicating and can change perceptions, especially perceptions of people with disabilities.” ReelAbilities Film Festival - p. 15
February 10, 2015 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities. MN Permit No. 4766 Address Service Requested
“I believe alien life is quite common in the universe, although intelligent life is less so. Some say it has yet to appear on planet Earth.”
— Stephen Hawking NEWS DIGEST
Self-advocates from around Minnesota are using what they learned through the Olmstead Academy. Page 8 One woman’s desire to help children with disabilities prompted creation of a charity. Page 2 EquipALife announces donation and new fund to assist individuals with unmet needs. Page 5 Olmstead Subcabinet will continue its work, as a result of executive order. Page 7 Minnesota Disability Law Center needs to hear from you. Page 12
INSIDE Accessible Fun, pg 11 Events, pg 12 People & Places, pps 8-10 Radio Talking Book, pg 14 Regional News, pps 6, 10
Pg 2 February 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 2
EDITOR’S DESK
Tim Benjamin Governor Dayton’s budget was released earlier this month. It included some positive signs. The governor is willing to increase funding for mental health and for children with autism. “We must continue to improve services and support for people with disabilities,” said Dayton, in issuing an order to continue the Olmstead Sub-Cabinet. He expressed his confidence in Mary Tingerthal, Commissioner of the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, as he appointed her chair of the group. The Olmstead Plan must support the freedom of choice and opportunity to live, work and participate in the most inclusive setting for individuals with disabilities. But the budget funds only the planning. There are no identified dollars in this biennial budget to implement the eventual plan. Don’t get me wrong, I like Governor Dayton and I like his sense of responsibility about keeping Minnesota financially stable. I also respect his strong desire to provide government support for our communities. But Dayton did not fund any of The 5% Campaign legislation, which increases reimbursement rates and improves services and support for people with dis-
abilities and their personal care attendants (PCAs). He did not standardize the medical assistance income rates for adults without disabilities compared to income rates for people with disabilities. He left out changes in asset limitations and spousal disregard in some of the medical assistance alternative programs such as MA-EPD. He also did not fund important higher education initiatives. He left out funding for the Minnesota State College and University system, which is where our future health care workers and other middle-class workers for so many Minnesotabased industries are educated. Those same industries employee people with disabilities, so higher education funding creates a win-win for all of us. State government needs to consistently support all these needs. Many of us are personally aware that reimbursement rates in the PCA program need re-evaluation. It’s become more and more difficult, especially in Minnesota’s revived employment market, to find qualified caregivers who are reliable, dependable and willing to work and dedicate themselves for low wages. For many, their income makes them eligible for some of the same medical assistance programs that their clients are using. Browsing through the Department of Human Services website, I noticed that private-duty nurses are assigned different income levels depending on the quantity and kind of client needs. It made me wonder why the level of care and responsibility doesn’t affect
reimbursement rates for PCAs. If the governor and the legislature are looking for ways to save money on care for senior citizens and adults with disabilities, why couldn’t there be multiple-level reimbursement rates for community support services? It seems possible that overall costs could be reduced by having lower reimbursement rates for people with lower levels of need for skilled care. The yearly needs assessment process to determine eligibility for PCA reimbursement hours could include an assessment about the level of care needed. There’s no question that there are many different levels of individual need within the PCA program; that’s currently measured in the number of hours allocated to each recipient. It seems it would be feasible to maintain quality care for lower and higher-level of care needed by some on the PCA program. I hope everyone is surviving the Minnesota winter in good health. We haven’t had a lot of snow, but it does seem like it’s been plenty cold this winter. I hope the cold has not kept you away from the capitol to advocate for the needs of people with disabilities. Our presence is a constant reminder to legislators that we are very real and that funding to keep us independent and out of the hospital and nursing homes is a necessity. Not supporting independent living only costs the taxpayers more money in the long run. Keep reminding the legislators, as you run into them at the capitol, to support our medical needs. Talk to you next month, or see you at the capitol. By the way, I’m on the road to good health again. No more of those pesky hospital stays for this guy—not any time soon, anyway! ■
HISTORY NOTE
Women helped meet equipment, health care needs by Jane McClure
A generous grant represents a shift in focus for a Minneapolis organization with a long history of helping people in need. The Crippled Child Relief Fund gave $85,000 to EquipaLife, a donation described on page 5 in this issue of Access Press. As fund leaders decide to shift focus and change the group’s name, it’s time to look back at a time when the needs of many people with disabilities were met by dedicated volunteers. The fund was founded in December 1929 by Mrs. O.H. (Della) Olsen of Minneapolis. Organization histories indicate that Olsen was the mother of a child with disabilities. She wanted to provide aid and relief to other “deserving” children. Dozens of women filled early leadership roles in the organization. By the end of 1930, the women had raised more than $1,500 to help children with medicine, braces and other needs. During the first five years of the fund’s existence, membership grew to 225 women. Services expanded to include financial assistance with hospital care and to help adults. The fund filed its articles of incorporation in 1935. The papers state that the purpose was to “provide as-
sistance for children with disabilities whose parents were financially unable to provide, to aid adults who with assistance could become rehabilitated, and to aid in the rehabilitation of handicapped persons in the State of Minnesota through contributions through various rehabilitation centers.” The organization’s ranks grew, with a large board and many committees. The committees raised funds, did publicity for the group and provided transportation. Applications for aid came from doctors, hospitals, social workers and others. Each request was reviewed for need, and put to the board for a vote of approval. Emphasis for funding was placed on rehabilitation. What’s notable is the amount of work members did to raise money. These were the days when many middle-class and upper-class women didn’t work outside of the home, and devoted themselves to “charity” work. While that might sound quaint or even patronizing today, there were few if any public assistance programs available. Without benevolent or charitable groups, many people may have been forced to do without basic items and care. Fund histories describe the “staggering” number of fundraising efforts including member dues, rummage
Volume 26, Number 1 • Periodicals Imprint: Pending ISSN Advertising Sales Business Manager/Webmaster Michelle Hegarty Dawn Frederick 612-807-1078 Co-Founder/Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Cartoonist Co-Founder/Publisher Wm. A. Smith, Jr. (1990-1996) Charles F. Smith (1990-2001)
Executive Director Tim Benjamin
Scott Adams
Board of Directors Production Brigid Alseth, Steve Anderson, John Clark, Ellen Houghton with Presentation Images Managing Editor Kristin Jorenby, Halle O'Falvey, Carrie Salberg, Jane McClure Distribution Cheryl Vander Linden, Walt Seibert and S. C. Distribution Mark Zangara 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 and advertising do not necessarily reflect the view of the editor/publisher of Access Press. Paid advertising is available at rates ranging from $12 to $28 per column inch, depending on size and frequency of run. Classified ads are $14, plus 65 cents per word over 12 words. News, display advertising and classified advertising deadline is routinely the 25th of the month. When the 25th falls on a weekend, deadline is the next Monday. 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. Low-income, student and bulk subscriptions are available at discounted rates. Application to mail at Periodicals Postage Prices is Pending at the St. Paul, MN 55121 facility. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Access Press at 161 St. Anthony Ave, Suite 901, St. Paul, MN 55103. Inquiries and address changes should be directed to: Access Press; % The Capitol Ridge Inn Offices; 161 St. Anthony Ave; #910; St. Paul, MN 55103; 651-644-2133; Fax: 651-644-2136; email: access@accesspress.org www.accesspress.org
sales, sale of detergents and magazine subscriptions. Volunteers ran a thrift shop. Fundraising also had a social aspect, with card parties, fashion shows, teas and theater premiere outings. In 1968 a student loan fund for occupational physical therapy was established for the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Minnesota. Over the years 322 students borrowed more than $45,000 from this fund. Recipients signed an agreement for repayment with no interested charged. A university scholarship for physical and occupational therapy students was also given in Olsen’s honor for several years. But sadly, as the volunteers aged, more funding came from members’ bequests and memorial gifts. Olsen died in 1971, at the age of 83. The fund’s emblem is a small golden crutch, because “Every act, ever deed is a staff of support given to persons with disabilities and produces ‘happiness in sharing’.” ■ The History Note is a monthly column sponsored by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, www.mnddc.org or www.mncdd.org and www.partnersinpolicymaking.com
February 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 2
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Waiting for forecast
Dayton’s budget garners mixed community reaction by Access Press staff
Mental health services, education and families fared well in Gov. Mark Dayton’s two-year, $42 billion budget. But the budget proposal met dismay from the 5% Campaign and groups calling for Medical Assistance (MA) reforms, as those priorities were left out. When Dayton’s budget was released Jan. 27, there was relief that many disability services programs were spared cuts. But there was disappointment that more needs weren’t met. One point made during recent testimony on the state’s Olmstead Plan, which is meant to full integrate people with disabilities into the community, is that many programs need additional support and flexible funding if Olmstead is to succeed. Concerns raised at that hearing covered topics ranging from transportation to job training and employment. A key point is that the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) needs flexibility in funding as well as policies to be more inclusive and help meet the Olmstead goals. How Dayton’s proposals and other requests will fare is still a question mark at this point. Since the budget’s release, disability community members have testified at various House and Senate Health and Human Services Committee hearings to make the case for programs and funding. The governor’s budget also faces political battles. House Republicans criticized Dayton for spending the $1 billion state surplus and not providing more tax relief. Other interest groups will also be lobbying for additional dollars. Disability community advocates are not only defending their gains or calling for their programs to be added, they are also watching for the February budget forecast to be released at the end of the month, After those numbers come out, Dayton will release a supplemental budget. That’s likely to change the amount of money state departments have to work with. Mental health gets a boost One highlight of Dayton’s proposed budget is how it would help various mental health programs. The Mental Health Legislative Network, a coalition of more than three dozen groups, was pleased with the budget. Mental health advocates have worked for many years to set up core services statewide. Dayton’s budget would fund statewide access and stabilize the provider network, and improve access to intensive services and earlier intervention. Dayton proposed a $4.6 million increase for the biennium for mental health crisis services. This includes creating a single phone line, increasing rates for crisis services, and expanding 24/7 availability across the state. If passed, this would result in people in crisis receiving the treatment they need and diverting people from emergency rooms, hospitals and jails. Stable housing and employment for people with mental illness are part of Dayton’s budget. Dayton proposed an increase of $1.25 million in funding into the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency for the
Bridges housing program for people with mental illnesses. He also included increased funding of $1 million per year into the Department of Employment and Economic Development budget for evidence-based employment programs for people with mental illnesses. The governor’s budget also puts an additional $2.3 million per year to expand Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports, which improves educational and behavior outcomes in schools. The governor also wants more funding for community treatment teams, respite care for families, new residential programs for children with very serious mental illnesses, adult supportive housing and rs #M
