Axis dance tour, page 11
Volume 27, Number 3
www.accesspress.org
One more Tight timelines session of Self-advocates on the move as 2016 legislative session begins detours by Jane McClure
by Jane McClure
Self-advocates and disability community groups are already immersed in the work of the 2016 Minnesota Legislature. Participation will again take some planning ahead as the session, which began March 8, marks the third and final year of major capitol renovations. It will again be a session with no rallies or events in the rotunda as that area and most of the rest of the capitol remain closed. Groups will either hold rallies off-site, go outdoors to the lower mall area or shelves their signs and banners until 2017. As it did in 2015, the annual “Faces of Disability” event will again feature smaller displays near legislators’ offices instead of the large display staged in previous years. It is set for March 14-18. “Getting around is going to be a challenge,” said Margot Imdieke Cross, accessibility specialist for the Minnesota State Council on Disability (MSCOD). Staff from the Department Access woes - p. 15
It’s a daunting combination: a smaller-than-anticipated state surplus, a $1.4 billion bonding bill, a short legislative session and many lawmakers taking their final bows in an election year with every House and Senate seat up for grabs. These are among issues hanging over the 2016 session of the Minnesota Legislature. Legislators went back to work March 8 under the shadow of the contentious 2015 session, which ended without agreement on major measures including a tax bill Self-advocates like Katie, shown here during the 2010 session, won’t be and a comprehensive transable to attend rallies in the capitol rotunda this session. It’s the final year of major construction. portation bill. Because so File photo much business was left unfinished last session, capitol observers note that measures, changes in school discipline, more state lawmakers’ and Gov. Mark Dayton’s access to assistive technology, and ways to time and attention will be divided among a deal with a growing number of accessibilitylarge number of issues. based lawsuits are among the issues on the Disability advocacy groups and self-advotable. cates have worked for months on their legislaAnne Henry of the Minnesota Disability Law tive priorities, to be ready for the start of sesCenter recently addressed attendees at the Minsion March 8. How those concerns will fare nesota State Council on Disability (MSCOD) with so many other variables remains to be legislative forum. She said a short session seen. Medical Assistance (MA) spend-down means tight timelines to get bills through. and asset changes, increases in caregiver com“There’s only three weeks of hearings before pensation, more access to mental health proa bill has to get through one side or another,” grams and supports, Olmstead Plan-related Self-advocates on the move - p. 3
Ways to follow up
Watch these five issues at the capitol by Access Press staff
Minnesotans with disabilities, their family members and advocates will be tracking many issues during the Minnesota Legislature’s 2016 session. Here’s an overview of five key issues to follow, along with information on how to keep track of what state lawmakers are doing. MNSure. A January report by the Minnesota Legislative Auditor showed that MNSure, Minnesota’s health insurance exchange, made errors that cost the state about $200 million in 2015. Just before the report was released, the Health Care Financing Task Force made recommendations to increase accessibility to health care, to make it easier to retain or switch coverage, and to improve service delivery. Calls for MNSure reform are likely this session. Many Republicans
Gov. Mark Dayton and the disability “wheel of misfortune” are shown at the capitol at a 2012 community rally. File photo
have raised concerns about MNSure, with some calls to do away with it entirely. Minnesota Department of Human Services leadership agree that improvements need to be made. For people with disabilities who must find their own insurance and don’t qualify for other state programs, MNSure often is the only option. Minnesota state academies. Part of the record $1.4 billion bonding bill includes needs for the Minnesota State Academies for the Deaf and the Blind. Gov. Mark Dayton recommends $2 million for asset preservation for aging buildings on both campus, as well as $50,000 for pre-design of a safety corridor to connect buildings on the deaf students’ campus. Dayton also recommends $160,000 to match private grant funds to build a track for the blind students’ campus. Both facilities are in Faribault. Housing. By 2020, the number of people age 65 and older in Minnesota will outnumber persons in the ages 5 to 17-year-old age bracket. That will be a first in state history. A recent report by Maxfield Research indicates that the demand for affordable senior housing will increase 54 percent by 2020. There are about 25,000 affordable senior housing units in Minnesota. An additional 150,000 older adult households qualify for these units. How to fund more accessible, affordable housing will be debated this session. Capitol issues - p. 5
March 10, 2016 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities. MN Permit No. 4766 Address Service Requested
“Now science has presented us with a hope called stem cell research, which may provide our scientists with many answers that have for so long been beyond our grasp. ” — Nancy Reagan
NEWS DIGEST
JoAnn Enos is one of three community members who will be missed. Page 8
A cruel joke is remembered. Page 2
They want to see Medical Assistance reform this session. Page 4
Several arts groups received accessibility grants. Page 7
Spinal cord research moving ahead. Page 10
INSIDE Accessible Fun, pg 11 Around the Dial, pg 14 Events, pg 13 From our Community, pg 4-5 People & Places, pg 8-9 Radio Talking Book, pg 14 Regional News, pg 6
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EDITOR’S DESK
Tim Benjamin What a winter. It’s March and there’s barely any snow on the ground. I don’t think I’ve had to wear my heavy winter coat (or—for those of you who know me, my heavy winter poncho) more than once or twice this season. Traditionally, though, March is the snowiest month so keep your fingers crossed whichever way you want this to go. March offers no guarantees. I’ve been hearing from people who can’t find caregivers and from agencies as well all about the shortage of home care workers throughout Minnesota. On February 28, Star Tribune reporter Chris Serres wrote an article concerning this issue and the extremes that some families must go to in order to care for their loved ones. I wonder if the state recognizes the desperate measures people are taking to provide support for their own family members. Do legislators and the Department of Human Services realize that our homecare programs are struggling and not working as intended? Certainly some of what’s going on would not meet the requirements of the state’s new Olmstead plan for the disability community. Serres wrote about a young child who was terminated as a client by his agency because the agency couldn’t recruit enough staff. And on short notice—only 10 days according to the Minnesota homecare patients’ bill of rights—the child’s mother could not get staffing before the termination deadline. The mother had
to put her child in the hospital, which is not the “least restrictive environment” called for by the state Olmstead plan. After 21 days in the hospital, the discharge papers for the child stated the official reason for admission was “home care failure.” Without correctly trained in-home direct support professionals, all of the state and federally funded accessibility opportunities are unusable to the elderly and people with disabilities. If they don’t have help getting out of bed and out of the house, accessible public transportation, equal opportunity jobs, curb cuts, modified buildings and special parking spaces are of no help to people with disabilities and senior citizens. These problems in the health care workforce will require more than just raising wages by 5 percent. The wage increase should be more like 25 percent or, more appropriately, a starting wage of at least $15 an hour for direct support staff or personal care attendants. Additional protective incentives, like 401(k) or other retirement savings, health insurance, time off for sick leave, maternity leave and holiday pay are needed in order to recruit qualified, trustworthy and dedicated people to home care jobs. We have to show our commitment to this workforce in order to get the numbers of devoted and loyal employees needed. Many of these jobs in the near future will also require skilled nursing. If talented, accomplished and qualified RNs, MSNs or PHNs can make a more livable income and get benefits in the hospital or in nursing homes, that’s where they will go. The Minnesota Department that regulates homecare estimates that 60,000 home care support positions will be needed by 2020 with the shifting of care away from nursing facilities and into supportive community liv-
ing. But unfortunately, it seems like the government funding continues to go to the facilities, following a medical model of providing services. Pennsylvania’s Keystone Research Center (KRC) was created in 1996 to broaden strategies to achieve a more prosperous and equitable Pennsylvania. Rather than simply outlining the home care problems in that state, the KRC is using research and collaboration to propose workable policy alternatives. On April 14, 2015, a report from KRC stated that nursing homes have proved to be a very profitable industry, but they are taking advantage of the government’s by paying low wage rates for caregivers, forcing many full-time workers to rely on public assistance. The report also found that low wages lead to higher turnover rate in the staff, which in turn interrupted quality of care and wasted money in recruiting and training new employees. All of this is happening in the health care industry when often there’s excessive compensation at the top; when CEO salaries are hundreds of times the average of the nursing assistant. And the majority of the income in home care is generated from revenue from public government resources. Why should Minnesotans allow this and not demand funding changes for community-based living? And why isn’t the general public doing the same? Talk to your friends and neighbors, and join them yourself in demanding the elimination of the very profitable institutional care centers that are detrimental to our population and economy. Replace them with flexible models for inhome care that can keep the elderly and disabled healthy and productive. Enough of my ranting here. I’d like to thank Carrie Salberg for filling in as a guest columnist last month. Let’s set our sights on getting involved with this year’s legislative session and informing the public of the staffing shortages and wastes. ■
HISTORY NOTE
Was it heartless humor or clever commentary? by Luther Granquist
Throughout the first two weeks of September 1889, the St. Paul and Minneapolis newspapers reported that no jurors had yet been selected for the trial in Chicago of five men charged with conspiracy to murder Dr. Patrick Henry Cronin, a respected physician and a member of Clan na Gael, a secret Irish-American revolutionary organization. Cronin had failed to return home after being summoned to treat an injured worker at an icehouse on the night of May 4, 1889. His friends and supporters suspected he had been murdered. Three weeks later, public works department employees found his naked and decaying body jamming a sewer drain. Late in June, five members of a rival faction in the organization were charged with conspiracy to murder him. The press speculated about Cronin’s whereabouts when he was missing, then about possible perpetrators. Chicago newspapers reported and investigated every aspect of the case. Anyone who read them would have learned little new when the case was tried. The trial judge rejected many prospective jurors
who had already made up their mind as to guilt or innocence. Lawyers for both sides then exercised peremptory challenges. “No jurors selected” was a headline day after day in Chicago and around the country, including San Francisco. Later that that month, Hastings Hart, the energetic secretary of Minnesota’s Board of Corrections and Charities, traveled to San Francisco to attend the annual meeting of the National Conference of Charities and Corrections, an organization that morphed some years later into the National Conference on Social Welfare. Hart was the pastor of the Congregational church in Worthington in 1883 when he was selected by the newly-established Board of Corrections and Charities as the sole staff person to implement its legislative mandate — to examine “the whole system of public charities and correctional institutions” in the state, including the prisons, jails, poor farms, hospitals, insane asylums, and the schools for the deaf, the blind and the feebleminded at Faribault. For on-the-job training, he observed comparable institutions throughout the country. He participated in
Volume 27, Number 3 • 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
Production Board of Directors Brigid Alseth, Steve Anderson, John Clark, Managing Editor Ellen Houghton with Presentation Images 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