ility nAb
Matt
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Mark Knutson is one of many self-advocates taking part in the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities social media campaign, under the MnAbilityMatters theme. Photo courtesy of MN-CCD
behavioral health homes. About $35 million would go into various efforts for mental health. “We thank Governor Dayton and fully support adding Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities to the continuum of care for children with mental illnesses. This more intensive level of care will fill a gap in services that has been recommended by multiple task forces and provide children and adolescents who have required extended hospital stays or placement out of state with effective treatment in Minnesota,” said Mary Regan, LICSW, executive director, Minnesota Council of Child Caring Agencies. “These are important investments in our mental health system,” said Sue Abderholden, executive director of NAMI Minnesota. “This funding will greatly improve access across the state. Most importantly it funds services that have proven to be effective and addresses several of the key problems facing our system.” Dayton’s focus on mental health comes at a time when a state panel is calling for changes that would make it easier for people to pursue psychiatry careers. Legislators recently received a 226-page report describing how the state has an acute shortage of mental health practitioners, especially in rural Minnesota. In parts of Minnesota, clinics and hospitals have had to curtail services or even close. Catholic Chari-
ties had to close a 16-bed intensive treatment center in Fergus Falls for children with severe mental illnesses last fall. The nonprofit couldn’t recruit a program director and experienced counselors. The March 2014 closing of Riverwood Centers, one of the state’s largest community mental health providers, left about 3,000 people in north central Minnesota without care. All but 13 of Minnesota’s 87 counties are officially designated by the federal government as “mental health professional shortage areas,” based on the number of psychiatrists per 30,000 residents. The report calls for increasing the number of psychiatric residency fellowships, expanding college mental health degree programs in rural areas, and more targeted efforts to expose students to mental health professions. One bill has already been introduced to respond to the report. Sen. Greg Clausen, DFL-Apple Valley, wants to extend the state’s loan forgiveness program to mental health professionals and public health nurses. Clausen also want to introduce legislation to increase the number of psychiatric residency and fellowship slots in Minnesota over the next two years. Other budget aspects Dayton’s plan would provide free breakfasts for students up to third grade, increase per-pupil payments to school districts, boost reading programs, add money for autism programs and guarantee preschool access to every Minnesota four-year-old. Education would see a $373 million increase. The governor also wants to provide $32 million to hold down tuition at University of Minnesota campuses, as part of a $93 million ask. A $30 million chunk of that would pay for 50 research faculty members at the U of M Medical School. Another proposal that met praise provides $100 million for child care and caregiver tax credits. Households earning up to $124,000 would be eligible for the credit, which would provide about $481 per family to about 130,000 families. The credits would also help families providing dependent care for families who care for members who have disabilities or are elderly. Some advocacy groups are disappointed with what the governor is recommending. The 5% Campaign, a coalition of 131 disability, senior, and community organization, expressed unhappiness because Dayton’s budget didn’t include a rate increase for programs that support people with disabilities and older adults. The coalition will press on for the increase. Dayton has cited recent spending increases as sufficient but campaign leaders disagree. Even with the five percent rate increase Home and Community-Based Services received last session, proponents said funding continues to lag far behind the pace of inflation. “Between 2006-2015 provider rates that pay for caregiver wages increased 10.4% while inflation rose by 23.3%. Including a rate increase in the state’s next budget is the right thing to Dayton's budget - p. 4
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Pg 4 February 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 2
FROM OUR COMMUNITY
The Arc Minnesota outlines its 2015 legislative priorities by The Arc Minnesota Senior Policy Director Steve Larson
Arc Minnesota 2015 Legislative Priorities: The 2015 legislative session is an opportunity for members of The Arc to improve the quality of our services, reduce the waiting lists, lower or eliminate parental fees, and raise Medical Assistance income and asset standards for people Steve Larson with disabilities and their families. The new legislature, with a House Republican majority and a Senate Democratic majority, creates a dynamic for an environment in which we can successfully advocate for our 2015 legislative priorities if we get organized and active now. Following is our legislative agenda for 2015. We have already shared that agenda with several key leg-
islators during the month of January, including Rep. Matt Dean, Chair of the Health and Human Services Finance Committee, and Tara Mack, Chair of the Health and Human Services Reform Committee. We also had a chance to highlight our legislative initiatives in a meeting with the new Department of Human Services Assistant Commissioner Jennifer Decubellis. At the time this article went to press, we had scheduled appointments with other state legislators who serve on health and human services committees. For regular legislative updates, alerts, and blog posts during this legislative session, go to our website at www.arcmn.org. Improving the Quality of Services and Supports: • Fund the State Quality Council • Support the 5% Campaign • Fund Self Advocacy Home and Community-Based Services: • Reduce the 3,500 person waiting list for the Developmental Disabilities Waiver
• Expand Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) Reducing Barriers to Supports and Services: • Eliminate Parental Fees • Lower premiums for Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities • Increase the income and asset limits for people with disabilities • Support the Down Syndrome Information Act • Increase dental benefits and improve access to dental care. ■
Dayton's budget - from p. 3 do. It is a commitment to quality care that will help close the gap,” said Bruce Nelson, CEO of disability service association ARRM. Home and Community-Based Services ensure quality of life and independence in the community for 93,000 older adults and people with disabilities in Minnesota. The estimated $170 million rate increase the coalition seeks would be implemented as five percent rate increases in 2015 and 2016, with the bulk of the money going to wage and benefit increases for 91,000 caregivers and staff. Chief authors of the coalition’s bills are Sen. Kent Eken (DFL-Twin Valley), and Rep. Rod Hamilton (R – Mountain Lake). Due to past years of underfunding, caregiver wages and benefits remain low, causing high turnover and unfilled positions that continue pose a serious challenge, the campaign said in a news release. Consistent staff with low turnover is the foundation for quality care, according to campaign leaders. Because funding is determined by state reimbursement rates, service providers cannot increase caregiver pay unless it is funded by the state. “With a projected surplus in Minnesota’s budget, now is the time to ensure that quality community services for people with disabilities and older adults continue to be available, stable, and sustainable,” said Steve Larson, senior policy director at The Arc of Minnesota. Campaign leaders hosted a session at the capitol February 10. Bills on the move During the first week of February, two key bills were introduced to seek changes to MA and MAEPD. MA Reform is the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD) top priority this session. Changes are sought so that people with disabilities don’t have to spend down their assets to remain independent. Changes would affect more than 12,000 Minnesotans. MN-CCD and its allies hope to increase the MA income standard, raise the asset limits and reduce spend-downs. The goal is to help people with disabilities and older adults to keep more of their income to live independently in the community.
2015 marks the second session in a row that MNCCD has made MA reform its top priority. MN-CCD Executive Director Rebecca Covington said that while not being in the governor’s budget means an uphill battle, campaign supporters aren’t giving up. A state law change that took effect January 1, 2014 raised the amount that low-income Minnesotans age 18 and over without disabilities are allowed to make each month and remain eligible for Minnesota’s Medicaid Program, known as MA or Medicaid Expansion. But the law change didn’t include Minnesotans with disabilities or senior citizens. That is an equity issue as to why people with disabilities and seniors should be forced to live in deeper poverty than others who have access to the same health program. With MA-EPD, a program meant to allow people with disabilities to work, there are worries about a premium increase that took effect last fall. Attorney Anne Henry of the Minnesota Disability Law Center said during an Olmstead hearing that when it comes to income and assets, “people with disabilities and seniors are left on the bottom of the pile.” Henry is also part of an effort to counter a high MA-EPD premium increase, which needs to be corrected. She said the increase is hurting people who are trying to work and cover their basic costs of living. “We’ve heard from people who cannot manage their van payments,” she said. MN-CCD is seeking stories about Minnesotans who are subject to the MA income standards and asset limits, or who have experienced increases in MAEPD premium. Those stories will be shared during the annual Faces of Disability week, March 9-13. Deadline is February 20. atters More details can be #MnAbilityM found at www.mnccd.org MN-CCD is also using the hashtag* #MnAbilityMatters in its legislative work this session. The purpose is to show that when it comes to advocacy, all abilities matter. The group is using pictures of Minnesotans with disabilities, their family members and other supporters to make the case for a number of legislative initiatives.
MN-CCD and other advocacy groups aren’t holding capitol rallies due to renovation work. One large rally is set for 10-11 a.m. at the state armory. Details can be found at www.arrm.org/arrm/training-events/ arrm-dac/arrm/event/arrm-day-at-the-capitol.aspx Of the many bills making their way through the legislative process, one likely to draw interest centers on spinal cord injury and paralysis research. Efforts to fund research in the past have fallen short, and have started debate about “care versus cure.” The Get Up Speak Up group has championed the call for research funding in the past. This session, Hennepin County Medical Center is a bill sponsor. The bill didn’t have a number as Access Press went to press. Anyone hoping to track a bill as it goes through the legislative process can use the bill tracker featured offered on the state website, at www.leg.state.mn.us/ leg/trackbill.aspx DHS makes spending cuts All of the debate over spending takes place against a backdrop of other issues. Just as Dayton released his budget, media reports described spending cuts at DHS. Millions of dollars are being cut to address a $19.3 million agency deficit, which is attributed to spending increase for state hospital staff, staff training and facilities in St. Peter as well as litigation centered on treatment of people with disabilities and treatment of sex offenders. The cuts were outlined in a memo released to staff in late January. Cuts include the closing of a state psychiatric hospital for children in Willmar by year’s end. The agency will cut 43 managerial positions by mid-February and make cuts to other programs. DHS has about 4,700 workers and a biennial budget of about $28 million. The cuts met opposition from state employees and advocates for the mentally ill. The cuts were also questioned in light of the state surplus. One big program cut is to the Community Addiction Recovery Enterprise. Known as CARE, this program helps people who live with both chemical addictions and mental illness. It is known as a program that helps people who don’t fit into community-based or acute care programs. Under the DHS plan, the CARE program will downsize from 174 to 70 beds by June 2016. A center near Duluth will close by April, with reductions at treatment centers in Brainerd, St. Peter and Willmar. The program has had budget shortfalls due to inadequate reimbursement rates, but Dayton’s budget would increase those rates. The Willmar hospital closing is in Dayton’s budget, and is part of a larger change in the way children with mental illnesses are served. The 16-bed hospital has served children who have a combination of mental illnesses and developmental disabilities. The closing, which is expected to save more than $1 million per year. The beds will be replaced by contracts with hospitals. ■
Editor’s note: Read legislative updates by Steve Larson, one of the strongest disability advocates and most informed on legislative issues in our state. Larson’s blog and information about happenings at the state and federal levels. Go to The Arc Minnesota website, www.thearcminnesota.org, and click on the “public policy” tab on the home page to subscribe to Larson’s updates.
February 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 2
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Generous gift helps EquipALife start new grants program
CCRI Board members Roxanne Oswald and Michael O’Brien presented EquipALife Grant Program Manager Mary Wolfe with an $85,000 check to start a new grant program. Photo courtesy of EquipALife
EquipALife, a statewide nonprofit organization that provides all kinds of adaptive equipment for Minnesotans, has received a generous gift from Crippled Child Relief Inc. (CCRI). The $85,000 gift will be used to jumpstart the new Grants to Individuals Program. The new program will help EquipALife help even more Minnesotans and make their dreams of self-sufficiency come true. The gift comes at a time when CCRI, which was founded in 1929, makes a shift in focus and prepares to change its name. EquipALife has worked with CCRI since 2009, providing individual grants to persons in need of one-time funds to purchase adaptive equipment, to repair or replace outdated devices, and to assist children with the purchase of special recreational items when other funding available isn’t available. It is hoped that the donation will provide incentives for others to match portions of the gift necessary for ensuring the fund’s sustainability into the future. “We are extremely grateful for the partnership we’ve had with CCRI over the years,” said Carol Fury, CEI of EquipALife. “The opportunity to continue providing grants when there are no other resources is critical for people with disabilities who would otherwise go without the equipment necessary for independence.” EquipALife is a community non-profit organization providing a statewide, comprehensive, consumer responsive system of assistive technology for Minnesotans of all ages with disabilities. It provides access to life-changing equipment for people in need, finding the right tool for the right task while assisting people to become more self-sufficient at home, work, school and in the greater community. CCRI had administered grants for many years before working with EquipALife. Roxanne Oswald, current CCRI Board president, said she is pleased that funds will continue to support Minne-
sota residents in need. A history of CCRI is on page two as the History Note for this issue of Access Press. “In the last 18 months our board has come to rely on EquipALife for their expertise and due diligence to identify specific needs that a grant from Crippled Child Relief could partially or fully cover,” Oswald said. “Through EquipALife we’ve awarded $105,000 in individual grants since October of 2009. As our organization prepares for of a shift in mission and name, the CCRI Board is excited to make the first contribution to Equip-
ALife’s Grants to Individuals Program since we are so confident in their ability to establish a wellmanaged fund that carries out the important mission of helping Minnesotans with disabilities.” For more information on how to get help or to make a donation, contact Della Olsen, CCRI founder Photo courtesy of Crippled Child EquipALife at Relief Inc. 763-479-8239 or 866-535-8239 or visit www.equipalife.org ■
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REGIONAL NEWS Latest legal move is dismissed Attempts to block unionization of Minnesota’s 27,000 home health care workers were thwarted January 26 when U.S. District Judge Michael Davis dismissed a lawsuit. The lawsuit, filed last year by Edina attorney Douglas Seaton, represented six workers who provide home care services to people with disabilities and family members. Seaton’s clients want to block implementation of a state law that allowed unionization. But Davis ruled that federal law and other federal court decisions don’t preclude the state from negotiating a contract with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), a bargaining unit for home health care workers. SEIU won a representation election last year. Davis’ ruling is consistent with a ruling he issued in October 2014, when a foundation sought a temporary injunction to block the state from seeking a contract with SEIU. Earlier in January SEIU Healthcare Minnesota reached a tentative agreement on its first contract for 27,000 home care workers. Members will take a ratification vote on that contract soon. If members approve it, the contract will then go before the Minnesota Legislature for ratification. ■ (Source: Star Tribune)
County officials eye costs, time A state-mandated reassessment of everyone receiving disability services will be a continuing challenge for Blue Earth County social workers. County officials raising concerns with the MnCHOICES assessment were pleased to learn the county and other state counties will be reimbursed for costs. But staff time spent on the service remains a worry. The MnCHOICES assessment is meant to be a more comprehensive evaluation of a person’s situation and specific long-term care needs. It replaces four separate assessments previously done. But the evaluation is a time-consuming one, Blue Earth County Human Services Director Phil Claussen told the Blue Earth County Board in January. Since summer 2014 new clients have had the assessment. It took an average of 7.5 hours per client to complete. “That’s the thing that’s really hit us hard,” Claussen said of the length of the assessment. County officials were told that the time per assessment has dropped as county staff has learned the process. In August, average time was 10.5 hours per client, a number that dropped to six hours by December. Claussen said he is hoping to see continued improvement. Starting in April, county staff must begin the reassessment — using the more comprehensive MnCHOICES process — of existing clients. That’s a particular burden in Blue Earth County. Mankato has traditionally been a hub for providing housing, emEyeing costs, time - p. 10
Autism first responder training OK’d for peace officers The Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training has approved the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) emergency preparedness training classes for Continuing Education Credit for peace officers. “With a diagnosis rate of one in 68, autism is the fastest growing disability in our state. Everyone knows someone who is touched by autism,” said Dawn Brasch, AuSM education and training specialist. “Educating peace officers about autism not only ensures the safety of individuals with autism, but also the safety of officers and the community as a whole.” AuSM developed its autism emergency preparedness training to instruct first responders, including peace officers, on how to interact with and accommodate individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Due to impaired social skills, individuals may fail to respond to their names, often avoid eye contact with people, and may have difficulty interpreting what others are thinking or feeling because they don’t understand social cues. The stress and anxiety of an
emergency situation may make communication even more difficult for individuals with autism. AuSM’s scenario-focused training includes understanding, planning and teaching steps to effectively handle emergency situations. Participants receive training and supporting educational materials. Multiple first responders and other public safety professionals have participated in AuSM’s emergency preparedness training including Hennepin Emergency Medical Services (EMS); White Bear Lake, Minneapolis and St. Paul Fire Departments; Woodbury, Maplewood, Minneapolis and St. Paul Police Departments; and the Metropolitan Airport Commission Tactical Negotiating Officers. One AuSM emergency preparedness training participant noted, “The training was so helpful to me for my job. It’s easy sometimes to judge people when we don’t really know what’s going on; this will help me ask a few more questions and think there might be more to the story.”■ (Source: AuSM)
Man still missing from group home Marc Welzant walked away from his group home near Brainerd more than three months ago. No trace of him has been found. Family members and friends have searched, waited and wondered about the 47year-old man, who is considered a vulnerable adult. Family members have announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to his return, or the discovery of what happened to him. Marc’s brother David Welzant lives in the Twin Cities. He and his wife regularly drive up to Brainerd to search on their own, as do other family members and friends. A number of organized searches have also been held. David Welzant says tips steadily streamed in to Brainerd police immediately after his brother’s disappearance in late October but have since slowed to a trickle. The family is hoping a financial incentive will get people talking, and lead to the tip that will reveal the missing man’s fate. A witness believes she last saw Marc Welzant
walking near Kiwanis Park in Brainerd the afternoon of October 26. The staff at his group home had reported him missing hours earlier, but waited to report his absence as he had wandered off before. He has Prader Willi Syndrome, and is developmentally disabled. He is described as 5 feet 2 inches tall and around 240 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing dark sweat pants, a dark green jacket and tennis shoes. David Welzant says the family has accepted that Marc may not be found alive at this point. “It’s been tough on the family not having any closure,” he told KARE 11. He says the family has been active keeping Marc’s case in the social media conversation, and adds that billboards will start going up in the next few days near Brainerd. Anyone with information on Marc Charles Welzant’s disappearance is asked to call Brainerd Police at 218-829-2805. ■ (Source: KARE 11 News)
School district may screen for depression Students in the Anoka-Hennepin School District already undergo health screenings for blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure and body mass index. Next school year, students might get an additional piece of information from the Anoka-Hennepin high schools’ unique health screening program: assessments of their depression risks. A confidential mental-health and substance-abuse questionnaire may be added to district high schools’ annual screening. It’s a reflection of growing attention to anxiety and stress among the nation’s teenagers. “We’re trying to [screen] for the holistic needs of the individual students which we know play into health and academic performance,” said Dan Edelstein, a director of an organization called the Northwest Alliance, which is leading the screening partnership. The added screening would require school board approval. The district is using a state grant and its partnership with the Northwest Alliance and Allina Health to do screenings.
In-school medical screening at Anoka-Hennepin schools started 19 years ago, Health-class teachers wanted to give students more than just a theoretical understanding of measures such as body mass index. When school officials saw a rising number of students with health problems, they began following up with families to offer support. Organizers of the project have good reason to turn their attention to student mental health. The 2013 Minnesota Student Survey showed that 44 percent of female 11th-graders in Anoka County had experienced feelings of hopelessness in the last year and that 16 percent had at least thought about suicide. The district expanded student mental health services in 2012 as part of its consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice to settle claims of sex-based harassment. ■ (Source: Star Tribune)
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February 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 2
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New chair named
Dayton issues order to continue Olmstead planning by Access Press staff
Work to implement an Olmstead Plan in Minnesota will continue, with an executive order issued January 28 by Gov. Mark Dayton and the appointment of a new chairperson. Dayton signed Executive Order 15-03 to continue the state’s Olmstead Sub-Cabinet. For more than two years, the group has worked to develop and implement a comprehensive Olmstead Plan for Minnesota. The plan will support the freedom of choice and opportunity to live, work and participate in the most inclusive setting for individuals with disabilities. As part of the order Dayton designated Commissioner of the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) Mary Tingerthal to chair the sub-cabinet. The governor also designated Roberta Opheim of the Office of the Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, and Colleen Wieck, Executive Director of the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities as sub-cabinet ex-officio members. The sub-cabinet was created by executive order in 2013. The new order replaces the original directive. “We must continue to improve services and support for people with disabilities,” said Dayton. “I am confident that Commissioner Tingerthal will be an effective leader of the Olmstead Sub-Cabinet. I thank each state agency for their work on this important initiative, and former Lieutenant Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon, who previously chaired the Sub-Cabinet and led this important effort during her time in office.” Prettner Solon didn’t seek re-election last fall with Dayton and chaired her last sub-cabinet meeting in December 2014. The latest executive order includes directives for Tingerthal to work closely with the Olmstead Implementation Office and bring forward information to the full sub-cabinet. All states are required to have Olmstead plans, as a result of a 1999 U.S. Supreme Court decision. In December of 2011, the Minnesota Department of Hu-
man Services (DHS) and plaintiffs in the Jensen et al versus DHS case entered into a settlement agreement that requires the development of a Minnesota Olmstead Plan. The legal dispute centered on mistreatment of residents at the now-closed Minnesota Extended Treatment Options facility in Cambridge. A planning committee appointed as part of the settlement began meeting to work on the state plan in 2012 and presented a report to state officials in October of that year. One committee recommendation was that Dayton set up a sub-cabinet to ensure effective interstate agency work to prepare and implement an Olmstead Plan. The order is similar to the 2013 governor’s directive. It calls for the sub-cabinet to provide oversight of the implementation, modification, and improvement of Minnesota’s Olmstead Plan, and to ensure Minnesotans with disabilities and members of the public are involved and included in its work. The state’s progress toward implementing the Olmstead Plan to U.S. District Court is also to be monitored. Commissioners of DHS, MHFA, Department of Employment and Economic Development, Department of Transportation, Department of Corrections, Department of Health, Department of Human Rights, and Department of Education serve on the sub-cabinet, along with the ex officio state officials. Tingerthal has been active on the group since it began. The four-page order states that “Minnesota is committed to ensuring that inclusive, community-based services are available to individuals with disabilities of all ages” and calls for such services to “advance the best interests of all Minnesotans by fostering independence, freedom of choice, productivity, and participation in community life of Minnesotans with disabilities.” The sub-cabinet is to provide oversight for and monitor the implementation and modification of the Olmstead Plan, and the impact of the plan on the lives of people with disabilities. It is also to provide