the conferences of the national organization and soon became one of the leaders of the national group. In Minnesota, he portrayed in his reports disgraceful conditions in jails, lockups, and poor farms. He garnered the respect of the governor, legislators and the press. Hart participated in a discussion at the San Francisco conference on “training of idiotic and feebleminded persons.” He told his colleagues that Minnesota had opened a training school for these children 10 years previously with the idea that they would become self-supporting, but that now it was clear a custodial department was needed to care for them permanently, especially the older girls. Hart had long been a member of the chorus of persons insisting that feebleminded girls and women, if not confined to an institution, would reproduce more of their own kind. When Hart turned to what he called the “humanitarian aspect” of the issue, he did not mention any benefit to the children sent to the institution. Rather, he said, there was no better thing for the community and for parents than an institution for imbeciles. History note - p. 12
March 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 3
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Self-advocates on the move - from p. 1 she said. The deadline for a bill to get through either the House or Senate is April Two attorneys have filed many of the lawsuits. Many businesses groups are rally1, with bills needing to get through the committee process of both bodies by April ing for legislative changes, indicating that while they support the need for access, 8. The finance or major appropriate deadline is April 21. “So again, a very, very the legal demands have forced some businesses to close. quick timeline for bills.” MSCOD’s David Fenley said the state council is working on law changes that One potential game changer announced just before would provide a clear process and time for businesses to the start of the session is a proposed state constitubecome compliant with accessibility laws. Businesses tional amendment. It would allow voters to decide would be informed of their obligations to provide access whether the constitution should dedicate funding to for all, while not forcing businesses to deal with initial long-term care for seniors and people with disabilidemands for money. This proposal, while hailed by ties. The amendment was brought forward earlier business groups as a good compromise and process, was this month by Sen. Kent Eken (DFL – Twin Valley). questioned by some at the MSCOD forum. One man At a March 3 press conference, the lawmakers said that many businesses don’t comply with laws on noted that more than 1 million Minnesotans will be accessibility and that lawsuits are the only way to enover the age of 65 by the year 2030 and that most of sure that changes are made. those Minnesotans will need long-term care. But While the capitol rotunda remains closed for rallies there is no dedicated, reliable source of funding and many groups won’t be organizing large gatherings, “I am committed to shining a spotlight on the some annual events are moving ahead. Watch for advoproblem, turning the landing lights on and finding a cates to arrive from around the state for the big events. solution,” Eken said. ARRM and MOHR host ARRM/MOHR Day at the The Eken plan would provide an estimated $1.2 Capitol Tuesday, March 15, to call for the 5 percent rate billion a year by adding a tax on the top 4 percent of increase. More than 1,000 advocates are expected. The wealthiest Minnesotans. The tax would be added on group will rally at the state’s armory at 10 a.m. and then people earning more than $118,500 annually. go to meet with legislators. Get more details at http:// Eken’s proposal calls for a 25-year state constituwww.arrm.org/ tional amendment. Eken said that is enough to ride The Minnesota Mental Health Legislative Network out what he called “an age wave coming toward us, hosts Mental Health Day on the Hill on Thursday, Two women named Lorrie attended a 2010 rally asking the likes of which we have never seen.” March 31. Events start at 10 a.m. at Christ Lutheran that cuts to personal care attendant compensation be reEken, who has worked for years on funding for Church on the Hill. Get more details at stored. This is another year when the rotunda cannot be people with disabilities, elders and their caregivers, www.namihelps.org/ used for rallies due to construction. was joined by Rep. Jerry Newtown (DFL – Coon As well as ARRM, MOHR and NAMI, several groups File photo Rapids) and Sen. John Hoffman (DFL-Champlain). have also posted 2016 legislative agendas. Find The Arc They said they would be open to looking at plans other legislators bring forward Minnesota’s agenda at www.thearcofminnesota.org/ PACER Center has posted its but that the state needs a permanent, long-term solution. Minnesota’s constitution priorities at www.pacer.org already requires the dedication of funds for outdoors, arts and transportation Go to http://www.mentalhealthmn.org/ for that group’s agenda and updates. projects, so supporters see dedicated care funds as making sense. Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance has posted its public policy priorities at Money is central to every legislative debate. One unpleasant surprise came www.braininjurymn.org/ ■ when the February economic forecast reduced the state’s projected budget surplus to $900 million. A $1.2 billion surplus was projected last year. After the forecast’s release, Dayton said the forecast should cause everyone to pause with their plans and that he would have to rework his budget. Signs of weakening in the national economy affected the forecast. State budget officials said Minnesota’s economy remains healthy, but they are concerned about longer-term trends. Dayton had released a record $1.4 billion bonding bill in January. Many legislators said they’d like to cut that, even by half. Key issues this session for Minnesotans with disabilities will be familiar ones. Changing the MA spend-down and asset limits are again a top priority for the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNCCD). “People are required to spend down deep into the poverty to access needed services,” said Susie Schatz, one of the consortium policy committee leaders. While MA is needed because it gives access to health care and home and community-based services necessary for independent living, current limits force thousands of adults with disabilities to live below the poverty line, trapping them in poverty. The spend-down is the money a person with disabilities is expected to spend on medical bills to bring income down low enough to quality for MA. Current law will leave only $792 a month to live on. Asset limits are $3,000 in savings per person, or $6,000 per couple. This limit leaves people with disabilities vulnerable to catastrophic emergency and struggling to get out of poverty. Making changes will bring the program for people with disabilities in line with other programs, and allow people to pay for basic needs. Schatz said that while the spend-down is not a bad thing, “it’s way too low for people for people to live independently.” Another returning issue is that of caregiver wages. The 5% Campaign is now the Best Life Alliance, a coalition of more than 130 Minnesota organizations, families and supporters. They are asking state legislators to find to address a workforce crisis in Minnesota’s community-based services that support 108,000 people with disabilities and older adults. That would be done with a 5 percent rate increase for home and community-based services. Eken and Rep. Rod Hamilton (R-Mountain Lake) are the chief bill authors. Speakers at the MSCOD forum and at other legislative forums have said they have had trouble keeping staff, because of low pay to caregivers. Agencies have struggled to fill vacancies. One woman said she had had to work with five agencies in one year. Others said that constant turnover in staff affects quality and consistency of care, and makes it harder to be independent. “More and more, people are having difficulty finding and keeping the staff that they need,” said Henry. Henry said there are many other issues to track, with some tied to federal mandates. One complicated issue to be addressed at the state and federal level is spousal impoverishment rules. The changes, which Henry called “very troublesome,” could have negative effects on about 450 families. People who need services could lose eligibility, so state and federal officials are work with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services to make changes. Another complex issue that will take center stage at the capitol is that of accessibility. A number of lawsuits have been filed in Minnesota, demanding that businesses immediately make changes to make buildings accessible, or pay large fees.
Pg 4 March 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 3
FROM OUR COMMUNITY
Layne Beckman
Spend-down changes would improve their lives
Kevin Kieffer
Editor’s note: During the 2016 legislative session, the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNCCD) is leading the Medical Assistance (MA) Reform Campaign. Minnesotans affected by the current MA Income Standards and Asset Limits are seeking changes. They are seeking changes to the spenddown policies in place so that they can keep more of their assets. Most people would use any additional income to pay for basic needs like food and shelter. Many of the personal stories will be shared as part of this session’s Faces of Disability exhibit. Jeremy Isaacson Jeremy lives in a clean, well-lit, attractively decorated rambler in Bloomington, within sight of the Mall of America. Jeremy has cerebral palsy from meningitis when he was seven months old. He is very bright and loves to learn, but has extreme difficulty with most physical things including speech and mobility. His income is approximately $1,240 month from Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) and his spend-down is currently $504 per month, leaving him with $736 per month to live on. Jeremy is lucky; he lives with family paying only $500 per month for room and board. He has a small amount of money to buy clothes, pay for gas, etc. His family worries if he had to live away from home, how would he survive? If Jeremy could keep more of his income, he would buy a new wheelchair-accessible van. His current 1993 van is not safe to drive out of his neighborhood. If Jeremy had a new van, he would like to go to Duluth, where he hears they have some great wheelchair-accessible trails.
Joseph Thill
Bev Gewekik
Jeremy Isaacson
Joseph Thill Joseph is a survivor. He loves his garden, his home and living in his community of Brooklyn Park. He has a complicated medical history that includes polyneuropathy and post-concussion syndrome after a car crash and a work-related accident. He needs multiple supports to live in his home. After Joseph couldn’t work, he was required to spend his entire 401K and all his savings on medical expenses. He receives SSDI of $1,160 per month, but because this is over the poverty line he must spenddown $424 a month and live on just $736 per month. His mortgage is $864 monthly. He does not have enough income to pay his mortgage, let alone buy food or necessities. He relies on the help of family and neighbors, but he needs a more permanent solution. If Joseph could keep more of his income, he could pay his mortgage and buy essentials, allowing him to stay in his home and the community he loves. Joseph would also like to eat healthier food, which he believes would lower his health care usage.
Kevin Kieffer Kevin is a 33-year-old Army Veteran who served for 10 years with deployments to Kosovo, Iraq and Kuwait. He was a sharpshooter and has a black belt in Tai Kwon Do. In 2013, he suffered a traumatic brain injury during a rugby match that left him legally blind and unable to walk. Once a world traveler, he is now limited to occasional trips to the doctor or the local mall. Kevin has two sources of monthly income, a service pension of $1,072, and SSDI of $1,105. This total of $2,177 a month must be spent down to $736 in order for Kevin to qualify for MA and his needed medical supports. Kevin lives in a group home, where after his spend-down he is allowed $97 a month for personal needs. His mother covers things like a cell phone and fitness membership. Keeping more of his income would allow Kevin the chance to move out of the group home and live independently, as well as increase his overall quality of life.
Layne Beckman Layne has lived two completely different lives in one. She was a high-functioning professional with several degrees and a six-figure income, but in 2009 Layne suffered a massive stroke while having a brain tumor removed. This required her to start over. She had to relearn most everything, from reading and writing to organizing her day. Layne lives independently with supports. Her income is $1,195 a month from SSDI. She has a spenddown that leaves her at 80 percent of the poverty level, currently $792 a month. After paying her rent and utilities, she has $86 every month to live on. This is not enough to meet even her basic needs. What she once spent on a latte, she now spends on bread and peanut butter for a week’s worth of lunches. If Layne could keep more of her income, she would have some much needed dental work done. She would also buy night crawlers (something she cannot currently afford) and go fishing, which is where she finds her peace.