SSA adds more office hours, as well as more online forms The U.S. Social Security Administration has announced two important new changes. One is for everyone gathering forms needed to file federal, state, and local tax returns. Everyone filing a tax return, who receive Social Security benefits, needs a Social Security Benefit Statement called SSA-1099/1042S. Social Security mails these forms to all beneficiaries around January 31. Anyone whose statement hasn’t arrived by February 2 has another option available to get instant access to the needed forms to complete tax returns, with an online my Social Security account. People will need to pay federal taxes on some benefits if total income, including Social Security and all other taxable income, is $25,000 or more, and if federal taxes are filed as an individual. Married couples filing joint returns need to pay federal taxes on income of $32,000 or more. Anyone missing a form or needed other information can simply go online to my Social Security at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount or http://tinyurl. com/my-SSA-account and selecting “Replacement Document” tab. View, print and save the forms immediately. Opening an online account is safe, quick and easy. Account holders can get benefit verification letters, change address, telephone number, start or change direct deposit information and get Social Security earnings record. Simply go to www.socialsecurity. gov/myaccount The second change is for office hours. Effective March 16, Social Security will expand field office hours nationwide by an additional hour on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. This restores hours
that were cut in the past, meaning a field office that was previously open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. will remain open until 4 p.m. Offices will continue to close to the public at noon every Wednesday so employees have time to complete current work and reduce backlogs. The added hours are a result of Congress’ approval of the 2015 budget. “This expansion of office hours reaffirms our commitment to providing the people we serve the option of top-notch, face-to-face assistance in field offices even as we work to expand online services for those who prefer that flexibility,” said Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “The public expects and deserves world-class customer service and thanks to approved funding, I am pleased we will continue our tradition of exceptional service.” In recent years, Social Security reduced public office hours due to congressional budget cuts, growing backlogs and staffing losses. The agency began recovery in fiscal year 2014 by replacing some field office staffing losses and providing overtime support to process critical work. Many services are available online, including applying for retirement, disability and Medicare benefits, creating a my Social Security online account, replacing a Medicare card, or reporting a change of address or telephone number, at www.social security.gov Social Security also offers assistance via a toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (Voice) and 1-800-325-0778 (TTY). Representatives are available from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday. ■ (Information provided by U. S. Social Security Administration in Bloomington and St Paul)
recommendations on an ongoing basis to modify the plan and ensure coordination between state agencies. It also is to conduct periodic public meetings on the plan and needed modifications and engage persons with disabilities and other interested parties in plan implementation and modification. Mary Tingerthal Part of the executive order restates the need to develop a quality improvement plan that details methods the sub-cabinet must use to conduct ongoing quality of life measurement and needs assessments and implement quality improvement structures. There is also a requirement to set up a process to review existing state policies, procedures, laws and funding, and any proposed legislation, to ensure compliance with the plan and advise state agencies. Yet another requirement is to establish a process to more efficiently and effectively respond to reports from the court and the court monitor. ■ To read the full order, go to http://mn.gov/governor/images/EO%2015-03.pdf Curious to see if there are accessible properties? Contact me to do a search for you at NO COST!
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Pg 8 February 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 2
PEOPLE & PLACES Self-advocates from throughout Minnesota are putting learning into action, thanks to the Advocating Change Together (ACT) Olmstead Academy. Between now and November, 19 participants on six teams will tackle projects in their home communities. The projects range from addressing transportation needs to person-centered planning. The slogan for the academy is “People with disabilities are living lives side by side with everyone else.” It was a time of pride January 22-23 as Olmstead Academy participants showed what they have learned so far, during a conference at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) in St. Paul. The conference was a high point for academy participants, organizers and mentors. “I will do everything in my power to make this [the projects] happen,” said Steve Peck, a self-advocate from Central Minnesota. Other participants are Charlie Applequist, Nate Clark, Rosemary Hanson, James Lee, Larry Lubbers, Nathan Miller, Linda Markle, Patty McGlynn, Carol Robinson and Carrie Varner. Allies are Rick Cardenas, Melissa Evans, Cheryl Gardner-Gionzoli, Wilbur Neushwander-Fink, Carla Tice, Samantha Thompson, Maggie Treichel and Nikki Villavicencio. The Olmstead Academy is a 12-month training program sponsored by ACT. The Olmstead Academy was launched in response to Minnesota’s Olmstead Plan which provides a framework for advancing community integration. The academy requires work on action learning projects. The 19 program participants are divided into six teams with two self-advocates and one support ally from six different Minnesota regions. Teams
Olmstead Academy prepares self-advocates work with a community organizer to develop action learning plans. From October 2014 to January, teams launched their action learning projects. They worked with community councils, gained support from advisors, obtained budget approvals and received funding through a host agency. For two days, participants reconvened and developed ways to promote their projects through presentations and display boards. They also finalized their project plans and practiced leadership skills. Before the academy’s closing ceremony, self-advocates displayed and explained their projects. Northeast Region (Duluth) is working with a local cab company to set up transportation vouchers. Team members are hoping to give people opportunities to go places and do things more spontaneously. Southwest Region (Mankato) self-advocates have written and performed “The Other Side” a play creating awareness about people with disabilities. They’ll also be working with school-aged children in a mentoring program called “Born That Way, Here to Stay” to teach children about disabilities. Metro Region self-advocates are making steps toward helping people find jobs in integrated settings, promoting new opportunities and skills training. Northwest Region (East Grand Forks) self-advocates are excited about getting involved in three community events: Catfish Days, the Community Garden Project and the Art Crawl. Central Region (Cambridge) and Southeast Region (Rochester) teams are working to implement personcentered plans with peer support. They’re seeking progress as they tap into resources for integrated housing and jobs. “It’s been a really busy year, and it’s been very exciting to see us work together to create this program,”
Olmstead Academy members created signs representing what Olmstead means to them in different areas of life. They marched out with those signs to begin the closing ceremony of a two-day event in January. Photo courtesy of ACT
said Mary Kay Kennedy, program facilitator and executive director of ACT. “I’m so excited to see the leadership here, folks that are bringing these projects forward,” said Kennedy. The teams have worked together since September 2014 when they met during the first four-day session of the academy to set goals, develop project plans, work on budgets and set timelines. Through roleplaying exercises, journaling, interactive games and other methods they learned about the federal Olmstead decision and how they can be leaders for change in their communities. The training includes six daylong sessions that give participants tools to be involved in their communities and take on leadership roles to fulfill Minnesota’s Olmstead Plan goal: For people with disabilities to live, learn, work and enjoy life in the most integrated setting desired. All states are required to have the plans, as a result of a 1999 U.S. Supreme Court decision. The case began in Georgia and had nationwide impacts. Olmstead Academy - p. 10
February 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 2
PEOPLE & PLACES The Arc Minnesota honors its heroes
Honorees at The Arc Minnesota Heroes Luncheon included (left to right) Kim Keprios, Marianne Reich, Bev Kaler, Buff Hennessey, Dawn Helgeson and Lee Ann Erickson. Photo courtesy of The Arc of Minnesota
The Arc Minnesota recently honored seven extraordinary women at its annual Heroes Luncheon in Roseville. Heroes’ awards are given annually for people who give outstanding service to The Arc and the Minnesotans it serves. The seven women honored all provide outstanding service as executive director, chief executive officers, chief program officers or co-executive director of their local chapters of The Arc for at least 15 years. Each honoree has served The Arc as a staff member and/or volunteer for more than two decades. The honorees are: Lee Ann Erickson, The Arc Southwest Minnesota, Dawn Helgeson, The Arc Mower County, Bev Kaler, The Arc United, Kim Keprios, The Arc Greater Twin Cities, Marianne Reich, The Arc Greater Twin Cities, Cass Robinson, The Arc United Presentations at the ceremony detailed the executive directors’ numerous accomplishments during their careers. Reflections by speakers at the event praised the women’s personal qualities that have helped make them so successful and such strong leaders in The Arc movement statewide. The Arc Minnesota leadership expressed gratitude to the honorees, who have all devoted their lives to ensuring that people with developmental disabilities are full members of the greater community. ■ Crafty card maker has her work cut out for her Wayzata resident Anna Rudick’s basement changes with the seasons. This time of year it look like a home for Cupid. Other times it’s Santa’s workshop. Rudick, who was recently featured on KMSP-TV, designs and makes do-it-yourself holiday cards. Business is booming and she is hurrying to keep up. Rudick, 26, has Down syndrome. She began Anna’s Card Kits in March 2014 as a creative outlet with the support of her friends and mentors, who now help her run the business. Each card is handmade and sold primarily through the Etsy.com website. Since Fox 9 met her a few months ago, the business has filled orders from all 50 states and around the world. However, it’s become somewhat of a problem. Rudick isn’t allowed to have more than $2,000 in assets, since she receive state benefits. But like any good entrepreneur, she’s thinking outside the box and gives thousands of dollars of profits away to charity. She helps others living with this genetic disorder. Good business sense runs in the family. Her father owns a computer software business and her mother also has a business startup. “She doesn’t want to do things that everyone’s doing, she wants her own accomplishments,” her mom, Sue Rudick said. “I want her to gain the understanding that life is wide open, you can do anything you want, you can go places, you can do things,” her dad, John Rudick, said. Check out Anna’s Card Kits at www.etsy.com/ shop/annacardkits ■
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Pg 10 February 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 2
Company settles disability-based claim
REGIONAL NEWS Eyeing costs, time - from p. 6 ployment and services to people with developmental disabilities, said County Administrator Bob Meyer. “We’ve historically been a community with a lot of disability supports,” said Meyer, mentioning organizations such as MRCI and the Harry Meyering Center. “So people have come to our community because of that.” With some costs, the home county of someone who moved to Mankato remains responsible for making payments for services provided. But the reassessments, under state rules, must be done by the county where the client is living. ■ (Source: Mankato Free Press)
Workers get a chance to achieve Sometimes it’s difficult for people with developmental disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome to find jobs. But there’s a new start-up company in that’s trying to change that. Achieve Services launched recently to give people with developmental disabilities paid jobs to offset looming federal and state budget cuts for mental health services. Daniel O’Connor, who lives with fetal alcohol syndrome, is one of nearly a dozen people who are working in the factory sticking labels on detergent bottles, packaging the products, and filling orders. The company also launched a new line of environmentally-friendly laundry detergent. Employees said it would be great to make lots of money, but they also believe the process is just as important as the end result. “One of our goals is to teach people skills that they can take somewhere else and work in the community on jobs as independently as possible,” Tom Weaver, CEO of Achieve Services, said. And the product is already a hit. One company bought 80 bottles of the detergent, with more orders being filled online. “It’s how to get charity groups, humanitarian groups, social service groups, to really become more and more self-sustaining, rather than always relying on government funds,” said Mary Tjosvold, a customer who bought detergent. When the weather gets warmer, the employees plan on taking their product to local farmer’s markets where they can meet customers. Learn more at http:// achieveclean.org ■ (Source: KMSP-TV)
A Madelia woman who sued her Windom-based employer for discrimination has reached a confidential settlement with the business. Brenda Mosser filed the lawsuit in Watonwan District Court one year ago. The case steps from an incident and Minnesota Department of Human Rights claim from 2011. Mosser, who has epilepsy, tripped and fell at work at a Staples Enterprises store in Madelia. Mosser claimed the fall, which resulted in a cut elbow, was caused by her disability. Mosser also claimed the business owner, Brent Staples, asked her manager, “Why do we have a person with such a messed up life working here?” Mosser claimed the statement showed Staples was discriminating against her because of her disability. She also said that Staples suggested she submit her medical bills to her own insurance and not file a compensation claim. When the store Mosser worked at was merged with another store, she was let go due to a lack of work. However, two new employees were then hired. Mosser filed a complaint with the state in 2011. An investigation completed in 2013 found there was probable cause for her discrimination claim. The lawsuit accused Staples of violating the Minnesota Human Rights Act and the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Act. Staples denied all of the allegations. The case was set for trial but was canceled after mediation and a settlement was reached. ■ (Source: Mankato Free Press)
PEOPLE & PLACES Olmstead Academy - from p. 8 One program highlight was Dinner with the Leaders which gave participants the opportunity to build relationships with key disability community leaders in Minnesota. Local leaders included Darlene Zangara, executive director, Olmstead Implementation Office; Alex Bartolic, director, Disability Services Division Minnesota; Sean Burke, attorney, Minnesota Disability Law Center; Rebecca Covington, executive director, Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities; Roberta Opheim, ombudsman, state programs for mental health and developmental disabilities; Colleen Wieck, executive director, Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, Deb Holtz, ombudsman, state programs for longterm care and Joan Willshire, executive director, Minnesota State Council on Disability. “The leaders hosted the teams, having them over for dinner to share stories. It was a great way for leaders and participants to get to know each other,” said Bret Hesla, ACT consultant and program facilitator. ■ For more information about the Olmstead Academy, contact the ACT Office at 651-641-0297 or go online at www.selfadvocacy.org (This article was prepared with information from writer Carol Oyanagi.)