Beverly Gewedik Beverly is an active, attractive, spry 81-year-old. Beverly has age-related Alzheimer’s and scoliosis. After the death of her husband, she worked two jobs to support her children, retiring after 30 years from the Retail Meat Cutters Union at age 75. She worked hard all her life to be independent and financially secure. She is unable to care for herself and now needs 24-hour supervision. Her income from pension and Social Security is $4,374 a month. She must spend down to the allowable limit with all but $97 a month going to her assisted living facility. It is impossible to pay for all her personal items and care, like clothes, phone, personal care products, Ensure, the dentist and haircuts. Her daughter covers the cost of the majority of her personal expenses. Beverly feels like she is a burden. If Beverly could keep more of her income, she would not burden her family and be able to pay for things herself. She would have far less worry and anxiety. ■
March 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 3
FROM OUR COMMUNITY
JoAnn Cardenas Enos
She was a sister and a champion
Editor’s note: JoAnn Cardenas Enos died in February. She was a champion of civil rights, including the rights of people with disabilities. But she is also remembered as a compassionate friend and family member. Her oldest brother, Rick Cardenas, read this at her wake.
by Rick Cardenas
I loved growing up with JoAnn. Jo and I hung out in our backyard where there were old foundations of houses torn down from years ago and trees to climb and a big space to play in. When the snow came, we always made a snowman. We had a little hill in the yard, so it was easy to roll the snow into a big ball for our snowmen. This was a big part of our life as children. Then we started at Van Buren Elementary School, the same school that U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren Burger and Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun had also attended grade school at. That cut into our time together except at home. But when we were in seventh, and eighth grade the Dayton’s Bluff Playground started teenage dances. I guess it was done to keep us and other teens out of trouble. We spent alCapitol issues - from p. 1 Transportation. The 2016 session began with no agreement on how to finance needed road, bridges, transit and paratransit projects. Transit and paratransit support are almost always under fire by lawmakers who want more money to go to roads. A gas tax, which was curbed in 2015, doesn’t appear likely this session. One idea on the table is to divert sales taxes paid for auto parts for transportation. Minnesota Security Hospital and other facilities. Dayton’s bonding bill calls for $70 million to complete renovation of the Minnesota Security Hospital in St. Peter. The building’s physical design has raised fears about patient and staff safety. Another recommendation is for $14.5 million to expand the St. Peter Community Preparation Services program to serve the growing number of sex offender program clients in later stages of treatment. A third request is for $12.4 million to build two new “less restrictive, community-based facilities” for people in the sex offender with particular medical needs. This would include persons with disabilities in that program. Want to follow a bill? Contact a state lawmaker? The legislature’s main web page also contains much useful information. Learn how to follow RSS feeds of hearings, find and contact a specific state lawmaker, get the text of a bill and more at www.leg.state.mn.us/ Also helpful is that the website also offers detailed online information to track bills, including committee hearing dates and times, bill updates and the status of a bill. Go to www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/trackbill to find and follow legislation. This service, as well as advocacy group online updates, are a big help to anyone following a bill’s progress. ■
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most every Friday night at those dances and the rest of the summer, fall and winter participating in other afterschool activities and playing on the playground. JoAnn tried to teach me how to dance for those dances, including all the latest teen dance steps. She helped me learn to slow dances, which came in handy as a young male. Politically we traveled with similar thoughts. She would go to the caucuses and not be afraid to raise issues important to women and minorities. She was on board with GLBT issues immediately upon hearing any negativity in that regard. She always made sure that the caucus sites were physically accessible. JoAnn was very inclusive of others and encouraged many to get involved in politics. She loved the pomp and circumstance as the well as the political infighting at those DFL Conventions and Democratic National Conventions. She especially liked going to President Bill Clinton’s inauguration.
Some of my fondest memories of JoAnn were when we were out doing leafleting and picketing for Cesar Chavez’ United Farm Workers. She would bring my nieces to the picket line. Lori, Candi and Chris would help me pass out leaflets for UFW boycotts. These are fun memories for me but maybe not for the nieces. JoAnn was always a very social person, and she liked parties, conventions, caucuses, the state DFL Central Committee meetings, community meetings and other gatherings. She loved working on the Access Press annual awards banquet for its beginning years at the Black Bear Crossing on the Lake. She liked family picnics and family events including weddings. She threw me surprise party after surprise party. She even put an ad in Access Press announcing one surprise party. I didn’t catch it. ■ JoAnn’s obituary appears on page 8.
Pg 6 March 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 3
Landlord wins access lawsuit
REGIONAL NEWS Crackdown on disability claims A new team of agents is working in the Twin Cities to catch people fraudulently claiming disabilities to receive benefits. Social Security Administration investigators and agents with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are working togather to catch the likes of a football coach who stole almost $200,000 in benefits by claiming a disability and a man who faked having Alzheimer’s disease. “Unfortunately, there are dishonest people out there,” local Social Security Special Agent Tracey Thanos told KSTP-TV. In fiscal 2015, the Social Security’s Office of Inspector General said special task forces across the country led to the denial of more than 6,500 payments that saved more than $400 million. In Minnesota, 1,259 fraud tips were reported to the Social Security office, while nationally there were more than 146,000 allegations during that same period. Investigators want these new teams to spot and stop cases like one in Duluth sooner. In 2008, a man from that area appeared on a PBS segment on early-onset Alzheimer’s, where he shared his troubles with the disease. But he was found to have been faking the symptoms at a time when he was able to negotiate a property purchase, represent himself in a divorce proceeding and do other tasks. The man pleaded guilty in federal court to theft of government funds, was sentenced to 15 months in prison and was required to pay back $264,148.39 to the government and an insurance company. ■ (Source: KSTP-TV)
Lifeworks leader to retire Judy Lysne, president and chief executive officer of Lifeworks Services, a $65 million disability services nonprofit, has announced that she will retire at the end of 2016. Lifeworks is based in Eagan. Founded in 1965, it serves more than 2,500 people with disabilities throughout the Twin Cities and in Mankato. It has centers in Apple Valley, Eagan, Hastings, Bloomington and Brooklyn Park, and works with 300 businesses that offer employment for people with disabilities. Lysne joined Lifeworks as a preschool teacher in 1973. She has worked throughout the agency over the years, serving as a program coordinator, vice president of administration and co-president. She was named the president and CEO in 2000 and has held the top post since then. “I am so grateful that this has been my life’s work, and what a joy it has been,” Lysne said in a news release announcing her retirement. “The changes I have witnessed in how people with disabilities are viewed and included in day-to-day life have been tremendously gratifying.” ■ (Source: Pioneer Press)
A St. Paul landlord has won a case against the Disability Support Alliance and its attorney, Paul Hansmeier. The late February ruling was the first federal court loss for the group, which has filed more than 100 similar lawsuits statewide. Business groups, some disability rights advocates, and elected officials have criticized the lawsuits, indicating that there are other ways to provide access. The ruling against the Disability Support Alliance and Hansmeier also states that the plaintiffs must pay a portion of the legal costs incurred by the landlord, Heartwood Enterprises. “Ultimately, the judge agreed with our case that Heartwood Enterprises does not treat individuals with disabilities any different than those without and that Heartwood did not violate federal or state law,” Heartwood’s attorney, Joseph M. Windler of Winthrop and Weinstein told the Star Tribune. DSA member Eric Wong and the group filed suit in 2015 because Heartwood’s office building on Grand
Avenue didn’t have a ramp to its front door. In his ruling, U.S. District Court Judge Paul A. Magnuson said the DSA didn’t show that it was an ADA violation. The ADA says businesses must remove barriers to access when removal is “readily achievable.” Magnuson indicated that the plaintiffs didn’t prove that adding a ramp to Heartwood’s office met that standard. In court documents, Heartwood officials suggested it could cost up to $100,000 for the ramp. Businesses in Heartwood’s building use a nearby accessible location to meet with clients with disabilities. Hansmeier faces his woes, including the possibility of disbarment or suspension from the state board that investigates ethics complaints against Minnesota lawyers due to his behavior in other lawsuits. In December, a federal judge ordered the liquidation of Hansmeier’s assets after finding that Hansmeier sought bankruptcy protection to thwart his creditors. ■ (Source: Star Tribune)
Building planned for tenants with disabilities Cornerstone Creek, a 45-unit, $12 million building is under construction in Golden Valley. It is set to open this fall and serve residents who have developmental disabilities. This type of complex is expected to be in higher demand as baby boomers age and parental caregivers age. Disability advocates contend that housing for adults with developmental disabilities is becoming a national crisis as the United States sees its first generation of people who are developmentally disabled outlive their parents. The Cornerstone Creek developer, Minnetonka-based Jewish Housing and Programming (J-HAP), estimates that 101,000 of the 135,000 developmentally disabled adults in the Twin Cities live at home. Nationally, it’s 6.75 million out of 9 million. Across the country, 25 percent of those caregivers are at least 60 years old, while another 40 percent are between the ages of 41 and 59. Also, part of the problem is that living with rela-
tives or in scattered group homes can contribute to a pervading sense of social and spiritual isolation for these young adults once they have completed their school years, according to J-HAP. J-HAP is working with nonprofit builder Community Housing Development Corporation (CHDC) and UrbanWorks Architecture to design what they hope will be the replicable prototype of a new kind of supportive housing for young adults who are developmentally disabled. J-HAP President and founder Linda Bialick said its innovations are numerous, but mostly, it’s an effort to combine the feeling and social community of apartment living with an availability of care. Residents can continue using the service providers they had at home rather than being restricted to the one supplied by the housing operator, which often the case with other types of supportive is housing. ■ (Source: Star Tribune)
Greyhound must make changes Under the terms of a consent decree filed by the Justice Department in February, Greyhound Lines Inc. will implement a series of systemic reforms to resolve allegations that it repeatedly violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Greyhound is the nation’s largest provider of intercity bus transportation. Greyhound will pay $300,000 in compensation to passengers with disabilities identified by the department and will retain a claims administrator to compensate an uncapped number of additional passengers who have experienced disability discrimination. The consent decree, pending approval by the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, has nationwide implications. It resolves the department’s complaint that Greyhound engaged in a nationwide pattern or practice of violating the ADA by failing to provide full and equal transportation services to passengers with disabilities.