State council appointments announced Gov. Mark Dayton has announced several appointments and reappointments to the State Rehabilitation Council. The council is created under state law and the Federal Rehabilitation Act. Members are appointed by the governor. The council guides decisions about Minnesota’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services program, which serves thousands of people with severe disabilities statewide by helping them reach their vocational goals. The council also advises state government on the performance of Minnesota’s vocational rehabilitation services programs, particularly on the extent, scope, and effectiveness of vocational rehabilitation services. Reappointed are Nicholas Wilkie, disability advocacy group representative; and Claire Reeve, business, industry or labor representative. Wilkie is from St. Paul and Reeve is from Byron. New appointees are Susan Benolken, Department of Education representative; Isaac Mensah, business, industry or labor representative; and Katrina Simons, vocational rehabilitation services representative. Benolken is from Roseville. Mensah and Simons are from St. Paul. ■
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February 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 2 Pg 11
Enjoy painting at Simple Jane/ArtAble
ACCESSIBLE FUN Valentine’s Dance Dance the night away at the Opportunity Partners Committee of Advocacy and Leadership (COAL) Sweetheart Dance and Fundraiser, 7-9 p.m. Fri, Feb. 13 at Opportunity Partners-Koch Campus cafeteria, 5500 Opportunity Court, Minnetonka. Refreshments provided. RSVP. Staff escorts are required to support self-advocates according to each person’s needs. FFI: Kayla Nance, 952-688-1598.
Winter Walkabout Vinland National Center hosts its annual Winter Walkabout fundraiser, Sat, Feb 21 at the center in rural Loretto. Walk starts at 11 a.m. with raffles at 1 p.m. Enjoy a snowshoe trek, food, fun and more. There’s still time to register. FFI: http://winterwalkabout.org/register.html
Steps of Hope Steps of Hope 2015, the Autism Society of Minnesota’s largest annual fundraiser, will take place at 8 a.m. Sun, March 1, at a new location, Southdale Center in Edina. Families, businesses, organizations and community groups are encouraged to build teams and walk to raise money to support programs and services for individuals and families in Minnesota who are touched by autism. During the event, participants walk at their own pace, while connecting with dozens of resources, services and product exhibits that support individuals living with autism. The crowd will be entertained by KFAN’s “Common Man” Dan Cole; live music; fun activities, free snacks and beverages; and much more. FFI: www.SOHwalk.org
Polar plunges are underway The 2015 Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Minnesota is back and bigger and better than ever. Plungers, many in costumes, jump into frigid waters to raise money for Special Olympics Minnesota, helping more than 8,000 athletes. Plunges began Jan. 31 at White Bear Lake. The Mpls Plunge will be held at Thomas Beach, Lake Calhoun, Thomas Ave. S and West Calhoun Parkway. This Plunge begins at 11 a.m. Sat, March 7. This year children ages 10 and younger can take the Pee Wee Plunge at the Mpls Polar Plunge. Those wanting to do a 5K on a home treadmill or too “chicken” to plunge also have opportunities to help raise money. FFI: plunge@somn.org, www.plungemn.org
Puppet workshops for families The Autism Society of Minnesota and Z Puppets Rosenschnoz offer free theater workshops for families with autism in February and March. The workshops, which will take place at the Nokomis Community Center in Mpls, Duluth and Rochester, are open to parents, caregivers, siblings ages seven and older and young people with autism. Workshops incorporate basic yoga and mindfulness techniques, singing and puppetry. The Monkey Mind Pirates provide entertainment while helping families navigate the seas of stress. Two workshop sessions are offered on Sundays through March 29. Session 1, held from 1-2:30 p.m. is open to individuals of all abilities and their families. Session 2, held from 3:30-5 p.m. is open to individuals who are group ready
Simply Jane/ArtAble is a Minneapolis non-profit art studio with a focus on serving artists with disabilities and senior citizens. Thanks to a UCC Neighbors in Need Fund grant, the studio is hosting free Pizza Paint Parties for people with disabilities. Painting buddies will paint step by step with participants. Everyone will enjoy pizza and the chance top make new friends, with an art share at the end of each session. Pizza and drinks, paint smocks, acrylic paint and all materials are provided. Each month has a special theme. Sessions start noon-2 p.m. Wed, Feb. 11th with a heart theme, followed by a noon-2 p.m. session Wed, March 11 with a sunshine theme. Sessions continue through January 2016. Another offering, for senior artists, is to paint a masterpiece, 1-4 p.m. every third Thursday of the month. In this class geared toward any ability, professional teaching artists guide students step by step through the painting process. Start with a pre-drawn canvas with basic outlines of the painting and learn a color blocking technique to begin, then start painting in the chosen master’s style. Paint the Impressionists, cubists, pointillism, surrealism and more in this fun and engaging class. This class has a $40 per person charge per class. Materials are provided. The studio is located at 5411 Nicollet Ave S., Mpls. FFI: 612-354-3961, http://simplyjanestudio.com/senior-paint-class/ and their families. Workshop sessions will culminate in participants performing alongside Z Puppets as the “Sailor Chorus” in a sensory-friendly performance of Monkey Mind Pirates in late March at Children’s Theatre Company, Mpls. This performance is open to the public. Watch for details. FFI: 651-647-1083 ext. 19, www.ausm.org
Annual dart tournament The Twin Cities Blind Audio Dart League hosts its annual tournament at the Bloomington Crown Plaza Hotel and Suites Feb. 20-22. The tournament brings together blind and sighted players from 10 local teams and blind dart leagues throughout the country. Sighted players are welcome, but everyone is required to play blindfolded to keep it fair. The dartboards are custom-made to provide spoken feedback so that every player knows his or her score. The boards also tell players where their darts land, allowing them to zero in on a specific spot on the board if they want too. Sighted spotters help locate the rare dart that misses the board. Founded in 1989, the Twin Cities Blind Audio Dart League is an entirely donor-supported nonprofit organization that offers blind and sighted darters the opportunity to play and socialize together on an equal playing field. Local teams dart against each other at venues throughout the metro area from September through April. FFI: Catalina Martinez, 612-227-3011, www.audiodartmaster.com
ebrate the lives of the long-term survivors. All research participants have been enrolled within the study a minimum of 20 years, with some people enrolled at 30 and 40 years previously. FFI:http://tinyurl.com/40yr-reunon
Oliver! Theater Latte Da presents a new twist on the popular tale of a plucky orphan, at Pantages Theatre, 710 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls. ASL/AD offered 7:30 p.m. Thu, Feb. 12. Captioning offered 2 p.m. Sun, Feb. 15. Tickets $24 to $49. Limited seats are available at the lowest price level to patrons using ASL interpreting services on a first-come, first-served basis. Prices apply for up to two tickets for each patron requiring ASL interpretation. Additional seats may be sold separately and at regular price. Audio Description receivers may be used in any price level in the theatres. To order, email accessible @broadwayacrossamerica.com FFI: 612-339-7007, www.hennepintheatretrust.org/accessible
In the Age of Paint and Bone Nimbus Theatre Company presents an original presentation about cave paintings, at its theater, 1517 Central Ave. NE, Mpls. AD offered 7:30 p.m. Thu, Feb. 12. Tickets reduced to $8 (reg. $15 Fri.-Sat., $10 Thurs, Sun, $18 opening night). FFI: 612-548-1380, info@nimbustheatre.com, www.nimbustheatre.com
Save the date for celebration
The Unsinkable Molly Brown
Save the date of Sun, June 7 for Celebrating 40 Years of Spinal Cord Injury Research, at Nicollet Island Pavilion, Mpls. This outdoor event features Dr. Jim Krause of the Medical University of South Carolina, and the Longevity After Injury Project. Krause and his research team want to bring together long-term survivors of spinal cord injury (SCI) who have participated in multiple stages of the SCI longitudinal aging study. The goal is to share findings from the study, strengthen the network of participants for ongoing research, gather materials that include photographs and testimonials, and cel-
Ten Thousand Thing Theater presents the musical about whether love or more is more important, at Open Book 1011 Washington Ave. S., Mpls. AD offered 8 p.m. Fri, Feb.13. Tickets $30. Pay what you can for under age 30; $18 for patron with vision loss and one companion attending AD show. Phone: 612-203-9502,
The link and information for The ReelAbilities’ Call for Entries to MN Filmmakers of All Abilities can be found at www.ifpmn.org/call-entries-mn-filmmakers-all-abilities
Accessible fun - p. 13
Pg 12 February 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 2
UPCOMING EVENTS Advocacy Dementia conference coming up Meeting of the Mind Dementia Conference is a collaboration between the Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota, North Dakota Chapter and Mayo Clinic. It is 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Sat, March 14 at St. Paul RiverCentre 175 West Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. The conference is a day designed to inform, equip and support persons with dementia, family care partners and professionals. A keynote address, workshops and information displays are offered. Space is available for participants, as well as sponsors and exhibitors. Participant fees start at $100. FFI: Deborah Richman, 952-857-0551, drich man@ alz.org (participants); Jennifer Schroeder, 952857-053, jschroeder1@alz.org (sponsors/exhibitors). Research dinner on mental illnesses NAMI Minnesota and the University of Minnesota will host the 13th Annual Research Dinner at 5:30 p.m. Tue, Feb. 24, at the Radisson, 2540 N. Cleveland Ave., Roseville. Three leading researchers on the treatment of mental illnesses will present their latest findings, introduce new studies that are underway and answer questions. Seating begins at 5:30 p.m. and the dinner and program starts at 6 p.m. Registration is required. FFI: 651-645-2948, namihelps.org
Youth and families 2015 AuSM Skillshops Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) offers two-hour skillshops for parents, family members, caregivers, support staff, educators, therapists, individuals with autism, and anyone touched by autism. AuSM Skillshops will be held at the AuSM office in St. Paul as well as partnering locations including St. David’s Center, Fraser, Lionsgate Academy and Merrick, Inc. Cost per event is $25 for AuSM members; $40 for non-members; $10 for AuSM members with ASD; and $10 for students. Upcoming workshops include It’s Not Easy Being a Teen!, 7-9 p.m. Tue, March 3 at Lionsgate and concurrent sessions 7-9 p.m. Tue, April 7 on calming behaviors and toilet training, at AuSM. Preregistration required for the skillshops. FFI: www.ausm.org Transitions Workshop Helps Parents of Young Adults Transitions is a free workshop offered by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Minnesota to help parents to assist young adult children living with a mental illness. The workshop is from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thu, Feb. 26 at Macalester Plymouth United Church, 1658 Lincoln Ave., St. Paul. Parents can gain tools to prepare their teen or young adult for independence, learn about special education, employment, college, transportation, life
skills and housing. It includes helpful tips for living with young adults who aren’t ready to leave the nest. Registration is requested. FFI: Andrea, 651-645-2948 ext. 106. PACER offers workshops PACER Center offers many useful free or low-cost workshops and other resources for families of children with any kind of disabilities. Workshops are at PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, unless specified. Advance registration is required for all workshops. Check out PACER’s website and link to the newsletter of statewide workshops that allows participants to pick and choose sessions catered to their needs. PACER workshop offers insights for and from parents of children with disabilities, If I Knew Then What I Know Now, is 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tue, Feb. 17. This workshop is geared for parents of children with disabilities and for professionals. FFI: 952-838-9000, 800-537-2237 (toll free), www.PACER.org
Information and assistance Mental illness workshop NAMI Minnesota hosts a free, six-hour interactive workshop that provides families and individuals with information on mental illnesses, practical coping strategies, and hope for recovery, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat, Feb. 14 at Regions Hospital, North Oaks Room, 640 Jackson St., St. Paul. FFI: 651-645-2948, namihelps.org Vision loss group offers activities Vision Loss Resources offers free and low-cost activities in the Twin Cities for people who are blind or visually impaired. Life skills classes for those with low vision; card games, craft classes, book clubs, walking groups, dinners out, special outings and technology classes are among the offerings. Participants need to RVSP to participate. FFI: RSVP hotline 612-843-3439; activity phone 612-253-5155, www.visionlossresources.org MCIL offers classes, activities The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) offers many life skills classes as well as fun outings and activities for people with disabilities. MCIL’s new location is at 530 N. Robert Street. St Paul and most activities are there or start there. Classes and events are listed on the website, www.mcil-mn.org Click on “Classes Groups and Sessions” for updated information or to print this calendar. Please give two weeks’ notice if alternative format or other accommodations are needed. Events are free, accessible and mostly scent-free. FFI: 651-603-2030 Adult support groups offered Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) offers free support groups for adults with autism spectrum disorder. Groups include those for adult family members, women with autism spectrum disorders and independent adults with autism. Check the web site for upcoming groups.
ADA marks 25th anniversary in July The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark in civil rights legislation, turns 25 years old on July 26. The Minnesota State Council on Disability (MSCOD), in cooperation with a coalition of disability organizations, is planning several projects and events to celebrate this historic day. This milestone brings great cause for celebration and reflection. As part of an overall effort to describe the ADA’s role in Minnesota, MSCOD is examining how employment has been impacted by the ADA. The study includes employers, employees and job seekers with disabilities. Personal experiences and insight will be invaluable to the success of this study. Results will inform the public’s understanding of ADA’s impact, and provide valuable data for agencies seeking funds in order to serve people with disabilities. Survey results will be used by MSCOD to develop employee training programs. Take
the survey at http://tinyurl.com/ADA25employmentMN The survey is administered by the Improve Group, an external research and evaluation firm in St. Paul. individual responses will be confidential and anonymous. MSCOD is asking that everyone share the survey. Contact Andrew Mosca at 651-361-7803 or Andrew. Mosca@state.mn.us with questions about the content or purpose of the survey. To take an alternative version of this survey (paper or phone), contact Dillon Balthaser at 651-447-5535 or dillonb@theimprovegroup.com MSCOD and other groups plan a 25th ADA Anniversary Celebration and Family Day at the Minnesota History Center on noon – 4 p.m. Sun, July 26, with yearlong festivities culminating in a free event which will include live entertainment, an open mic, arts activities and much more. A portion of tpt’s upcoming documentary about the ADA will also be aired at the event. ■
Discuss lifestyle and work opportunities The Minnesota Disability Law Center of Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid is interested in talking with individuals and families seeking independent and integrated work and living opportunities. People with disabilities, or who have a loved one with a disability, are encouraged to call. The center wants to hear from people who feel they are living or working in places where they cannot reach their true potential. Anyone looking for help can call the center at 612334-5970, 1-800-292-4150 (greater Minnesota) or 612-332-4668 (TTY) Groups meet at the AuSM offices at 2380 Wycliff St. FFI: 651-647-1083 ext. 10, www.ausm.org UCare meetings UCare hosts informational meetings about its UCare for Seniors Medicare Advantage plan, as well as informational meetings about the UCare’s new UCare Choices and Fairview UCare Choices health plans available on MNSure, Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace. Learn about the various plans, as well as key dates and penalties associated with health care reform. Meetings are held all over the region. UCare for Seniors has more than 75,000 members across Minnesota and western Wisconsin. UCare serves Medicare-eligible individuals and families enrolled in income-based Minnesota Health Care Programs, such as Minnesota Care and Prepaid Medical Assistance Program; adults with disabilities and Medicare beneficiaries with chronic health conditions and Minnesotans dually eligible for Medical Assistance and Medicare FFI: 1-877-523-1518, www.ucare.org Mental health support offered NAMI Minnesota offers 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, groups provide help and support. FFI: 651-645-2948. A full calendar of all events is offered online. Partners and Spouses support group meets 6:45 p.m. the first Tue of each month at Falcon Heights United Church of Christ, 1795 Holton St. FFI: Lois, 651-788-1920, or Donna, 651-645-2948 ext. 101. 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 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 family support group meets in Oakdale on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, from 7:00-8:30 p.m., at Canvas Health, 7066 Stillwater Blvd., in the community room. FFI: Dan, 651-341-8918. Another family support group meets at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Wed at Centennial United Methodist Church, 1524 Co. Rd. C-2 West, Roseville. FFI: Anne Mae at 651-484-0599.
Volunteer, Donate Share a smile Brighten the day of a senior citizen in north or southwest Minneapolis and have fun. Visit an elder and do things together: movies, games, crafts or just friendly conversation. Hang out with a senior on a regular basis and do things that you both enjoy, like watching a movie, playing games or friendly conversation. One-time or ongoing opportunities through the NIP Senior Program. FFI: Jeanne, 612-746-8549, www.neighborhoodinvolve.org Open the Door to Education Help adults reach their educational goals and earn their GED. Tutor, teach or assist in a classroom with the Minnesota Literacy Council. Give just 2-3 hours a week and help people expand their opportunities and change their lives through education. The literacy council provides training and support and accommodations for volunteers with disabilities. FFI: Allison, 651-251-9110, volunteer@mnliteracy.org, www.mnliteracy.org/volunteers/opportunities/adults ■
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Fax: 952-472-1458 • 612-889-2959 fordyce6@aol.com
February 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 2 Pg 13
ACCESSIBLE MOVIES What’s more fun than a trip to the movies? Several technologies are available to make movies accessible for people with vision or hearing loss. Minnesota theaters offer a variety of options. Contact the theater before attending as options vary from theater to the theater, or from movie to movie. Rear Window Captioning displays reversed captions on a light-emitting diode (LED) text display which is mounted in the rear of a theater. Patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing use transparent acrylic panels attached to their seats to reflect the captions so they appear superimposed on the movie screen. The reflective panels are portable and adjustable, enabling the caption user to sit anywhere in the theater without bothering patrons in surrounding seats. The LED display is easy to read. DVS Theatrical presents concise descriptive narration of visual cues, including actions, settings, scene changes, facial expressions and silent movement, through an FM or infrared system, making movies more meaningful to people with vision loss. The moviegoer hears the narration on a headset without disturbing other audience members and at no extra cost. The Media Access Group at WGBH in Boston developed Rear Window Captioning and DVS Theatrical. Films equipped with MoPix or motion picture access) technology can be found by calling 617-300-3400 or
Accessible fun - from p. 11 contact@tenthousandthings.org for questions and AD show reservations; www.tenthousandthings.org Into the Woods Lyric Arts Company of Anoka presents a blend of fairy tales, at Lyric Arts Main Street Stage, 420 E. Main Street, Anoka. Show suitable for patrons age 13 and older ASL offered 2 p.m. Sun, Feb. 15. Seats for ASL patrons are held in reserve until two weeks prior to the show, then released to the general public. When ordering tickets, please indicate the need for seating in this section; if there are no reservations a week before the show, the interpretation will be canceled. Tickets: $1626; $5 discount for ASL seats. FFI: 763-422-1838. FFI boxoffice@lyricarts.org or www.lyricarts.org The Coward Walking Shadow Theatre Company presents a manly comedy about manly honor, with a female cast, at Red Eye Theater, 15 W. 14th St., Mpls. AD offered 7:30 p.m. Thu, Feb.19. ASL offered 7:30 p.m. Fri, Feb. 20. Tickets reduced to $10 for AD/ASL (regular: $10 to $30 plus service fee); Brown Paper Tickets. FFI: 1-800-8383006, 612-375-0300; www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/835993, www.walkingshadowcompany.org Home on the Mornin’ Train Youth Performance Company presents stories of courageous young people, at Howard Conn Fine Arts Center, 1900 Nicollet Ave, Mpls. ASL and AD offered 7:30 p.m. Sat, Feb. 21. Tickets $15, child/senior $12, $10 group. VSA discount applies. FFI: 612-623-9080, www.youthperformanceco.org God Girl History Theatre presents the true story of one of the first women admitted to a seminary, at History Theatre, 30 E. 10th St., St. Paul. ASL and AD offered 2 p.m. Sun, Feb 22. Tickets reduced to $20 for ASL/AD patrons (regular $30-45). The accessible entrance is on the east side of the building off Cedar Street; the theatre has six spaces for wheelchairs, plus companion seats; hearing enhancement devices and Braille or large print playbills are available. FFI: 651-292-4323, www.historytheatre.com