The alleged violations include failing to maintain accessibility features on its bus fleets such as lifts and securement devices, failing to provide passengers with disabilities assistance boarding and exiting buses at rest stops, and failing to allow customers traveling in wheelchairs to complete their reservations online. “The ADA guarantees people with disabilities equal access to transportation services so that they can travel freely and enjoy autonomy,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The agreement marks a significant step toward fulfilling the promise of the ADA, and we applaud Greyhound for entering the consent decree.” Also, the agreement mandates that Greyhound implements a series of systemic reforms; including hiring an ADA compliance manager; requiring all Greyhound must make changes - p. 10
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March 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 3
PEOPLE & PLACES
Twin Cities groups benefit from accessibility grants
Eight Twin Cities arts organizations have been awarded ADA Access Improvement Grants by VSA Minnesota. The nonprofits will use grants totaling $98,895 to make their arts programs more accessible to people with disabilities. The grants help arts groups into compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and make performances more accessible. Alive & Kickin’, which is based in Minneapolis, will use $15,000 to provide a unique senior citizen musical theatre experience for people with disabilities by providing tickets and ADA accessible transportation. Additionally, it will create a similar musical program specifically for persons of disabilities while partnering with HPWC partners with a goal of bringing 300 individuals with disabilities to the performance in June 2016 as well as having more than 100 people participating in a monthly musical program designed to educate and inspire. The St. Paul-based History Theatre will use $15,000 to enhance access services for patrons including bariatric seating, moveable accessible seating, headsets and microphones for the hearing enhancement system. Funds will also support trainers to work with teaching artists and staff members to teach advanced practices for working with students dealing with mental illness. New knowledge and skills will enhance the theatre’s successful residency program partnership with Vail Place, a Minnesota mental health resource in the clubhouse model. Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis will use a $15,000 grant to build a designated accessible single
Kent Fordyce
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wireless microphone systems for better amplification, still cameras and photo printers to reinforce artistic experiences. The group will also expand its accessible musical instruments with new hand drums to make its national award-winning arts engagement programs more accessible to people of all ages with physical and cognitive disabilities. VSA Minnesota administers the ADA Access Improvement Grant program for the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council. Since 2010, 107 projects by 62 different organizations have been funded, totaling $1,243,039. Funds come from the MinneAt left, Circus Juventas’ Out of the Chair program gets people out of sota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, as wheelchairs and onto circus equipment. Above and below, Alive and Kickin’ appropriated by the Minnesota Legislaoffers accessible performances with an experienced cast and crew. Courtesy photos ture. The purpose is to enable nonprofit arts organizations in the seven-county Twin Cities area to improve programs, projects, unit restroom that is complete and usable to accomequipment, or facilities in ways that have the potenmodate audience members with disabilities. The tial for significant or long-term impact in involving project is to get underway this spring. The Southern Theater seeks to fast-track accessibil- more people with disabilities as participants or patrons in arts programs. ity for people with disabilities in its plus-100-yearPanel members who are active in the metro arts and old building, crafting its long-term plan and making disability communities read, discussed and scored the short-term improvements in the meantime. The theater will use a $15,000 grant to do work including im- applications; their recommendations were approved by VSA Minnesota’s board of directors. Panelists provements to the front door, assistive listening dewere Asher Edes, Loft Literary Center house manvice equipment and resources for the artists in its exager, Hennepin County; Mark Hughes, Disability hibition season, and crafting the schematic for its Viewpoints host, Ramsey County: Jo Lum, ASL capital campaign, which includes improvements to Blend development director, Ramsey County; Karon the building for full ADA accessibility. Sherarts, arts management consultant, Hennepin Circus Juventas of St. Paul will use $13,500 to County; Cindy Tarshish, ADA Minnesota director, build special equipment for the Out of the Chair proHennepin County; Ross Willits, arts management gram, and to underwrite an eight-week class for six consultant, Ramsey County and Adrienne Mason, disindividuals to test that equipment. ability advocate, past Goodwill, MCIL, Ramsey The Minneapolis-based 20% Theatre Company County. Mason currently serves on the VSA Board Twin Cities will use an $11,000 grant to improve acand Sherarts is a former board member. cessibility for its ASL-using audience and create an The next application deadline is May 6. Grants up ongoing, more integrated approach to interpreting to $15,000 are available. For more information, visit theatre by engaging four interpreters (two deaf and http://vsamn.org/ ■ two hearing interpreters) for every production, and involving those interpreters throughout the creative process. EDIT the World will collaborate with The Arc Greater Twin Cities to support young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their siblings to share their unique stories with photography, visual arts and an art gallery. The Minneapolis group received a $7,500 grant. Kairos Alive! of Minneapolis received $6,895 to upgrade its communication technology – higher quality
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————— In Memoriam ————— Enos worked for civil rights
JoAnn Cardenas Enos is remembered for her strong commitment to civil rights. She died February 10 of complications of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). PSP is a rare and disabling brain disorder. Enos grew up on St. Paul’s East Side, one of four children of migrant workers. The family was forced to move in the mid-1950s as urban renewal and freeway construction swept St. Paul. Enos described that difficult time in the documentary A Life of Mixed Feelings. She was very dedicated to the right of people with disabilities, working with her brother Rick Cardenas in his longtime role as a leader of Advocating Change JoAnn Cardenas Enos Together (ACT). She served on the Access Press Board of Directors and was a longtime organizer of the newspaper’s annual banquet. Enos served on the City of St. Paul Human Rights Commission and chaired the Equity Committee for the State Board of Technical-Vocational Education. Domestic violence issues were also a focus as she co-founded the Casa de Esperanza shelter for women and children and served on the Minnesota Commission on Domestic Abuse. Enos was very active in DFL politics. From 1984-92, she was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. She was a standing credentials committee member for President Bill Clinton and attended one of his inaugurations. She served as state DFL Party secretary and on the state executive committee, and was a state convention delegate and served on the state’s DFL Affirmative Action Committee. She served as precinct chairperson, and as chair of the city, convention rules committee. Enos also held leadership positions in Senate District 64 in the Fourth Congressional District DFL groups. In 1982, she was a DFL-endorsed candidates for St. Paul City Council. She led the Fourth District Hispanic American In Memoriam, JoAnn Cardenas Enos - p. 15
March 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 3
Pg 9
————— In Memoriam —————
Wittman worked for social justice
Price shared love of the arts
Michael D. Price, co-host of the monthly Open Flow forums in St. Paul for artists with disabilities has died. He was 57 years old and lived in St. Paul. Price and his longtime companion, Pamela Veeder, both volunteered for VSA Minnesota. For six years they cohosted Open Flow, which grew Michael D. Price out of the Artists with Disabilities Alliance. Their friends Dan Reiva and Jon Skaalen have also hosted and helped with the events. The first Thursday monthly meetings allow artists with disabilities to share their writing, performances, and visual art. Price frequently read his own work and involved participants in reading play scenes. A memorial gathering was held February 21 at Carleton Artist Lofts in St. Paul, where the forums are held. Price graduated in 1976 from Osseo High School, where he excelled in sports and played in two all-state games. He sang in the school choir. He was granted a football scholarship to the University of Minnesota Morris. Friends recalled that Price was a natural athlete. On a dare, he entered an all-natural bodybuilding completion and placed third. He was a powerhouse on the softball field. Knocking the ball out of the park was as natural to him as breathing is to everyone else. But a sports injury Price’s freshman year changed the course of his life. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in theater, later attending graduate school in English education. Price studied acting in L.A., worked as a waiter and photographic body model, and sang for weddings. His clear tenor voice could be heard in numerous choirs, ensembles, and solo venues. Music was an important part of his life. He became a prolific writer, working in genres in-
cluding satire, fiction and drama. As a writer he was best known for his short stories layered with nuance, wit, and wordplay. He wrote and performed “No Change of Address” in the 2011 Fringe Festival. His work has been published in several online journals including Piker Press (http://www.pikerpress.com/authors/showauthor.php?aID=120), where his last submission was his recipe for zucchini bread. He grew the zucchini, froze much of it and served the bread at every Open Flow meeting. Friends said he was amused to have the recipe published. One of his rare non-fiction works was a moving story about his father, Dean, who died last year. He also wrote a novel, Serpentine. Price died February 12 while eating dinner at home. He choked and could not be revived by emergency medical staff. Price was preceded in death by his parents Dean and Mary. He is survived by Pamela Veeder, sisters Robin and Peggy, and many friends and relatives. Memorials are preferred to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Minnesota, the Minnesota Association of Community Theatres or VSA Minnesota. ■
Wayne Wittman, who devoted his career and volunteer time to social justice and equity issues, died February 24. He was 86 and lived in St. Paul. He spent 37 years employed by the State of Minnesota as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for State Services for the Blind. He was a tireless advocate for persons with disabilities. In Memoriam, Wayne Wittman - p. 15
Pg 10 March 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 3
Initial grants are announced
PEOPLE & PLACES New ProAct board members named
Brian Knapp
Arleen Sullivan
Arleen Sullivan of Anchor Bank and Brian Knapp of 3M’s Capital Safety Inc. were recently elected to the board of directors of ProAct, Inc., an Eagan-based organization serving people with disabilities with employment related services, training, and life enrichment activities. “I am delighted that Arleen Sullivan and Brian Knapp will be sharing their good judgment and perspectives with ProAct as we move forward in the future,” said Steven Ditschler, president and chief executive officer of ProAct. “In addition to their professional accomplishments, they are real community leaders, as well.” The director of community banking for Anchor Bank, Sullivan guides personal, business, and residential mortgage teams at 17 locations in the Twin Cities. Previously, she was a commercial banking market president and lender at Anchor, following earlier service at Stillwater National Bank. A native of Maine, Sullivan is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, Mass. Brian Knapp is the director of U.S. operations for Capital Safety Inc. of Red Wing, which became a part of 3M Company last year. It is the nation’s largest manufacturer of industrial safety equipment. He previously served as plant manager and operations manager for Capital Safety, following prior experience at Andersen Windows. Knapp earned his degree in business administration from the University of WisconsinStout, and later received a Master of Science degree in operations management from the same institution. ProAct is headquartered in Eagan and has additional facilities in Red Wing and Zumbrota in Minnesota and Hudson, Wisc. ■
The Minnesota Spinal Cord and Traumatic Brain Injury Research Grant Program has announced two grant recipients for its program that funds innovative treatments for functional improvements for those suffering from spinal cord injuries. The grant recipients are studying epidural spinal cord stimulation for spinal cord injury to improve mobility and function and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells and scar ablation for the treatment of chronic spinal cord injury. The Minnesota Spinal Cord and Traumatic Brain Injury Research Grant Program is overseen by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and was established by the Minnesota Legislature in 2015. The program allocates $500,000 in grants per year, to be administered by a state-appointed council of community members and professionals under the guidance of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. The grant program is modeled after 12 other state grant programs. Education, health care, and industrial institutions are eligible to receive these grants. Donations can be made to the state grant program to increase the amount of the grants. “Spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries can happen in an instant and change a person’s life, and that of their family, forever,” said Larry Pogemiller, commissioner of the Office of Higher Education (OHE). “These grants continue the state’s focus on advancing medical research and care.”
“The Spinal Cord and Traumatic Brain Injury Research Grant Program will help bring innovative and robust research to Minnesota, which will help improve the quality of research and medical technology in Minnesota. This will ultimately bring effective treatments for functional improvements to Minnesotans in need faster,” said Rob Wudlick, chairperson of the advocacy group GUSU2Cure Paralysis The epidural stimulation trial will be done in conjunction with Hennepin County Medical Center and the University of Minnesota. The process involves implanting a spinal cord stimulator, such as those used for the treatment of nerve pain, and adjusting the settings to a specific electrical impulse to stimulate the nervous system so individuals can move their previously paralyzed muscles. The other grant project will be conducted with laboratory rodents, at the University of Minnesota. The cells are neural stem cells made from cells of the donor’s body. These cells have many advantages compared to other stem cells, medically and ethically. Get Up Stand Up to Cure Paralysis (GUSU) is a Minnesota community-based nonprofit organization that advocates, educates, and supports spinal cord injury research for functional recovery. Members of GUSU worked for several years to seek state funding for research. The group continues to raise funds privately as well. For more info, visit www.gusu2cure ■
Emerging Artists grant winners announced Six Minnesota artists have been awarded Emerging Artist Grants of $2,000 each by VSA Minnesota. This is the 20th year for the awards, which are funded by the Jerome Foundation. The awards are meant to recognize excellence by emerging Minnesota artists with disabilities and encourage them to complete new work. Forty people applied for the awards this round. Winners are Becca Cerra, Shafer, dancing sculpture hybrid; Kristin Dieng, Plymouth, stained glass-onglass mosaics; Paul M. Ernst, Minneapolis, photography-based art; Angelique Lele, Minneapolis, dance; Samuel Lynn, Brooklyn Center, painting; and Lucas Scheelk, Minneapolis, poetry. All grantees are firsttime Jerome grant recipients. The grants were awarded following a jurying process conducted by individuals with backgrounds in the written, visual and performing arts. Panelists looked at samples of the artists’ work, resumes and artist statements. Artists scoring highest in artistic quality and received awards. Members of the panels
included Randy Beard, playwright, music reviewer, Minneapolis; Bryan Boyce, director, Cow Tipping Press, Minneapolis; Gabriell Butler, writer, Coon Rapids; Alyssa Herzog Melby, executive director, Northfield Arts Guild, Northfield; Chiaki O’Brien, weaver, teaching artist, performer in Mu Daiko, Chaska; Scott Pakudaitis, photographer, St. Paul; Jill Vaughn, History Theatre access coordinator, St. Paul; Laura Brooks, Courage Kenny, coordinator of annual Art of Possibilities Show, Golden Valley; Geri Connelly, visual artist, active in Minnesota Irish Artists, St. Paul; Karen McCall, artist, graphic designer and owner of McCall Design, Inc., Minneapolis; Michael-jon Pease, executive director, Park Square Theatre, St. Paul; Mary Welke, visual artist, Burnsville and Patricia Young, retired from 26th Street Artists, Minneapolis. Information about each artist will be posted on the VSA Minnesota website, at www.vsamn.org ■
MORE REGIONAL NEWS Greyhound must make changes - from p. 6 employees and contractors who may interact with the public to attend annual in-person training on the ADA. Also, ensuring that people with disabilities can make reservations for travel, and lodge disability-related requests, through its online booking system. Individuals who experienced disability-related discrimination while traveling or attempting to travel on Greyhound buses during the previous three years may be eligible to receive a monetary award. To read the consent decree and complaint, visit www.ada.gov ■ (Source: U.S. Department of Justice)
Innovative reform initiative serves more than 340,000 The Integrated Health Partnerships (IHP), Minnesota’s groundbreaking approach to delivering quality health care more efficiently for low-income people, continues to grow across the state. It encompasses 19 provider groups and more than 340,000 enrollees in Medical Assistance, the state’s Medicaid program, MinnesotaCare, programs for residents who do not have access to affordable health care coverage. “Our nation-leading Integrated Health Partnerships initiative shows that it’s possible to lower the cost of care while maintaining and improving quality of care for patients,” said Commissioner Emily Johnson Piper. “It’s encouraging to see such strong interest from providers across Minnesota, both those who are
joining and those who are continuing to participate in this initiative.” Three new provider groups joined the IHP initiative, including providers serving people in medically underserved or high-need areas, providers serving children with complex medical conditions, and providers serving rural areas in Greater Minnesota. Contracts with the three new provider groups began on Jan. 1. Also this year, six Integrated Health Partnerships provider groups that helped launch the program in 2013 opted to continue for a second three-year cycle. North Memorial, one of the original suppliers, expanded its participation to include affiliate partners and clinics. With the addition of new provider systems and growth in the 16 provider groups who joined before 2016, the IHP now covers more than 340,000 Medical Assistance enrollees. This growth puts DHS well on its way to a goal of extending the IHP and comparable value-based reforms to half of all Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees – about 500,000 people – by the end of 2018. The new providers include Allina Health, Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare, and Integrity Health Network (IHN), a multispecialty independent practice association comprised of clinics and facilities throughout a mostly rural service areas. The IHP demonstration prioritizes the delivery of Innovative reform serves many - p. 15
March 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 3 Pg 11
AXIS Dance ‘To Go Again’ Tour
ACCESSIBLE FUN MS Day at the Twins It’s time to get ready for MS Day at the Twins, 1:10 p.m. Sat, April 16 at Target Field in Mpls. Ticket deadline is Fri, April 1. Purchase discounted tickets for $18, $5 for every ticket sold will be donated to the MS Society. Anyone participating in an MS fundraising activity can have that amount credit to a fundraising effort, such as the MS Walk. Fans will be able to take part in a pre-game parade on the field, and the person who sells the most tickets will get to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Some lucky fans will also lead the crowd in “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the seventh-inning stretch. FFI: 855-372-1331
Free arts and mindfulness workshops Planning summer activities? The Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM), in partnership with Z Puppets Rosenschnoz, presents Monkey Mind Pirates, a free, weeklong social skills and mindfulness theater class August 22-26 for youth with autism, their siblings, and their parents or caregivers. During the class held at the Maplewood Community Center, Z Puppets artists will lead participants in basic yoga and mindfulness techniques, singing, and puppetry. Each family will receive a Monkey Mind Pirates CD, workbook, and yoga mat to keep. At the end of the session, families will guest star in a special public performance of Monkey Mind Pirates on the Maplewood Community Center stage at 11 a.m. Sat, Aug. 27 at 11 a.m. Orientation is Sun, Aug. 7. FFI: www.ausm.org
Food, Wine and Brew Classic Lupus Foundation of Minnesota hosts the annual Lupus Food, Wine and Brew Classic, 6-9 p.m. Thu, May 5, at the Great Hall in St. Paul. This year’s event will also celebrate of the group’s 40th anniversary and kick off Lupus Awareness Month. Enjoy great food and beverages, shop the wine wall, and enjoy entertainment and a silent auction. $75 per person or $125 per couple. FFI: www.lupusmn.org/
Rise talent show As part of its 45th anniversary celebration in 2016, Rise hosts Celebrate Talent!, 7-9 p.m. Tue, May 3 at Fridley High School auditorium, 6000 W. Moore Lake Dr. NE, Fridley. Free. Enjoy seeing the talents of Rise team members and those the agency serves. Buy a slice of pizza and a beverage and enjoy the show. FFI: 763-786-8334, www.rise.org
Plan for Senior Games Athletes from Minnesota and surrounding states will converge on St. Cloud to compete in more than 20 sports during the four-day Minnesota Senior Games, presented by CentraCare Health May 19–22. Open to senior athletes age 50 and older, the games feature a variety of competitions, both team and individual, to showcase the benefits of making regular physical activity a lifelong pursuit. Many events as well as registration are based at St. Cloud’s Whitney Park and Whitney Senior Center. Paid registration for athletes is required, and all events are free and open to the public. Athletes who win by meeting individual sport criteria can then advance to compete in the national games. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities available. FFI: www.MNseniorgames.com
The Critic, and The Real Inspector Hound Guthrie Theater presents two one-act comedies directed by Tony Award nominee Michael Kahn, at Guthrie Theater, McGuire Proscenium Stage, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. ASL and AD offered 1 p.m. Sat, March 12, with sensory tour at 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Fri, March 18. Captioning offered 7:30 p.m. Fri, March 18, 1 p.m. Wed, March 23 and Sat, March 26. Tickets reduced to $20 for AD/ASL, $25 for captioning (regular $34-85). FFI: 612377-2224, www.guthrietheater.org/visit/access_services
Iolanthe, or The Peer and the Peri Gilbert and Sullivan Very Light Opera Company presents the beautiful operetta at Howard Conn Fine Arts Center, 1900 Nicollet Ave. S., Mpls. AD offered 2 p.m. Sat, March 12; tactile tour available beforehand. Tickets $20, children under 12 $10; additional $2 fee if ordering online; mail to GSVLOC Tickets, 1412 W. 47th St., Mpls. FFI: 651-255-6947 M-F 11 a.m.-1 p.m., http://gsvloc.org/on-stage/
Tosca Minnesota Opera presents the classic tale of love and deceit, at Ordway Center Music Theatre, 345 Washington St., St. Paul. Captioning offered 7:30 p.m. Sat, March 12; Thu, March 17; Fri, March 18; Sat, March 19; Thu, March 24; Sat, March 26 and 2 p.m. Sun, March 13; Sun, March 20. Braille, large-print programs and infrared listening systems available at Patron Services in Ordway’s first level lobby Sung in Italian with English
At 8 p.m. April 8-9, AXIS Dance Company’s “To Go Again” tour comes to the Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts, Goodale Theater, 516 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. Founded in 1987, the California-based company has paved the way for a powerful contemporary dance form called physically integrated dance. “There is a pressing need in our communities to frankly address how we are supporting our veterans who have returned from service or are still serving. As concerned citizens, the veterans’ situation has weighed heavily on many of us. Members of our company know what it is like to live with challenges associated with disability and we believe the stories of veterans’ resiliency are important stories to share,” said AXIS Artistic Director Judith captions projected above the stage at every performance. AD offered 2 p.m. Sun, March 13. Tickets reduced to half-price for AD patrons (regular $25-200). FFI: 612-333-6669, www.mnopera.org