TTY: 617-300-2489. The website is http://tinyurl.com/ showingnow Or e-mail: access@wgbh.org Some cinemas use other variations of open captioning, which is a text display of words and sounds heard during a performance, film, video, speech or dialogue. The display is “open” for anyone to see in a particular seating area. The website www.captionfish.com lists cinemas with these access features. Put in your zip code and the site will give current listings of nearby movies with open or closed captioning, an audio description track, or English subtitles in foreign films. Science Museum of Minnesota Omnitheater is hosting several films at its annual OmniFest, now through Feb. 19. The theater is at 120 Kellogg Blvd. W., St. Paul. Tickets for OmniFest are $8 for adults for the first film, reduced to $7 for children and senior citizens. Get a 15 percent discount on each additional film on the same day. The museum is open Tue-Wed 9:30 a.m.5 p.m., Thu-Sat 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Mon. Phone is 651-221-9444 or 800-221-9444, option 2 for Omnitheater film times, reservations or questions; TTY is 651-221-4585. For accessibility information, visit www.smm.org/accessibility; the main website is www.smm.org Landmark Theatres offer CaptiView Closed Caption Viewing Systems, which allow people to read movie dialogue from the comfort of their seat anywhere in the auditorium, and Fidelio, a wireless audio system that delivers descriptive narration for people with vision loss and amplified sound for people with hearing loss. Patrons can get a compact audio receiver with a plug-in headset A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court Guthrie Theater presents Mark Twain’s time-traveling tale, at Guthrie Theater, Dowling Studio, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. AD/ASL/OC is at 1 p.m. Sat, Feb. 28. Tickets reduced to $20 for AD/ASL, $25 for Captioning (regular $34-85). FFI: 612-377-2224, TTY 612-377-6626; www.guthrietheater.org/visit/access_services By the Way, Meet Vera Stark Penumbra Theatre Company presents the story of actress Vera Stark, at Penumbra Theatre, 270 North Kent St., St. Paul. ASL offered 7:30 p.m. Sat, Feb. 28. Tickets $40, senior $35, student $15. FFI: 651-224-3180; boxoffice@penumbratheatre.org; http://penumbratheatre.org/ August: Osage County Northfield Arts Guild presents the award-winning story of a tumultuous family, at Northfield Arts Guild, 411 W. 3rd St., Northfield. ASL offered 2 p.m. Sun, March 1 (with reservation one week in advance). Tickets: $17, $12 student/senior. FFI: 507-645-8877 theater@northfieldartsguild.org, www.northfieldartsguild.org Babe, the Sheep Pig GREAT Children’s Theatre presents the children’s story of a sheep-herding piglet, at Humphrey Theater, St. John’s University, 2850 Abbey Plaza, Collegeville. ASL 7 p.m. Fri, March 6. Tickets $12-19. FFI: 320-2595463, www.GreatTheatre.org Romeo and Juliet Park Square Theatre presents Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy at Park Square Theatre, Boss Stage, 20 W. 7th Place, St. Paul. AD offered 7:30 p.m. Fri, March 6. Captioning offered 7:30 p.m. Sat, March 7, and 2 p.m. Sun, March 8. ASL is arranged upon request. Tickets ASL/AD/OC single ticket discount is half-price for patron and one guest (regular $38-58); age 30 & under: $21; Senior age 62+: $38; Rush tickets: $22 cash only, available 10 minutes before performance; subject to availability; Assistive listening devices available. FFI: 651-291-7005, www.parksquaretheatre.org
Macbeth Guthrie Theater presents an adaptation of one of Shakepeare’s best works, at Guthrie Theater, Dowling Studio, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. AD/ASL/OC offered 7:30 p.m. Fri. Feb. 27. Tickets reduced to $15 for AD/ ASL, $20 for captioning (regular $34-85). FFI: 612-3772224, TTY 612-377-6626, www.guthrietheater.org/visit/ access_services
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Guthrie Theater presents Shakespeare’s romantic comedy at Guthrie Theater, Wurtele Thrust Stage, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. ASL offered 7:30 p.m. Fri, March 6 and 1 p.m. Sat, March 7. AD offering is 1 p.m. Sat, March 7, and 7:30 p.m., Fri, March 13. Captioning offered 1 p.m. Wed, March 11, 7:30 p.m. Fri, March 13, and 1 p.m. Sat, March 21. Tickets reduced to $20 for AD/ASL, $25 for Captioning (regular $34-85). FFI: 612377-2224, www.guthrietheater.org/visit/access_services
The Biggest Little House in the Forest Children’s Theatre Company presents the story of Bernice the Butterfly and a host of creatures who turn her life upside-down, at Children’s Theatre Co., Cargill Stage, 2400 Third Ave. S., Mpls. AD and ASL offered 11 a.m. Sat, Feb.28. Sensory Friendly show offered noon, Sun, March 1, 10:30 a.m. Fri, March 6. Ask about special ticket rates for ASL/AD patrons (regular $16-40). FFI: 612-874-0400; tickets@childrenstheatre.org www.childrenstheatre.org
Open Flow Forum The Artists with Disabilities Alliance and supporters gather on the first Thu of each month for a free opportunity to share visual art, writing, music, theatre and other artistic efforts with each other in an informal, fragrancefree setting, at Carleton Artists’ Lofts community room, 2285 University Ave. W., St. Paul. Refreshments served. Enter on the north side of the building (not the light rail side). The meeting room is directly opposite the security entrance. Facilitators are Pamela Veeder, Mike
at the box office or bring their own headsets. Descriptive Narration and closed captioning availability is subject to the content made available from distributors. All films are available with amplified sound through Assisted Listening Devices. The theaters are Edina Cinema, 3911 W. 50th St., Edina, phone 952-920-8796; Uptown Theatre, 2906 Hennepin Ave., Mpls, phone 612-823-3005; and Lagoon Cinema,1320 Lagoon Ave., Mpls, phone 612-823-3020. Website for the theaters is www.LandmarkTheatres.com or http://tinyurl.com/ capsviewing. AMC Theatres offer accessible films. Eden Prairie Mall 18 Theatres, Auditorium 7, Eden Prairie Shopping Center, 8251 Flying Cloud Drive Suite 4000, Eden Prairie; phone is 952-656-0010. Park in upper level lot between Sears and Kohl’s. AMC Rosedale 14 Theatres, Auditorium 14, 850 Rosedale Center, Roseville; phone
Movies - p. 14 Price and Dan Reiva. Upcoming gatherings are 7-9 p.m. Feb. 5, March 5, April 2, May 7 and June 4. Ask about accommodations. FFI: Jon, 612-332-3888 or jon@vsamn.org, www.carletonartistlofts.com/, http:// vsamn.org/artists-disabilities/ Tony Pappas art show Tony Pappas, who has been in Ally People Solutions’ Artful Employment Project in 2014, has painted and drawn since he was three years old. He is currently exploring his medium more deeply. His exhibit is part of a rotating series of exhibits coordinated by VSA Minnesota and is hosted by Vision Loss Resources, 1936 Lyndale Ave. S. (at Franklin), Mpls. The exhibit is free and will be on display through April, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon through Fri. FFI: 612-871-2222; 612-332-3888, http://vsamn.org/ gayle-wyant-art-exhibit-vision-loss-resources/ More events information VSA Minnesota is at http://vsamn.org The website has a large calendar at in the upper right hand corner of its home page. 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 800-8013883 (voice/TTY). To hear a weekly listing of accessible performances, call 612-332-3888 or 800-801-3883. Another web events’ listing is http://c2net.org (c2: caption coalition, inc.), which does most of the captioned shows across the country. Facebook is another way to connect with performances. Sign up to connect with Audio Description Across Minnesota (http:// tinyurl.com/d34dzo2). Connect with ASL Interpreted and Captioned Performances across Minnesota on Facebook http://tinyurl.com/FBcaption ■
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Pg 14 February 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 2
February Sampling
Radio Talking Book
BARD and Radio Talking Book team up The Braille Audio Reading Download (BARD) program has accepted its first book recorded for Radio Talking Book. BARD is a function of the National Library Service and is available for digital download 24 hours per day. Sky Tinged Red: A Chronicle of Two and a Half Years in Auschwitz, written by Isaia Eiger, and translated by his daughter, Dora Eiger Zaidenweber, is the first Radio Talking Book to be posted. Watch for more books to be posted in the future. Learn more about BARD at https://nlsbard.loc.gov/login//NLS
Weekend Program Books Your Personal World (Saturday at 1 p.m.) is airing The Confidence Code, by Katty Kay and Claire Shipmen; For the Younger Set (Sunday at 11 a.m.) is airing sometimes never, sometimes always, by Elissa Janine Hoole; Poetic Reflections (Sunday at noon) is airing Underground, by Jim Moore; and The U.S. and Us (Sunday at 4 p.m.) is airing The Lure of the North Woods, by Aaron Shapiro.
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 Call 1-800-722-0550, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The catalog is online at www.mnbtbl.org, click 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 previous week, on
the Internet at www.mnssb.org/rtb Call the Talking Book Library for a password to the site. To find more information about Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network events go to the Facebook site at http://tinyurl.com/ RadioTalkBook. Audio information about the daily book listings is also on NFB Newslines. Register for NFB Newslines by calling 651-539-1424. Access Press is featured at 9 p.m. Sundays on the program It Makes a Difference. Chautauqua • Tuesday – Saturday 4 a.m. Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder, Nonfiction by Arianna Huffington, 2014. Eight broadcasts. Begins Feb. 17. To outward appearances, Arianna Huffington was successful. Cofounder and editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post Media Group, she was celebrated as one of the world’s most influential women. When she was going through medical tests after a fall, she wondered if that was what success feels like. Our relentless pursuit of money and power has led to an epidemic of burnout and stress-related illness. Read by June Prange. The Glass Cage: Automation and Us, Nonfiction by Nicholas Carr, 2014. Nine broadcasts. Begins Feb. 27. Technology should be used to expand life’s possibilities rather than narrow them. Author Nicholas Carr makes a compelling case that the dominant Silicon Valley ethic is sapping our skills and narrowing our horizons. This is the hidden cost of allowing software to take charge of our jobs and our lives. Read by Chris Colestock. Bookworm • Monday – Friday 11 a.m. Lucky Us, Fiction by Amy Bloom, 2014. Eight broadcasts. Begins Feb. 18. Disappointed by their families, Iris and Eva journey through 1940s America in search of fame and fortune. With friends in high and low places, they stumble and shine through big dreams, scandals, betrayals, and war. Read by Joy Fogarty.