Disney’s The Little Mermaid Young Artists Initiative presents the story of mermaid Ariel, at Wellstone Center Neighborhood House, 179 Robie St. E., St. Paul. ASL offered 2 p.m. Sun, March 13. Tickets $10, $8 senior 65 and older, $6 student under 18. FFI: 651-222-5437, www.youngartistsmn.org
Photo by David DeSilva
Smith. Ask about accommodations. Tickets $15-30. FFI: 612-206-3600, http://www.thecowlescenter.org ■ atre, Proscenium Stage, 20 W. 7th Place, St. Paul. All shows March 18 - April 10 performed in ASL and English. AD offered 7:30 p.m. Fri, April 1. Captioning offered 7:30 p.m. Fri-Sat April 1-2; 2 p.m. Sun, April 3. Assistive listening devices available. Tickets ASL/AD/OC single ticket discount is half-price for patron and one guest with code ACC (regular $40-60); age 30 and under $21; senior age 62 and older $5 off; Rush tickets: $24 cash only, available one hour before performance; subject to availability. FFI: 651-291-7005, www.parksquaretheatre.org
The Elephant Man The Fifth Alternative Motion Project presents modern dance, at Lab Theater, 700 N. First St., Mpls. ASL offered 2 p.m. Sun, March 13. Tickets $20 general admission, $17 senior/student/child under 12, $3 off with 2015 Minnesota Fringe Festival Button. FFI: 612-333-7977, www.alternativemotionproject.org/311-313-the-fifth.html or www.showclix.com/event/the-5th
Insights Design Lecture: Jon Sueda Designer, curator and educator Jon Sueda speaks at Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Ave, Mpls. ASL offered 7 p.m. Tue, March 15. Tickets $24 ($18 Walker and AIGA member, $10 student). FFI: 612-375-7600, access line 612-375-7564, www.walkerart.org/calendar/ 2016/insights-jon-sueda-stripe-sf-san-francisco
Tin Roof Theatre presents the story of deformity, acceptance and the price that can bring, at the Stage at Island Park, 333 4th St. S., Fargo. AD offered 7:30 p.m. Sat, March 19, pre-show description at 7:10 p.m. Tickets reduced to $8 for AD patron and companion (regular $6-$16). FFI: 701-235-6778, www.tinrooftheatre.org
Noises Off Lakeshore Players Theatre present a comedic romp, at Lakeshore Players Theatre, 4820 Stewart Ave., White Bear Lake. ASL offered 2 p.m. Sun, March 20. (If no ASL seats are reserved within two weeks of the performance, the ASL-interpretation will be cancelled). Assisted listening devices available. Tickets reduced to $10 for ASL patrons (regular $23, senior $21, student $18). FFI: 651-429-5674, www.lakeshoreplayers.com
Nina Simone: Four Women
Shrek the Musical
Park Square Theatre presents a story of triumph, at Park Square Theatre, Andy Boss Thrust Stage, 20 W. 7th Place, St. Paul. AD offered 7:30 p.m. Fri, March 18. ASL offered 2 p.m. Sun, March 20. Captioning offered 7:30 p.m. Thu-Fri-Sat, March 24-25-26. Assistive listening devices available. Tickets ASL/AD/OC single ticket discount is half-price for patron and one guest with code ACC (regular $40-60); age 30 and under $21; senior age 62 and older $5 off; rush tickets $24 cash only, available one hour before performance; subject to availability. FFI: 651-291-7005, www.parksquaretheatre.org
Lyric Arts Company of Anoka presents the Disney tale, at Lyric Arts Main Street Stage, 420 E. Main St., Anoka. ASL offered 2 p.m. Sun, March 20. Lyric Arts reserves Rows H and I for parties including persons using wheelchairs or with limited mobility. ASL interpreters are provided at the first Sun performance of each regular season production. A limited number of seats near the interpreters are held in reserve for ASL patrons until two weeks prior to the performance. Any ASL seats left unreserved are released to the general public. If no ASL seating has been reserved two weeks before the show, the ASL interpretation will be canceled. When ordering tickets, please indicate the need for seating in this section. Tickets $15-32; $5 discount for ASL seats. FFI: 763-422-1838, www.lyricarts.org
Love Person Park Square Theatre presents a story of love, disability and the struggle to communicate, at Park Square The-
Accessible Fun - p. 12
Pg 12 March 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 3
ACCESSIBLE FUN
Continued from p. 11
ASL offered 2 p.m. Sun, April 3, (Part 1) and 7:30 p.m. (Part 2). To request disability accommodations; please contact Dennis Behl at dlbehl@umn.edu Tickets $6 for one part, $10 for both parts; general admission. FFI: 612-624-2345, www.theatre.umn.edu
The How and the Why
Twitch
Theatre Unbound, in partnership with Hennepin Theatre Trust, presents a play about issues faced by all generations, at New Century Theater, 615 Hennepin Ave. (City Centre), Mpls. AD offered 2 p.m. Sun, March 20. Tickets $17-19, Student with ID $10; VSA patrons $10 with online code GRP10. FFI: 612-455-9501, www.hennepintheatretrust.org/events/ how-and-why-tickets-new-century-theatre-Mpls-mn-2015
Arena Dances continues the celebration of its 20-year history at Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Ave. S., Mpls. ASL offered 7:30 p.m. Wed, April 13, and 2 p.m. Sat, April 23. Tickets $27, student $18, ArtShare members free, April 12 pay-what-you-can. FFI: 612-326-1811, http://southerntheater.org/ or http://arena-dances.org/
Dutchman / The Owl Answers Penumbra Theatre Company presents two Obie Award-winning plays, at Penumbra Theatre, 270 N. Kent St., St. Paul. ASL offered 7:30 p.m. Sat, March 26. Tickets $40, senior $35, student $15. FFI: 651-2243180, http://penumbratheatre.org/
Watermelon Hill History Theatre presents the story of a home for unwed mothers, at History Theatre, 30 E. 10th St., St. Paul. ASL and AD offered 2 p.m. Sun, March 27. OC offered 2 p.m. Sun, April 10. 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. Tickets reduced to $20 for ASL/AD patrons (regular $30-45). FFI: 651-292-4323, www.historytheatre.com
A Night with Janis Joplin A tribute to the legendary singer is presented at Ordway Music Theater, 345 Washington St., St. Paul. OC offered 7:30 p.m. Thu, March 31. AD and ASL offered 2 p.m. Sat, April 2. Tickets $33-83; if using ASL or captioning, request seating to be able to see. FFI: 651224-4222, www.ordway.org/accessibility/
A Night at Northrop: 35th Anniversary Concert Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus hosts its anniversary fete, at Northrop Auditorium Carlson Family Stage, 84 Church St. SE, Mpls. ASL offered 8 p.m. Sat, April 2. Listening devices, large-print and Braille programs available on request. Tickets reduced to half-price for ASL patrons (regular $25-48, includes all fees). FFI: 612-624-2345, www.tcgmc.org
Business Skills Workshops for Artists Springboard for the Arts presents workshops for artists Saturdays through April 9 at George Latimer Central Library, 90 W. 4th St., St. Paul. ASL offered. FFI: 651-292-4381, http://springboardforthearts.org/
King Henry VI: The Contention (Part 1) and The Ascension (Part 2) University of Minnesota Theatre presents Shakespeare’s trilogy adapted for two parts, at U of M Rarig Center, Stoll Thrust Theater, 330 21st Ave. S., Mpls. AD/
Open Flow Forum Artists with Disabilities Alliance (AWDA) hosts a free monthly gathering t share visual art, writing, music, theatre and other artistic efforts with each other in an informal, fragrance-free setting with refreshments. Next gathering 7-9 p.m. Thu, April 7, Carleton Artist Lofts community room, 2285 University Ave. W., St. Paul. Enter on the north side of the building (not the light rail side). The meeting room is directly opposite the security entrance. Facilitated by Pamela Veeder and Dan Reiva. For special accommodations, contact Jon at VSA Minnesota, 612-332-3888 or jon@vsamn.org
My Body Works
More events information
Mike Cohn and his company of eight dancers present new works at James Sewell TEK Box, second floor of Cowles Center for Dance, 516 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. The new works have been created since Cohn received an Emerging Artist Grant in 2015 from VSA Minnesota. DIS, ASL, AD: 7 p.m. Thu, Fri, Sat, April 14, 15, 16. ASL interpreting will be provided during the reception. Tickets $10, $5 for kids 12 and under, available at the door. To request additional accommodations, email Mikecohn2226@comcast.net or call 952-807-3115. FFI: www.mikesbodyofdance.com or www.facebook.com/ Mike-Cohn-Dancer-1684091905157546/
VSA Minnesota is at http://vsamn.org The website has a large calendar at 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. Access Press only publishes performance dates when accommodations are offered. Contact the venue to find out the entire run of a specific production.
VSA Minnesota
Grease
Additional resources
GREAT Children’s Theatre presents the original high school musical, at Paramount Theatre, 913 St. Germain St. W., St. Cloud. ASL offered 7:30 p.m. Fri., April 15. Tickets $18-28. FFI: 320-259-5463, www.GreatTheatre.org
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 Another resources is Minnesota Playlist, with a recently updated website calendar with all the ASL-interpreted, audio described, captioned, pay-what-you-can shows and other features. Go to http:// minnesotaplaylist.com/calendar Arts festivals are held throughout the state. Check www.exploreminnesota.com/index.aspx, http:// festivalnet.com/state/minnesota/mn.html, www.fairsandfestivals.net/states/MN/ ■
Animal Dance Children’s Theatre Company presents a dance performance about kids of all types (including baby goats), at Children’s Theatre Company, Cargill Stage, 2400 3rd Ave. S., Mpls. AD offered 2 p.m. Sat, April 16. ASL offered 4 p.m. Sat, April 23. Recommended for preschoolers; lap passes available for children newborn to 18 months. Assistive listening devices, induction loop system, Braille programs and sensory tours available upon request. Tickets regular $16-40); college student, military, other discounts available. FFI: 612-874-0400, www.childrenstheatre.org
Art Show: Eddie Albert Twait Vision Loss Resources hosts watercolors by St. Paul artist Eddie Twait as part of a rotating series of exhibits coordinated by VSA Minnesota, at 1936 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls. Hours 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Mon-Fri. Free. Exhibit up thru May. FFI: VLR: 612-871-2222, http:// vsamn.org/artists-disabilities/exhibit-program/
Mpls. Institute of Arts Mpls. Institute of Arts, 2400 3rd Ave. S. offers interpreted tours are offered on the first Sun of the month at 1 p.m., with exceptions noted. Tours usually begin under the “Tours meet here” red circle by the Information Bar in the upper lobby. Interpreted tours are also scheduled on other days. On the second weekend of each month, free tours are offered for visitors with memory loss, Alzheimer’s and their friends or care partners. Free. FFI: 612-870-3000 or 612-870-3131; www.artsmia.org
Hill House memory loss tour People with memory loss and their caregivers can enjoy a sensory tour of the James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Ave., St. Paul, 10 a.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. Next tour is April 5. Free, but reservations required. Optional social times follows each tour. Private group tours are available for care facilities. FFI: 651-259-3015, http://sites.mnhs.org/historic-sites/james-j-hill-house.
History note - from p. 2 Many mothers, he explained, were practically exiled from the community; they could not go out because of the shame of having such a child at home. Then Hart told a joke. He mentioned the great difficulty finding jurors in Chicago in the Cronin case. Perhaps, he said, a department should be opened in our institutions to train boys for an occupation in which they would shine: “If the Illinois School for Feeble-minded would establish a department of this kind, they might train up a class who could be taught not to read the papers, to sit straight, look wise, and to write guilty without spelling it ‘gilty’!” Hart may have intended only wry commentary on the jury selection process or, perhaps, on the lack of effective training in these institutions, but humor must be coupled with respect for persons who are the butt of the joke. The context is crucial. Hart and his colleagues advocated and planned for permanent separation of the “boys” of whom he spoke from their families. He made no pretense of wanting to provide them skills to live in the cities and villages from which they came. He made light both of their intellectual limitations and their plight in the institution. A month passed before jury selection was completed in the Cronin case, a month during which Hart might have chuckled as he read more “No jurors selected” headings in the local newspapers. Or just possibly Hart might have recognized that his little joke denied the men and women he wanted maintained in institutions the respect and dignity they deserved. Gillian O’Brien tells the story of the murder and trial in Blood Runs Green: The Murder That Transfixed Chicago, University of Chicago Press (2015). Hart’s comments are in the Proceedings of the National Conference of Charities and Correction, Sixteenth Annual Session, pages 327-328. http:// quod.lib.umich.edu/n/ncosw/ach8650.1889.001/ 8?view=image&size=100 ■ The History Note is a monthly column sponsored by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, www.mnddc.org, www.mncdd.org and www.partnersinpolicymaking.com
March 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 3 Pg 13
Attend Metro Mobility session
UPCOMING EVENTS Advocacy Discuss Metro Mobility Metro Mobility users and their advocates will have an opportunity to provide feedback on Metro Mobility service. A discussion is set for 10 a.m.-noon Mon, March 14 at Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, Conference room A & B, 451 Lexington Pky N., St. Paul. Weigh in on service and service-related issues. The site is served by Metro Transit Bus Routes #16 and #83, and Green Line light rail at the Lexington Parkway station. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP to public.info@metc.state. mn.us FFI: Claudia, 651-602-1251 Rally Day is March 29 The Minnesota Alzheimer’s Association urges all interested person to join them for Minnesota Rally Alzheimer’s Day, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tue, March 29 at state House and Senate offices in St. Paul. Help make a difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s. Advocates will learn how to communicate with elected officials. Register by emailing Beth McMullen at bmcmullen@alz.org Prepare for 2016 Legislature Best Life Alliances is seeking stories and photos to support its campaign for an increase in care giver wagers. Stories don’t have to be lengthy and there is a template as well as a consent form. FFI: bestlifealliance@gmail.com Plan for conference Sat, March 19 is the Meeting of the Minds Dementia Conference, a collaboration between the Alzheimer’s Association and Mayo Clinic. It’s a day filled with dementia information, presentations, support and resources for people with mild cognitive impairment or early dementia, families, friends and professionals. It will be held at St. Paul RiverCentre. FFI: Deborah Richman, 952-857-0551, drichman@alz.org
Youth and families Dating and relationships Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) presents “Dating and Relationships: How Does This Work?” a workshop for teens with autism and their parents and caregivers, 9 a.m.-noon, Sat, March 12, Christ Presbyterian Church, Edina. In small and large group sessions, teens, parents and caregivers can openly and comfortably discuss dating and relationships among themselves and with experts. FFI: www.ausm.org 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. Challenging Behaviors, Positive Supports, and School Success is 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thu, March 17 at PACER Center. Children and youth can struggle with school success when challenging behaviors are difficult to change. This workshop will discuss the role that adults can play to influence better outcomes by understanding a child’s behavior, knowing how to respond effectively, and proactively shaping any needed services and supports. Topics include identifying challenging behaviors, understanding mental health as it relates to skills at school, positive supports and interventions, school-based services, and community-based supports. How to Describe My Child’s Strengths and Needs is 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tue, March 22 at PACER Center. Parents of children ages birth to 5 will get tips on how to talk with early childhood professionals about a child’s strengths and needs, as well as the opportunity to talk and connect with other parents to share experiences and lessons learned along the way. Sponsored by PACER’s Family Information and Resources Project. Funding for this workshop is made possible with a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. FFI: PACER, 952838-9000, 800-537-2237, www.pacer.org
Information and assistance Free tax assistance Income tax season is in full swing and free tax preparation sites are open across Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced that there are more than 240 sites across the state offering free tax assistance to those filing their income tax and property tax refund returns. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and AARP Tax-Aide are two free tax preparation programs where volunteers help taxpayers prepare their federal and state income and property tax returns in communities throughout
Weigh in on Metro Mobility service in the Twin Cities. A discussion is set for 10 a.m.-noon Mon, March 14 at Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, Conference room A & B, 451 Lexington Pky N., St. Paul. Weigh in on service and service-related issues, and make concerns heard. The site is served by Metro Transit Bus Routes #16 and #83, and Green Line light rail at the Lexington Parkway station. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP to public.info@metc.state.mn.us FFI: Claudia, 651-602-1251
Photo courtesy of Metropolitan Council
Minnesota. To receive free help from a VITA site, persons must be age 60 or older, have a disability, speak limited or no English and have annual income of $54,000 or less. The AARP Tax-Aide program offers free tax preparation for all taxpayers, particularly those who are age 60 or older. AARP Tax-Aide sites do not have income or age restrictions. All volunteers are certified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and will only prepare basic tax returns. To find a local site, hours, and dates, and a complete list of items to bring when visiting a site, visit the department’s website. Search for a site by zip code or county, as well as sites with language interpreters and volunteers certified to complete military returns. FFI: 651-297-3724 or 1800-657-3989, www.revenue.state.mn.us 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 and 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 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 their 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 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. 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 of Minnesota offers more than 300 free educational classes statewide each year, along with help in navigating the mental health system. NAMI also has more than 60 free support groups living with a mental illness and their families. In the Twin Cities 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. A NAMI Connection peer support group for adults recovering from mental illness meets 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wed, at Centennial Methodist Church, 1524 Co. Rd. C-2 West (Snelling at Co. Rd. C-2), Roseville. FFI: 651-645-2948. A family support group meets in St. Paul on the second Wednesday of each month at 6-7:30 p.m., at Goodwill-Easter Seals, at the Fairview location in room 123. FFI: Sonja, 651-3572077. The partners and spouses support group meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at Falcon Heights United Church of Christ, 1795 Holton Street (Holton & Garden). For more information, call Melissa at 651-354-0825.A full calendar of all events is offered online. FFI: 651-645-2948, www.namihelps.org
Volunteer 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@mn literacy.org, http://tinyurl.com/adult-opportunities Volunteer with Ramsey County Ramsey County offers many volunteer opportunities, and can find accommodations for volunteers with dis-
Events - p. 15
Pg 14 March 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 3 made America. Yet this huge land migration is almost forgotten. To understand it better, Buck and Nick Rinker traveled from Missouri to Oregon with three mules and a covered wagon. Read by John Potts.
Radio Talking Book March Sampling
Bookworm • Monday – Friday 11 a.m. The Royal We, Fiction by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan, 2015. 17 broadcasts. Begins March 14. American Bex goes to Oxford and meets dreamy Nick across the hall. But it turns out that she has accidentally found herself in love with the heir to the British throne. He comes with unimaginable baggage. L – Read by Mary Hall.
The Great North reflects name change Radio Talking Book began the program The U.S. and Us many years ago at the suggestion of volunteer John Sweetser. Sweetser was an amazing researcher, finding obscure sources for program material. After his death staff and volunteers continued the program with a focus on books about Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. The name was changed effective in March, to more closely reflect what is heard there. New books will be introduced as The Great North. The program will continue to air Sundays at 4 p.m.
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 1-800722-0550, 9 a.m. to 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 our books via an inter-library loan by contacting their home state’s Network Library for the National Library Service. Listen to the Minnesota Radio Talking Book, either live or archived programs from the last week, on the Internet at www.mnssb.org/rtb. Call the 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 www.facebook.com/ Minnesota-Radio-Talking-Book-Network120935074588006/ Audio information about the daily book listings is also on the National Federation for the Blind (NFB) Newline. Register for the NFB Newline 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. Wide-Open World, Nonfiction by John Marshall, 2015. 16 broadcasts. Begins March 22. John Marshall needed a change. His marriage was falling apart, his son was about to leave home and his daughter was lost in cyberspace. He decided his family would volunteer their time and energy to others in far-flung locales. Read by Bonnie Smith-Yackel. Past is Prologue • Monday – Friday 9 a.m. The Oregon Trail, Nonfiction by Rinker Buck, 2015. 18 broadcasts. Begins March 17. Spanning two thousand miles and traversing six states from Missouri to the Pacific Coast, the Oregon Trail is the route that
Choice Reading • Monday – Friday 4 p.m. Sweet Forgiveness, Fiction by Lori Nelson Spielman, 2015. 12 broadcasts. Begins March 28. The Forgiveness Stones craze is sweeping the nation – a pouch of stones that come with a chain letter and two requests: to forgive and then seek forgiveness. But talk show host Hannah Farr has privately kept her pouch for two years. L - Read by Judith Johannessen. PM Report • Monday – Friday 8 p.m. Missoula, Nonfiction by Jon Krakauer, 2015. 12 broadcasts. Begins March 23. Acquaintance rape is a crime like no other. Unlike any other felony, the victim comes under more suspicion than the perpetrator. This reality explains a lot of why acquaintance rape is the most underreported crime in America. L - Read by John Demma. Night Journey • Monday – Friday 9 p.m. Descent, Fiction by Tim Johnston, 2015. 12 broadcasts. Begins March 28. The Courtlands hope a family vacation in the Rockies will repair their marriage, and it lures 18-year-old Caitlin as the ultimate test of her runner’s heart. When Caitlin and her younger brother Sean go out for an early morning run and only Sean returns, the Rocky Mountains become as terrifying as they are majestic. V, L – Read by Ann Hoedeman.
Off the Shelf • Monday – Friday 10 p.m. The Automobile Club of Egypt, Fiction by Alaa Al Aswany, 2015. 20 broadcasts. Begins March 14. Abd el-Aziz Gaafar took on menial work at the Automobile Club, a place of refuge and luxury for European members but where Egyptians may only appear as servants. Read by Michael Piscitelli. Potpourri • Monday – Friday 11 p.m. The Dad Report, Nonfiction by Kevin Cook, 2015. Eight broadcasts. Begins March 23. Almost 200 fatherson pairs have played in baseball’s big leagues. But more than carrying the legacy, this is often a way to bond father to son. L - Read by Phil Rosenbaum. Good Night Owl • Monday – Friday midnight Crooked, Fiction by Austin Grossman, 2015. 15 broadcasts. Begins March 14. What if our nation’s worst president was a pivotal figure caught in a desperate struggle between ordinary life and horrors from another reality? Here, Nixon finally reveals the secret history of modern American politics. L – Read by Arlan Dohrenburg. After Midnight • Tuesday – Saturday 1 a.m. The Secret Sister, Fiction by Brenda Novak, 2015. 12 broadcasts. Begins March 23. Maisey returns to her old island home at her brother’s request. Then she finds a box of photographs that evoke memories of a little girl that must have been her sister. But her mother claims there was no sister. L, S - Read by Lynda Kayser.