The Writer’s Voice • Monday – Friday 2 p.m. Blackboard, Nonfiction by Lewis Buzbee, 2014. Six broadcasts. Begins Feb. 23. Lewis Buzbee, teacher, writer, and lifelong learner, reflects on his education and the schools of his formative years. He contrasts his own schools with those of his daughter’s experiences. The classroom itself becomes a mirror for the expectations we place on young students. Read by John Beal. Night Journey • Monday – Friday 9 p.m. The Directive, Fiction by Matthew Quirk, 2014. 12 broadcasts. Begins Feb. 17. Mike Ford is a cunning, courageous ex-con with a big heart. When his brother is in a conspiracy to steal a secret worth billions of dollars, Mike wants to help. But he ends up trapped and forced to call on the skills of his past to escape. L - Read by Neil Bright. Potpourri • Monday – Friday 11 p.m. The Keillor Reader, Nonfiction by Garrison Keillor, 2014. 16 broadcasts. Begins Feb. 11. The founder and host of A Prairie Home companion, Garrison Keillor gives us a retrospective of his life as satirist, columnist, singer, storyteller, novelist, poet, and screenwriter. Nearing the age of 72, he has no plans for retirement. L - Read by Don Lee. Good Night, Owl • Monday-Friday midnight The Secret Wisdom of the Earth, Fiction by Christopher Scotton, 2015. 14 broadcasts. Begins Feb. 19. Kevin and his friend, Buzzy, become involved in a mountaintop removal dispute in Medgar, Kentucky. It tests them to their limits in a struggle for survival in the mountains. L - Read by Tom Speich. After Midnight • Tuesday – Saturday 1 a.m. Thorn Jack, Fiction by Katherine Harbour, 2014. 14 broadcasts. Begins Feb. 19. Finn and her father move to a town full of possibilities - and dark enigmas. Read by Lynda Kayser.
Abbreviations: V - violence, L – offensive language, S - sexual situations
Movies - from p. 13 is 651-604-9347. AMC Showplace Inver Grove 16, 5567 Bishop Ave., Inver Grove Heights, offers open captioned films generally Wed-Thu; phone is 651-453-1916. General information for all AMC Theatres is 1-888-262-4386. Website is www.amcentertainment.com Regal Theatres offers films with open captioning or descriptive video. Regal Brooklyn Center 20, 6420 Camden Ave N, Minneapolis; phone is 763-560-6300. Regal Eagan 16, 2055 Cliff Road, Eagan; phone is 651-452-8329. Website is www.fandango.com/ 55122_movietheatershowtimes Marcus Theatres in the Twin Cities, St. Cloud and Duluth now offer accessible CaptiView technology for deaf and hard of hearing guests at its digital cinemas. This closed captioning system is available for most movies and can be used at any showing for movies that are captioned using this technology. When purchasing a ticket, a guest requests the CaptiView device (about
the size of a large smartphone with a screen to display the captions). Its flexible support arm is designed to fit into the cup holder of the guest’s seat and the viewing angle can be adjusted. Patrons can also request assistive listening devices at the box office at all film showings. The wireless headphones have adjustable volume. Guests with vision loss can use these headphones as descriptive audio devices when a movie offers a descriptive audio option. Not all films are produced this way, but the number of available films is increasing. Marcus Theatres are Oakdale Ultrascreen Cinemas, 5677 Hadley Ave. N., Oakdale, 651-770-4992; Marcus Lakes Cinema, 4351 Stebner Rd., Hermantown, and Marcus Duluth Theatre, 300 Harbor Drive, Duluth, 218-729-0335. Website is www.marcustheatres.com ShowPlace ICON at West End offers listening devices. The theater is at 1625 West End Blvd., St. Louis Park, 763-515-1177, www.showplaceicon.com/ showtimes.aspx ■
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February 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 2 Pg 15
ReelAbilities Film Festival - from p. 1 The festival’s lineup of films hasn’t been finalized but it promises to be another program of diverse features for festival-goers to enjoy. Those who attended the 2013 got to meet many actors and directors. One popular feature was an actors’ workshop with actors from the Guthrie Theatre. “That workshop was so well-received, we’ll do something like it again,” said Reed. People with disabilities and their family members praised the workshop. Family members of one participant said it helped the young man become more self-confident and assertive. For 2015, PRI, Independent Filmmaker Project Minnesota, Twin Cities Public Television (tptMN), and Minnesota State Council on Disabilities are partnering to create a film shorts program for this year’s Minneapolis-St. Paul ReelAbilities, a Salute to Minnesota Filmmakers of All Abilities. The festival is looking for films by and about people with disabilities that creatively and compellingly explore, discuss, and celebrate the diversity of the shared human experience. Deadline for submission is May 15 and there is no application fee. Women honored - from p. 1
Galinda Goss-Kuehn, left, was congratulated by Gov. mark Dayton and lt. Gov. Tina Smith at the event. Courtesy photos
this year’s event. The keynote speaker was Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Wilhelmina Wright. Award winners were praised by Dayton and other services for their long years of service to Minnesota. Dayton noted that King’s work guides his work as governor. “Our work toward building stronger communities and a better Minnesota will not be complete until all of our futures are as bright and promising, as those most fortunate among us. The basic rights, liberties, and opportunities, which are enjoyed by one, should be guaranteed to all men and women, who are created equal in the eyes of God.” One 2015 award winner is Goss-Kuehn, a deaf and universal interpreter, actress and advocate. Since 2009 Goss-Kuehn has worked for Communication Services for the Deaf, Inc. where she wears many hats. She is a teacher for the Deaf Adult Basic Education Program and works with deaf immigrants teaching English, Math, Drivers’ Education, Citizenship, Early Childhood Development and GED courses. She works with the Accuplacer Program, which helps evaluate students as they prepare for college. Goss-Kuehn is known for her expertise in teaching with patience, compassion and excitement. She has helped many people gain access to programs and services, including helping immigrants prepare for and take their citizenship examinations. Goss-Kuehn has designed, developed and implemented a citizenship curriculum for deaf individuals who have no language or education background here. She has graduated more than 30 students from her program. Born in Hawaii into a military family, GossKuehn lived in many places before settling in Minnesota. She attended Gallaudet University, where she received her bachelor of arts degree in theatre arts. She continued her studies at the master’s level in linguistics. She is a member of the Alpha Psi Omega National Honorary Dramatic Fraternity. Goss-Kuehn is involved in deaf theatre as a producer, actress and director. She has won many awards including an Award of Excellence of
Films must be 20 minutes or less in length for the ReelAbilities Minneapolis-St. Paul-Independent Filmmakers Project Minnesota challenge. A limited number of films that are five minutes or less in length will also be included in a one-hour TPT program for broadcast. The documentary will also profile the filmmakers who created the featured works. Filmmakers whose work is selected for broadcast must be willing to be interviewed on-camera for the program. A panel of judges consisting of media professionals will judge the submissions. Films can be from disability service and advocacy organizations and individuals of all ages. All genres are accepted, including narrative, documentary, animation, music video or experimental formats. Entrants must have resided in Minnesota at the time the submitted work was produced. For this inaugural year there are no restrictions about the completion date of work. Anyone with questions can contact Reilly Tillman, at rtillman@ifpmn.org Reed said the intent is that the TPT-produced documentary, which will premiere at the film festival, will run on their network for a year to recognize and
celebrate the successes of all Minnesotans as everyone reflects on the progress over the past 25 years since the passage of the ADA. Festival organizers don’t expect a shortage of materials for the challenge. Reed said a call is also being put out to all Minnesota nonprofits that work with people with disabilities to send their favorite fundraising videos as well. Other ways groups and individuals can get involved is to become event sponsors or volunteers. The current volunteer needs are for help with marketing, social media and media contacts, the help get the word out. There’s also a need for volunteers to help set up and then work at the event itself. Sponsors are already lining up, including Medica Foundation at $10,000, $4,000 for scholarships from the Barry Family and an in-kind donation for printing. ReelAbilities will have information on the PRI website, at www.partnershipresources.org The organization also has a Facebook page, at www.face book.com/ReelAbilities MinneapolisStPaul ■
America College Theatre Festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Goss-Kuehn also utilizes her skills for good causes, to raise awareness, and contribute to fundraisers that support the deaf community. She has held leadership positions in DEAF-MADC, including serving as president. (The organization was originally known as the Minnesota Association for Deaf Citizens.) She has also held leadership roles in the Miss Deaf States and Miss Deaf America pageants, including stage manager and director. She founded the Deaf Night Out event, recently chaired the annual community picnic and won other community awards. In her spare time Goss-Kuehn enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons. Margot Imdieke Cross has worked for the Minnesota State Council on Disability (MSCOD) for almost 30 years. She has held the position of accessibility specialist since 1987. She has also served as the MSCOD interim executive director. The council is Minnesota’s comprehensive disability resource for law-makers, agencies, non-profits, businesses and individuals with disabilities. Cross, a licensed access specialist, provides information, referral and technical assistant to architects, law makers, individuals with disabilities, and the general public on state and federal access requirements, disability parking, housing access, transportation access and civil rights issues. She is the go-to person to make the environment more accessible for everyone, raising awareness about facilities ranging from small buildings to large sports stadiums. She has also spoke up on access to everything from transit vehicles to portable toilets at the capitol. She works closely with the public and other agencies to ensure compliance to both physical and programmatic access. Cross also trains audiences on disability awareness, state and federal access requirements and the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. She is considered to be an expert on ADA compliance. She also lends her expertise to those making plans for the emergency evacuation of people with disabilities and has been a leader in MSCOD’s efforts to promote safety for people with disabilities in emergency situations. She travels the state making presentations on various subjects. Cross has served on a number of boards and councils. She served as a Minneapolis Civil Rights Commissioner for 11 years. For 20 years she served on
and at times chaired the Minneapolis Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities. She served on the board of directors of Access Press for seven years. She was the first recipient of the Access Press Charlie Smith Award. The award, which has Margot Imdieke Cross been given since 2003, honors Minnesotans who provide outstanding service to the state’s disability community. She is married and lives in Minneapolis. Other award winners were Ramsey County Commissioner Toni Carter, Lifetime Achievement Award; and other Distinguished Service winners Ramsey County Attorney John Choi, Hennepin County District Court Judge Pamela G. Alexander, Minneapolis Foundation Vice President Luz Maria Frias and Lori Saroya, co-founder and leader of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Minnesota. Nominees are taken from various state councils and sent to a governor’s council that organizes the King Day events. ■
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FOR RENT Lewis Park Apartments: Barrier-free housing with wheelchair users in mind. Section 8 subsidized. Oneand 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.
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Pg 16 February 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 2
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