Weekend Program Books Your Personal World (Saturday at 1 p.m.) is airing Super Better, by Jane McGonigal. For the Younger Set (Sunday at 11 a.m.) is airing Will in Scarlet, by Matthew Cody, and Playing with Fire: School for S.P.I.E.S., by Bruce Hale. Poetic Reflections (Sunday at noon) is airing Empty Chairs, by Xia Liu, and black cat bone, by John Burnside. The Great North (Sunday at 4 p.m.) is airing Degrees of Freedom, by William D. Green and Tony Oliva, by Thom Henninger. ■
Abbreviations: V – violence, L – offensive language, S – sexual situations.
AROUND THE DIAL
Disability Viewpoints
Disabled and Proud Disabled and Proud is aired on KFAI Radio, 6:30-7 p.m. Thursday. Host Sam Jasmine and her guests explore a wide range of topics that are important to people with disabilities. KFAI is at 90.3 FM in Minneapolis and 106.7FM in St. Paul. Listeners outside of the Twin Cities, or those looking for a past show, will find the show’s archives online at www.kfai.org/disabledandproud To be added to the show’s email list, contact disabledandproud@tcq.net.
Disability Viewpoints is a public access television show by and for people with disabilities. Mark Hughes and his team of co-hosts feature current news, interesting people and groups, and events in Minnesota’s disability community. The show is produced by volunteers at CTV North Suburbs in the Twin Cities. The show has a Facebook page, and a web page at www.ctv15.org/ programs/local/dv ■ Access Press would be interested in listing other regularly scheduled broadcast, cablecast or podcast programs by and for people with disabilities. Anyone with questions can contact jane@accesspress.org
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March 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 3 Pg 15
Access woes - from p. 1 of Administration urge that everyone plan ahead before attending a committee meeting or hearing. Curtis Yoakum, assistant commissioner for communications and planning and Wayne Waslaski, senior director for real estate and construction services, said that allowing more time to get to hearings and floor sessions is crucial. “The entire capitol building is still a construction zone,” said Yoakum. The building will only be open when the House is in session, in limited areas. The $309.674 million capitol repair and restoration project began in 2013 and ends next year. It is the largest and most extensive project done at the capitol since it was built in 1905. The House will hold its sessions in its capitol chambers. With a capacity of 258 people, much of that space will be occupied by the 134 House members and their staff. There will also be limited public viewing space, said Waslaski. Anyone wanting a pass to view a House floor session can get one at the State Office Building Room 10. Passes will be issued on a first come, first served basis. Staff will hold two wheelchair-accessible spaces until five minutes before session, then those seats will go to the general public. “So if you have a big bill coming up and your
House member needs you there, plan ahead,” Imdieke Cross said. Senate floor sessions will be in a first floor hearing room in the new Senate Building. That space is also limited, so an adjacent hearing room will be available for those wanting to watch floor sessions. Senators will be able to meet with constituents outside of the chambers, which won’t be possible during House sessions. In 2017, the Senate will move back to its capitol chambers. Disability community leaders also urge everyone to plan ahead before visiting lawmakers this session and to check ahead of time before visiting. The opening of the new Senate Building means new offices for many lawmakers. Changes have also been made in the State Office Building offices so that several lawmakers may be in different quarters. Visitors should also be aware that while tunnels are open, it still may take longer to get from one place to another. Hearings will be split between the two buildings. With so much construction at the capitol last year the State Office Building hearing rooms were almost constantly busy. That space also had to be pressed into service for a special session. While there may be less congestion, keep in mind there will be a distance
————— In Memoriam —————
Wayne Wittman - from p. 9 Wittman, who was honored by the St. Paul City Council on his 80th birthday, was praised as a conscience for many elected officials and for the labor movement as a whole. He was a longtime union member, peace activist, and DFL leader. An Iowa native, Wittman was a Korean War veteran. He held degrees from what is now Minnesota State Mankato and the University of Minnesota. As a young man, Wittman was greatly influenced by his service in the U.S. Navy Hospital Corps. That led him to become a charter member of the Veterans for Peace organization and an advocate for justice and peace in El Salvador and throughout the world. He traveled to other countries to monitor elections and advocate for human rights. His community service work as included the St. Paul Mayor’s Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities, the Police Civilian Review Commission, the St. Paul Public Schools’ Community Education and City-wide Budget Committees and the St. Paul Regional Labor Federation’s Labor Community Services Committee.
Wittman guided St. Paul’s Community Services Committee through a pivotal time in its history, according to the Union Advocate newspaper. He helped expand the labor movement’s relationships with non-profit, faith, and social justice organi- Wayne Wittman zations. With Wittman as chair, the Community Services Committee began setting up programs designed to address the needs of union workers left jobless by St. Paul’s changing economy. Wittman was an ordained Catholic deacon and served at Sacred Heart Parish in St. Paul from 1984 until his death. Wittman is survived by wife of 59 years, Joan; five children and their spouse, 10 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, two sister sand their families, and many friends. After services at the St. Paul Labor Federation Hall and Our Lady of the Presentation Chapel, he was buried at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Veterans for Peace-Chapter 27 or LSRC Wayne Wittman Education Fund. ■
JoAnn Cardenas Enos - from p. 8 Democrats group and the Fourth District DFL Feminist Caucus. She was involved in the Ramsey County Women’s Political Caucus and the Minnesota Commission on the Election Process. She was known for being very welcoming and inclusive of those wanting to be involved in party activities. Other volunteer commitments included Minnesota Spanish Speaking Affairs Council, vice chairperson of Hispanics en Minnesota, St. Paul Mayor George Latimer’s Hispanic Advisory Committee, Metropolitan Council Minority Issues Advisory Committee, University of Minnesota Presidents’ Chicano Latino Advisory Committee and the Minnesota Hispanic Quincentennial Commission. She served on the Ramsey Action Program Board of Directors, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Governor’s
Council, Como Park Conservatory Plaza Celebration Committee and the St. Paul Winter Carnival Festival and Heritage Foundation. Enos won many awards for her work, including a Ramsey County Women’s Political Caucus Founding Feminist Award, certificate of recognition from the St. Paul Department of Human Rights, the Premio Cesar Chavez Award, and the University of Minnesota and two governors, Al Quie and Rudy Perpich. Enos was preceded in death by her parents Helen and Manuel Cardenas, and brothers Manny and Chuck. She is survived by husband Lloyd Enos; brother Rick Cardenas; daughters Lori-Jo McKusick (Dave); Candace Sinn (Dale); Christine Sinn (Dave); Carrie Reubish (Jeff); six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Mass of Christian burial was held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in St. Paul. ■
Events - from p. 13
Innovative reform serves many - from p. 10 higher quality and lower cost health care, encouraging providers to focus on delivering efficient and effective health care and preventive services to reach mutually agreed upon health goals. In contrast, the traditional payment system pays providers for the volume of care they deliver, rather than the quality of care they provide. In the IHP model, providers who meet a threshold for savings are eligible for a share of the savings. The second year of participation, some providers also share the downside risk if costs are higher than projected. The IHP initiative is a key component of a $45 million federal State Innovation Model grant which is helping to drive health care reform in Minnesota. ■ (Source: Minnesota Department of Human Services)
abilities. One new opportunity allows volunteers to assist Ramsey County Detoxification Center clients through peer support and informational services to support with recovery efforts. FFI: Ramsey County Community Human Services—Volunteer Services, 651-2664090, HumanServicesVolunteer@co.ramsey.mn.us Share a smile Brighten the day of a senior citizen and have some fun. Spend time with an elder on an ongoing basis and do fun things in Minneapolis and suburban Hennepin County. Small groups and families welcome; youth must be age 12 or older and supervised by an adult. This volunteer program through Senior Community Services now includes the seniors program formerly served by the Neighborhood Involvement Program. Many volunteer options available. FFI: Jeanne, 952-767-7894, scsvolunteer@seniorcommunity.org ■
factor for those who have to attend multiple hearings in a single day. “I just wheeled it (recently) from the Senate Building to the State Office Building, and it was whoa, that’s a long trek,” Imdieke Cross said. People who may not always need a mobility device, such as a scooter or wheelchair, may want to plan to bring those devices during the legislative session. Parking for people with disability placards has also changed. The Minnesota Senate Building, at Sherburne Avenue and Capitol Boulevard, has 20 public disability parking space. It is north of the capitol. The Centennial Parking Ramp, orange level, has two public disability spaces. It is at Cedar Street and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Ramp F, on Rice Street south of Aurora Avenue, has 10 public disability parking spaces. There are also four disability parking spaces on John Ireland Boulevard to serve the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Building. Familiar places to park are missing. Public accessible parking is no longer offered on Aurora Avenue in front of the capitol. Lot D on Rice Street no longer offers accessible public parking. Lot N is also closed. The Senate Office Building stands where Lot B was. By the Metro Mobility drop-off near the capitol, there will be an accessible portable toilet structure. Portable toilets will also be beneath the capitol porte cochere. It may be best to use restrooms elsewhere before heading to the capitol itself. Some events won’t be affected by the ongoing construction. The Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNCCD) Tuesdays at the Capitol began March 8, and will continue at the Minnesota Department of Transportation Building cafeteria. The weekly events start at 10 a.m. The weekly noon Friday update sessions will be held at State Office Building, Room 500. Check with MNCCD before attending as the sessions are subject to change. MSCOD will post access updates on its website. Click on the capitol renovation tab at the top of the home page. That tab also provides useful maps. Go to www.disability.state.mn.us/ Updates are also posted at http://tinyurl.com/new-capitol/ The Department of Administration urges the public to call 651-201-2300 if there are questions. ■
CLASSIFIEDS Access Press Classifieds are $14 for the first 12 and 65¢ per word thereafter. They must be prepaid. Mail to: Access Press care of The Kelly Inn Offices; 161 St. Anthony Ave; #910; St. Paul, MN 55103; 651-644-2133 • FAX 651-644-2136 Email: access@accesspress.org
FOR RENT Lewis Park Apartments: Barrier-free housing with wheelchair users in mind. Section 8 subsidized. Oneand two-bedroom units. For more information on availability call 651-488-9923. St. Paul, MN. 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. Find your new home with At Home Apartments. Call 651-224-1234 or visit AtHomeApartments.com for an apartment or town home. Equal Opportunity Housing. Holmes Greenway Housing: Now accepting applications for the 2BR, Section 8 unit waitlist until February 29, 2016. 1 BR waitlist is closed. Designed for persons with mobility impairments. Email: jmccormick@diversifiedequitiescorp.com, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope, or stop by the office Mon – Thurs from 9:30AM to 12:30PM to receive application. Holmes Greenway Housing, 114 Fifth St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414, 612-378-0331. Equal Opportunity Housing. Stonehouse Square Apartments: We are accepting applications for the waiting list for one-bedroom wheelchair accessible apartments. Section 8 subsidized. Convenient NE Minneapolis location. FMI: 612-378-3945. Equal Opportunity Housing
Pg 16 March 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 3